State, local officials seek input on recovery needs

State and local officials and business groups are asking companies and nonprofits for input on what can be done to help them recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Department of Economic Development, the University of Nebraska and the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry released a survey that asks business owners and nonprofits whether they plan to cut staff, what their top concerns are and whether they plan to seek federal assistance, among other questions.

The McCook Area Chamber of Commerce and McCook Economic Development Corp. also released a survey to find out “what our two organizations can do to help the local economy not only recover but come back stronger following COVID-19” according to the release from Dawson Brunswick of the chamber and Andy Long of the MEDC.

"This is an opportunity for Nebraska businesses to have their voices heard and to be able to share with us what's going on as we think about how we plan for future growth," Gov. Pete Ricketts said at a news conference.

Nebraska had 952 confirmed coronavirus cases and 21 deaths as of Wednesday evening, according to data compiled by the state Department of Health and Human Services. More than 11,342 people have tested negative. Nebraska reported 34 new cases on Tuesday, down from 64 the day before.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report.