FROM THB^LECTIONS OF THE PHEli^ cfc MUSEUM -?.0. B0X\54 . HOLDREG^ NEBRASK\68949-0164 1994
/60th Anniversary^ South piatte United ehambers of eommerce
iMWIliB Our First President and Secretar
L.B. Stiner, left, and Adolph Held, right, the first SPUCC president and secretary respectively, are two of the major reasons the SPUCC has survived through these 25 years. Stiner. of Hastings, president for the first three years, was called "the grand old man of the South Platle United Chambers of Commerce" at his retirement in [\/lay of 1937. During the period of his service average attendance at SPUCC meetings grew from 114 the first year to 243 the third year. Adolph Held of Holdrege was known throughout the area as his repartee livened meetings of the SPUCC."A real spark plug for our organization," was the way Held was often described. Both men have passed on. but the spirit and leadership they breathed into the SPUCC is destined to live on and on. Charter Member
Harry Douglass of McCook, left. Is the only living charter member of the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce. Douglass was 28 years of age in 1934, when the SPUCC was organized. "I was one of the younger members, I mainly went along as a driver for Dr. M. Campbell and Harry Strunk." (photo courtesy McCook Gazette) Rnuth Plattp. United Chamber of Commerce 1993-94 Officers .SiYty Yer^rs of Service South Platte United The Soulh Platte United Chambers of Commerce is an organization made up of 42 local Chambers of Commerce located in 17 counties in South Western and South Chambers of Commerce Central Nebraska. The borders of the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce includes that area south of the Platte River from Hamilton, Clay and Nuckolls counties on the east to the Colorado state line on the west. In the beginning there was drouth,flood and hardship but there was also hope. Hope for better weather,for an end to the depression,for irrigation and the hundred and one other things that could bring prosperity to Nebraska and particularly to that area of the state located south of the Platte River. Then an idea! With it came action and on April 4, 1934 in Holdrege, a secretary recorded the following: "In reference to an invitation extended by the Hastings, tvlinden and Holdrege Chambers of Commerce, 140 representatives of community clubs, commercial and service clubs and chambers of commerce representing 24 towns met at the Hotel Dale. ^ ^ "The meeting was called at the suggestion of R.O. Canaday of Hastings who asked that the communities south of the Platte River in Western and Central Nebraska unite and form an association." Canaday told those attending that "Nebraska is the finest state in the Union. This is the finest region in the state and here, the finest people on earth. But the region has President 1st Vice President not been given the consideration in many matters it should have. Our organization can T.IVL (Ted) Giil Don Reynolds make possible more efficient presentation of the region's needs to the legislative bodies and public officials." Arapahoe, Nebraska Hastings, Nebraska The group, before adjourning, agreed that the following should be the preamble. "THE PURPOSE OF THIS ORGANIZATION IS TO FURTHER THE ECONOtVilC AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF THE STATE OF NEBRASKA WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE WELFARE OF THE TERRITORY FROM WHICH IT DRAWS ITS MEMBERSHIP." "THE NAME OF THE ASSOCIATION SHALL BE "THE SOUTH PLATTE UNITED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE." A committee consisting of Fred R. Kingsley of Minden, Wilder Aten of Holdrege and Canaday was appointed to draw up the constitution and bylaws. The first meeting was held at Oxford. May 3,1934 with 167 members representing 22 towns. Elected officers were: L. B. Stiner, Hastings, President; Fred Kingsley, Minden. Vice President; Adoph Held. Holdrege. Secretary; G.E. Shallenberger. Elwood, Treasurer. Through 60 years, these meetings have followed the precedent that was set at the first meeting of the SPUCC. Outstanding speakers at each monthly meeting. Reso lutions that would support the growth and enrichment of the SPUCC Area. Thefirst year resolutions supported the Trl-County project, WPA projects in the area, irrigation and power development, highway improvement of all main area highways. (Introduction copied from the 25th and 50th issues of anniversary books.) 