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Aug. 1, 2025
111 S. 1st St. | Norfolk, Nebraska 68701 | 402-379-1150 |www.nenedd.org |
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It saddens us to announce that Mary Fleer officially retired from her position as Administrative Assistant effective July 10, 2025. Mary has been an integral part of our team for the past two years. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication and contributions and will miss her expertise and support around the office. We wish Mary a very happy and relaxing retirement!
Zach Fisher
Community Planner
 Basic info (Name, title, time at NENEDD): Zach Fisher, a NENEDD Community Planner, joined the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District in September 2024. Zach is a 2004 graduate of Northeast Community College with an Associates of Applied Science degree in Business Marketing and Management and a 2016 graduate of Columbia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Prior to joining NENEDD, Zach was the Membership Development Director with the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce, where he was able to use his talents to grow their membership to an all-time high. He is a lifelong resident of Norfolk and is excited to see all the economic growth happening in the area. Zach will obtain his CDBG certification in October 2024.
Tell us about your family: On Aug. 1, I’ll be celebrating 27 years of marriage to my amazing wife, Alisha. I honestly don’t know how she has put up with me for this long. We have three kids — Shelby, Tyson, and Ava. Shelby is married to our son-in-law, Matt, and they will be giving us our first grandchild in December. We don’t know the gender yet but, honestly, it doesn’t matter because we’re very excited.
Tell us about your pets: We have two dogs. Fiona is our 10-year-old Boston Terrier. She has a very different personality, because she does things on her terms. Lola is our 5-year-old Beagle/Boston Terrier. She is our lovey, attention-hog. I can’t forget about our granddog, Bandit. He is pretty close to being our dog because he spends a lot of time at our house. He loves going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. He is a Black Lab mix and really is just a big meathead, but we love him.
What is your favorite Movie? I don’t have one favorite movie. I would say it’s a tie between the original 1978 Halloween and Jaws. I’ve watched them both at least 20 times over the years and will watch them every time they are on TV.
What is your Dream Vacation? I’m going to be greedy and say I want to visit Ireland and Germany on the same vacation. I would love to explore a little bit of my family heritage.
What is your favorite song and why? I’m not a country fan but “Drink a Beer” by Luke Bryan has a special meaning to me. It reminds me of my dad who we lost to lung cancer back in 2014.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? This was a tough question, because there could be tons of good answers. Ultimately, I decided on the first member of my family to come to the United States. Sadly, I don’t even know who that was but I’d love to meet them so I could learn more about where I come from.
What’s one thing on your Bucket List? Easiest question on this list! I want to go down in a Shark Cage to see massive great white sharks. I’m talking about sharks so big that Jaws would have feared them. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I love sharks.
What is your favorite holiday/time of the year and why? My favorite holiday is Christmas, because I love the family traditions and togetherness. The only thing I don’t like is the cold weather. My favorite time of the year is summer, because I love the hot weather. It’s kind of ironic that my favorite time of the year is the polar opposite of my favorite holiday.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? I’m going to go with tacos. I love them, and there are so many different options to keep it fresh. One day it could be beef, the next it could be chicken, and the next could be fish or shrimp. There are all kinds of ways to make a taco.
What kind of car did you drive in high school? I had a fun Mustang for a while but of course like most teenage guys, I wrecked it. After that, my dad made me drive a cheap metal beast that looked more like a submarine than a car.
What word best describes you? Creative – When I’m doing creative, my brain is happy. I love writing, painting, and woodworking. All these things make me smile when I’m doing them.
What’s a fun or interesting fact about you? I went back to college at 38 years old to get my bachelor’s degree in business administration. I knew I couldn’t attend classes during the day, because I had a family to feed so I did online classes in the evening after working a full-time job. My college was in Orange Beach, Alabama. On a side note: It was an amazing place to take a week’s vacation with my family when I attended my graduation ceremony.
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The Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED, Inc.) and the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) Board of Directors held their monthly meetings on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the City of Norfolk Offices.
At the NED, Inc. meeting, a business loan was approved in the amount of $50,000 for Mark and Tami Kober to start Wynot Uptown in Wynot. The Kobers are planning to open an Airbnb and gathering space to be called Wynot Uptown at 413 St. James Ave., in Wynot. This project will fill short-term apartment and banquet/gathering space needs in Wynot. Mark plans to purchase the building and renovate as needed.
