Nicole Mierau is working at the Henderson City Hall and was recently hired by the City of Henderson as a Deputy Clerk, and will also take over the Henderson Chamber of Commerce Director duties.
The Henderson Chamber of Commerce held its first meeting since Nicole Mierau started working for the City on September 15th. They met on Tuesday, October 28, at 12 p.m. at the Dutch Kitchen. It’s been over a year since the Henderson Chamber has had a director.
Vice President Zach Richert introduced Mierau and conducted the Chamber meeting. The City of Henderson created this full-time position, where Mierau will train under Henderson City Clerk Connie Brown and eventually take over that position. For now, she will also assume the Chamber duties. Before being hired, Mierau was a Chamber member and served as the treasurer.
“I’m excited to rebuild the chamber and boost what we already have going here. I want to work on membership renewals and would welcome any input from businesses about your needs,” said Mierau.
There were 20 members present who enjoyed a noon meal during the regular meeting.
New Chamber Director Nicole Mierau speaks to members about her plans to get the Chamber back on solid ground.
Ian Huebert from Service Press presented the history of Service Press and an update on the products and services they offer. “Service Press has been around since 1954 and mainly published books and large projects with about 10-12 employees,” said Huebert.
Ian Huebert explained what is going on at Service Press since he has taken over, with a display table of some of their recent projects.
Since taking over the business, Huebert has been retooling and switching over to more high-tech equipment. “We are trying to meet the needs of smaller customers, developing packages to provide smaller runs, prototypes, designs, and illustrations.”
Besides providing the community with The Henderson News, Service Press is printing custom publications for businesses that want to use print media rather than just social media. He had on display examples of some of the products they have produced for customers.
Reports were given from the City of Henderson, Henderson Health Care, Heartland Community School, and York County Development Corporation.
Luke Fochtman reported for HHCS about the recent harvest meals they served to around 300 in a short time frame. “We are already preparing for the 2026 Gala that will be held on March 7 at the Holtus Center,” said Fochman. He gave an update on the new clinic construction and said they hope to be transitioning to inside work by Thanksgiving or early December. He said HHC has recently added another orthopedic surgeon to the specialty clinic, who will expand their services.
Lisa Hurley from YCDC reported that they will be offering the Dale Carnegie classes in partnership with KLUTE Inc. “There will be three sessions offered that are open to anyone. This is the best leadership program I’ve ever experienced. You can go to our website where we are taking applications,” she said.
City Clerk Connie Brown updated the Chamber about the progress of the new streets being poured in the Highland Addition. “The Planning Commission met last night and is working on approving the Star Addition, which Corbin Tessman owns. It will include seven lots zoned for industrial use. The City is also working to annex the Hiebner Body Shop so they can have water and sewer service for an expansion they plan. There will be a 3% increase in our water/sewer rates beginning in January,” she said.
Brown told the chamber that Highland Road would be removed and replaced, which began on Tuesday.
Brown introduced her son, Tyler Brown, who will soon open his own CPA business in Henderson. He recently worked for an accounting firm in Wood River, and as soon as he receives all the state approvals, he will be open for business.
Superintendent Jeremy Klein updated the chamber on the near completion of the building project. “We are 99% finished with just some tweaks and fixes left to go. We should be able to call it complete by December,” stated Klein. With the wrap-up of fall sports, Klein said the new sports cooperative has gone very well.
“One of our goals was to provide kids with more opportunities, not just to practice or scrimmage, but to compete. Because of the sports cooperative, we were able to do this, especially in the junior high, providing A, B & C teams in volleyball and A & B in football.”
He said they are paying attention to the potential impact on families who use the National School Lunch Program and receive discounted or free meals at school, as a change in qualifications may be coming.
The Henderson Postmaster, Kevin Chelewski, announced his last day in Henderson will be Friday, Oct. 31, as he retires.
“This is a great community, and you shouldn’t take it for granted. I have loved it here and always wanted to be the postmaster in Henderson. Over my career, I had put in four times for the Henderson job, so I feel God brought me here!”
He added that there is a real need to hire a part-time rural carrier and to spread the word to help find someone. Corey Graves of Wood River has been appointed interim postmaster.
Mierau asked members to give her any nominations for the Friend of Henderson Award and any business milestones before the Chamber banquet scheduled for November 21st. She also said there will be open positions to fill on the board, including the treasurer position.
2025 Henderson Chamber Officers
President: Kelsey Goertzen, Vice President Zach Richert, Secretary Cody Brown, Treasurer (vacant)
Board of Directors: Kevin Chelewski, Lori Friesen, Kelby Ostrander