3 Livins Tribute to Carroll and Leona Falk South Platte United The 60th Anniversary Edition of the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce "BOOK OF MEMORIES" would not be complete without a proper salute to Carroll and Chnmhers of Commerce Fair Booth Leona Falk. Carroll was Secretary/Treasurer of SPUCC from 197b until his retirement In August 1982, James MacAllister, chief of information and education for the from that position in 1993. It is no secret that his wife, Leona, had a great deal to do Nebraska State Games and Parks, invited the South Platte United Chambers of with his success in this position, as she assisted at all meetings keeping track of Commerce to be a part of their exhibit at the State Fair in Lincoln. SPUCC would be attendance and many behind the scenes functions. I asked them how many meetings responsible for interior display, work force, literature, films, and other promotional they recall missing in those several years and they both agreed that it could not have materials. Motion was made to pay $350.00 to personnel to operate the booth. Carried. been more than two or three. What an outstanding committment to their position and Cliff Griffin of Uinocin would set up the booth and the I I I Club would operate it. ■ organization. 1983, Cliff Griffin reported stating the 1982 Booth was very successful. Materials When 1 interviewed Carroll and Leona, I asked what their most fond memories were from many SPUCC towns were distributed, Cliff will be responsible for the booth next of SPUCC since their initial Involvement back in 1953. The most Important Item which year. He set up the booth for 1984 but was retiring and moving from the state. was the main reason they chose to get Involved, was the need for a natural gas pipeline 1985, Gene Mahoney reported the fair booth would be available this year and also . to be run into their community of Wilcox. If it had not been for the organized effort of for 1986. Carroll and Leona Falksetupthe booth for the TTT club, getting the materiaf . SPUCC their dream may not have become a reality. The town of Wilcox raised a total on display. Rex Amack spent several hours In the booth in 1987, suggesting that it ; of $4,000.00, with the irrigating farmers along the line contributing $8,000.00, making would be a better influence if people from SPUCC area would be the work force. a project total of $12,000.00. With the endorsement they received from SPUCC and Sec. Carroll and Leona Falk set up and operated the booth In 1988 and 89. Total the relentless work of the residents, Wilcox succeeded In bringing natural gas to their brochures given out in 1990 was 11,307 from 16 different towns and museums. They community. Carroll commented, "I found out how powerful and effective an organized and vounteer helpers operated the booth In 1990, 91, 92 and 93. Last days of the fair group of people can be, when working for a common objective". He has been an active in 1991,9,711 pieces were distributed. The first days of the fair was the record number member of SPUCC ever since. of pieces distributed in 1992 - 22,000 from 18 places. Last days of the fair in 1993 - Another highlight Carroll and Leona have enjoyed over the years was attending the 14 375 pieces were used from 17 different places. Volunteer helpers were Don annual football day in Lincoln. They recalled many special times when trains were Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Mangers. Andy Fossum, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Hald and used to transport the members back and forth to this annual event. Leona said,"It never Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Falk. was quite the same when train service was eliminated". Carroll especially liked the Presidential Tours where officers and other board members visited towns in the SPUCC region to become more familiar with their needs and desires. Being an antique and classic car buff myself I have a lot of appreciation for Carroll and Leona's love of cars. Where I collect classic Mustangs, Carroll with his two sons, Ronald and Melvin, collect