Name the future convention center in Valentine—for the right donation

VALENTINE, Neb. - Want your name or business featured on Valentine’s new convention center? It could be yours—for the right donation. On Monday, the team behind the planned facility gathered to strategize how to raise the necessary funds to bring the project to life.

As News Channel Nebraska reported earlier this year, Cherry County commissioners and Mid-Plains Community College signed an inter-local agreement to build the center next to the college. The design for the $4.75 million facility has now been approved, and the team is focused on raising $3.25 million through grants and fundraising efforts. That includes giving donors the chance to name the building, lobby, or even a meeting room.

“It’s going to give the communities and individuals within Cherry County an opportunity to create a lasting legacy with an opportunity to name the facility or put your name somewhere within the facility,” Mid-Plains Vice President of Administrative Services Mike Steele.

County and city leaders have discussed the idea of a convention center for years. The money the county is contributing has already been set aside through a promotional fund, generated from lodging taxes. Leaders want to make sure people know that county tax dollars will not be used for the project.

Meanwhile, Mid-Plains will cover the maintenance and upkeep of the building once it’s complete.