York News Times, NE
08-24-07
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Johanns to keynote "Renewable Fuels" workshop
York County Development
Jim Grewe, vice president international sales for Reinke Manufacturing Company
and MITA president, will welcome and introduce the MITA Board of Directors and
candidates for the new 2007-2008 Board of Directors and Advisory Council.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns will keynote the event, discussing the
level of money and support available for bio-renewables, including fuels, such as
ethanol, and other types of bio-based product and technology development in the
new Farm Bill; the vision for international trade in the ethanol world and whether
this new emphasis on bio fuels will result in less emphasis on incentives,
negotiations, and resources in the exports of grain, meat, and other international
trade; and the intersection of farm, energy and trade policies and its implication
for the rural Midwest.
Other speakers include:
Randy Klein, director of marketing development for the Nebraska Corn Board,
who will talk about Nebraska's corn production; the percentages used for feed
and food versus ethanol; whether enough corn exists in the state and U.S. to
meet the demand of all three industries; and how the increased use and demand
is changing the face of the nation's agriculture industry both domestically and
internationally.
Reece Nanfito, senior director of marketing for the Ethanol Promotion and
Information Council (EPIC), who will define the council's mission and its role in
promoting ethanol domestically and internationally.
John D. Lawrence, extension livestock economist and professor, Iowa
State University (ISU) Department of Economics, director of ISU's Iowa
Beef Center, and assistant director of the Iowa Agricultural and Home
Economics Experiment Station, who will discuss current research studies
about energy efficiency, rural revitalization and job creation; and provide a final
overview and wrap up of "The Evolving World of Renewable Fuels".
Registration deadline is Sept. 10, 2007. For information, including workshop
costs, directions to the Regency Lodge, and benefits of membership in MITA, call
402-596-1210, or email: mita@mitaonline.org.
As part of the Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD), York County
is now eligible to receive financial assistance for major public works improvement
projects from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), a division of the
U.S. Department of Commerce. The purpose of the EDA is to generate jobs, help
retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth.
EDA provides direct grants, on a cost-share basis, for projects that will create
and retain private-sector jobs and leverage public and private investment in
distressed areas.
EDA provides community and regional economic development assistance for the
following program activities:
1) Planning and Technical Assistance to build local capacity for economic
development programs and projects.
2) Public Works and Development Facilities to support industrial, commercial,
and technology-based employment in eligible areas experiencing significant
economic distress. Examples include grants to improve or develop transportation
facilities, water and sewer systems for industrial use, industrial parks and
buildings, business incubators and technology training centers,
telecommunications facilities and research parks.
3) Economic Adjustment Assistance to address severe economic dislocations,
natural disasters, or other special needs. In addition, grants may be used to
establish revolving loan funds for business retention, expansion or new
enterprise development. Funds are expected to leverage other public and private
capital for strategic investments in local capital markets.
In order to complete York County's eligibility in the eyes of the federal
government the development of a Comprehensive Economic Development
Strategy (CEDS) was required. The CEDS is a plan that addresses the economic
opportunities and constraints of a region. The plan should promote economic
development and opportunity, foster effective transportation access, enhance
and protect the environment, and balance resources through sound management
of development.
SENDD has been working with the Development Corporation in completing this
process. The 179 page document, which is now complete, contains chapters
noting the strategy and process; natural resources, demographic characteristics,
labor force and employment, income, social and environmental indicators,
infrastructure and agriculture resources and community infrastructure and
systems. The pubic has an opportunity to provide input into the document until
Friday, September 14, 2007. Copies of the document are available for viewing at
the Development Corporation, 224 West 6th Street, York or you may request an
electronic copy via e-mail fitzgerald@yorkdevco.com
Have a great week!