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(pdf file - requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) (developed by the Scottsbluff/Gering Chamber of Commerce & TCD) (developed by the Scottsbluff/Gering Chamber of Commerce, TCD, & the City of Scottsbluff)
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SCOTTSBLUFF NEWS! CURRENT NEWS:
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Donald E. Overman Terminal at Western Nebraska Regional Airport Opens Star-Herald October 22, 2005
A nice blend of the past and present came together Saturday to usher in the future of aviation and economic development as the Donald E. Overman Terminal at Western Nebraska Regional Airport was dedicated. Words of praise and excitement came from nearly everyone who entered the new terminal for the first time. "It's breathtaking,", said Marj Robbins of Scottsbluff, one of several hundred people who looked around the terminal, the most modern one of its kind in the state. "What a nice view of the monument," said Scottsbluff Police Chief Alex Moreno as he looked at the view that will greet passengers arriving at the airport. But for Dan Berry of Longmont, Colo., whose grandfather was William "Bill" Heilig, who was with the U.S. Army Air Corps and an examiner for the Federal Aviation and well-known local aviator, the event was special. The field at the airport named after Heilig, and Berry said words were hard to come by when asked what his grandfather might think. "I think he would like it, but he would probably think they spent too much money," Berry said with a laugh. Berry and several other Colorado pilots who are members of the Experimental Aircraft Association flew in Saturday specifically for the event. "I was very impressed," Berry said of the terminal. Officials on hand for the dedication lauded Overman as not only a friend of aviation but as a promoter of economic development for the region and a champion for the airport. Bob Unzicker of Gering, vice chairman of the Airport Authority Board, said the airport and terminal will be as important this century as irrigation was to the valley when introduced last century. Overman said he was deeply humbled and honored to have the terminal named after him and thanked officials gathered "dreaming along with our dream" for many years. The $4.3 million terminal project was compared to one of several jewels in a crown of economic development accomplishments that will go a long way to benefiting western Nebraska. Several of those speaking said it was now up to the publc to use Western Nebraska Regional Airport and not drive to Denver. Overman said completion of the terminal was historic because a new terminal had not been constructed in Nebraska for 31 years. He said the terminal also strengthens the community's position for economic development. Airports many times are the first impressions a visitor has of a community and described the terminal as vibrant which will go a long way to helping land jobs for the area. Murdoch's Opens Doors in Scottsbluff Star-Herald April 2005 The final preparations were made Tuesday for the "soft opening" today of Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply store. The store is located in the former Sun-Mart site at 1510 E. 20th St. in Scottsbluff. New Telephone Service Entering Scottsbluff Area February 3, 2005 Allo Communications, based out of Imperial, announced Wednesday plans to expand its local and long distance telephone service into Scottsbluff. Allo Communications is owned by Bradley Moline and Russ Pankonin, both natives of Nebraska, and residents of Imperial (Nebraska). Moline said that while everything is still in the preliminary stages, a target start-up date for areas of Scottsbluff and Gering would be June or July (2005). "What we're looking at is a fiber overbuild of Scottsbluff and Gering over phases," said Moline. Once operational, the company will offer local and long distance services along with high-speed Internet broadband service. Moline said future offerings would include expanded bandwidth for video conferencing, data transference, and inter-connection with offices. On Wednesday, Gov. Dave Heineman announced Allo was one of three companies that would receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to assist with business expansions. Of the $293,000 awarded to the City of Imperial, Allo Communications will borrow $288,000 to support the company's expansion, which includes 11 new full-time sales and customer service positions and four new full-time network support jobs. Imperial will use the remaining $5,000 for loan-related administrative costs. Moline said technicians would be hired to maintain equipment in Scottsbluff and Gering. He said employees would also be in the valley for installations along with sales personnel. He said after looking at a number of markets, the valley was chosen. "Scottsbluff and Gering offered the most opportunity and because there is currently a lack of options for telephone service. "This will give people a choice," he said. The company has been in operation for three years and currently employs 10 people in Imperial. The company currently has a number of customers in the Panhandle, according to Pankonin. Some of the largest customer base is located in Alliance, Chadron, Crawford, Sidney and Bridgeport. "We have a significant presence in communities with a 308 area code," said Pankonin. He said they have been working on this for over a year and look at it as the first of hopefully many expansions. To learn more about the company, log onto their Web Site at www.allophone.net.
