Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce - Recent News

“In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” - Harry S. Truman Those are the words that came to mind during the Grand Island Chamber’s annual meeting, where DJ Eihusen, president and CEO of Chief Industries, delivered a timely and inspirational message. Eihusen, the 2024 recipient of the Chamber’s Distinguished Service Award, spoke about how lucky Chief was to be part of Grand Island’s business community. He also reflected on the entrepreneurial boom that occurred in this community during the mid-century years after World War II. From the late 1940s through the ‘50s, ‘60s, and into the early ‘70s, several legendary Grand Island businesses were born. Among them are The Bosselman Enterprises, Eakes Office Solutions, Five Points Bank, Hornady Manufacturing, and Chief itself. Read more

The Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce is raising concerns regarding a plan to impose a statewide consumption tax on services and new goods purchased in the Cornhusker State. Read more

For years, with the exception of the Senators representing Grand Island, our community did not have a strong presence in the Legislature. This changed in 2022 when Grow Grand Island and your Chamber of Commerce engaged a lobbying and government relations firm to assist with securing funds for the Wayne State College Cooperative Education/Internship Program. With the leadership of Senator Ray Aguilar and the lobbyists’ day-by-day dedication, we were able to secure funding for our internship program. As a quick summation, students in the Cooperative Internship Program attend Wayne State College during their Freshman-Junior years and complete their education with paid Senior-year internships at Grand Island businesses. Students receive education scholarships and a housing scholarship while completing their internship. This initiative introduces potential employees to the entire scope of careers and lifestyles that Grand Island has to offer. Our first group of interns will be stationed in Grand Island businesses beginning the fall of 2025. Read more

Our community is on quite a roll. There are many factors at play which contribute to the forward progress that is happening in Grand Island and awareness of where we stand as a community in comparison to our peers is key among them. There has been intentional action taken in recent years to solidify our standing amongst our peers and I am thrilled to witness the engagement and energy of many organizations and individuals as they step up to move us forward. Read more

Have you noticed the entryway sign on Highway 281 is missing? Read more