KEARNEY, Neb. — Three of Kearney’s leading organizations now have a building that matches the city’s image.

The Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Kearney Visitors Bureau, and Development Council for Buffalo County cut the ribbon at a ceremony at the building on Thursday. The facility roughly doubles the space of the previous building shared by the three entities. It's a welcome upgrade for the community leaders, including Visitors Bureau Director Roger Jasnoch, who has served in his role for 28 years.

“I still don’t believe it,” Jasnoch said. “The other place was OK, but once you moved into this facility, OK wasn’t a descriptive phrase for the old building.”

The total project cost was more than $5.5 million. It was funded through private donations and gifts from the city and county.

“Now this brick and mortar — the building — is a place that we can collaborate, we can make connection, we can grow business in all facets,” Chamber President/CEO Derek Rusher said. “This building is now a benefit to (members’) investment.”

The building includes spacious offices, conference rooms that are available to area businesses, and a 2,000 square-foot welcome center. It's located on the city's south side right next to the soon-to-open Kearney SportsPlex.