TCEDA ship sails under new direction

Thayer County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA) representatives Deb Craig and Wayne Dake have taken the helm of the TCEDA ship as the Alliance moves into new waters. TCEDA is a non-profit organization working to improve county, region and statewide relationships with the express purpose of developing a strong economic base among local communities and businesses.

Earlier this year, the organization underwent a change in directorship and is now sailing a new course. Although TCEDA has recently enlisted new director Wayne Dake, Craig remains at her post until the waters calm. Thursday, Sept. 27, at 5:30 p.m., in the Thayer County Courthouse club room both Dake and Craig will present updates to the public on revitalization of the organization.

“The Board of Directors has put together a list of goals,” Craig said, “and we’re ready to introduce them to business owners, community leaders and volunteer organizations. Everyone is invited to attend.” Business assistance, leadership education, entrepreneurship, promotion, site election assistance, communication and resources, community development, grant opportunities, and housing top the 2012-13 goals.

Dake, owner of Cal’s Garage in Deshler and a former business owner in Hebron, is actively making his way around the county reacquainting himself with business owners and village leaders in an effort to gather information and hear first-hand what TCEDA can do for local communities.

A variety of topics will be discussed, Craig said, including progress on the housing survey currently underway by Hanna Keelan and promotion of grant funds that are available for median income residents of Thayer County for down payment/repair assistance for purchases. “We’ll also share joint initiatives of the Nebraska Departments of Economic Development (NDED), Labor and Education for career readiness and vocational/technical hands-on education for high school and college students to better prepare our future workforce,” she said.
The meeting will also include a short demonstration of the Location One Information System (LOIS) website available through NDED  for statewide and nationwide promotion of buildings and land for site selection. “It’s a wonderful medium for getting the word out that this area has select locations for business opportunities,” Craig added.

Until then, TCEDA is contacting  Thayer County residents through the mail in an effort to conduct a housing survey. The organization will use the information for grant applications and other opportunities to improve housing in the county.

For more information on the Sept. 27 kickoff meeting, contact Deb Craig or Wayne Dake at 402-768-7407 at the TCEDA office on the third floor of the courthouse or by e-mail at tceda@diodecom.net.