Two Direct Homebuyer Assistance loans were also approved, #101834 fo $30,000 and #101837 for $30,000.
During both meetings, the Loren Kucera Entrepreneurship Fund was discussed. Kucera recently retired from the Nebraska Business Development Center and also has served on both the NED, Inc. and NENEDD boards in all capacities. This fund was created to honor Kucera’s lifelong commitment to students and rural communities and will go toward Wayne State College students explore entrepreneurship, build real-world skills, and strengthen communities across Northeast Nebraska.
The complete minutes from the July 30, 2025, NED, Inc. Board of Directors meeting can be viewed here: NED, Inc.
The complete minutes from the July 30, 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, Aug. 27, 2025, at the Norfolk City Offices at 309 5th St. in Norfolk. The NED, Inc. meeting will begin at 7 p.m. with the NENEDD meeting to follow. The public is welcome to attend.
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NENEDD staff have been busy attending meetings across Northeast Nebraska during the month of July.
- A Northeast Network meeting was held in the City of Bloomfield, where discussions were held on numerous city projects, including the purchase of a new ambulance, splash pad project development, energy efficiency improvements to the library and community center, downtown redevelopment, public facility ADA improvements, and forestry tree inventory. Also during the meeting, Stacy Miller, director of the Knox County Economic Development, shared with the group what tourism efforts she’s implemented throughout Knox County.
- NENEDD Housing Specialist Martin Griffith and NENEDD Community Planner Zach Fisher attended a 6 Region 1 Nebraska Focus Group meeting at the Norfolk Public Library on July 17. The attendees discussed and gave feedback on the housing needs of the Northeast Region in an attempt to build a plan for growth over the next few years.
- NENEDD Deputy Director Andrea Larson attended a meeting with the director of the Meadow Grove Public Library to discuss potential funding opportunities related to the facility.
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NENEDD Executive Director completed a Direct Homebuyer Assistance (DHA) loan closing in the City of Wayne in the amount of $27,028.28 ($25,000 DHA + $2,028.28 closing costs). This is a 0% Deferred Interest Loan, due upon transfer of title. Funding for this project was provided by NED, Inc. DHA Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NAHTF) reuse.
NENEDD’s Housing Department also has completed the following in the last two months:
- NAHTF housing management for rental rehabilitation grant for the City of Norfolk, City of Madison, City of Plainview, and the City of Bloomfield. rental rehabilitation grant
- NAHTF General administration and housing management for NED, Inc. owner occupied rehabilitation grant for Congressional District 1
- NED, Inc. NAHTF grant application for owner occupied rehabilitation for Congressional District 3
- NAHTF general administration and housing management for City of Fremont rental rehabilitation 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
- RWHF management for Albion Economic Development Corporation, Pender Community Development, Cuming County Economic Development, and the Greater Fremont Development Council
- Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program
- Nebraska Planning and Zoning Association conference
- Norfolk Housing Agency Fair Housing conference
- Zoom meeting with area realtors promoting NED, Inc Housing programs
- Monthly Schuyler Housing Development Committee meetings
- Nebraska Investment Finance Authority Innovation Expo
- Meeting with representatives from the Norfolk Nebraska Regional Landbank, Norfolk Housing Agency, Norfolk City Council, and Senator Dover discussing possible funding sources for building homes in Norfolk.
- Attended the Nebraska State Home Builders Association Legislative Banquet discussing housing with multiple State Senators who were in attendance.
- Distributed NENEDD Housing programs brochures to city offices in Schuyler, Randolph, and Pierce.
- Direct homebuyer assistance loan closing in Wayne
- Meeting with representative from West Point Chamber of Commerce
- Meeting with City of Fremont regarding membership benefits
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NENEDD Community Planners are in the middle of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grant writing season, with a number of applications — including five public works grants and a planning grant — to be submitted on Sept. 15. The Planners also will submit a Land and Water Conservation Fund toward the end of August.
In addition, NENEDD Planners are reaching out to Community Members to give a short presentation on how NENEDD can help communities reach their economic development goals, as well as the services that NENEDD provides, including income and attitude surveys, town hall meeting facilitation, strategic planning and action plans, grant identification and writing, and general administration of federal/state grant funds.
