N etwork (sern) Minutes from sern meeting

SouthEast (Nebraska) Resource Network (SERN)

Minutes from SERN Meeting

February 18, 2016

Plattsmouth, NE

Hosted by Cindy Cruse, Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce

Facilitated by Craig Eberle, SENDD

38 individuals were present for the business meeting including the following: Trista Farrens (Cass County Economic Development Council), Paula Rhian (Excel Development Group), Craig Vincent (NPPD), Craig Eberle (Southeast Nebraska Development District – Lincoln/Bradshaw), Michael Sothan (Main Street – Beatrice), Ashley Benes (Nebraska Extension – Cass County), Jim Ulrich (Plattsmouth Main Street Association), Charles Jones (Plattsmouth Main Street Association), Sarah Skinner (Senator Deb Fischer’s Office), Bob Jones (Nebraska Department of Economic Development), Josh Sheffield (Nebraska Department of Labor), Roger McCollough (Nebraska Business Development Center), Dee Arias (City of Louisville), Jason Esser (Omaha Public Power District), Cindy Cruse (Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce), Kurt Montoya (Heartland Center), Jen Olds (Peter Kiewit Foundation), McKinsey Mulroy (Tobacco Free Cass County), Brook Aken (Omaha Public Power District), Heather Weaver (Farmers Insurance/Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors), Gary Muell (American National Bank – Fairbury), Collin Bielser (City of Fairbury), Homer Ward (City of Fairbury), Paul Lambert (Mayor – Plattsmouth), Erv Portis (Plattsmouth City Administrator), Laurie Richards (Nebraska Film Office), Kyle Martin (Nebraska Investment Finance Authority), Dan Mauk (Nebraska City Area EDC), Lenora Isom, Ashland Area EDC), Jim Green (Village of McCool Junction), Lisa Hurley, (York County Development Corporation), Janice Stopak (USDA-Rural Development), Elizabeth Chase (Nebraska Main Street Network), Nate Blum (Congressman Fortenberry’s Office), Lynn Kohout (Nebraska Department of Economic Development), Bob Morgan (Southeast Community College), Patti Peterson (Plattsmouth Journal), Jennifer Roby (River House Soda Fountain & Café).
Welcome/Regular Business
Called to order at 10:10 A.M. by Craig Eberle, SERN Chair. Craig Eberle welcomed attendees to the Plattsmouth State Bank conference room facility. He then provided an initial orientation to everyone in attendance on the meeting agenda and format.
A. Treasurers Report

Chair Eberle directed the attendees to the treasurer’s report that was included in the meeting packet. The current balance in the general fund is $1,191.10. The treasurers report was accepted as presented.

B. Acceptance of Minutes

Minutes from the previous SERN meeting (November 19, 2015) were distributed with the meeting packet and posted on the SENDD website www.sendd.org. No corrections were suggested from the attendees. The previous meeting minutes were accepted as written.

C. Other Items

Chair Eberle brought up the possibilities of training opportunities for next year. He indicated that over the next month or so he plans to reach out to the SERN Education Committee about possible training opportunities.

