ABOUT NENEDD

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Grant Writing Results Housing Rehabilitation and Development Efforts Business Expansion and Retention Efforts Loan Program Results Awards/Recognition Budget and Operations NENEDD Scope of Services How Is NENEDD Governed? How Is NENEDD Funded? NENEDD Membership Dues What Commitment Does a Community/County Make When It Joins NENEDD?

The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) is a multi-county economic

development organization that was authorized by the U.S. Department of Commerce - Economic Development Administration in 1977 and serves its member counties, cities and villages through Interlocal Agreements. The NENEDD has a tremendous record in helping the 16-county region with community and economic development projects. In fact, since 1992, NENEDD staff has assisted nearly 500 entities, including towns, counties, organizations and businesses, by tapping into federal, state, and private financing programs. This assistance not only included preparing grant or loan applications, but more importantly, facilitating the planning and citizen involvement process that led to the setting of goals and priorities and the development of written plans of action.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Every five years NENEDD must complete a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), detailing the economic conditions of the region and a five-year strategy for development of Northeast Nebraska. The CEDS committee will meet four to five times in six months with approximately 45 committee members to look at the needs, problems and the resources of the region.

Grant Writing Results

In the last 14 years, these planning efforts have resulted in over $86.1 million dollars of grants and loans being awarded to members for various community and economic development projects throughout the region (see chart below). These grants and loans leveraged over three times that amount in local and private funds.

Housing Rehabilitation and Development Efforts

Since 1994, NENEDD has implemented and administered 60 community housing rehabilitation programs totaling nearly $14 million in Federal and State funds, encompassing 54 communities in Northeast Nebraska. To date 700 homes have been rehabilitated. NENEDD has leveraged other Federal and private funds to increase the amount of funding available for housing rehabilitation. In addition, the District and Northeast Economic Development, Inc. (NED,Inc.) have a regional housing rehabilitation program using Nebraska Affordable Housing Program funds and HUD funds, resulting in the rehabilitation of 95 housing units. In 2001, we implemented a Down Payment Assistance Program that has assisted 75 families to become homeowners.

Business Expansion and Retention Efforts

NENEDD has assisted in the creation of 2,800 new full-time equivalent jobs since 1994, through business retention and expansion efforts. NENEDD works with cities, counties and local economic development groups and partner resource agencies such as Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Nebraska Public Power District to assist communities in their recruitment efforts and industrial site development activities. NENEDD has assisted the cities of Columbus, Fremont, Hartington, Wayne, and Bloomfield in packaging a CDBG Spec Building program in their respective communities. NENEDD has participated in seven trade shows and cold calls to recruit business to Nebraska. NENEDD has been the lead agency and primary contact in several projects in the past few years as a result of internet research by industry and site consultants.

Loan Program Results

The NENEDD has working relationships with numerous commercial lenders in the area have participated in loan projects from NENEDD's loan programs to date. Banks have participated as the primary lender enabling NENEDD to leverage over $20 million in private funds well as providing capital for projects that would otherwise not be possible with only financing. NENEDD has been successful in gaining other private funds for its loan programs. NENEDD received $300,000 in loan capital from the Nebraska Microenterprise Partnership associated with the Nebraska Community Foundation. NENEDD has also received equaling $201,000 from the Nebraska Microenterprise Partnership Fund to develop and maintain its microenterprise development efforts and to provide technical assistance to its clients.

Awards/Recognition

The NENEDD has received many awards during the past several years, reflecting success in achieving community and economic development goals. Among the national awards include: Three NADO Innovation Awards and a Vision 2000 State Model of Excellence Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration. In addition, NENEDD has received several state-wide awards, including: the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources 1997 Team Effort Award for EDGE (Enhancing, Developing & Growing Entrepreneurs); and 6 awards for projects that qualify as the top 100 Rural Initiatives from the Nebraska Rural Development Commission. NENEDD was selected by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration to be a "Peer Reviewer" for other economic development organizations in the Midwest. NENEDD has also successfully completed a PEER 500 Review from the Northland Institute.

Budget and Operations

A 9-member Board of Directors comprised of area elected officials and business leaders governs NENEDD. Ten professional and support staff assist NENEDD 91 Community and County members and 86 Associate members. The 2006-2007 fiscal year annual operating budget is $790,225 and a total budget of $1,620,625.

NENEDD Scope of Services

1. Conduct needs assessments and attitude surveys.
2. Assist local governments in developing strategic plans.
3. Identify available federal, state, local and private resources to address needs and goals.
4. Assist in preparation of grant/loan applications for community and economic development projects/programs.
5. Assist business/industry with financial packaging (additional fee).
6. Administer grants, loans and revolving loan funds (additional fee).
7. Assist communities in development of long-range plans, including comprehensive plans, housing studies, redevelopment plans and zoning ordinances (additional fee).
8. Assist communities in marketing and recruitment of new business/industry.
9. Coordinate entrepreneurial training programs for existing and new businesses.
10. Provide market or below-market loans to new and existing businesses.
11. Administer revolving loan funds for new and existing businesses and primary medical care.
12. Other special programs/projects at the local and regional level.

How Is NENEDD Governed?

NENEDD is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors comprised of private citizens and elected officials who represent various economic interests. Each NENEDD member community and county have representation on the Board of Directors. The Board meets monthly.

Each NENEDD member community and county has representation on the Council of Officials, which is the policy-making body of the organization. The Council meets semi-annually, in June and December. The Board of Directors is elected from the Council of Officials. Three new members are elected to the Board each year in June.

How Is NENEDD Funded?

NENEDD is supported by a combination of funds. A planning grant from the EDA provides $57,000 each year which is matched by local membership dues. NENEDD derives most of its funding from local membership dues and special contracts.

NENEDD Membership Dues

What Commitment Does a Community/County Make When It Joins NENEDD?

As a member of NENEDD, you are expected to support the goals and mission of the organization and be a part of the decision-making process by appointing a representative to the Council of Officials.