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

Office Security – Time to Get it Done

Wow! Nebraska has sure had its share of storms this Spring. Unfortunately, too much rain, tornadoes, hail, and subsequent floods have ruined homes and businesses alike. Along with mother nature’s fury came water-logged computers and electrical problems from lightening strikes and downed power lines. This type of weather can cause serious problems with computers and lost data. Do you have an equipment and software inventory to provide to the insurance company as proof of purchase and value? Do you have a backup system that safely stores the irreplaceable family photos or costly business records? 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

Another Plug for Bootstrapping

An interesting article came out this week from Techcrunch.com on the benefits of bootstrapping a business to stay lean and hungry. Guest writer, Vivek Wadhwa, an entrepreneur turned academic, talks about his experiences starting companies with venture capital. He found that his decisions were about pleasing the board members rather than pleasing the customers. Wadhwa states, “Pleasing board members became an unnecessary priority.“ In the long-run the focus should be on building customer relations for long-term growth.

Research conducted by David Townsend, NC State University and Lowell Busenitz, University of Oklahoma, also showed that acquiring investment capital did not guarantee success. Is venture capital wrong? By no means, no. Venture capital can be a breath of life for a cash-strapped company that has huge manufacturing or other start-up costs. Each entrepreneur should research and critically assess their need for and type of capital investment that would best work for their business.

Wadhwa’s article reminds me of an interview I conducted with Derrick Eells last fall. Derrick and Jeffrey Eells own TenDot Travel, a Lincoln-based corporate incentive travel company. Bootstrapping was the name of the game to getting this business started. If what Wadhwa states is true that “capital starvation leads to innovation,” then TenDot Travel is the epitome of innovation. Derrick and Jeff started their business the day after they quit their jobs. Living out of their house, the Eellses began cold calling and competing against the industry giants. They had new innovative products that were making the industry clients rethink their prior relationships. Through determination and persistence, they won businesses over. To ramp up and keep costs down, they hired contractors instead of employees. They also looked to family and mentors to help with the business operations and decisions. As the business continues to grow, now reaching over the $1 million sales mark, the Eellses continue to stay lean and hungry for new opportunities.

Check out the Eellses’ videos : Passion, Culture and Sales, and Sales Tips for the Service Business and let me know your thoughts on bootstrapping the company, the pros and cons, and how you best bootstrap to save costs.

Until next time,

Marilyn Schlake, Associate Director, NebraskaEDGE Program, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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)