Gering natives' proposal picked for grocery store
from the February 23, 2010 Star Herald
The Gering City Council didn’t shop very long Monday night before heading to the checkout counter to choose a developer for a downtown grocery store.
Shortly after the meeting started, and following an eight-minute executive session, the council unanimously selected a joint effort from the Woodbury Corporation of Salt Lake City and WRK, LLC of Lincoln to re-open a store that has been closed for more than four years. The council followed the recommendation of its LB 840 Application Review Committee, which reviewed three proposals Friday morning.
The developers have a local tie. Josh Berger, WRK’s director of projects and construction, his brother Jordan Berger, who also works for the company, and the firm’s CSO, Mike Green, are all Gering natives. Zach Wiegert of the Woodbury Corporation is also a Nebraskan and was a University of Nebraska football star who went on to an NFL career.
“We have an interest in making this go,” Josh Berger said Thursday after his firm’s proposal was received by the city. “We’re excited about submitting and being part of the project, It’s a great project for Gering and we’re excited to be part of it.”
The Panhandle Area Development District of Gering and Harrison’s Homesteads of Scottsbluff also submitted proposals and finished second and third respectively.
The Woodbury Corporation and WRK, LLC submitted a proposal in January that was rejected because it arrived 90 minutes after the city’s deadline, City Administrator Lane Danielzuk said Monday. A North Platte firm also made an offer that was rejected last month but it did not submit a proposal this time.
Danielzuk, who served on the review committee, said Woodbury and WRK ranked at or near the top in the areas the committee used to make its recommendation.
“The redeveloper of record that was chosen tonight scored really well in all categories,” Danielzuk said.
Monday night’s decision doesn’t mean Woodbury and WRK will definitely open the closed grocery store, according to the city administrator. He said the city will enter into “good-faith” negotiations with the companies to try to hammer out a deal to open the grocery store.
Under a downtown redevelopment plan adopted in December, the firm selected through this process would receive city incentives and be able to buy the closed Sun Mart building, which the city owns, for $100,000 and would receive $475,000 in incentives from the city. But after Monday’s council meeting, Danielzuk said negotiations would start from scratch.
He said the new developers might hire as many as 50 full-time workers. The city is requiring the developer to guarantee jobs, wages and benefits for its employees as a condition of receiving city financial and tax incentives.There’s no timeline on when the store would open, Danielzuk said. Josh Berger said last week getting the business up and running would be a major task but one his investment group looked forward to tackling.
On Friday morning, the city’s LB840 Application Review Committee spent about an hour reviewing the three proposals, according to committee chairman Brent Holliday. The committee felt Woodbury and WRK “would be the best for the City of Gering,” Holiday said as he left the meeting.
He said the Bergers’ and Green’s roots in Gering weren’t a determining factor, noting that “all three had ties to Gering.”The LB840 committee ranked the applicants by investor financial commitment, city financial investment, square feet dedicated to grocery, grocery departments, hours of operation, number of full-time employees, wages and benefits, additional retail development, experience and references.
The effort to open a grocery store in Gering started not long after Sun Mart closed its doors in 2005. The city bought the building and has sought a business to open a grocery store since that time.
The project heated up last fall, as Gering negotiated with an out-of-state firm whose name has not been released. A second firm from North Platte also showed interest but in January both proposals were rejected, one because it arrived 90 minutes after the city’s deadline and the second because all the paperwork had not been completed, according to Danielzuk.
According to a press release issued by the city, once a first choice is selected, the city will begin “good-faith negotiations” with that company, using the Redevelopment Plan and Strategy that was amended last fall as a starting point. The city’s plan called for selling the store to a developer for $100,000 and offering $475,000 in financial assistance while asking the developer to spend at least $1.6 million, provide full-time jobs and reach other city-imposed goals.
If all goes well, a draft contact would be prepared that would detail the agreement between the city and the developer.
The agreement would be made available for public inspection and a public hearing would be held, according to the press release. If all those hoops are successfully jumped through, the city and the developer would have a deal and a grocery store would return to Gering.