Welcome by Paul Lambert – Mayor of the City of Plattsmouth
Paul Lambert welcomed everyone to the City of Plattsmouth. He invited everyone to come back on a weekend to visit Plattsmouth with their family. There are many great shops and restaurants in the community. Plattsmouth has a lot to offer.
Round Table Updates – Resource Providers & Community Updates
Laurie Richards (Nebraska Business Development Center) – Promote the state to the film and media industry. Attend industry related events – locally in Nebraska. Network with the Nebraska Film Association and provide information when requested to state elected officials and keep track of crew and services with data base on DED website. New director at DED – looking forward to working with her. LB 1018 – grant to N.A.C. – provide resources for communities and filmmakers across Nebraska.
Janice Stopak (USDA-Rural Development) – Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants – Provide affordable housing for domestic farm laborers.  No community population restrictions, Occupations include any agriculture or aquaculture commodity, meat packing or any other industry that processes raw agricultural commodities. Single Family Housing – 100% financings for home purchase.   We have a website to check your income and qualifications  http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do. Business and Industry – Rural Energy American Program – To increase energy efficiencies and stimulate the development of renewable energy systems. Value Added Producer Grant Program – Help agricultural producers enter into value-added activity related to processing and or marketing of value added products. Community Facility –   This program is to build/renovate community type buildings that the entire community benefit from.  Fire Stations, equipment for the station, libraries, community center, city hall, police station, animal shelters, hospital, clinics, theatres.  We also have grants for small projects.   Applicants can be Non-profit Organizations, municipalities, counties, Federally Recognized Indian Tribes. USDA Rural Development has funds to spend in all areas, give us a call.  402-437-5551.
Lenora Isom (Ashland Area Economic Development Corporation) – Ashland Area Economic Development Corporation has been formed. The organization will be looking in to future growth of the community. Currently updating zoning and future land use map, building codes, etc. Very exciting time for the community.
Trista Farrens (Cass County Economic Development Council) – Cass County EDC is focused on 40-60 BR & E’s for 2016 as we believe 60-70% of our growth will come from our current employers. Site development is also our focus for the year.
Lynn Kohout (Nebraska Department of Economic Development) – She is the field service representative for Cass County, as well as the five counties north of Cass. She oversees the Economic Development Certified Community program. There is a lot of exciting business growth in the area.
Jen Olds (Peter Kiewit Foundation) – The foundation has been implementing a Strategic Plan over the past year. We hold a quarterly grant cycle, next application deadline is April 15. Contact the foundation for an application is there are projects that align closely with our impact areas.
Dan Mauk (Nebraska City Area Economic Development Corporation) – Large infrastructure projects underway. Highway 2/Highway 7 intersection. Fourth & Corso bridge created an $8 mm problem. Housing is a major issue. Several community leadership positions are new.
Lisa Hurley (York County Development Corporation) – Tri-County Job Fair, Career Day and Career Exploration March 22, 2016. Labor Study – skills gap and skills ready model. Working on Livestock Friendly Designation for York County. Economic Impact Study on Highway 81 expansion & LB 960 (infrastructure bank). Housing Study and SCC Regional Learning Center being located in York.
Roger McCollough (Nebraska Business Development Center) – NBDC PTAC offer market research for our clients at no cost. It includes open solicitations, government market size, companies that have been awarded contracts and the amount. List of contracting officers that award the contracts and their contact info. This market research covers city, county, state and federal markets.
Jim Green (Village of McCool Junction) – McCool Junction has a growing population. Currently at 435 people. Two new subdivisions – working on a new fire barn. New clerk in place. The school is growing – added on 4 new classrooms. School has an FFA animal science lab, working on an endowment fund. Evening with the Stars fundraiser for the school will be held at the end of February.
Ashley Benes (Nebraska Extension – Cass County) – She is an extension educator with Nebraska Extension in Cass County. Here to learn about the group and learn about various programs from other groups and communities. Remind each community to reach out to their local extension office as partners. Educators working in 4-H, beef, cropping systems, which are more traditional and also have nutrition/health, community vitality, and even disaster preparedness. We can get you in touch with the people who you need for your program if it isn’t an educator at your local office.
Craig Eberle (Southeast Nebraska Development District – Lincoln/Bradshaw) – SENDD recently conducted interviews for the SENDD-Humboldt Community Development Specialist position. They should have this position filled by March 1. SENDD staff are administering various CDBG owner occupied rehabilitation housing programs in Crete, Hebron, Fairbury, Humboldt, Nebraska City, Tecumseh, York, as well as Syracuse/Otoe County. Administering CDBG CIS projects in Plattsmouth and Nebraska City, as well as DTR projects in Plattsmouth, Falls City, Auburn, Crete and Brownville. SENDD continues to facilitate Nuisance Abatement programs in communities in the District. SENDD has loan funds available for small businesses, as well as providing technical assistance to new and expanding businesses in their 15 county area. SENDD provides administration of thirteen CDBG Reuse, LB840 and USDA-RD REDLG loan programs.
Brook Aken (Omaha Public Power District) – OPPD serves 13 counties in Nebraska. One of our top priorities for economic development involves site development and the promotion of sites as we look to attract businesses. Our economic development team is also working with the Southeast Nebraska Partners for Progress group on an economic development regional blueprint through USDA-RD’s Stronger Economies Together program, focusing on community and business development objectives. Please reach out to us if you are looking for assistance and support in economic development activities including leadership/certified community programs, site development, LOIS, or business visits.
Josh Sheffield (Nebraska Department of Labor) – Help individuals find jobs and set up interviews. The last Operation Employ event was held on February 11, 2016 in Beatrice. Good attendance and business participation at this event.
Kurt Montoya (Heartland Center for Economic Development) – Continued work in Pilger, NE. Hometown Competitiveness (Ohio, Oregon, Plattsmouth). Rural Futures Institute. Intern Program. Community leadership development, research, evaluation and training. The Heartland Center for Economic Development is celebrating their 30^th anniversary.
Paula Rhian (Excel Development Group) – Looking at market rate homes in York and Seward. Finishing construction in Omaha of 80 senior units. Finishing construction on the President and Ambassador rehab rental projects in Lincoln. Have tax credit applications into NIFA for Lincoln and Wahoo. Construction of 14 family rental units is starting in Falls City. LB 951 to start a state affordable housing tax credit has been introduced in the legislature.
Jim Ulrich (Plattsmouth Main Street Association) – Continue to work on development of upper level housing on Main Street downtown. Projects currently underway: Redevelopment of existing apartment building into 6 new 2 bedroom units, and a new upper level one bedroom apartment of 2,000 square feet.
Charles Jones (Plattsmouth Main Street Association) – He is the Executive Director of the Plattsmouth Main Street Association. The community continues to progress. He will be guiding a 30 minute tour of Plattsmouth on the Ollie the Trollie at the close of the SERN meeting.
Elizabeth Chase (Nebraska Main Street Network) – New brand for Main Street. Now called Main Street America – only Nebraska’s Main Street communities will be allowed to tap into that brand along with Nebraska Main Street Network as the state coordinating program. The Nebraska Main Street Network oversees communities with downtown revitalization organizations providing guidance, technical assistance and training to all of our member communities. Any Nebraska community can join the program as an associate or rural associate member for $300/year. The next enrollment deadline is June 15^th. We started a new program in partnership with the co-op system. Our first community is McCool Junction and others will be coming on shortly. Our next training is Monday, February 22^nd from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. “Simple Building Improvements for (Almost) no Money.” Our March training is Thursday, March 31^st from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. “Market Driven Main Street Organizations.” Our April training is in Grand Island on April 22^nd. We are bringing in a Downtown/Main Street parking consultant to talk about easy and inexpensive solutions to parking challenges.
Michael Sothan (Main Street Beatrice) – There is lots going on in Beatrice.  We are currently working on a National Register Historic District for our downtown.  We have an upcoming Phase 1 Downtown Revitalization/CDBG grant that will allow us to revise and update our downtown revitalization plan.  Our community is working to address dilapidated and vacant commercial structures city wide but with the largest impact likely being downtown.  With a recent roof collapse in a vacant structure (that is effecting active businesses) and will likely lead to a large City expense to clean up the situation our community wants action taken. To address this issue they are looking to enact a vacant and adjoining building ordinance.  The vacant ordinance addresses vacant structures with the goal of seeing repairs made and the building on the market for an appropriate amount.  The adjoining ordinance requires an inspection (as does vacant) and proof of liability insurance.
Other points of interest include the active use of our USDA-Revolving Loan Fund to help our downtown.  We have an increased interest in downtown housing, and are working closely with our new housing study to ensure our downtown needs are included.  We are working to better identify and mark our Public Parking areas downtown.  On a more fun note Beatrice is the place to be and visit with lots of exciting new business growth and opportunities.  We are getting in some great unique shops and have a growing entertainment and dinning culture downtown.  On the tourism side of things we are happy to be a part of the 2016 National Park Centennial celebrations with Homestead National Monument of America.  In 2017 Beatrice will be a host community and great location from which to view the total Solar Eclipse.  Lastly, Beatrice has a new community brand we are working to help promote and share, simply it is ‘Stake Your Claim’ which is fitting with our connection to America’s first Homestead site and ties well into our needs downtown, with the schools, economic development, and tourism.   So join us and “Stake Your Claim” in Beatrice.
Erv Portis (City of Plattsmouth) – Brought up the following items: Current project include CDBG CIS and CDBG DTR programs. DTR – façade/life and safety improvements. DTR funding of $350,000 with an emphasis on upper floors. SCC learning center to be located at 527/531 Main Street. Estimated to open July 1. Signage to key features – continuing momentum to get people downtown. Riverfront development – RFP responses due late March. Airport Impact Study.
Paul Lambert (Mayor – City of Plattsmouth) – Fortunate to work with great people in Plattsmouth. Discussed highway development project – opportunities for commercial development. Discussed Riverfront Development project, sees potential to work with 4-wheeler traffic from campground to get to the downtown area.
Heather Weaver (Farmers Insurance/Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce) – She is the Vice President of the Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Working to bring speakers into high schools. Last year started 5K run in Plattsmouth. Run goes to the river and back, will take place in September. Highway scavenger hunt is planned to promote those businesses.
Nate Blum (Office of Congressman Jeff Fortenberry) – He is the District Representative for Congressman Jeff Fortenberry. Conducts constituent outreach and casework. Nebraska District 01 encompasses seven of the SERN counties: Polk, Butler, Seward, Lancaster, Otoe and Saunders. Congressman Fortenberry has a 2015 year-end report available for review online on Fortenberry.gov or by contacting our office.
Craig Vincent (Nebraska Public Power District) – NPPD partners with our customers and communities in the area of economic development or marketing materials, strategic planning and positioning, and industrial recruitment. We also partner with communities and other agencies to market Nebraska at industry trade shows. Lastly, we work with individual customers on energy use issues. We are excited to announce that 2016 will be the third year in a row that we will not have a retail rate increase. We also continue to work on the recently announced Monolith project. This is a public/private partnership which will allow our Sheldon station to burn hydrogen produced as a byproduct from a new industry coming to the state. Another aspect of community development NPPD is pursuing involves community based solar energy and community based energy efficiency.
Kyle Martin (Nebraska Investment Finance Authority) – Housing is a huge issue in the state. Trying new and innovative ways to work with housing issues.