December 16, 2004
A record 276 graduates completed course work at Western Nebraska Community College in 2004 and now they are the subjects of an impressive set of statistics. Carla Stein, assistant dean of student services, told the WNCC board of governors...that the Career Assistance and Internship Center's annual report shows that (of) 49.6% of the graduates, 37.7% are continuing their education, 6.2% were unavailable for employment, 2.2% were not located, and only 4.3% were still looking for work as the report was prepared. Of the 137 graduates from the Scottsbluff, Alliance and Sidney campuses, 116 are in careers related to their degree. Stein said she has been doing the report for five years and was not really surprised by the figures she presented. "We're excited to have 11 students graduate with our new AOS (Associate of Occupational Studies) degree," Stein said. The degree is designed as "a go to work degree" as recipients generally enter the workforce immediately. Statistics show that of the 11 degrees conferred, one was in accounting, three were in auto body - body and frame, three were in auto body - paint and refinish, two were in automotive technology, one was in business technology, and one was in information technology. Stein said almost 80% of the WNCC graduates were working in their area of education and 90% of those were still in Nebraska. "Certainly we're doing what we say (we) do," Stein said. "We are providing well-trained and educated workers for the Nebraska work force." Stein said WNCC continues to be a great feeder school for Chadron State College. "We have a nice symbiotic relationship with CSC." As a "border school," WNCC also has nine graduates at the University of Wyoming and eight in schools in Colorado. Stein said she didn't see any surprising trends although the continued growth is exciting. "I do get surprised sometimes, and it's the honest truth, of the amount of offerings we have at WNCC," Stein said. "With the degrees we offer you could certainly find something for everyone."
WNCC Makes Positive Impact in the Panhandle December 4, 2004
The Panhandle region is reaping millions of benefits from Western Nebraska Community College's presence. According to (the) Alliance Center Director, Dr. Royce Ammon, about $240 million per year of benefits. Ammon told members of the Alliance Kiwanis that WNCC's impact on the 12 1/2 counties it serves is phenomenal. The college is supported mostly by tax dollars, and Ammon said taxpayers get their money back with big returns: Every dollar of tax money returns $17.73 over the average 35-year work span after a student graduates from college. A WNCC student will earn nearly $330,000 more in his or her lifetime than with only a high school diploma. Between the college's three Panhandle locations in Scottsbluff, Alliance and Sidney, there are 168 full-time employees and 232 part-time staff members, all giving back to the local economy every day. "It's a multiplier effect," Ammon said. Though many students who are educated at WNCC will leave the area to find employment, Ammon said 83% gain initial employment locally, something that the whole region benefits from. "The result is brain gain," he said. A more educated workforce means less spending on social service benefits such as health care and unemployment. Also, Ammon said, crime rates are lower. "All of this together is the value of a WNCC education," he said. "Take a look at the skills and abilities that are provided." WNCC offers 57 programs that prepare students for careers or transfer to a four-year college. That number looks to increase in the near future, Ammon said, with the anticipated creation of a lineman program at the Alliance Center. The future, he said, is promising, especially with the availability of online education. "Education was a geography-centered enterprise," he said. "Today, it's transportable. We are moving to maximize the future today."
TCD Annual Meeting And Open House for PERFORMARK, INC. December 2, 2004 Twin Cities Development and TEM Development hosted an Open House for Performark, Inc. on Thursday, December 2, 2004 at the newly remodeled building in Skyport Park. The Open House was held in conjunction with TCD’s Annual Membership Meeting.
Company officials representing Performark included Chairman of the Board and CEO, A. Joseph Lethert; Director of the Communications Center, Nina Slattery; Chief Technology Officer/Client Services, Mary K. Dedrick; Executive VP – Administration and CFO, Robbie Dircks; and Director of Infrastructure Systems, Jay R. Eggers. A total of 16 employees from Performark’s Minnesota operation were present, as well as the newly hired Scottsbluff employees.
The Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting ceremony and presented Mr. Lethert the first dollar earned by the local branch. Company officials, Joe Lethert and Mary Dedrick made comments regarding their decision to locate in Scottsbluff, and a pre-recorded video of the Governor’s visit to Performark and announcement of the CDBG Grant Award was played. Following the conclusion of remarks by Performark company officials, TCD held a brief membership meeting. President Trumbull thanked Irvin Rushall, TEM Development, for allowing TCD to have the Annual Membership Meeting in conjunction with Performark’s Open House. He acknowledged the remodeled building, which had been vacant for nearly six years, and said TCD hopes to find tenants for the remainder of the available space. President Trumbull introduced the TCD Board and Officers for 2004-05: President, Bill Trumbull; Vice President, Joe Schon; Secretary/Treasurer, Stan Walker; Directors, John Harms; Steve Olsen; Owen Palm; Paul Reed; Bob Unzicker; and Dewey Zerr. President Trumbull thanked everyone from Bayard to Mitchell for their efforts with TCD and said that since the reorganization of the Board in 2001, it’s been “uphill the whole way.” Several Board terms will be open next year, and President Trumbull encouraged anyone who is interested in serving to advise TCD. President Trumbull also acknowledged and thanked TCD’s Administrative Assistant, Shelli Morgan, for her work with the organization.
Past President, Bob Unzicker was asked to come forward, and President Trumbull and Executive Director, Rawnda Pierce, presented him with a gift and thanked him for the time and effort he’s given to TCD, as well as to the communities. Bob thanked everyone for their participation with the organization, stating it was a culmination of many efforts. He also thanked Irvin Rushall for his work on many community projects and Rawnda Pierce and Shelli Morgan for their assistance. The Annual Report was distributed to TCD members, and Rawnda briefly went through it. TCD receives RFP’s from a variety of places, including the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Nebraska Public Power District, consultants, and local contacts. During 2003-04, TCD submitted 11 proposals, had 12 site visits, and averaged 9 projects per month. Local projects far exceeded relocations and included Chicory USA, Aurora Loan Services, Heritage Health Care Center, Physicians Partnerships, Panhandle Mental Health Services, Stylite Lighting, Inventive Media, West Nebraska Research & History Center, Westward Airways, WNCC’s Center for Business & Individual Training, and Trinity Steel/Feeder Supply. 90% of the projects TCD works on are local, with only 10% being from outside the area. Some of the other projects TCD has assisted with include the jail committee, Gering and Scottsbluff’s sales tax renewal campaigns, the removal of cubicles from the Sykes building, the NEDA Conference in Gering, and the Alumni Career Fair in Denver that was sponsored by NDED. Rawnda serves on the NEDA Board, as well as on many local organizations’ boards. TCD is focusing on filling empty buildings in the communities with specific, targeted industries in order to attract smaller companies that will be a better fit for our area and who will offer higher wages. Keeping the TCD web site updated is an important facet of the organization, since it is a source of statistical and community information used by many site selectors and/or company representatives.
Regional West Medical Center's Coding Department Ranked Among Nation's Top 50 November 25, 2004 Regional West Medical Center's coding department was recently named "top performer" by HSS Inc., a nationally recognized leader in solutions for streamlining coding, regulatory and reimbursement processes in health care. The top performer designation is only given to 50 rural non-teaching hospitals nationwide. According to Bob Leary, HHS Inc. CEO, top performers are identified as hospitals that achieved the best combination of complete and compliant coding processes. "It is truly an honor to be ranked among the best hospitals in the nation for coding services," Dr. Todd Sorensen, Regional West Health Services president and CEO, said. "We are extremely proud of our coding staff, who have worked hard to ensure that our patients receive the best coding services available. While we have been aware of the high quality work they do for a long time, it is nice to have an outside party recognize these efforts." The announcement was made in a report, entitled "Top 200 Coding Hospitals in the U.S.," released in October. In the report, the top 50 coding hospitals were identified in each of four categories: Rural, non-teaching; Urban, non-teaching; Minor teaching (less than 100 residents and interns per bed); and Major teaching (more than 100 residents and interns per bed). In total, HSS Inc. analyzed 3,925 hospitals representing all four categories for the top performer designation. Hospitals throughout the country rely on coding departments to properly categorize and code medical services before statements are sent to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) or individual insurance companies. "Accuracy during the coding process is extremely vital for not only prompt payment purposes but also patient protection," Pam O'Neal, Regional West clinical access coordinator, said. "We have spent a lot of time training our coding staff to make sure they meet industry standards," Alexa Arends, Regional West coding supervisor, said. "Our current staff actually exceeds these standards and the top performer designation is a good indicator of that."
