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 fund Plus, 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. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:36 Meet Theresa Klein 01:03 The Old Casey’s Building & New Development Updates 02:00 What the Wahoo Chamber Actually Does 03:20 The History of the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce 04:45 What Happens Inside the Chamber Office Every Day 06:20 Helping Residents Find Trusted Local Businesses 08:40 Businesses Wahoo Still Needs 10:00 Recruiting Businesses & Finding Commercial Space 11:40 Economic Growth & Downtown Development 15:12 First Bank of Nebraska Sponsor Break 15:56 Questions the Chamber Can’t Always Answer 17:20 Utilities, Zoning & Business Development 18:30 Theresa the “Human Hyperlink” 20:30 Why Human Connection Still Matters 21:20 The We Are Wahoo App & Wahoo Weekly 24:20 Social Media, Local News & Reliable Information 25:05 Why Some Development News Stays Confidential 27:30 The Real Cost & Risk of Development Projects 29:55 The Wahoo Community Foundation Explained 31:30 Supporting Local Projects Through Giving 33:00 Scholarship Programs in Saunders County 35:00 The Chamber Workforce Scholarship 37:40 How to Become a Friend of the Chamber 38:50 Final Thoughts & Future Wahoo Growth 40:15 Outro