February 3, 2026 111 S. 1st St. | Norfolk, Nebraska 68701 | 402-379-1150 |www.nenedd.org Facebook

2025 was a big year for NENEDD and our member communities! From welcoming new members to securing $2.7+ million in grant funding, supporting housing, businesses, infrastructure, and community projects, our team partnered with communities across Northeast Nebraska to help move important priorities forward. We’re proud of what was accomplished in 2025 and grateful for the continued partnership of our members as we look ahead to 2026. Read our full 2025 Year-End Wrap-Up here: NENEDD 2025

Andrea Larson
Deputy Director

Tell us about your family: I have one adult son, Justin, who is married to my daughter-in-law, Sarah. They gave me two wonderful granddaughters, Addison and Harper.

Tell us about your pets (kind/breed, names, ages): Sophie is a 10-year-old shih tzu mix.

What is your favorite movie/favorite movie line? “The Princess Bride.” When Fezzik says, “Anybody want a peanut?” I crack up every time.

What is your favorite song and why? It changes often, but Breezeblocks by alt-J is my favorite right now. The melody gets into my bones when I listen to it.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Dolly Parton

What’s one thing on your bucket list? I want to go skydiving with my brother and sister (if I can ever talk them into it.)

What is the most rewarding part of your job?  The most rewarding part of my job is working directly with communities across Northeast Nebraska that are committed to improving the quality of life for their residents. Being able to watch our member communities reach their goals in real time and helping them plan for what’s next is incredibly gratifying. I especially enjoy that NENEDD can support the region not only through grant funding and loan programs, but also by helping connect our members to other valuable resources.

What is your favorite holiday/time of the year and why? Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year, and Halloween is my favorite holiday. I love the liminality of fall and the comfort of the personal traditions I associate with the season.

What are you grateful for? My family. I’m truly blessed to have so many wonderful, supportive people in my life.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Al pastor street tacos.

What word best describes you? Responsible.

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NENEDD’s Housing Department assisted with the following throughout the month of January: NAHTF housing management for City of Norfolk, City of Plainview, and City of Bloomfield’s rental rehabilitation grants NAHTF General Administration and Housing Management for NED, Inc. owner-occupied rehabilitation grant for congressional district 1 NAHTF general administration and housing management for City of Fremont rental rehabilitation grant NAHTF general administration and housing management for CCED new construction grant HOME housing management and general administration for NED, Inc. direct homebuyer assistance program NAHTF housing management and general administration for NED, Inc. direct homebuyer assistance program HOME housing management and general administration for NED, Inc. owner-occupied rehabilitation program NAHTF housing management and general administration for NED, Inc. owner-occupied rehabilitation program HOME housing management and general administration for NENEDD community owner-occupied rehabilitation programs HOME housing management and general administration for NENEDD community direct homebuyer assistance programs RWHF management for Albion Economic Development Corporation, Pender Community Development, Cuming County Economic Development, Greater Fremont Development Council Monthly Schuyler Housing Development Committee meetings HomeNE Webinar facilitated by South Central Economic Development District Nebraska Housing Developers Board and Policy Committee Zoom meetings NROC 1st Thursday Peer Exchange 6R1N Progress Meetings Columbus Housing Committee Meetings Nebraska State Home Builders Association Legislative Banquet Executing program income reports for communities with housing reuse funds Rural Workforce Housing Fund annual reports started Processing two Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation applications

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NENEDD’s Planning Department assisted with the following throughout the month of January:

• Attended Boone County Economic Development Networking Even
• Northeast Networking Meeting at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point
• Town Hall in Osmond
• DTR Committee Meeting in Fremont
• Semi-annual PSR reports
• Boone County Social in Albion
• Columbus Housing Meeting
• Preparing Communities for the next Grant Writing Season

On Tuesday, January 20^th, Community Planners, Zach Fisher and Sandra Goode, attended the Northeast Nebraska Network Meeting at the Neilsen Center in West Point. The main focus of the meeting was presentations by the Superintendents of Wisner-Pilger, Bancroft, West Point, and Guardian Angels Central Catholic. Following a quick working lunch, a tour of the Northeast Community College facilities was given to all participants that wanted to attend.

