Ep 67: Why Wahoo Is Growing: Theresa Klein Talks Business Development, New Projects & Chamber Life

Ep 67: Why Wahoo Is Growing: Theresa Klein Talks Business Development, New Projects & Chamber Life

Why is Wahoo growing so quickly — and what actually happens behind the scenes to make that growth possible?This week on Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we sit down with Theresa Klein from the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Office, and Wahoo Community Foundation to talk about business development, new projects, commercial growth, community investment, and the work happening every day to help Wahoo continue moving forward.From answering calls about rental housing and business space to helping connect people with trusted local services, Theresa explains why the Chamber is often the “human hyperlink” for the community.We also dive into:• How the Wahoo Chamber has evolved since 1923• What economic development actually means• Why business recruitment and commercial space matter• The challenges of growth in small towns• Why some business projects have to stay confidential• The future of development in Wahoo• The role of the We Are Wahoo app and Wahoo Weekly• Why reliable local information matters more than ever• How the Wahoo Community Foundation supports Saunders County• Scholarships, workforce development, and investing in local students• The Friends of the Chamber program and workforce scholarship fundPlus, Theresa shares stories about helping connect residents with trusted businesses, supporting local organizations, and why community relationships still matter in a digital world.If you’ve ever wondered how projects happen in Wahoo, why certain announcements can’t be shared immediately, or what the Chamber actually does day-to-day — this episode is for you.Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you stream podcasts.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:36 Meet Theresa Klein01:03 The Old Casey’s Building & New Development Updates02:00 What the Wahoo Chamber Actually Does03:20 The History of the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce04:45 What Happens Inside the Chamber Office Every Day06:20 Helping Residents Find Trusted Local Businesses08:40 Businesses Wahoo Still Needs10:00 Recruiting Businesses & Finding Commercial Space11:40 Economic Growth & Downtown Development15:12 First Bank of Nebraska Sponsor Break15:56 Questions the Chamber Can’t Always Answer17:20 Utilities, Zoning & Business Development18:30 Theresa the “Human Hyperlink”20:30 Why Human Connection Still Matters21:20 The We Are Wahoo App & Wahoo Weekly24:20 Social Media, Local News & Reliable Information25:05 Why Some Development News Stays Confidential27:30 The Real Cost & Risk of Development Projects29:55 The Wahoo Community Foundation Explained31:30 Supporting Local Projects Through Giving33:00 Scholarship Programs in Saunders County35:00 The Chamber Workforce Scholarship37:40 How to Become a Friend of the Chamber38:50 Final Thoughts & Future Wahoo Growth40:15 Outro

Ep 66: Wahoo Creek Dental Growth, Smile Makeovers & Dental Tips | Chamber Chat

Looking for a dentist in Wahoo, Nebraska? This week on Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we sit down with Dr. Foland from Wahoo Creek Dental to talk about modern dentistry, dental implants, same-day crowns, clear aligners, and the future of dental care in Wahoo.Dr. Foland shares how Wahoo Creek Dental has grown over the last four and a half years, why personalized patient care matters, and how their office is helping bring more advanced dental services to Saunders County and the surrounding communities.We also dive into some of the services many people may not realize are available locally — including dental implants, same-day crowns, smile makeovers, and clear aligner orthodontics for both teens and adults.In this episode we cover:• Smile makeovers and restoring confidence through dentistry• Dental implants and why they feel more natural than traditional options• Clear aligners and orthodontic treatment available in Wahoo• The “Platinum Rule” and how their office personalizes patient care• Why oral health affects your overall health• Tips for reducing cavities and protecting your teeth• Why snacking all day may be hurting your teeth• The truth about mouthwash and what Dr. Foland actually recommends• Growing a business and building a team culture in a small town• Expansion plans for Wahoo Creek Dental• Why local orthodontic options matter for busy familiesWe also chat about how important it is for people to feel comfortable going to the dentist — even if it’s been a while since their last appointment.Plus, Wahoo Creek Dental is currently looking to add another hygienist to their growing team!📍 Wahoo Creek Dental📞 402-443-4989Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you stream your podcasts.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:40 Meet Dr. Foland from Wahoo Creek Dental01:58 Growing a Dental Practice in Wahoo02:50 Smile Makeovers & Restoring Confidence03:45 Dental Implants Explained05:15 Building Relationships with Patients06:30 The “Platinum Rule” in Patient Care07:50 Expansion Plans for Wahoo Creek Dental10:40 Services You May Not Know Wahoo Creek Dental Offers11:00 Clear Aligners & Orthodontics in Wahoo13:30 Why Local Orthodontic Care Matters14:00 Accepting New Patients in Wahoo16:00 Dental Anxiety & Making Patients Comfortable18:20 Dr. Foland’s Best Dental Tips20:50 Mouthwash Myths & Oral Health22:10 Wahoo Creek Dental is Hiring23:20 Curious Kids Podcast & Family Life24:00 Outro

