If your business is energy intensive, contact us about relocating here. Cornhusker offers a low industrial rate that is justified by cost of service. We believe our large industrial customers are competitive with any utility in the nation. For rates on your type of business contact Bobby Jones, (402) 564-2821 at Cornhusker Power.
Cornhusker's industrial customers are located in a county industrial tract. Energy sales to commercial and industrial customers have grown 5 percent annually from 24 percent to 31 percent of total sales as food processing companies have moved into the service area.
One major obstacle for many businesses and producers considering expanding their operations is the availability of a reliable source of quality water. Our area has ample water resources. The Ogallala aquifer found beneath 60 percent of Nebraska's land surface contains 14.5 trillion gallons of water (five times the quantity found in Lake Erie).
Nebraska state government is financed by an individual income tax, corporate income tax, sales and use tax, corporate occupation tax, and selective excise taxes (liquor, tobacco, motor fuels, etc). Local governments are financed primarily by property taxes, and a number of cities also collect a city sales tax. Real estate and personal property taxes are levied by county and municipal subdivisions, including school districts. All real property except agricultural land is assessed at actual value. Agricultural land is assessed at 80 percent of market value. Personal property is assessed at net book value. Tax rates are expressed in dollars and cents per $100 of actual value.
Some of Nebraska's tax highlights for agriculture are:
A growing concern for many families in the United States is the issue of safety of their children. According to Juvenile Offenders and Victims: 1999 National Report, Nebraska was ranked as the fifth lowest in the juvenile violent crime index. Nebraska ranks behind North Dakota, West Virginia, Montana and Wyoming. According to the survey, the four states with the highest violent crime index are Illinois, Delaware, Kentucky and Maryland.
A well-educated labor force provides significant benefits to employers in this area. Nebraska workers are among the most productive, readily trainable and known for their strong work orientation and technical proficiency. The quality of the labor force is enhanced by the high percentage of students graduating from high school. Nebraska high school graduates also score in the top 10 percent in SAT and ACT testing. Nebraska Workforce Development is available to help companies meet their training needs.
In addition to the University of Nebraska system, private colleges and universities and a state college system, a statewide community college system provides specialized training programs for new and expanding Nebraska industries. Central Community College - Platte Campus is located right here in Columbus.
Development Organizations Are Ready to Help - Cornhusker is a member of the Columbus Economic Development Council, the Nebraska Economic Developers Association, the Nebraska Development Network and Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District. We work with these organizations and Nebraska Public Power District to help businesses and industries in determining the best location for new facilities.
Because of the safety, education, quality labor and water it is no wonder that the state motto of Nebraska is: NEBRASKA THE GOOD LIFE!!