Seward County Economic Development Corporation Annual Report

Transcription

1 Seward County Economic Development Corporation Annual Report For the months of March 2013 to March 2014 A Year in Review at the Seward County Economic Development Corporation SECTIONS Page 1 - Personal Development Page 1 - Community Development Page 2 - Marketing Page 3 - Business Recruitment Page 4 - Government Relations Page 4 - Maintaining Pertinent Databases Page 5 - Existing Business Retention & Expansion Page 6 - Fostering Entrepreneurship Page 7 - Building Permits Numbers Page 8 - A Look Into the Future Page 9 - Letters of Support Page 10 - SCEDC Current Members I don t create jobs -- the private sector does -- but I can, I do, create the atmosphere and the environment where they can succeed or not. City of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Articles written, design created and developed by Andrew Malan, SCEDC Intern

2 A Year in Review at the Seward County Economic Development Corporation Personal Development Jank vists OUEDI conference to work towards development certification Seward County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) Executive Director Jonathan Jank attended the Economic Development Institute sessions offered through the University of Oklahoma (OUEDI) from Nov Jank completed the first of a threeyear program, which will prepare him to sit for the Certified Economic Developer exam. OUEDI is the premier training in the Midwest for economic developers working toward their certification, Jank said. The Heartland Basic Economic Development Course was attended by Jank in April The prestigious Oklahoma University in Norman, Okla. offers economic development certification through its Economic Development Institute. Community Development SCEDC active in community organizations Pictured above: SCEDC Executive Director Jonathan Jank speaks at the Kiwanis Club of Seward meeting. The Corporation maintains close relationships and active partnerships with clubs and organizations all over Seward County. The Seward County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) has maintained and grown in its involvement with organizations throughout the county. SCEDC Executive Director Jonathan Jank has strived for a strong presence in the Kiwanis Club of Seward. As director and a facilitator in the economic development future of Seward County, Jank realizes the importance of active involvement in the Milford and Seward Area Chambers of Commerce and the Utica Commercial Club. In the past year, Jank has facilitated the transition of the Seward County Young Professionals group to the Unite 16 Leadership Program. He also regularly writes support letters, delivers community presentations and corresponds to community development efforts and projects around Seward County. PAGE 1

3 Marketing SCEDC revamps membership program In the summer of 2013, the SCEDC began work on remodeling its membership program to provide increased and improved benefits to its members. The Corporation worked with Clover Frederick, a marketing consultant specializing in nonprofit organizations, to develop an effective membership program and marketing plan for the year. The SCEDC recreated its membership program to include increased benefits for its members based on the financial level of membership chosen. Some of the benefits included with the redesigned membership are: website and newsletter mentions; discounted or free tickets to SCEDC Lunch and Learn events; job board access; reaping the benefits from the SCEDC belonging to the Lincoln Area Development Partnership (a ninecounty regional marketing group that supports local businesses and recruits on behalf of southeast Nebraska); belonging to a network of engaged and development-minded business owners and managers while supporting the economic development efforts in the county. The initial goal for the SCEDC was to double membership from the previous year. Membership increased over 300 percent and far exceeded the goal. To reach a new audience and educate SCEDC members, the SCEDC has hosted multiple Lunch and Learn events featuring distinguished keynote speakers. The SCEDC plans to maintain increased membership numbers and continue to assist in growing existing businesses in the county. SCEDC receives award for Rail Campus flier The Seward County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) was awarded for their marketing initiatives promoting the Seward/Lincoln Regional Rail Campus, located just south of Seward. The award was given by the Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC). City of Seward Mayor Josh Eickmeier (left) and SCEDC Executive Director Jonthan Jank pose in front of the Seward/Lincoln Regional Rail Campus. The Rail Campus has become the centerpiece for recruitment efforts by the economic development stakeholders in and around Seward County. Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Journal Star. On Dec. 9, SCEDC Executive Director Jonathan Jank traveled to Chicago, Ill., to accept the award at the MAEDC 2013 Competitiveness Conference. The award specifically honors the marketing flier that Olsson Associates designed to promote the site. A digital version of the flier can be located at SewardRailCampus.com. The Seward/Lincoln Regional Rail Campus development has been a multiple-year planning project for the SCEDC and other economic development stakeholders. The 306-acre railserved industrial property is a shovel-ready site with close proximity to the Interstate, highways, rail and airport access. The surrounding populations in both Seward and Lancaster counties provide a large available workforce. Jonathan Jank and the SCEDC firmly believe in the opportunity that the Seward/Lincoln Regional Rail Campus holds and the investment that it will return. It s now time to identify companies that will be good fits for the Rail Campus, Jank said. We need everyone s help to promote the site. PAGE 2

