Bellevue Chamber Wraps Up 2025 with Community Spirit and Plans for a Strong 2026

As the holidays approach, the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce is closing out 2025 with a mix of community spirit, gratitude, and forward thinking. From honoring local veterans to planning the future of Bellevue’s favorite board game, the Chamber is balancing tradition and innovation this season.

Honoring Veterans with a Parade in Olde Towne

One of Bellevue’s proudest traditions returns this weekend as the Nebraska Official Veterans Day Parade steps off in Olde Towne Bellevue on Saturday, November 8 at 10 a.m.

Despite the ongoing government shutdown, the parade will go on as planned. The Chamber is encouraging the community to come out and help celebrate the men and women who have served our nation. With marching bands, community groups, and military representatives, the parade stands as one of Nebraska’s largest and most heartfelt Veterans Day tributes.

Pause on Networking, But Not on Community Giving

The Chamber is taking a short break from its usual Wake Up Wednesday and Business After Hours events in November and December to give members a breather during the busy holiday season.

“Between family gatherings, community events, and wrapping up year-end projects, time is precious,” said Chamber President Diane. “We wanted to give everyone a little space to focus on what’s most important.”

Even so, the Chamber’s spirit of connection and service remains strong. It’s serving as a drop-off site for three local drives:

• Bellevue Food Pantry, collecting donations to help feed local families in need;
• Coats for All Seasons, providing warm outerwear for all ages; and
• Operation Holiday Cheer, a long-standing tradition supporting enlisted members at Offutt Air Force Base who remain in dorms over Christmas.

Operation Holiday Cheer Returns

Back for another year, Operation Holiday Cheer delivers “jolly goodie bags” filled with treats and gifts to airmen staying on base during the holidays.

The Chamber is seeking in-kind donations (sets of 500 of the same item) and monetary contributions to help fill the bags. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, ranging from Santa Claus Sponsor ($500) to Rudolph Sponsor ($300) and Santa’s Elves Sponsor ($200).

Community members and local businesses interested in contributing can contact Melissa at the Chamber for details.

Holiday Party Rescheduled for Valentine’s Season

While the Chamber’s traditional December Holiday Party won’t happen this year, it’s simply moving to a new season of celebration. The event will now be held around Valentine’s Day 2026, giving members a fun mid-winter gathering to relax and reconnect once the holiday rush has passed.

BellevueOpoly Goes Digital

In a sign of the times, the Chamber’s playful community favorite, BellevueOpoly, is getting a high-tech update.

The game, which has previously featured local businesses on a classic board layout, will become a mobile app set to launch in 2026. Businesses can register to claim a digital “gameboard space” beginning Monday, December 1st, with spots expected to sell out quickly.

More details about the app and registration process will be released in mid-November.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Even while managing community projects and seasonal giving, the Chamber’s team is planning a full calendar of events for 2026 aimed at helping businesses grow, network, and strengthen Bellevue’s economy.

The Chamber also recently welcomed several new members, including Ava Home Care & Community Services, Belladonna Tattoo Parlor, Bellevue Senior Community Center, Greiner Home Improvement, Heritage Home Co., and The Origin Group—adding fresh energy to Bellevue’s growing business community.

A Season of Gratitude

As 2025 winds down, the Chamber is extending its thanks to members, volunteers, and local leaders who help make Bellevue a thriving place to live and work.

“We couldn’t do it without you,” Diane said. “Thank you for all you do to make Bellevue such a wonderful place to live and work.”