The Northeast Economic Development, Inc. Board of Directors and the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District Semi-Annual Council of Officials meetings were held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, via conference call.

During the meetings, the NED, Inc. and NENEDD boards approved loans to three businesses that will transition ownership and one expansion.

Grocery stores, Lee’s Market in Scribner (since 1955) and Maceys Hometown Market in Cedar Rapids (formerly Bethscheider Market since 1918 and Spelic’s Grocery Store), will have new owners with new ideas to serve their local communities.   Customers in small-town settings value personalized service, convenience, and product availability, particularly for staple and specialty items not readily accessible in larger, chain stores.

The local convenience store in Leigh since 1995, will have a new name, Main-Stop, with new owners.  The business is conveniently located right on main street as you come into the downtown area of Leigh.  The close proximity to the school, bank, post office, and other businesses with easy access is definitely an advantage.

The owner of Red Coal Repair will expand from working on vehicles in his garage to a new building on the north end of Broadway Street in Fullerton.  With the new shop he will be doing mechanical repairs such as oil changes, brake jobs, engine and cabin filters, check engine lights, electrical repair, steering and suspension repair, tire mounting, balancing and repair.

Andrea Larson has been promoted to Deputy Director of NENEDD, effective December 19, 2024. Andrea has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, dedication to customer service, and a strong work ethic throughout her five years with NENEDD, making her a valuable asset to our team. In her new role, Andrea will be responsible for assisting with policy development, designing the annual work plan, meeting with District members, and scheduling and coordinating all day-to-day District work activities.

Executive Director, Mandy Gear, states, “I am thrilled to announce Andrea’s well-deserved promotion and I am confident she will rise to the challenge and deliver excellent results in her new position.”

Andrea said, “It is a privilege to step into the role of Deputy Director at NENEDD, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity. Over the years, I have been fortunate to work alongside an incredible team whose dedication and passion for serving our members is truly inspiring. NENEDD has been a cornerstone of growth and opportunity for our region, and I look forward to continuing to assist and advocate for our members in this new capacity.”

The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) wishes to congratulate two member communities on their respective Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards. The NENEDD Planning Department assisted in writing the grant applications for the three awards, announced by the Department of Economic Development on November 12.

The City of Newman Grove was awarded both a CDBG Public Works grant and a Planning grant. The Public Works grant, in the amount of $430,000, will improve streets, storm drainage, and sidewalks. The Planning grant, in the amount of $43,000, will be used to fund a Community Development Plan which will include developing city-owned farm ground into a mixed-use subdivision. The Public Works and Planning grants will both meet the National Objective of Low-to-Moderate Income on an Area Basis (LMA).

The Village of Niobrara was awarded funding for a CDBG Planning grant in the amount of $53,000. The Village will utilize the grant funding to develop a Comprehensive Plan that will guide future actions of the community, including the creation of a Downtown Revitalization Plan. This grant will also meet the LMA National Objective.

“The NENEDD Planning Department is excited to partner with Newman Grove and Niobrara as they continue to strengthen the economic development in their communities,” said Andrea Larson, NENEDD Community Planner.

The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) wishes to congratulate the City of Wayne on their recent award of $1.37 million in Rural Community Recovery Program (RCRP) funds. The grant funding will continue the Prairie Park improvement plan, including the installation of an outdoor amphitheater, baseball fields, trail extensions, and a lakeside restroom/shower facility, while incorporating safety and accessibility features to promote equitable access to these public amenities.

Andrea Larson, NENEDD Community Planner, said, “Our Planning Department was excited to assist with writing the application for this funding opportunity, and NENEDD looks forward to continuing to work with Wayne America in their future endeavors. The Prairie Park Project will bring a safe, accessible public green space to benefit the community for generations to come.”

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has awarded $10 million to 11 recipients through the RCRP. The Nebraska Legislature authorized this one-time program through LB 1412 in 2023. RCRP is funded with Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. All RCRP funds are being awarded to applicants with projects located in communities disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The awards will support the rehabilitation or adaptive reuse of vacant or abandoned property.

Rural communities across Nebraska have a profound need for new and improved public amenities and affordable housing. RCRP is proof of this need, as DED received 60 letters of intent to apply and 49 full applications through RCRP. Applicants requested more than $43 million for an array of well-considered projects, resulting in an especially competitive evaluation process.

The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) is a 16-county regional development organization that encourages collaboration between local government officials, community-based organizations, and the private sector. NENEDD provides the link between federal and state programs at the local level where development actually occurs.

Our staff of professionals work together to assist communities and individuals with economic development, housing, and business loan opportunities. Any community located within our 16-county region is able to apply for membership to NENEDD and receive the benefits listed below.

Active Membership (Villages/Cities/Counties):
• Conduct income and attitude surveys.
• Conduct townhall meetings to share attitude survey results.
• Prepare Action Plan for the priorities of the attitude survey.
• Identify available federal, state, local and private resources to address the action plans.
• Assist in preparation of grants for community and economic development projects outlined in the action plan.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development currently has the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF), Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF) and Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NAHTF) programs to assist NENEDD member communities.

