Celebrating Small Business Big Heart Winners

When we at NebraskaLand Bank say, “food is our love language,” we mean it. This year’s Small Business Big Heart Grill Party proved just how powerful that language can be when celebrating the organizations that make our communities stronger every day.

Two exceptional winners emerged from our Small Business Big Heart contest: Westfield Small Animal Clinic in North Platte and Kearney Housing Agency in Kearney. But this wasn’t just about recognition, it was about bringing people together, firing up the grills, and showing our appreciation in the most heartfelt way we know how.

North Platte: Honoring Our Four-Legged Friends’ Heroes
At Westfield Small Animal Clinic, caring for pets isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. The dedicated team works tirelessly to keep our beloved companions healthy and happy, often going above and beyond for families in their most worried moments.

We wanted to give back to these everyday heroes, so we hosted both the employees and their families for an unforgettable celebration. The event brought together the people behind the compassionate care, allowing them to relax, connect, and enjoy good food without worrying about the next appointment or emergency call.

Watching the veterinarians, technicians, and support staff laugh and share stories remind us why small businesses form the backbone of our community. These aren’t just service providers, they’re neighbors, friends, and the people we turn to when our furry family members need help.

Kearney: Feeding the Community, One Meal at a Time
The Kearney Housing Agency’s win represented something truly special. This organization doesn’t just provide housing, they create community.
When we arrived to celebrate their victory, we didn’t just take over their street, they opened their kitchen to us.

We weren’t just feeding their hardworking employees (though they certainly deserved it). We extended the party to include Meals on Wheels deliveries, making sure homebound community members enjoyed hot, fresh meals. We also prepared food for their dining room, extending the celebration to all the residents they serve—and giving their dedicated kitchen staff a well-earned break.

Why Small Businesses Deserve Big Recognition
Small businesses like Westfield Small Animal Clinic and Kearney Housing Agency often operate behind the scenes, providing essential services without seeking spotlight or recognition. They’re the organizations that know their clients by name, remember personal details, and go the extra mile because it’s the right thing to do.

Westfield Small Animal Clinic doesn’t just treat pets; they comfort anxious pet owners and stay late for emergency cases. Their small size allows them to offer personalized care.
Similarly, Kearney Housing Agency does more than manage properties. They build communities where people look out for one another. Their commitment extends beyond business hours and contract obligations.

These organizations embody what we believe makes communities thrive: genuine care, personal investment, and the willingness to show up when people need them most.

Food as Our Love Language
At NebraskaLand Bank, we’ve learned that shared meals create shared memories. When we say food is our love language, we’re acknowledging something fundamental about human connection, breaking bread together builds relationships in ways that formal meetings or written communications simply can’t achieve.

The grill parties weren’t just thank-you events. They were investments in community relationships. Every burger flipped and hotdog served represented our commitment to supporting the organizations that support our neighbors.

We chose grilling because it’s approachable, inclusive, and community minded. There’s something about the smell of food cooking outdoors that draws people together. It doesn’t matter if you’re the veterinarian or the receptionist, the housing director or the maintenance worker, everyone appreciates a well-grilled burger.

Beyond the Celebration
The Small Business Big Heart Grill Party represents more than a single event. It reflects our ongoing commitment to recognizing and supporting the small businesses that keep our communities vibrant and connected.

We see firsthand how these organizations impact individual lives and strengthen entire neighborhoods. Westfield Small Animal Clinic provides peace of mind to pet owners throughout North Platte. Kearney Housing Agency offers stability and dignity to residents who need both.

By celebrating these winners, we’re celebrating the values they represent: service, dedication, compassion, and community investment. These aren’t abstract concepts, they’re daily practices that make real differences in real people’s lives.

Looking Forward
As we reflect on this year’s Small Business Big Heart winners, we’re already planning next year’s recognition program. The enthusiasm and gratitude we witnessed at both events reinforced our belief that small businesses deserve big celebrations.

We’re committed to continuing this tradition because we understand that strong communities depend on strong local businesses. When organizations like Westfield Small Animal Clinic and Kearney Housing Agency succeed, everyone benefits.

Our Invitation to Community
The Small Business Big Heart Grill Party Giveaway isn’t just about NebraskaLand Bank showing appreciation, it’s about encouraging our entire community to recognize and support the small businesses that serve us all.

Next time you visit your local veterinarian, housing agency, restaurant, or service provider, remember that you’re interacting with people who choose to invest in your community. They could have started their businesses anywhere, but they chose here. They could prioritize profits over people, but they chose service.

Food may be our love language at NebraskaLand Bank, but recognition, support, and community investment should be everyone’s love language. Together, we can ensure that organizations like Westfield Small Animal Clinic and Kearney Housing Agency continue thriving and serving for years to come. After all, great communities are built one relationship, one act of service, and one shared meal at a time.