Poll on Rural Economic Development Strategies

What economic development strategies are important to rural citizens? To discover that answer, researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln asked 2,490 rural citizens the question, “What type of impact on your community do you think would result from your community pursuing the following economic development strategies?” Although the results varied by location, age, education and income, the overall results were very positive toward entrepreneurship as a development strategy:

Providing loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs in their community (79%)
Developing a youth entrepreneurship program in their local school/s (76%)
Providing training or technical assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs in your community (74%)

Poll respondents were also positive toward specific infrastructure development that captured the unique characteristics or resources of the community. For example, persons living in or near communities larger than 10,000 believed developing industrial parks in their community would have a positive impact (66%) compared to persons living in or near communities with fewer than 500 persons (33%). In addition, persons living in the Nebraska Panhandle region were more positive about the perceived impact of promoting development of wind energy (82%) than persons living in Southeast Nebraska (68%).

To read this report and others, visit the Nebraska Rural Poll at the Center for Applied Rural Innovation.

Submitted by Rebecca Vogt, Survey Research Manager, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Flood CleanUp, Contractors Register with FEMA

Now that the Missouri River flood waters are beginning to recede in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska, the need for businesses to help with cleanup is critical. If your business is interested in contracting with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), contact Andy Alexander, Program Manager and Counselor with the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) to help (402-554-6253). A step-by-step guide is available to get you started in registering with FEMA.

NBDC PTAC is also available to assist any business interested in contracting with local, state and federal agencies. PTAC offices are located in Omaha, Auburn, Kearney and Wayne.

Submitted by Marilyn Schlake, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Alice’s Integrity Loan Fund

Alice Dittman, retired CEO of Cornhusker Bank, is giving $1 million to establish Alice’s Integrity Loan Fund, a micro-lending program for individuals who want to start or grow a business. Alice’s Integrity Loans will be considered for any amount, up to $5,000 at a fixed interest rate of 6 percent, with repayment no longer than 3 years or 36 monthly payment. If the loan has been paid as agree, a step up loan of $10,000 may be possible. A qualified burrower must be a resident of Lincoln or Lancaster County, Nebraska.

Loans will be evaluated on 4 specific standards:

Character 40% - Applicant must demonstrate by record, a payment history. Demonstrate definitive service to others and absence of destructive personal behavior or addiction.
Capacity 30% – The ability of an individual to carry out their business idea. The individual must commit to completion of a business plan.
Commitment 20% – The responsibility of the individual borrowing money from the Fund to repay the loan. To commit to helping another individual to follow sound stewardship with their income.
Capital 10% – It is not the intention of the Fund to require collateral, however some type of measurable equity must be provided.

The program is administered by Deb Payne, fund manager and coach located at Community Development Resource (CDR). CDR is a Community Development Financial Institution certified by the U.S. Treasury that provides provides financial products and services to businesses underserved by traditional financial institutions.

Contact Deb Payne at 402.436.2435 or deb.payne@cdr-nebraska.org or visit the Alice’s Integrity Loan Fund website.

A Roadmap for Nebraska’s Future Economic Growth

By Governor Dave Heineman: September 17, 2010

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

Recently we unveiled the findings of a study that provided a detailed look at Nebraska’s business climate. The report was compiled by the country’s foremost researchers of innovation and research. The study recommended strategies to capitalize on existing resources in our state. Read more

Renewable Energy Fair 2010

The Green Event of the Summer, July 23 & 24 in Lyons, Nebraska.

We all want to conserve energy, save money and do better by mother earth, but we don’t know where to start. Fortunately, a remedy is coming. The Nebraska Renewable Energy Fair will feature a renewable energy bus tour, demonstrations, breakout sessions, exhibit booths and more.

On Friday, July 23, the fair features a Renewable Energy Bus tour, where participants will observe renewable energy practices in action. One of the highlights is a stop at a farm that is a functioning integrated energy demonstration project. It has been operating off grid for over 6 years.Reserve Your Spot on the Bus Tour: Space is limited, so please make your reservations early. The cost is $10 by July 3, and $25 by July 16. A box lunch is provided.

On Saturday, July 24, the fair features a full day of demonstrations, breakout sessions, and exhibit booths. Lunch featuring local food will be available at Happy Days Senior Care, along with refreshment booths. Participants will learn about small and utility-scale wind turbines, see biodiesel being made, learn about USDA programs on energy efficiency and renewable energy systems, gain the concepts of energy conservation programs and practices, energy safety, how to cut crop inputs and livestock feed costs.

Exhibit booths will be open from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Breakout sessions are designed to appeal to business owners, farmers and ranchers, community leaders and homeowners.

So, whether you feel like a victim in today’s high energy cost world or you are looking for ways to go green and conserve, you can actually take control and make a difference. Learn how by attending the Renewable Energy Fair!

