GI Chamber's 'Coffee Connections' Program Begins May 15

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — On Wednesday, May 15, the Grand Island Chamber will launch its new “Coffee Connections” program, which will add new networking and member-education opportunities for Grand Island Chamber partners. Here are the details:

What: Coffee Connections will feature short, informational presentations on topics of importance to the business community. There will be time for professional networking before and following the 8 a.m. presentation from subject-matter experts. Presentations will last around 30 minutes.
When: The third Wednesday of each month. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., and the event will conclude no later than 9 a.m. — although Chamber members are free to arrive and depart as their schedule permits.
 
Where: The Chocolate Bar in Grand Island’s Railside District (116 W 3rd Street). Specialty coffee and light breakfast items will be available for purchase. Regular coffee will be available at no cost, courtesy of our sponsors.
There is no cost to attend Coffee Connections for Chamber members, but they are asked to RSVP at GIChamber.com.
 
May 15: EPIC Tax Proposal
 
The Chamber’s May 15 Coffee Connections presentation will address the EPIC Option Consumption Tax plan, which could appear on Nebraska’s November 2024 ballot if supporters are successful in gathering enough signatures.
 
The EPIC plan would impose a high-rate consumption tax on nearly all new goods and services in an effort to replace local property taxes and the state’s personal income and corporate taxes. The Tax Foundation estimates the EPIC plan would require a tax rate of 21.6% or more, applied statewide to purchases of new homes, new automobiles, new clothes, childcare, rent, out-of-pocket health care costs, accounting services, car repairs, home remodeling, loan processing, and much more.
 
Jim Vokal, CEO of the Platte Institute, a Nebraska think tank that promotes pro-growth policies, will explain what EPIC would mean for families and business community. The May 15 Coffee Connections presentation is being sponsored by Pinnacle Bank and The Chocolate Bar.