Johann's choice a good one for rural Nebraska

After a long and needlessly difficult transition period, the State of Nebraska and Gov. Mike Johanns are finally back on track with economic development in rural Nebraska.

The turning point came Wednesday when Gov. Johanns announced the appointment of Richard Baier of North Platte as the state's new Deputy Director for Rural Development.

Young, energetic and talented, Baier has already established himself as one of the premiere economic developers in the state. After ambling along at a static pace for a number of years, North Platte exploded in the 2000s, landing a series of top-notch industries, including the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, which already has 425 employees and will increase to more than 600 before hiring is complete.

And that's just a start. North Platte also has attracted Employers Unity, an unemployment insurance processing firm, which employs 60; Crete Carriers, which has a staff of 105; and ProPak Logistics, which has 25 employees. In addition, Baier and the North Platte Economic Development office have been working with Cabela's, which is expanding its operation in the city on the southern edge of the Sandhills.

As the deputy director for rural development, Baier will continue to recruit business and industry for Outstate Nebraska. But his job won't stop there. "There are other challenges and opportunities in rural Nebraska," he said. "We have great opportunities in value-added tourism," he said, mentioning the Sandhills potential for high-end bed and breakfasts and working farm and ranch vacations. "I am amazed at the number of people who fly in for golf outings at the Sandhills golf course near Mullen," he said, pointing out that, "The peace, quiet and solitude of this area is a wonderful attraction."

In addition to tourism, Baier sees economic potential in the development of entrepreneurship in rural Nebraska. By building leaders, Baier said rural Nebraska will benefit through business growth and job creation.

Baier has the strong support of rural advocates and economic developers. Craig Schroeder, a Holbrook native who served as the state's rural development director for 3 1/2 years, said, "Richard is a very good developer. I wish him the very best." Kay Lavene, the executive director of the McCook Economic Development Corp., had similar words of praise, saying, "Richard has done an outstanding job for North Platte. I look forward to working with him in the future on development projects for Southwest Nebraska."

It's been a long time coming, but finally the governor and the legislature are getting off to a fresh start with rural development. Richard Baier has great credentials. Rural Nebraska should embrace his selection and work closely with him to uplift the small towns, farms and ranches of Greater Nebraska.