CDBG Funding Opportunities & Application Deadlines

• Economic Development (ED) – Loans to businesses or infrastructure construction projects undertaken for economic development purposes.
Application Period: July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025

• Tourism Development (TD) – Historic restorations; scientific and educational interpretive sites; cultural and heritage recreational sites/facilities; removal of architectural barriers that restrict mobility and accessibility to facilities. Funding is for tourist attractions expected to draw 2,500 visits annually. Match is 25% with a minimum grant amount of $250,000 and a maximum grant amount of $450,000. National Objective is LMI, S/B
Application period: July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025

• Public Works Infrastructure (PW) and Public Works Facilities (PWF)– Involves sewer and water systems, streets, sidewalks, fire stations & trucks, senior centers, community centers, libraries, tornado shelters, removal of architectural barriers, parks, and other public infrastructure. Match is 10% for villages, 20% for second class cities, 25% for counties, and 30% for first class cities, with a minimum grant amount of $250,000 and a maximum grant amount of $450,000. National Objective is LMI
Anticipated application deadline is September 15, 2025

• Planning (PP) – Studies, analysis, data gathering, identification of implementation action, and preparation of plans – such as Housing studies, Comprehensive plans, Downtown Revitalization Plans, Historic Preservation studies. Match is 10% for villages, 20% for second class cities, 25% for counties, and 30% for first class cities, with a minimum grant amount of $20,000 and a maximum of $50,000 (or $70,000 if a joint application). National Objective is LMI
Anticipated application deadline is September 15, 2025

• Downtown Revitalization (DTR) – Involves revitalization efforts located within the downtown business district, including streets, sewer, and water systems, historic restoration, removal of architectural barriers, and/or loans to business for façade improvements, signage, and/or to meet community codes. Match is 25% with a minimum grant amount of $250,000 and a maximum grant amount of $400,000. National objective is LMI, S/B
**Requires planning prior to application**
Anticipated application deadline is September 15, 2025

CCCFF Funding Opportunities & Application Deadlines

• Planning – Preliminary planning related to the development or rehabilitation of eligible projects. Match is 1:1, and the grant cannot account for more than 50% of total project costs. Minimum grant amount is $3,000, and maximum grant amount is $15,000. If awarded, half of the CCCFF funding will be available at the beginning of the project. The other half of the CCCFF funding will be reimbursed following the completion of the project.
Letter of intent/pre-application anticipated deadline is January 15, 2025
Anticipated full application deadline is February 15, 2025

• Project – A CCCFF grant may be used to construct and/or improve community facilities such as libraries, recreation, and wellness centers, gathering spaces, convention centers, town squares, and cultural centers. Projects may include the conversion, rehabilitation, or reuse of historic buildings. Match is 1:1, and the grant cannot account for more than 50% of total project costs. Maximum grant amount is either $375,000 or $562,000, depending on the amount of tax dollars collected the previous year.
Letter of intent/pre-application anticipated deadline is January 15, 2025
Anticipated full application deadline is February 15, 2025

Games and Parks Funding Opportunities & Application Deadlines

• Recreational Trails Program (RTP) – Maintenance and restoration of existing trails; development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailside facilities and trail linkages; purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment; construction of new recreational trails; acquisition of easements, title fees; education projects; administration of project (7%). Match is 20%, and all grant funds are REIMBURSED after the completion of the project. Maximum grant amount is $250,000.
Anticipated application deadline is September 3, 2025

• Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – Camping facilities; wildlife habitat viewing opportunities; education related facilities and partnerships; picnicking facilities; fishing access; hiking/biking trails; playgrounds; swimming opportunities (both beach and pool). Match is 1:1, and all grant funds are REIMBURSED after the completion of the project. Maximum grant amount is $500,000.
Anticipated application deadline is September 17, 2025

NAHTF Funding Opportunities & Application Deadlines

• Housing Development – Increase supply and improve quality of affordable housing in Nebraska. Match is not required with a grant amount of up to $750,000.
Anticipated pre-application deadline is March 2025
Anticipated full application deadline is May 2025

• Technical Assistance – Financial resources to undertake activities to increase capacity to create affordable housing. Match is not required with a grant amount of up to $50,000.
Anticipated pre-application deadline is March 2025
Anticipated full application deadline is May 2025

RWHF Funding Opportunities & Application Deadlines
• RWHF – matching grants to non-profit development organizations who administer workforce housing investment funds; invested in eligible projects to increase supply and reduce costs of workforce housing in Nebraska’s rural communities. Match is 25% with a minimum grant amount of $250,000 and a maximum grant amount of $5,000,000.
Application Period: October 17, 2024, to January 15, 2025

If your community is interested in learning more about these grant programs or applying, please contact one of our three Planners as soon as possible as it can take up to 6 months to plan and prepare for your project.