Ep 65: What’s Happening by the New Casey’s in Wahoo? + Nuisance Laws Explained

This week on Chamber Chat, Kate and Kat welcome back Ward 2 City Council representative Chris Rappl for another community update episode all about what’s happening around Wahoo. We chat about: ✨ Updates on the development happening near the new Casey’s along the highway ✨ How Wahoo’s nuisance laws work for both residential properties and the city as a whole ✨ The difference between speaking during public comment vs. being placed on the city council agenda ✨ How residents can share concerns, ideas, and feedback with city council If you’ve ever wondered how local government meetings actually work or wanted more insight into what’s happening around town, this episode is packed with helpful information straight from the source. 🎙️ Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat is your go-to spot for what’s happening in Wahoo and the surrounding area. Make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who loves staying in the know about our community! #WahooNebraska #WahooChamber #CityCouncil #CommunityUpdates #ChamberChat #NebraskaPodcast #Wahoo This week on Chamber Chat, Kate and Kat sit down once again with Ward 2 City Council representative Chris Rappl to talk about some important updates happening around Wahoo. The conversation includes updates on the area near the new Casey’s along the highway, a breakdown of how nuisance laws work within the city, and a helpful explanation of how residents can speak at city council meetings — including the difference between public comment and being added to the official agenda. If you’ve ever been curious about how local city meetings work or wanted a better understanding of how community concerns are handled, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look in an easy-to-understand way. YouTube DescriptionPodcast Platform Description

Ep 64: Wahoo & Ceresco Restaurant Update 🍽️ | Branding Iron Café + NEW Route 77 Menu (Czech Nachos!)

This week on Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we’re joined by Lee Maly—owner of Wahoo’s Branding Iron Café and the new owner of Route 77 Restaurant in Ceresco (formerly the Red Rooster). Lee shares what’s new at Route 77 as she puts her own spin on the space, including a sneak peek at a brand-new summer menu featuring drinks, appetizers, and a must-try: Czech Nachos. We also talk about a local favorite—Branding Iron Café—and a simple tip if you’ve ever wanted to go but didn’t have time to wait: call your order in and grab it to go. If you love discovering local spots and supporting small businesses in Wahoo and Ceresco, this episode is packed with great info (and plenty of food inspiration). Make sure to listen, share, and support our local restaurants! 🍽️💛

Ep 63: Wahoo Illustrator + Author Team Up: The Story Behind George the Mouse in a Log Pile House | Chamber Chat

We’ve got a Chamber Chat FIRST—and it’s a good one 👏 This week, Kate and Kat sit down with author Rebecca Atanassova and Wahoo’s own illustrator (and Chamber member!) Alissa Hansen of Stone Cottage Studio to talk about their very first book collaboration, George the Mouse in a Log Pile House 🐭📖 In this episode, we chat about: ✨ How George the mouse came to life 🎨 What it’s like for a Wahoo illustrator to bring a story to life 🤝 The collaboration between author + illustrator 🌍 The real-life inspiration behind the story—from Simon Dell’s famous garden mouse village Yep… this story has roots across the pond and it’s just as charming as it sounds 💛 Get a behind-the-scenes look at how this book went from idea to illustrated pages—and why this is just the beginning.