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| NewsThursday, December 22, 2005 12:42 PM CST |
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Partners kick off economic campaign
LINCOLN -- The Lincoln and Logan County Development Partnership has kicked off a $100,000-a-year campaign to stimulate economic development. The group plans raise $100,000 a year for three years to fund a comprehensive economic development plan and other expenditures, such as site development assistance and market studies. "We really want to capitalize on our recent successful projects like Sysco and the Super Wal-Mart," said Rob Orr, the group's director. "A contained plan would only help drive economic development." Orr said officials are taking a soft approach to letting the public know the partnership could use their help. In one way or another, he said, eventually everyone in Logan County will be familiar with the goals for 2006. "Obviously there are some people in Logan County who are not in favor of new developments, but hopefully in the end everyone will want to participate in bringing in more to Logan County," said Orr. "We need the support to carry out the goals presented in our plan." Officials within the partnership have driven around the county and looked into land-use plans for all the communities, said Regional Planning Director Phil Mahler. A letter has been prepared and addressed to key economic players, detailing the plans of the partnership and including a form asking for their commitment. The money also will be used to secure federal funds, such as grants requiring local matches, for infrastructure enhancements. "We definitely want to see this comprehensive strategy finished and in use in 2006," said Mahler. "We have many focus groups who are holding meetings and getting everything together. We want to be ahead of the game instead of behind, so that there are funds available when someone should need them." The partnership played a role in landing the Roberts Sysco Food Services warehouse and distribution center earlier this year. The $14 million distribution center is expected to start operating next May, bringing around 250 jobs to the city with annual salaries exceeding $40,000. Wal-Mart and the city of Lincoln reached an agreement earlier this month to build a Super Wal-Mart by 2007, replacing the existing Wal-Mart. The new store, which ran into opposition from people who said it would harm local retailers, will feature a larger product line and groceries. E-mail this story | Print this story | Search archives | RSS Show comments |  Hide comments | Hide comments on all stories |
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