Northwest Nebraska Development Corp. reports partnerships, loan reviews and Safeway appraisal interest in Chadron

John Reid, executive director of the Northwest Nebraska Development Corp., told the council the local economic-development agency is actively working on business recruitment and workforce initiatives that the city could see move forward in the first quarter.

Reid said two loan applicants remain under review — one expansion and one new business — and that he expects at least one or two wins for the city if underwriting proceeds. He described the city’s partnership with Golden Shovel as a technical and marketing investment "one of the best investments we could have made" to help automate the online application process and attract tourism and business leads.

On workforce development, Reid said he is coordinating with Chadron College and a child-care provider on a proposal the council will likely review next month; he corrected a typo in the written report noting current efforts focus on internships rather than apprenticeships. Reid also said the Make My Move platform will be promoted to match relocating workers with local employers that offer relocation assistance.

Reid said he reached out to Aldi following public discussion about the Safeway store; Aldi expressed interest but its distribution network does not yet reach the area. The development corporation obtained a commercial appraisal quote of about $5,000 to establish a realistic market value for the Safeway property, which Reid said Safeway currently values at roughly three times what city representatives consider reasonable. He said the NDA signed with the property owner will allow access for showings when needed.

Reid also summarized ongoing Heartland Expressway coordination and noted regional leadership outreach to Lincoln as an opportunity to raise visibility for local projects. He closed by inviting the council and public to the NWNDC annual meeting Friday the 30th at Country Kitchen and said increasing membership is a priority.

Reid asked the council for patience as the agency continues loan reviews and promised to bring specific proposals to the council as they are ready for formal consideration.