Dawson County is very fortunate to have three cities, Lexington, Cozad and Gothenburg become Economic Development Certified Communities. The process forced all three cities to identify their strengths and also look at areas where improvements could be made. The amount of work and information that the cities had to collect seemed daunting at first, but it soon became apparent how all of the pieces fit together to prepare Dawson County for new investment. The EDCC process helped to streamline our ability to respond rapidly and effectively to all requests for economic development proposals. It also created opportunities for new community development initiatives such as housing development and downtown revitalization. Gothenburg, Cozad, and Lexington have definitely seen their hard work pay off with new investment, better preparedness, and an increased focus on economic development.

Here is a news story that KNOP ran when all three communities got recertified:

Jennifer Wolf
Executive Director
Dawson Area Development

Plattsmouth is pleased to be recognized as an Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC), which we achieved in August 2009. Through the EDCC self-assessment process, we took a very hard look at all elements of our organization, partnerships, website, business communication, ability to respond to prospect visits, and many other variables necessary for economic development successes. Weaknesses were addressed and resolved. We came out of the EDCC process with a commitment to improve our business retention and expansion program. There is no doubt our EDCC designation was a critical piece to being named a 2011 Governor's Showcase Community in recognition of our community and economic development successes.

Erv Portis
City Administrator

As a Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC), Kearney has proven its preparedness to utilize economic development best practices to attract and manage complex projects. Since achieving this designation in April 2008, it has been a source of pride knowing our community economic development practices are aligned with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development's mission. The EDCC distinction has been fundamental in obtaining the Nebraska Department of Economic Development's Selected Data Site through the Shovel Ready Power Park Initiative, being named a 2011 Governor's Showcase Community, and becoming more focused in assisting our existing businesses.

Darren R. Robinson
Executive Director
Buffalo County Economic Development Council

Laurel became a Certified Community May 2010. This program has proven to be very successful for our community. Going through that process provides me with immediate, up to date consistent information in putting together a prospect proposal. Recently I was contacted by a business looking at our Industrial Park; I asked if they needed any other information. Their response was, "We found everything we needed on your website."

Annette Junck
Laurel Economic Development Coordinator

For more information, contact:

Linda Black
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
(308) 991-2986
Box 704
Holdrege, NE 68949