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June 30, 2025
111 S. 1st St. | Norfolk, Nebraska 68701 | 402-379-1150 |www.nenedd.org |
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Mary Fleer
Administrative Assistant
Basic info (Name, title, time at NENEDD): Mary Fleer, Administrative Assistant, joined the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District in September 2023. Mary is a graduate of Northeast Community College and Georgia Military College with both an Associates of Arts and an Associates of Science degree. Prior to joining the NENEDD, she was the owner of a medical transcription business based in Battle Creek. Mary’s current duties include a variety of 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 as needed.
Tell us about your family: My husband Mike, who I’ve been married to for 39 years, is City Administrator for the City of Battle Creek, my son Andrew is a computer programmer/analyst and my daughter Alison is a Navy nurse.
Tell us about your pets (kind/breed, names, ages): I don’t have any pets at the moment but in the past, I have had dachshunds and beagles.
What is your favorite movie/favorite movie line? I don’t really have an absolute favorite movie, it goes with the season and/or my mood. One of my favorite movie lines is from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2: “After all this time?” “Always!”
What is your dream vacation? (Have you already taken it?) Guam. I have always wanted to visit and I was fortunate to be able to spend a month there when my daughter was stationed at the Navy base. It is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been, and I’ve been to Hawaii twice. I would go back in a heartbeat, but the trip took nearly 24 hours and 3 flights.
What’s one thing on your bucket list? To go to the Twilight festival in Forks, Washington. My friend and I have been planning to do this for 15 years (yes, we’re Twilight nerds #twimoms) and this year we booked it and are going in September for the 20th anniversary of Twilight.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The people I’ve met and have had the pleasure of working with.
What is your favorite holiday/time of the year and why? Favorite time of year is SUMMER! Sun and heat!!
What are you grateful for? My family of course but the abilities I’ve had in the past to travel to several different countries and to live in England for 2 years which was amazing and had been a childhood dream (to visit). I was there when Prince William was born.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Hot turkey sandwich with gravy and french fries.
What kind of car did you drive in high school? Originally my parent’s yellow Oldsmobile until I got a Ford Pinto.
What word best describes you? Approachable. I can strike up a conversation with anyone and within minutes, they’re telling me about their lives. It drives my sister crazy, and my husband says I can talk to a doorknob.
What’s a fun or interesting fact about you? In the early 2000’s, I applied to be on Survivor. I was a total addict, and no one was allowed to disturb me on Thursday nights.
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The Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, Inc.) and the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) Board of Directors/Annual Council of Officials held their monthly meetings on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at the City of Norfolk Offices.
At the NED, Inc. meeting, Troy Uhlir was appointed as a new member of the board of directors for a three-year term and Kurt Dostal, Loren Kucera and Sally Ganem were appointed for a second three-year term, all terms to end June 30, 2028. Kurt Dostal was elected President, Loren Kucera was elected Vice President and Tod Voss, MD, was elected Secretary/Treasurer. Also approved at the NED, Inc. meeting was the 2025-2026 budget.
Five housing loans were approved during the NED, Inc. meeting. Applicants #101757, #101823 and #101826 were each approved for Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation funds up to $40,000. Two Direct Homebuyer Assistance loans were also approved, #101835 for $27,028.28 and #101836 for $30,000.
At the NENEDD Annual Council of Officials meeting, Mason Zimmerer, Jeff Jensen and Anthony Warrior were appointed to the Board of Directors for a three-year term and Meghann Buresh was appointed for a second three-year term with all terms to end June 30, 2028. Sally Ganem was elected Chairman, Meghann Buresh was elected Vice Chairman and Blake Denton was elected as Secretary/Treasurer. Also approved at NENEDD meeting was the 2025-2026 budget.
Both the NENEDD and NED, Inc. board approved three-year terms for the Northeast Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Committee. The Northeast RLF Committee is a 9-member group that reviews NENEDD, NED, Inc.'s and local community’s business loans and makes recommendations for approval. It consists of three bankers, three business owners representing service, retail, and manufacturing, a city administrator, local economic development professional, and small business consultant. Each term is for three years. Brenda Whalen will represent retail businesses as the owner of Laurel’s Hometown Market. She is replacing Troy Weyhrich who will be going off the RLF Committee. NENEDD staff and both board of directors would like to thank Troy for his dedication and commitment on the RLF committee for the past nine years. Elizabeth McManigal and Aaron Gutz will continue another term representing bankers in the region. Elizabeth is a loan officer for CharterWest Bank in Pender and Aaron is the Osmond Branch President of Security Bank.
