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Ravenna Economic Development Corporation

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Creating Opportunities for Economic Growth & Prosperity 

As a community, we recognize that economic growth is critical to maintain the exceptional quality of life we enjoy. The Ravenna Economic Development Corporation works toward community development in the interest of ensuring Ravenna is a good place to live, work, and play.
In 2011, Ravenna voters approved LB 840 and Ravenna’s Economic Development Plan, two measures that empower Ravenna to control its destiny as a shining example of a rural community that upholds Nebraska’s valued quality of life, attracts innovative residents and entrepreneurs, and remains competitive in an age of globalization and urbanization.  The Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act (LB 840) authorizes communities to collect and appropriate local tax dollars for economic development purposes.  Ravenna’s Economic Development Plan is the basis under which the Economic Development Program operates.

2022 - 2027 - Strategic-Planning-Report-Ravenna [14185].pdf

Considering becoming a member of REDC? 
We wish to offer you an opportunity to become a voting member of REDC. This one-time fee will make you a voting member and you will be making an investment in your community. 

Levels: 
$200 is the Blue Certificate Level 
$500 is the Silver Certificate Level 
$1,000 is the Gold Certificate Level

To join, please make checks payable to Ravenna Economic Development Corporation. Checks can be delivered to Zachary West at 318 Grand Avenue Ravenna, NE 68869. 

Staff & Board Members 
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Zachary West, Executive Director 
Rodney Pokorski, RAI of Nebraska, President 
Linda Zinnell, Seneca Sunrise, Secretary
Dale Johnson, Treasurer
Kirk Zeller, Silicon Prairie Center, Chamber of Commerce Representative
Larry Wilke, Wilke True Value, Vice President
Brad Kjar, Ravenna Public Schools
Scott Wachter, Town and Country Bank


Leadership Certified Community

In 2015, Ravenna became a Leadership Certified Community. This prestigious award is held by only a handful of communities in the state of Nebraska and is awarded by the Department of Economic Development. 

Ravenna Area Vision Fund
RAVfund_FINAL
REDC established a Nebraska Community Foundation affiliated fund in 2015. The Ravenna Area Vision Fund (RAV) was started to support projects to improve the quality of life and creating opportunities for prosperity. They have supported the Community Makerspace in the Library and the Buffalo County Recreation Area-Ravenna Lake. They are also working to establish a hike and bike trail in the community. 
The Ravenna Area Vision Fund is an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All contributions to this fund are tax-deductible. 

The Fund Advisory Committee: 
Jeff Achtenberg, Chairperson 
Fred Matekja, Vice-Chairperson 
Sue Zeller, Secretary 
Julie Chramosta, Treasurer 
Denise Bolling
Linda Zinnell
Liz Lockhorn


RAV is currently raising funds to pave the hike and bike trail with crushed limestone. Please consider donating to the fund here.

Business/Entrepreneurial Resources:
For business or entrepreneur technical assistance, please visit the following resources:
Center For Rural Affairs: Technical assistance and loan products
Nebraska Business Development Center: Technical assistance and loan products
SourceLink Nebraska: Business Resources
South Central Economic Development District: Technical assistance

Contact Information:
318 Grand Avenue
Ravenna, Nebraska 68869
(308)452-3133
Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM