By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview with Dawn Haney on our Kubota Podcast
Ogallala, Neb. - The Keith County Chamber of Commerce is thanking its agricultural community and looking ahead to a busy season of events and fundraising.
Membership Director Dawn Haney joined Allison Peck in studio this week to share updates on recent and upcoming efforts.
Haney began by recognizing the success of the recent Ag Appreciation Banquet.
“The Ag Appreciation Banquet was a wonderful evening. We’re so grateful for the producers, the sponsors and the volunteers who all made it possible,” Haney said. “With agriculture being foundational to Keith County, it was an honor to recognize the hard work and dedication around it.”
Haney said agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, especially in smaller communities like those in Keith County.
“We depend on it,” she said. “That’s who we are.”
The Chamber is now preparing for several upcoming events. A Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting is scheduled for Ogallala Esthetics Collective on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at 100 E. 11th St., Suite C in Ogallala.
The new business includes Scratch Nail Company, Esthetics with Maddy and Muse Society. Haney said the event will include tours of the space, giveaways and special promotions.
“It’s great to see another business growing,” she said. “Some of these girls were just renting little room spaces in other businesses, and now they’ve made their own space, and it’s great to see them succeed.”
Later this month, the Chamber will partner with TeamMates Mentoring of Ogallala for a Lunch ’n’ Learn on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at noon at Mid-Plains Community College. Lunch will be provided, and Ashton Honnor with TeamMates will be the featured speaker.
Haney, who serves as a mentor herself, said the program has a lasting impact.
“My teammate is a sophomore and we started when she was in fourth grade,” she said. “There’s a strong bond there and it’s very, very special.”
She said mentoring requires less time than many people expect.
“I go and have lunch with her once a week during the school year,” Haney said. “You just hang out. We love the time together. It’s definitely special and it doesn’t take much time.”
Businesses and employers are encouraged to attend the Lunch ’n’ Learn to learn how mentoring can strengthen the workforce and support employees who volunteer as mentors. Those interested can RSVP by emailing info@explorekeithcounty.com or calling 308-284-4066.
Haney also shared an update on the 2026 Fourth of July fireworks show. The Chamber is stepping in to coordinate fundraising and organization for next year’s display.
“The Chamber is uniquely positioned to coordinate fundraising and bring businesses and the community together,” Haney said. “Our focus is ensuring the show continues in a financially responsible and transparent way.”
She said the fireworks show has historically cost about $25,000, but vendor increases have pushed the expected cost up by roughly 40%, bringing the minimum fundraising goal to about $35,000.
The City of Ogallala and Keith County have each committed $6,000, giving organizers a $12,000 starting base. Fireworks must be ordered by late April to secure an early-order discount.
Haney stressed that Chamber membership dues will not be used for the fireworks. Donations will be deposited into a dedicated account through Keith County Area Development, which is serving as the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) partner so contributions can be tax-deductible.
If the fundraising goal is not reached, Haney said organizers will adjust responsibly.
“This could mean scaling down the show or holding funds for a future year,” she said. “The goal is stewardship and sustainability.”
Fundraising will officially kick off at the Oregon Trail Home and Sports Ag Show on Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22. The Chamber will host a booth with information and QR codes for easy donations.
“It’s a community effort,” Haney said.
Haney said the Chamber’s work this year reflects its broader mission.
“Honoring our roots, supporting local businesses, and bringing community together around shared goals is what we’re all about,” she said. “We’re grateful for the support and excited for what’s ahead.”