New Developments in 2009

Statement

By Governor Dave Heineman

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

As 2009 ends, I want to review some of the important economic development accomplishments of the past year that will help reshape Nebraska communities in the coming year and create new opportunities for future growth. While our economic climate was impacted by the national slowdown this year, we were successful in recruiting new projects and investments to our state.

One such project was the result of collaboration between two family-owned companies in central Nebraska. The decision to work with a nearby company able to build custom fittings for electric heaters rather than importing them from China created the opportunity for a fairly new company to expand and create more than two dozen jobs in Central City.

Many businesses with operations in Nebraska started expansions in 2009. A few examples include a Kearney retailer with stores in many states is building a new distribution center. A meat processing company continued an expansion and new project that will create new jobs for South Sioux City residents. A trailer manufacturer in Beaver City is expanding to help the company meet consumer demand. A major company with offices across the country and around the world will consolidate its operations in Lincoln.

Other communities were successful in attracting companies that will start new operations in Nebraska. Blair, Plattsmouth, Grand Island, and Omaha will welcome new businesses in 2010 ranging from a producer of enzymes for biofuel production to a technology company creating software specially designed for the mortgage industry.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) launched a new initiative that will help Aurora, Kearney and South Sioux City develop power park sites ready for data center and other high-tech business opportunities. Having several sites ready to meet the needs of technology companies looking to expand will help extend Nebraska's competitive advantage in recruiting new job opportunities to our state.

In addition to new business developments, DED's support for community development projects helped a number of Nebraska communities improve infrastructure and plan for additional affordable housing options which are an important component in attracting new businesses and residents.

More than $15 million was distributed in 2009 for housing efforts that will bring affordable, safe homes and living options to rural communities in particular. Another $11 million was targeted to help communities recover from storm damage and natural disasters, make improvements to downtown and aging neighborhoods, and upgrade existing public infrastructure.

All of these projects have been made possible due in part to DED's business recruitment efforts and community development programs. DED also offers a one-stop business center that responded to thousands of requests for information from entrepreneurs looking to start their own business.

Another component of economic development is travel and tourism. Valentine and Ogallala had more travelers this year due to more interest in recreational opportunities on the Niobrara River and Lake McConaughy. Other western Nebraska areas benefitted from more visitors traveling to Ft. Robinson and Chadron State Parks as more families took trips closer to home this year.

The new investments made in 2009 have been important for keeping economic activity strong in the midst of a challenging business environment. These and many other projects accomplished during the past year will help Nebraska grow in the coming year and benefit communities for years to come.

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