
ESTRELLAS EN ASCENSO.
LO QUE APRENDERÁS
Adquiera y mejore las habilidades y comportamientos necesarios para convertirse en un líder impactante.
Desarrollar habilidades para hablar en público.
Identifique formas en las que puede contribuir a la sociedad a través de las comunidades locales.
Crecer en autoconfianza y autocompetencia como líder.
Cómo construir el éxito a través de la participación.
Descubra sus dones naturales para prosperar en el lugar de trabajo.
BENEFICIOS.
INVIERTE EN TUS EMPLEADOS. FORTALECE TUS EQUIPOS. GANA LA GUERRA POR EL TALENTO.
Rising Stars es un programa de desarrollo profesional en el que sus empleados adquirirán y adquirirán habilidades que contribuirán positivamente a la cultura de su empresa. El recurso BetterCulture 20 Tenets se utilizará para equipar a sus empleados para:
Acepte y busque retroalimentación
Participar en un conflicto intelectual
Dar la bienvenida, ayudar y animar a los compañeros de equipo.
Ver a las personas y las situaciones con optimismo
Perdonar a las personas por sus errores
Expresar gratitud
Celebra y felicita a los demás
Sea amable y respetuoso con los demás.
Sea un jugador de equipo con relaciones de alta calidad.
Reconocer y corregir errores
Difunde alegría y diviértete.
Si sus empleados adoptaran estas actitudes y comportamientos, ¿cómo sería su entorno de trabajo? ¿Cuánto disfrutaría usted al frente de una empresa de este tipo? ¿Cómo cree que se desempeñaría la empresa?
SESIONES.
El proceso de solicitud y selección se realizará en enero. Habrá una sesión por mes, las fechas del programa aún se determinarán, pero se extenderán de febrero a diciembre. Los días de las sesiones serán de 8:00 a 10:00 horas. La asistencia a todas las sesiones es obligatoria. Se podrá permitir una ausencia justificada del programa en determinadas circunstancias previamente acordadas.
El reconocimiento por completar el programa se llevará a cabo en la Reunión Anual de KACC junto con las redes sociales y nuestro sitio web.
COSTO.
Rising Stars cuesta solo $1,000 por participante.
CRITERIOS.
El objetivo de Rising Stars no es solo invertir en nuestro talento local, sino también retenerlo. El proceso de selección consiste en elegir un grupo de personas que representen al área de Kearney de manera positiva y que también puedan aprender unos de otros.
Los solicitantes deben:
Ser empleado de un miembro de la Cámara de Comercio del Área de Kearney.
Presentar su solicitud en enero.
Comprometerse a participar plenamente en el programa.
Tener el deseo de desarrollar y utilizar habilidades de liderazgo.
Los miembros del programa Rising Stars son elegidos por un comité de selección, la Junta Directiva y el personal de la Cámara, que revisan todas las solicitudes de forma confidencial. A las preguntas de la solicitud se les asigna un valor en puntos y la selección se basa en la cantidad total de puntos que recibe el solicitante.
Una vez que se seleccionan y confirman nuevos miembros, se notifica a todos los solicitantes si su solicitud fue aceptada o no. Los correos electrónicos de notificación se envían a principios de febrero.
WHAT CLASS 1 HAS TO SAY

NICK SUTTON
PARKER HANNIFIN
This course gave me the opportunity to connect with Kearney leaders, engaging in open and honest discussions, and gaining a deeper understanding of the tenets. Derek, our instructor, did a sensational job putting this program together to support and grow our Kearney leaders and businesses.
I am thankful for this opportunity.

DEVIN ANDERSON
PARKER HANNIFIN
The Rising Stars program has helped me develop a stronger understanding of what it truly means to be a leader, not just in the workplace, but in all aspects of life. Rising Stars has helped strengthen leadership traits that I believed to already be strong points for myself while showing me other skills and traits that an inclusive, engaged, and empowered work culture possesses.

GRANT FLAMIG
NEBRASKA PUBLIC
POWER DISTRICT
Rising Stars has provided me with tools and tactics to help my personal initiative to improve my workplace culture. Each class member contributes with insights and fresh ideas. I would highly recommend for any level of employee from any line of work.
MEET THE 2026 RISING STARS CLASS 2

Hausmann
JOSH ALBRIGHT
Josh Albright grew up in Ravenna and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is a Project Executive in the Kearney area for Hausmann, a construction management firm he has been with for over 12 years. He enjoys partnering on complex projects to solve challenges and secure positive outcomes for all parties. Outside of work, he likes to tackle house projects, attend concerts, and enjoy anything outdoors.

University of Nebraska, Kearney
JULIE EVERETT
Julie Everett is a dedicated education professional and lifelong Nebraska native. she currently serves as UNK's Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, where her team leads innovative, accessible professional development for faculty and staff, including a robust mentoring program that supports growth, retention, and instructional excellence. Julies background includes experience in life coaching, program development, curriculum writing and design, and team collaboration, with a strong focus on relationship-centered leadership. Outside of her professional role, Julie values meaningful connection, her faith, and time spent with family and community.

