Promoting economic development in our local communities is a crucial part of ensuring the benefits of tax reform and reduced regulation work for the benefit of all Americans. In the Third District, countless Nebraskans focus their efforts every day on creating opportunity and attracting greater investment to our state.

Each May we celebrate National Small Business Week to highlight the contributions small businesses make to our economy and communities. Every dollar businesses and individuals are not forced to forfeit to the federal government allows them to reinvest these resources and create more jobs.

In Congress, and especially through my role on the Ways and Means Committee, I am focused on increasing economic opportunity for all Nebraskans. This is why I am proud to see the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which we authored, being illustrated throughout Nebraska and our great nation. Simplifying our outdated, burdensome tax code, will help build a stronger economy which encourages innovation and economic development.

As I travel throughout the Third District, I am always impressed by the efforts of Nebraskans working hard to grow opportunity in their communities. To celebrate their efforts, I am continuing my Excellence in Economic Development program, which seeks to recognize entrepreneurship and investment into our Nebraska communities.

The Excellence in Economic Development award is designed to recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations in the Third District who strengthen their communities through innovation, hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurship. This year, I have added a category for recognizing historic preservation efforts which go a long way toward revitalizing our communities and inviting additional investment.  

In the past, winners have included high school entrepreneurs, small businesses providing essential services, chamber members actively promoting their communities, and international companies making it a priority to hire Nebraskans. These awards provide an opportunity to showcase Nebraskans of all ages who work to make “The Good Life” even better.

Nominations for the 2018 Excellence in Economic Development awards are due by Friday, June 29.  Forms are available at my Grand Island and Scottsbluff offices as well as on my website at AdrianSmith.house.gov/EconomicDevelopment.  If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to call my Grand Island office at 308-384-3900.

I look forward to reviewing this year’s nominees and honoring those who strengthen and revitalize our communities. To all Nebraskans who work tirelessly to grow our economy, I will continue to support your efforts and pursue policies that promote economic opportunity for all.