Q

uality of life looks different to each of us. It may be the flood light beside a farmhouse. A colorful parade in a small town. The perfect lake campsite. Or a full parking lot next to a commercial business or manufacturing plant.
   The Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) understands this. As the state's largest publicly owned utility providing electricity to 91 out of 93 counties, NPPD's mission is to "enhance the quality of life in Nebraska."
   "NPPD is committed to the economic growth and vitality of Nebraska," said NPPD Economic Development Manager Dennis Hall. "We work in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to pursue opportunities that complement the agricultural foundation of our state while bringing businesses, jobs, and families to our communities."
   A staff of 16 economic development professionals supports businesses wishing to expand, relocate, start-up, or sustain their production. With more than 230 years of experience among them, NPPD's economic development staff can help find the right match between community and commerce.
   As a state, Nebraska offers a menu of low-cost electricity, ample locations, viable incentives, strong work ethic, and a quality of life second to none. Rail and interstate provide reliable transport of products. Interested businesses can view available sites at sites.nppd.com or get to know more about the demographics of Nebraska's communities through "NEDI Online" – a database featuring Nebraska Economic Development Information Online.
   "NPPD partners with state and local development corporations or chambers of commerce to understand what communities have to offer. Then, our staff works with businesses wanting to expand or find the right site on which to build," said Hall. "The most rewarding part of our work is introducing businesses to communities and then supporting both with public power."
   Nebraska's public power industry offers local control, low-cost, and high reliability in electric service. The not-for-profit model returns industrial rates 41.9 percent below the national average and reinvests revenues into power plant and transmission assets for increased reliability.
   "Reliability is important to every industry, whether steel, plastics, food processing or customer service," said Hall. "Ethanol has also found a home here, and we are excited about the potential of ethanol by-product businesses coming here. It's a great time to build or expand in Nebraska."
   In addition to operating electric generation facilities, such as the state's largest wind farm, NPPD owns recreational facilities that provide hunting, fishing, boating and other quality of life experiences for residents and tourists.
   "Nebraska is truly a great place to live, work, and play," said Hall. "If you're in business, you know a good thing when you see it, and I'd encourage anyone to take a look at Nebraska."