T

he Lincoln region continues to attract attention from corporate executives looking for a quality community with an exceptional workforce.
   In the months of November and December, the Lincoln area had two major announcements of new facilities. Verizon Wireless announced that the company would construct a new 112,800 square- foot facility in the University of Nebraska Technology Park in Lincoln. This came on the heals of the announcement of a new $150 million ethanol plant in Seward, 20 miles west of Lincoln.
   Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman along with Lincoln officials celebrated the ground breaking for the new Verizon Wireless center, expected to employ approximately 800 customer service representatives. "This is outstanding news for Lincoln and the State of Nebraska," Governor Heineman said. "Today's announcement is proof that a strong business climate makes a difference for growing businesses like Verizon when they look to expand."
   Nancy B. Clark, president- Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless said, "Lincoln and the State of Nebraska have succeeded in creating an inviting business climate. We know Lincoln is a great place to live and work." The company is on a fast- track for construction with plans to open the center in September of 2007.
   Wendy Birdsall, President of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, cited the Nebraska Advantage Act as one of the major forces driving Verizon's expansion into Lincoln as well as recent expansions of Kawasaki and Novartis.
   The new state incentive act provides tax credits for payroll and investments and provided a large training fund for new and expanding companies to the state. "There is no doubt that the Nebraska Advantage Act is new and innovative in its approach to economic development for this state," Birdsall said. "We have seen tremendous success around the state and I anticipate that success will continue and grow."
   Lincoln had more exciting news with the announcement of the new facility in Seward, which was one of three new plants announced by Nebraska- based Central BioEnergy LLC of Grand Island.
   Governor Heineman said the additional three plants will make Nebraska the second largest producer of ethanol in the United States. Nebraska now has 12 ethanol plants operating, 10 under construction and 33 in the planning stages. CBE will invest $150 million in the new plant in Seward, which will employ about 50 fulltime workers once completed in 2008.
   For more information on the seven- county Lincoln region and what we have to offer your company, visit www.lincolnpartners.org.