LINCOLN, NEB. (May 8, 2007)—Eight workshops in May and June will provide communities with everything they need to know about participating in the 2007 Nebraska Community Improvement Program (NCIP). The Intent to Enter NCIP deadline has been extended to August 15 so that communities have plenty of time to prepare their entries.

The free workshops will review the NCIP nomination process and help communities prepare to submit award nominations for their community and economic development accomplishments. Volunteers and professionals who will be preparing the nominations, or who want to learn more about the NCIP process are encouraged to attend.

Sites receiving no registrations will be cancelled. Workshops are scheduled:

• May 14, 7-9 p.m. MST—Alliance, Library Learning Center, 1750 Sweetwater Ave.
• May 15, 10 a.m.-Noon MST—Sidney, Western Nebraska Community College, 371 College Dr., Room 145
• May 15, 7-9 p.m. CST—Holbrook, Holbrook School, 416 Central Ave.
• May 17, 9-11 a.m. CST—Burwell, Tier One Bank, 163 Grand Ave., Conference Room
• June 1, 10 a.m.-Noon CST—Auburn, City Hall, 1101 J St.
• June 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m. CST—West Point, Chamber of Commerce, 231 N. Main St.
• June 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m. CST—O’Neill, Holt County Courthouse Annex, 128 N. 6th St.
• June 27, 10 a.m.-Noon CST—Wahoo, Public Library, 637 North Maple

Nebraska communities with 50,000 pop. or less are eligible to participate in NCIP. Benefits include leadership skill development, increased community involvement, visioning and planning process assistance, greater access to community and economic development resources, and statewide recognition during an annual conference and banquet. The 2007 NCIP conference and banquet, recognizing outstanding community and economic development efforts will be held November 2 at the Marina Inn in South Sioux City.

NCIP is a partnership between the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and six investor-owned utility companies that sponsor the program. NCIP sponsors providing plaques, cash awards, judging and conference expenses for 2007 NCIP are: Kinder Morgan, Inc., Aquila, Great Plains Communication, Glenwood Telephone, NorthWestern Energy, and Northern Natural Gas.

To register or learn more, 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

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