(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman announced the City of Ord as the state’s first Certified Community for Economic Development. The Governor, along with the Nebraska Diplomats and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, unveiled the program in May to recognize the efforts of communities prepared for economic growth.

“This community has done an amazing job of selling itself and all that it has to offer,” Gov. Heineman said. “Ord’s mix of strong local leadership, an active business community and an ability to make use of available resources to meet development goals has been particularly impressive. This is an example of how a coherent vision for economic development can pay dividends in terms of helping to attract new jobs to a community.”

Ord, population 2,481, is the county seat of Valley County and a regional hub for international trade. The community’s business climate is extremely active and the city supports numerous retail and service businesses. Several industrial businesses, including Timberline Total Solutions, have located in Ord in recent years, leading to more jobs.

In March, Ord received the Governor’s Showcase Community Award for its many achievements in economic development, which include laying the groundwork for a new ethanol plant in the county; developing youth entrepreneurship and mentoring programs; updating downtown infrastructure; conducting annual business retention and expansion surveys; recruiting new businesses; and completing a development project that addressed the need for assisted living in the community.

Don Heimes, president of the Nebraska Diplomats, said, “I think Ord is an outstanding example of a community that has taken it upon itself to be a leader in providing economic development opportunities in rural Nebraska. Pursuing certified community designation shows that a community is willing to embrace the process and responsibility of growing itself.”

Communities exhibiting economic development readiness are eligible to earn certification once approved by a review committee. Communities are judged against standards including: organization, local industry target identification and workforce issues, infrastructure, local financing and business assistance, as well as providing information on building and site availability, zoning, opportunities for tourism, and the availability of child care. More information on applying for the program is available online at http://www.neded.org.

Gallery of press release photos.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Aaron Sanderford, 402-471-1967