and restore Hudson automobiles. They have restored ten of these marvelous driving machines. Carroll and Leona attend auto shows and flea markets where they're always looking for spare parts. I am convinced, when a common w hobby is enjoyed by both husband and w'fe, a different quality of life is discovered, as it brings to the marriage a special closeness and interest. The same is true of an entire family. A richness of life is enjoyed like no other that can be easily described. The South Platte United Chambers of Commerce is a better organization from the friendship and accomplishments of these two gracious people. We all will remember the many years they gave of their time to sit in the SPUCC booth at the State Fair, handing out material from member towns. Even though he has retired as the Secretary/ Treasurer, I am sure that we will continue to see both Carroll and Leona at future SPUCC meetings as they have become part of the permanent family of this great organization. CaiToll and Leona Falk long time SPUCC Thanks for everything!! boosters with prized Hudson automobile. "Dave Autrey, Board Member, Superior^ Nebraska Community Service Awards September 1989, Roseland Steve Trausch "We should be able to speak for this October 1989, Curtis Ernest Nelson November 1989, Stamfor(d Richard (Curt) Harouff region with one voice and in tones that Richard (Dick) Remp -- Frank A. Anderson, mayor orhloldrege,(1932-38) and early December 1989. Superior South Plalte United Chambers of Commerce supporter, February 1990, Blue Hill Ruth Kopke all will hear!" referring to the objectives ofSI'UCC and why it was organiied. March 1990, Alma Harry Shaffer April 1990. Oxford Posthumously to Lloyd Johnson May 1990, Hastings C J Hargleroad The South Platte United August 1990, McCook Dave Coolidge Father Gary Gross Chambers of Commerce was September 1990, Lawrence originally formed as a direct result of November 1990, Holdrege Verha Lee Falk the region's desire for an irrigation December 1990, Minden Clayton Morey project. Ctatnal't Xin^lc^ 3>am February 1991, Alma Ginger Jensen and £oAc JleCenaitgA^ March 1991, Orleans Conrad Boehler April 1991, Oxford Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Knuth Believing that the "Tri-County" May 1991, Holdrege Otis Oleson irrigation project was not being given a November 1991, Wilcox Mark Buckley "fair shake" by the Public Works Administration, several Tri-County supporters joined Decemer 1991, Minden Burdette Weedlun to organize chambers of commerce in the South Platte area to give a "broader and March 1992, Superior Dave Autrey more forceful expression to their arguments" for the Project. The organization be April 1992, Arapahoe Roland Emmett came part of a successful campaign to bring irrigation water to the region. May 1992. Oxford Mr. and Mrs. Gene Brooks June 1992, Red Cloud Walt Miller August 1992, Hildreth Gary Fisher The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District September 1992, Campbell Frank Boudreau now provides multiple benefits to Nebraska: October 1992, Holbrook Craig Schroeder November 1992, Beaver City Richard Lewis • Irrigation to more than 112,000 acres; December 1992, Axtell "We Three" - Jan Schneider, • Ground water recharge to more than 300,000 acres; Marcia Lundau, Linda Larson • 10+ 000 kilowatts of hydroelectric power from four hydro plants; February 1993, Stamford Gaynelle Blickenstaff • Recreation at Lake McConaughy. Johnson Uke, Jeffrey Lake and many other March 1993, Curtis James Wilkinson Clarence Mostek District reservoirs; April 1993, Oxford • Wildlife habitat associated with the Project's hydro and irrigation system. May 1993, Arapahoe Maxine Hemelstrand . Economic benefits to the region directly resulting from the presence of the June 1993, Red Cloud Don and Virginia Secrest irrigation system. July 1993, Alma Mildred Caulkin August 1993, Clay Center Wayne Johnson September 1993, Superior Debra Hanson October 1993, McCook Marvin Lorentz December 1993, Minden George Piester The Central District is proud of its historical association with the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce. Central appreciates SPUCC's 60 years of support to die South Platte community and congratulates the organization on its anniversary.