Charles Jones (Plattsmouth Main Street Association) – Big event coming up is the Christmas on Main. This is scheduled for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Includes activities downtown for kids, ties into Small Business Saturday. WOWT out of Omaha producing TV commercials for 8 businesses in Plattsmouth. These TV ads will run on their station through Christmas weekend.
Jim Ulrich (Plattsmouth Main Street Association) – Southeast Community College is currently looking for a site for their planned regional learning center. They will be establishing an advisory committee and curriculum in hopes of having the center open by July of 2016.
Patti Peterson (Plattsmouth Journal) – Managing Editor with the Plattsmouth Journal. The Plattsmouth Journal has been around for over 130 years. Staff of two at the newspaper. Award winning newspaper serving Plattsmouth and Cass County. They are tied into the Lincoln Journal Star. Owned by Lee Enterprises.
Gary Muell (American National Bank) – American National Bank is a financially strong bank with assets exceeding $2 billion. We provide commercial and agricultural lending, and can partner with SBA, SENDD, USDA-RD, Farm Service Agency and others to meet financing needs throughout the SERN area.
Collin Biesler (City of Fairbury) – City Administrator in Fairbury – seventh month in the position. Fairbury passed a ½ cent sales tax that will be used for infrastructure projects. They are implementing an aggressive infrastructure plan. New pool project in Fairbury. Discussed land bank and hopefully getting that going for smaller communities.
Homer Ward (City of Fairbury) – Mayor of the City of Fairbury. Attending this meeting to learn what Fairbury can be doing to keep the city alive. Fairbury is a city that is not growing. They are working on getting rid of older homes. Fairbury has a new rental program where each rental home has to go through a leasing program. The community has a wonderful park system, great school and excellent hospital.
McKinsey Mulroy (Tobacco Free Cass County) – Help change the social norm around tobacco use. Creating outdoor tobacco free environments – time spent on evaluation, surveys and outreach. Do not work in cessation, prevention by helping create policies. Limiting exposure to second hand smoke/third hand smoke. Work specifically with businesses, outdoor recreational facilities.
Cindy Cruse (Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce) – Executive Director of the Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce. Host of the SERN meeting this quarter in Plattsmouth. Promoting Plattsmouth – touching outer communities. Events going on throughout the year with the chamber.
Jason Esser (Omaha Public Power District) – He is the Business Retention and Expansion Coordinator with Omaha Public Power District. OPPD provides business-attraction and site-location assistance, as well as development and support of communities and businesses through in-depth knowledge of economic development and growth resources.
Sarah Skinner (Senator Deb Fischer’s Office) – Part of her job involves meeting with people and having conversations. Brought up various issues and committee involvement Senator Fischer has been working recently. Senator Fischer visited the Norfolk area recently.

