November 05 ,2007
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
Recognizing Nebraskans who have brought about positive change in communities across our state is important, and for more than 40 years, the Nebraska Community Improvement Program is one statewide effort that has helped honor the contributions of those who encourage new investment in towns of all sizes.
The goal of this program is to recognize the efforts of those individuals and organizations that help Nebraska communities become better places to live, to work and to raise a family.
As part of the 2007 awards program, 57 communities submitted more than 200 community and economic development projects for consideration by a panel of judges. Their selections were recognized during a banquet I attended recently in South Sioux City where more than 60 awards were presented to cities, local organizations and individuals involved in community improvement efforts.
One of the hallmarks of this program is that it recognizes the efforts of young people involved in community improvement, as well as projects that are largely volunteer-driven. The projects considered this year encompassed more than 300,000 hours of volunteer time. The program highlights successful partnerships between government agencies and improvement projects to community infrastructure and much more.
This past year has been a very productive one for many community groups in Nebraska. The highlight of the awards program was the recognition several communities received for recent improvement projects.
For the second year in a row, the top awa
rd went to Bassett where volunteers of all ages and local leaders have helped with renovations to the local lodge. Other successful projects included developing a new community garden and sponsoring special events such as a business appreciation night and a community-wide holiday celebration.
Nebraska City was one of several communities in southeastern Nebraska recognized for recent improvement efforts that included planning for a new firefighting museum and local celebrations. Nebraska City was also recognized for their creativity in forming partnerships between young people and adults working together on many of the community’s improvement projects.
South Sioux City was recognized for engaging students in the civic process through development of a teen court and organizing family literacy events. Other cities and counties receiving awards for improvement efforts included Gothenburg and Dawson County, Laurel, and Pawnee County.
These efforts have involved local residents in the success and growth of their communities and the value of the investment that has been made is invaluable to Nebraska’s continued success.
Honoring projects such as these are a reminder that we all have the power to change and shape our communities for the better. They remind us that community development and economic vitality start with ideas and visions for the future.
I applaud the efforts of all those who’ve been involved with Nebraska Community Improvement Program. I am confident that this program will continue to be part of Nebraska’s future success.