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12 involved and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission." Received the first Hi TAtes From the 50th Anniversary Book "Together for Wildlife" award from Game and Parks in 1977. 1. Most important project of SPUCC for the years 1939 - 40 was the dedication of 17. Resolved to back Legislative bill for funds to develop grain alcohol plants. Kingsley Dam on July 22,1941, seven years after R.O. Canaday, chief sponsor of the 18. Fred Evans had completed 20 years as Secretary-Treasurer of South Platte Tri-County. conceived the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce idea. United Chambers of Commerce. He had been a member since 1936 and served 2 2. Following the 1935 disasterous flood of the Republican River, the congress terms as president. Carroll Falk, Wilcox, was elected Secretary-Treasurer and served authorized the construction of Harlan Dam in 1943, dedicated in 1952. 17 years. , 3. Due to wartime restrictions, South Platte United Chambers of Commerce 19. Many seminars were held in the spring of 1983 to promote Economic Develop meetings were suspended from January 1943 to June 1945. ment. Resolution was passed that no scientific evidence was established that the 4. The first resolution for highway improvement came from Superior, asking for Platte River and its environment are necessary for whooping crane survival. An Highway 3 improvement to the bridge across the Missouri at Rulo and the federaliza- application was sent to Nebraska Economical Development requesting $14,000 tion of the highway. The 1950 plan was established to improve east and west roads matching grant to print brochures to promote South Platte Area. Grant denied 1984. by hard surfacing and then the north and south roads. 20. South Platte United Chambers of Commerce celebrated their 50th Anniversary 5. In 1953, the request was made for natural! gas pipelines to be extended to Wilcox at the place where it started at Oxford. April 1984. 243 people attended the banquet, and Hildreth areas for economical pump irrigation and to serve the communities. The five charter members. They were: Fred Nissen, now age 91, Oxford; Tom Gouldie. first time this kind of a project was instigated. Red Cloud; Roland Norman, Guide Rock; Wilbur Aten, Holdrege; Harry Douglass. 6. Irrigation clinics began in 1954, to better inform irrlgators and livestock feeders. McCook was absent. An engraved plaque was presented to each of them. The past 7 A long fight was begun in 1957 with the State Highway Department to locate the presidents were also honored: Merrill Strong. Holdrege; Ralph Lubeck, Stamford; proposed Interstate on the south side of the Platte, Motion was discussed, tabled and Wilbur Aten, Holdrege; Fred Nissen. Oxford; Ken Foster, McCook; Andy (Skip) Hove, closed In 1960. Interstate is located on the north side of the Platte River. Minden; Jack Hendrix, Trenton; Don Brockmeler, Eustls; In/in Schwartz. Hildreth; 8. Presidents' tours began with the president and board members visiting most of Allen Norrls. Kenesaw; Mel Deselms, Cambridge; Scott and Roland Emmett, Arapa the towns in the SPUCC area. This has not been an annual tour but at the direction of hoe (another father and son), Arapahoe; Roger Jones, Minden; Fred Evans, Arapa the president in office. hoe- Warren Curry, Holbrook; and Perry Slocum, Franklin. Past Presidents absent 9. State Senators were invited to an informal dinner in Lincoln, later elected officials from the dinner were Wayne Ziebarth. Wilcox; Robert Harris. Lincoln; and Russell were invited, continues until the present. Morgan. Elwood. Humorist Charles Winter, subject was Nebraska Football, was the 10. Tourism resolution was passed to develop tourism trade for the South Platte guest speaker. ^ .
area. 11. Community College at Hastings was supported by SPUCC,to be developed on the old Ammunitions Ground. A vocational school for the area students. ■ 12. Worked to obtain funds to establish USDA Livestock Research Center on the Old Navel Depot at Clay Center. 13. RUNTIMES:Afootball train was begun in 1938, chartering a train, then a bus and now on your own transportation to attend a football game at the University at Lincoln. This is an annual affair. Golf Classics stai ted at the invitation of the Arapahoe Chamber of Commerce to play on their new course, the most sought after meeting on the agenda. 14. First farmer was elected president In 1972, Ralph Lubeck of Stamford. First father and son to be presidents were M.R. Morgan and his son, Russell Morgan of Elwood. 