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Fullerton develops plan to build community




(11/20/2009) By Anthony Pura - Nance County has never had one before, but is now following step with surrounding counties and starting its own economic development team - a team whose goal is to bring new jobs and new businesses to town.

It looks like a typical desk job, but Mary Los is making her mark on the community. She is director of the first Nance County Development Agency.

"The citizens of the county are eager to see something happen, they want this office to succeed," said Los.

It is an office that has been around less than a month.

But it is still a big step toward economic development. Cities in the county have volunteer teams. County Board members hope that this new office will make those cities and the county more competitive in bringing in new business.

"We were always reliant on volunteers and after a while volunteers get burnt out. That was one of the other reasons we thought to hire an economic development person and pay them. It would be a lot better situation," said Nance County Board Chairman Dennis Jareske.

In the long run for sure, but right now, Mary Los said she is still trying to find direction.

She is relying a lot on development teams in Fullerton and Genoa, trying to learn as much from them.

"We do not want to reinvent the wheel, they have done a lot of research and so on the outset we should help them with initiatives they have already have underway," Los said.

In Fullerton, the city faces a negative growth rate with more people moving out than moving in. The city is giving away free lots of land hoping to bring families into town.

"We need to find out how to retain our citizenry and so the high school students are the place to start. It is not only what kind of jobs they need to be here, what kind of services do we need to have, do we need a weightroom a workout facility, do we need a park," said Los.

Benchmarks is the latest business to set up in town. That was more than year ago. The sports bar said getting people into town is something everyone wants.

"It would be huge, especially if you get younger families in town that have disposable income. That is what we need to support a business like this," said Dan Matthews, Benchmarks Sports Bar.

Too many things to deal with and Los only works two days a week to tackle it.

"If she got so busy bringing so many business in Nance county, we woul like to see it grow and have it be a full time position one day," Jareske said.

And one day the agency hopes to be a central hub between Fullerton, Genoa and the Belgrade's economic teams to discuss and work towards a future of economic growth and prosperity.

"We have got all the makings for it. It is just about getting the ball rolling," said Los.

It is a heavy ball, but many say Mary Los could just be the right person to give it the push and momentum it needs.

Officials said a new business is moving into Fullerton. But they would not give any details until the deal is finalized.

Attached Files: 1120fullerton.jpg 


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