North Central Nebraska RC&D/Nebraska 'Outback'  Receives Travel & Tourism Award
Kearney.  The North Central Nebraska RC&D Council was honored at the 2000 Governor's Travel Industry Awards Banquet held recently in Kearney on October 26th.
The North Central Nebraska RC&D Council was awarded the 2000 Outstanding Web Site Award for the Nebraska 'Outback' Web Site.
In 1997, the North Central Nebraska RC&D Council was awarded a grant to assist the North Central Travel and Tourism Council and the 'Outback' Regional Group in the construction of a web site for the counties of Blaine, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Keya Paha, Holt and Rock Counties known as Nebraska's 'Outback'.   The site went fully functional in December of 1997 and in eleven months had recorded over one million hits.  The Outback site continues to average two thousand new, never been on the site, hits every ten days.
The site has numerous links and is updated frequently with new information and photo's of the region and has proven to be a great promotional tool. 
According to Gene Lehnert, Program Coordinator, North Central Nebraska RC&D, "The site has generated numerous inquiries and has increased the number of visitors to the region.  What is great about tourism is that it adds to the economy without the need for any infrastructure development.
Really, people come to the area, enjoy the many tourism opportunities and go home.  This additional income then flows through the entire region."
For more information on this and other tourism activities contract the North Central Nebraska RC&D at 402-684-3346 or E-mail at ncnercd@huntel.net.

July 12th, 2000  Bassett/Rock County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the RC&D's new Meeting/Training/Disaster  Headquarters Facility.

Gov. Mike Johanns addresses the crowd at the ribbon cutting ceremony in Ainsworth for Advanced Receivable Solutions new business site.  The expansion will employ up to 60 people from the Nebraska Outback region.

LINCOLN (March 30, 1999) -- Governor Mike Johanns today presented plaques to representatives of the Top 10 Rural Development Initiatives during a press conference celebrating the accomplishments of communities across Nebraska. The presentation was made in conjunction with the Nebraska Rural Development Commission (RDC) announcement of Nebraska's Top 10 and Outstanding 100 Rural Development Initiatives for 1998. The Outstanding 100 honorees will receive framed certificates from the RDC at a later date. "The Top 10 and Outstanding 100 Rural Development Initiatives awards recognize the success and community spirit so important to development in rural Nebraska," Governor Johanns said.
"There's an amazing diversity of projects and ideas featured in this year's report, many of which can be adapted for use in communities throughout the state," said Don Macke, Nebraska RDC executive director.
The commission has honored Nebraska's Top 10 and Outstanding 100 Rural Development Initiatives since 1993. Following are the 1998 honorees:
Alliance Lifelong Learning Center -- Completed in 1998, the center is the result of 10 years of planning by the local public library and community college. It was funded by local sales tax dollars, private donations and small grants. The 52,000-square-feet center features a community library, college administrative offices, student services and classrooms with video conferencing capabilities, labs and meeting rooms. It is home to the Western Nebraska Community College Licensed Practical Nursing School, the Railroad Operations Applied Sciences degree program, and other technology- and business-based training programs. Contact: Mavis McLean or Tom Palmer at (308) 762-5400.
City of Ainsworth (pop. 1,860) -- During Summer 1998, Ainsworth hosted six national and international events which attracted more than 7,000 guests. Events included the Cattleman's Ball, the National Horseshoe Pitching Association World hampionships, the National Country Music Festival, the Third Annual KBR Bike Ride and Brown County Fair, the "Middle of Nowhere Days," and an elderhostel program. The community's ability to attract so many events led it to revise its logo to "Ainsworth in the Middle of Nowhere, But in the Center of Everything." In 1998, Ainsworth also added a new Comfort Inn and recycling center. A new medical clinic and an assisted living facility are slated to open this spring. Residents are behind Ainsworth's growth and ability to attract more events. When local radio station KBRB hosted a telethon for a new ambulance, citizens of Ainsworth and Brown County contributed $17,000. Similarly the community passed a special bond to improve the Ainsworth Community School Building Complex, as well as city offices and community building. Contact: Mary Lou Cole at (402) 389-2740, or Gerry Osborn at (402) 387-2494.
Crete Public Schools' School at the Center Projects -- Water, computers, worms and heritage are all projects developed out of the School at the Center program. Crete Elementary students learned about their ancestry through a project that ended with a student-led heritage festival. Crete Middle School students used worms to compost cafeteria leftovers for fertilizer for the school's new greenhouse. Plants raised were sold through a school-based business. Crete High School students also were involved. Science students provided water quality testing data to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality; technology students designed, built and sold custom computers to local businesses; and construction trade students built a garage for a Crete resident. Contact: Jody Isernhagen at (402) 471-3464.
Cold Water Fish Farms -- Since building a hatchery in 1989 and opening for business in 1991, Cold Water Fish Farms has grown to a production capacity of a million pounds of Atlantic, Chinook and Coho salmon yearly and a staff of 45. Customers include Royal Caribbean Cruises, as well as prestigious restaurants and retailers nationwide. Preserving the ecosystem is as important to the company as producing top quality salmon. Outdoor holding ponds cleanse and oxygenate the water before it rejoins the Ogallala Aquifer, and no preservatives or artificial substances are used during processing. Contact: Lloyd Harding at (308) 772-3474.
Hastings: Birthplace of Kool-Aid -- Last August, Hastings, the "Official Birthplace of Kool-Aid," held a festival honoring the beginnings of the fruit-flavored drink. More than 4,000 people attended a Kool-Aid Days festival, participated in contests, races and games, and visited the world's largest Kool-Aid stand. The fact that the soft drink is recognized around the world helped draw international attenion to the community. Contact: Anne Rohan at (402) 461-2370.
Homer's Involvement With Adults and Youth -- In years past, the old building housed many businesses and events, including restaurants and a cartography workshop. Then HIWAY (Homer's Involvement with Adults and Youth) discovered it. The group purchased the building and turned it into "the Emporium," a bustling youth center. Dedicated last June, the center is managed five to six days a week by volunteers. HIWAY plans to refinish the second half of the building into a meeting room, study/computer room, and library for after-school activities. Contact Pam Miller at (402) 329-4873.
Gilman Park Arboretum -- Established in 1993, the 14-acre Gilman Park Arboretum is located in Pierce. The park features more than 200 varieties of trees and shrubs, a 1.2-mile woodchip path, and a historic "rigid-connected lattice pony truss" bridge -- one of only two remaining in Nebraska and possibly in the U.S. In 1997 and 1998, 1,200 perennials and ornamental grass plants were added. Memorials, donations and grants are used to improve the landscape of Pierce and the surrounding area. The arboretum is used by many people, including homeowners, students and civic groups. Future plans include adding more theme gardens and trees, and making the park wheelchair accessible. Contact: Gary Zimmer at (402) 329- 4873.
GROW Nebraska -- Established in 1997, GROW Nebraska provides marketing and training opportunities for Nebraska artisans to market their products globally. GROW Nebraska currently represents 123 businesses, which make up more than $3 million in annual sales and provide more than 197 jobs in the state. Contact: Janel Anderson at 1 (888) 476-9632.
North Central Outback Initiative -- The initiative resulted from a partnership between the Nebraska Development Network's North
Central Regional Group, North Central RC&D, Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District, city of Bassett and Nebraska Department of Economic Development. In December 1997, the partnership hired a full-time coordinator to provide economic development expertise and resources to Nebraska's "Outback" counties of Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Keya Paha and Rock. Activities have included expanding the Northeast District's Microenterprise and Enterprise Development Assistance loan programs to the Outback; securing grants for developing Cowboy Trail visitors centers near Atkinson, Stuart and Long Pine; hosting a tourism conference and familiarization tour; publishing Outback magazine; and developing an Outback web site and Internet training for individuals and businesses. Contact: Cheryl Hiatt at (402) 589- 1037.
Smithfield Community Hall Improvement Project -- Several Smithfield women who saw the need for more space in community hall decided to do something about it. The trio collected donations from the Smithfield Area Community Club and the Gosper County Keno Funds. But it was not enough. Determined to see the project through, the women secured a $5,000 personal loan to complete the renovations. The expanded facility has proven a boon to the village (pop. 65). Due to growing usage from community organizations and individuals, the women have paid off their loan four years early. Contact Ila Mae Anders at (308) 785-3128; Lucille Hagan at (308) 785-2233; or Ann Hagan at (308) 785-2675.

