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RISING STARS.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

  • Gain and improve the skills & behaviors necessary to become an impactful leader.

  • Develop public speaking skills.

  • Identify ways you can contribute to society through local communities.

  • Grow in self-confidence & self-competence as a leader.

  • How to build success through involvement.

  • Discover your natural gifts to thrive in the workplace.

BENEFITS.

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INVEST IN YOUR EMPLOYEES. STRENGTHEN YOUR TEAMS. WIN THE WAR FOR TALENT.

Rising Stars is a professional development program where your employee will experience and grow in skills that will contribute positively to your company culture. A combination of the BetterCulture 20 Tenets resource and Team Concepts Culture of Success will be used to equip your employee to :

  • Accept and Seek Feedback

  • Engage in intellectual conflict

  • Welcome, help and encourage teammates

  • View people and situations with optimism

  • Forgive people for mistakes

  • Express gratitude

  • Celebrate and compliment others

  • Be kind and respectful to others

  • Be a team player with high-quality relationships

  • Own and fix mistakes

  • Spread joy and have fun

If your employees embraced these attitudes and behaviors, what would your work setting feel like? How much would you enjoy leading such a company? How would you predict the company would perform?

SESSIONS

SESSIONS.

The application and selection process will be in January. There will be one session per month, program dates are to be determined but will run from February to December.  Session days will most likely be from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Attendance is required at all sessions. One excused absence from the program may be allowed under certain pre-arranged circumstances.

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Recognition for completing the program will be held at the KACC Annual Meeting along with social media and our website.

COST.

TUITION

Rising Stars is only $1,000 per participant.

CRITERIA.

CRITERIA

​The purpose of the Rising Stars is to not only invest in our local talent but also retain our local talent. The selection process is to choose a group of individuals to represent the Kearney area in a positive manner and also be able to learn from each other. 

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Applicants must:

  • Be employed with a Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce member.

  • Submit their application in January.

  • Commit to full participation in the program.

  • Have a desire to develop and utilize leadership skills.

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Members of the Rising Stars program are chosen by a selection committee Chamber Board and Staff who review all applications in confidence.  Application questions are assigned a point value, and selection is based on the total points an applicant receives. 

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Once new members are selected and confirmed, all applicants are notified as to whether or not their application was successful. Notification emails are sent out at the end of January.

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WHAT CLASS 1 HAS TO SAY

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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.

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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. 

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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.

Testimonials

MEET THE 2026 RISING STARS CLASS 2

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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.

  • webite
  • LinkedIn
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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.

  • webite
  • LinkedIn
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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.

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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.

  • webite
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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.

  • webite
  • LinkedIn
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Nebraska Public Power District

TRACI BOSSERT

Bellevue University graduate Traci Bossert serves as a Customer Services Leader at Nebraska Public Power District, where she specializes in retail customer service. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, spending time with family, and playing golf.

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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.

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  • LinkedIn
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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.

  • webite
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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. 

  • webite
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

  • webite
  • LinkedIn
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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.

  • webite
  • LinkedIn

CLASS 1 RISING STARS 2025

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MCL Construction

DAVID ALMANZA

David grew up in Imperial, NE and moved to Kearney to attend UNK. After receiving his degree in Construction Management he began his career with MCL Construction in Omaha. He and his wife moved back to Kearney in 2022 to begin their family. David is a project manager for MCL and works closely with owners, design teams, and subcontractors to ensure a successful project. He enjoys the complexity of managing large projects, building strong relationships, and seeing the vision of each project come to life. He also enjoys building strong relationships within the community, and spending time with friends and family.

  • LinkedIn
  • webite
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KEARNEY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
220 11TH AVE| PO BOX 607 | KEARNEY, NE 68848
PHONE: (308) 237-3101

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© 2024 BY KEARNEY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. 

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