The first survey for the 2012  Photo Contest has arrived.  The first contest theme for 2012 was Something New.  To vote for your favorite photo, CLICK HERE. This will redirect you to a simple multiple choice question along with all of the photo's submitted for the current theme.

The first place winner will receive $100 in Ravenna ChamberBucks and the second place winner will receive $50 in ChamberBucks.  Voting will end Saturday, February 25 at 5:00 pm.  Stay tuned for more information on the upcoming March/April photo contest and please CONTACT US if you have any questions!

_ It's hard to read the paper or watch the news these days without seeing national economic report cards: Charts and illustrations ranking states and counties in areas of unemployment, capital investment, dependency on social security, etc.  It's not uncommon to pass over these articles and stories for the very reason that we don't wish to be reminded of how grim things are in the U.S. (and world ).  But I've found it especially encouraging and worthwhile to take the time to pay attention to these publications because Nebraska repeatedly ranks near the top.  A Kearney Hub opinion piece from Dec. 11th (Nebraska high on list of states in good shape) echoes this very fact.  The author explains that thanks to our vibrant agricultural industry and common sense use of home equity, money has continued to circulate through our state and maintain/enhance our resilience while much of the U.S. is suffering. 

Although much Nebraska's population resides in urban Lincoln and Omaha, the quality of life that we advertise to the rest of the country (as do the previously-mentioned cities) is celebrated most by rural Nebraskans.  Most encouraging are the successes had by rural communities across the state who have utilized funds from the Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act (LB840) to fund activities that enhance their economic vitality and encourages population retention.  Consider our neighbor to the (far) north in Ord.  Like Ravenna, Ord passed LB840.  Since the inception of its economic development program, Ord has experienced tremendous success in the form of significant local investment, business retention and expansion, and momentous job creation.   These successes have not gone unnoticed.  Recently the Omaha World Herald celebrated the manner in which Ord is addressing its housing shortage, a result of significant job creation.  National attention has been given to Ord as well.

I argue that Ord is not alone.  I could write a book simply exploring the achievements rural Nebraska communities have enjoyed as a result of their forward-thinking policies and programs.  Cambridge, NE has enjoyed the fruits of a well-administered economic development program: simply drive through the community and enjoy all of the updated storefronts or its new subdivision.  Each and every year, Rural Nebraska communities make top-100 lists of the best places to live in the U.S.  This is no mistake.  We Nebraskans take great pride in the communities we live; we attend public meetings, we help our neighbors without being asked, we volunteer much of our free time and our communities are better for it.  So I encourage you not to change your ways; keep volunteering, engage local leaders and decision-makers, and carry on down the path of progress so we can continue to show the rest of the world why there is no place like Nebraska.

_The City of Ravenna will host an open house to celebrate and give thanks to citizens who volunteer their time and talents to help make our community great.  The open house will be held Friday December 16th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Ravenna City Hall (416 Grand Avenue). So join  your friends and neighbors in newly renovated City Hall for some goodies!

_Thank you for visiting our new home on the web!  It is hoped that over time this website will evolve to meet the needs of Ravenna residents, businesses and visitors.  It is also intended to CELEBRATE our wonderful community and allow others to see just how good life is in Ravenna.  For the latest news and updates, see the "Big News" section at the bottom of the HOME page which contain links to this blog and other areas of interest.