4 Business Recruitment SCEDC marketed Seward County at Lincoln expo The Nebraska Builders Home and Garden Show was held at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln, Neb. from Feb SCEDC braves weather for Atlanta expo Jonathan Jank, Executive Director of the SCEDC, visted Atlanta, Georgia from Jan Jank visited Atlanta to attend the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) to market business opportunities in Seward County. The 2014 IPPE brought together more than 1,100 exhibitors and thousands of attendees to the Expo. Jank was able to promote the Seward/Lincoln Regional Rail Campus at the Expo. While we braved the worst snowstorm in Atlanta in decades, it was still a very productive trip with a good economic development team, Jank said. We were able to work together to establish some good relationships and leads for future recruitment projects. The visit was a collaboration between the Lincoln Area Development Partnership, the Nebraska Public Power District and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. The Seward County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) and four partner organizations set up a booth to market Seward County from Feb. 7-9 at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln, Neb. for the Nebraska Builders Home and Garden Show. The Show was hosted by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln for its 42nd year in The Show enabled vistors, attendees and fellow exhibitors to interact with many contacts in the building and construction industry in southeast Nebraska. The event featured nearly 300 businesses at the Lancaster Event Center. The SCEDC marketed development opportunities in Seward County, as well as delivered information to fellow exhibitors regarding the recently completed Seward County Housing Study. The Study presents development opportunities for builders and developers in the county. The county is seeking those in construction to do business in the area as it works toward meeting its housing construction goals as laid out in the Study. Home builders, remodelers, landscapers, financing companies, flooring specialists and windows specialists made up the 300 plus exhibitors. The SCEDC was joined by the Seward Area Chamber of Commerce, the Seward County Housing Corporation, the Seward County Visitor s Committee and the Seward County Agricultural Society for the Show. Jank travels to Chicago to attend FABTECH and Tenneco corporate site visit SCEDC Executive Director Jonathan Jank attended the FABTECH trade show in Chicago, Ill. from Nov FABTECH is North America s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event. According to the FABTECH website, the trade show and conference set the stage for new ideas, products and technology through interactive exhibits, education programming, and networking opportunities. Jonathan Jank partnered up with the Nebraska Public Power District, Black Hills Energy and the Lincoln Area Development Partnership to exhibit the labor opportunities in Seward County for these industries. The PAGE 3 event used over 550,000 square feet and attracted over 35,000 attendees in the exhibit of over 1,500 companies. FABTECH helped promote the Rail Campus and the many opportunities in manufacturing partnerships we have in the county, Jank said. Jank and economic development stakeholders also visited Tenneco, Inc. corporate headquarters in Lake Forest, Ill. This visit took place to further build a relationship with the largest employer in Seward County. Also, the group promoted the Seward/Lincoln Regional Rail Campus to Tenneco s corporate leadership.

5 Government Relations SCEDC continues cooperative relationships The Seward County Courthouse can be found in the center of the historic downtown Seward square. The SCEDC has worked to improve its communication and cooperation with local government and related departments over the past year. The Corporation believes that active interaction and partnerships between public and private organizations will yield productive results over time in economic development. Jonathan Jank, Executive Director at the SCEDC, has compiled and delivered monthly reports to the Seward County Comissioners. He has also regularly attended public official s meetings to listen and contribute to economic development-related topics discussed in Milford, Seward, Utica and the county. As part of regular communication efforts, Jank continues to bi-monthly reports to public and private economic development stakeholders in the county. He also consults with businesses and entrepreneurs about Tax Increment Financing and LB 840 applications on a regular basis. Jank also facilitated the completion of the Seward County Housing Study that was revealed in late Maintaining Pertinent Databases Sites and buildings managed by LOIS The SCEDC is utilizing new technologies and talents to properly manage new and existing sites and buildings available in Seward County. SCEDC Executive Director Jonathan Jank recently collaborated with a student in the geography program at Concordia University to develop the LocationOne Information System (LOIS) database for SCEDC. LOIS is promoted by the Nebraska Public Power District, Black Hills Energy and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to effectively market the county. LOIS is synchronized with the SCEDC website. Through the database, people are able to view available sites and buildings online. Jank conducts a LOIS database review annually and continues to update LOIS as sites and buildings become available in Seward County. PAGE 4 According to SewardRegional.com, The LocationOne Information System is a real-time, online economic development site selection tool. LOIS provides a GIS enhanced site database system, which gives a strong competitive advantange in the rough and tumble world of site selction. LocationOne is a tool being used for the future development of Seward County. LOIS locates available commercial and industrial properties and land sites in Seward County. LOIS provides information directly from property owners and real estate companies that list specific details about their properties.

