Cass County, Neb., Jan. 29, 2020 – Cass County Nebraska Economic Development Council (CCNEDC) held its 2020 Annual Meeting Jan. 29, at Round the Bend Steakhouse, in Ashland, Nebraska, where Jennifer Serkiz, CCNEDC Executive Director, highlighted the county’s 2019 accomplishments. More than 80 area business professionals attended the event.

Two local businesses were recognized by CCNEDC with the organization’s 2020 Business Recognition Award. This award acknowledges companies who have significantly contributed to all of Cass County through economic growth, support, community involvement and improvement. Round The Bend Steakhouse and Mark & Sue Shaw received the Business Recognition Award. Alan Mueller, was recognized for his leadership of CCNEDC over the last three years and will remain a great asset to the organization as past chairman this next year.

Dr. Brian Williams, Nebraska Public Power District economist and CCNEDC’s annual meeting speaker reviewed Cass County economic growth over the years. Senator Mark Kolterman, District 24 and CCNEDC’s annual meeting speaker highlighted the LB720 ImagiNE Nebraska Act.

CCNEDC Executive Director Jennifer Serkiz said, “I appreciate all the collaboration in the county this past year and as a result CCNEDC responded to 21 opportunities which generated 7 site visits and 4 landed projects resulting in $4.7 million in capital investment and 26 new jobs in Cass County. Growth comes when everyone works together and that is exactly what happened in Cass County this past year and I am excited to see what will be accomplished in 2020.”

2020 Business Recognition Award: Round The Bend Steakhouse
In 2012 T.J. Olson and wife Tifini decided to take the plunge and became the newest owners of the family owned business T.J. had grown up around since 1995. This not only allowed for the business to stay in the family but the food quality to continue unchanged. T.J. and Tifini Olson credit their business growth and success to God. He provides the customers, wisdom, team and drive for them to do the things they do every day.

2020 Business Recognition Award: Mark & Sue Shaw
Mark and Sue Shaw owners of Shaw Smart Properties, L.L.C has invested considerable new dollars and created new employment opportunities on Main Street Plattsmouth. Owners of three growing businesses, Shaw Hardware, The Sweet Spot, Fork and Hammer restaurant and an additional retail space these local entrepreneurs have contributed to the economic growth of the Plattsmouth Community.

CCNEDC is a nonprofit business organization, and is part of the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership. The mission of CCNEDC is to attract, retain and grow business and jobs for all of Cass County.