The minutes from the July 12, 2023, NED, Inc. Board of Directors and NENEDD Council of Officials meetings are posted on our website and can be viewed here: NED, Inc. and NENEDD.
Three business loans were approved during the NED, Inc. meeting, as well as two housing loans.

The first business loan approved was a $52,000 loan to 39th Avenue Industrial & Storage, LLC, at 1156 39th Ave. in Columbus. Ben Jenkinson is planning to renovate his company. This property currently has 25 storage units and 5,000 square feet of industrial manufacturing space leased to Jimko Machine Products. Twelve of the storage units are being converted into additional manufacturing space for Jimko’s expansion – approximately 6,000 square feet.

A second business loan in the amount of $40,000 was approved for Cameron and Felecia Polly, d/b/a Polly Auctions in Allen. The two are planning the purchase of a building at 123 E. Second St., Allen, to expand their auction business. They conduct estate auctions for those that have passed away, moving, etc.; they sell on consignment for people dropping off items to their store, and they have online auctions.

The final business loan that was approved was for Wolken Therapy and Wellness, LLC, in the amount of $50,000. Ryan Wolken, member of Wolken Therapy and Wellness, LLC, is planning the renovation of their location at 312 N. Oakland Ave. in Oakland. In five years, they intend to use their new remodel to expand their outpatient therapy services of occupational therapy, speech therapy, chiropractic, dry needling, and massage therapy.

Jeff“All three loans this month involve an expansion. 39th Ave. Industrial & Storage, LLC, will renovate to make room for additional machining for JIMKO in Columbus. It’s great to see an expansion for a business that continues to grow. Polly Auctions has seen growth over the past few years and will take advantage of an opportunity to own their own building in Allen,” said NENEDD Business Loan Specialist Jeff Christensen. “Wolken Therapy and Wellness has had success in their Oakland location and will make great improvements to their building, both inside and out, and expand the services they offer.”

Also during the meeting, the board approved a $30,000 Direct Homebuyer Assistance Loan for a house located in Columbus. Funding will be provided by the City of Columbus direct homebuyer assistance grant 20-TFHP-17006. It is a 0% deferred interest loan due upon transfer of title.

Mandy“Safe, affordable housing continues to be incorporated into our organization’s scope of work as a top priority in the region we serve, and direct homebuyer assistance offers an innovative product to serve low-to-moderate income households that is a benefit to the financial lenders and realtors, as well as the buyers,” said NENEDD Housing Loan Specialist Mandy Gear. “We are so excited for our newest homebuyer, and it is our pleasure to be a part of this process alongside her! Congratulations on your new home!”

In addition, the NED, Inc. board approved an owner-occupied housing rehabilitation loan up to the amount of $40,000. The loan is for a 1,593-square-foot home in Wayne. Funding will be provided by NED, Inc. NAHTF Reuse Funds. This is a 2% loan up to 20 years.

Martin“The house is structurally sound, in good condition and after repairs will meet or exceed all the required Minimum Rehabilitation Standards. The loan recipient is excited and grateful to have the opportunity to make needed improvements and updates to their home,” said Martin Griffith, NENEDD Housing Specialist.

Also, during the NED, Inc. meeting, the 2023-2024 budget was approved.

Plus, two individuals were appointed to the NED, Inc. board for three-year terms that will end on June 30, 2026. They are: Rich Jablonski, Columbus City Council, second term; and Jim Hans, Village of Wynot board member, first term. NED, Inc. Board Member Jerry Engdahl, Platte County Supervisor, was thanked for his service on the board. The meeting was the end of his two three-year terms.

The board also elected officers for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The officers are: Shannon Stuchlik, Midwest Bank of Pierce, President; Sally Ganem, Fremont City Council, Vice President; and Kurt Dostal, Citizens State Bank of Leigh, Secretary/Treasurer.

The NENEDD Annual Council of Officials followed the NED, Inc. Board of Directors meeting. During the meeting, the 2023-2024 budget was approved.

Three individuals were also appointed to the NENEDD board for three-year terms that will end on June 30, 2026. They are: Charlie Bahr, Columbus City Council, second term; Blake Denton, MetLife Investment Management, second term; and Benjamin Benton, Randolph City Administrator, first term. NENEDD Board Member Judy Mutzenberger, Cuming County Supervisor, was thanked for her time on the board. The meeting was the end of her two three-year terms.

The board also elected officers for 2023-2024. They are: Charlie Bahr, Columbus City Council, Chairman; Sally Ganem, Fremont City Council, Vice Chairwoman; and Troy Uhlir, Madison County Commissioners, Secretary/Treasurer.

The next NED, Inc. and NENEDD Board of Directors meetings will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. The NED, Inc. meeting will start at 7 p.m. and NENEDD at 7:15 p.m., or following the NED, Inc. meeting. The agendas will be posted on the website on Monday, July 24, 2023, after 5 p.m. The meetings will be held at the City of Norfolk Offices — Training Room, 309 N. 5th St., Norfolk, NE 68701.