Governor Johanns Welcomes Performark, Inc. to Scottsbluff November 23, 2004
Scottsbluff Mayor, Fiona Libsack; Councilman,Dave Boeckner; State Senator, Adrian Smith;Governor Mike Johanns, and Media RepresentativesNebraska Governor, Mike Johanns, welcomed Performark, Inc. to Scottsbluff and thanked City Officials and other organizations for their efforts to bring the call center to the area. Governor Johanns presented $505,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to Scotts Bluff County to assist the customer service marketing center, who occupies a portion of the newly remodeled Skyport Business Center near Western Nebraska Regional Airport. Performark, Inc. is an Internet marketing resource for several businesses and plans to employ 50 full-time employees during the first phase of its operations in Scottsbluff. Twin Cities Development Association, Inc.'s past Board President, Bob Unzicker, thanked Johanns and stated, "Performark is an excellent company and we're looking forward to a long and lasting relationship with them." Scotts Bluff County officials will loan Performark, Inc.$500,000 for equipment and working capital. The remaining $5,000 will be available to the County for administrative-related expenses. The County will match the State grant with funding from its LB840 fund, half of which will be immediately available to the company. The remaining balance will be available in $125,000 increments and will be awarded based on attaining or creating additional jobs. An additional $460,000 in equity from Performark, Inc. will help cover remaining start-up costs. November 2004
From the November 22, 2004 Edition of the Omaha World Herald: A Raid On Colorado "A job fair in Denver preaches a simple message to former Nebraskans: We want you back." Western Nebraska Community College A job fair featuring 75 Nebraska employers was held in Denver, Colorado on November 20, 2004. The Nebraska Alumni Celebration and Job Fair at the downtown Adams Mark Hotel showcased jobs, services tailored to business start-ups or expansions, safe communities to raise families, good schools, affordable housing, and less traffic congestion. Approximately 250 people attended, most in business suits, carrying resumes and business cards. Richard Baier, the Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the creator of the job fair said, "We're planting seeds." The job fair was held in conjunction with reunions of alumni from Nebraska colleges and universities. The reunion banquet was attended by about 400 individuals.
Western Nebraska Economic Development Partnership Booth 19 "Vast opportunities await you in Western Nebraska; whether you are an entrepreneur, job hunting, a business owner or just looking for that ideal place to retire. Linked by an appreciation for a life of quality and a spirit of progress, Western Nebraska offers rural tranquility and contemporary amenities within close proximity of metropolitan action. Western Nebraska is a place with room to grow - a place with room for you."
Contact: Al Heuton 308-436-6584 email: al@nepadd.com web: www.nepadd.com
Performark, Inc. Selects Scottsbluff For Expansion November, 2004 A Minnesota-based company has selected Scottsbluff over several in-state and out-of-state communities for their first expansion project. Performark, a leading provider of business-to-business web-based and traditional response management services, has established a call center in a newly remodeled building adjacent to Western Nebraska Regional Airport. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Performark provides marketing services by tracking down "highly-qualified leads" for companies that will allow them to "magnify" their business opportunities. Some of their current and/or past clients include Microsoft, Dell, 3M, and Motorola. The company began working with Twin Cities Development (TCD) in February 2004. They initially received proposals from 88 communities, and Scottsbluff was one of three finalists. Company officials made visits to three cities in Nebraska. Scottsbluff was selected based on many factors, including an available, trained workforce, a proactive business community, and the quality of life expected from a rural community. The City of Scottsbluff assisted Performark with LB840 funds, and they also received CDBG funding from the State of Nebraska. Performark plans to implement a "phasing process" as they transition business to the Scottsbluff location, hiring 30-40 employees initially, with a maximum of 100 employees expected by the end of 2005. Governor Johanns plans to formally welcome and announce the company when he visits Scottsbluff/Gering on November 22, 2004. A grand opening celebration on December 2nd is also being coordinated.