Executive Director, Mandy Gear, presented outgoing NED, Inc. board member, Jim McCarville with a certificate of appreciation. Outgoing NENEDD board members Tina Biteghe Bi Ndong and Justin Webb were not present at the meeting. Mandy states, "On behalf of the NENDD staff, members, and partners, I would like to express our deep gratitude to our 3 outgoing NENEDD/NED, Inc. board members, Justin Webb, Tina Biteghe Bi Ndong, and Jim McCarville for their outstanding service on our boards throughout the years. We especially appreciate their thoughtful insights, valuable guidance, and unwavering commitment to our organizations. Their contributions have made a lasting impact on NENEDD/NED, Inc., and we are truly grateful for the time and energy they have invested in our mission. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Thanks for everything Justin, Tina, and Jim!!"
The complete minutes from the June 25, 2025, NED, Inc. Board of Directors meeting can be viewed here: NED, Inc.
The complete minutes from the June 25, 2025 NENEDD Board of Directors meeting can be viewed here: NENEDD.
The July Northeast Economic Development, Inc. Board of Directors and the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District Board of Directors meetings will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the Norfolk City Offices at 309 5th Street in Norfolk. The NED, Inc. meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the NENEDD meeting to follow. The public is welcome to attend.
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NEDA Conference 2025
The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District’s Planning Department recently attended the Nebraska Economic Developers Association (NEDA) Conference held in La Vista. Those attending were Community Planners Sandra Goode, Tracy Sporleder, and Zach Fisher, as well as Community Planning Assistant Grace Petersen.
During the three-day conference, attendees had an opportunity to tour the Amazon Processing Facility, as well as network at the welcoming reception at Smash Park. Several speakers also presented, including Keynote Speaker Jeff Beals of Omaha, who is an award-winning author, speaker, and sales trainer.
There also were panels that covered topics from workforce and middle income housing developments, La Vista's 84th Street Redevelopment Project, and the Lincoln Premium Poultry Impact Study.
Next year’s NEDA Conference will be held in Kearney.
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On Monday, June 23rd NENEDD attended the Department of Economic Development Growing Nebraska Update at the Freedom Park Shelter in Wayne, Nebraska.
The update was presented by K.C. Belitz, Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development as well as Joe Fox, Deputy Director of Business Development & Programs and Joe Lauber, Deputy Director of Operations/Chief Legal Officer.
The majority of the update focused on housing shortages and plans to remedy the situation. NENEDD was represented by Community Planners, Sandra Goode, Tracy Sporleder, and Zach Fisher as well as Housing Specialist, Martin Griffith and Business Loan Specialist, Jeff Christensen.
| Loren Kucera Retirement Celebration |
Long time NED, Inc. and NENEDD Board Member, Loren Kucera, was celebrated at a retirement party on June 26, 2025, at Gardner Hall, Wayne State College. Loren worked at the Nebraska Business Development Center.
The retirement celebration honoring Loren Kucera’s 31 years of service was a heartfelt and well-attended event marked by warm reflections, impactful stories, and genuine appreciation. The event began with a social gathering in the Gardner Hall atrium, followed by a formal presentation program in the auditorium. Speakers included:
- Luke Virgil – Wayne America
- Scott Mueller – Samson Inc.
- Tony Schultz – SBDC State Director -highlighted Loren’s impact via metrics and NBDC outcomes
- WSC President Rames –bestowed Admiralship recognition
- Gerard Ras – Dean of Business & Technology announced the Kucera Entrepreneurship Fund
The emotional resonance of the event was palpable—attendees shared laughter, heartfelt stories, and even a few tears. The presentations were followed by a final atrium social and then an after-party at The Max, where the celebration continued informally in the backroom.
Attending from NENEDD were Mandy Gear, Andrea Larson, Jeff Christensen and Grace Petersen.
