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2023 CDBG Awards
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 11th 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.
November 29, 2023 Board Meeting Agendas
The NED, Inc. and NENEDD Board of Director meetings are set for Wednesday, November 29, 2023. The agendas are posted on the website at NED, Inc. and NENEDD. The minutes from the previous meetings are also posted here.
The NED, Inc. board meeting will start at 7 p.m. The NENEDD board meeting will start at 7:15 p.m. or following the NED, Inc. meeting. The meetings will be held at the below location:
City of Columbus Community Building – 2500 14th Street, Community Room A,
Columbus, NE 68601
If you have any questions or would like to attend, please give us a call at 402-379-1150.
New Deputy Director
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.
New Executive Director
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.
October 2023 Board Minutes
Three business loans were approved during the October 25, 2023, NED, Inc. board meeting totaling $196,250. These loans assisted with two expansions and a business succession.
Reynoldson Coffee, LLC, d/b/a Scooter’s Coffee expanded its second location in Norfolk. After success at their Scooter’s Coffee kiosk on South 13th Street, Mike & Cindy Reynoldson had the opportunity to purchase the former BankFirst building and expand to a new building located at 920 South 13th Street.
The second expansion loan will assist Flynn Doescher, owner of Elkhorn Valley Meat Processing, LLC, to expand his meat processing business to a new location at 1291 13th Road in rural Cuming County, just one mile east of Beemer. They primarily process beef for local producers in the Cuming County area.
The final loan approved enables Kerri Koch-Koenig to take over ownership of Sunrise Hill Veterinary Hospital in Creighton which has been in operation for over 30 years. Kerri has been one of the veterinarians on staff and was offered the opportunity to own the veterinary clinic with assistance of a loan from the Knox County Revolving Loan Fund. Jeff Christensen, NENEDD Business Loan Specialist, says it has been great working with these business owners on the expansions and transition projects within the northeast Nebraska region.
Also at the October 25, 2023, meeting a direct homebuyer assistance loan was approved in the amount of $30,000. According to Mandy Gear, Housing Loan Specialist, “The Direct Homebuyer Assistance program is an instrumental tool for low-to-moderate income clients that would like to purchase a home but don’t quite have enough saved to make the initial down payment. We are excited to be able to partner with homebuyers to help ease the financial burden and make their dream of home ownership come true! Here’s to new beginnings and great memories in your new home. Warmest congratulations!”
During a special board meeting with NED, Inc., on October 30, 2023, approval was made to appoint Tod William Voss, MD, to the NED, Inc. board and to appoint Rich Jablonski as President, Kurt Dostal as Vice President, and Loren Kucera as Secretary/Treasurer.
Dr. Voss states, “I am honored to be considered for a position on the NED, Inc. board.”
The complete minutes from the October 25, 2023, and October 30, 2023, NED, Inc. Board of Directors meetings can be viewed here: October 25, 2023 and October 30, 2023.
The complete minutes from the October 25, 2023, NENEDD Board of Directors meeting can be viewed here: NENEDD
October 25, 2023 Board Agendas
The NED, Inc. and NENEDD Board of Director meetings are set for Wednesday, October 25, 2023. The agendas are posted on the website at NED, Inc. and NENEDD. The minutes from the previous meetings are also posted here.
The NED, Inc. board meeting will start at 7 p.m. The NENEDD board meeting will follow at 7:15 p.m. or following the NED, Inc. meeting. The meetings will be held at the following location:
- City of Norfolk Offices – Training Room, 309 N. 5th St., Norfolk, NE 68701
- Columbus Public Library – 2500 14th Street, Room 224, Columbus, NE 68601
- Fremont Municipal Building – 400 E. Military Ave., 2nd Floor, Fremont, NE 68025
If you have any questions or would like to attend, please give us a call at 402-379-1150.
New Administrative Assistant
Mary Fleer is the new Administrative Assistant for NENEDD, having started in September 2023. Prior to joining the District, she was the owner of a medical transcription business based in Battle Creek. Mary holds both an Associates of Arts degree from Northeast Community College and an Associates of Science degree from Georgia Military College. Mary’s current duties include general office functions as well as preparing minutes and agendas for the monthly board meetings, writing updates for the website, sending out news blasts and assisting the directors.
