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May 6, 2026
111 S. 1st St. | Norfolk, Nebraska 68701 | 402-379-1150 |www.nenedd.org
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May (3)
NENEDD HOUSING SNEAK PEEK (1)

We’re excited to share a recent home rehabilitation project in the City of Columbus made possible through a Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund grant secured by NED, Inc.
This home received major upgrades—from new windows and improved insulation to safer access points and exterior improvements—helping create a more comfortable, energy-efficient, and safe living space.
Projects like this make a real difference for homeowners and strengthen our communities one house at a time. Stay tuned for more project highlights!
business pics

It’s Small Business Week May 3rd-9th!
Here are just a few of the businesses NENEDD/NED, Inc. has had the opportunity to support
We’re proud to celebrate the small businesses that keep our communities strong.
From creating local jobs to bringing unique services and energy to our region, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Their resilience, innovation, and dedication make a lasting impact in every community we serve.
This week, we encourage you to show your support—shop local, share your favorite business, or simply say thank you to the entrepreneurs who help our region thrive.
Pierce ne

Northeast Nebraska communities awarded grant funding
The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) congratulates Pierce and Madison on receiving 2026 Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF) awards and assisted with both applications.

Pierce received $29,847 for Phase 2 of Chilvers Park 2.0, including a lighted public basketball court. Madison was awarded a $15,000 planning grant for a 4,000-square-foot multi-use community space at the public library.

Statewide, the CCCFF awarded $1 million to 15 projects, supporting community facilities with a required 1:1 local match.
Fullerton McClean
Fullerton, McLean awarded CDBG funding

The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) congratulates Fullerton and McLean on receiving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for street improvements. Fullerton was awarded $601,250 for Irving Street, and McLean received $615,280 for Main Street, enhancing safety and accessibility.

Deputy Director Andrea Larson highlighted the projects’ impact on infrastructure and long-term community vitality. Following an “Opportunity to Cure” process, these awards bring NENEDD’s total CDBG funding from September 2025 applications to $3,115,689.
Clearwater comm showcaseJim Pillen visited Clearwater to present the 2026 Governor’s Showcase Community Award, recognizing the town’s efforts to improve quality of life and drive economic growth through housing, community projects, and local initiatives.

NENEDD congratulates the Village of Clearwater on this well-deserved honor, celebrating the collaboration and progress that continue to strengthen Northeast Nebraska communities. For more information
Schuyler
Schuyler Begins Income Survey
The City of Schuyler asks residents to watch their mail for a letter from the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD). Eighty-two households, selected at random, will receive a survey from Mayor Art Lindberg to help determine eligibility for federal grant funding.
The survey will be provided in English and Spanish, and responses will be returned directly to NENEDD to ensure confidentiality. A prepaid return envelope is included, and surveys should be submitted by May 15, 2026, for more information please contact Zach Fisher at zach@nenedd.org

Copy of Brown Grey Modern Elegant Real Estate Email Header (9)Northeast Economic Dev. (NED, Inc.) and the Northeast Nebraska Economic Dev. District (NENEDD) Boards met Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the City of Norfolk Offices – Training room, 309 N. 5th St. Norfolk, NE.

At the NED, Inc. meeting, the Board approved one Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation loan of up to $40,000 at 2% interest over 20 years. Housing Specialist Martin Griffith noted the Norfolk home is structurally sound and will meet required standards after repairs. The recipient expressed gratitude for the opportunity to improve her home.

Also at the NED, Inc. meeting a business loan for Low Light, LLC was approved funding to open Low Light Bar, an owner-operated neighborhood bar at 211 Main St. in Wayne. Owners Lakyn and Harlee Allen will feature signature cocktails with a complementary menu, and received business planning and cash flow assistance from the Nebraska Business Development Center.

The complete minutes of the April 29, 2026, NED, Inc. Board of Directors meeting can be viewed here: NED, INC.

At the NENEDD Board of Directors meeting a business loan for Leah and Isaac Classen were approved to purchase a LogoJet printer for IC Prints, a rural Humphrey business offering custom printing and personalized products, including décor, gifts, promotional items, and specialty prints on various materials.

