LINCOLN- Six Regions, One Nebraska is a new, regional approach to economic development designed to support regional growth by implementing collaborative projects in each of Nebraska's six community college districts, said K.C. Belitz, Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

The initiative, described as a game changer by Belitz, is being funded by $3 million of unused American Rescue Plan Act dollars, which will be divided evenly among the six regions. "Although we are one state, opportunities and challenges vary throughout the state," said Marc LeBaron, who is set to chair the Southeast Region, "Our approach today of letting each region identify what is the most critical...is truly a unique approach."

Indeed, said LeBaron, what might work in Omaha or Lincoln could very well fail in Scottsbluff, making region-based economic development an exceedingly valuable tool. The new initiative comes with the blessing of both the Nebraska Legislature and Gov. Jim Pillen.

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