Mandy stated, "Congratulations on a long and successful career, Loren! It has been an honor for NENEDD to work alongside you for many years. Your wisdom and guidance have been invaluable, and we will be forever grateful for the lasting impact of your leadership and contributions to our organizations. Best wishes on a retirement filled with happiness and relaxation!"
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Wayne's Prairie Park Ribbon Cutting
The City of Wayne celebrated the official opening of the city’s new Prairie Park on Friday, May 30, 2025. The project was supported, in part, using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NDED). Future improvements will also be supported by NDED through a generous grant award of the Rural Community Recovery Program.
NENEDD community planners were honored to be part of the application and administration processes in both programs.
Prairie Park features a 4-acre lake with a fishing pier and kayak launch; the lake was recently stocked with 3,000 bass and bluegill. The park itself also features ballfields, soccer fields, a dog park, bath/shower facilities, 17 full-service camper pads, and more.
Pictured (below) is Wayne’s Mayor Jill Brodersen (center, holding shears), City of Wayne staff members, Wayne America Ambassadors, Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District directors and staff, members of the Stool to Cool Taskforce, a representative of the Wayne Area Legacy Fund, and members of the engineering consultant firm Olsson.
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| Change in application dates for Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant |
The application window has changed. This year, it is through Friday August 22 at 12 p.m. CT.
You may register as a user and/or organization at any time. The 2025 Application Guide is available on the website.
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The NENEDD Community Planners are available to write or assist with writing both state and federal grants. The funding opportunities our Community Planners specialize in include the following:
- Community Development Block Grants – Planning, Public Works and Downtown Revitalization grants are due in September. Communities should let NENEDD know they would like to apply as soon as possible but no later than June 1 (subject to waiting list on a first come, first serve basis).
- Nebraska Game and Parks Grants – Recreational Trails Program and Land and Water Conservation Fund grants are due in August. Communities should let NENEDD know they would like to apply as soon as possible but no later than June 1 (subject to waiting list on a first come, first serve basis).
- Civic and Community Center Financing Fund – Planning and Construction grants have a pre-application deadline in January and a full application deadline in February. Communities should let NENEDD know they would like to apply as soon as possible but no later than November 1 (subject to waiting list on a first come, first serve basis).
For more information, please contact Sandra Goode, Community Planner at sandra@nenedd.org, Zach Fisher, Community Planner at zach@nenedd.org, or Tracy Sporleder, Community Planner at tracy@nenedd.org or call 402-379-1150.
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Revolving Loan Funds | The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) and Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, Inc.) Revolving Loan Funds (RLF) were created to help fund economic development projects within a 26-county region of Northeast and North Central Nebraska:
- Antelope
- Boone
- Boyd
- Burt
- Butler
- Brown
- Cedar
- Colfax
- Cuming
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- Cherry
- Dakota
- Dixon
- Dodge
- Rural Douglas
- Holt
- Keya Paha
- Knox
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- Madison
- Nance
- Pierce
- Platte
- Rock
- Stanton
- Thurston
- Washington
- Wayne
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The RLF provides for subordinated gap financing for businesses, in conjunction with local financial institutions; allowing the business owner the ability to start a business, expand a current business, transfer ownership or purchase an existing business. These loans are perfect for financing fixed assets such as land, building, equipment and working capital.
Loan Terms and Conditions:
- Maximum loan amount is $200,000.
- Real estate financing will not exceed 25 years.
- Working capital and equipment loans will be financed on a short-term basis of 3 to 10 years.
- Interest rates will be fixed based on the length of the loan.
Eligibility:
- At least one (1) full time equivalent job must be created or retained for each $35,000 in loan dollars.
- Loan dollars may not represent more than 40% of the total financing needs.
- 10% – 20% equity is generally required.
- At least 51% of the jobs created or retained should benefit persons of low to moderate incomes.
- Bank financing is encouraged and preferred with each borrower, but not required.
- A processing fee of 1% ($200 minimum) of the loan amount must be paid by the applicant before the application is reviewed by the loan committee.
- An annual servicing fee equal to 1/2 of 1% of the declining loan balance will be charged to each borrower.
How to Apply: A pre-application may be obtained by visiting www.nenedd.org/business-loans/
Business loan applications are due on a monthly basis.
