New leader hired for Gage Area Growth Enterprise
BEATRICE – A southeast Nebraska economic development organization has selected a new Executive Director. Rachel Kreikemeier will become the director of Gage Area Growth Enterprise, known as NGage, on Monday.
The Alma, Nebraska native has been with the Southeast Community College Beatrice Campus the past four years, as an admissions representative and just recently as a career services specialist.
"I love working with people and building relationships. I have relationships with lots of community members, business members, owners and things like that, in the area. It's great to partner together to further the mission of Southeast, which will transition really well in this role."
Kreikemeier had met with some of the board members about the executive director role which works with existing, new and prospective businesses and industry in Beatrice and Gage County. "Talking with a few members on the board and just really learning a little bit more about the position and how it relates to my skills. I'm really excited to grow my skill set and use it in different ways to help benefit the county."
Kreikemeier attended the NGage Board of Directors monthly meeting on Thursday. She says getting settled in the position is a combination of learning the process and already being familiar with what is going on in the area.
"Getting started is kind of learning where they're at, what kind of projects we've got going on...getting my feet on the ground. Living in this area for seven years now, I'm kind of aware of what's happening and then building from there and seeing what staff we can bring in to help further the goals of NGage."
Kreikemeier and her husband have four children and reside in rural Gage County.
The NGage board is also extending the contract of Erin Chadwick, as Marketing Coordinator for the economic development group. The NGage Board also approved the new annual budget for the organization, totaling just under $298,000. The organization receives annual support of $300,000, split in equal shares between the City of Beatrice and Gage County Government….and has member businesses who provide financial support.
