CONTACT: Patty Wood at 800-426-6505, 402-471-1559 or patty.wood@nebraska.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alliance earns Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community designation

NOV. 23, 2009 (LINCOLN, NE)—Alliance has earned the designation of Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community.

“Being from the area, I am particularly proud of how Alliance's residents and public officials have rallied to create and build solid economic development prospects and a vibrant and thriving environment for community development,� said Dan Koch, Diplomats president.

The program, sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats, is one of a few nationally that recognizes communities' economic development preparedness. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) administers the application process.

Alliance points to a number of accomplishments. This past June, the city completed Phase I of Rosewood Estates duplex project that not only is currently fully leased, but attracted five new families from outside the city. Identified as a critical need, other housing projects included seven pre-owned homes that were put on the market to eliminate commuter time for families working in Alliance, but living elsewhere, and the construction of three spec homes by Clau-Chin Constructors, which also optioned seven more lots for future development.

Safeway Grocery, named Box Butte Development Corporation 2009 Business of the Year, added a deli and bakery, creating 12 new full-time jobs and four part-time jobs.

In September, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad in Alliance was named 2009 Nebraska Diplomats Industry of the Year during the Annual Passport to Nebraska Diplomats Banquet. Alliance resident Dan Koch, owner of Perrin Manufacturing, also took the helm as Nebraska Diplomats President.

During the recent Nebraska Community Improvement Program Banquet, Alliance took home a rash of awards, including Workforce Development—Rosewood Estates L.L.C., Arts, Culture & Humanities—Knight Museum Harmonics Exhibit; and Third Place for Community Improvement among Class IV cities. Meagan Dimmitt received an award for Outstanding Youth Volunteer in the Class IV category.

Chelsie Herian, Main Street Manager for Alliance, is championing the redevelopment of Historic Main Street Alliance. She organized four branches—Economic Restructuring, Design, Promotions, and Organization, and established tours of the area's underground vaults, as well as other promotions and activities to stimulate Alliance Main Street's economy.

For information, or a full list of certified communities, visit: http://www.neded.org/content/view/380/669/ or contact Linda Black at 308-991-2986 or linda.black@nebraska.gov.

The Box Butte Development Corporation's Annual Membership Meeting was held on Friday, November 13, 2009 at the Alliance Country Club. Guest speaker was Dr. Royce Ammon from Western Nebraska Community College.

The Economic Development Award title “Business of the Year� was presented to Safeway for their recent remodeling and expansion of their store, Bakery and Deli as well as adding over 20 new jobs. Box Butte Development Corporation honored Greg and Lisa Carter of Roller Hardware as “Entrepreneur of the Year� for 2009. Also honored were several Box Butte County businesses for their continued effort of reinvesting their businesses in 2008-2009.

McDonald's Owner Jason Richards receives a Certificate of Appreciation for his support and patriotism from Staff Sergeant Steven Mulonet.

Richards has made it a policy at McDonald's in Alliance that all people wearing a uniform, military, police or firefighters, get a free meal at his restaurant in appreciation for protecting the people of the community and country.

The letter of commendation read "Without community support and patriotism, our nation would not have the service of soldiers."

Box Butte Development Corporation thanks their member Jason Richard's and McDonalds for making a difference in Box Butte County.

Do you know a Business that has improved their quality of Business?  Have you remodeled, expanded, relocated or added staff?  Box Butte Development Corporation is looking for businesses in Box Butte County that have reinvested in their business or another's business in 2008 and 2009.  If you are a business owner that has done this, or know of one who has improved their business please email the information to:  Rita Fortner adminasst@boxbuttedevelopment.com  or Cal 308-762-1800 Today!

Times are tough right now for Box Butte County residents, but we are lucky to have a community which cares.  We have many resources in the area to help you through the times of economic distress.  Box Butte Development Corporation, Nebraska Workforce Development, Alliance Chamber of Commerce, and Box Butte General Hospital will be hosting an employment resource fair to inform the public about the various organizations and resources in the area.

June 16, 2009 2-6pm at the Alliance Learning Center will be resources available discussing topics ranging from unemployment insurance, continued education, starting a new business, stress and credit management, assistance with food, utilities, medical insurance, and much more. 

The employment resource fair will be casual and information based.  Many area organizations will be present to answer questions and supply information.  This fair is not only for our unemployed but those that are currently employed and may want information on the services available in our area.  If you or anyone you know may be in need of information to make these times a little easier please visit us any time between 2-6pm June 16, 2009 at the Alliance Learning Center.

A list of resources will be available from BBDC 308-762-1800 or Alliance Chamber of Commerce 308-762-1520.