Kimball is Nebraska's 29th Leadership Certified Community

KIMBALL - The City of Kimball received recognition from the State of Nebraska for their efforts to demonstrate an understanding for and preparedness in strategic planning, and display readiness in technological development to help new and existing businesses grow.

During Tuesday's City Council meeting, the Department of Economic Development presented southern Panhandle town as the 29th member of Nebraska's Leadership Certified Community program. Kimball will hold the new status for five years. 

“The City of Kimball appreciates the hard work from our Economic Development Department in their efforts to become a Leadership Certified Community in Nebraska,” Mayor Keith Prunty said. “This certification will benefit the City as another tool to modernize and redevelop various areas within our community.

The program was created in 2011 to help villages and municipalities adapt to ongoing changes and opportunities in economic development. 

The City of Kimball has invested nearly $1 million in its business incentive programs over the last year. Those efforts were led by former Kimball Economic Development Director Amy Sapp.

“Ongoing investments in Kimball’s businesses have not only proved our commitment to façade and structural transformations, local incentive programs also show that this community is dedicated to the true development of our businesses and talented people,” Sapp said. “Throughout our LCC application process, we’ve learned how to prioritize workforce recruitment and retention, and we are proud to be part of this distinguished Nebraska program.”

Kimball used funds from the Local Option Municipal Development Act (LB840) to assist in the development of the Sagebrush Event Center. The building, which will featuring a dining and entertainment space, a 400-person conference area, and a restaurant and lounge, is set to open in September. The funds were also used to create 15 camper hookups at the High Point RV Park.

The city also invested in renovating the Longhorn Building. Hays Roofing and Siding is working on the former downtown business that opened in the early 1900's. Once the remodel is complete, the building will house a fitness center, nutrition bar and several upper-level, upscale apartment units.