February 2012
Economic eNotes
Nebraska City Area Economic Development Corp.
eNewsletter

 Visit us at: www.NebraskaCity.com

In This Issue
An Opportunity to Grow our Own
From the Director
Olsson Associates Spotlight
Join Our Mailing List

Quote of the Month 

 

 

 

"Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand."

 

- Chinese Proverb

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

 

Government Partners


 

City of Nebraska City

   

Otoe County 

  
Nebras
ka City Utilities  

 

Platinum Partners


St. Mary's Community Hospital

   


Gold Partners


Arbor Bank
 

Short-Elliott-Hendrickson, Inc

Omaha Public Power District
Cargill Value Added Meats
Farmers Bank & Trust Co. VanderVeen & Goracke, CPA
Diversified Foods and Seasonings

Olsson Associates

   
Silver Partners


American National Bank

Commercial State Bank Hampton Commercial Construction, Inc.

Alfred Benesch and Co.
JEO Consulti
ng Group
Kirkham Michael 

 
 
Concrete Industries 
 
Schemmer Associates

Tri-State Office Products
Century21-Bremer Agency
 

Bronze Partners

 

 Heartland

Community Bank
Borns Financial Planning, Inc.

Professional Mortgage Services

Miller-Monroe-Farrell/Home Real Estate
JJ Palmtag

Nebraska
Business Development Center
National Arbor Day Foundation/Lied Lodge Conference Center
 


Affiliate Partners


Dan Giittinger

Compound Profit Advisors

 

____________

 An Opportunity to Grow Our Own

 

Ever ask what we can do to keep our kids in our community and help them create a future right here in Nebraska? ESU 4 (Educational Service Unit) in Southeast Nebraska is leading the way. Strengthening our economy with a strong educated workforce is paramount to being a successful and strong community. Students are pursuing continuing education in Health Science and Energy fields, creating a better future for themselves and our communities.

  

The ESU 4 started the Southeast Nebraska's Career Academies program in 2008 from an initiative from the Carl D. Perkins funding group. An Advisory Group was formed, grants were obtained, students were surveyed on what they would like out of their career instruction, and a Career Academy Coordinator was hired. Falls City, Nebraska City, HTRS, JCC, District ORl, Pawnee City and Syracuse offered the Health and Science Technology course with over 50 students enrolled. On-line Medical Terminology and  Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) hands-on training activities, job shadowing, tours and training skills for  21st  Century careers jump started the program. 

 

ESU 4 has recently  designed and implemented  the curriculum for the very first Energy Academy for the 2010 school year. This year ESU4's Energy Academy - Energy Exploration Course had 40 students enrolled. Instructors from Milford's Technical School were brought in for training in the classroom, along with Nebraska Department of Education, Southeast Community College, ESU 4 Instructors, OPPD, NPPD, as well as guest speakers and tours were all part of the four-unit course with the focus on safety, business and careers.  Local industries graciously opened their doors to students who are looking to build their future right here in Nebraska.

 

This must see video from NETradio shows a student tour  group at the OPPD and NPPD facilities including  Nebraska City students who participated in the program. 

 

http://bit.ly/u02YU4
 
 
  

See how a group of educators and local business people work together to help change the future of our kids for tomorrow. Watch the video on ESU 4's Energy Academy at:  

http://www.esu4.org/ 

 

Developing innovative career camps and programs for our kids to prepare them for the 21st Century in a career with industries and businesses right here in our own backyard must be the forefront in building a better economy for tomorrow.

 

 ***

 

Greetings! 
In an effort to improve communications with our partners, colleagues and residents, we publish this brief, monthly eNewslwtter.  If you have comments, questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.  We value your input. 

 

From the Director:

 

Stephanie Shrader 

 

 

Welcome to February's Highlights, 

 

This year we are highlighting individuals and  companies who have increased their commitment to NCAEDC or have become a new partner. This month's spotlighted partner is Olsson Associates. Please check out the Spotlighted Business section.