Andrea Larson, Community Planner (402) 379-1150|ext. 104
andrea@nenedd.org
Zach Fisher, Community Planner (402) 379-1150|ext. 106
zach@nenedd.org
Sandra Goode, Community Planner (402) 379-1150| ext. 111
sandra@nenedd.org
Grace Petersen, Community Planning Assistant (402) 379-1150|ext. 102
grace@nenedd.org

NENEDD is committed to providing the highest level of support and guidance to our member communities in securing grant funding for various projects, as well as providing the necessary support to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines. To ensure that we maintain the integrity and effectiveness of these processes, NENEDD partners directly with our members. As we continue to work together towards the growth and development of Northeast Nebraska communities, we encourage you to schedule a time that works for you to stop into our office for a visit to meet our staff and discuss what your membership includes and the services we offer, as well as how we can make the best out of our partnerships.

Mandy Gear was selected by the NENEDD Board of Directors to become the new Executive Director on September 25, 2024.  Mandy had been filling in as Interim Director since August 2, 2024.

Mandy joined NENEDD in August of 2016 as a Community Planner.  She then transitioned into the Housing Department in March of 2020 where she continues overseeing the housing management duties that incorporate the processing of housing applications for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation, direct homebuyer assistance and rental rehabilitation.  Her duties also include the administration of housing revolving loan funds for member communities within a 16-county region.  Mandy is a graduate of Northeast Community College with an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Business Marketing and Management. Her previous work experience includes over 20 years of account and business management.

In addition to her housing tasks, her new role as Executive Director will include responsibility for all facets of the operations of the District, comprising policy development, budgeting and other fiscal matters, supervision of staff, assignment of work, meeting with District members, and scheduling and coordinating all day-to-day work activities.

Mandy states, “I am humbled and honored to be chosen as the new Executive Director for NENEDD. The amazing team and support system I have been surrounded with over the last 8 years have been invaluable, and I am deeply appreciative for the guidance and mentorship I have received from my colleagues and superiors along the way. Thank you to the NENEDD and NED, Inc. Boards of Directors for recognizing my hard work and dedication. I am beyond proud to be part of this organization and the important work we do, and I am eager to continue to give my best in this new role.”

We welcome Mandy to her new position and anticipate many years of success for the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District.

We are pleased to welcome our new fiscal officer, Jill Godfrey, to the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District as of September 2024.

Jill holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and Finance from Wayne State College. With a diverse and extensive career spanning over 25 years, Jill has built a robust background across various sectors, including government, housing authority, manufacturing, and medical fields. Her experience includes expertise in budgeting, general ledger management, financial statement reporting and monitoring, grant management, and both state and federal reporting and billing. In her current role, Jill is responsible for maintaining the fiscal records and systems for the District.

Jill says, “I’m genuinely excited to collaborate with such an exceptional staff. From my first impressions, it’s clear that the culture and professional environment here are a perfect fit for the skills and background I bring to the role. I look forward to working together with this stellar team to achieve great things for the District!”

Welcome Jill!

We are pleased to welcome two new Community Planners to the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District as of September 2024 — Zach Fisher and Sandra Goode.

Zach is a 2004 graduate of Northeast Community College with an Associates of Applied Science degree in Business Marketing and Management, and a 2016 graduate of Columbia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Prior to joining NENEDD, Zach was the Membership Development Director with the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce where he was able to use his talents to grow their membership to an all-time high. He is a life-long resident of Norfolk and is excited to see all the economic growth happening in the area. Zach will obtain his CDBG certification in October of 2024.

Zach states, “I’m proud to have the opportunity to use my skills to help our local communities grow. Being able to point to a community ten years from now and say, “I was a part of helping create this”, is exciting for me.”

Prior to joining NENEDD, Sandra retired from the Nebraska State Patrol after 32 years of service in Northeast Nebraska as a certified Law Enforcement Officer. Sandra was a Drug Investigator for 15 years working in various Task Forces with exposure to grant administration and reporting and as a Liquor Investigator for 9 years, working closely with the Grants Division on administration, grant writing and reporting. Sandra will obtain her CDBG certification in October 2024.

Sandra says she is “excited to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community with such a great team at this outstanding organization.”

Welcome to the team Zach and Sandra!

The Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, Inc.) has been awarded $390,000 for 2024 microenterprise lending. The Microenterprise Lending Program funds will be used for direct lending to eligible microenterprise businesses with no more than ten full-time equivalent employees. These resources enable us to provide the funds needed to fill financial gaps and aid business and industry in expansion and the creation of new job opportunities.

Jeff Christensen, Business Loan Specialist, states, “NED, Inc. is truly fortunate in being awarded these funds to go along with seven other microenterprise lending awards totaling $1,888,000 since 2011. These funds have created/retained 154 jobs.”

For more information on the Business Revolving Loan program, please see our website, NENEDD.