NxBizSuccess » Nebraska News

Poll on Rural Economic Development Strategies

Marilyn — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:15:52 +0000

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

Marilyn — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:43:00 +0000

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

Marilyn — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:33:43 +0000

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

Tonia Franklin — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:13:31 +0000

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.The result provides a roadmap for directing Nebraska’s future economic development. It helps us better understand Nebraska’s strengths and competitive advantages. It highlights opportunities for better collaboration among schools, colleges and businesses. The study also offers ideas for accelerating innovation in communities across our state.

The report was very good news for Nebraska. Our state has an unusually diverse economy with at least 12 industries positioned for growth. Some of those industries include: renewable energy, transportation-warehousing and logistics companies, hospitality and tourism, food processors, research and development, and the biosciences. Each of these sectors has a connection to Nebraska’s single largest industry: agriculture. The study demonstrates the critical role agriculture plays in our economic strength. Other standouts for our state include financial services-related firms and computer and software service companies.

Three initiatives were identified as key to our future competitiveness in America’s new economy landscape. The first recommendation is aimed at providing tailored support to encourage development of our growing industries.

The study found that virtually every county in Nebraska has potential for development in the field of hospitality and tourism. One possibility for stimulating new development in this growing industry is to establish a new state park to provide recreation and expanded lodging options for visitors to the central and western parts of our state.

Developing a strong talent pool and connecting talented professionals and recent graduates with high-skill jobs in Nebraska is another strategy for helping advance Nebraska’s strategic growth.

The report recommends developing a paid internship program to help employers recruit and train future staff. Using a portion of our existing job training funds to partner with businesses in establishing a statewide internship program would help employers recruit and train future staff, particularly in specialized fields. Internships provide college-age students with experience and job training. A statewide program could help connect many of our future graduates with jobs at Nebraska’s highly-skilled and fast-growing companies.

The final set of recommendations involves supporting the innovation and expansion of Nebraska companies. One way to assist Nebraska’s growth-oriented companies is to create an angel investment tax credit to attract new investment to innovative start-up ventures or companies ready to expand. This could help entrepreneurs raise the capital they need while providing an incentive for individuals and venture capital firms that invest in Nebraska’s innovators.

Nebraska is fortunate to have so many industries that are strong and that contribute to our economy. It means our opportunities for growth are very diverse. Our challenge is to focus on attracting more specialized and advanced companies within these clusters.

This report provided a comprehensive survey we can use in our efforts to continue building an economy focused on technology and innovation. The feedback we received was positive and will be useful as we begin to develop and implement new proposals.

Renewable Energy Fair 2010

Marilyn — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:55:29 +0000

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

Tonia Franklin — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:16:30 +0000

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. Rural Development’s grants and loans may not be the first source for financial relief for Nebraska’s devastated rural communities, but the agency’s assistance can be a part of a community’s longer term rebuilding process. Rural Development can pick up where and when other agencies leave off.
In describing the current situation, Nebraska State Director for USDA Rural Development Maxine Moul, was reminded of the passage, “I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.” Moul emphasized that while “nature” created the current circumstances in the rural towns, perseverance would prevail through the rebuilding process, and Rural Development would assist when and wherever possible.
Community Needs
Grants and loans are available to help communities repair damage to facilities such as schools, libraries, childcare centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, and public buildings needed to ensure the health and safety of residents.

Business
Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG) are available to non-profit corporations and governmental bodies and authorities to help small businesses recover from the impact of the tornado. The funds can be used to assist with clean up, rebuilding and repairing of industrial parks and other commercial areas, including downtown business districts.
Funds are also available to these groups to establish or re-capitalize revolving loan programs that re-lend money to individual businesses at favorable rates.

Housing
Additional assistance is available to homeowners in counties, if FEMA declares them eligible for Individual Assistance, through Rural Development’s single family housing loan and grant programs. Low cost funds are available for housing purchases and repairs. Individuals needing payment assistance on their existing USDA Rural Development single family loans are encouraged to contact the Centralized Servicing Center in St. Louis at (800) 414-1226.
Assistance is also available for temporary rental housing in counties declared by FEMA as eligible for Individual Assistance. Priority can be given for rental units at properties already financed by Rural Development to those who have been displaced from their home due to the disaster.
Rural Development can make loans of up to $20,000 at one percent loan to be repaid over 20 years to eligible home owners with very modest incomes to help them rebuild or repair their homes. If those homeowners are at least 62 years of age, they may qualify for a grant to pay for repairs.
Rural Development field offices can help determine what Rural Development resources are available to help. Inquiries should be directed to the following area offices:
Kearney Office:           4009 6th Avenue, Suite 1 Kearney, NE 68845-2386
                                     P:(308) 237-3118 F:(308) 236-6290
Ainsworth Office:        731 E. 4th Ainsworth, NE 69210
                                     P:(402) 387-2242   F:(402) 387-0968
Lincoln Office:            8000 South 15th Street, Suite E Lincoln, NE 68512-9436
                                    P:(402) 423-9683 F:(402) 423-7614
Norfolk Office:           1909 Vicki Lane, Suite 103 Norfolk, NE 68701
                                    P:(402) 371-5350 F:(402) 371-8930
Scottsbluff Office:     818 Ferdinand Plaza, Suite B Scottsbluff, NE 69361-4401
                                    P:(308) 632-2195 F:(308) 635-2787
North Platte Office:    1202 S. Cottonwood, Suite 3 North Platte, NE 69101
                                    P:(308) 534-2360 F:(308) 534-8645

“With so many needs to be met, all at the same time, it is impossible to do everything all at once,” said Moul. “So when it’s our turn to help provide assistance, USDA Rural Development will offer our support because ‘we are committed to the future of rural communities.’”
Rural Development also provides financing and technical assistance to foster growth in business development, as well as critical community and technology infrastructure. More information on USDA Rural Development is available on the web at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ne.
-30-
Committed to the future of rural communities.

“USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity provider, employer and lender.”
To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice),
or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

NE Wind Power 2010 Conference Dates Set

Marilyn — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:04:42 +0000

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

Marilyn — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:55:05 +0000

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

Marilyn — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:10:52 +0000

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?

Marilyn — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:50:04 +0000

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)