LB840 committee members are Holliday, the owner of Nebraska Transport Company, who is the chairman of the committee, Jim Cauble, senior vice president of Platte Valley Bank, Craig Landers of Allo Communications, Dennis W. Wiedeman, owner of Wiedeman Financial, Dawne Wolfe, a banker at First National Bank, and Rawnda Pierce, executive director of Twin Cities Development. Danielzuk and City Treasurer John Mejia also serve on the panel.
Mayor Susan Wiedeman, who is a committee member, didn’t take part in the process, since she works for the Panhandle Cooperative, which would be in competition with a new grocery store. Dennis Wiedeman is her brother.
Council President Larry Gibbs sat in on Friday’s committee meeting. Gibbs also chaired Monday’s City Council meeting, since the mayor and Councilman Don Christensen were out of town at a conference.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sidney Welcomes Two New Businesses
from the 2-24-10 Scottsbluff Star Herald
Two Businesses have announced plans to relocate to Sideny, according to Sidney/Cheyenne County economic development director Gary Person.
Emagine Concepts Inc, a Colorado based manufacturing company, has made a commitment to expand tis operation to the Sidney and the Cheyenne County area. Person said the announcement by Emagine Concepts officials and Sidney/Cheyenne County economic development officials.
Erik Mellum, owner and CEO, said the company chose Sidney due to its location.
"The area makes good sense from a logistics point of view and I've been impressed by Sidney and the people we've met here. I'm hoping we will have a long, mututally beneficial relationship with Sidney and its wonderful citizens," said Mellum.
To assist the company in its expansion efforts, the Cheyenne County Commissioners, through the county's CDN+BG re-use loan fund, approved a $160,000 loan during their Tuesday meeting.
Emagine has a 20 year history of manufacturing wood products such as cabinets, custom stairs and soild surface finish using architechtural millwork, casework and design manufacturing and installation. The initial expansion will center around door manufacturing.
Sutherland Lumber Company has also announced an agreement with Emagine Concepts. The partnership arrangement will allow for products manufactured by Emagine Concepts to be sold under the Sutherland brand at their retail, warehouse and on-line stores
"The company intends to set up its initial operations at the Adams Industries Industrial Park northwest of Sidney thanks to the outstanding cooperative efforts of Don Adams and his management team," said Person.
Adams said Emagine Concepts "will be an asset to not only our facility, but to the community of Sidney and Cheyenne County."
Another goal of Emagine Concepts is to further expand its committment to its sustainable product manufacturing operations a the City f Sidney's Industrial Park location, possibly leading the way towards a "Green Energy Park" development on the east edge of SIdny. The company has been working with both local officials and state officials with the DED on the development of the green energy park idea.
Adams said the initial development is hoped to create 40 jobs with positions in crafts, technicians, laborers, sales, clerical and professional and magagerial staff. He said the mid to long term goal will be to create a substantial amount of investment and job creation in Cheyenne County.
Plans for the additional green energy product development will be announced at a later time. Emagine Concepts has several contractual relationships in place and the development may include up to three new company spin-offs as a result of the variety of the products. Panhandle Area Development District will assist the city through the administration of several of the grant processes.
Person saod local officials have enjoyed working with the owner and management team of Emagine Concepts. "We appreciate their committment to our area and I firmly believe this will be a great partnership between the company and the Sidney area."
The other business was announced by Ron Carlson who said that Commercial Resins Company Inc has purchased the assets of Industrial Structures Inc (ISI) in Tulsa, Oklahoma effective January 1.
"The eqipment and operations will be moved to our SIdney, Nebraska location over the first few months," he said.
ISI manufactureres riveted aluminum buildings and structures for a variety of industral uses. Most railroads in North AMerica utilize buildings constructed by ISI for crew quarters on their maintenance trains throughout the rail system.
Person said that ISI would maintain a permanent staff o 10 to 15 during construction periods an would utilize temporary personnel as needed throughout the year with a total anticipatedpayroll in the Sidney area of a million dollars annually. Person added that a variety of local companies in the are would also participate in the supply of materials and services to complete these buildings.
"Commercial Resins wishes to thank Adams Industries and the City Manager Gary Person, for their extensive help and support in making this businessexpansion possible." Carlson said.