“I am thrilled to be a part of this great organization and I am looking forward to the next chapter in my working career,” said Mary.
Certificates of Service Awarded
We had the pleasure of attending the Cuming County Supervisor meeting to present Judy Mutzenberger (center, photo at left), District 3 representative, with our Certificate of Service and the Platte County Supervisor meeting to present Jerry Engdahl (center, photo below), District 6 representative, with our Certificate of Service.
Judy served on the NENEDD Board of Directors from July 1, 2017, to June 30,2023 with her last year as Boardchair and Jerry served on our non-profit, Northeast Economic Development, Inc. Board of Directors from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2023. During their time on the board, $53.4 million of grants and loans were awarded in the 16-county region and 919 jobs were created/retained and 255 housing units were assisted.
Executive Director, Thomas L. Higginbotham Jr., said “It was great to have two county supervisors who have a passion for community and economic development serve on our boards. They truly made a difference.”
“It has been a pleasure to have Judy & Jerry serve on our boards the past six years. We appreciate the knowledge and experience they have brought to the organizations and the clients we serve”, said Tina M. Engelbart, NENEDD Deputy Director.
September 2023 Board Minutes
NED, Inc. and NENEDD Board of Directors met.
The Digital Equity Plan and Annual Report are now available.
Two business loans were approved during the NED, Inc. meeting totaling $390,000. “NED, Inc.’s loans were to two businesses that are expanding in northeast Nebraska. Labenz Enterprises will provide a new 4,400 sq. ft. office space for Tonya LeGrande & Associates in Schuyler. NSW, LLC will provide additional inventory storage space for Motoplex of Columbus allowing them to expand their repair shop and services in the Columbus area,” said NENEDD Business Loan Specialist Jeff Christensen. Tonya LeGrande & Associates provides several types of health insurance policies, life insurance as well as supplemental products. Motoplex sells and services many brands of ATVs, side-by-sides and personal watercraft.
During the NENEDD board meeting, Tina Engelbart, Deputy Director, and Thomas L. Higginbotham, Jr., Executive Director, presented the Digital Equity Plan. In January 2023, the Northeast Nebraska Digital Equity Planning Committee was created through a partnership with the Nebraska Information & Technology Commission, SIMPCO, and NENEDD. Regional stakeholders representing the populations of rural, aging, ethnic and racial minorities, veterans, and those with disabilities provided input and guidance on the needs of their represented communities. Key priorities of this program discussed were rural access to digital literacy, technical support, cybersecurity, improved affordability of internet access especially in rural areas and digital literacy programs. Priority populations include rural, aging (65+), low to moderate income and ethnic and racial minorities. “We would like to thank the stakeholders for their time and input that assisted in identifying the broadband assets and opportunities for growth in Northeast Nebraska. This plan will play an important role in the state’s broadband implementation,” said Engelbart.
Click here to view the Digital Equity Plan.
The complete minutes from the September 27, 2023, Board of Director meetings can be viewed here: NED, Inc., NENEDD.
NENEDD’s 2022-2023 Annual Report is now available.
September 27, 2023 Board Agendas
The NED, Inc. and NENEDD Board of Director meetings are set for Wednesday, September 27, 2023. The agendas are posted on the website at NED, Inc. and NENEDD. The minutes from the previous meetings are also posted here.
The NED, Inc. board meeting will start at 7 p.m. The NENEDD board meeting will follow at 7:15 p.m. or following the NED, Inc. meeting. The meetings will be held at the following location:
- City of Norfolk Offices – Training Room, 309 N. 5th St., Norfolk, NE 68701
Jan Merrill
It is with a heavy heart we are letting northeast Nebraska know that Jan Merrill passed away from a battle with cancer. Jan was a NENEDD Community Planner for seven years prior to her retirement in December 2021. Jan loved her job and making a difference in the lives of people and the communities she worked with. She definitely left an impression on NENEDD and the northeast region. She will be missed!
NENEDD offices will be closed Tuesday September 19, 2023 so staff can attend the service and luncheon.
