“Nebraska’s Blueprint for Success”
Nebraska Community
Improvement Program
A Partnership of:
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development
The University of Nebraska
Sponsored by the following Investor-owned Utilities:
ALLTEL * Northern Natural Gas * Glenwood Telephone * Aquila * Great Plains Communications, Inc. * HunTel Systems * Kinder Morgan, Inc. * NorthWestern Energy
2004 AWARDS GUIDE
“Call for Entries”
NCIP SPONSORS PROVIDE GENEROUS SUPPORT
Investor-owned utilities generously support the Nebraska Community Improvement Program, demonstrating a profound commitment to fostering growth in Nebraska’s communities.
Stephanie Johanns
ALLTEL
P.O. Box 81309
Lincoln, NE 68501
Mike Loeffler
Northern Natural Gas
P.O. Box 3330
Omaha, NE 68124-1000
Micki Schmidt
Glenwood Telephone
P.O. Box 97
Blue Hill, NE 68930
Tim Armstrong
Great Plains Communications, Inc.
P.O. Box 500
Blair, NE 68008
Mick Mines
HunTel Systems
P.O. Box 400
Blair, NE 68008-0400
Char Reiman
Kinder Morgan, Inc.
P.O. Box 204
Blue Hill, NE 68930
Terry Wootton
NorthWestern Energy
P.O. Box 220
Grand Island, NE 68802
Jan Davis
Aquila
501 West 6th Street
Papillion, NE 68046
Mary Simmons
Aquila
P.O. Box 83008
Lincoln, NE 68501-3008
For Information Contact:
Kathy McKillip, Economic Development Consultant & NCIP Coordinator
Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Community and Rural Development Division
P.O. Box 94666
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509-4666
(402) 471-6587 or (800) 426-6505
Fax: (402) 471-8405
E-mail:
NCIP Website:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NCIP Calendar of Events...... 3
Introduction to NCIP...... 4
How to Participate...... 5
NCIP Awards Summary...... 6
NCIP Project Category Descriptions...... 7
Intent to Enter Form...... 8
Government Resolution Form...... 9
Special Project Award
Instructions and Nomination Form...... 10-11
Blueprint for Success Award (Previously titled Community Development Awards)
Instructions and Nomination Form...... 12-14
Otto G. Hoiberg Award Information...... 15
Founders Award
Instructions and Nomination Form...... 16-17
Youth Leadership for Outstanding Community Service Award
Instructions and Nomination Form ...... 18-19
Marilyn Ristine Leadership Award
Instructions and Nomination Form...... 20
Sustaining NCIP Community Form...... 21
Blueprint for Success Award Nomination Checklist...... 22
Preparing for NCIP Judges Visit ...... 23
(Blueprint for Success Award Nominations only)
NCIP Ambassador Program...... 24
NCIP Advisory Committee...... 25
NCIP CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March/April 2004:NCIP Workshops and Training
May 1, 2004:Submission Deadline
- NCIP Intent to Enter Form
- Government Resolution(s)
- Sustaining NCIP Community Form
(Pertains only to communities not submitting award nominations)
July 2004:NCIP Awards Nomination Workshops
(Prepare to submit NCIP Nomination Forms)
Aug. 31, 2004Submission Deadline:
- Special Project Award Nominations
- Blueprint for Success Award Nominations
- Founders Award Nominations
Sept. 2004:Special Award Nominations are Judged
Sept. 13, 2004Submission Deadline:
- Marilyn Ristine Leadership Award Nominations
- Youth Leadership for Outstanding Community
Service Award Nominations
Sept. 27-Oct. 1 (or)
Oct. 4-Oct. 8, 2004Community Development Award: Judges Site Visits
Nov. 11, 2004Community Quest Pre-Conference Session
Cornhusker Hotel, Lincoln (1-9 p.m.)
Nov. 12, 2004Community Quest 2004 Conference and
NCIP Annual Recognition Banquet
Cornhusker Hotel, Lincoln (9 a.m.-9 p.m.)
