LINCOLN, NEB. (July 8, 2008)-The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and Nebraska Rural Development Commission awarded $106,205 to eight partnerships through the Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act (BECA). A total of 11 regional partnerships applied. BECA is part of the Nebraska Advantage package.

"As we continue awarding these grants, we're seeing more widespread cooperation and regional growth as a result of the great enthusiasm and hard work of all entities involved," said Richard Baier, DED director. "Now, neighboring regions are starting to take note and don't want to be left behind. The wonderful spirit ignited through these BECA grants is helping entities achieve far more together than they could ever accomplish individually, a fact that is no longer lost on anyone, especially considering the tough financial times in which we live."  

The projects are:

• The City of Bassett and Rock County received $2,250 to promote the region through various media to attract new businesses and residents. The City of Bassett, Rock County Visitor's Bureau, Rock County, Bassett Family Clinic, Waveform Network, Bassett Livestock Auction, Sandhill Equipment Inc., Whistle Stop, Scott's Place, Rock County Hospital, Commercial Bank, High Plains Realty, R.F. Goeke, Tri-County Bank and Krotter Lumber will provide matching funds. Contact Debbie Seberger at 402-684-3319.

• The Cities of Kearney, Ravenna and Minden, and Buffalo County were awarded $56,000 to implement a plan to attract workforce to Buffalo County, City of Minden and surrounding area. The Buffalo County Board of Supervisors, Buffalo County Economic Development Council, City of Kearney, Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Kearney Visitor's Bureau, Good Samaritan Hospital, and Cities of Minden, Ravenna and Gibbon will provide matching funds. Contact Sharon Almquist at 308-237-3101.

• The City of Lexington is getting $4,540 to create a regional technical assistance center through the collaborative efforts of area communities, businesses and industries, local workforces, and education systems. Planning grants do not require matching funds. Contact Jennifer Wolf at 308-784-3902.

• The Village of Meadow Grove and City of Plainview received $2,500 to undertake a planning process leading to creation of master plans. Planning grants do not require matching funds. Contact Michael Holton at 402-582-4915.

• The Counties of Nuckolls and Phelps were awarded $5,760 for South Central Economic Development District and the Nebraska Development Network-Central Region to design and deliver business and community training workshops throughout a 21-county region. South Central Economic Development District and the Nebraska Development Network-Central Region will provide matching funds. Contact Sharon Hueftle at 308-995-3190.

• Platte County and the Village of Cedar Rapids are getting $21,205 to encourage and promote networking among area youth and business contacts located throughout Platte, Colfax, Nance, Butler, Polk and Boone Counties. Behlen Manufacturing, Pinnacle Bank, Central Community College, Columbus Area Community Foundation, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, and SCORE will provide matching funds. Contact K.C. Belitz at 402-564-2769.

• Scotts Bluff County and the Village of Terrytown received $11,450 to create a community development strategy for attracting and retaining a diversity of young professionals. Regional West Medical Center, Shutterbee Photography, Baker & Associates, Aulick's TLC, Kelley Bean, and MC Schaff will provide matching funds. Contact Dave Schaff at 308-635-1926.

• The City of Tilden and Elkhorn Valley School District #80 were awarded $2,500 to undertake a planning process leading to creation of a master plan. Planning grants do not require matching funds. Contact Michael Holton at 402-582-4915.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT

Sue Sitzmann at 800-426-6505, 402-471-3987, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it