Digital Equity Committee Meeting
NOTICE OF MEETING FOR NORTHEAST NEBRASKA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AND THE SIOUXLAND INTERSTATE METROPOLITAN PLANNING COUNCIL DIGITAL EQUITY COMMITTEE MEETING.
Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District and the Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council will hold a digital equity meeting on Wednesday September 20, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at the following location or by zoom see the agenda for zoom information:
Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council, 1122 Pierce Street, Sioux City, Iowa 51105
The public is welcome to attend.
Focus Groups
NENEDD is encouraging its community members and partners to attend one of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s (DED) focus groups on the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund. “Housing is a critical component of community and economic development, and it is very important to provide feedback to DED on the housing issues and housing needs in your community and region.” Said NENEDD Executive Director Thomas L. Higginbotham Jr.
CONTACT Kate Ellingson at kate.ellingson@nebraska.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DED to Host Focus Groups for the 2024 Qualified Action Plan of the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund
September 11, 2023 (LINCOLN, NEB.) – The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) will hold three focus group meetings in preparation for development of the 2024 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) of the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NAHTF). Two of the focus groups will take place on Wednesday, September 27th, and the other will be held on Monday, October 16th.
The NAHTF was established by the Nebraska Affordable Housing Act in 1996. The Act, which was adopted to address the state’s affordable housing needs, called for a portion of the documentary stamp tax from Nebraska real estate transactions to be transferred to the NAHTF. As stipulated by the Act, DED is required to develop an annual Qualified Allocation Plan concerning the distribution of NAHTF resources throughout the state.
The Department is scheduling three in-person focus group meetings in order to receive input from customers in preparation for the development of the 2024 NAHTF QAP. A moderator will facilitate the focus groups by engaging attendees in active feedback to questions regarding the 2024 QAP and the NAHTF program. Once drafted, the 2024 QAP will be posted online for a 30-day public comment period. Members of the public willing to provide feedback in response to the moderator’s questions are welcome to attend. Due to limited seating, registration is required for attendance. Attendees should expect the focus group to last between an hour and two hours, depending on the amount of participant feedback.
Click on the following link to register for the session that best fits your location and schedule: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/nahtf-focus-group/.
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 @ 10:00 a.m. CT
Location: Nebraska Department of Economic Development, 245 Fallbrook Blvd, Suite 002, Lincoln, NE
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. CT
Location: Nebraska Department of Economic Development, 245 Fallbrook Blvd, Suite 002, Lincoln, NE
Date/Time: Monday, October 16, 2023 @ 10:00 a.m. CT
Location: The Hampton Inn & Suites, 200 Platte Oasis Pkwy, North Platte, NE
In preparation for the focus groups, attendees may find a review of the 2023 QAP helpful. Click on this link to view the 2023 QAP:
https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-NAHTF-QAP_20230208.pdf
If you have any questions regarding the upcoming focus groups, please contact Barb Pierce at barb.pierce@nebraska.gov. A current list of all DED Housing Division team members, along with contract information, is available HERE.
Changes are coming to the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District in 2024.
Higginbotham said “ It has been an extreme pleasure to have served Northeast Nebraska in this role. The partnerships, collaborations and friendships formed over the years have been tremendous in our success. I am extremely excited and looking forward to my new position at BankFirst. I am thrilled to be a part of the BankFirst team as they continue to grow, and I cannot wait to get to work!”
Engelbart has accepted a position at a local non-profit organization and will remain in Norfolk. “After 29 years in community and economic development, I am excited about the opportunity to explore a new field where I can still have a positive impact on people’s lives. I am forever grateful for the relationships and experiences I’ve had while being part of the NENEDD team serving northeast Nebraska.”August 30, 2023 board meeting
During the NENEDD board meeting, two business loans were approved totaling $340,000. A $140,000 loan was approved for Tyler and Landi Bettencourt for the purchase of the Albion Livestock Market (ALM), Albion, NE due to the current owners retiring. ALM has been around for over 100 years and will continue to give local and regional livestock producers a safe, well-established and well-maintained establishment to sell or buy livestock.