 

In one of my first e-Newsletters, I talked about the book "Hollowing Out the Middle" that talks about the loss of young people from the rural midwest. ESU 4 has implemented a new program as just one piece of finding a solution to that problem.  Be sure to check out "An Opportunity to Grow Our Own."

 

If you missed Puxitony Phil,  you could have seen UnaGround Hog with signdilla Bill. Were you aware that Unadilla is Nebraska's Ground Hog Capital?  The community of Unadilla observes it's annual Ground Hog Celebration the first weekend in February. What a great opportunity to get out and shake off the winter doldrums, watch the parade, participate in the food competitions along with having lots of fun and humor. 

 

We are excited about the coming spring as this will give us the opportunity to continue making progress on our new 42 acre industrial site on the north side of Nebraska City.  Being the flattest piece of ground around this will put us in a position to move quickly with prospects.  In fact, we have already sold 10 acres leaving 32 acres for potential industries. 

 

While the national news may talk about business being slow, we are not seeing that in Otoe County!  The desire to own and operate your own business is alive and well here. We have seen an increase in the number of individuals lately looking to start their own business. So, while we felt the impact of the flooding and closed roads this summer, we continue to see more potential entrepreneurs and out of state license plates stopping in Nebraska City.

 

Speaking of visitors,  won't you be ours? It's not to early to start thinking about Arbor Day in Nebraska City.  This year it is the weekend of April  28th , there is always plenty to do and see.  For more details contact the Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce office (402 873 6654 or email [email protected]) or visit thewebsite at www.NebraskaCity.com

 

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

 

 

***

  

This year we are highlighting our partners who have increased their commitment to NCAEDC. This month's spotlighted partner is Olsson Associates.  

 

 

This Months Spotlighted Business:

 

Spotlight 

 Olsson Associates logo

(Click to see website)

 

Olsson Associates was started in 1956 by John E. Olsson.  He had worked for other engineering firms and reached a crossroads in his life. He ultimately decided to open his own one-man engineering firm and then spent the next years adding employees, clients, and services. At the time, so many opportunities existed in the state of Nebraska, and he was ready to roll up his sleeves and see if he could make a business out of it. John E. led the company until 1990.  John S. Olsson (son of John E.) continues the tradition of working in the company, having worked there for 23 years.

  

When asked: What makes Olsson Associates different or better than your  competitors?  John S. Olsson is quick to say "Our employees differentiate us from our competition. Each individual brings passion and creativity to the work that they do whether it's designing a new roadway system, updating an infrastructure project, or ensuring that an area is protected from flooding. Our firm is divided into discipline-specific teams, which allows employees to have and build a specific knowledge of their area while creating a sense of community for our employees with those who do similar work. This all benefits our clients. We also strive to make our delivery process a journey that engages the client and provides many opportunities for dialogue about options and life after the project." 

 

John is most proud when he drives  throughout Nebraska "to see the Olsson projects that have made a difference in so many people's lives. The company has been a part of so many great projects that you can't help but be proud of the work we've done over the past 56 years. In addition to the physical improvements we have been part of in communities, we also try to support civic efforts and philanthropy by giving of our time through volunteerism and leadership. We tend to be very grass roots oriented because, at the end of the day, we know that we are working for the citizens of the towns we work in."

 

Olsson Associate's commitment to their employees and clients comes through in their continuous credit to great employees and outstanding clients.  "We wouldn't be here today if it weren't for our great employees or our outstanding clients. It really takes both to make a business like ours work!"

 

With over 20 offices nationwide, the company offers engineering services in every geographic region. Visit them at: www.oaconsulting.com/.

  

We are proud to have Olsson Associates as an active partner with the Nebraska City Area Economic Development Corporation and look forward to our future as we both commit to strengthening the economy's growth in Otoe County.

   

***

  

 

Sincerely,

 


Stephanie Shrader, Executive Director
Nebraska City Area Economic Development Corp.

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