Knowing that growth of the economy in the state of Nebraska is a major key to their success, NPPD has made economic development a critical part of how they help the communities they serve.
NPPD’s economic development efforts are concentrated into three areas:
- Positioning Communities
- Expansion and Retention of Existing Businesses
- Attracting New Businesses
Positioning of Communities consists of teaching those involved in the economic development process what needs to be done to be successful. NPPD’s Economic Development team is available to meet, discuss, evaluate, and provide expertise to all that are involved. This team can help a community accomplish the following:
- Consultation—Meeting with your organization to help with questions regarding economic development , developing and evaluating programs.
- Facilitation of Community meetings designed to develop strategic plans.
- Seminars and workshops that NPPD offer are available to everyone involved in the economic development process within a community.
- Mock Prospect Visits—These are conducted by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development with the assistance of NPPD. A community is encouraged to put together a prospect proposal, a tour of the community, and answer questions that could be asked by a prospect.
- Site Evaluations—The Nebraska Site Evaluation Team, headed by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, will assist communities in the evaluation of land suitable for an industrial site. The team includes members from NPPD, other utilities, railroads, and state and local agencies.
- NEDI Online—Nebraska Economic Development Information (NEDI) is a site dedicated to providing economic and demographic data for Nebraska communities.
- Research—Economic impact analyses are done showing the impact of a new or expanding business or the loss of a business in an area.
- Trend Studies—Economic and Demographic Trend Studies provide an overview of economic and population conditions and trends for a community, county, and surrounding counties.
- Community Facts Books—Valuable information from a community that is used by prospects in evaluating business locations.
- Industrial Site Brochures—Are printed for sites that are five acres or larger and buildings that are 5000 square feet or larger.
- Community Web Pages—NPPD will help communities with web development.
- Prospect Proposal Guidelines—This publication helps a community prepare a prospect proposal.
Expansion and Retention of Existing Businesses is a very important component of the economic development process. NPPD will identify programs and resources available as well as provide technical assistance to existing businesses. They will facilitate meetings to help turn obstacles into opportunities. The NPPD team is knowledgeable about the financial tools available to assist with the retention or expansion of an existing business. They will also help find energy solutions and assist with managing energy resources.
Attracting New Business to the State of Nebraska is an important part of the NPPD economic development efforts. Their marketing program is designed to create a positive image of Nebraska and to generate interest in locating a project here. NPPD targets industries that would work well with the current economic dynamics of the state. This recruiting process involves educating companies on the advantages of a Nebraska location, encouraging visits, going to trade shows, and geographical visits.
