Becomes 11th community to earn designation

LINCOLN, NEB. (July 10, 2007)—Lexington has earned the Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community designation.

The state’s other certified communities are Auburn, Fremont, Grand Island, Holdrege, Nebraska City, Norfolk, North Platte, Ogallala, Ord, and South Sioux City.

Lexington’s (pop. 10,000-plus) economic and cultural growth has helped Dawson County become one of the state’s fastest growing counties during the past 10 years. The city’s objective is to define its own future, rather than have the future define it. Economic development accomplishments include construction of an ethanol facility, call center, commercial strip mall and Wal-Mart Supercenter; creation of entrepreneur programs; improvements to Main Street; establishment of a modern industrial tract and upgrades to its utilities to accommodate and attract private investment leading to industrial, commercial and residential growth.

“This designation is another step in Lexington’s progression toward ongoing, sustainable growth through a proactive and fully supportive approach to economic development,” said Joe Pepplitsch, Lexington city manager.

 The Nebraska Diplomats sponsor the Economic Development Certified Community program along with a number of other development partners. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development administers the program, which provides technical assistance to communities throughout the application process. The program is one of only a few in the nation that recognize communities for economic development preparedness.

“Attainment of the Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community designation spotlights that Lexington and other communities are prepared for business growth and ready, today, to meet the needs of companies seeking new business and industrial locations. The designation sets them apart as communities that have the leadership and commitment to take the necessary steps to allow them to compete successfully for new jobs and new investment”, said Roger Christianson, Nebraska Diplomats president. 

To qualify for certification, communities must meet certain criteria set out in the application form. The certification process is ongoing and noncompetitive. Communities that exhibit the required documented economic development readiness as specified in the program and approved by a review committee will earn certification. Each applicant is judged against standards that include organization, local industry target identification and workforce issues, infrastructure, local financing and business assistance, building and site availability, and other program parameters.

Information about the Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community program is available at: http://www.neded.org/content/view/380/669/

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Linda Black at 308-995-8742, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it