Custer Economic Development Hires New Executive Director

CUSTER COUNTY – Andrew Ambriz has been named the new Executive Director of Custer County’s Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). CEDC Board of Directors President Mike Evans is excited about the appointment, and pleased with the selection process used. “Andrew was chosen from a large pool of qualified people, in a truly professional manner. In the end his enthusiasm and knowledge of how a good economic developer can really play an important role in helping Custer County grow and prosper brought him to the top of the list.” Coming from McCook where he has served as the community’s economic developer, and previously as an intern through the Rural Futures internship program, Andrew is passionate not only about economic development and about rural America, but especially about life and the prospects for the future in rural Nebraska. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “Rural communities have a special place in my heart,” said Andrew, “because they’ve changed my outlook on how to live. Growing up in Los Angeles, I took for granted some of the cornerstone amenities that you can only get in rural America. Economic Development is such a fascinating industry because of the intricacies and challenges you encounter each and every day. There is such a wide array of experiences within each day, but at the end of the day, it’s so simple: connecting people to people, and people to resources to make positive change happen.” CEDC is unique in that it does not use taxpayer dollars; it is a 501c3 that operates on donations from its membership, Custer County area businesses and not-for-profit agencies. This gives the organization’s director more flexibility and less red tape to deal with while working to enhance business in our county. “Andrew is coming into this position with a very good teacher,” said Mike of the transition. “Rest-assured, current CEDC Executive Director Deb McCaslin will have Andrew all over Custer County, meeting with the local Chambers of Commerce and other economic development groups and town-leaders. Obviously, we will greatly miss Deb, she has done an outstanding job, but she will help Andrew hit the ground running, trust me.” For Andrew– especially for his family, the opportunity to serve Custer County comes with the added bonus of moving closer to home. “Custer County is much closer to both our families and is a community we’ve heard nothing but great things about. Professionally, the communities have been a buzz over the last few years in the industry because of the progress that’s been made in such a short amount of time. There has been outstanding cooperation and collaboration here and it’s been able to move mountains and truly ‘get things done’, he said. Deb agrees. “I’m so proud of how far Custer County has traveled since the inception of CEDC 15 years ago. Much has been accomplished and the credit goes out to its business leaders who are not afraid to take a risk, and to its citizenry who work together for the betterment of the whole. It has never been about who gets credit – it is all about getting the job done,” said Deb. Andrew’s excitement, his passion is clear. “I’m incredibly excited to understand the needs of Custer County and execute on them so that we continue to be a benchmark community in the state of Nebraska,” Andrew remarked. “We are excited to become part of the community …To learn, to connect and to integrate. To get to know all of you and for you to get to know us. To contribute to the growth of Custer County’s communities in whatever way we can. Please don’t be a stranger; we can’t wait to meet you!” Andrew’s first day on the job will be May 14. McCaslin plans to stay on through the end of the month to see that the transition is as seamless as possible. “This is an exciting time for Custer County. The opportunity to bring in new enthusiasm and a younger vision is important. It’s hard to leave a job you have fallen in love with, but knowing it is in quality hands offers a grateful sense of satisfaction. I thank the CEDC board, and Custer County for the opportunity to serve,” added Deb. For additional information on CEDC’s newest appointment, or on opportunities within its membership contact CEDC at [email protected], on the web at www.custercountyne.com, on Facebook at Custer County Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) or stop by. The CEDC office is located above Tiffany Theater on south 10th in Broken Bow.