July timeline:
- 7-2-25 (W) - deadline to receive all application docs
- 7-15-25 (Tu) - loan summary is provided to the Northeast Loan Committee for their review.
- 7-21-25 (M) 10:30 AM – Northeast Loan Committee meets to review applications and make recommendation to the board of directors.
- 7-30-25 (W) 7:00 PM – NENEDD/NED, Inc. Board meetings to take official action
August timeline:
- 8-1-25 (F) - deadline to receive all application docs
- 8-12-25 (Tu) - loan summary is provided to the Northeast Loan Committee for their review.
- 8-18-25 (M) 10:30 AM – Northeast Loan Committee meets to review applications and make recommendation to the board of directors.
- 8-27-25 (W) 7:00 PM – NENEDD/NED, Inc. Board meetings to take official action
For more information, please contact Jeff Christensen, Business Loan Specialist,
at 402-649-7223 or jeff@nenedd.org
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SBA Launches Onshoring Portal to Advance
America’s Economic Comeback
New Tool Connects Small Businesses to Network
of more than 1 Million Domestic Suppliers
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WASHINGTON — Today, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced the launch of the Make Onshoring Great Again Portal, a free tool designed to help small businesses identify U.S. manufacturers and producers. With a database of more than 1 million American suppliers, the searchable portal will empower job creators to source domestic suppliers to support their operations – which will in turn support American jobs, reconnect our supply chain with U.S-based production, and end our nation’s concentrated dependence on foreign suppliers and adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party.
“The SBA is proud to support President Donald J. Trump’s mission to restore America’s economic resurgence by empowering small businesses with the resources to supercharge the return of Made in America,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “The Make Onshoring Great Again Portal will give job creators a direct line to more than one million domestic suppliers – replacing foreign dependence with access to American-made solutions. It’s a decisive step toward rebuilding our nation’s strength through stronger supply chains, better products, and a renewed commitment to American industry, small business, and workers.”
The SBA is working with several private-sector cosponsors to provide public access to three free databases representing more than 1 million U.S. based manufacturers, producers, and suppliers. Not only will the portal enable small businesses to support American industry and workers – it will also benefit job creators by helping them source domestic supply chains that will deliver shortened lead times, improved quality control, and reduced exposure to overseas disruptions.
The Made in America Onshoring Portal builds on the SBA’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing American industry. Earlier this year, the agency launched the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, which is aimed at expanding access to capital for U.S. manufacturers, promoting a skilled workforce, and cutting $100 billion in red tape. The agency has also endorsed recent bipartisan, bicameral legislation to double the SBA loan cap for small manufacturers in the effort to supercharge the return of American manufacturing dominance.
For more information, please visit the Make Onshoring Great Again Portal at: www.sba.gov/priorities/american-manufacturers/make-onshoring-great-again-portal
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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NROC PROJECT IMPACT MAP |
The Nebraska Regional Officials Council (NROC) has created a project impact map which shows grant and loan funding projects throughout the region. Each of the economic development districts has begun inputting project data from 2023-2024 for the public to view. Other years will be added in the future.
Currently, there has been an economic impact of approximately $270 million, 351 projects, 875 businesses that were impacted and 520 jobs created. These numbers will increase as projects continue to be updated. The projects include various community grants, business loans and housing loans.
Please click on the link here: NROC Project Impact Map or scan the QR code below. For a NENEDD-specific map, please visit our website at NENEDD.org.
