It’s always significant when a long-serving executive director decides to step down, and Chelsie Herian’s 15 years of service to BBDC certainly leave a notable legacy. Transitioning from Historic Main Street Manager/Assistant Director to the Executive Director position is a testament to her dedication and capabilities.
Some notable accomplishments in Herian’s 15 years of service include securing the Site & Building Development Fund Grant to purchase and prepare the 40-acre Box Butte Industrial Site in 2012, which has since added Nutrien Ag Solutions in one of the 4 tracts of land. She also helped coordinate several Business & Industry Day tours for both Alliance and Hemingford High School, including a few years helping organize a Career Day for Grandview 5th Graders. 2023 brought some excitement with landing $750,000 grant from Nebraska’s Rural Workforce Housing Fund Grant which we matched locally with an additional $325,000 and a $30,000 Community For Kids grant to help address child care issues for the next three years here in Box Butte County.
Herian has also been heavily involved with the Career Connections of Western Nebraska group which recently just hosted 262 sophomores from the area in Chadron for a 6 tact Career Cab event. She is currently organizing a Job Fair for AHS Juniors and Seniors on February 7th. Herian has served on the Heartland Expressway Association board of directors in various capacities over the years as well as the Nebraska Economic Developers Association Board of Directors and has served as the Conference Chair for the past three years.
The Board of Directors expressing gratitude to Herian for her contributions speaks volumes about the impact she has had on Box Butte County. She has assisted with startup, growth, and development all over the county. BBDC also assists the City with the LB840 program, PREMA’s Revolving Loan Fund, Hemingford’s Storefront Improvement Grant, Main Street Façade grant, as well as helps connect businesses with other funding sources with various State partners.
The board wishes Chelsie Herian success in her future professional endeavors and hopes that the next Executive Director will carry on her passion and determination to improve the communities served by BBDC. Box Butte County’s positive attributes as a great place to live, work, and raise a family will undoubtedly continue to be a focus for the organization.
Herian’s last day at BBDC will be February 8, 2024.