Star-Herald Census Shows Scotts Bluff (County) Is Growing Scotts Bluff County gained more than 200 residents last year, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures released Thursday. Fifty-three of Nebraska 's 93 counties lost population last year ( but) the Census Bureau report showed 35 counties gained population and 5 had no change. For Scotts Bluff County , however, the figures were encouraging . The county gained 201 residents between July 1, 2002 and July 1, 2003 . The gain reversed a downward trend over the past few years.
Star-Herald
TCD Ready To Take Next Step
Twin Cities Development Director Rawnda Pierce says the organization made a lot of progress in 2003.
"TCD was able to put together the building blocks for the organization. There were a lot of items that needed to be completed, including the Web site, a video on the communities, and we were able to get the organization put back in order," she said.
She said she believes the organization is ready to take the next step and is anticipating that its efforts will pay off in new jobs this year.
"We have many things that have been in the works for 18 months, and I think we're going to see some of those develop in the next year.
"We have three or four really big local projects that are going on that hopefully will be announced in 2004 and a couple of outside projects that we've done a lot of background work on that I hope to see come to fruition," said Pierce.
The organization has also received recognition for its Web site.
Pierce said the Web site received a major overhaul. She said that in addition to herself and administrative assistant Shelli Morgan, a lot of credit goes to Monique Ellert , who helped design the pages.
"The three of us spent a lot of time building a Web site for TCD and basically built it from the ground up, redesigning the entire thing.
"It's a user-friendly site and has a lot of research material on it and we received an excellence award from the Mid-America Economic Development Council."
She said the Development Material Award was based on community size.
The organization also assisted on a couple of projects in the past year, including a medical billing facility.
Physician Partnership Group is a new corporation that does billing operations for local medical businesses.
"They will create seven to eight new positions but have approximately 25 people working in the building.
"We were able to use existing work stations from the old Sykes facility in the new business, and it turned out to be a really nice facility," said Pierce. She said TCD also worked with Panhandle Mental Health in its expansion of staff and said TCD has been fortunate to have available a variety of grants and loans to assist new and existing businesses increase their services.
Pierce said another positive from the past year was the purchase by Western Nebraska Community College of the former Sykes call center to become the new home of WNCC's Center for Business & Individual Training.
"That will have an impact on economic development in the future, because something employers look for is either a trained work force or a trainable work force.
"The CBIT center, being located in the former Sykes building, will be a huge tool that we can use in future development."
For the upcoming year, Pierce said TCD has projects in development at different stages. While she said she couldn't comment on details, she said they range from office-center businesses to manufacturing.
"We've also been working with a consultant from California and he's been able to bring us some real interesting and high technology leads that I think could be a real diversification from what we have.
"There have been two visits to the area as a result of that, and we foresee me returning to California and visiting with some clients there," she said.
Star-Herald
TCD Signs Contract With California Firm
In a manner of speaking, Twin Cities Development now has a satellite office in California as a contract went into effect Wednesday.
Rawnda Pierce, TCD Director, said a firm with offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco will recruit existing manufacturing, technology, and medical device companies interested in leaving California and relocating to the Valley. Pierce said TCD has worked with the firm for the past six months.
The firm will only work with Scottsbluff, Gering and other TCD member communities.
"That was one thing that I kind of insisted on. I felt if they were trying to pitch the idea to several communities, it could put us at a real disadvantage," said Pierce.
Pierce said TCD signed a 90-day trial period with the firm. She said if it works out well, they will sign a one-year contract.
"Our proximity to Denver along with our geographic region really interested them."
Pierce said the firm will be looking for established companies. She said it is focusing on smaller companies that have between 5 and 25 employees, sales between $1 million and $10 million and have been in business for at least 3 years.
Pierce met with a representative of the firm who recently visited the area.
