Gering, Neb. is recertified through 2020

Gering, Neb. (pop. 8,480), has earned its recertification in the Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community Program. The city was originally certified in April 2010 and recertified in September 2015.

The program is sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats and administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED). Designation as a Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community indicates that Gering is prepared for business growth and ready to meet the needs of companies seeking new business and industrial locations.

“Gering had capitalized on all of the key elements for building and growing a sound economy, with downtown redevelopment, expanded housing options, and job creation resulting from new manufacturers and new and expanding businesses being its strategic focal point, ” said Nebraska Diplomats President Annette Wiles. “This well-rounded mix of downtown revitalization, business growth and expansion, and increased housing is making Gering a very attractive place in which to do business, secure employment and raise families.”

During the past five years the City of Gering helped three new manufacturers and nine new businesses locate in the community, resulting in 212 new jobs; and helped an existing business expand, resulting in new capital investment and four new jobs.

Community accomplishments during the past five years include:
• The City, with help from Twin Cities Development Association, Inc., applied for and received a $350,000 Downtown Revitalization Community Development Block Grant from DED to rehabilitate commercial businesses and a plaza in the downtown district, enhance public facilities, remove barriers in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and improve the overall aesthetics of the downtown area.
• The former McKinley Elementary School and playground (circa 1920s) was transformed into a “new neighborhood.” The City used a Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund grant to develop four owner-occupied housing units. Additionally, three homes were built by Gering High School students enrolled in a Construction class, and two homes were built by Magnolia Homes. This public/private partnership between the City, Twin Cities Development Association In., Gering Public Schools, and area contractors and subcontractors has resulted in $1.5 million in new housing investment.
• A collaboration between the City and Kelley Bean Company resulted in an exchange of properties on or near North 10th Street. The City now has additional street frontage property for future development, and Kelley Bean Company has a parcel of land on which it is building a multimillion dollar facility.
• The City of Gering received a $275,600 Neighborhood Stabilization Program grant to demolish 17 blighted structures, including the former Nebraska Health and Human Services building.
• The City of Gering worked with a developer to remodel an existing facility to encourage Fresh Foods marketplace to open a location within the community.

DED Business Development Consultant Starr Lehl attended the December 14 city council meeting to recognize the City’s efforts.

Contact Lynn Kohout at 402-440-2599, or lynn.kohout@nebraska.gov , or visit http://staging.neded.org/economic-development-certified-community for additional information on the Economic Development Certified Community Program.

CONTACT Kate Ellingson at 800-426-6505, 402-471-3749 or kate.ellingson@nebraska.gov

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