Josh and Rochelle Fleischmann were approved for a $200,000 loan to purchase a building to expand Smokin’ Deisel Repair, LLC, Laurel, NE. They offer complete diagnostic and repair of modern diesel engines, heavy truck, trailer, agricultural, and automotive equipment including ECM (engine control module) programming.
August 30, 2023 Board Agendas
The NED, Inc. board meeting will start at 7 p.m. The NENEDD board meeting will follow at 7:15 p.m. or following the NED, Inc. meeting. The meetings will be held at the following location:
- City of Norfolk Offices – Training Room, 309 N. 5th St., Norfolk, NE 68701
2023 Work-Based Learning Summit.
Petersen promoted to Community Planning Assistant
Petersen promoted to Community Planning Assistant
NENEDD is pleased to announce the promotion of Grace Petersen to the position of Community Planning Assistant. In this new capacity, she will be responsible for assistance with grant applications, general administration, coordination with staff for completion of priority projects and work with outside agencies, members and service providers as required. “I am so excited to be more involve with the Planning Department and being able to assist them in the important work they do for Northeast Nebraska,” said Petersen. Executive Director Thomas L. Higginbotham, Jr. stated, “Grace’s promotion is a reflection of her hard work and contributions to NENEDD and we are excited to bring her talents into the Planning Department”. Petersen has been with NENEDD since November of 2019.
NED, Inc. Board of Directors met
One business loan was approved during the NED, Inc. meeting. A $250,000 loan was approved for Puntney Family Properties, LLC, in Columbus. Aaron and Jayme Puntney are planning the expansion of their business Puntney Family Properties, LLC, which is one of five companies they own based out of Columbus. The company operates in the transportation services sector in the lower 48 states. The expansion involves the construction of a new facility on Highway 30 east of Columbus. They currently lease an 8,000-square-foot building at 2255 E. 12th Ave. in Columbus. The new building will be 24,700 square feet, located approximately a half-mile west of the Platte/Colfax County line.
“NED, Inc.’s loan to the Puntney’s will allow them to continue building and growing their company and providing seven additional jobs in the Columbus and Platte County area,” said NENEDD Business Loan Specialist Jeff Christensen.
Also during the meeting, the board approved a one-year contract extension for NED, Inc.’s NAHTF grant 20-TFHP-15004 to complete the three remaining contract units, and one additional unit, to expend the remaining $116,565 in direct homebuyer assistance project funds. The extension request is necessary due to Covid-19 pandemic related issues earlier during the grant contract period, including a rapid increase in housing prices, as well as rising non-housing inflation, causing affordability declines. That, in turn, put a temporary halt to the homebuying process for LMI individuals. The requested extension date is August 11, 2024.
“To date, seven of the ten contract units have been completed and $183,435 in NAHTF direct homebuyer assistance funds have been expended, in addition to $60,000 in matching funds,” said NENEDD Housing Loan Specialist Mandy Gear. “Applications are taken on a first-come, first-ready basis and will be accepted until all funds have been allocated.”
The next NED, Inc. and NENEDD Board of Directors meetings will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 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, Aug. 28, 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.
Direct Homebuyer Assistance program available for homebuyers
NED, Inc. Board of Directors to meet; NENEDD meeting canceled
- City of Norfolk Offices — Training Room, 309 N. 5th St., Norfolk, NE 68701
NED, Inc., Board of Directors, NENEDD Council of Officials met
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
NED, Inc., Board of Directors, NENEDD Council of Officials to meet
- City of Norfolk Offices — Training Room, 309 N. 5th St., Norfolk, NE 68701
Ribbon cutting, open house held for new duplex project in Plainview
The City of Plainview, Pierce County Economic Development group and the Nebraska Workforce Housing group, part of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, hosted an open house with organizers and builders at the new townhome units that are being built on North 4th Street in Plainview.
The four-unit project, made possible with a grant from the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund will likely be completing its first living space this week, said investor and owner Jim Meuret – along with his wife, Laurie, and their sons, Matt and Sam. Meuret said that the second unit should be livable in another week, and the final two may be finished as early as the end of the month.
“With COVID and rising costs as slowdowns, we’re proud to provide quality, affordable housing to the community of Plainview,” said Jim Meuret. Meuret said whether this housing goes to provide workforce living spaces directly, or allows residents to vacate their larger homes to allow for families to live in them, both will have an impact on the housing needs in the community.