Community and Business Spotlights
Bob Morgan, Southeast Community College

Bob Morgan is the Campus Director/Dean of Virtual Learning with Southeast Community College (SCC) in Beatrice. Southeast Community College covers 15 counties in Southeast Nebraska. New leadership at SCC, with a new vision. They are locating new Learning Centers across the area. A new Learning Center is being located within a 35 mile radius of everyone in Southeast Nebraska. New Learning Centers are being located in Falls City, Nebraska City, Hebron, Wahoo, Plattsmouth and York.

They have determined a location for the SCC Learning Center in Plattsmouth. The learning center will be downtown in a building that has some character. They are finalizing the lease details at this time. Plattsmouth has been very supportive of this project. One advisory meeting has been held in the community. Looking at bringing a number of courses, both for hard and soft skills. The paths of study will be determined by an advisory group.
Jennifer Roby, River House Soda Fountain & Café

Jennifer and her husband Bob own the River House Soda Fountain & Café in downtown Plattsmouth. They moved here from California and purchased a downtown building. Spent six months renovating the building. They are now celebrating their 10^th anniversary this year. It has been an interesting journey for them. The Plattsmouth community is a great place to live.

LUNCH – Plattsmouth State Bank (Upstairs Conference Room) – Catered by River House Soda Fountain & Café and Mom’s Café.
Adjourn SERN Business Meeting
SERN Business Meeting was adjourned.
Feature Presentation: Lynn Kohout – Becoming an Economic Development Certified Community or Leadership Certified Community
Lynn Kohout is a Business Development Consultant with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED). Delivered a power point presentation on the Economic Development Certified Community and Leadership Certified Community programs. She began her presentation by discussing the Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC) program.
The Economic Development Certified Community program is sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats and administered by staff at DED. The EDCC program recognizes community organizational infrastructure readiness and ability to respond to existing and prospective business and industry needs. Certification requires a serious commitment from the community. Applicant communities are evaluated on program standards related to organization, local industry target identification and workforce issues, infrastructure, local financing and business assistance, as well as building and site availability.
There are thirty-six communities in the state that are currently designated as an EDCC, including eight that are located in the SERN area. Any applications are reviewed by a four member committee that is outside of DED. The certification is good for five years, and can be maintained by renewing every five years. Communities will receive bonus points on CDBG applications with EDCC status. Lynn is the primary contact at DED for the EDCC program.

Lynn continued by then discussing the Leadership Certified Community program. The Leadership Certified Community (LCC) program is sponsored and administered by DED. This program was developed as another option for those communities that are unable to meet the requirements of the EDCC program. Lynn indicated that in today’s competitive environment it is vital for communities to demonstrate proactive leadership and capabilities to increase opportunities for success. LCC applicant communities are evaluated on program standards related to organization, strategic planning, community planning and zoning, business and technology, as well as implementation.

There are ten communities in the state that are currently designated as an LCC. Two of these communities (Tecumseh and Brownville) are located in the SERN area. The certification is good for five years, and can be maintained by renewing every five years. Kelly Gewecke, Business Development Consultant with DED is the primary contact for this program.
Tour of Plattsmouth – Ollie the Trollie
The meeting concluded with Charles Jones of the Plattsmouth Main Street Association leading a tour of Plattsmouth on Ollie the Trollie.