Commercial Resins manufactures corrosion coating protection of oil and gas pipelines in a non-hazardous environmentally sound process. The company was founded in 1969 and has designed constructed and installed over 30 coating plants worldwide for oil and gas pipe and concrete reinforcing steel.
" We sincerely appreciate Ron Carlson Jr's continued commitment to the further development of the business and industry community of the Sidney and the Cheyenne County area," Person said. "The ISI purchaseand relocation to Sidney is just another outstanding example of his business leadershyip and we're truly appreciative of his investment efforts since first expanding Commercial Resins Manufacturing to Sidney in 2005,"
Two Businesses have announced plans to relocate to Sideny, according to Sidney/Cheyenne County economic development director Gary Person.
Emagine Concepts Inc, a Colorado based manufacturing company, has made a commitment to expand tis operation to the Sidney and the Cheyenne County area. Person said the announcement by Emagine Concepts officials and Sidney/Cheyenne County economic development officials.
Erik Mellum, owner and CEO, said the company chose Sidney due to its location.
"The area makes good sense from a logistics point of view and I've been impressed by Sidney and the people we've met here. I'm hoping we will have a long, mututally beneficial relationship with Sidney and its wonderful citizens," said Mellum.
To assist the company in its expansion efforts, the Cheyenne County Commissioners, through the county's CDN+BG re-use loan fund, approved a $160,000 loan during their Tuesday meeting.
Emagine has a 20 year history of manufacturing wood products such as cabinets, custom stairs and soild surface finish using architechtural millwork, casework and design manufacturing and installation. The initial expansion will center around door manufacturing.
Sutherland Lumber Company has also announced an agreement with Emagine Concepts. The partnership arrangement will allow for products manufactured by Emagine Concepts to be sold under the Sutherland brand at their retail, warehouse and on-line stores
"The company intends to set up its initial operations at the Adams Industries Industrial Park northwest of Sidney thanks to the outstanding cooperative efforts of Don Adams and his management team," said Person.
Adams said Emagine Concepts "will be an asset to not only our facility, but to the community of Sidney and Cheyenne County."
Another goal of Emagine Concepts is to further expand its committment to its sustainable product manufacturing operations a the City f Sidney's Industrial Park location, possibly leading the way towards a "Green Energy Park" development on the east edge of SIdny. The company has been working with both local officials and state officials with the DED on the development of the green energy park idea.
Adams said the initial development is hoped to create 40 jobs with positions in crafts, technicians, laborers, sales, clerical and professional and magagerial staff. He said the mid to long term goal will be to create a substantial amount of investment and job creation in Cheyenne County.
Plans for the additional green energy product development will be announced at a later time. Emagine Concepts has several contractual relationships in place and the development may include up to three new company spin-offs as a result of the variety of the products. Panhandle Area Development District will assist the city through the administration of several of the grant processes.
Person saod local officials have enjoyed working with the owner and management team of Emagine Concepts. "We appreciate their committment to our area and I firmly believe this will be a great partnership between the company and the Sidney area."
The other business was announced by Ron Carlson who said that Commercial Resins Company Inc has purchased the assets of Industrial Structures Inc (ISI) in Tulsa, Oklahoma effective January 1.
"The eqipment and operations will be moved to our SIdney, Nebraska location over the first few months," he said.
ISI manufactureres riveted aluminum buildings and structures for a variety of industral uses. Most railroads in North AMerica utilize buildings constructed by ISI for crew quarters on their maintenance trains throughout the rail system.
Person said that ISI would maintain a permanent staff o 10 to 15 during construction periods an would utilize temporary personnel as needed throughout the year with a total anticipatedpayroll in the Sidney area of a million dollars annually. Person added that a variety of local companies in the are would also participate in the supply of materials and services to complete these buildings.
"Commercial Resins wishes to thank Adams Industries and the City Manager Gary Person, for their extensive help and support in making this businessexpansion possible." Carlson said.
Commercial Resins manufactures corrosion coating protection of oil and gas pipelines in a non-hazardous environmentally sound process. The company was founded in 1969 and has designed constructed and installed over 30 coating plants worldwide for oil and gas pipe and concrete reinforcing steel.