Contact Stephanie Fritz, stephanief@cfra.org or 402.358.3432.

Fair sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs and the Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems.

Rural Development Resources Available to Flood and Natural Disaster Victims

Lincoln, NE, June 24, 2010—USDA Rural Development has a long standing history of assisting rural communities in need. While it has no programs specifically designed for emergencies or natural disasters, USDA Rural Development does provide affordable financing that can assist communities and individuals who suffered damage from the recent floods and other natural disasters that are affecting parts of rural Nebraska. Read more

NE Wind Power 2010 Conference Dates Set

The Nebraska Wind Power 2010 Conference will be held in Kearney at the new Younes Conference Center November 9-10. The event is sponsored by the Nebraska Wind Working Group (NWWG), a state and federal partnership funded by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Powering America to help develop the state’s wind resources.

Dr. James A. Walker, Vice Chairman of the Board of enXco, and past President of AWEA (American Wind Energy Association) will keynote the Conference. Dr. Walker has over 30 years experience in energy in public and private entities, and pioneered wind project development in Greece, Turkey, and Mexico. He was awarded “Industry Person of the Year” in 2007 by AWEA.

The two day conference will focus on Nebraska’s future wind energy development challenges and opportunities, including the recently passed LB1048 that clarifies the roles and responsibilities between private sector developers, public power, and the Power Review Board for wind generated electricity for export. It will include multiple tracks of programs that will provide participants multiple opportunities to attend the sessions that interest them the most. The entire spectrum of wind energy development will be addressed, with tracks and workshops on state and national wind energy policy, commercial wind energy development, transmission and integration, small wind energy systems, economic development opportunities, jobs, careers, and wind energy training programs and workforce potential.

The NWWG Co-Chairs are State Senator Cap Dierks, sponsor of LB629, the Community-Based Energy Development passed unanimously by the Legislature in 2007, Nebraska Farmers Union President John Hansen, and Dan McGuire, Facilitator for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Wind Powering America’s “Wind for Schools” program in Nebraska.

“This conference is a progress report on wind energy development in our state, and this an exciting time for wind energy development because we have made a lot of progress this year. Nebraska has come a long ways in the past three years. Our state has some of the best wind energy resources in the country, and we need to work together to figure out the best way to develop it,” said Sen. Cap Dierks.

“If you are interested in wind energy development in Nebraska, this conference is a “must attend”. The past two conferences have been well attended and received first class evaluations,” said Dan McGuire. “Participants have the opportunity to ask the speakers questions, exchange ideas and get acquainted with other wind energy players in our state and nation.”

John Hansen concluded “Dr. James Walker is a nationally recognized and respected expert on many aspects of wind energy development. His experience in wind energy development ranges from an academic background, to federal government, state government, and private sector wind energy development. We are excited about Dr. Walker coming to Nebraska. In addition, the new Younes Conference Center gives us the opportunity to expand our program options and our already large commercial exhibits.” Registration details will be posted on the Nebraska Farmers Union website at: www.nebraskafarmersunion.org or the Nebraska Energy Office Home page at: www.neo.ne.gov or the NWWG home page at: http://www.neo.ne.gov/renew/wind-working-group/nwwg.htm.

For Immediate Release: June 21, 2010 Contact: John Hansen at Nebraska Farmers Union — 402‑476‑8815

Critical “How to” Export programs offered June through November

The U.S. and world economies are linked in many ways. To best understand how the U.S. has stayed afloat during this recent recession, one need only look at exports that were responsible for two-thirds of the nation’s economic growth from 2007-2008.

Between 2007-2008 Nebraska’s exports increased by 27 percent—to Canada by 26 percent, to Mexico by 27 percent and to Japan by 48 percent. While the state’s numbers dropped in 2008 as the recession deepened, its decreases were modest compared with business conducted stateside.

“Without international business, we wouldn’t be in business today, describes our situation very well,” said Matt Allmand, President of Allmand Brothers Inc., in Holdrege. “Many months in 2009, our international business was 50 percent of our revenue. And while other business was off 60 percent, international was only off 5 percent.”

So, whether you’re new to exporting, or have specific exporting issues, several upcoming programs and opportunities are geared to turn you into an export expert.

“Exporting 101 – Let Us Help You Put the Pieces Together!” takes place Thursday, June 17 in the Board Room of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Laura Pedersen, Global Banking Officer with First National Bank of Omaha will cover export rules & regulations; export documentation; export financing; and international methods of payment. A registration fee includes materials, lunch and parking. Deadline to register is June 14.

From June 22 to November 4, a “Traveling International Office” will be visiting 11 Nebraska communities throughout the state. Susan Rouch with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and Meredith Bond with the U.S. Commercial Service will share export resources, international experience and expertise to help business owners eliminate obstacles to exporting. The sessions are free and no appointment is necessary for one-on-one meetings.

