Atkinson, NE – Atkinson Economic Development Director Lou Ann Tooker has a way of getting things done and has been her battle cry all through the decade of her serving as Director and current Central Nebraska Economic Development District board member.
With the many hats she wears, her greatest accomplishment has been leading Atkinson to receive Leadership Certified Community designation from Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED).
The process to obtain this status was long and detailed. According to the DED these are the requirements to become a Leadership Certified Community:
- 1. Demonstrated collaboration between community leaders and organizations.
- 2. A strategic plan that is supported by a community needs assessment.
- 3. Demonstrated use of community planning and zoning.
- 4. A business expansion and retention strategy.
- 5. Utilization of technology with web presence.
- 6. An implementation plan and a strong understanding of state and local resources
The application was submitted in mid Winter. The city received some feedback from the DED on what to change and the award was granted in May. To say the city is proud would be an understatement. Lou Ann has lived in 11+ communities and she feels Atkinson is progressive and shes not been part of any community like it.
This designation allows Atkinson access to more grants and is certainly an advantage to the community. Tooker hopes that the hard work put into this comprehensive plan will act as a guidebook for the current/future leaders in Atkinson.
Atkinson is the only community in the area to receive Leadership Certified Community status. Atkinson has much to look forward to in the coming years: a progressive City Council, Downtown Revitalization, Business to Business mentor groups, Hometown and Economic Leadership and Development and more.
Lou Ann is proud of the hard work many have put into Atkinson. Volunteerism is strong and will be recognized in the near future. We have so much to offer in Atkinson. We have a community and relationships that are growing and changing. This will take time but we are moving in the right direction. To learn more about Atkinson contact Lou Ann Tooker louanntooker@atkinsonne.com or 402.925.5313. www.atkinsonne.com.
Central Nebraska Economic Development District is passionate about helping your community. For any questions or comments about CNEDD, please contact Judy Peterson judy.peterson@cnedd.org 402-340-0106.
