Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND – The Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce has a number of events planned for September.
Big Idea Grand Island: Big Idea Grand Island submissions are open. What is Big Idea Grand Island? It’s like Shark Tank. There’s an idea. There’s a panel of “sharks”. There’s also an audience, access to resources, and money.
Ideas are submitted in advance, narrowed down to a group of finalists, and ideas are pitched LIVE in front of an audience and panel of judges. Pitches must be 2 minutes or less. Each pitch is followed by a Q&A. The deadline for submissions is midnight, Oct. 15.
Top ideas will win access and discounts to key resources, business coaching and planning services, and startup money to launch their business in Grand Island! The Chamber of Commerce’s panel of judges determines the top 5 and popular vote (yes, the audience) determines who takes home the top three cash prizes!
The pitches can be watched live on Nov. 3.
Logic Nebraska: A learning seminar called Logic Nebraska will be from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at the Raising Nebraska Building, 501 E. Fonner Park Road. Participants will learn how to streamline operations, improve connectivity, and strengthen cybersecurity within their organization.
Whether participants are small business owners or part of a larger team, they’ll walk away with practical tools and knowledge to help businesses run more efficiently in today’s digital world.
Harvest of Harmony Bands and Floats Registration: The 83rd annual Harvest of Harmony will be Oct. 4. The theme is “Sounds of the Island.” Bands and floats must register by Sept. 5. To register, email dorologio@gichamber.com.
Harvest of Harmony Grand Marshals: Grand Marshals for year’s Harvest of Harmony Parade will be Craig and Rita Hand, lifelong Grand Island residents and passionate advocates for the city’s historic downtown. Together, the Hands own and operate the downtown business, Howard’s Jewelry, which was founded by Craig’s parents in 1947.
Craig Hand has deep musical roots, having played first-chair clarinet in the orchestra and lead saxophone in the jazz band during his time at Northwest High School. Beyond music and business, the Hands have been instrumental in the revival of The Grand Theater, one of Grand Island’s most cherished landmarks. Craig Hand currently serves as president of the Grand Foundation, leading efforts to restore and preserve the theater as a vibrant cultural hub.
“Craig and Rita Hand truly embody the spirit of Harvest of Harmony,” said Mary Berlie, president of the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce. “Their lifelong dedication to Grand Island through small business, the arts and downtown revitalization reflects the very values this parade was built on. Honoring them as Grand Marshals is a meaningful way to recognize the legacy they continue to build in our community.”
CEO Power Hour: CEO Power Hour with Sherma Jones, owner and creative director of IdeaBank Marketing, will be from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 5. Jones will share her career journey, key strategies for success, and the challenges she faces as a community leader, offering valuable insights on leadership and business growth.
Business After Hours: Business After Hours will be from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at Active Family Chiropractic and Acupuncture, 2441 Diers Ave.
Other upcoming Chamber of Commerce events are:
*Young Professionals Table for Six, Sept. 12.
*Connector’s Business Tour, Syngenta, Sept. 17.
*Young Professionals New Member Barbecue, Sept. 18.
*Business After Hours, Sept. 25, at Credit Management Services.
*2025 CYN Summit, Sept. 26.
*Young Professionals Luncheon, Sept. 26.
*Sept. 30, Ribbon Cutting, Floyd’s Truck Center.
For more information, contact the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corp. and Chamber of Commerce at (308) 382-9210.
