A LITTLE HISTORY…

 

In 1964, the Scottsbluff/Gering Payroll Development Foundation was formed to address economic development issues.    In the ‘80’s, elected and non-elected leaders of the community reviewed economic development efforts and reorganized the program.  To reflect the spirit of cooperation between Scottsbluff and Gering, the organization was renamed the Twin Cities Development Association, Inc. (TCD).

 

Priorities of the newly restructured organization included membership recruitment, determination of the area’s strengths and weakenesses in terms of economic development, data collection, and statistical updates.  A marketing plan was implemented, working in cooperation with the Chamber, NPPD, Scotts Bluff County and the Cities of Scottsbluff and Gering.

 

Past Executive Directors and Boards have worked to bring economic opportunities to the area and expand the membership base.  The new Board and Director have a vision for the communities of Scottsbluff and Gering, as well as the surrounding smaller communities.

 

“One Community  -  One Voice” reminds us we are a part of a larger community living in the Valley, and we are dependent on one another for success!

20 CLUES TO RURAL COMMUNITY SURVIVAL

 

·             Evidence of community pride.

·             Emphasis on quality in business & community life.

·             Willingness to invest in the future.

·             Participatory approach to community decision

            making.

·             Cooperative community spirit.

·             Realistic appraisal of future opportunities.

·             Awareness of competitive positioning.

·             Knowledge of the physical environment.

·             Active economic development program.

·             Deliberate transition of power to a younger

            generation of leaders.

·             Acceptance of women in leadership roles.

·             Strong belief in and support for education.

·             Problem-solving approach to providing health care.

·             Strong multi-generational family orientation.

·             Strong presence of traditional institutions that are

            integral to community life.

·             Attention to sound and well-maintained

            infrastructure.

·             Careful use of fiscal resources.

·             Sophisticated use of information resources.

·             Willingness to seek help from the outside.

·             Conviction that, in the long run, you have to do it

            yourself.              

            from the Heartland Center for Leadership Development

Fast Facts…

 

70% of job growth comes from existing businesses...

 

30% of new business comes from local people (home-based businesses, early retirees, down-sizing, spouses, start-ups, & entrepreneurs...