LINCOLN, NEB. (November 19, 2008)-As part of the first Governor's Conference on Rural Development held in Kearney this past week, the Partnership for Rural Nebraska and regional networks bestowed Connecting Nebraska awards to individuals, businesses and collaborative partnerships that have significantly impacted their regions this past year. The Partnership for Rural Nebraska (PRN) is a volunteer association made up of agencies and entities whose programs and services focus on the needs and issues of rural Nebraska. The PRN also supports the work of the state's regional development networks.

The following inaugural Connecting Nebraska awards were presented by PRN board members Dave Taladay with Southeast Nebraska Development District, and Jim Keeler with NMPP Energy:

The "SERN" (Southeast) Award went to Southeast Nebraska Partners for Progress  - After receiving a Building Economic Communities Act grant in 2006, the Auburn Development Council, River Country Economic Development Corporation, Tecumseh Economic Development, Rural Enterprise Assistance Project, and Southeast Nebraska EDGE coalition partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Kimmel Education & Research Center to examine the region's key economic issues. More than 100 city, county and civic leaders participated in a first-ever regional economic development summit. A follow-up summit drew 86. Both focused on how to best maximize regional resources to address critical regional issues. The partnership is now known as the "Southeast Nebraska Partners for Progress", and its steering committee includes representatives from Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee and Richardson counties.

The Northeast Award went to the Economic Development Summit Committee - Wayne Area Economic Development, Inc., hosted "Rural Economic Development in the 21st Century", its Second Annual Economic Development Summit that drew more than 30 sponsors and exhibitors. More than 150 attendees participated in sessions for community leaders and members, business owners, bankers, industry leaders, board members, government officials, educators, agricultural producers, entrepreneurs, housing specialists, inventors and economic development professionals. The planning committee was made up of economic development professionals from throughout northeast Nebraska, including Annette Junck, Carroll Welte, Jane Armstrong, Jeryl Nelson, Lee Myers, Lisa Hurley, Loren Kucera, Mary Plettner, Mary Simmons, Nancy Braden, Nancy Schulz, Tina Welding, Della Pries, Wes Belcke, Irene Fletcher and Dave Simonsen.

The Outback Award went to John Madsen - Madsen has served as a board member, chairperson or president for more than 19 community, regional, state and national organizations during the past 30-plus years. He was instrumental in creating the Outback Regional Group, as well as creating and designating the Central Nebraska Economic Development District.

The Central Award went to Sharon Hueftle - As executive director of the South Central Economic Development District, Hueftle works extensively with many communities in her 12-county area on a variety of economic development issues and community projects. Hueftle was instrumental in undertaking a recent regional survey that has been used to develop strategic plans for the development district, Trailblazer RC&D and South Central Nebraska RC&D. She was instrumental in the reactivation of the Central Nebraska Development Network which was inactive for about two years. The Network now holds regular meetings and has sponsored three workshops on Regional Revitalization through Community Development.

The Old West Award went to Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway - The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway involves participants and volunteers from Grand Island to Alliance. Their monthly business meetings and numerous committee meetings have led to initiating projects that promote rural Nebraska attractions well beyond state lines. Currently, the Byway is involved in restoring an old barn into a Byway Visitor and Information Center.

The Western Nebraska Award went to Cabela's, Inc. - Cabela's volunteered its facility and a facilitator to the Western Nebraska Development Network for a strategic planning session that included preliminary work on a new regional marketing plan. Cabela's generosity spurred the Network to set up another meeting to complete the marketing plan. The Western Nebraska Development Network is charged with identifying regional issues as well as partnerships and networks that involve local citizens and area service providers working collaboratively to solve challenges impacting the area.

A Special Award went to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to recognize dedicated staff in Lincoln and in many locations across the state who have connected Nebraskans with technical and project assistance, and program guidance for the past 40 years.

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CONTACT: Linda Fettig at 308-380-4966, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it