2006-09MilestonesMarking OurJourneyon the Economic DevelopmentRoad to Success

Falls City Economic Development& Growth Enterprise(EDGE)June,2009

A letter from the EDGE presidentDearFriends:

It seemsnot so long agopublic andprivate community leaders joined together to reach consensus ona comprehensive economic development strategy…creating the FallsCityArea Economic Development Roadmap to Success.To lead implementation of the strategy, leaders recommended the establishment of a public-private economic devel-opment corporation, and in February of 2006 Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (EDGE)was establishedwith the support and funding of the City ofFalls City,Richardson County,businesses and individuals.

Reflecting back on the past three years or so, the road to success can be best summed up in the title andwords of the Beatles’ song,“The Long andWinding Road.”Our travelshave beenmarked bymanyaccomplishments and successeswhichwill be outlined in this report, aswell as challenges, such as an unprecedented downturn in the nationaleconomy.

Throughoutthe journey,wehave remained focusedonourmission toencourageeconomicdevelopmentandgrowthand improvebusinessandqualityof life conditions inourefforts to create a healthyandprosperous economyand jobmarket forFalls CityandRichardson County. As a public-private teamwehaveworked diligently to:

•Brand,position andmarket the greaterFalls Cityarea as a preferred business location,filling the sales pipelinewith newbusiness investment leads.• Recruit new industrial development, facilitate growth and expansion of our existing manufacturers and leading employers, and encourage growth in all sectors ofthe economy.

• Enhance the competitiveness of the area throughproactive product developmentandpublic policyadvocacyactions.• Collaborate with ourmany partners including the Chamber, City, County, and other groups to enhance the area as a quality place to live,work and play, providing sup-port forMain Street redevelopment, the newCommunityMedical Center,and other communitydevelopmentprojects.

We realize ourwork could not be accomplishedwithout the support and funding of ourmember investors, and on behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank all of youforyourcommitment.I alsowanttogive special thanks toourpaststaffaswell asourcurrentExecutiveDirector,BeckieCromer,andAdministrativeAssistant,CasseyWhalen,for theirdedication andhardwork.

Ithas been said that success ismore ofa journey thanadestination.Wehopeyouwill agree thatwehave comea longwayon the road to success andmanyof the accomplish-ments presented in this report are pivotalmilestones. It has beenmyprivilege to serve as President of EDGE as this organization and it’s dedicatedvolunteers have played anactive role in shaping the future of Falls City. Thework is notdone,norhowever,havewe reached ourdestination; therefore, I hopeyouwill join us aswe continue the journey.

KevinMalone,President

2009 EDGE StaffAs Administrative Assistant, CasseyWhalenmanages the daily operations of EDGE,including accounts payable,maintenance ofelectronic and paper filing systems andcoordinating and scheduling conferencesandmeetings. She provides support and as-sistance to Beckie Cromer and the EDGEBoard.

Beth Sickel, Vice-President of Product Devel-opment & Public Policy, is in charge ofenhancing the greater Falls City area tocompete more frequently and effectively forbusiness investments and to decrease thenumber of missed business location/expan-sion opportunities. This includes helping tocreate a positive image of the Falls City area,marketing and selling the community as apreferred business location, generating newwealth and growth through the retentionand expansion of existing businesses andattracting of new business investmentopportunities.

Vice-President of Marketing & Sales, SteveKottich’s objective is to aggressively brand,market and sell Falls City business locationopportunities.His primaryresponsibility is toexecute our marketing strategy by buildingrelationships through site visits and confer-ences in order to attract new business to thegreater Falls City area. The goal of this com-mittee is to attract high-value, high-growthbusiness investmentopportunities resultingin quality employment opportunities.

As Executive Director, Beckie Cromer isresponsible for the administration of theFalls City EconomicDevelopment&GrowthEnterprises operations. This includes thesuccessful implementation of our strategicplan and business retention and expansionprojects. Beckie is also the principal liaisonbetween EDGE and the State of Nebraska onissues relating to economic developmentincentive programs.

As President, Kevin Malone encourageseconomic development and growth toimprove the business conditions of thegreaterFalls Cityarea.Bycollaboratingwiththeprivate andpublic sectors andFalls City'spartners in economic development includ-ing county, utilities, the region and state,Kevin ensures that EDGEworks towards thegoals set in the strategic plan.

Vice-Presidentof Investor&CommunityRe-lations, BartKeller, is theprimarycontact forinternal support for EDGE. Bart helpsmaintain private andpublic investments bydemonstrating accountability and "returnon investment". This garners the sufficientresources to effectively implement theeconomic development growth strategy.

Quote fromEDGE Investor...

“I believe EDGE has putFalls City on the economic

development map.

It takes a while to get all the ducksin order, but EDGE has madegreat strides. Those strides havealready paid great dividends forFalls City and will continue to.

Excellent staff at the office;super people on the

board.”

What EDGE Investors think....We’ve come a long way together on the road to success as a commUNITY. How is the journey going? A survey of EDGE member investors con-ducted in May (2009) provides valuable insights as well as guidance on the future direction to assure continued progress and success.