6 Existing Business Retention & Expansion Extensive evaluation of county businesses completed in the summer of 2013 The SCEDC spent the summer of 2013 visiting businesses around Seward County to learn about their statuses and address business needs. These Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) visits were made with close to 50 businesses throughout the summer months. The SCEDC staff made phone calls and in-business appointments to conduct surveys that thoroughly evaluated the businesses economic conditions and needs. The surveys were also conducted to learn about any specific needs that the Corporation or the county can actively address. The surveys covered the business or company s current status in the following categories: employment, facilities and equipment, sales, progression, achievments and challenges, community integration or involvement, potential entrepreneurship, sites and buildings, and housing and daycare needs. An extensive quantitative and brief qualitative analysis report was created following the collection of surveys and study of the data. The report revealed valuable information about current trends and needs that are being addressed by the SCEDC and Seward County. BR&E visits to set tone for future membership With such successful results in the redesigned SCEDC membership program, the SCEDC believes that the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) visits conducted in the summer contributed to the increase in members. The Corporation looks to grow close relationships with businesses in Seward County through these visits while educating them about the benefits of membership with the SCEDC. The Corporation wants businesses in Seward County to recognize the numerous membership benefits with the SCEDC, and will seek to further develop relationships through the offered membership program. The SCEDC plans to continually upgrade its program to benefit its members in new and innovative ways. PAGE 5 Summer visits in 2013 allowed the SCEDC to evaluate the current statuses of Seward County businesses. SCEDC helped plan the Tri-County Career Day & Job Fair The Seward County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) continued its workforce recruitment efforts with its planning leadership efforts at the Tri-County Job Fair at York College held on March 25. The event ran from 2 to 7 p.m. The event exhibited businesses from Seward, York, and Fillmore counties. Approximately 50 businesses were in attendance seeking qualified employees from around Nebraska. The SCEDC and its Executive Director, Jonathan Jank, displayed their strong support for Seward County businesses by extending recruitment efforts at the Fair. The Corporation encouraged attendees to seek employment opportunities in an effort to spur on businesss growth throughout the county. In the morning, York College hosted the Career Day to engage high school students from seven school districts in the tri-county area. They learned about good and bad job interview techniques. Also, they were introduced to the six industry clusters from the Nebraska Career Connections. The Career Day attempted to encourage students to consider working in the tricounty area after high school, military training, or college graduation.

7 Fostering Entrepreneurship Unite 16 CEO inspires entrepreneurship A new entrepreneurship training program for high school students is in full swing in The SCEDC, in partnership with the UNL Extension Office in Seward County, used a grant provided by the Rural Futures Institute through the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, to develop the Unite 16 Community Entrepreneurship Opportunities (CEO) program. The program is available to all high school students in the county, (Centennial, Milford, and Seward). Unite 16 CEO is centered on equipping students with the necessary tools to strengthen their skills in entrepreneurship, leadership and networking. Specific goals and purposes of Unite 16 CEO include engaging students in their community by providing a student/business mentoring opportunity; increasing the number of families that start companies; transitioning business ownership; encouraging young people to purchase a business in Seward County; and creating opportunities for students to further develop their strengths by allowing the students to express themselves in an entrepreneurial environment. Most of all, Unite 16 CEO intends to help students gain a knowledge of entrepreneurship opportunities in Seward County. Learn more about the program on the Unite 16 CEO website. The program is scheduled to host 11 sessions held mostly on the first Wednesday of every month for three hours. During each of the sessions, students have the chance to learn about writing a business plan and to meet with Seward County businesses to gain real life knowledge of entreprenurial opportunities within Seward County. Pictured above are a few members of the new Unite 16 CEO program. The initiative educates high school students about entrepreneurship. Photo courtesy of: Seward County Independent. Dick Wehrs Integrity Loan Fund goes to work Dylon Grantski of Utica, Neb. was the first recipient of the Dick Wehrs Integrity Loan Fund. Grantski received the contribution in December of last year. Grantski recently started To Dy 4 Dustless Blasting. The new company specializes in a new form of blasting technology, which Grantski intends to develop for a variety of uses. The new blasting technology allows one to remove limescale from brick houses without causing any harm to the color or structural integrity of the brick. It will also allow him to clear paint off of fiberglass and aluminum materials. PAGE 6 The Dick Wehrs Integrity Loan Fund exists to assist dedicated entrepreneurs with expenses of start-up or existing businesses. These business owners are unable to receive a traditional bank loan because of no or low credit history and/or collateral. Grantski applied to the Loan Fund to cover the nearly $17,000 required to get his new company off of the ground. The Loan Fund committee approved the application after agreeing that the blasting business and its owner will have a bright future in Seward County. For more information or to donate to the Loan Fund, please Director@ SewardRegional.com.

