McCOOK Neb. — Chairman Joe Townsley opened the McCook Chamber of Commerce annual meeting over the lunch hour on Thursday.

He went over the financials, saying that the board has recently been pretty tight with funds. “We are in a perfect spot moving forward,” Townsley said.

He introduced Ronda Graff, who came to share about a new program, McCook Connects, that aims to help new community members get involved.

In 1995, Graff moved to McCook. She shared that because of the support she had from her husband and in-laws, she had a positive transition.

However, she acknowledged that is only sometimes the case. Many people come into the community and need that support system.

They don’t have the family already in place. McCook Connects will help match new people with others already in the community who have like-minded interests. It will allow for new friendships and connections to be made.

Graff also briefly discussed the upcoming Third Thursday events, which will unite people to enjoy time on the bricks in the newly designated ‘Creative District.’

Ben Dutton, the Engagement Zone Coordinator for the Nebraska Extension, spoke on “The Big 3” areas on which the Nebraska Extension focuses. To strengthen Nebraska’s Agriculture and Food Systems, Inspire Nebraskans and their communities, and Enhance the health and well-being of all Nebraskans, ‘The Big 3’ energizes Nebraska’s future by developing a skilled workforce, enhancing health and well-being, creating statewide economic vitality, retaining and attracting young people, leveraging our strengths, and sustaining success.

New Chamber Director Sarah Schneider shared her success in adding 28 new Chamber memberships since the beginning of the year.

She ended the event by looking forward to the future, the events coming up in McCook, and the extreme support she has experienced from the Chamber Board, members, and community.

“I couldn’t have done anything. Without my volunteers, without my board.

“The chamber does not exist without the board and the passion that you guys have a real community, too.”