LINCOLN, NEB. (February 26, 2007)--The Nebraska Department of Economic Development is accepting nominations through March 13 for communities interested in competing to be named a 2007 Showcase Community award winner. A community may nominate itself or another community. Professionals working for community development-related agencies also may submit nominations. A nomination form can be found at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/show_comm_award.htm

The award, presented by Governor Dave Heineman in conjunction with National Community Development Week, recognizes a community that has demonstrated an exceptional capacity to identify development goals and strategies; combine local, state and federal resources to achieve those goals; and accomplish projects that have positively impacted the community during the past five to 10 years.

Last year's Showcase Community winner, Laurel completed a number of projects, including construction of a new recycling facility, and $350,000 sports complex with a football field and track, landscape improvements, a 27-lot housing development, creation of the Laurel Learning Center, and rehabilitation of 13 homes and down-payment assistance on eight homes using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

Additional projects included Tree City USA designation, establishing the Laurel Community Foundation, raising funds to make the municipal swimming pool and community bathhouse handicapped-accessible, creating a community walking trail, wellness council, and health fair, creating a safe walkway under U.S. Highway 20 for students walking from school to the Norris Addition, and hosting annual Ag Days and pancake feed events.

The National Community Development Association initiated National Community Development Week in 1986 to remind Congress of the importance of the CDBG program.

For information about 2007 Community Development Week, or the Showcase Community Award nomination process, contact Elizabeth Christensen at 800-426-6505, 402-471-4168, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit the website: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/cdweek.htm

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Elizabeth Christensen at 800-426-6505, 402-471-4168, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 Individuals who are hearing and/or speech impaired and have a TDD, may contact the department through the Statewide Relay System by calling one of the following numbers:
711, (800) 833- 7352 (TDD), or (800) 833-0920 (voice).
The relay operator should be asked to call DED at (800) 426-6505, or (402) 471-3111.