Nebraska's 'Outback' builds strong economic partnerships

BASSETT (March 18, 1999) -- It may not be Australia, but the area that's come to be known as Nebraska's 'Outback' certainly possesses the same independent spirit and rugged beauty that's
found among its namesake several continents away.

Some communities in Nebraska's northernmost area are spread out far and wide. People living in Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Keya Paha and Rock counties knew that in order to survive and thrive
economically, they would need to come together, pool their resources and create their own opportunities. Hence the 'Outback Initiative' was born.

The 'Outback Initiative' is one of many success stories to be celebrated statewide during Community Development (CD) Week, March 29-April 4. The week is sponsored in part by the Nebraska
Department of Economic Development (DED).

"This week is specifically reserved for recognizing achievements and honoring volunteers, programs and agencies that help with community development project," said Governor Mike Johanns.

The initiative is a partnership between the North Central Regional Group, the North Central RC&D, the Northeast Nebraska Economic DEvelopment District, the city of Bassett, and DED.

With a capacity-building grant from DED, a full-time coordinator the was hired to provide services including strategic planning, grant- writing, business development assistance, fundraising, needs
assessment, and technical services to more than 24 'Outback' communities that couldn't afford such services on their own. The assistance also was made available to a handful of communities that
do employ economic developers.

Additionally, the North Central Travel and Tourism Council was formed. The council co-sponsored a tourism conference in Vaelntine, and created the Outback magazine and a mascot, 'Outback Jack.' The initiative also has its own Website: http://www.nebraskaoutback.com/

Many Nebraska communities are celebrating Community Development Week by hosting local proclamation signings and ceremonies recognizing volunteers and development professionals.

