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.) and the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) Board of Directors met on August 28, 2024, at the Norfolk City Offices.

Four business loans were approved at the meetings. These were all for expansion of existing businesses.

Old Mill Sales & Repairs, LLC in Oakdale will be expanding its vehicle repair and auto sales business with the construction of a new 40′ x 60′ shop. The owner will also purchase Mr. S’s convenience store which has two acres to build the new shop and space to display used cars for sale.

CCLB Thor, LLC, d/b/a Cultivate Chiropractic in Norfolk was approved for a loan to help finance their expansion. They will be adding two new doctors to their practice in the near future.

Zegs Properties, LLC, in Columbus will be purchasing a building next door to their current location to house their quality control technician and for added storage which will allow their current existing building to have two additional service bays added. The new building may also be used for more service bays if the need arises in the future.

Wait 4 It, LLC, in Norfolk, which is a group of three Thrivent financial planning advisors, will be purchasing and finishing a building to consolidate the current advisors into one office building as well as adding two more advisors within the next five years as business continues to grow.

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

NED, Inc. and NENEDD will hold their next meetings on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at the Norfolk City Offices. NED, Inc.’s meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the NENEDD meeting to follow.

The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) is seeking a qualified full-time Executive Director.

This position shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director will have a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, public administration or a related field and five years’ professional experience with at least two years of supervisory experience. A graduate level degree is most preferable. Additional years of professional level experience may be substituted for formal education. The Executive Director must possess effective written and oral communication skills, show computer and financial literacy, have strong organizational skills, be knowledgeable of federal and state programs, housing, community and economic development activities and programs, and other pertinent programs and activities.

We offer a competitive starting salary (commensurate on experience and education) and an excellent benefits package.

Preemployment screening and background check will be completed prior to hiring.

For more information and to apply, visit NENEDD.

The Northeast Economic Development, Inc.(NED, Inc.) and the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) Board of Directors met on July 31, 2024 at the Norfolk City Offices.

Two Direct Homebuyer Assistance loans were approved in the amount of $60,000.

NENEDD Housing Loan Specialist, Mandy Gear, stated, “Congratulations to our newest homebuyers utilizing the direct homebuyer assistance program!! This program provides assistance to those persons of greatest need, improves the availability of housing, promotes home ownership, and increases the attractiveness of underdeveloped neighborhoods, in addition to increasing local employment. A new home is an investment that will reap rewards for a lifetime. Thank you to the homebuyers for allowing us the opportunity to partner with them as they begin this new and exciting chapter!!”

The complete minutes from the July 31, 2024, NED, Inc. Board of Directors meeting can be viewed here: NED, Inc. and the complete minutes from the July 31, 2024, NENEDD Board of Directors meeting can be viewed here: NENEDD.

NED, Inc. and NENEDD will hold their next meetings on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at the Norfolk City Offices. NED, Inc.’s meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the NENEDD meeting to follow.

The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) Council of Officials held its annual meeting and the Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, Inc.) Board of Directors held its monthly board meeting on June 26, 2024.

Two business loans were approved this month at the NED, Inc. Board of Directors meeting.

The members of High Flyers Golf Bar, LLC, are planning the purchase of Mugs & Jugs bar located in Humphrey and will open a sports bar that will provide people in the area with a place to eat, drink and golf (utilizing a golf simulator) year-round no matter the weather. Also included in the purchase is a property across the street which will be used for a beer garden and to host special events.

The Tanning Place, LLC, located in Columbus, is being purchased and will offer seven high-quality tanning beds, a red-light therapy bed and one spray tan booth. They also offer retail sales of tanning essentials such as tanning lotions, tanning extenders, peepers, spray tan essentials and after tanning care products.

NENEDD Business Loan Specialist, Jeff Christensen, stated, “NED, Inc. assisted in the transition of The Tanning Place, LLC to a long-time employee who has worked there since it opened in 2015. The new owner will do a great job to continue the success of this business. NED, Inc. also provided financing to start the High Flyers Golf Bar in Humphrey which will offer a golf simulator. The three owners have an energetic approach to bringing this unique attraction to the northeast Nebraska area.”

The complete minutes from the June 26, 2024, NED, Inc. Board of Directors meeting can be viewed here: NED, Inc. and the complete minutes from the June 26, 2024, NENEDD Council of Officials meeting can be viewed here: NENEDD

NED, Inc. and NENEDD will hold their next meetings on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at the Norfolk City Offices. NED, Inc.’s meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the NENEDD meeting to follow.

The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) and the Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, Inc.) Board of Directors held their monthly board meeting on May 29, 2024.

This month, there were two new loans to transfer ownership of two businesses and one new startup business in Northeast Nebraska.

The members of Norfolk West Inn, LLC, have extensive experience in the hospitality industry and will continue to offer lodging services in Norfolk with the purchase of the Holiday Inn Express and the Hampton Inn.

The Verdigre Bakery will also be purchased and will continue to offer baked goods, especially the famous kolaches, while adding homemade pizzas to the menu.

Black Magic Coffee is a startup company in Battle Creek that will offer unique hot and cold specialty coffees and blended drinks. The two-story facility will have a drive-thru and outdoor seating on both levels.

NENEDD Business Loan Specialist Jeff Christensen says, “NENEDD and NED, Inc. wish them the best in their business ventures.”

The complete minutes from the May 29, 2024, NED, Inc. Board of Directors meeting can be viewed here: NED, Inc. and the complete minutes from the May 29, 2024, NENEDD Board of Directors meeting can be viewed here: NENEDD

NED, Inc. and NENEDD will hold their next meetings on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the Norfolk City Offices. NED, Inc.’s meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the NENEDD meeting to follow.

This will be the NENEDD Annual Council of Officials meeting with voting privileges for all Council of Officials representatives.

The Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, Inc) Board of Directors met on April 24, 2024, at the Norfolk City Offices. The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) Board of Directors did not meet.

One Direct Homebuyer Assistance loan was approved in the amount of $30,000.

Mandy Gear, NENEDD Housing Loan Specialist, stated, “Congratulations to our latest homebuyer utilizing our direct homebuyer assistance program! Housing programs such as this can make the life-long goal of home ownership more easily attainable by filling the gap between the lender and homebuyer’s resources. We are always eager to partner and be a part of such an incredible accomplishment!”

The complete minutes from the April 24, 2024, NED, Inc. Board of Directors meetings can be viewed here: NED, Inc.

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

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.