From your perspective,what are the top “economic development” issuesthatneed to be addressed in the next three years?Workforce development(training & education, studentinternships, etc.)

Industrial site andbuilding developmentIncentives to retain,attract or start-up busi-nesses

Transportation & infra-structure improvements

Quality of livingenhancements anddevelopment

Worker/new residentattraction retention

44.4%

55.6%

83.3%

41.7%

27.8%

Housing development50%

47.2%

Branding and marketing the greater Falls City area to create increased awarenessand position the greater Falls City area as a strategic business location.VERY IMPORTANTVERY SATISFIED

IMPORTANTSATISFIED

SOMEWHAT IMPORTANTUNSATISFIED

Strengthening the competitiveness of the greater Falls City area business locationproduct.VERY IMPORTANTVERY SATISFIED

IMPORTANTSATISFIED

SOMEWHAT IMPORTANTUNSATISFIED

Encouraging and facilitating the retention and expansion of existing businesses andjobs.VERY IMPORTANTVERY SATISFIED

IMPORTANTSATISFIED

SOMEWHAT IMPORTANTUNSATISFIED

Attracting new business investments and quality employment opportunities.VERY IMPORTANTVERY SATISFIED

IMPORTANTSATISFIED

SOMEWHAT IMPORTANTUNSATISFIED

Stimulating entrepreneurial growth and development.VERY IMPORTANTVERY SATISFIED

IMPORTANTSATISFIED

SOMEWHAT IMPORTANTUNSATISFIED

How important do you feel the following objectives are in developing a new 2009-2012 three-year economic development strategic plan?How satisfied are youwith the progress EDGE hasmade in accomplishing its strategic objectives?

72.2%40.5%

69.4%

30.6%27.0%

70.3%25.0%

56.8%

27.0%

56.8%

10.8%

88.6%

11.4%

77.8%32.4%

64.9%22.2%

58.3%

36.1%

10.8%

64.9%

16.2%

2.8% 0.0%0.0%

0.0%

0.0%0.0%

2.7%

5.6%

2006-09 Project Locations and Expansions:

Ames TrueTemperaddedproduction

and more than doubled itsworkforce from 10 to 22.

MVSEnterprises,a group oflocal entre-

preneurs, opened a RunzaRestaurant.

Historic Stephenson Hotel soldto Florida real estate developerand entrepreneur. The down-town landmark building is being

transformed into a modern 48-room hotel andconference/ convention center.

Iowa-based Vantec, Inc.located a $4.4 millioncustom plastics moldingoperation in the indus-

trial spec building, creating quality newjobs.

2009 EDGE Board of Directors

In May of 2009, Falls City was awardedNebraska Economic Development CertifiedCommunity designation, joining an elitegroup of only 23 Nebraska communitiesto earn the certification.

PresidentKevinMaloneFirst National Bank&Trust

V.P.ofMarketing & SalesSteve KottichMillerMonroe Co.

V.P.of ProductDevelopment& Public PolicyBeth Sickel,Southeast Nebraska Communications

V.P.of Investor& CommunityRelationsBart KellerFarm and City Supply

Secretary/TreasurerBeckie Cromer

Ex-Officio DirectorsGary Jorn, City Clerk/Treasurer, City of Falls CityBecky Fischer,Manager, Falls City Chamber of Commerce

StaffBeckie Cromer, Executive DirectorCasseyWhalen,Administrative Assistant

Brad CampbellCouncilman,City of Falls City

Brian DaakeDorr& Clark Funeral Home

Dr.Jon HabbenSuperintendent, Falls City Public Schools

Chris HalbertHalbert,Dunn&Halbert, L.L.C.

Edward & Sandra Hartman

DanHillJimHill’s Paint & Glass

Ryan LarsenCommunityMedical Center

MarcMoreheadRichardson CountyBank&Trust

Dana RathjeFalls City Pharmacy

Charles RadatzTri-State CorridorAlliance

James SefriedRichardson CountyBoard of Commissioners

JerryOliver

The Honorable RodneyVandebergMayor of Falls City

Supported development, ongoing programming and promotionofFalls CityWelderTrainingProgramto addressworkforce train-ing needs of localmanufacturers.

Worked diligently to secure local delivery of NEWorkforce Devel-opment employment services,resulting in Falls Citybeing chosenas a pilot community for delivery of itinerate workforce services.

Successfullyadvocated for federal and state funding tobuild anew$32 million Missouri River Bridge at Rulo. Also advocated for im-provements toHighways 73 and 159and theFalls CityAirportRoad.

Acquiring anadditional 10.1 acres to expand the Falls City IndustrialPark to accommodate future business growth and development.

Secured $12,000 matching grant from Nebraska Investment Fi-nance Authority to fund an enhanced local housing and redevel-opment plan.

Advocated for local and regional programming and consultativeassistance forentrepreneurs/small business owners, including theRural Enterprise Assistance Project and the Southeast NebraskaClub for Investors, Inventors and Entrepreneurs.

Provided support fornewdevelopments that enhance the area asa quality place to live,work and play, including the new Commu-nityMedical Center.