The complete minutes of the April 29, 2026, NENEDD Board of Directors meeting can be viewed here: NENEDD

The next meetings will be held Wednesday May 27, 2026, At A Full Cup/A Full Plate Restaurant at 801 10th Street in Stanton, NE 68779.  NED, Inc. will begin at 7 p.m., with NENEDD to follow. The public is welcome to attend.
Housing Department
NENEDD’s Housing Department throughout the month of April:

  • 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 program 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
  • Attended NROC 1st Thursday virtual meeting
  • Attended NIFA Innovation Expo
  • Attended a breakfast with Senator Dover
Nifa

Martin and Grace represented NENEDD at the 2026 NIFA Conference (April 14–15) in Lincoln, Nebraska. The “Partners in Progress” event brought together housing and community development leaders to collaborate on key issues, share ideas, and build connections.
DHA 1.14.26
OOR 1.14.26
Contractors Needed 2
                                                          Currently Active Surveys
The following surveys are currently active and being conducted by NENEDD
Community Surveys
  • City of Albion
  • Village of Meadow Grove
  • City of Osmond
  • City of West Point
  • City of Ponca
  • City of Madison
  • City of Schuyler
USDA Surveys
  • Village of Walthill
Income Surveys
  • Village of Doge
  • Village of Leigh
Currently Active Surveys 2
Downtown Revitalization
  • Norfolk
  • Fremont
  • Columbus
  • Pierce
        Public Works
  • Wayne
  • Craig
  • Newman Grove
  • Lyons
  • Newcastle
  • Schuyler
  • Battle Creek
  • Richland
  • Walthill
  • Fullerton
  • Mclean
        Planning
  • Newman Grove
  • Niobrara
  • Decatur
        CCCFF
  • Battle Creek
  • Norfolk
  • Madison
        Other
  • Wakefield Reuse – Housing
  • Wayne – RCRP
  • Norfolk – ARPA QTC
  • Madison – EMCV
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.
               Business Loans
June business loan application timeline:
  • 5-29-26 (F) – deadline to receive all application docs
  • 6-9-26 (Tu) – loan summary is provided to the Northeast Loan Committee for their review.
  • 6-15-26 (Tu) 10:30 AM – Northeast Loan Committee meets to review applications and make recommendation to the board of directors.
  • 6-24-26 (W) 7:00 PM – NENEDD/NED, Inc. Board meetings to take official action
April Loan Closings:
Lake Water Rentals, LLC (Pierce) – $45,000
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: nenedd.org/business-loans/
For more information, please contact Jeff Christensen, Business Loan Specialist,
at 402-649-7223 or jeff@nenedd.org
NROC

    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.
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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Members and Boards
2025-2026 Associate Members
Diamond
  pinbank     Picture1     Picture2
Platinum
Picture3
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 Cuming County Pierce County
Boone County Dodge County Platte County
Burt County Knox County Stanton County
Cedar County Madison County Thurston County
Colfax County Nance County Wayne County
Community Members
City of Albion City of Oakland Village of Cedar Rapids Village of Pender
City of Battle Creek City of Osmond Village of Coleridge Village of Petersburg
City of Bloomfield City of Pierce Village of Craig Village of Pilger
City of Clarkson City of Plainview Village of Decatur Village of Richland
City of Columbus City of Ponca Village of Dixon Village of Snyder
City of Creighton City of Randolph Village of Dodge Village of Thurston
City of Crofton City of Schuyler Village of Duncan Village of Verdigre
City of Elgin City of Scribner Village of Emerson Village of Walthill
City of Fremont City of St. Edward Village of Fordyce Village of Wausa
City of Fullerton City of Stanton Village of Howells Village of Wynot
City of Genoa City of Tilden Village of Inglewood
City of Hartington City of Wakefield Village of Leigh
City of Hooper City of Wayne Village of Martinsburg
City of Laurel City of West Point Village of McLean
City of Lyons City of Wisner Village of Meadow Grove
City of Madison Village of Allen Village of Newcastle
City of Newman Grove Village of Bancroft Village of Niobrara
City of Norfolk Village of Beemer Village of Oakdale
City of North Bend Village of Belden Village of Orchard
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
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Executive Director

Mandy Gear

 

Deputy Director

Andrea Larson
 

Fiscal Officer

Jill Godfrey
 

Business Loan
Specialist

Jeff Christensen
 

Housing Specialist

Martin Griffith

 Housing Loan Specialist

Grace Petersen

Community Planner

Sandra Goode
Zach Fisher

 

Adminstrative
Assistant

Lori Schrader