Bellevue, Neb. (Pop. 51,638) has earned initial certification as an Economic Development Certified Community in the state of Nebraska. State officials announced the city’s certification at the 2016 Annual Nebraska Economic Developers Association Conference on Thursday, April 14. The City of Bellevue is one of 38 Nebraska communities to earn EDCC certification in the program. Established in 2005 the program is designed to recognize communities for their preparedness to attract and grow businesses.
The program, sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats and administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, recognizes certified communities for their ability to meet the needs of companies seeking new locations by identifying and marketing economic-ready areas. As part of their economic development efforts, qualifying communities must also document available infrastructure, existing sites and buildings, and local financing and business assistance.
“The City of Bellevue is excited to be recognized as a Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community,” said Bellevue City Administrator Dan Berlowitz. “This is an important step that shows developers that Bellevue is ready for economic opportunities and will work hard to ensure their success.”
The city’s efforts to establish relationships between local leaders and developers from outside of the community led to recent success in economic growth. The formation of a public-private partnership in 2014 with Kinseth Hospitality Companies, resulted in the development of a Courtyard by Marriott Hotel and Bellevue Event Center, partially constructed through a $1.125 million Civic and Community Center Financing Fund grant.
“Bellevue’s dedication to economic development is evident through their efforts to foster unique partnerships to build their city,” said Nebraska Diplomats President Dean Hart. “This type of teamwork will undoubtedly lead to continued growth and positivity within this EDCC community.”
Mayor Rita Sanders also recognized the importance of the community’s new EDCC certification. “Bellevue is pleased to be part of an elite group of Nebraska communities dedicated to proactively meeting the needs of potential economic development projects in the Bellevue community and greater Omaha metropolitan area,” Mayor Sanders said.
The community also established its commitment to economic growth through the implementation of the Bellevue Nebraska Economic Development Incentive Program through Nebraska’s LB840 program. In 2015, Wealth and Finance International Magazine named Bellevue a “2015 Best Business Environment” community.
Contact Lynn Kohout at 402-440-2559, or lynn.kohout@nebraska.gov, or visit http://www.neded.org/economic-development-certified-community for additional information on the Economic Development Certified Community Program.