State and community leaders joined for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the state’s new economic development field office in North Omaha on Tuesday.

The office, located near 30th and Fort streets, is a satellite location for the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. It shares space at 5319 N. 30th St. with the Department of Health and Human Services.

The new office’s purpose is to promote economic opportunity, create high-wage jobs and pursue overall growth of North Omaha and surrounding communities.

“This is an exciting step that will help attract businesses to North Omaha, but also focus on workforce development as well as housing,” Gov. Pete Ricketts said. “My vision as governor has been to grow Nebraska. That means if we’re going to grow our entire state to be a healthy state, that has to include North Omaha.”

Department of Economic Development Director Anthony Goins spoke about the positive impact the new office creates.

“Our mission, priorities and values all focus on supporting the vision of (growing) Nebraska that Gov. Ricketts has laid out. To do that, we have to make sure every citizen in our state is able to benefit from opportunities that we as a state are working so hard to create,” he said. “Opportunities like high-wage jobs, quality affordable housing and an environment where small businesses are primed to succeed, and there are vibrant community neighborhoods that people would love to call home. We have to do this for every Nebraskan from Scottsbluff to Lincoln to Omaha.”

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert spoke glowingly of the new office and commitment from the state to the improvement of Omaha.

 “Every time we cut a ribbon, we create opportunities for people and businesses to be successful and we make progress toward our goals to increase employment, attract new business and talent to our city, and expand affordable housing options,” said Stothert, a Republican who is running for re-election against Democrat RJ Neary on May 11.  “Governor Ricketts’ commitment to the economic development of Northeast Omaha supports the great change, progress and partnerships underway.”

President of the North Omaha Business Improvement District LaVonya Goodwin said she believes bringing a major company to North Omaha is key for growth and development.

“We get a lot of large-scale employers, but they tend to go west of 72nd Street,” Goodwin said. “We have a commitment from the governor and the Department of Economic Development to see a large-scale employer come right here on the ground in North Omaha. That’s exciting.”