Business reports for Saturday, Nov. 16

Retail rates remain the same at SPPD for 12th year in a row

Southern Public Power District retail customers will see no changes to their cost for energy in 2025. SPPD board of directors met for its regular monthly board meeting on Nov. 13 to review and approve the 2025 budget and customer rates.

The decision reflects SPPD's ongoing commitment to providing reliable, affordable service and supporting the communities it serves.

"Our mission at Southern is to keep our rates as competitive as possible without sacrificing reliability. We are in the 12th year in a row without a retail rate increase," said Chad Waldow, SPPD CEO/president. "This is made possible by a dedicated workforce and a board of directors that stay focused on the mission."

The decision comes after careful planning and financial forecasting to ensure current rates allow for SPPD to both maintain and strategically invest in the infrastructure necessary to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy.

Contributing factors to the board's decision for maintaining the retail rate included the districts growing electric load, efficient operations and a wholesale power cost credit.

"Our 2025 budget and work plan will invest in our system to serve the load of our growing demand and continue with the maintenance programs to ensure the reliability we all expect," Waldow said,

Pump & Pantry unveils total remodel with new offerings

Quiznos and Scoops Ice Cream added to Kearney store

KEARNEY — Pump & Pantry has announced the grand reopening of its newly remodeled store at 1212 E. 56th St., in Kearney. The store has doubled in size and now offers more convenience with new additions, including Quiznos and Scoops Ice Cream.

"This remodel reflects Pump & Pantry's ongoing commitment to growth, customer satisfaction, and convenience," the company noted in a press release.

The remodeled store features Quiznos, known for its toasted subs, with the added convenience of online ordering. This location marks the eighth Quiznos with Pump & Pantry in Nebraska and the second in Kearney.

Scoops Ice Cream, with its variety of flavors, has also opened at this location, celebrating its 11th statewide location and its second in Kearney.

The public is invited to attend the Kearney Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony set for noon Thursday, Nov. 21. Quiznos will offer several lunch specials that day.

B&R Stores, Inc. names new CEO; Raybould to become chief strategy officer

LINCOLN — B&R Stores, Inc., operator of 34 supermarkets across Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri, has announced the promotion of Mark Griffin from president and chief operating officer to president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 15.

Pat Raybould, son of the company's founder, Russ Raybould, has served as CEO for over two decades and will transition into the role of chief strategy officer, while continuing his responsibilities as chairman of the board.

In his new position, Griffin will focus on driving the company's vision, strategy and operational execution. Raybould, as chief strategy officer, will explore strategic growth initiatives, including potential acquisitions and real estate development, while continuing to prioritize the company's involvement in community efforts.

Griffin brings over 40 years of experience in the food industry to his role.

Raybould's deep connection to B&R Stores began with its founding by his father in 1964. Over the course of his career, he took on increasing responsibilities, ultimately leading the company to its current stature as a respected operator of 34 stores. His commitment to B&R's 2,500 employees, customers, and the 22 communities it serves has been instrumental in the company's growth and continued success.

B&R Stores, Inc. was founded in 1964 by Russ and Anita Raybould. The family-owned company has grown to include several supermarket banners including Russ's Market, Super Saver, Apple Market, Allen's, Cash Saver, C&R Markets, Mason's and Joe's Market located in Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.

Behlen Mfg. Co. announces acquisition of Sweet Manufacturing Co.

COLUMBUS — Behlen Mfg. Co., headquartered in Columbus, has signed an agreement to purchase Sweet Manufacturing Co. in Springfield, Ohio. Closing is expected to take place by the end of January 2025.

Sweet Manufacturing has been a family-owned business for almost 70 years. Behlen has been in business since 1936 and has been family owned for more than 40 years. Both companies have a "rich heritage of quality, service, and a commitment to bring value to all stakeholders,' Behlen noted in a press release.

"The relationship that has been forged between Behlen and Sweet over the past several years has shown that our foundational beliefs, culture, and commitment to meeting the needs of customers align perfectly," said Tony Raimondo Jr, board chair of Behlen. "We are excited to welcome Sweet into the Behlen family of businesses and look forward to a bright future together as we work on solutions and serve our customers around the world."

Sweet Manufacturing is the 14th acquisition for Behlen since its return to local ownership in 1984.

Behlen Mfg. Co. is headquartered in Columbus, with additional locations in Baker City, Oregon; McGregor, Texas; and Sarasota, Florida. Learn more about Behlen at www. behlenmfg.com/

ALLO for Education program now underway

ALLO Fiber is again sponsoring ALLO for Education, a program where it supports local schools throughout their fiberhoods.

The program's success in the past has been a tremendous benefit to its communities as it has donated more than $372,000 to local schools. With the help of = friends and neighbors, ALLO "hopes to reach its goal this year and help promote education to build a brighter future for students and educators," the company noted in a press release.

"At ALLO, we're dedicated to closing the technology gap and uplifting the communities we serve" said Tanna Hanna, vice president of marketing. "We believe the best way to inspire growth and innovation is to start with our children and schools, which is why the ALLO for Education campaign is so important to us."

ALLO for Education is a program that donates $50 to a school of the customer's choice for each new residential customer who obtains ALLO high-speed internet, TV or phone service between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31.

"Technology is essential in the lives of students, schools, and our communities. ALLO's all-fiber network delivers unparalleled speed, enabling students to explore opportunities beyond their classroom walls," Hanna said. "The donations will help schools invest in technology-focused resources and improvements."

Visit AlloFiber.com/Education to learn more.

CharterWest announces leadership transition

WEST POINT — CharterWest Bank is marking a leadership transition as longtime President Kevin Larson retires after more than 20 years at the helm and nearly 40 years of dedicated service to the organization.

Jim Murphy, currently the Omaha Metro market president, becomes only the third president in CharterWest's nearly four-decade history, effective Oct. 1. Although retiring as president, Larson will continue to serve as executive vice president into 2025 until he transitions into full-time retirement.

Larson has been with CharterWest since its inception in 1985, when it operated as a small-town agricultural bank with just four employees. In 2008, Larson was named president, and during his tenure, CharterWest has grown into a financial institution with nearly half a billion dollars in assets, spanning 17 communities. Today, CharterWest operates five full-service banks with another scheduled to open in early 2025, alongside 14 mortgage centers throughout Nebraska and western Iowa, including those in Grand Island, Kearney and Hastings.

Business Reports are published weekly in The Independent's weekend Ag & Business section. To submit news items, email to Terri Hahn at . Deadline for submission is noon Wednesday.