15. Incorporation papers were filed in 1974.incorporated as non-profit organization. 16. In August of 1976,the United Chambers adopted a resolution to repeal the 1929 On June 13''l^84 two newspaper reporters who hadc^ered South PlaUe law that granted sole approval of proposed wildlife refuges to the federal government United Chambers of Commerce meetings for many years were honored by or state agency. The Resolution adopted read,"We resolve to oppose the establish receiving SPUCC highest honor In Holdrege. Tom Allen.left. of the Omaha World ment of the Platte River National Wildlife Refuge between Chapman and Sutherland. Herald, and Clair Hurlbert, right, formerly of the Hastings Tribune, received The Super Whopper Award" from Van Korell, center, President 1984-85. If a wildlife refuge is established, let It be operated by the National Resources Districts 19 18 A. V J%k'- ::;;::;:;:::i::::::::::::ij ./■ ..K 'ftBOUJ t'SftOkDliOM T r- <' <-'IM ' f^ALOMtr «€JtSVOlP ^INCOUV ^ BrTtl^ r
> r. _ roA*""^ h._-- . . ••k-.,'.:!V;-. o^oJf*^ I -^iW-. . ^ -4-rr^ axtt*- .J^., ..^UPERIOR ._N ,i-.,.-. South Platte United, Chambers of Commerce H e<5 ' V^l" — •-"'■■ / J ' ■ • ^/jTr^:::...!«Aurora • ^ Fatn|m W': mw f MiP» #Minden JuniatS ^ (Hayes denier »Laomis • • V ^ ^ Holdrege# • Axtell .,,,.: bf^rook -.v-^yVilcox#v-^-_/' \ « . .< i s \ r*«?5r U 1! ^ ^Ifbertson#- v .IniUasdB ^ ^^Ara^ah'oe?>'it^' Ara^ah'be^^^ Hildr^th^nHanjvi. y \ Iren . ■ • y^^-Oflean^ ,,. .-^ .^WNel u:w .\H' 6%r-t • H •S^nxf&rcf 'rAima \ * 'L?7^CSu0ericrt: 25 ^ Q : \ . t , -a SaSs^ide'UbS^/f .*^ 'i- W^A The f^nst Ten Years August 1984: The Super Whooper Award was established in 1978. It was presented -) ■' to Cliff Griffin for attending 29 years of meetings and did much to promote the Soi^th Platte United Chambers of Commerce, he retired from Game and Parks and mowed- ~ to New Mexico. October: Kearney State invited SPUCC to attend a football game and dinner, it has become an annual event. ApriH 985 to September 1986: Initiative 300 was discussed, no action was taken as recommended by the Ag Committee. Opposed LB 175, tax on business utilities. May 1985: SPUCC suggested the possibility of separating State Tourism from the Economic Development Department. Studied a resolution for Regional Airport. . Supported a resolution by Central Irrigation that asks Nebraska Attorney General.tp begin negotiations with Wyoming and Colorado to block the proposed Deer Greek reservoir which would divert water flow from tributaries to the piatte River. Defeated. June 1985: Resolution that Highway 283 needs repair and resurtacing from Interstate 80 south to Kansas. Former Nebraska Governor Frank Morrison, second from left, visited the South August 1985: Curtis Agriculture School, Universtiy of Nebraska, was named one of Platte meeting in Alma on October 14. 1986. He is shown visiting with (from left) the top five outstanding programs in the USA. Letter was sent to Legislature Francis Skupa, President of SPUCC; State Senator Tom Vickers ot Farnam; and Committee to separate Tourism from Economic Development. Seminars by Bob Forrest Morrison of Loomis. Ex. Gov. Morrison was campaigning for Mr. Vickers who Valentine were held, encouraging new business for rural towns. was up for election in District 38. October 1985: South Platte United Chambers of Commerce support the Curtis Agriculture School to be kept at Curtis. November: Brochures were printed and will be distributed to anyone who can use ' them for promotion. After discussion. SPUCC.decided to retain Tourism as i^s in the Economical Development. - ' ' •1 February 1986: First meeting to be held outside of the SPUCC area was held at Lexington. Don Reynoids was the speaker, farming outlook was not good, bank failures were occuring often and economy was gloomy. Banners were designed and purchased for parade use and other places, two alike were made by Apple Kay^f Orleans. ' March 1986: SPUCC requested support from Unicameral for the Curtis.'school and Kearney State College. . . . /V-' ' April 1986: Supported the corn tax 1 ,1/2® a bushel to promdie gasahol plants. Supported a letter to Governor Kerrey to streamline state leglslature'and cut down on the number of bills at each session. May 1986; University Regents approved the Curtis school and itwill continue. Small On November 10, 1987 Govenor Kay Orr visited Axtell. Some of the Axtell people towns feelirig press of family farrns decline, need to look for solutions frorn within. setting at the head table were able to have a personal visit with Gov. Orr before the December 1986: SPUCC reacted strongly against State Dept. of Social Services- South Platte meeting. Shown above with Gov. Orr are (from left) Matt Anderson, evaluation of Bethphage at Axtell. A reduction of funds and staff wOuid qjose a much president of the Axtell High Student Council; Gov. Orr; Bill Gilbreath, president of the needed Bethphage. •• • • . Axtell Chamber of Commerce; and Sherri Hanson, head of Bethpage Mission in Axtell. Young Anderson presented Gov. Orr with an Axtell High sweatshirt. 