ExporTech Program – How to Grow Your Company Through Exports!, is a new three-session offering that will take place August 19, September 16 and October 28 at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. In just three months, this “how-to” program will help business leaders draft company specific export plans; effectively expand into global markets; connect with reputable resources and expert consultants; and locate resources to move rapidly from the planning to sales stage. The program is sponsored by the U.S. and Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnerships, DED, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and U.S. Commercial Service. Space is limited, and the deadline to register is July 16.

For information, contact Susan R. Rouch at 800-426-6505, 402-471-4668, or susan.rouch@nebraska.gov

Press Release: June 11, 2010, Lincoln, NE

CDR becomes a Certified Development Corporation

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has given its approval for Community Development Resources (CDR), a non-profit firm in Lincoln, to operate as a Certified Development Company (CDC).

Representatives from U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns Nebraska office and SBA Nebraska District Office District Director Leon Milobar will introduce CDR to lenders, prospective borrowers and area economic development leaders in an event Wednesday, June 9^that 10 a.m., at CDR’s office at 285 S. 68th Street Place, Suite 520, in Lincoln.

Sen. Johanns, as mayor of Lincoln in late 1994, first approached Rick Wallace, the Executive Director of CDR, seeking an idea to help spur growth in the city. With a mission to help others to start their own successful business, Wallace created a program, then known as the Self Employment Loan Fund (SELF), which would make loans to small businesses, and then pay off those loans so the money in turn could finance further start-ups.

The SBA’s Certified Development Company Program provides growing businesses with long-term, fixed rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. The program is designed to enable small businesses to buy their own buildings with a 10 percent down payment.

CDCs work with the SBA and private-sector lenders to provide financing to small businesses under the SBA’s 504 loan program. Small business owners have ability to purchase an industrial or commercial building at below-market interest rates; the loan also may be used to purchase or remodel an existing building, construct a new facility or to purchase equipment that has an economic life of at least 10 years. The CDC/504 loan program is a long-term financing tool for economic development within a community.

For more information about SBA’s loan programs and services, please call 402-221-4691 or visit our website at www.sba.gov/ne.

For more information on CDR, please call 402-436-2386 or visit their website at http://www.cdr-nebraska.org/www/index.php.

Press Release – SBA Omaha, June 3, 2010

eValueWeb: Evaluate, Update, Regulate – Is Your Web Site Working For, or Against You?

Regular maintenance is a part of everyday living. Cars’ oil levels need to be regularly checked. Children need yearly physicals. Even chimneys, air conditioning units and furnaces need looking after. Well, guess what? The same holds true for web sites.

Web sites are one of the most advantageous marketing tools available to business owners, allowing them to not only be “open” 24/7, but to reach customers and clients around the world. However, web sites also require constant monitoring and updated information, graphics, and usability features or functions. A web site featuring old information or outdated graphics could negatively impact business.

To help Nebraska business owners avoid the pitfalls of bad or ineffective web sites, GROW Nebraska is offering the affordable eValueWeb critique. The cost is $30 for basic GROW members, or $15 for GROW bundle members. Non-members will pay just $205 for the critique (includes GROW Nebraska membership through December 31, 2011). Registration deadline is June 30 and completed critiques will be received by August 1.

A jury panel of web industry experts in e-business strategy, graphic design, marketing and usability testing will rate the web sites in audience/purpose, graphics, navigation, content, functionality and search engine optimization. This year’s panel professionals include:

Jason Berry of Wildberry Production Group
Kurt Guntner of Blue Collar Design Studio
Ryan Cole of Three Pillars Media
John Stappert of Power Computing, Inc.
Angela Stueckrath of Angela Stueckrath Consulting
Lance Hedquist of South Sioux City Economic Development
Kelly Diekmann of Perfect 11 Solutions
David Hefley of Meridian Consulting
Doris Lux of Central Community College-Columbus
Derek Bierman of Shockra Multimedia and Design
Sara Brownwood of Impact! Media & Marketing
Erik Miller of CleanSheep Design
Melody Hansen of Sublime Artistry.

The juror’s biographical information and photos are available at grownebraska.org/webeval/.

GROW Nebraska member Ann Wooledge of Wingsets in Lincoln was glad she participated in a past critique. “I can say the money was certainly well spent. Their comments were very constructive and helpful.”

eValueWeb and membership applications are available on the GROW Nebraska web site at www.grownebraska.org. To find out more about eValueWeb, call GROW Nebraska at 888.GROW.NEB (476.9632), or e-mail info@grownebraska.org.

GROW Nebraska’s mission is to maximize the state’s entrepreneurial and small business spirit, create an economically viable and sustainable environment for entrepreneurs, and generate social awareness through promotion, marketing and education.

Press Release: HOLBROOK, NEB. (June 2, 2010)

keep looking »