LINCOLN, NEB. (August  11, 2008)—What does it take to become a top overall community? The Nebraska Community Improvement Program (NCIP) has the answers.

For 45 years, NCIP, a program of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, has assisted communities with meeting challenges and building on strengths and resources to form a vision for the future. The program recognizes communities annually for their improvement efforts during the past year, with an emphasis on the achievements of grassroots volunteers.  By participating in NCIP and involving citizens in planning efforts, communities have successfully accomplished many projects.

Communities can submit award nominations for individual project accomplishments and/or the overall community development process that encompasses planning, leadership development and a variety of community accomplishments.  Youth from participating NCIP communities may be nominated for outstanding leadership efforts in community service.  Communities may also submit a Founders Award for an intergovernmental project or program.

Special Awards, the Community Notebook, and Founders Award nominations are due September 3.  The Youth Leadership for Outstanding Community Service Award, the Marilyn Ristine Leadership Award, and the Good Neighbor Award are due September 5.  Applications must be postmarked by the date, or hand delivered to the NCIP office by the specific dates.  For more information, visit www.neded.org to download the NCIP Awards Guide. 

The Governor’s Conference on Rural Development (the combined conferences of NCIP and the Partnership for Rural Nebraska’s Rural Institute) will be held November 14 at the Kearney Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center and followed by the NCIP Awards Banquet.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT
Lindsay Papenhausen at 800-426-6505, 402-471-6587, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Patty Wood at 800-426-6505, 402-471-1559 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it