Gov. Heineman Announces BECA Grants

Press Release

Gov. Dave Heineman today announced a series of grants being awarded to nine regional partnerships totaling more than $114,000. Funding is provided by the Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act (BECA), which supports regional economic and community development efforts in rural areas of the state.

"These partnerships continue to help our rural communities make progress in strengthening their local and regional economies," Gov. Dave Heineman said. "By collaborating with local businesses and other community groups, these partnerships have the right formula for moving forward."

Part of the Nebraska Advantage incentive package, the program is administered by the Nebraska Rural Development Commission and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Projects receiving grants for the current fiscal year include:

Promoting Our Communities
Sherman County and Loup City was awarded $2,257 to develop a new website for Loup City and promotional material for Sherman County to help attract new residents and businesses to the area. The Loup City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sherman County Economic Development Board will provide financial support for this project. Local contact: Wesley Leihoff, Sherman County Economic Development Board, 308-750-3133.

Workforce Recruitment Marketing Grant -- wehavejobs.net
The joint efforts of Terrytown and Scottsbluff were awarded $31,900 to market the www.wehavejobs.net website with the goal of attracting alumni, new residents and others to the area's workforce. The Twin Cities Development Association will provide financial support. Local contact: Darla Heggem, Twin Cities Development, 308-635-6710.

Adding Families + Adding Businesses -- Adds UP!
The Village of Emerson and the Emerson-Hubbard School Board were awarded $8,200 to help recruit new families to the area and support existing and new potential entrepreneurs. Emerson and the Emerson-Hubbard School Board will provide financial support. Local contact: Diann Ballard, db Consulting, 402-385-3829 or 402-922-1652.

Central Nebraska Career Development Partnership
Gibbon and Buffalo Counties were awarded $15,682 for a youth retention program providing career opportunity exploration and core classroom teachers targeting career pathways. The Board of Supervisors in each county will provide financial support. Local contact: Nikki Masek, Buffalo County Economic Development Council, 308-237-9346.

Grow Keith County
Keith County and Ogallala were awarded $2,143 to expand the Grow Keith County website, www.keithcountyjobs.org, to include information on available jobs, buildings, land, and businesses for sale in the area, and to encourage former residents to move back. The project includes financial support from a number of local businesses and area development groups, including: 21st Century Equipment, Adams Bank & Trust, American Shizuki, Bank of Keystone, Burklund Hardware, Farmers Cooperative Association, Happy Jack's Petroleum, Keith County Area Development, KOGA/KMCX, Nebraska Community Foundation, Ogallala Community Hospital, Olson Manufacturing Company, Ogallala/Keith County Chamber of Commerce, Pinnacle Bank, Project Keith County and Western Insurers. Local contact: Stephanie Most, Keith County Area Development, 308-284-4066.

La Escuela para el Exito (School for Success)
A partnership between Columbus and Schuyler was awarded $7,200 to provide training on financial literacy, basic business understanding and continuing education. The Columbus Community Foundation, Columbus Area United Way and area businesses will provide financial support. Local contact: Pat Heimes, United Way of Columbus, Inc., 402-564-5661.

High Plains Compass Recruiting/Marketing
Chappell and Sidney were awarded $29,000 to target and encourage individuals living in several neighboring states to move back to western Nebraska. Sidney, Cabela's Bank Community Reinvestment Funding, and Buckley Trust Grant Funding will provide financial support. Local contact: Amy Jay, High Plains Compass c/o Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce, 308-255-1908.

There's No Place Like Home….Cedar County
Fordyce and Hartington were awarded $1,800 to purchase an entrepreneurship curriculum to be used in local schools. Fordyce, Hartington Community Development Corporation, Cedar County Commissioners, Hartington Public Schools, Cedar Catholic High School, and Wynot Public Schools will provide financial support. Local contact: Carla Becker, Hartington Community Development Corporation, 402-254-6357.

4 Regional Success
Burwell and Central Nebraska Economic Development District were awarded $16,000 to coordinate community strategic planning meetings, assist with evaluation of community training efforts and web design updates. Burwell, Arnold, Atkinson, O'Neill, and Central Nebraska Economic Development District will provide financial support. Local contact: Laurie Hansen, Central Nebraska Economic Development District, 402-925-2373.

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