NENEDD Business Loan Specialist Jeff Christensen says, “Nearly every community in northeast ​Nebraska needs childcare for its residents.  NED, Inc. funding will help to ensure there is a childcare provider in Osmond and the surrounding area for the years to come.”

The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) and the Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, Inc.) Board of Directors held their monthly board meeting on February 28, 2024.

Jeff Christensen, NENEDD Business Loan Specialist, presented three business loans that were approved totaling $151,800.

Steinkraus, LLC is planning the construction of a touchless car wash called 3 Brothers Car Wash to be located in Plainview’s downtown commercial district.  The car wash will be moderately priced and will have a full-service/automatic bay and a self-service bay.

Main Street Sports, LLC, is planning the startup of a sporting goods store to be located in Albion and will sell quality sporting goods equipment and apparel for the entire family, primarily focused on and specializing in area sports apparel and accessories from many major manufacturers.

Sharper Edges Lawn Edging and Aeration which offers sidewalk, driveway and curb edging is planning to expand into aeration and seeding with funds from NED, Inc. to purchase a lawn aerator with a seed box attachment to provide an additional service to his customers.

In addition, the NED, Inc. board of directors approved one loan applicant for Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitations funds up to $25,000.  The house which is located in Wayne is structurally sound, in good condition, and after repairs, will meet or exceed all the required Minimum Rehabilitation Standards.

 The complete minutes from the February 28, 2024, NED, Inc. Board of Directors meeting can be viewed here:  NED, Inc. and the complete minutes from the February 28, 2024, NENEDD Board of Directors meeting can be viewed here:  NENEDD

Jeff Christensen, NENEDD Business Loan Specialist commented, “At the January board meetings, NENEDD and NED, Inc. approved funding for a start-up, an expansion, and a business transition. NENEDD and NED, Inc. look forward to the successes of these businesses in the years to come.”

Deputy Director Martin Griffith stated, “The loan recipient is excited and grateful to have the opportunity to make needed improvements and updates to his home.”  This loan will be funded with NED, Inc. Home Reuse funds.”

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.

The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) held their semi-annual Council of Officials meeting and the Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, Inc) Board of Directors held their monthly board meeting on December 20, 2023.

NED, Inc. approved two business loans totaling $216,000.  Leon Real Estate Homes, LLC, was approved for a loan to construct a new facility to expand Leon Insulation, LLC in the South Sioux City area and Howard’s Holy Hoagies had a loan approved to expand the business with the purchase of a food trailer for Hoagies “On-the-Go” in the Humphrey area.

According to Jeff Christensen, Business Loan Specialist, “In today’s economy it’s great to see two businesses expanding in the northeast Nebraska area.  Leon Real Estate Houses, LLC is expanding into South Sioux City and building a new facility for their company Leon Insulation which now operates out of Sioux City, Iowa.

The Howard’s saw the opportunity to expand their new venture after only 6 months in business.  The purchase of a food trailer gives them additional revenue in addition to their sandwich shop in downtown Humphrey.   Congratulations to both of this month’s loan clients.”

At the NENEDD meeting, Walker Zulkoski, Vice President of Investment Services, gave a presentation on the Nebraska Public Agency Investment Trust (NPAIT) which provides a wide variety of banking solutions for Nebraska public entities and associations.

The complete minutes from the December 20, 2023, NED, Inc. Board of Directors meetings can be viewed here: NED, Inc.

The complete minutes from the December 20, 2023, NENEDD Board of Directors meeting can be viewed here:  NENEDD

Lisa Costello is the new Community Planner for the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District as of November 2023. She is a new resident of Nebraska, having lived in the Kansas City and Denver areas previously. Prior to taking on her role at the District, Lisa spent most of her career in multifamily property management, where she gained valuable experience in fair housing, accounting, project management and legal matters. She also developed a passion for community outreach and government affairs over her years in property management.

Lisa states, “I am so grateful for this opportunity to work with and build the communities around me and am excited to be a part of such a remarkable team.”

Welcome Lisa.  We’re glad you’re here!

Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) is excited to congratulate four member communities following the recent announcement of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards. The federal funds will be used for beautification and infrastructure improvements in downtown business districts and public park areas.

The City of Norfolk was awarded $435,000 for Downtown Revitalization (DTR) grant funds, of which $310,000 will be used for commercial rehabilitation in the form of downtown façade improvements. Program applicants – business tenants and/or commercial property owners will provide a 1:1 match of $310,000. The remaining $90,000 in project activity grant funding will be utilized for sidewalk improvements of three mid-block crossings on Norfolk Avenue to provide street-to-sidewalk accessibility, with the City of Norfolk providing $22,500 in the required matching funds.