INTRODUCTION TO NCIP
NCIP has recognized Nebraska communities annually since 1963 for their improvement efforts completed each year, with an emphasis on the achievements of grassroots volunteers. Communities that have participated in the NCIP process have experienced many positive benefits as a result. Some benefits of participation in NCIP include:
Community volunteers are awarded and recognized for their efforts.
Stronger leadership and increased community wide involvement.
Increased community pride and sense of identity.
Better communication between government, local organizations and citizens.
Positive publicity for communities.
Communities identify and build on their strengths.
Excellence achieved through a competitive process.
Community projects are published in the annual Nebraska Project Networking Guide.
Participating communities can display the NCIP roadside sign.
Market community image as an award winning community.
Specialized training and technical assistance to enhance community volunteer’s ability to accomplish community improvement and economic development goals.
Celebrate Success!
NCIP: Nebraska’s Blueprint for Success
Community volunteers who participate in NCIP have proven that there are three components to community success. These components, which structure the NCIP process, include:
- A community planning processthat encourages citizen participation.
- Avolunteer and leadership developmentprocess that involves recruitment, training and recognition strategies for local volunteers and leaders.
- Documentation of community and economic development accomplishments that have resulted from incorporating a planning and leadership development process with an emphasis on grassroots volunteer efforts in the community.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN NCIP
I.Form a Local Committee and Identify Goals and Accomplishments
Communities are encouraged to form a local committee to effectively set goals, identify projects and compile necessary information for submitting award nominations. In forming a local committee, communities may:
- Designate an existing organization to coordinate projects.
- Form an umbrella organization with members from existing organizations.
- Create a new action-oriented organization to oversee their participation.
II.Submit an Intent to Enter Form and Government Resolution by May 1, 2004
All participants submitting award nominations must complete the “Intent to Enter Form” (page 8). The form identifies the names and contact information of individuals who are going to coordinate the award nomination submissions for the current program year.
In addition, local government boards, city councils, or county commissioners must pass a Government Resolution (page 9) to endorse their participation in NCIP. Resolutions can be passed for multiple years to save time and effort.
The government resolution should be submitted with the Intent to Enter Form by May 1, 2004.
- Submit Entries For Judging by the Awards Nomination Deadline
Nominations for the “Special Project Awards,” “Blueprint for Success Awards,” and “Founders Awards,” must be submitted no later than August 31, 2004, (postmarked or hand-delivered) to be considered in the judging process for award recognition. See individual award nomination forms for complete instructions on how to complete for submission.
Award nominations for the “Youth Leadership for Outstanding Community Service” Award and the “Marilyn Ristine” Award must be submitted no later than September 13, 2004.
- Attend the Annual NCIP Conference and Awards Recognition Banquet
Community volunteers, leaders, local government staff, service providers, nonprofit organizations and other professionals working in community and economic development are encouraged to attend the annual NCIP Conference and Awards Recognition Banquet on November 12, 2004, at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska.
All NCIP awards will be announced at the annual recognition banquet. Prior to the banquet, all award nominations will be on display and several networking opportunities are available to share resources, ideas and questions about community and economic development efforts.
V.NCIP Signs
After a community completes one year of participation in NCIP, it is eligible to purchase an NCIP roadside sign for $30. NCIP Sponsors supplement additional costs for NCIP signs.
NCIP AWARDS SUMMARY
Communities may submit nominations for a variety of awards in NCIP as listed below. Please see the appropriate form and instructions page for more information about a specific award nomination process.
Special Project Awards
Special Project Awards recognize outstanding community projects in three categories, including 1) volunteer and leadership development, 2) community development, and 3) economic development. Participants may nominate a maximum of one project in each of the above main categories.
Blueprint for Success Awards (Community Notebook) **CASH Awards!
(Previously titled Community Development Awards)
Blueprint for Success Awards recognize communities or multi-communities that have implemented a comprehensive approach following the NCIP Blueprint for Success for community and economic development. Communities will submit a report book and receive a site visit by NCIP judges. Blueprint for Success Awards include cash awards for first, second and third places in each population category.
Founders Award
The Founders Award recognizes one outstanding intergovernmental project or program in Nebraska that encompasses creative collaboration between governments for the purpose of serving its citizens in an effective manner. The award honors David Carson and David Osterhout, who founded NCIP in 1963.
