New MAST Course for Ag Producers
Posted on | August 5, 2010 | No Comments
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
Renewable Energy Fair 2010
Posted on | July 14, 2010 | No Comments
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
Posted on | June 24, 2010 | No Comments
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.
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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
Posted on | June 22, 2010 | No Comments
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
Posted on | June 14, 2010 | No Comments
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
Posted on | June 4, 2010 | No Comments
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 9th at 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?
Posted on | June 3, 2010 | No Comments
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)
Japanese wind turbine technology generating research at the University of Nebraska Kearney
Posted on | May 19, 2010 | No Comments
MAY 18, 2010 (KEARNEY, NEB.)—Shungo Saito, senior sales manager for the North American operation of NIKKO Company, a Tokyo, Japan-based wind turbine manufacturer, today unveiled the NIKKO 1kW turbine as part of a joint relationship with the University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK). The NIKKO/UNK project now enables physics students and faculty at UNK to conduct research projects involving the collection of data on wind speeds and energy generation.The UNK installation location, which was identified by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), in cooperation with Nebraska’s Tokyo office during a 2009 visit to Japan, celebrates the shared interests in energy opportunities.
Joining Mr. Saito for the unveiling and dedication at the University’s Nebraska Safety Center Driving Range were UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen, Dr. Kenneth Trantham, chair of UNK’s Department of Physics and Physical Science, Richard Baier, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, David Dingman energy policy advisor with the Nebraska Energy Office, and Kearney Mayor Stanley Clouse.
“What we’re really about here today is the business of further strengthening an already great relationship between Japan and Nebraska,” said Richard Baier, DED director. “Specifically, we’re here to celebrate the mutual alternative energy opportunities that exist between Japan and Nebraska, and DED is pleased it could bring together the interests and needs of NIKKO and the University of Nebraska Kearney in a way that will benefit so many, including business communities, higher educational institutions and citizens.”
The 1kW turbine is a 1.98 meter (6.5-feet diameter) tri-composite wing span, and mounted on a 45-foot pole manufactured by Valmont Industries in Valley, Neb. The turbine includes a unique technology involving a rubber mount that stretches the rotating wings from the ‘centrifugal force’ in such a way that controls its speed. It is considered a “downstream” turbine, meaning that the rotating wings trail the unit as the housing points into the wind, allowing it to passively follow any changes in wind direction.
The turbine’s installation at UNK also includes supplemental solar collection panels that add additional power capability, an energy-efficient LED street light, storage batteries and a data logging computer.
The ultimate objective of this venture is to install these turbines on residential acreages throughout rural and remote parts of the country. Each turbine will easily run a small refrigerator or a house full of energy efficient florescent or LED lights (40 watts x 25 fixtures = 1000 W) depending on wind availability. Because the UNK-installed NIKKO turbine includes batteries, lighter loads can be run more intermittently without immediately available wind.
Nebraska is literally in the center of the growing wind generation and manufacturing industry. Its strategic geographic location enables same day interstate, rail and air access to most of the nation’s top producing regional wind product manufacturers and suppliers.
The state ranks fourth nationally in potential wind energy generation, with an estimated 918,000 MW of total installed wind generation capacity, which basically translates to all wind energy it can produce at 80 meters.
SBA Offers Tools to Help Exporters Succeed
Posted on | May 18, 2010 | No Comments
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U. S. Small Business Administration is offering new, free tools for new and established small business exporters to help them grow and succeed in international trade. Small businesses will now have access to six-part podcast series, an introduction to exporting Youtube video and an online training course.
“Exporting is a critical strategy for helping small businesses grow and create jobs,” said SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. “We’re working every day to help small businesses break into exporting, reach more international markets and be more competitive in the global economy.”
The podcast series topics cover: Growing Your Business Through Exporting; Developing an
Export Strategy; Preparing for Global Markets; Conducting Market Research; SBA Exporting Loan Program; and a Small Business Exporting Success Story.
The introduction to exporting video is available at the SBA YouTube Channel and the free, online exporting course
“Take Your Business Global,” is available under the SBA’s Business Management training website.
In addition to the new online tools, SBA Resource Partners – Small Business Development Centers, Womens Business Centers and SCORE – are available to assist small businesses in every U.S. State and Territory who are interested in exporting. These resource partners can help entrepreneurs identify potential export markets, facilitate export transactions, develop linkages between United States small business and pre-screened foreign buyers, advise on participation in international trade shows, assist in obtaining export financing and in facilitating the development or reorientation of marketing and production strategies. In addition to counseling resources in every state and territory there are export specialists available at the 8 SBDC International Trade Export Assistance Centers and SCORE online international trade advisors. To find your local counseling resources please visit www.sba.gov.
Source: Release Number: 10-22
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news
Grant Funds Available for Agricultural Producers and Cooperatives
Posted on | May 14, 2010 | No Comments
WASHINGTON, May 13, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is accepting grant applications to assist small, socially disadvantaged agricultural producers and cooperatives in rural areas.“Helping small agricultural producers better market their products creates economic opportunity and these grants will help small business owners add profit and efficiency to their operations so they can grow and create jobs,” Vilsack said.
Approximately $3.5 million in grants are available, with funding being awarded through USDA Rural Development’s Small, Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant Program, which was authorized by Congress in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. It is part of the Department’s ongoing effort to expand outreach to rural residents to ensure that all communities have equal access to USDA programs and services. Funding is available to cooperatives or associations of cooperatives where at least 75 percent of the governing board or membership has annual gross agricultural product sales of $250,000 or less in the last three years. Grants can be used for product improvements, business plan development or economic development activities.
Applications for Small, Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grants are due July 27. Application materials may be obtained at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/ssdpg/ssdpg.htm or by contacting the USDA Rural Development State Office. The Nebraska State Office contact is Joan Scheel at 402-437-5594 or joan.scheel@ne.usda.gov. For additional information, see the April 28 Federal Register, page 22358, http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-9820.pdf.
USDA Rural Development administers and manages more than 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facility programs through a network of 6,100 employees in 500 offices at the national, state and local level. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers, and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $134 billion in loans and loan guarantees. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development’s web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/csdir.htm.
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Contact: Joan Scheel (402) 437-5594 |
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Vicki Schurman (402) 437-5563 |
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