Grace Petersen – NENEDD Housing Loan Specialist and Sandra Goode – NENEDD Community Planner attended the Boone County Economic Development Networking Event January 21, 2026. Benjamin Benton from NBDC served as a presenter, followed by a discussion on various economic development topics impacting Boone County. The event brought together attendees from Albion, Cedar Rapids, Primrose, Petersburg, and St. Edward.

                                                           

The following surveys are currently active and being conducted by NENEDD.

Income Surveys City of Genoa Village of Verdigre Village of Dodge Village of Leigh City of Ponca

Community Surveys City of Albion Village of Meadow Grove City of Osmond City of West Point City of Ponca City of Madison

USDA Surveys Village of Walthill

Downtown Revitalization Norfolk Fremont Columbus Pierce	Public Works Wayne Craig Newman Grove Lyons Newcastle Schuyler Battle Creek Richland Walthill	Planning Newman Grove Niobrara Decatur	CCCFF Battle Creek Norfolk	Other Wakefield Reuse – Housing Wayne – RCRP Norfolk – ARPA QTC

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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).
• Rural Workforce Housing Fund – New owner-occupied housing and rental housing units, as well as existing owner-occupied housing and rental housing units. These grants have a pre-application deadline of November and a full application deadline in January. Communities should let NENEDD know they would like to apply as soon as possible but no later than October 24 (subject to waiting list on first come, first serve basis).
• Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund – Housing development projects and nonprofit building/operating assistance grants have a pre-application deadline in February and a full application deadline in May. Communities should let NENEDD know they would like to apply as soon as possible but no later than November 20 (subject to waiting list on a first come, first serve basis).

For more information, please contact Sandra Goode, Community Planner at sandra@nenedd.org or Zach Fisher, Community Planner at zach@nenedd.org, or call 402-379-1150.

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Business Loan Activities for January March business loan application timeline: 2-27-26 (F) – deadline to receive all application docs 3-10-26 (Tu) – loan summary is provided to the Northeast Loan Committee for their review. 3-17-26 (Tu) 10:30 AM – Northeast Loan Committee meets to review applications and make recommendation to the board of directors. 3-25-26 (W) 7:00 PM – NENEDD/NED, Inc. Board meetings to take official action Loan Approvals: The NENEDD and NED, Inc. boards approved three business loans at their January 2026 meeting.  Two are business expansions and one is a retention project.  Ed and Missy Hoppe will construct a new building to expand Hoppe Motor in Osmond.  Ed started a small engine repair business after 20 years at a John Deere dealership working as a mechanic on various types of equipment from combines to mowers.  Ed does small engine repair, and services lawn mowers, golf carts, ATV’s and other small outdoor equipment.  NENEDD partnered with Security Bank in Osmond to provide financing. Chris Pavlik is planning the expansion of his concrete business with the purchase of a vehicle, skid loader, dump trailer, and inventory.  Pavlik Concrete, LLC provides poured concrete flatwork (driveways, sidewalks, and patios), slabs (garages and shops), small foundations (agriculture pads and equipment foundations), structural pours (steps and approaches), and concrete removal, replacement and repair for residential, agricultural, and light commercial clients within Wayne County and a 30-mile radius. Mike and Kelly Works together with Steve and Tina Beller, members of Columbus HIE, LLC, are planning the purchase of the Columbus Holiday Inn Express located at 524 E. 23rd Street in Columbus. The property is a three-story, 90 room, Holiday Inn Express built in 1999, with an additional 6700 square feet expansion done in 2006. This is one of many hotel and motel properties the Works and Bellers own or manage. NED, Inc. partnered with Bank of the Valley in Columbus and SBA to provide financing. Loan Closings: January loans closed – none 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 Cherry Dakota Dixon Dodge Rural Douglas Holt Keya Paha Knox Madison Nance Pierce Platte Rock Stanton Thurston Washington Wayne 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 ½ of 1% of the declining loan balance will be charged to each borrower. How to Apply:  A pre-application may be obtained by visiting: For more information, please contact Jeff Christensen, Business Loan Specialist, at 402-649-7223 or jeff@nenedd.org

