GFDC Holds Their Annual Meeting on February 27, 2019

6 Mar 2019


Member News

                                  

Greater Fremont Development Council held their Annual Meeting on February 27, 2019. It was well attended and a great success showcasing the amazing activities taking place within our region. In Fremont, "Grow with Us" - was a message that was loud and clear during Board President, Bill Vobejda's speech. "We have set forth and planted a mustard seed that has already begun to grow roots." 
 

HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT EXCERPTS FROM PRESIDENT VOBEJDA'S SPEECH: 

As we look back at another year of focused growth and energy in our community, it is easy to see clear signs of progress; progress as a result of leadership and partnerships. 

This quote by Helen Keller sums up the impact successful partnerships in our regions can have, "Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much."

Partnerships were the signature of success during 2018 as funding was secured to create the first ever Dodge County Investment Fund, allowing us to focus on housing needs identified in the 2017 Dodge County Housing Study. The City of Fremont, City of Scribner, Fremont Area Community Foundation, Lincoln Premium Poultry, Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, Nebraska Department of Economic Development - Rural Workforce Housing Fund, Fremont Beef Company, Fremont Contract Carriers and First National Bank of Fremont all contributed to raise 1.88 million dollars for the DCIF fund. 

"Together, with investors from public and private industry, we have set forth and planted a mustard seed that has already begun to grow roots of workforce and housing opportunities, which is essential to every 2020 visioning goal founded by collaborators just four years ago," said President Vobejda in the President's report to members. 

Additionally, we saw growth of our GFDC staff with the addition of a Dodge County Housing Program Manager, Kelly Gentrup. We were able to land 9 projects in 2018 (4 attraction projects, 2 housing projects and 3 business expansions). Our collaborative efforts have resulted in a base capital investment of approximately $16 million dollars and 30 new jobs. 


Guest speakers at the annual meeting included Mr. Dave Rippe, Director of Nebraska Deparment of Economic Development and Ean Mikale, owner of one of Fremont's newest businesses, Infinite 8 Institute.
 

GFDC 2019 GOALS

2018 was an incredible success. We are focused on continuing that success into 2019 and building upon it. The 2019 plan continues to focus on our primary growth pillars: 
  • Business Attraction
  • Business Retention & Expansion
  • Workforce Development
  • Quality of Life


                                   
     

JOIN US NEXT YEAR

If you missed this year's annual meeting, we invite you to join us next year and to also participate in GFDC's 2019 plan. Contact us to learn how. 

Click here to view GFDC's Annual Report.