The Nebraska Department of Economic Development recognized several communities served by NPPD or one of our wholesale partners for displaying economic development preparedness and a desire for growth in the last year. Nine communities earned recognition in the Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC) and Leadership Certified Community (LCC) programs since January 1, 2020.
Auburn, Columbus, McCook, Norfolk, North Platte and Plattsmouth were all recertified in the Economic Development Certified Community program.
The EDCC program, sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats, evaluates a community’s organization, community-identified targets and/or markets, infrastructure, local financing and business assistance, and existing sites and/or building information.
They are among 40 communities in Nebraska to earn the designation, 23 of which are NPPD served.
The designation means they have positioned themselves well for economic development opportunities, according to Ashley Rice-Gerlach, Business Development Consultant at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. “The Economic Development Certified Community status is an important achievement for communities as it demonstrates preparedness to meet the challenges of growing and developing a local economy,” she said.
Cambridge, Gibbon and O’Neill were recognized as Leadership Certified Communities. This is the first time Gibbon and O’Neill have earned this honor.
The LCC program provides a solid framework for communities to identify capacity, stimulate focused planning, and utilize technology to build strong foundations and meet future challenges.
“Becoming an LCC community is like planting the seeds of growth for a community,” said Kelley Gewecke, Business Development Consultant at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. “It gives them the framework to organize where they want to be in the future. It helps them to utilize resources, build on their strengths, manage their weaknesses, recognize opportunities and helps guide their path forward.”
“Congratulations to these communities for earning this honor,” said Mary Plettner, NPPD Economic Development Manager. “The work they have done to earn certification lays the groundwork for further community growth.”
For more information about the EDCC and LCC programs, visit the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s website.