Community welcomes new businesses

Patricia Rengifo

 

Indications are that the Otoe County business community is growing, with several new businesses opening and Nebraska City recording new highs in sales taxes collected.

From a music and art store to restaurants and bed and breakfasts, Nebraska City Tourism & Commerce has welcomed a wide variety of business to town. In the last year, more than 30 new members were welcomed to the group and membership is anticipated to reach 350 by July.

“We’re very fortunate to have the unique stores provide retail and service choices,” said Jim Johnston, NCTC executive director.

Johnston cites several things that help the local business community work so well.

“Small community pride; friendly, personal customer service; comaraderie amongst business owners/managers/staff; a committed NCTC focusing on its strategic goals and objectives to benefit all members, businesses and residents.”

As a group, the chamber held several successful promotional events throughout the year. Diva Days, Lemon Days and Home for the Holidays were all deemed successful and will return next year.

“Diva Days in March 2006 was a huge hit, but negatively affected by the weather,” Johnston said.

The event will return this March, with additional promotion of bringing the family too.

Lemon Days were a success in 2006 presenting record sales to some of the members’ businesses. Lemon Days will be expanded upon in 2007.

Holiday spirit must have been at high levels last year as Johnston reports the success of several promotional events.

“The registrations received from Home for the Holidays were tripled from the event in 2005. We gave away a higher value of chamber bucks in 2006 and expect that to be even higher in 2007. We also reintroduced the official tree lighting with over 12,000 color bulbs on the tree and professional photographs with Santa,” Johnston said.

Later this year a farmer’s/business appreciation gathering will be held with a new format promoting local member restaurants and other businesses.

The passage of the LB840 by Nebraska City voters will give an additional boost to local businesses.

LB840 is a specific Nebraska City tool that can be used for not only existing businesses to expand but to also attract new business to the community.

“Many communities have used LB840 successfully. We’re excited to have this tool available for our economic development efforts,” said Pat Haverty, executive director of River Country Economic Development Corporation.

 

ARBOR MART

Arbor Mart, open since the first of May, offers full-service pumps to its customers. “It’s a convenience, especially to the older customers who aren’t able to get out of their cars,” said James Vollman. The pumps are open 24 hours a day, with a credit card machine available. Full service hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The shop also offers propane exchange and will be adding soft-serve ice cream to its existing variety of snacks and drinks.

Arbor Mart is owned by Emil and Karen Vollman, who also own Douglas Tire. Their son James said the familiarity has helped business. It is located at 1315 Central Ave.

 

WAL-MART

The new Wal-Mart Supercenter, 2101 S. 11th St., officially opened for business Jan. 19 with approximately 220 employees. Store manager Christian Garcia said almost all of the store’s 23 merchandise supervisors are new to Wal-Mart.

The store features more than 30 departments, Garcia said.

As a supercenter, the store offers customers a home organization department, an infant section, and electronics department, as well as departments for family apparel, health and beauty aids, household needs, toys, lawn and garden, jewelry, shoes and groceries.

At the opening, Jim Johnston, executive director of Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce, said the store will not only bring jobs, but sales tax to the city.

 

CASSEL GROVE

Cassel Grove Homestead Inn, located two miles south of Nebraska City off of Highway 75, fits perfectly into “Historic Nebraska City.” The 1880s structure sits on 160 acres of land acquired as part of the Homestead Act and much of the structure itself is original. Twelve acres are now owned by Diane Emanuel and John Thomas.

Future plans include a possible reception hall in one of the property’s other buildings.

The inn is currently available to rent for meetings, teas, luncheons, showers, weddings and other occasions.

 

The Art of Music

Siblings Evelyn and Rich Alonso opened “The Art of Music” Sept. 9 in the building which formerly housed the Claybasket. The store, located at 707 Central Ave., was originally a gunshop, then a pool hall and pawn shop.

Rich said the store will feature musical instruments and accessories such as guitar picks and straps, as well as amplifiers, microphones and PA equipment.

Evelyn said the exact product mix will be determined by the customers. “The community will come in here and say what they need,” she said. “The people will tell me what they want.”

Art will be sold, and Evelyn said she welcomes local artists to bring in their works.

 

Avenue Grill

The Avenue Grill has opened its doors and fired up its ovens in 2006.

Cindy and BJ Monson took control of the former American Legion Club on Central Avenue in Nebraska City and spent the last several months renovating – including adding three windows to the front.

“This is apparent from the decorations to the menu items. Paintings, large and small don the boldly colored walls and a blue bathtub has been converted into a coffee table for the lounge.

From meatloaf and chicken-fried steak to Monte Cristos and shrimp scampi there is a wide variety on the menu.

 

Heartland Craft Mall

Open since July 1 in the Outlet Mall, Heartland Craft Mall is owned by Bill Shirley of Hamburg.

Besides ready-to-buy craft items, such as signs, candles and wall hangings, shoppers can also have items customized, including family tree ladders, angels, signs and painted bricks. Primitive custom furniture is also available.

 

Kitchen Collection

The V F Factory Outlet Mall, 1001 Highway 2 in Nebraska City, has another new addition, Kitchen Collection. Open since Aug. 31, the store carries a wide array of kitchen items, including small appliances, cookware and gadgets.

Manager Kimberlie Gerlach said customers can also expect to find “As Seen on T.V.” items such as Space Bags, Pasta Express and the “Ove” Glove.

Kitchen Collection is nation-wide and carries brands such as Hamilton Beach and Proctor Silex. Gerlach said the store’s slogan is “Best Brands, Better Prices.”

 

Dr. McNeely

Dr. Molly McNeely opened her dental practice in Nebraska City. Her practice features a full range of dental services for any family’s needs.

 

Pamida Pharmacy

The Pamida Pharmacy was remodeled and moved to another location in the store to provide a drive-up window.

 

Thrifty Treasures

Thrifty Treasures opened on the corner of 8th Street and Central Avenue. The business features second hand items and more.

 

Fifth Street Centre brings new life to building

david swanson

 

The new Fifth Street Centre in Syracuse is providing another hub of activity to the downtown area.

Two Syracuse businesses returned to the city’s Fifth Street business district with the opening of the Centre.

After 10 years at the residence of Jerry and Judy Hespen, The Added Touch Flowers & Gifts has returned to Fifth Street. It is in Suite 2 of Fifth Street Centre.

“It gives us more space. It is a beautiful space. It was getting a little crowded at our house. There will be more traffic here due to several businesses involved,” Judy Hespen said.

The Studio Salon & Day Spa returns to Fifth Street after six years in the residence of Dan and Bobbi Nannen. The Studio Salon & Day Spa is in Suite 1 of Fifth Street Centre. The Nannens and their children have lived in Syracuse since 1997.

“It will be more accessible to more people. Overall, I have more space. I will be able to expand into massage therapy and nails,” Bobbi Nannen said.

Fifth Street Centre, at 430 5th St., occupies the building that was home to many years to Massie-Richards American Legion Post No. 100, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 5547 and their Auxiliaries and later became Syracuse Steak House and lounge.

Dan and Bobbi Nannen have opened The Green Room in Suite 3. The room includes the original fireplace of the former Vet’s Club and Steak House with a stone ledge.

The Green Room can be the site of a variety of gatherings. Its capacity is 110 persons with tables and 200 persons without tables. There is a wooden dancing floor. There is a bar area. An off-premise liquor license is required for alcohol to be served, those interested are asked to please give at least 30 days’ notice. There is a warming kitchen. An outside caterer is required.

A newly remodeled loft style apartment is available for rent.

AJ’s Coffee House recently opened, adding another business to the Centre.