Youth Leadership Award for Outstanding Community Service (YLOCS)
Youth members of participating NCIP communities who have demonstrated leadership through work in community service, are eligible to be nominated for award recognition. One youth leader in each population category will be selected by a committee of NCIP judges to receive individual recognition.
Marilyn Ristine Leadership Award
The Marilyn Ristine Leadership Award recognizes an unpaid volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to his/her community through involvement with NCIP. The award is named for Marilyn Ristine (1928-1992), a long-time Gothenburg resident who was known as an outstanding community leader.
Otto Hoiberg Award **$500 CASH Award!
Every year, one Blueprint for Success Award participant receives the Otto Hoiberg Award for the best overall community and economic development program, regardless of population size. The award emphasizes a sound planning process as essential to a successful local community development program. The award honors the late Dr. Otto Hoiberg for his dedication to enacting programs for community improvement and recognizing community development achievements. (First Place Blueprint for Success winners in each population class will be automatically considered for the award; no nomination form is required).
NCIP PROJECT CATEGORIES
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Choose one of the following topic categories to enter under the Leadership Development Category.
Volunteer and Leadership Development
Projects and activities designed to help individuals and organizations acquire leadership skills and create opportunities for leadership roles are eligible. Emphasis is given to activities that identify and support new or emerging volunteer leaders from all age groups.
Youth Involvement and Leadership Development
Leadership development programs targeting youth and project activities that promote leadership skills are eligible. Activities where youth are involved in project identification, planning and decision-making are emphasized.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Choose one of the following topic categories to enter under the Economic Development Category.
Business Assistance and Development
Projects aimed at helping start-up or recruit new businesses, or retain and expand existing businesses and industries are eligible. Examples include business visitation and support activities; technology or incubator centers; entrepreneurial training; access to the Internet; and regional efforts to strengthen the area economy.
Tourism Promotion and Development
Projects that enhance communities’ tourism potential are eligible. Examples include developing or expanding an event or attraction; conducting publicity on specific tourism events or attractions; creating a visitor information center; and launching heritage tourism projects.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Choose one of the following topic categories to enter under the Community Development Category.
Community Services
This category includes services that improve a community’s quality of life. Projects may encompass health care, housing, child-care or services for senior citizens, youth and other special populations, facilities specially designed for community education programs and satellite rural health clinics.
Public Works, Facilities, Services and Planning
Eligible activities include where local governments, (in cooperation with citizens), improve public works, facilities, services and planning. Examples include street, water, or sewer improvements; physical and/or program improvements to airports, schools, hospitals, and volunteer fire departments; and comprehensive planning.
Environmental Projects and Awareness
Activities that help improve the environment are eligible. Examples include recycling efforts; programs that reduce dependency on landfills; projects that facilitate the safe disposal of toxic products; and programs that educate the public on ways to protect the environment.
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Projects that expand or develop parks, recreation or community forestry opportunities for residents are eligible. Examples include physical or program improvements to parks, recreational facilities and forestry; educational efforts to increase public awareness; and plans for long- term maintenance needs.
Arts and Humanities
This category includes projects that focus on cultural activities. Examples include the development or improvement of museums and landmarks; historic preservation projects; and drama, dance, music, literature, and visual arts productions or displays. Projects that create an awareness of community origins and heritage through folklore and history also are eligible.
