SCEDD — About Us — South Central Economic Development District

The South Central Economic Development District is a consortium of twelve rural Nebraska counties who see improving rural economies as a regional rather than purely local issue.

In addition to a large network of contacts at local, state and federal agencies, SCEDD can assist with a wide variety of projects and enterprises for communities, businesses and individuals.

We are especially interested in helping projects in our region that:

• Improve rural access to technology
• Bring new businesses to rural areas
• Help retain and recruit young families
• Help entrepreneurs get started in business
• Increase housing opportunities
• Improve community facilities
• Make existing businesses stronger
• Encourage tourism in the region

If you have ideas, we want to talk. If you have problems, we want to hear from you. If you want expert advice – no matter what the topic – we can point you in the right direction.

You see, we think the rural lifestyle we practice here in South Central Nebraska is nothing less than a national treasure, and one well worth saving. So when we help you to live work and play in a rural setting, you’re helping us preserve an entire way of life.

The rural life is the good life in Nebraska.

Our Team

Sharon Hueftle, Executive Director of the South Central Economic Development District, has a BS in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and holds a CPA Certificate.  Hueftle is a graduate of the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute and has 20 years experience in business and economic development.  Assisting rural communities and small businesses is her real passion. She has been a consultant for the Nebraska Business Development Center, adjunct faculty for UNK and NCTA, served as the Finance Specialist at West Central NE Development District, and has been instrumental in starting EDGE Coalitions and an Inventor and Entrepreneur Club in the region.

Melissa Vinzant, Community Consultant, assists SCEDD counties and communities with grant research, writing and administration, as well as community planning activities.  She is a certified Community Development Block Grant administrator and a graduate of the Heartland Basic Economic Development Course.  Melissa holds a Master’s degree in History from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, has worked as an adjunct lecturer at UNK, and has experience in fundraising, banking, and real estate.  As a native of rural Nebraska, she appreciates and supports SCEDD’s mission of supporting economic growth in the region. 

Alison Ficociello, Disaster Recovery Coordinator, assists area businesses and organization with business continuity and recovery planning.  The south central region has been hard hit by storm and flooding activity in recent years and we now have an opportunity to provide businesses with assistance to prepare and recover from disasters.    Her responsibilities include the dissemination of recovery planning tools and organizing business continuity training.   Alison holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Louisiana State University and she has experience in training, event planning and grant management.  She comes to us most recently from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Jodi Garrelts, Office Manager, is the newest member of the SCEDD team.  Jodi has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in Translation/Interpretation: Spanish and a minor in International Studies.  Jodi is currently learning about grant administration and will be taking the training to be a CDBG Administrator in August of 2011.  Jodi recently served two years in Africa with the Peace Corps, supervising the implementation of seven community projects from project proposal stage to final report submission. She also built the capacity of community-based organizations at the grassroots level.  Her strong communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects make her a great member of the SCEDD team.