"This guy has CEO contacts and this firm is connected with a venture capital group and sees a lot of people go through their offices, some of which don't make sense to stay in California ," she said.
Pierce said they chose California because it is squeezing out smaller companies with high workers compensation rates, medical insurance costs and high utility rates.
"After touring the community and visiting with some of the community leaders, looking at the CBIT center and what they're going to have to offer, he left here feeling great about the possibilities.
"I think that is an example of how well our community shows to other people," said Pierce.
She said what is most impressive about the firm is that they are looking for companies that want to relocate and are not looking for a large financial contribution from the community. Instead, they want to take advantage of federal monies and will look for minimal local contributions.
"A lot of the packages we see are totally incentive driven and this is not the case. This is more trying to solve a business problem for people in California with the incentives being further down the list instead of a priority," Pierce said.
She said there is no guarantee this will work but said they want to try new and innovative measures to bring manufacturing to the Valley. Pierce said they are looking at a similar arrangement with a firm in Colorado .
Star-Herald
Aulick Joining Forces With Western Sugar
Sixty-five drivers could have full-time, year-round jobs according to plans at Aulick Leasing. The company has signed a six-year re-haul contract with Western Sugar that will employ approximately 260 drivers in northeastern Colorado , western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming . The trucks will move sugar beets from various locations to Western's three processing plants in the region.
"We hope to give our drivers a higher quality of life by giving them year round work," said Shane Aulick, co-owner of Aulick Leasing, a Scottsbluff family corporation. "There are three things we want for our drivers - quality of life, money and respect. This contract will help meet that goal, with the drivers making about $40,000 a year."
Aulick said re-hauling sugar beets from receiving stations to the processing plants in Torrington, Wyoming, Fort Morgan, Colorado, and Scottsbluff, will fit into the schedule of highway work they do the rest of the year.
He said about 50 full-time employees will be included in the 260 driving positions as well as about 10 dispatcher/coordinator jobs. Headquarters will remain in Scottsbluff, with a remote site at Fort Morgan , Colorado . Of the 65 trucks, 31 will haul in Colorado .
The contract calls for Aulick to provide the trucks, trailers and drivers, while Western will provide the other equipment and personnel. To meet these conditions, Aulick Leasing acquired 50 additional power units.
Prior to this contract, Aulick was carrying bulk sugar and miscellaneous loads for Western. Western had done its own re-hauling for the past 10 or 11 years.
"We've come kind of full circle," Aulick said of the new contract. "It's been a 17 year project to get the contract back. We started hauling sugar beets in 1978 with two contracts. We didn't haul beets for a while, but now we're back, and we have over 100 power units and operate in seven states."
Jack Fulton, Western's director of government relations, said his company is excited about the prospect of working with another local business that will be able to grow because of the contract.
Star-Herald
Unzicker Re-Elected TCD President
Twin Cities Development will have a familiar face as president. Bob Unzicker was re-elected during the annual meeting Tuesday evening at the Scotts Bluff Country Club.
Bill Trumbull was nominated and elected to serve as vice president and Joe Schon was elected as the organization's secretary/treasurer.
The organization also filled three seats. Stan Walker was elected to another six-year term. Steve Olsen and Dr. John Harms were elected to fill the other two vacancies.
Of the 146 ballots sent out, 97.were returned.
TCD Director Rawnda Pierce updated the group on the movement of projects currently being worked on and distributed CD's that showcase western Nebraska as a "great location for your business."
Pierce told the group that she didn't want to see the disks collecting dust in people's desks and encouraged members to give them to individuals, especially those looking to open or relocate in the area.
Pierce also said it was good to hear the news regarding Westward Airways. She said air service is essential to economic development.
According to a recent survey, manufacturing and distribution companies are targeted businesses for this area, Pierce said. TCD is currently working on some back office operations including customer call centers.
Pierce said she understands the hesitation some people might have after the closure of Sykes, but said this community has trained people that need to work.
She also said she is hopeful the need for housing in Scottsbluff will be brought to the forefront. Pierce said there are grants and programs available that could be used as incentives for enticing the housing market to grow.
Copyright © 2002-2003 Twin Cities Development Association, Inc. |
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