Product Development and Public Policy

Quote from ED“In my opinion, Falls City is locateClose to a population of 2 million pour size that can boast about thesecation will become more attractiveket to people in the larger cities, bushipping costs by being centrally lo

Coming Soon....Industrial Park Sign

Developed quality print and online materials to effectivelybrand andmarket Falls City business expansion opportunities.The EDGE website (www.fallscityedge.com) serves as the cor-nerstone of the strategy and has received over 327,000 hits,80,000 page views and 24,000 unique visitors.

Commissioned theRichardsonCountyLaborBasinStudybyTheDocking Institute of Public Affairs.The study serves a valuabletool in documenting the availability and quality of the work-force.

Conducted formal sales calls on all local manufacturers andother leading employers onat least an annual basis.Alsovisitedthe headquarters ofWASPandVantec.

Launched the first-ever Sell Falls City direct marketing cam-paign. The series ofquarterlymailingswill reachover 1,500 tar-get businesses within a 100-mile radius of Richardson CountyinMissouri, Iowa and Kansas.

Developed solid business relationshipswith Falls City’smarket-ing allies, including the NE Department of Economic Develop-ment, regional development groups and area utility serviceproviders.Participated in state and regionalmarketing events,including theGovernor’s FirstReverseTradeMission,PackExpoin Chicago, and LAD Summit.

Aggressively pursued business development leads, traveling tomeetwith prospects throughout theMidwest.

Marketing and Sales

DGE Investor...ed in a unique geographical area.people. There are not many citiese kinds of numbers. I feel our lo-to businesses who want to mar-ut at the same time hold downocated.”

Products Unlimited After...

Products Unlimited Before....

Investors who made success achieveableWe would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the business leaders and individuals who invested financially in ourlast campaign. We thank you for your dedication to this community and the future of our economic success. We alsohope to have the opportunity to work with you in the future on the Economic Development Road to Success.

Public InvestorsCity of Falls City(Three-year commitment - $120,000 in 2009;$122,500 in 2010 and $125,000 in 2011)Richardson County(FY 2009 commitment - $25,000)Private InvestorsVisionary Investors($5,000 and greater)CommunityMedical CenterDorr& Clark Funeral HomeFarm& City SupplyFirst National Bank&TrustHalbert,Dunn&Halbert, L.L.C.Hartman,Edward & SandraRichardson CountyBank&TrustSoutheast Nebraska Communications

Champion Investors($2,500-$4,999)ArmbrusterMotor Co.Falls City JournalMartin,John& KathyMorehead,John&AmaliaVandeberg,Rodney

Catalyst Investors($1,000-$2,499)Animal Health CenterBachman,Merle &TrulaCareage EstatesFalls City Pharmacy

Catalyst Investors continuedFalls City Lions ClubFalls CityMercantile Co.GrandWeaverHotelHullman’s FordJimHill’sMiller-Monroe Company, Inc.Parkside Dental ClinicSunMart FoodsWeaver&Merz

Advocate Investors($500-$999)Aitken,RobertW. (CPA)American National BankBrott LawOfficeFalls City Care CenterHabben,Dr. Jon & KathyHarris, Ed & DebJames,Dr. Charles R. (DDS)Jones Heating &Air ConditioningKLZA/Kanzaland Radio Group – Sunny 101.3Mary's ApplianceMcPeak,Dr. EricNeal Parsons LawOfficePoppe Realty&ManagementRadatz, Charles & KarenSolid RockAnesthesiaStripes & SignsTier One BankTimeWarner CableWalnut Creek Cabinets

Supporter(Individual & Non-Profit) Investors($100-$499)Bartek,Dr.Tom&KathyBletscher, PhilCampbell,Don& LaverneCastle,Mike & JeanChesnut,BevDeBusk, Larry& CaroleEickhoff, Ryan&Halbert,AndyFalls City BPO ElksFalls City Rotary ClubFinck,Ray& RuthFroeschl,MaryGentry, CharlotteGerlt, Gail R.&MarleneGist,Martin &MaryJaneGodemann,Ted &MonaJenkins,Bill & BeckyJohnson,Rick& SusanKeller, Bart & GayleKottich, Steve & DianaMalone,Kevin & JanetMcKim,Jerry& NancyMorehead,Marc &MarciaOliver, Jerry& SharryllParrish,John& BarbSt.Thomas Episcopal ChurchSailors, ChuckSchock,BillScheitel, Kevin & GinaSickel,David &Alyce

Supporter - continuedSickel, Randy& BethSimpson,Kenny&TamiSikora, Fred & PamStalder,R.MerleVeigel,Merle & SaraVision InnVrtiska,Kim&KrisWeaver, Paul & LethaWeinert, PaulWilhelm,Leon&MadalineWolfe,David &Martha

“A positive trend of jobcreation and growth in Nebraska is re-

flected in Falls City.”Richard Baier, Director, Nebraska Department

of Economic Development

If you would like to sign up to receivethe quarterly EDGE newsletter,

please let us know.

E-mail cassey@fallscityedge.com orcall 402-245-2105. Thank you.