Around 50 onlookers, representatives, committee members, City Council representatives, Mayors and officials, including State Senator Barry DeKay were in attendance last Thursday for the ribbon cutting and presentation and viewing of the first near-finished unit.
City of Plainview Economic Developer Susan Norris emceed the ribbon cutting portion, introducing and thanking everyone in attendance for their participation in the large-scale project – from Senator DeKay to DED representatives, Northeast Nebraska Economic Development group members, contractors and builders and suppliers, and Plainview’s officials as well.
In a second event of the day, held just prior to the Plainview ribbon cutting – Plainview native Darin Zuhlke, owner of Zuhlke Properties opened a similarly funded housing project in Pierce.
The Plainview units have 1,486 square feet of living space, with 611 sq ft finished garage space for a total of 2,047 square feet per unit, with green space on the outside, all new appliances, two bedrooms and two bathrooms and a two-car garage. As part of the Nebraska Workforce Development grant projects, three of the units are also relatively income-based – a single person with income of around $61,600 or less, or two persons with $70,400 or less, can qualify for reduced rent through the housing funding.
“Congratulations to the Cities of Pierce and Plainview on the completion of their newly constructed townhomes! These projects are the result of persistence and hard work from both city staff and Pierce County Economic Development and aim to increase property values, create more jobs, stimulate community growth, inspire economic health, provide local tax benefits, and produce more sustainable homes,” said NENEDD Housing Loan Specialist Mandy Gear. “It was a pleasure to partner on both of these projects and we are excited to see their impact, not only on Pierce County, but for all of Northeast Nebraska.”
“NENEDD Housing Specialist Martin Griffith added, “NENEDD commends the cities of Pierce and Plainview, along with the local investors, on their efforts to expand the local housing stock of safe, decent, and affordable housing with the addition of six and four new rental townhomes respectively. We are proud to partner on these two projects and we look forward to assisting many more of our member communities with projects such as these.”
New board members needed
The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) and the Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, Inc.) are looking for new board members to serve a 3-year term.
NENEDD is a sixteen-county regional development organization that encourages cooperation between local government officials, community-based organizations, and the private sector. We provide the link between federal and state programs at the local level where development actually occurs. NENEDD has extensive experience in community and economic development projects in the Northeast Nebraska region.
Since 2005, NENEDD has assisted members in obtaining more than $115.5 million in grants and loans for various community and economic development projects. Some of these projects created and/or retained 3,205 jobs and assisted in the rehabilitation, down payment assistance or new construction of over 896 housing units. Our non-profit organization, NED, Inc., is a separate entity that contracts with NENEDD to manage its business and housing loan programs.
If you want to make a difference in Northeast Nebraska’s economy and are interested in serving our region with community and economic development, please email me at thomash@nenedd.org.
Thank you
Thomas L. Higginbotham, Jr.
Executive Director
Sedlacek named RMEL Emerging Leader
Nebraska Public Power District Economic Development Manager Nicole Sedlacek, CEcD, has been awarded the Rocky Mountain Electrical League (RMEL) Emerging Leader Award.
Sedlacek (pictured, middle) with NPPD Vice President Energy Delivery Art Wiese (left) and Special Assistant to the CEO, Ken Curry.
The award recognizes high-potential individuals who have five to 10 years of electricity utility experience and are known for their significant contributions to their organizations, and who also possess qualities that align with future leadership skills and success.
“Nicole has excelled as one of Nebraska’s premier economic development leaders in many ways. This includes being an active member on the 
Northeast Nebraska Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Committee since 2012 when she was the executive director of Holt County Economic Development,” said NENEDD Loan Specialist Jeff Christensen. “We truly appreciate Nicole’s commitment to the small business environment as an active member of the Northeast RLF Committee. Congratulations Nicole. Well deserved recognition. The Northeast RLF Committee is a 9-member group that reviews Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District’s and Northeast Economic Development, Inc.’s monthly business loan applications and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval.”
Nicole’s leadership as the Economic Development Manager has been an integral part of NPPD’s Economic Development success, and I’m proud to work with her,” said Vice President of Customer Service & External Affairs Courtney Dentlinger.
