ATKINSON, NEB. (March 4, 2005)--Governor Dave Heineman was in Atkinson today to celebrate the expansion of Osborne Steel & Supply Company, Inc. The project will result in 21 new jobs in Holt County--the equivalent of 857 jobs in Lancaster County, or 1,602 new jobs in Douglas County.

Gov. Heineman spoke about the economic development challenges facing rural communities, and how growing local economies requires a tremendous partnership involving all levels of government.

"I know that there is a great deal of excitement here in Atkinson about this new facility and the new jobs that will come with it," Gov. Heineman said. "I understand the significance of 21 new jobs in a town of this size, and that's why I am so pleased the state was able to provide funding to help make this expansion a reality."

The Governor turned the first spade of dirt on the site where a new 25,000 square foot facility will be constructed.

A native Nebraskan, Robert J. Osborne, owner of Osborne Steel & Supply Company, Inc., started his company in 1991 after working for several years in the industry. He is a certified welder and designer, who has built a reputation for quality products and service with clientele in the feed and grain handling industry. Until now, the company's primary focus was on "one-of-a-kind" and custom machining and manufacturing of a large line of high-use parts and fittings. Customers include grain elevators, feed mills, ethanol plants and fertilizer plants in a 10-state region. The company has grown an average of 15% per year.

"I am very proud of the entire overall project, including the expansion. From start to finish, the assistance that I have received from everyone has allowed this project to become a reality," Osborne said. "The new facility and expansion will allow us to continue to provide the highest quality parts and services to our customers, and enable us to continue to grow."

The company's expansion represents a milestone for the community of Atkinson. Several years ago, the city began developing a strategy for economic development. In 2003, voters approved a 1/2% city sales tax for economic development. This allowed the city to hire full-time economic development staff, and create a fund for economic development projects.

Osborne Steele & Supply Company, Inc., used the funds and assistance offered by Laurie Hansen, Atkinson's director of economic development.

"This project is a really great model of successful rural economic development," said Sheryl Hiatt, Nebraska Department of Economic Development. "Nearly all the statewide, local and regional resource partners worked together to assist this business."

Osborne's first point of contact for assistance with the expansion was with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED). He also received business plan assistance from the Nebraska Business Development Center at Wayne State College. During the project's financing phase, the Nebraska Economic Development Corporation provided a portion of funding through the Small Business Administration 504 loan program. Community Development Block Grant funds also were awarded to the project. These federal funds, provided by DED, were awarded to the city of Atkinson. The Central Nebraska Economic Development District will administer the funds for the city. Local economic development funds were obtained from the city's LB840 fund, and the land was purchased from the local Weller Foundation. Nebraska Public Power District provided technical assistance to Osborne and the community. Security National Bank of Laurel provided private financing.

"This is an exciting day for Atkinson and Holt County," said Hansen. " I congratulate Osborne Steel & Supply Company and am very proud to have worked with the company, and with such experienced and capable economic development partners on this expansion project. These jobs are very important to our region."

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Laurie Hansen, Atkinson Economic Development, at 402-925-5313
Sheryl Hiatt, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, at 402-589-0027, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it