2004 NCIP INTENT TO ENTER FORM
Deadline: Submit by May 1, 2004 (along with the Government Resolution)
- Name of Community or Multi Community ______
- Names of Officers
Chairperson ______
Mailing Address ______
Day Phone (____) ______Eve. Phone (____) ______
Fax (____) ______E-mail ______
Assistant Chairperson ______
Mailing Address ______
Day Phone (____) ______Eve. Phone (____) ______
Fax (____) ______E-mail ______
Person Writing (or Coordinating) Nominations ______
Mailing Address ______
Day Phone (____) ______Eve. Phone (____) ______
Fax (____) ______E-mail ______ - NCIP Contact Person (Primary Recipient of Correspondence) ______
Mailing Address ______
Day Phone (____) ______Eve. Phone (____) ______
Fax (____) ______E-mail ______ - NCIP Options (check all that apply to what the community intends to enter for NCIP)
Sustaining NCIP Community (pertains only to communities not submitting awards)
Special Project Awards
Blueprint for Success Awards (Community Notebook)
(previously titled Community Development Award)
Founders Award (Intergovernmental)
Youth Leadership for Outstanding Community Service Award
Marilyn Ristine Leadership Award (Individual Adult Leader)
- Release of Information:The committee gives the Nebraska Department of Economic Development permission to duplicate the awards nomination information for public distribution, including on the Internet. YES______NO______
______signed Chairperson
GOVERNMENT RESOLUTION
Deadline: Submit by May 1, 2004 (along with the Intent to Enter Form)
Resolution # ______
WHEREAS,local municipal and county government must provide leadership for improving community and economic development efforts; and
WHEREAS,community and economic development needs can best be determined and solved through a cooperative effort between elected officials and the citizens they represent; and
WHEREAS,the Nebraska Community Improvement Program, administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, has been reviewed and found to be a means to improve our community; and
WHEREAS,the city council, village board or county commissioners of the city, village or county of ______do herewith pledge their full support, endorsement, and cooperation in carrying out the requirements of the NCIP;
Now Therefore Be It Resolved,
that the city, village or county of ______urges its citizens to join this effort and hereby declares this city, village or county to be an official entrant in the NCIP for the year(s) of ______.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS ______DAY OF ______, ______
Attest:
______
City/Village/County ClerkChief Elected Official
SPECIAL PROJECT AWARDS
DETAILS AND INSTRUCTIONS
NCIP Special Project Awards recognize communities for outstanding projects in the areas of leadership, community and economic development. Grassroots volunteer involvement in the planning and implementation of the projects are emphasized. Communities are encouraged to enter innovative or creative projects that have been completed during the past year (Sept. 1, 2003- Aug. 31, 2004) or that occur on an annual or ongoing basis.
1
Intent to Enter
Participants must submit an Intent to Enter Form and Government Resolution by May 1, 2004.
Award Nomination Deadline
Nominations must be postmarked (or hand-delivered by 5 p.m. CST) by August 31, 2004, to the NCIP Coordinator.
Nomination Process
Communities may nominate a maximum of one project under each of the following general categories for Special Project Award consideration: Volunteer and Leadership Development, Community Development, Economic Development (See page seven for a description of the topic category and sub-category choices).
Judging Criteria
Planning and Implementation (20 points)
Volunteer Involvement (10 points)
Project Outcomes (50 points)
Resources Identification (10 points)
Project Innovation (10 points)
Judging Process
Each topic category will be judged by a separate team of judges chosen for their experience and expertise in their respective topic category. Award nominations are judged and awarded in population categories, which are determined after all nominations are submitted. Judging will take place in September 2004. Nominations will be judged on the content submitted. Special Project Awards do not receive a community visit.
Format
Each special award nomination is limited to five pages. Questions on the nomination form are addressed in narrative form. Supporting documentation, such as news articles and photos may also be submitted within the page maximums. Nominations must be typed using an 11-point or larger font and one inch or larger margins.
Covers and/or folders are not allowed. Staple each copy in the upper left hand corner. Submit one original and two copies of each Special Project Award. In addition to supporting documentation, submit two color photos in a labeled envelope for each project nomination. Include the name of the project and a description of the photograph on the back of each photo. Special Award Nominations will not be returned.
State Recognition
The Special Project Award winners will be announced in November 2004 at the NCIP Awards Banquet following the Community Quest Conference. One first place award will be announced in each population class for each topic category. NCIP will present the winner with a plaque and help promote the Special Award winners as models for other communities to follow.
1
SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD NOMINATION FORM
Deadline: Submit by August 31, 2004
Name of Community or Multi-Community: ______Population ______Name of Project: ______
Project Contact Person: ______
Day Phone:______Eve Phone: ______E-mail: ______
Category?______Subcategory?______
Date Project Begun (mo./yr) ______/______Date Completed (mo./yr.)______/______
Please check if the project is Annual/Ongoing ______