Sedlacek joined the Nebraska Public Power District Economic Development team in 2016 after spending more than 10 years as the Executive Director of the Holt County Economic Development Agency.
She leads a team of seven Economic Development professionals throughout NPPD’s service area, providing recruitment, retention, and community-related services. In 2022, under her leadership, NPPD was named the top utility in Economic Development by Site Selection magazine.
Nicole serves as Chairperson for the Nebraska State Chamber’s Economic Development Policy Council. She is a Certified Economic Developer, recognized by the International Economic Development Council. Nicole is a past president of the Nebraska Economic Developers Association (NEDA). She also serves on the Northeast Community College Board of Governors and the O’Neill Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee. Nicole received her degrees from Northeast Community College and Bellevue University. She is a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach.
“I am honored to receive this award, and I’m grateful for the leadership at NPPD who nominated me and continue to provide challenging opportunities and leadership to help grow and expand my utility knowledge,” Sedlacek said.
RMEL is a not-for-profit energy trade association that has served the electric utility industry with a variety of education and networking services since 1903.
Public input requested on Internet access in Nebraska
These sessions build upon the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) and the OCIO/NITC earlier sessions and are intended to assist the State in developing a comprehensive approach to addressing digital access across all Nebraska communities.
The public information meetings are part of an ongoing effort to understand the unique connectivity needs of communities and how they may best be addressed. The program aims to expand high-speed internet access and digital opportunities through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Digital Equity Planning Initiative.
The BEAD program provides funding for planning, adoption, and infrastructure deployment to expand high-speed broadband, especially in communities that lack high-speed internet.
The upcoming meetings hosted by NDOT will be held in:
- Kearney – June 8, 6:30 p.m.; Kearney Public Library, 2020 First St.
- North Platte – June 13, 5:30 p.m.; Harvest Christian Fellowship, 1501 S. Dewey St.
- McCook – June 14, 5:30 p.m.; Public Safety Center, 505 W. C St.
- Broken Bow – June 21, 5:30 p.m.; Broken Bow Public Library, 626 D St.
- South Sioux City – June 29, 5:30 p.m.; South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront, 385 E. Fourth St.
- Lincoln – July 11, 5:30 p.m.; NDOT Auditorium, 1500 Nebraska Parkway
- Omaha – July 12, 5:30 p.m.; NDOT State Operations Center, 4425 S. 108th St.
Meetings are open to the public and will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about broadband programs and buildout across the state and provide input into digital access, affordability, and need for technical skills resources to create equitable distribution of resources.
For those who are unable to attend and want to learn more about high-speed internet access in Nebraska, visit https://broadband.nebraska.gov/Home to review information and provide feedback.
City of Albion named as recipient of Rural Workforce Housing Funds
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) recently announced the recipients of $22,825,000 in awards through the 2022 round of Nebraska’s Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF).
Included in that list was the City of Albion, receiving $1 million in grant funds.
“This grant award is a major step in getting much-needed workforce housing built in Albion, and we’re very grateful to the Nebraska Department of Economic 
Development for the opportunity to address the housing shortage there,” said NENEDD Community Planner, Riah Deane, who was instrumental in Albion receiving the award. “The City of Albion, Albion Economic Development Corporation, with Director Maggie Smith, and the citizens of Albion have partnered to provide a shining example of what a community can accomplish when they work together. This is just another step they are taking to ensure that there are housing opportunities for current and future residents.”
Authorized by the Rural Workforce Housing Investment Act of 2017, the RWHF helps communities create quality, affordable housing to accommodate growth.
For the 2022 funding cycle, RWHF awards were available to eligible non-profit development organizations who supplied at least a fifty percent match (that is, fifty cents for every one dollar of RWHF funds awarded). In many cases, local financial institutions and employers partnered with the primary applicant in providing the local match. Combined, today’s recipients contributed more than $12.1 million in matching funds.
DED administers the RWHF program on behalf of the State of Nebraska through a competitive application process. The department then partners with recipients to provide input regarding project design, development, and implementation.
For the entire list of recipients, click here.