8 A Year in Review at the Seward County Economic Development Corporation Building Permits Numbers Seward County progresses in new homes, buildings Seward, Neb. Recent building permits (e.g., new construction, renovation, electrical, etc.) figures show the active progress being made in Seward County. Overall, construction permits figures increased in 2013, showing promise for 2014 and future years. Below are figures illustrating the amount of new homes and buildings construction (residential and commercial) permits over the past three years in Seward, Milford, Utica and the rest of Seward County. CITY OF SEWARD 2011: 17 new homes = $18,736,711; 545 buildings = $5,749, : 25 new homes = $9,284,611; 455 buildings = $11,561,540 *2013: 34 new homes = $16,009,422; 809 buildings = $13,225,817 Milford, Neb. *In 2013, the SCEDC helped organize and promote the Seward VoteAllThreeYes.com campaign to increase sales tax contributions to the LB 840 program to $150,000 annually. CITY OF MILFORD 2011: 4 new homes = $1,095,000; 33 buildings = $493, : 2 new homes = $640,000; 46 buildings = $2,278, : 3 new homes = $972,050; 44 buildings = $506, Utica, Neb. VILLAGE OF UTICA 2011: $464,310 in total construction permits 2012: $364,100 in total construction permits 2013: $1,069,843 in total construction permits SEWARD COUNTY 2011: 18 new home permits, 55 building permits = $11.8 million 2012: 12 new home permits, 66 building permits = $12 million 2013: 29 new home permits, 45 building permits = $24.1 million PAGE 7

9 A Look Into the Future Housing study completed and released As part of the effort toward developing the Seward County economy, the Seward County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) and many other economic development stakeholders recently completed a brand new study on housing in the county. In order to successfully sustain employment and residential growth, the county must have sufficient housing available for new and existing residents. According to study results, based on anticipated population retention and expansion, Seward County will need a predicted 534 new housing units (e.g. homes and rental properties) by Three-hundred of these units will be needed in Seward and an additional 60 in Milford. Utica is estimated to support up to 22 new units, and the rural areas of the county estimate a total demand of 118 new housing units by In addition to assessing new housing needs, the study also revealed the state of current housing. The findings revealed that up to 400 existing houses need renovation to meet housing demands by 2018, and 96 housing structures are in a state of dilapidation and should be considered for demolition. Seward County citizens were able to directly participate in the housing study. Surveys and informational meetings held throughout the county were made available to employees of larger local businesses, senior citizens and the general public. The Seward County Housing Study can be found in its entirety at SewardRegional.com in the Community Information section under the Housing Study tab. Bayer CropScience brings business to Seward County Bayer CropScience is moving forward with plans to develop a new North American Regional Wheat Breeding Station and has entered into an agreement to lease with an option to purchase 400 acres of land near Goehner, Nebraska. The company took possession of the land on May 1, 2012 and has started developing the site as a focal point for Bayer Crop- Science s wheat breeding program in North America. They recently started hiring more staff members in anticipation of ground-breaking and construction of the new facility. Bayer is excited about establishing this new breeding station, and we re looking forward to working with local experts, farmers and organizations in the Goehner community, said Edward Souza, Global Wheat Breeding Manager for Bayer Crop- Science. We expect that the work done at this site will result in exciting advances in wheat productivity and sustainability that will benefit farmers in this region and ultimately the grain trade worldwide. In 2010, Bayer CropScience AG and the University of Nebraska- Lincoln signed a non-exclusive agreement to improve wheat breeding and generate new wheat varieties. Since that time, Bayer CropScience has identified a suitable site in Seward County, Nebraska to establish its North American Regional Wheat Breeding Station. Throughout the process, Bayer has worked with the State of Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the Seward County Economic Development Corporation. The company will continue to work closely with these groups and the community in and around Goehner as development plans progress on the site. Portions of article courtesy of PRWeb.com, published May 2, Doris Lux, Seward County Business Coach Doris Lux, an experienced business owner and teacher of entrepreneurial skills, is the current director of the business incubator at Central Community College in Columbus, Nebraska. Lux has over 30 years of business coaching experience and has started seven businesses of her own. In partnership with the SCEDC, Doris is currently coaching four different businesses in Seward County and is offering her coaching for any others that may be interested. For more information, please Director@ SewardRegional.com. PAGE 8