1987: Seminars were held at Hildreth. with 65 attending to discuss Highways. Resolution passed to oppose the ton-mile tax. December 1988: Joe Preusser, President of Community Tech College at Hastings, August 1987: Presented a resolution to Grand island Chamber of Commerce or a reported on a severe shortage of nurses in Central and Western Areas of Nebraska. need of aTh-City Airport to serve Hastings. Kearney and Grand Island. Grand Island SPUCC supports his proposal to ask stale iegiaisture to provide money incentive for voted not to participate on further studies. Eugene Mahoney retires from Director of trained nurses which will be paid when they go to work in Nebraska hospitals and Games and Parks, a plaque was presented to him. Rex Amack spoke at his hometown nursing homes. Central Community College was established 22 years ago with the of Red Cloud after he was appointed Director of Game and Parks. SPUCC had help and support of South Platte United Chambers of Commerce. Ken Worlman of recommended the appointment. Aurora and Irvin Schwartz have served on their board for many years. The school has December 1988: Holdrege Chamber of Commerce presented a resolution on served 27,000 students on three campuses in Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus. renewing 50 year license from FERC to Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation The nursing program is limited to 40 students a year. 270 are on the waiting list. Kelly District. SPUCC supports the renewing of the license. Voted in favor of higher faculty Holthus, President elect of American Bankers Association, spoke on the "Woes of salaries at Kearney State. KSC would like to become a University so major Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. He suggested tax dollars may be corporations will recruit students, also easier to compete for money from corporations needed to solve their financial situation as FSLIC does not have money to bail them and foundations. Board voted to support KSC in this effort. out." January 1989; At the Board meeting, SPUCC agreed to go on record to support a more equitable salary for State Senators. Peggy Briggs, Director of the State Department of Economic Development. Tourism and Travel Division explained her "role". Visitors to Nebraska had increased. Tourism is becoming the third largest Nebraska industry. Remark from the meeting"thatTourismDirectorshouldbeentitled to tenure so plans can be made further in the future." April 1988: Legislature approved bill to continue the Curtis School of Agriculture at Curtis. ji June: Rules for the Youth Achievement were revised: two juniors and two seniors (out of high school) will be awarded each year. Senior award up to age 24. October: Meeting at Hayes Center, dedicating a new monument at Camp Duke Alexis over 80 attended. A road is needed to connect Hayes Center to the south to Maywood. to encourage tourism to Camp Duke Alexis. Resolution to oppose LB 402, . opposing restrictions that would be placed on Nebraska if they pulled out of the Nuclear Compact. Voted unaminously to support Highway 281 asaU.S. Expressway ■ —j • -.ji across Nebraska. Also more improvements are needed in SPUCC Area Highways. On June 10, 1989 Fred Evans (standing) celebrated his 80th birthday at the Arapahoe Golf Course. Shown are (from left) Leona Falk, Carroll Falk, SPUCC Secretary/Treasurer; Fred Evans, Ralph Lubeck,Stamford Director and Jean Lubeck. On July 12. 1988 1989: Resolution to support Kearney State College to merge with the university Franklin Golfer Kevin system. To increase funding for higher education at Central Community College at Siocum, right, won the six foot tail traveling tro Hastings. Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture at Curtis. Adopted resolution from phy in the annual South Holdrege Chamber of Commerce, encourage our state and federal elected personnel PlatteGoifTournament. to assist the Black Hills Stage Lines in finding grants or subsidies that would be Also shown are Rod available to keep the service in Southwest Nebraska. Cox, left, and Don June 1989: President Roy Landis encouraged local host Chambers of Commerce Skeen of Holdrege. to name a local outstanding citizen award. SPUCC will furnish the certificate, the local chamber will select, announce and present the award at the meeting. October 1989: Wilbur Aten, one of the founding fathers and active member over the years, willed $1,000 to South Platte United Chambers of Commerce. Board approved $11,100 budget to print brochures on tourism. SPUCC can apply for $6,000 in grants from the state. The project would also include a toll-free telephone number to a SPUCC's member office to handle Inquiries about tourist attractions in the area. Grant was received, brochures were distributed on Interstate 80 among other places of traffic. January 1990; Resolution from Hastings: Nebraska should be designated as an Aviation Way-Port. Federal Aviation Authority has announced it will establish four or five across the country. Way-Ports are to relieve air traffic and freight congestion in niajor metropolitan areas. March 1990: Resolution to oppose Legislative Bill 239, tojunk present governing plan for state colleges and university of Nebraska, replace college Board of Trustees and the UN Board of Regents with seven new college boards and 1 state wide panel. August 1990: Chancellor Chas. Anderson of Omaha U. discussed Rural Health as a plan to use "hub" sites as Scottsbluff, North Platte, Kearney, Grand Island, Hastings, Norfolk and Lincoln. Rural Health would branch out from these "hubs". Seminars of Rural Health Education Network were held in Hastings and Kearney. Health services are important to rural economic development. Members of SPUCC had the opportunity to visit with the new Nebraska Lt. Gov. November 1990: Resolution to support capitol construction, money to be appropri Maxine Moul (third from left) at Alma on February 12, 1991. Mrs. Moul gave the main ated for extended research and extension facilities at Clay Center, Mead, Scottsbluff, address at the Alma City Auditorium. Pictured from left are: South Platte Secretary Concordia and Lincoln. Treasurer Carroll Fatk; Alma Chamber of Commerce president Kent Kearney: Mrs. February 1991: Resolution Federal Pension adjustment. Federal and military Moul; and Mrs. Denise Kearney. Mrs. Moul's husband, Francis, accompanied her to annuitants would have same benefits and exemptions as Social Security and railroad Alma. retirements on state level. At present they are required to pay income tax on their annuities. March 1991: Panel of newspaper reporters discussed newspaper coverage. The best use of daily newspaper coverage for events, keep them informed, plenty of advance notice. The paneiists were: Patti DeJong, Hastings Tribune; Ginger Jensen, Kearney Hub; Robert King, Holdrege Citizen. * April 1991: Resolution supports creation of tax study commission to address current * problems: 1. Spending reductions; 2. Tax base not to be shifted to real estate; 3. Slate and income tax base be broader and rates raised; 4. Funds realized from those increased rates be distributed equally to jurisdictions affected by the loss of revenue; 5. Tax study commission be established and consider eliminating the tax on business and agriculture inventories;6. SPUCC have a representation on commission. Resolution opposed project to lower the size of Harlan Dam which would possibly eliminate recreation and adversely affect agriculture. Resolution: petition Gov. Nelson to call a special session of the Legislature this fall, purpose to extending LB 829 for the ■ ISome i\ Holdrege * 1'^.' people 1 turned out to welcome SPUCC Tim Anderson and other legislature year to keep personal property and inventories off tax rolls until legislature SPUCC Officers at the Alma County Club in August of 1991. Mr. Anderson was can review recommendations of Governors 3R Committee and adopt a permanent leading the first day of the SPUCC President Tour which ended in Holdrege. Pictured solution. Survey on SPUCC membership completed by U.N.K. students. clockwise are: Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Carroll Falk of Wilcox, SPUCC Secretary/Treasuer Carroll Falk of Wilcox, Fred Evans of Arapahoe, Brenda Carroll, Jim VanMarter, Monte Grubbs, John Boehler, and Pat Nelson, all of Holdrege and Vice President George Quinn of Oxford. January 1993:50 year support of Water Project reaffirmed by the Board. Resolution January 1992: Resolution to oppose any merger of Central Public Power and Irrigation District with Nebraska F^ublic Power. approved to support state sales tax and income tax, abolish personal property tax. Support supplemental budget for UNK. February 1992: Meeting cancelled, a heavy snowfall and icy roads cancelled the 1993 Board names Dick Hald of Curtis to be Secretary/Treasurer on the retirement McCook meeting of February 13. 