The Elkhorn Valley Economic Development Council (EVEDC) grew out of a long-range planning session held by the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce's Action Council in the spring of 2000. Council members expressed an interest in fully exploring whether a regional approach to economic development would give the four-county economic region centered on Norfolk a greater role in Nebraska economic development.

Several Action Council members were appointed to look into the possibilities. Although discussion first centered on a Madison County-wide effort, there was recognition that a larger geographic area might work better. Out of those discussions was the idea of forming a four-county program.

Key individuals from communities throughout the four-county area were identified and invited to a series of preliminary meetings to discuss the possibility. The positive reaction led to the belief that a regional approach would not only be workable, but also desirable. The Norfolk Daily News led the media support for the formation of a four-county economic development entity.

Those early meetings led to a more detailed proposal that included funding and community representation that was presented to individual community and county officials by teams of volunteers from the four counties. The interest and support of local elected officials led to the formation of what now is the Elkhorn Valley Economic Development Council.

The Council was incorporated in December of 2001 with four county and eight community members. An executive director in May 2002 and the EVEDC was granted non-profit tax status in June 2002. The community membership has grown to 16 as of January 2004.

Printer Friendly Version