Potter Part of Nebraska Passport Success

LINCOLN – They toured. They stopped at places they likely didn't know existed until signing up for the program. The tour brought them to coffee shops, off-the-highway diners and shops. In the end, these retail tourists learned more about Nebraska, including places they will likely visit again.

A record breaking amount of people traveled through Nebraska to get stamps for the Nebraska Passport program.

Among the stops for the Passport program is Potter.

This year, 749 participants submitted Passports with all 70 stops stamped, versus 469 in 2017 and 168 in 2016 when the program hosted 80 stops. These “Passport Champions” hail from Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Oregon.

“The Nebraska Passport gave me a renewed sense of state pride,” said Melanie Wortsell of Norfolk. “The people we met along the way were so friendly and genuine. We saw places that we'd never heard of before. The scenery in western Nebraska was incredible. It was an awesome adventure!”

Peggy Nelson, a partner in the Flea Market in Potter, said the program allowed her to meet new people, and marked an increase in business.

“It went great,” she said.

Cheyenne County Tourism Director Kevin Howard said the Passport Program is designed to promote local businesses, especially businesses who a uniqueness to promote.

“The Nebraska Passport program has proven to bring people into unique businesses in our community that may otherwise be missed. I would encourage businesses in Cheyenne County that would qualify to apply for this program as it is a great way to promote your business,” Howard said.

2018 Nebraska Passport Statistics:

There were 95 percent more prize entry sheets submitted and 50 percent more Passports requested in 2018 than 2017.

From submitted Passports, 144,903 total stamps were collected.

The average number of stamps submitted per participant was 31.

Participants included residents from 418 Nebraska communities and 46 states.

Passport participants ranged in age from one-year-old to 98-years-old.

Top 15 Most Visited Stops

UNL Dairy Store, Lincoln

Rabbit Hole Bakery, Lincoln

Piezano’s, Lincoln

The Archway, Kearney

Zio’s Pizza, Omaha

Wave Pizza Co., Grand Island

Platte Valley Antique Mall, Greenwood

Sheldon Museum of Art, Lincoln

Mahoney State Park, Ashland

Passageway Gallery, Omaha

The Durham Museum, Omaha

Gene Roncka Willow Point Gallery, Ashland

Milady Coffeehouse, Fremont

Bottle Rocket Brewing Co., Seward

Shopping Tripps, Kearney

“This program has grown year after year, achieving the goal of getting Nebraskans to explore the state they call home,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “To have 749 people make it to every corner of Nebraska and to see participants from 46 states is absolutely remarkable.”

In 2017, the Nebraska Passport program generated nearly $6 million in travel spending throughout the state and $469,500 in state and local tax revenue, according to a study done by Dean Runyan & Associates.

The winner of this year’s grand prize drawing is Melissa Martin of Shelton. She will receive an Omaha Steaks Butcher’s Share Quarter of Beef with a free chest freezer, in addition to other program prizes.

Additional drawings were done for 300 Nebraska Lottery scratch coupons, a year’s worth of Bakers Candies Chocolates, a year’s worth of Runza and a variety of other items from the 2018 passport stops.

Travelers who visited participating locations and collected stamps could also earn a passport decal, $15 in Nebraska lottery coupons, a Nebraska tourism calendar, Nebraska poster booklet and Passport Champion apparel.

Be a 2019 Nebraska Passport Stop

Not only does the Nebraska Passport program benefit travelers through helping them create life-long memories, the program greatly benefits the 70 chosen Passport stops through increased traffic, sales and awareness.

“The Passport program was a wonderful experience and brought so much awareness to our small business,” said Cyndie Schoof, owner of Sugar Shack Country Candles in Edgar. “We had hundreds of Passport visitors each month. We had such a great time visiting with them and hearing stories about their Passport travels. We have gained customers for life from this program.”

Applications are now being accepted for Nebraska Tourism’s 2019 Passport program. Any Nebraska destination is welcome to apply to become a Passport “stop.” Past stops have included museums, restaurants, outdoor adventures, retail stores, etc.

To complete the 2019 Passport online application, as well as to view information about Passport stop requirements, how the program benefits Passport stops, and details about the application process, go to: http://nebraskapassport.com/program/application/. The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2018. Questions about participating in the program can be directed to [email protected].