As a State Capital news conference and proclamation signing, March 30, 10 am, Gov. Mike Johanns will present the Top 10 Rural Development Initiatives, and Metropolitan and Tribal Community
Development Awards.

The National Community Development Association started National Community Development Week in 1986 to remind Congress of the importance of the Community Development Block Grant Program.
CD Week is held each year during the congressional Easter recess so representatives can be included in community and state project recognition efforts.

For more ideas on celebrating Community Development Week, contact Courtney Fox at (800) 426-6505, (402) 471-2235, or email: cfox@ded1.ded.state.ne.us
 
 

Dave Jones, President of North Central Nebraska RC&D  accepts the 1999 Outstanding Council Award for the North  Central Nebraska RC&D Council.

Nebraska Outback Initiative Partnership receives  National Association of Development Organizations 1999 Innovation Award.

OUTSTANDING 1OO AWARD WINNERS

Panhandle Region

A Flying Partnership, Sidney
Alliance Main Street and Walking Tours Project
Big Springs Renovation Project
Chimney Rock Museum, Bayard
City of Sidney
Dayco Inc. Expansion, Alliance
Downtown Appearance Committee, Bridgeport
Girls Are Powerful, Alliance
Historic Lincoln Highway Post Conference Tour, Chappell
Key Leadership Project, Kimball
Minatare City of Lights Fesitval 1998
Monument Valley Pathways, Scottsbluff
Panhandle Landmark Historic Preservation Conference, Alliance
Potter Reading Garden
Renaissance Project, Kimball
Sandhills Crystal Pure Spring Water, Oshkosh

Old West Region

Dancing Leaf Earth Lodge Cultural Learning Center, Wellfleet
Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles, Lexington
McPherson County 4-H Youth Projects
Ole's Big Game Lounge and Steak House, Paxton
Pelican Beach Golf Club, Hyannis
Stapleton Youth Center
Student Education and Economic Development
  in the Sandhills, Arthur

Southwest Region

Hitch-Hay Public Transit, Stratton
Southwest Housing Authority
Trenton Community Development Commission
Valmont Industries Expansion, McCook

Central Region

Center for Rural Research and Development's Revolving Loan Fund,
  Economic Development Project, Kearney
Happy Jack Chalk Mine "Haunted Hollow," Scotia
Harold Edgerton Education Center, Aurora
Hastings Literacy Program
Howard County Historical Society
Kearney County Horticulture Society, Minden
Polish Heritage Center, Ashton
Red Cloud Main Street Historic Preservation Plan
Village of Oxford and Countryside Inn
Village of Oxford and Mid-Ne Individual Services
Webster County Natural Resources Foundation
North Central Region
Lynn Theatre, Lynch
Santee Sioux Tribe Empowerment Zone Efforts
Seven Springs Bottled Water Co., Long Pine
Spencer Firehall
Turtle Butte Lodge, Springview
Village of Johnstown

Northeast Region

Center for Rural Affairs, Walthill
Community Learning Center, Laurel
Elkhorn Valley community Development Corp., Norfolk
FAM II
Keep Creighton Beautiful
Non-Profit Management & Accounting Workshop
Pierce Fire & Rescue Training Volunteers
Pierce Tourism "Art by the Glass"
Save the Soil, Stanton
Tarbox Hollow Living Prairie, Plainview
Wakefield Advance
West Point Central Catholic High School

Southeast Region

Brownell House Restoration, Peru
Community Development & Strategic Planning Initiative
Falls City Economic Development Commission and
  Industrial Development Corporation
Milligan Auditorium
Nemaha County Development Alliance, Auburn
Self-Help Housing Project, Nebraska City
Southeast Nebraska Affordable Housing Council, Inc.
Southeast Nebraska Economic Development Association
Southeast Nebraska Rural Initiative, Tecumseh
Steamboat Trace Hike/Bike Trail
Strategic Air Command (SAC) Museum, Ashland
Village of Mead
Wellness Center of Nemaha County, Auburn
Youth Leadership Action: A Community Focus, Tecumseh

Statewide

Center for Rural Community Revitalization and Development
Community Builders Program
Distributed TeleWork project
Entrepreneurs of the Future Camp, Lincoln and Kearney
Heartland Center for Leadership Development
KN for Kids
Master Navigator Program
Nebraska Association of CHDOs
Nebraska Community Foundation
Nebraska Community Water Quality Partnership
Nebraska Community Improvement Program
Nebraska Development Network
Nebraska EDGE
Nebraska Enterprise Opportunity Network
Nebraska LEAD Program
Nebraska Library Commission
Nebraska LIED Main Street
Nebraska Life Magazine
Nebraska Mandates Management Initiative
Nebraska Public Power District's Economic Development Office
Nebraska Rural Electric Association
Nebraska Rural Poll
Partnership for Rural Nebraska
REACH Nebraska
Rural News Bits Newsletter
School at the Center Project
"The Farmer's Wife"

For more information, contact Doug Gibbs at (877) 814-4707, (402)
471-6005, or email: gibbsd@mail.state.ne.us
 

Sue Sitzmann
Nebraska Economic Development Dept.
sitzmann@ded1.ded.state.ne.us