The Planners have also been very active across Northeast Nebraska, including:
- Nebraska CDBG Connect video call: The New Project Status Report Process
- McLean Town Hall- Attitude Survey Results
- Fullerton Town Hall- Attitude Survey Results
- Conference call with Verdigre (Fire District)
- HomeNE webinar meeting
- Meeting with Crofton Mayor
- Columbus Housing meeting
- Income Survey in Genoa
- Several email correspondences to former and/or never community members
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).
| Change in application dates for Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant |
The application window has changed. This year, it is through Friday, Aug. 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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Business Loan Activities for June and July
September business loan application timeline:
- 8-29-25 (F) – deadline to receive all application docs
- 9-9-25 (Tu) – loan summary is provided to the Northeast Loan Committee for their review.
- 9-15-25 (M) 10:30 AM – Northeast Loan Committee meets to review applications and make recommendations to the board of directors.
- 9-24-25 (W) 7:00 PM – NENEDD/NED, Inc. Board meetings to take official action
Other details:
- DED update presentation – Wayne
Loan Closings:
- Cobblestone Inn & Suites – Hartington
- Lil Wrangler Ranch Childcare – Belgrade
- Crofton Physical Therapy – Crofton
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 ½ of 1% of the declining loan balance will be charged to each borrower.
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 recommendations 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 |
Request for Proposals sought |
Host Site: Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference Dates: April 2026 & April 2027 Proposal Deadline: August 8. Issued by: Rural Prosperity Nebraska, Nebraska Extension
Overview
Rural Prosperity Nebraska (RPN) is seeking proposals from communities interested in hosting the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference in April 2026 or April 2027. This annual statewide event brings together community leaders and developers, nonprofit and civic leaders, local business owners and entrepreneurs, educators, and community champions to explore strategies that support thriving rural places.
About the CEC Conference
The purpose of the CEC Conference is to empower and equip rural communities to thrive in the face of evolving economic and social challenges. Through exciting keynote speakers, engaging breakout sessions, peer learning, and exposure to successful rural models, the conference supports:
• Fostering economic opportunity and local entrepreneurship
• Promoting community placemaking and people attraction
• Developing rural leadership capacity
• Encouraging inter-community collaboration and innovation
Conference Format and Audience
CEC is a community-hosted, walkable conference—sessions are held in local downtown businesses, civic spaces, and community venues rather than traditional conference centers. Now in the eighth community across Nebraska, the event has historically taken place in late April and typically draws 100–150 participants from across Nebraska and beyond.
The selected host community will work closely with the CEC planning committee and will be expected to:
• Provide a variety of accessible, walkable venues for breakout sessions
• Help identify local and regional speakers, entrepreneurs, and success stories
• Help with local and regional marketing, hospitality, and entertainment
• Encourage local participation and coordinate volunteers and welcome ambassadors
• Secure a minimum of $5,000 in local sponsorships, which includes 10 complimentary registrationsIdeal Host Community Characteristics
• Strong local leadership and collaboration including active community development efforts
• A walkable downtown or central area with a large venue capable of hosting 125+ participants and 12-15 diverse venues that could include retail, restaurant or office spaces.
• Enthusiasm for showcasing community to a statewide audience
Proposal Requirements
Location preference for the April 2026 conference is East of Grand Island and April 2027 is open. Please submit a proposal of no more than two pages (plus any optional letters of support) that includes the following:
1. Community Overview – Describe your community, including population, location, key assets, and unique qualities. 2. Why Host? – Explain your interest in hosting the CEC Conference and how your community would benefit. 3. Venue Information – Identify potential session spaces and describe their proximity to one another. 4. Lodging and Dining – Outline local accommodation options and nearby restaurants/cafes. 5. Local Leadership Team – List individuals and organizations who will help plan and promote the event. 6. Dates – Indicate whether your community is applying to host in 2026, 2027, or both.
Submit to Ben Dutton at ben.dutton@unl.edu. |
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. %20(1).jpg "Untitled (100 x 100 px) (1)")
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NADO News
Recording and Slides Available for “Repurposing Vacant Houses of Worship: Ideas and Opportunities for Economic Development Districts” Webinar
As houses of worship across the U.S. close at an accelerating rate, local governments and Economic Development Districts face both a pressing challenge and a unique opportunity. A webinar this week led by Rick Reinhard, principal of Niagara Consulting Group, explored how municipalities and Economic Development Districts (EDDs) can engage religious leaders, congregations, and developers to thoughtfully reimagine these properties in a variety of way. Click here to view the recording and slides.
