What’s Happening:
Communities across Nebraska are earning recognition for their commitment to long-term economic growth.
The Program:
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) Leadership Certified Community (LCC) program helps smaller communities get organized and plan for the future.
It provides an outline to:
• Build local leadership capacity
• Strengthening strategic planning
• Support business growth
• Address childcare, housing, and workforce needs
• Improve online presence.
Communities that qualify earn certification for five years.
Pictured left to right: O’Neill City Clerk/Treasurer Sarah Sidak, O’Neill Mayor Scott Menish, DED Field Service Director Sheryl Hiatt, Holt County Economic Develpment Director Shelby Regan
Most recent addition:
O’Neill is now one of 29 Nebraska communities in the Nebraska’s LCC program, which was established by DED in 2011.
Since 2020:
• 269 new businesses in Holt County,
• 111 new businesses in O’Neill.
• 50+ business transitions to new owners in the county over the past five years.
Current Leadership Certified Communities include:
Ashland | Atkinson | Benkelman | Blue Hill | Burwell | Cambridge | Central City | Chappell | Creighton | Deshler | Fort Calhoun | Franklin | Gibbon | Gretna | Hemingford | Kimball | Milford | Minden | Neligh | O’Neill | Pender | Ravenna | Red Cloud | St. Paul | Superior | Tecumseh | Tilden | Utica | Wood River
For additional Information about the Leadership Certified Community (LCC) Program, contact Kelly Geweke at kelly.geweke@nebraska.gov or 308-627-3151, or visit Leadership Certified Community (LCC) – Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Source: Nebraska Department of Economic Development