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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 2024-2025 for the public to view. Currently,  there has been an economic impact of approximately $437.9 million, 98,300 households impacted, 1,400 businesses that were impacted and 717 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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2025-2026 Associate Members Diamond Platinum Gold Silver Bank of Dixon County BankFirst Black Hills Energy Brunswick State Bank Charter West Bank Clarkson Bank Citizens State Bank Faith Regional Health Services Cornerstone Bank First Bank & Trust of Fullerton Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust Loup River Public Power District F&M Bank Midwest Bank First Community Bank Norfolk Daily News First Northeast Bank of Nebraska Wayne America, Inc. Great Plains State Bank McMill CPAs & Advisors Neighbor Works Northeast Nebraska Northeast Community College Bronze  Bank of Hartington Genoa Community Bank Burt County Public Power District Madison County Bank Cedar-Knox Public Power District Nebraska Municipal Power Pool Cedar Security Bank Platte Valley Bank Columbus Bank & Trust Company Points West Community Bank Commercial State Bank Schuyler Community Development, Inc. Cornhusker Public Power District Scribner Bank Cuming County Public Power District Stanton County Public Power District Elkhorn Rural Public Power District State Nebraska Bank & Trust Farmers & Merchants State Bank Wayne State College Frontier Bank West Point Chamber of Commerce County Members Antelope County Colfax County Platte County Boone County Cuming County Stanton County Burt County Knox County Thurston County Cedar County Nance County Wayne County Community Members City of Albion City of Oakland Village of Craig Village of Pilger City of Battle Creek City of Osmond Village of Decatur Village of Richland City of Bloomfield City of Pierce Village of Dixon Village of Snyder City of Clarkson City of Plainview Village of Dodge Village of Thurston City of Columbus City of Ponca Village of Duncan Village of Verdigre City of Creighton City of Randolph Village of Emerson Village of Wausa City of Crofton City of Scribner Village of Fordyce Village of Wynot City of Elgin City of St. Edward Village of Howells City of Fremont City of Stanton Village of Inglewood City of Fullerton City of Tilden Village of Leigh City of Genoa City of Wakefield Village of Martinsburg City of Hartington City of Wayne Village of McLean City of Hooper City of West Point Village of Meadow Grove City of Laurel Village of Allen Village of Newcastle City of Lyons Village of Bancroft Village of Niobrara City of Madison Village of Beemer Village of Oakdale City of Newman Grove Village of Belden Village of Orchard City of Norfolk Village of Cedar Rapids Village of Pender City of North Bend Village of Coleridge Village of Petersburg NED, Inc. Board of Directors  Kurt Dostal – President – Citizens State Bank Loren Kucera – Vice President – Wayne State College Tod W. Voss, MD – Secretary/Treasurer – Village of McLean Sally Ganem – Board Member – Fremont City Council Rich Jablonski – Board Member – Columbus City Council Jim Hans – Board Member – Village of Wynot Troy Uhlir – Board Member – Madison County Commissioner NENEDD Board of Directors  Sally Ganem – Chairwoman – Fremont City Council Meghann Buresh – Vice Chairwoman – Nebraska Apex Accelerator Blake Denton – Secretary/Treasurer – MetLife Investment Management Charlie Bahr – Board Member – Columbus City Council Benjamin Benton – Board Member – Nebraska Business Development Center, Wayne Doug Huttmann – Board Member – Stanton County Commissioner Mason Zimmerer – Board Member – Northeast Community College Anthony Warrior – Board Member – Nebraska Indian Community College Jeff Jensen – Board Member – Norfolk City Council Business RLF Committee Chad Anderson – Pierce City Administrator Loren Kucera – Wayne State College Aaron Gutz – President, Security Bank, Osmond Branch Adam Rief – Owner, Rief Design and Manufacturing, LLC Nicole Sedlacek – Economic Development Manager, NPPD Ryan Steffensmeier – President and CEO, First Community Bank Brenda Whalen – Owner, Laurel’s Hometown Market Brian Yosten – Owner, Cedar Valley Insurance Elizabeth McManigal – Loan Officer, Charter West Bank To stay connected and informed, follow us on FaceBook and here subscribe to our newsletter  to receive all our latest news and updates.