Once again, Nebraska Public Power District will be offering Site Readiness Assistance grants in 2022 to help communities bring shovel-ready sites to market. The program, now in it’s fourth year, has helped fund due diligence items to 12 sites across the state.   This unique program will match funds up to $25,000 to conduct due diligence items such as:  […]

Just one year after launching operations, Petsource by Scoular plans a $75 million expansion that will triple its production capacity to meet increasing demand for freeze-dried pet food.  Petsource’s expansion of its Seward manufacturing facility is projected for completion in early 2023 and is expected to create up to 80 new jobs. Petsource is an indirect, wholly-owned and independently operated […]

Rick Nelsen, Nebraska Public Power District Senior Economic Development Consultant, was presented with the National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA) President’s Award for his contributions to the organization and rural economic development.  He was presented the award during the NREDA annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky in November.  Garry Clark, formerly of Nebraska, and now the CEO of the Economic Alliance in Snohomish County, […]

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development announced the launch of a national marketing campaign to promote Nebraska as a great place to live, work, and raise a family.  By highlighting everything Nebraska has to offer, the campaign aims to recruit talent to fill the many jobs being created across the state.  “Nebraska offers an unmatched […]

Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) recently earned the Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA). The award comes after teammates completed an application telling how NPPD demonstrates a commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support the goal of providing safe, reliable, low-cost, and […]

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) has been named the 2021 recipient of the Governor’s Bioscience Award.  The award recognizes individuals and companies that make significant contributions to the Nebraska bioscience industry. It was given during Bio Nebraska’s annual meeting.  “BD has long been a respected employer of choice in Nebraska,” said Gov. Pete Ricketts. “They […]

Hughes Brothers, Inc., has been named the small-sized Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year by the Nebraska Chamber.  The award recognizes Nebraska manufacturers that implement innovative ways to conduct business through the use of products, processes, technologies and strategies. The company was honored at the annual NE Chamber Manufacturing Summit in October.  “Nebraska manufacturers have been answering the call to solve America’s toughest challenges for decades. […]

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has announced the latest recipients under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program’s Downtown Revitalization funding opportunity.    Three communities in the NPPD service area have been selected to receive a portion of the $2,175,000 available for award.    A federal Department of Housing and Urban Development program administered by […]

October is Manufacturing Month and we’re celebrating one of Nebraska’s largest economic drivers.  Nebraska’s highly productive workforce, affordable real estate and utility costs, low cost of doing business and high-quality transportation networks make the state a natural fit for continued manufacturing growth and good-paying, secure jobs.  When other sectors suffered extensive setbacks during the 2020 […]

Earlier this year, Viridis Chemical announced a two-phase plan to design and construct capital improvements to increase production capacity at its renewable chemicals plant in Columbus, Neb. Recently, Viridis announced the completion of the Phase 1 capital improvement to produce USP grade bio-based ethanol and the commencement of the Phase II capital improvement to produce bio-based urethane grade ethyl acetate and expects to begin production of that […]