NGage 2022 Year in Review

NGage 2022 Year in Review Main Photo

19 Dec 2022


NGage news

NGage works to create opportunities for businesses to start, grow, or move to Gage County while increasing economic opportunities for businesses and residents. This year was a busy one, with new areas of focus, challenges, and successes. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from 2022:

Economic Development Program (LB840) Passes

In May, the Economic Development Program (LB840) renewal was once again approved by a vote of the residents of Beatrice. This renewal is on the ballot every 10 years and we are excited residents of Beatrice see its importance for the community. Since 1992, the LB840 program has played a significant role in helping the City of Beatrice and Gage County recruit new businesses and assist existing businesses with viability. LB840 funds can be used to purchase real estate, improve public works, recruit businesses, support early childhood infrastructure, assist in construction, and offer loans and grants to qualifying businesses. 

The key parameters of the program are:

  • $300,000 annual funding from municipally-owned utility revenue
  • 0% tax rate impact - no change to the current sales tax rate or current property tax

NGage Hires New Executive Director

In June, NGage hired Gage County resident Rachel Kreikemeier as its new Executive Director. Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team, a passion for helping children, and a desire to see Gage County prosper. Rachel was indeed a big highlight at the NGage office in 2022. 

Communities for Kids (Year 2) Makes Big Moves

Communities for Kids (C4K) is a community-based initiative designed to assist selected communities to participate in the program with a focus on enhancing and expanding childcare opportunities. In 2021, Gage County was accepted into the C4K program which granted $10K annually over a period of three years. 

In addition to C4K, Gage County was selected as one of 12 Nebraska communities to receive funding from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act and a $78,500 contract from the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS)

With these funds, NGage, together with the Gage County C4K team, created the Childcare Capacity Expansion Grant. After a rigorous review process, four childcare providers were awarded a total sum of $57,000. You can read more about our awardees here

Manufacturing Day Event

Annually, NGage facilitates a Manufacturing (MFG) Day event to shine a bright light on the manufacturing industry and highlight the manufacturing companies in Gage County. This year, the day-long event allowed over 100 area students to visit four manufacturing facilities and witness day-to-day business. This event also included a presentation from Southeast Community College Manufacturing Engineering Program staff and others. Read more about the success of this annual event here

Around Gage County

Southeast Community College revealed its $22M - $24M upgrade, enhancement, and construction plans for their new Agriculture Career Center to the NGage Board of Directors. The goal is for the new center to open in 2025. Read more about it here.  

The Beatrice school board partnered with Educational Service Unit 5 and secured a $35M loan for the construction of a new consolidated preschool and elementary building. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in September and work is expected to finish in 2024. Read more about it here

Beatrice Community Hospital contracted with the same firm that designed and built the existing facility to construct a new medical office building addition on the north side of the main hospital building. This 22,450 sq ft project, estimated at $13.3M, is progressing well since breaking ground in February and is expected to open in mid-2023

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As we move into 2023, NGage will continue its mission of improving a skilled workforce, retaining and growing local businesses, attracting new businesses, and securing future stability for Gage County residents.