Shawn Kaskie, Executive Director of the Sherman County Economic Development Board is resigning to take as the Director of the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Center for Rural Research and Development. His last day in Loup City will be Aug. 28, and he will start at UNK September 8.
The primary reason I resigned was because the UNK position is more aligned with my professional interests. Specifically, this includes my new position’s focus on University outreach and economic development education related to entrepreneurship and applied business and community research.
I sincerely enjoyed my time and work as the first Sherman County Economic Development Director. Getting a new organization up and running takes more time and coordination than most people realize. I am thankful to have had a very helpful and understanding board of directors that includes Tom Bandur as President, Roger Hofts as Vice President; Mark Eurek as Secretary; Brad Christensen as Treasurer, and Amy Rademacher as member Director.
With their help and financial aid from our Interlocal funding partners including the City of Loup City, Sherman County, Private Investors through the Sherman County Community Foundation, and the Loup City Development Corporation, we have made a significant impact on the community. Thanks in part to the Economic Development Board’s early organizational and research efforts, the community and visitors are now benefitting from two new venture capital/investment groups that led to the development of a new Subway, the retention of a motel, spirit shop, and eventually a new steakhouse. This equates to creation of 15 new jobs while keeping another 5. Thanks to recent grant writing and organizational efforts by the economic development board and Loup City Housing committee, the City has been tentatively awarded $390,000 in grant funds to develop a new street that will serve 6 new single family homes located East of Peterson Park. If the City Council decides to accept the grant September 8, construction of the street and new homes could begin next spring. The successful administration of another $30,000 Nebraska Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act grant has led to the education of 107 business owners, students, volunteers, or non-profit organization leaders in topics such as entrepreneurship, small business finance, marketing, and business planning. The direct impact of Economic Development assistance has led to the creation of 3 new business, 6 new jobs, keeping 9 jobs, and more than half a million dollars in outside grant investment in the community. For a complete list of accomplishments go online to BECA Grant Presentation and sample Program Impacts from Sherman County – Jan 21, 2009, www.shermancountyprogress.com, or stop by the economic development office at 133 S. 8th St. in Loup City.
From my professional experience working in this field in 3 states and overseas, it is critical that small towns like Loup City continue to work to support economic development efforts from all angles. This includes providing quality housing, recreational and business service options to both residents and visitors. Without the community’s support, small towns will continue to get smaller, instead of maintain or grow their population. I believe that Loup City has the existing and hidden leadership to ensure the community maintains its population and excellent quality of life. Please support economic development efforts and encourage people you know have the potential to be excellent leaders in our community to volunteer in roles that can move our community forward. Last Tuesday, August 25, the economic development board hired 2 new staff to carry on the great efforts we have already initiated. Please support them by volunteering where you can encourage your elected officials to look towards a positive future for our community. Thanks for a great experience. Shawn Kaskie
