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Value of Technology Applications
Dan Shundoff, Owner/President of Intellicom, Inc. (Kearney, NE) states that technology is the competitive edge small businesses need. Having the correct line of business application for your industry is mission critical. These industry-specific software programs help to run the company, sales, and management of people. The key is getting value out of the investment and customizing it to your needs. Decide how critical the immediacy of communication is and purchase accordingly. Software and hardware, including mobile devices, need to provide business value and purpose. Use of virtual services help to reduce annual techology investments and allows businesses to pay for services monthly. (http://www.intellicominc.com) View Video
REAP Feasibility Study Grant Program
Applications Being Accepted for Renewable Energy Feasibility Study Grants
Lincoln, Neb., August 24, 2010 – USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for the Section 9007 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Feasibility Study Grant program.
The REAP/Feasibility Study Grant Program provides grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to conduct a feasibility study for a renewable energy system.
The grants are awarded on a competitive basis for up to 25 percent of total eligible project costs or $50,000 whichever is less.
Eligible feasibility studies for renewable energy systems include projects that will produce energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro power and hydrogen-based sources. The energy to be produced includes, heat, electricity, or fuel.
For all projects, the system must be located in a rural area and must be owned by the applicant.
Applications must be received in your local USDA Rural Development office no later than 4:30 p.m. CT on October 5, 2010. You can locate the Rural Development office nearest you by visiting: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ne/Contact_Us.htm. Application materials can be located online at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ne/Energy_Section%209007%20Renewable%20Energy%20Feasibility%20Study%20Funding.htm. Applications can also be downloaded and submitted through http://www.grants.gov. The Notice of Funding Availability for Renewable Energy Feasibility Studies Grants under the REAP can be found in the August 6, 2010 Federal Register Vol. 75 No. 151 page 47525. Contact Deb Yocum, rural energy coordinator at 402-437-5554 or debra.yocum@ne.usda.gov.
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
Wine School for the Perfect Wine
Has anyone tasted a really good wine lately? If so, it may just have come from a Nebraska winery. Scan down the list of awards that Nebraska wines have won over the past few years and you will be impressed. According the Nebraska Winery & Grape Growers Association, there are now 21 wineries and ten additional tasting rooms located throughout Nebraska that offer unique flavors and unexpected sceneries. Download the Official Passport to the 2010 Nebraska Wine Tour and enter your name for prizes.
Oh the flip side, if you are interested in starting a winery or already have a winery, then consider going back to school…that is a wine making school sponsored by the Five Rivers Resource Conservation and Development. Small-Scale Commercial Wine Making School will be held October 22 & 23 and the Advanced Wine Making School II will be held November 5 & 6 in Nebraska City. Here’s your chance to learn more about making and perfecting wines. For workshop information, contact Five Rivers RC&D at 402.335.3347 or email bobbie.meints@rcdnet.net. The workshops feature viticulture experts who can provide great information to get your wines to award winning levels.
Oh, for future reference, I like the bold reds.
Until next time,
Marilyn Schlake, Associate Director, NebraskaEDGE Program, UNL
New MAST Course for Ag Producers
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Oklahoma State University have partnered with Kansas State University to help expand K-State’s educational program for agricultural producers.
“It is a management training course designed for producers who are dedicated to making improved management decisions and bringing strategic planning and thinking to their operations,” said Brad Lubben, extension public policy specialist and the program’s collaborating faculty member at UNL.
Lubben previously worked with the Management Analysis and Strategic Thinking Program, or MAST, while at K-State and helped bring the program to UNL.
“This is an effort to expand the reach of the MAST program to more producers and involve more researchers across the region . . . Drawing on additional specialists is important to help bring more resources and expertise to the program,” Lubben said.
The majority of the program is completed through online learning modules that participants can work on from home on their own time. This allows the program to attract a variety of participants, and there are currently MAST alumni in seven states.
“MAST has been a highly effective program over the last seven years in providing participants with advanced agricultural and agribusiness management training,” said David Lambert, head of K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics. “Instructors from all three land-grant universities will pool their talents in challenging MAST participants with a wide range of decision tools relevant to agricultural management, production, marketing and finance.”
The program consists of eight learning modules covering: land ownership and leasing; machinery ownership and leasing; financial analysis; human resources; tax management and policy; risk management; marketing; and an optional module that varies in content.
During the distance portion of MAST, faculty members at the three universities will be available to answer questions and help participants explore different ways to help their businesses succeed.
“There is value in producers taking time for in-depth management training and strategic planning… This program and other management education programs like it give producers the opportunity to do strategic thinking that is critical to success,” said Lubben, who is a collaborator for modules involving agricultural policy.
Along with the online work, K-State will host two on-campus sessions at the start and end of the MAST program. The 2010-2011 program kicks off with an orientation session on Nov. 16-17. The program then concludes with the second on-campus session on Feb. 22-23, 2011.
For more information about the MAST program, contact Lubben at blubben2@unl.edu or (402) 472-2235.
Source: IANRNews
Did you know?…NE resources
Did you know?…
Did you know that Nebraska has a new association for small businesses? If not, you need to check them out. The Small Business Association of the Midlands is offering tools, education and networking opportunities for individuals just getting started or are operating an existing business. The SBAM targets businesses with less than 99 employees for their seminars, resources and online information. A membership meeting is being held on August 10 from 8:30 am – 10:00 am. Can’t attend? Contact SBAM to learn more about their services and membership fees.
Did you know that there is an innovation club available in Southeast Nebraska? The I2E (Inventors, Investors and Entrepreneurs) club provides individuals with the opportunity to pursue their passion of launching or selling an innovation or business concept. The next meeting is scheduled for August 10, from 5:30pm – 8:00 pm at the Kimmel Education and Research Center. More information on the I2E Club and membership forms are available online at http://kimmel.unl.edu/i2eclub1 or contact creimers2@unl.edu.
Did you know that entrepreneurial services are available through the Nebraska Self Employment Services for individuals with disabilities? NSES participants must first be clients/consumers of Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Services include workshops and one-on-one technical assistance, including feasibility study, business planning, funding, and support services. More information is available at the NSES website.
One more did you know. The NebraskaEDGE is now registering for the entrepreneurial training courses in Holdrege, Columbus and Red Cloud. Holdrege course starts, August 17th, Red Cloud, August 30, and Columbus, September 7th. Course and class information is available on the NebraskaEDGE website.
If you are looking for a specific resources and don’t know where to turn, please drop me an e-mail and I will find one that best works for you.
Until next time,
Marilyn Schlake, Associate Director, NebraskaEDGE Program
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
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
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