Gunnar's Place
SHEILA HAROUFF
Sheila Harouff is a Licensed Practical Nurse with a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Business Management from Clarkson College in Omaha. She is currently employed full-time as a pediatric nurse, while simultaneously developing a healthcare business in Kearney. This venture will focus on providing specialized medical services to children with complex medical needs within daycare environments. In Sheila's personal time, she enjoys participating in 10k and half-marathon races across various states, in addition to spending time with her family.

Midway
JASON SCHWARTING
Jason Schwarting is a lifelong Kearney, Nebraska resident and graduate of Kearney High. For the last 11 years, he has been part of the service department at Midway GM, where he currently serves as the Service Manager. His professional focus is centered on enhancing the customer experience and fostering a positive workplace culture, and he truly enjoys navigating the challenges of the ever-evolving auto industry.
Outside of his professional life, he enjoys spending time with his family, working in the yard, participating in various outdoor activities, and playing pickleball. hje also values the time spent watching his daughters' sporting events.

Commonwealth Electric Company
JACOB SVOBODA
Jacob grew up in Hastings, Nebraska, and has lived in Kearney since 2015. He works with Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest as a Senior Project Manager, where he oversees projects and collaborates closely with electricians, general contractors, engineers, and customers. Jacob is a graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a degree in Construction Management. Outside of work, he enjoys camping and spending time with his wife, Carrie, and their children, Lucy and Theo.

Parker Hannifin
SARAH FRITZLER
Sarah Fritzler is a Nebraska native and a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She works for Parker Hannifin as a Digital & IT Security & Infrastructure Manager for the Filtration Group. When not at work, Sarah enjoys CrossFit classes, spending time with her son, friends and family.

White Oak Coaching + Consulting
KELLY KREGER
Kelly Kreger is an entrepreneur with 18 years of business ownership, and a passion for helping small businesses succeed. She is the founder of White Oak Coaching + Consulting, which helps business owners build, grow, and lead with confidence. Through strategic planning, leadership development coaching, and her fractional COO services, Kelly partners with clients throughout Nebraska, from New York all the way to Los Angeles to bring clarity, structure, and momentum to their organizations. Outside of her professional life, she is a mom of three, plays volleyball with her friends, drinks good coffee, plays in the dirt, and makes it a priority to explore nature and adventure outside with family and quality friends.

On Point Construction & Design
BECCA SMITH
Becca Smith is a lifelong Nebraska resident, and has called Kearney home for a total of 20 years. She currently serves as a Pre-Construction Coordinator for On Point Construction & Design, and works closely with project planning in addition to supporting real estate development and the design team. Beyond her professional role, Becca is actively involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is a member of the Envoys for the Kearney Area Chamber. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and staying active through outdoor activities or a good run.

Parker Hannifin
KORTNI THOMPSON
Kortni is a lifelong resident of Kearney where she has been employed at Baldwin Filters/Parker for the past 20 years. Throughout her career at Parker, Kortni has held various titles within Manufacturing, Customer Service, Sales, and currently as a Project Manager. Outside of work, Kortni is a member of Kearney Vol. Fire Dept. where she was an active firefighter for 10 years and is now part of the departments reserve company. Kortni also enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends.

Midway
AUSTIN DANIEL
Austin was born in Nebraska and spent time in Georgia before returning to Nebraska. He currently works as the CDJR service manager at Midway Auto Dealerships, where he focuses on building strong customer relationships and ensuring vehicle are properly maintained and safe. Outside of work, Austin enjoys learning new skills and spending time with friends and family.

J&G Dirt Works LLC
STEPHANIE GODFREY
Stephanie Godfrey grew up in Colorado and has called Nebraska home for the past 11 years. She has served as the Office Manager for J&G Dirt Works LLC for five years, where she leads human resources and is responsible for the company’s drug testing program, crew scheduling, and support of daily operations. Stephanie is deeply committed to community involvement and actively participates in local organizations and committees. She is also a proud mom of four, dedicating much of her time to her children’s activities and remaining actively involved in her family’s busy and supportive home life.

Glass Edge Central
CURTIS MISHLEAU
Curtis Mishleau came from Minnesota to attend Union College in Lincoln to study business administration. Construction has been a major influence from childhood to the present. He has spent the past 6+ years working in the glazing industry as a project manager for Glass Edge of Lincoln and currently the general manager of Glass Edge Central in Shelton. God, family, friends, football, and disc golf fill up the time outside of work.

University of Nebraska, Kearney
TIFFANY STOIBER
Tiffany Stoiber returned to her hometown of Kearney in 2018 after a brief stint in the Chicago area, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and began her career in communication. Her professional experience spans journalism, business development, marketing, and enrollment management. She now works at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and expects to complete her M.A. in Public Communication from the institution in 2026. While not working, Tiffany enjoys volunteering at the Kearney Community Theatre, where she also serves on the board of directors, running, and spending time with her family.







