As the Board Chair of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and the President of Chief Construction & Development, I get a pretty good read on our community’s potential growth and business conditions. Because of my various roles, I know there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the growth potential for the Grand Island area.
One can understand current business by seeing the retail sales bounce back in the past several months. In addition, Grand Island’s growth can be gauged by seeing the construction projects that have either recently been completed or are currently under construction.
For instance, projects like Southeast Commons and Bosselman’s new Next Generation Pump and Pantry on South Locust continue to make that corridor relevant. Manufacturing and processing facilities continue to expand with new projects as Webb Cutting Components, Dramco, and Hornady Manufacturing expand in the western portion of Grand Island and JBS in the eastern portion of Grand Island. The development down on South Highway 281 at Prairie Commons continues with the Tabitha Senior Living Community and the Allen Capital Group and Family Eyecare’s new office building, both projects under construction.
Further south is the new repurposed GTA office location, and the large Federal Express Ground distribution center. Out by the Bosselman Travel Center, the new Arby’s and the new Speed Clean Truck Wash recently opened.
However, even with all these projects, it appears that Grand Island could have significantly more expansion and growth in the next couple of years. Grand Island has an ideal location, accessible roadways, and available land development to recruit additional warehouses and distribution centers. The retail sector appears to be re-stabilized and once again national retailers have Grand Island on their radar. Grand Island can build upon and expand on being the retail hub of out-state Nebraska.
An unscientific survey of a few of the major existing companies or proposed new businesses shows that there will be over 1,000 jobs that need to be filled or created within the next two years. This is very significant. However, what could hinder this growth potential? Where do these employees come from and how can Grand Island differentiate itself in recruiting these employees? Two of the top concerns for companies and potential new employees are concerns with workforce development and housing availability.
Even if Grand Island can generate these career opportunities, have a strong workforce development and housing options, vibrant communities must have more to create quality growth. If you ask potential employees and their families to consider relocating, they must have access to quality education and quality and available healthcare for them to consider your community. Grand Island needs to continue to address these vital community elements to offer potential citizens what they are looking for in a community.
Beyond healthcare and education, other factors come into play. Entertainment options, arts and culture, stable and strong government entities, and parks/recreation are all considerations and components for thriving communities.
Does Grand Island have what it takes to be ready to take advantage of this potential? Is Grand Island ready to assist and ensure that this growth potential becomes reality?
I know that your Grand Island Chamber has been working to help facilitate these components and have focused heavily on workforce development opportunities. The Chamber has partnered with Wayne State College to provide an internship program that will bring talented young students to Grand Island to work with local businesses to connect these students with long-term career opportunities with Grand Island businesses. The Chamber has also established relationships with elected officials at all levels of local and state government to ensure that Grand Island is on their radar for projects and funding potential.
Is your business ready? Do you, your work partners, friends, and neighbors have the initiative to assist Grand Island to become a better version of itself? I truly believe that the Grand Island residents are ready to take the next step to better and invest in our community and ensure that our community is welcoming and thriving.
Are the community leaders and public entities ready to facilitate and support growth? If so, our community could enter a golden era of quality growth for Grand Island. Your Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has already been working on quality growth and is ready and willing to assist, lead or facilitate with these upcoming opportunities.