1992. of Carroll Falk. Carroll will assume title of Executive Secretary and assist Dick Hald in March 1992; Jim Farmer thanked the SPUCC for its support opposing the closing the transfer of duties. of Red Cloud and Clay Center Farmers and Homes Administration offices, they will April 1993; Resolution supports Governor Nelson's position on higher education remain open until 1993. SPUCC recommended and urged Kearney Chamber of budgets. No further cuts beyond those imposed in 1992 special election. Copies to be Commerce and UNK to try to move State Basketball Tournaments closer to the center sent to Appropriations and Revenue Committees. of the state and UNK. Superior: Mike Allen presented an Idea that the South Platte Area could be September 1992: Re-districting bill LB 15. which made Legislative Districts 44 and attracting tourist from England and Europe, flying them to Chicago, boarding Amtrak 38 more compact and geographically suitable was submitted by Senator Schrock, to Hastings, Holdrege, McCook. Areas with tours centering around history of the west, passed by a large majority. Senator Ed Schrock, Holdrege district was eliminated in hunting and fishing. the redistricting. Discussion about $56 million in budget cuts for 1993-94, several McCook: Peter Abels, visitorfrom Germany attended the Camp Atlanta Remembered suggestions were proposed, no action taken. Health and Safety committees met at activities in Holdrege. He suggested tourism ads be placed in German newspapers Hastings in September. Organized care providers in SPUCC area will be invited, open and they are interested in coming to USA to visit the West. Resolution to support Hayes to the public, 40 attended. Another seminar will be held in Holdrege December 1992. Center request for a paved road from Hayes Center to Maywood, Camp Hayes is a AMENDMENTS APPROVED to the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce are: historic tourist site, rated #5 in the nation. Economical development would also benefit 1. Associate members, including individual businesses, now have voting privileges on the territory. Carried. the Board of Directors. There are 61 Associate members in 1992. 2. A member does Minden 1993: Programs to promote Wellness in the Work Place and plans to recruit not have to be on the Board of Directors to serve as second vice president, vice high school students Into health care careers are being studied by the SPUCC Health president or president. If they have been active in SPUCC and in their own Chambers and Safety Committee. Resolution to oppose the law stating all stale signs listing of Commerce,they may serve. Brochures need to be printed, reprint 60,000 to 65,000. mileage will be changed to metric system by 1996. Federal Highway allocations will be lost if not complied with the changes. Sen. Exon is trying to get the law changed. UNK Chancellor Gladys Styles Johnston was the speaker. "We are the major non- agriculture presence in Western Nebraska. It is our duty to enhance the good life of which we boast." ^4. Governor Ben Nelson was honored on April 14,1993 when the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce presented its highest honor,the Super Whooper Award.Tom U.S. Senator J.James Exon, was the speaker at the South Platte meeting held in Allen, (right), of Lincoln, presented the plaque to Govenor Nelson (center) who is Arapahoe In April of 1992. Pictured with him are Arapahoe Chamber of Commerce shown accepting the award while SPUCC President George Quinn (left), applauds. president Sheryl Koller (right) and Tim Anderson of Holdrege, SPUCC President. 32 SPUCC Officers Nebraska South Platte United Chambers of Commerce Youth Achievement Awards 1. Randy Helms, Hoibrook, July 1968. He raised and showed the Grand Champion ^Sambr^^gi at the 1968 National Western Stock Show. ""peiccHf tAe. 'UkneU. (^4 45 44 nutKtnndine Speakers Lt. Gov. McGinly ^ Governor Robert Kerry March 1986 Former Gov. Frank Morrison October 1986 Senator David Karnes April 1987 Gov. Kay Orr November 1987 Representative Virginia Smith 1990 Lt. Gov. Maxine Moul 1991 Senator J. James Exon April 1992 Representative Bill Barrett November 1992 Governor Ben Nelson April 1993 Cnmpiled By: Leona Falk, Wilcox, Research Editor Ralph Lubeck, Chairman Stamford George Quinn Oxford Superior David Autrey Wilcox Carroll Falk Phntn Credits Robert King, Holdrege Citizen McCook Gazette Hastings Chamber of Commerce McCook Chamber of Commerce Arapahoe Public Mirror Published 1994 - Price $3.00 Arapahoe Public Mirror 47 46