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| 2024-2025 Associate Members |
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Diamond
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| Gold |
Silver |
| Bank of Dixon County |
BankFirst |
| Black Hills Energy |
Brunswick State Bank |
| Center for Rural Affairs |
Clarkson Bank |
| Citizens State Bank |
First Bank & Trust of Fullerton |
| Cornerstone Bank |
Homestead Bank |
| Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust |
JEO Consulting Group, Inc. |
| F&M Bank |
Norfolk Daily News |
| Faith Regional Health Services |
Wayne America, Inc. |
| First Northeast Bank of Nebraska |
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| Great Plains State Bank |
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| Loup River Public Power District |
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| McMill CPAs & Advisors |
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| Neighbor Works Northeast Nebraska |
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| Northeast Community College |
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| Bank of Hartington |
Nebraska Municipal Power Pool |
| Burt County Public Power District |
North Central Public Power District |
| Cedar-Knox Public Power District |
Platte Valley Bank |
| Cedar Security Bank |
Points West Community Bank |
| Columbus Bank & Trust Company |
Schuyler Development Company |
| Commercial State Bank |
Scribner Bank |
| Cuming County Public Power District |
Stanton County Public Power District |
| Farmers & Merchants State Bank |
State Nebraska Bank & Trust |
| Frontier Bank |
Wayne Community Housing Development Corp. |
| Genoa Community Bank |
Wayne State College |
| Madison County Bank |
West Point Chamber of Commerce |
| Nebraska Dept. of Economic Development |
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| Antelope County |
Colfax County |
Knox County |
Platte County |
| Boone County |
Cuming County |
Madison County |
Stanton County |
| Burt County |
Dixon County |
Nance County |
Thurston County |
| Cedar County |
Dodge County |
Pierce County |
Wayne County |
| City of Albion |
City of North Bend |
Village of Beemer |
Village of Meadow Grove |
| City of Battle Creek |
City of Oakland |
Village of Belden |
Village of Newcastle |
| City of Bloomfield |
City of Osmond |
Village of Cedar Rapids |
Village of Niobrara |
| City of Clarkson |
City of Pierce |
Village of Clearwater |
Village of Oakdale |
| City of Columbus |
City of Plainview |
Village of Coleridge |
Village of Orchard |
| City of Creighton |
City of Ponca |
Village of Craig |
Village of Pender |
| City of Crofton |
City of Schuyler |
Village of Decatur |
Village of Petersburg |
| City of Elgin |
City of Scribner |
Village of Dixon |
Village of Pilger |
| City of Fremont |
City of St. Edward |
Village of Dodge |
Village of Richland |
| City of Fullerton |
City of Stanton |
Village of Duncan |
Village of Rosalie |
| City of Genoa |
City of Tekamah |
Village of Emerson |
Village of Snyder |
| City of Hartington |
City of Tilden |
Village of Fordyce |
Village of Thurston |
| City of Hooper |
City of Wakefield |
Village of Howells |
Village of Verdigre |
| City of Laurel |
City of Wayne |
Village of Inglewood |
Village of Walthill |
| City of Lyons |
City of West Point |
Village of Leigh |
Village of Wausa |
| City of Madison |
City of Wisner |
Village of Martinsburg |
Village of Winnebago |
| City of Newman Grove |
Village of Allen |
Village of Maskell |
Village of Wynot |
| City of Norfolk |
Village of Bancroft |
Village of McLean |
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NED, Inc. Board of Directors
Rich Jablonski – President – Columbus City Council
Kurt Dostal – Vice President – Citizens State Bank
Loren Kucera – Secretary/Treasurer – Nebraska Business Dev. Center, Wayne
Sally Ganem – Board Member – Fremont City Council
Jim McCarville – Board Member – Northeast Community College
Jim Hans – Board Member – Village of Wynot
Tod W. Voss, MD – Board Member – Village of McLean
NENEDD Board of Directors
Charlie Bahr – Chairman – Columbus City Council
Sally Ganem – Vice Chairwoman – Fremont City Council
Troy Uhlir – Secretary/Treasurer – Madison County Commissioner
Tina Biteghe Bi Ndong – Board Member – West Point Chamber of Commerce
Justin Webb – Board Member – Norfolk City Council
Blake Denton – Board Member – MetLife Investment Management
Benjamin Benton – Board Member – Small Business Development Center, Wayne
Meghann Buresh – Board Member – Nebraska Apex Accelerator
Doug Huttmann – Board Member – Stanton County Commissioner
Business RLF Committee
Chad Anderson – Pierce City Administrator
Aaron Gutz – President, Security Bank, Osmond Branch
Lori Schrader – Loan Specialist, Center for Rural Affairs
Adam Rief – Owner, Rief Design and Manufacturing, LLC
Nicole Sedlacek – Economic Development Manager, NPPD
Ryan Steffensmeier – President and CEO, First Community Bank
Troy Weyrich – Owner, Renegade Stores, LLC
Brian Osten – Owner, Cedar Valley Insurance
Elizabeth McManigal – Loan Officer, Charter West Bank
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