" We sincerely appreciate Ron Carlson Jr's continued commitment to the further development of the business and industry community of the Sidney and the Cheyenne County area," Person said. "The ISI purchaseand relocation to Sidney is just another outstanding example of his business leadershyip and we're truly appreciative of his investment efforts since first expanding Commercial Resins Manufacturing to Sidney in 2005,"
Friday, February 5, 2010
Lodgepole Receives $350,000 Grant
Lodgepole has received a $350,000 CDBG grant to build new wastewater lagoon and expand the entire lagoon system to allow for complete retiontion from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. PADD assisted in writing the grant proposal.
Lodgepole currently operates two wastewater treatment lagoons a half mile southeast of the village. Built in 1956, the lagoons have remained essentially in their original condition, with no known improvements made for the past 42 years. Sludge build-up has greatly limited the system’s storage capacity. Lodgepole also has been approved for $1,133,787 in grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development to complete the project.
Federal funds are made available to DED from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s CDBG program to assist with the development of businesses and communities throughout the state. Funding requests for this program are administered by DED and are available to local Nebraska governments and counties with populations less than 50,000.
Lodgepole currently operates two wastewater treatment lagoons a half mile southeast of the village. Built in 1956, the lagoons have remained essentially in their original condition, with no known improvements made for the past 42 years. Sludge build-up has greatly limited the system’s storage capacity. Lodgepole also has been approved for $1,133,787 in grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development to complete the project.
Federal funds are made available to DED from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s CDBG program to assist with the development of businesses and communities throughout the state. Funding requests for this program are administered by DED and are available to local Nebraska governments and counties with populations less than 50,000.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
CDBG Grant Deadlines for 2010
Economic Development: Open Cycle Begins January 1
Housing: Pre-Apps due February 26; full app due May 7
Downtown Revitalization: Pre-Apps due March 19
Public Works: Applications due April 14
Planning Grants: Appliactions due April 14; 2nd Round due October 29
Water/Wastewater: Open cycle begins May 3
Tourism Development: Open cycle May 10
Housing: Pre-Apps due February 26; full app due May 7
Downtown Revitalization: Pre-Apps due March 19
Public Works: Applications due April 14
Planning Grants: Appliactions due April 14; 2nd Round due October 29
Water/Wastewater: Open cycle begins May 3
Tourism Development: Open cycle May 10
Monday, February 1, 2010
Harrison Receives LAWCON Grant
On January 15, 2010 the Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners approved the application of the Village of Harrison for funding assistance in the amount of $37,500.00. The funds, along with funds from the village, will be used to renovate and upgrade the Harrison swimming pool. Chuck Karpf of Panhandle Area Development District and Becky Kindle of Harrison prepared and submitted the grant to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
CDBG Planning Grants Available
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development will award a third cycle of 2009 Community Development Block Grant planning grants.
Applications will be accepted beginning January 11, and the process will remain open until all funding is gone.
For a copy of the application guidelines, go to http://www.neded.org/content/view/107/239/
PADD can assist in preparing CDBG applications. If you would like our assistace, please call us at 308 436-6584.
Applications will be accepted beginning January 11, and the process will remain open until all funding is gone.
For a copy of the application guidelines, go to http://www.neded.org/content/view/107/239/
PADD can assist in preparing CDBG applications. If you would like our assistace, please call us at 308 436-6584.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Carhenge a Finalist for Hampton Inn's A-A Landmark
Carhenge is one of three finalists for Nebraska in Hamptopn Inn's All-American Landmark contest.
The other two Nebraska sites are the Strategic Air and Space Museum and the Stuhr Museum.
To vote, go to:
http://www.hamptonlandmarks.com/VoteLandMarkResults.aspx?statename=Nebraska&state=27&cat=10&vote=1
The other two Nebraska sites are the Strategic Air and Space Museum and the Stuhr Museum.
To vote, go to:
http://www.hamptonlandmarks.com/VoteLandMarkResults.aspx?statename=Nebraska&state=27&cat=10&vote=1
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