FREMONT, NEB. (May 9, 2005)--Governor Dave Heineman and Nebraska Diplomats President Mike Baldino today unveiled the new Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community Program-- one of only a few in the nation--designed to recognize those communities prepared for economic development. They shared details during a luncheon attended by an estimated 150 Nebraska Diplomats and company, community, and government officials as part of Business and Industry Day in Fremont.

Communities interested in becoming certified must first meet criteria set out in an application form that can be found at: http://www.nediplomats.org/edcc.html. The certification process is ongoing and noncompetitive. Communities that exhibit the required documented economic development readiness as specified in the program criteria, and approved by a review committee will earn certification. Each applicant community will be 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.

"The Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community Program is designed to provide certified Nebraska communities with instantaneous recognition as prime economic development-ready sites and places that nurture outstanding economic leaders, as well as foster local support for existing and start-up businesses," said Linda Fettig, development consultant with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. "Certified communities also are sure to benefit from greater marketability among businesses and industries leading to increasing opportunities for development projects."

Communities that complete the certification process will be entitled to use the program logo on letterhead, business cards, marketing materials and websites.

The program's design involved extensive input from numerous focus groups, cities and towns, and utility partners.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Linda Fettig at 308-749-2291, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it