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