2007 Community Improvement Awards Presented

SOUTH SIOUX CITY, NEB. (November 2, 2007)—More than 200 community volunteers and leaders attended the 44th Annual Nebraska Community Improvement Program (NCIP) awards banquet in South Sioux City. Communities were praised for good work in promoting and encouraging economic and community development. The event capped the 2007 NCIP Annual Conference where community volunteers learned about how to further develop community projects in their respective towns and cities.

"The Nebraska Community Improvement Program demonstrates the valuable investment being made by individuals and organizations across our state. I applaud the commitment of all those being recognized this year for their success in strengthening their communities," said Gov. Dave Heineman, who attended the event.

NCIP awards are given for overall community and economic development excellence and outstanding projects. In 2007, more than 200 completed projects and programs were submitted for award recognition, and volunteers contributed more than 300,000 hours of in-kind services toward these projects. Volunteer service, when multiplied by an average $11 per hour wage, totals more than $3 million of investment in Nebraska.

NCIP, a program of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development is sponsored by the following investor-owned utilities: Northern Natural Gas, Glenwood Telephone, Great Plains Communications, Inc., SourceGas., Northwestern Public Service, and Aquila. These sponsors help support the program year-round and provided plaques and cash prizes for the 2007 NCIP award winners [click for the complete list].

Have an idea for an entry for next year's competition? Let Us Know!