Recording and Slides Available for “Shared Equity Housing: Homeownership Options that Can Help Your Community Meet Its Affordable Housing Needs” Webinar
Looking for more tools to help people get the housing they need in your area? More and more communities are looking to shared equity models to preserve and create housing that is permanent, affordable, and invested by and in the community. Watch this webinar for a highly engaging conversation about what these models are, how they work, and how they can be adapted to meet your community’s needs. Click here to view the recording and slides.
Funding Opportunities, Events,
and Resources
EDA Releases Disaster Supplemental Funding Webinars
On June 4, 2025, the U.S Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced the publication of its Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which makes approximately $1.45 billion available to eligible disaster-impacted communities. Click here for more information on the FY25 Disaster Supplemental NOFO, to access webinars, and view additional slide presentations.
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Releases Trail Map for Rural Development in America
Earlier this month, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) released their Trail Map for Rural Development in America, which was inspired by rural recreation communities across the country and informed by ORR’s National Leadership Forum on Rural Development that was held last fall. The Trail Map identifies core opportunities for leading agencies, nonprofits, philanthropies, Tribes, and business leaders focused on economic development to ensure that rural America flourishes through access to the outdoors.
USDA Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Funding Opportunity
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development agency is accepting applications for its FY 2025 Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program. The grants help qualified intermediary organizations provide financial and technical assistance that builds rural capacity for housing, community facilities, and broader community and economic development projects. Electronic applications are due August 7, 2025. Additional details and application materials are available in the Federal Register notice and online. |
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| 2025-2026 Associate Members |
| Diamond |
| Platinum |
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| 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 |
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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 |
Platte Valley Bank |
| Cedar-Knox Public Power District |
Points West Community Bank |
| Cedar Security Bank |
Schuyler Community Development, Inc. |
| Columbus Bank & Trust Company |
Scribner Bank |
| Commercial State Bank |
Stanton County Public Power District |
| Cornhusker Public Power District |
State Nebraska Bank & Trust |
| Cuming County Public Power District |
Wayne State College |
| Elkhorn Rural Public Power District |
West Point Chamber of Commerce |
| Farmers & Merchants State Bank |
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| Frontier Bank |
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| Genoa Community Bank |
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| Madison County Bank |
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| Antelope County |
Colfax County |
Platte County |
| Boone County |
Cuming County |
Stanton County |
| Burt County |
Knox County |
Thurston County |
| Cedar County |
Nance County |
Wayne County |
| City of Albion |
City of Osmond |
Village of Decatur |
Village of Richland |
| City of Battle Creek |
City of Pierce |
Village of Dixon |
Village of Snyder |
| City of Bloomfield |
City of Plainview |
Village of Dodge |
Village of Thurston |
| City of Clarkson |
City of Ponca |
Village of Duncan |
Village of Verdigre |
| City of Columbus |
City of Randolph |
Village of Emerson |
Village of Wausa |
| City of Creighton |
City of Scribner |
Village of Fordyce |
Village of Wynot |
| City of Crofton |
City of St. Edward |
Village of Howells |
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| City of Elgin |
City of Stanton |
Village of Inglewood |
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| City of Fremont |
City of Tilden |
Village of Leigh |
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| City of Genoa |
City of Wakefield |
Village of Martinsburg |
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| City of Hartington |
City of Wayne |
Village of McLean |
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| City of Hooper |
City of West Point |
Village of Meadow Grove |
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| City of Laurel |
Village of Allen |
Village of Newcastle |
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| City of Lyons |
Village of Bancroft |
Village of Niobrara |
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| City of Madison |
Village of Beemer |
Village of Oakdale |
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| City of Newman Grove |
Village of Belden |
Village of Orchard |
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| City of Norfolk |
Village of Cedar Rapids |
Village of Pender |
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| City of North Bend |
Village of Coleridge |
Village of Petersburg |
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| City of Oakland |
Village of Craig |
Village of Pilger |
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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 – Fremont City Council
Benjamin Benton – Board Member – Small 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
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
Brenda Whalen – Owner, Laurel’s Hometown Market
Brian Osten – Owner, Cedar Valley Insurance
Elizabeth McManigal – Loan Officer, Charter West Bank
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