Cambridge Economic Development Board

2008 Priorities (as always, we welcome anyone to participate in our efforts)

Cambridge Economic Development Board
1. Guide and financially support the work of all Task Forces.
2. Assist local business expansion with Revolving Loan Fund.
3. Continue regular communication of activities with citizens.

Executive/Leadership Task Force
1. Increase participation in all civic activities among newcomers and everyone.
2. Act on community marketing plan with new publications and distribution.
3. Replace Cambridge signage.

Support Existing Businesses Task Force
1. Conduct workshops to address identified educational needs.
2. Continue and expand cooperative marketing activity packaging businesses and the community.
3. Create and begin new Loyalty Campaign.

Housing Task Force
1. Complete Housing Study to reinforce all housing activity.
2. Finalize TIF Redevelopment Plan and continue process to create a new subdivision.
3. Finalize Cambridge Housing Incentive program and establish fund.

New Business Task Force
1. Act on Targeted Industry Plan.
2. Establish Cambridge Community Investment Fund.

Youth Task Force
1. Continue communicating the opportunities for youth to become serious entrepreneurs in Cambridge.
2. Conduct activities to support launching (4H) Entrepreneurship Investigation program.
3. Explore ways to expand or support entrepreneur education in the school.

Philanthropy Task Force
1. Complete update of Cambridge alumni information list.
2. Host activities for all local foundation members to network and learn.
3. Define programs and additional projects for the Cambridge Development Foundation.

CEDB Officers and Board members:
(President) Tammy Sexton
(VP) Darcy Johnson
(Sec) Vacant
(Treas) Jan tenBensel
Dean Cope
Tom Shoemaker
Carol Hanes
Judy Jackson
Jim Dietz

Program History
In 1991, a volunteer and visionary citizen group called the START Committee presented a request to the Cambridge City Council to form a Cambridge Economic Development Board and hire an Executive Director. The Council supported this proactive leadership and approved their request. The city proactively support this effort both financially and through many partnering activities and, in 2005, the citizens voted to adopt a 1% sales tax with 2/3 to support Economic Development and 1/3 to lessen or eliminate the need for water rate increases to the citizens.

The Cambridge 20-20 Vision is the comprehensive strategic plan that guides the efforts of Cambridge Economic Development. In 2007, the sales tax to support economic development was above projections. This positive momentum will increase the impact of the economic development program in 2008. Please join us in our efforts to help all citizens of Cambridge realize their dreams and enjoy a vital and growing community.
For additional information contact Andela Taylor, Executive Director
(You will need Acrobat PDF Reader to view the newsletter.)

2020 Vision Statement
To attain a population which supports a sustainable community with diverse businesses, growing tax and economic base, affordable living rates, maintained infrastructure, and exceptional public facilities.

Mission Statement
To focus our efforts on attracting new families to Cambridge by promoting our school, career opportunities, health care, affordable housing, and recreation. To coordinate resources to support the following goals:

Goals
1. To create a dynamic entrepreneurial climate to leverage our technology infrastructure, diversify our businesses and economy, revitalize our retail sector, and enhance our agricultural and tourism opportunities.

2. To develop strong and positive community leadership representative of all age groups, interest groups, male and female, established leaders, and new community members.

3. To make an impacting community connection with our youth before they graduate to encourage and support the possibility of them returning home.

4. To achieve a coordinated effort for local philanthropy and build a community development foundation that will provide financial resources for future generations.

1991 to Present Day Accomplishments

START Strategic Plan, City Ordinance, City Funding, Board appointed, Director hired
Business Assistance Visits
Cambridge Locker retention efforts
Support to establish Southwest Resource Conservation & Development (SWRCD)
Regional Dairy Recruitment Support
Park Improvements Grantwriting
City Entry Signs and Downtown Banners
Internet Community Wide Educational Initiative
Initiated first Cambridge website
Duckwall Recruitment and Construction
Assisted NAPA recruitment
Consumer Preferences and Economic Leakage Study
Established Revolving Loan Fund
Support for Valmont and Work Ethic Camp recruitment in McCook
Cambridge Comprehensive Plan 1999-2009
Library Expansion Assistance
Initiated Southridge Apartments
Housing Rehab Grants Assistance
Recycling Program
Tourism Marketing Brochure
Golf Course Expansion Marketing
Support for Twin Valley’s PPD Furnas-Harlan Partnership
Explored interest in Hydroponic Business Recruitment
Opening Doors to New Rural Opportunities Workshop
Northern Great Plains eBusiness Education Grant
Cambridge Economic EDGE and Tri EDGE Coalition
New Cambridge website
Business Directory Database and FBLA project
Recruited Mid America Agri-Products Ethanol Plant
Conducted Cambridge Community Survey
2005-2020 Cambridge 2020 Vision strategic plan
Renewal of Ec Dev through LB840 1% city sales tax
Conducted community assessment for HomeTown Competitiveness program
Initiated new Business Visitation Program
Responded to requests-for-proposal for two recruitment possibilities
Education on Tax Increment Financing Opportunity
Development of Task Forces
Technology Education Initiative--Dreamweaver Project and Grant
2007
Secured Option-to-Purchase land east of airport road for new subdivision
Tourism Marketing Grant for photography/website enhancement/new brochure
New Cambridge logo "Life is Good" and Cambridge/Lake Map created
Nebraska Life Feature Story/cooperative advertising campaign
Business Roundtable hosted
Initiated Organization Fair/newcomer welcome activity
Housing Intern, Stacey Groshong, Housing Study/Subdivision Design
Prospect Site Visit Training
Building Entrepreneurial Communities Grant with McCook
Targeted Industry Process Complete
Education on technology business possibilities/ethanol allied industries
Cambridge Senior Center support
Assisted four local businesses with business planning and loans with revolving loan fund