10 Letters of Support February 26, 2014 As I said earlier, I m impressed with the amount of hard work you have put in to building your organization and the trust you have gained from your board, administration, communities, and county. From my experience, the economic developers that are most successful in their roles are those that have built that kind of trust and have moved forward as a team. From a recruitment standpoint, the direction you are going with your organization is on the right path. Your rail site is top notch and has definitely generated a lot of looks from businesses. The due diligence and marketing you have put into it will pay off. You can t predict when you will land that big recruitment project but as long as you keep plugging away, like you are, I m confident it will happen soon. There really is no manual for economic development. It s about building relationships, finding answers, and helping your local businesses continue to grow all things you do so naturally. As a recent example, you were a strong advocate for a (Seward County-based) company by helping them identify their concerns early in their process. Even though they didn t end up utilizing CDBG funds, they are still going to grow in your county. The win in that situation was helping them solve a problem before the project hit a road block. What sticks out most to me is that you have accomplished so much in such a short time in your position especially with a staff of one. Hopefully you can add another person to your organization to free up some time to focus on things and not be spread so thin. We actually joke in our office that we don t know when you sleep. Seriously. You have a million things going on and never miss a beat. I had thought about this while we were in Atlanta a few weeks ago. Leaving for a week is a big commitment when you do not have another person in your office to help cover any of your day to day obligations. I want to let you know that your hard work doesn t go unnoticed from the fourth floor of the state office building. Walker Zulkoski Business Development Consultant Nebraska Department of Economic Development March 3, 2014 To Current and Prospective Members of the Seward County Economic Development Corporation, In my role as Executive Director for the Seward Area Chamber of Commerce, I have enjoyed multiple instances of meaningful collaboration with the SCEDC. I have found the board and staff of the organization to be very thoughtful as they balance meeting today s immediate needs while planning for strategic and meaningful growth for the county. The staff has taken the initiative to be involved in the political process locally, regionally and on a state level. I am impressed with the way the SCEDC reaches out to its membership for guidance as its mission evolves. Additionally, the SCEDC s regional, state and national marketing campaigns have been conducted professionally and represent Seward County well. If you are currently a member of the organization, I congratulate you on your decision and encourage you to stay actively engaged. If you are considering a new membership, I believe you will find it beneficial. Respectfully, Charles Lieske Executive Director of the Seward Area Chamber of Commerce PAGE 9

11 SCEDC Current Members The Seward County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) wouldn t exist without the support of its public and private sector members and their firm belief in the Corporation s purpose and work. The investments made by its partners continue to enable the SCEDC to deliver dedicated economic development services. The SCEDC is grateful to have the opportunity to work with these investing communities, businesses, individuals and Seward County. GOLD MEMBERS ($5,000+) SILVER MEMBERS ($2,500+) Cattle National Bank & Trust Company Jones National Bank & Trust Company Ayars & Ayars Incorporated Black Hills Energy BRONZE MEMBERS ($1,000+) RED LEVEL MEMBERS ($500+) Concordia University, Nebraska Olsson Associates Betty s Bunch D&S Forklifts Hampton Enterprises Rembolt Ludtke LLP Seward County Public Power District WHITE LEVEL MEMBERS ($250+) BLUE LEVEL MEMBERS ($100+) Advanced Association Management Breeza Fans Denny Richters First Bank of Utica Hanna:Keelan Associates P.C. Home Real Estate/Underwood Team P.C. IC Energy Solutions Jones Insurance Agency Kolterman Agency, Inc. M&G Leasing Underwood Construction Company LLC Wal-Mart in Seward Wild Chiropractic P.C. Helmink Printing Dr. John Wild Kristen Reimers (Realtor) with Keller Williams Realty Milford Chamber of Commerce Milford Public Schools Roger Glawatz Dr. Roger Meyer School District of Seward Seward Area Chamber of Commerce Seward County Independent Utica Commercial Club PUBLIC SECTOR MEMBERS Seward County City of Seward City of Milford Village of Utica PAGE 10