Press Release
The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) is a 16-county regional development organization that encourages cooperation between local government officials, community based organizations and the private sector to foster economic growth.
NENEDD works to provide the link between federal and state programs at the local level where development occurs.
One of the key elements to successful economic growth in any community or region is collaboration. Collaboration can be defined as the process of working together in pursuit of common objectives. Much of what we do in the economic development field is not done solely on our own. It takes many agencies and individuals working together with each partner bringing something unique and diverse to the table.
For any community to prosper, a number of attributes need to be in place: Strong and committed community leadership, community readiness, human and financial resources as well as partnerships between local government, businesses and agencies that support economic growth. The Norfolk area is fortunate to have these assets in place.
Continued partnerships on the local level as well as good working relationships with state and federal agencies are vital to the future of any community. State agencies such as the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Nebraska Game and Parks commission, Nebraska Department of Roads and the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority provide funding for a variety of projects that are completed in the community. Federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Economic Development Administration, also provide funding for various projects.
There are many opportunities on the horizon for 2007 with potential industry expansions, additions of new industries to the area, expanded housing opportunities and possible growth in the education and health services arena.
Affiliated Foods’ recent acquisition of approximately 35 acres of industrially zoned property to be utilized for future expansion will allow Norfolk to retain the headquarters of this major industry in the community. Retention of our existing industries is an important part of economic development and our economy.
The construction of the Elkhorn Valley ethanol plant that is currently under construction will provide added jobs to the area’s workforce. In addition, the facility will use 45,000 bushels of corn or grain per day, thus adding to the agricultural economy as well.
Recruitment of new businesses is vital to ensure a mix of industries so that we do not become dependent entirely on one type of trade.
Construction in the existing Meadow Ridge Subdivision and plans for expanding this area continue. Additional homes will be constructed due to receiving Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Funds from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and matching funds from local agencies. A diverse housing stock is essential to the continued growth of any community.
Another exciting opportunity for the area is the potential for a new nursing college that would allow students to earn bachelors and postgraduate degrees in nursing. The proposal would include a new facility to be built on the Northeast Community College campus with Faith Regional Health Services and area hospitals providing clinical sites and support for the program.
In October, Faith Regional and the smaller hospitals that have been designated as critical access facilities in Northeast Nebraska received a USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant that will allow them to keep patients closer to home while providing high quality specialty care. Through this program, residents of Northeast Nebraska seeking cardiac medical care at five area hospitals will benefit from the electronic linkage to FRHS in Norfolk.
All of these endeavors have required the collective efforts of federal, state and local agencies so that Norfolk and the surrounding area can continue to flourish. To see these future projects come to fruition, collaboration must continue to be the foundation of our efforts.
By Tom Higginbotham and Tina Engelbart
- Story Courtesy of the Norfolk Daily News