The award also includes $25,000 for grant administration and $10,000 for construction management. The façade improvement project will aid in mitigating slum and blight in the previously blight designated downtown; the mid-block crossing project will meet the national objective of benefitting Limited Clientele (LMC) through the removal of architectural barriers.

Andrea Larson, NENEDD Community Planner, said Norfolk’s DTR award is vital to continuing the momentum created through the ongoing River Point District projects.

“The beautification of Norfolk’s downtown over the past several years is nothing short of extraordinary. A previous DTR grant was a huge success, proving that both small business owners and city leadership are committed to investing in long-term success,” Larson said.

The City of Columbus also was awarded a DTR grant in the amount of $435,000. Of this award, $200,000 will be used for commercial rehabilitation, with business tenants and/or commercial property owners providing $200,000 in matching funds. Another $200,000 in grant funds will go toward Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sidewalk clearance, and the city will provide the required $50,000 in matching funds. The award also includes $25,000 for grant administration and $10,000 for construction management. The commercial rehabilitation projects will aid in the mitigation of slum and blight in the previously blight designated downtown. A city sidewalk in the downtown area along 11^th Street will be improved to provide access to pedestrians of all abilities through the removal of ADA barriers in the public right of way.

“Columbus’ Historic Downtown already draws visitors from all over the country, and the DTR funds will ensure that the vibrancy and culture of the district is on full display and accessible to everyone,” Larson said.

Fremont will also beautify and upgrade commercial properties through a $435,000 DTR grant. Business tenants and/or commercial property owners in the city’s downtown area will be eligible to apply for façade improvement grants, for which $400,000 has been earmarked. The awardees will provide $100,000 in matching funds; $25,000 has been allocated for general administration, and $10,000 will be used for construction management. This project will aid in mitigating slum and blight in the previously blight designated downtown area.

“Fremont has so much personality and activity in their Historic Downtown. The DTR grant will inject new energy into the old buildings, while maintaining the historic integrity that is paramount to the community,” Larson said.

The fourth CDBG in NENEDD’s service area was awarded to the City of Lyons. Lyons will receive a Public Works grant in the amount of $415,312, of which $385,312 will be used for improvements to Lyons Brink Memorial Park to make the area more accessible to older and/or disabled residents. Project activities will include building a new tornado/storm shelter with restrooms and storage and construction of a new pavilion with kitchen, restroom and picnic tables. Also awarded was $25,000 for general administration and $10,000 for construction management. City of Lyons providing the required $77,077 in matching funds. All CDBG funds will benefit low-to-moderate income (LMI) persons.

“This award was huge for the City of Lyons,” Larson said. “Not only will the improvements to Brink Memorial Park provide safety and wellness infrastructure, the improvements will draw in visitors and provide modern comforts to an established and well-loved park.”

The Northeast Economic Development District congratulates the member communities who received CDBG awards, emphasizing the positive impact these investments will have on local economies and the lives of residents. These grants represent a collaborative effort to stimulate growth and create thriving, sustainable communities in Northeast Nebraska.

More details on the 2023 CDBG awards  can be found here.

Martin Griffith has been chosen to be the new Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) Deputy Director and according to Shannon Stuchlik, Executive Director, “I am happy to announce that on November 21, 2023, Martin Griffith was promoted to Deputy Director at Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District.  Prior to his promotion, Martin was employed at NENEDD for eight years.  During those eight years, he was the District’s Housing Specialist.   I am overwhelmed with his promotion.”

Martin commented that, “I am both honored and excited to be selected as the next Deputy Director of the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD). I am also grateful for this opportunity to continue serving our member communities with all of the quality services they have become accustomed to over the years.”

Congratulations Martin on your promotion.

Shannon Stuchlik is the new Executive Director for the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District, having started on October 30, 2023.  Prior to joining the District, Shannon’s career consisted of 40 years in banking.  He was a board member at NENEDD for nearly 20 years.  He also served as Mayor for the City of Pierce for four terms.  He was involved with many other committees and boards.

Shannon states, “I am very excited with the new challenge.  Being on the board for a number of years enabled me to get to know the staff and I am excited to work with such a wonderful group.”

Charlie Bahr, NENEDD Board Chairman remarked that, “The NENEDD Board is both pleased and very fortunate to have Shannon Stuchlik accept the position of Executive Director.  With his past experience on the board and his vast knowledge of financial business, we look forward to a smooth transition and a bright future.”

Welcome Shannon, we are excited to have you on board.