Plainview receives city award

A gathering at the Plainview Public Library was the setting for the presentation of the 2022 Governor’s Community Showcase award presentation onThursday of last week.

Lt. Gov. Mike Foley made the trip on behalf of Governor Pete Ricketts to present the City of Plainview staff, and the entire community, the award.

The Governor’s Showcase Community award is given to only one community each year, for their efforts in economic development, housing, rural development, use of resources and developing partnerships.

There is only one Showcase award given each year, and it is considered the highest award a
community can receive. From the award release:

“Plainview sets a shining example of what can be achieved when a community is able to band together, rally around a clear vision and execute on concrete goals for a brighter future,” said Lt. Gov. Foley. “Our congratulations to Plainview’s leadership, as well as each and every one of its citizens, for a job well done. The entire community should be proud of what they have built together as a team. We look forward to seeing what else Plainview has in store.”

Governor Ricketts signed a proclamation earlier this month proclaiming April 11-15 as Community Development Week in the state of Nebraska. Coinciding with National Community Development Week, the event is about celebrating the people and projects that make quality of life improvement and economic growth possible across Nebraska.

“We are thrilled to be recognized with this award,” said Susan Norris, Director of Economic Development for the City of Plainview & Pierce County Economic Development. “It takes everyone working together toward a common goal and vision to achieve success. Watching Plainview transform and grow over the last five years due to strong collaborative partnerships between the City, its local boards and organizations, UNL Rural Prosperity, USDA, PCED and Five Rule Planning has been exciting. The smart growth strategy that was developed as a result of those partnerships helped us achieve our goals for growth, housing, economic development and placemaking faster than we thought possible.”

"Plainview is a great place to raise a family, our strength is in our citizens,” said Plainview City Administrator Jeremy Tarr. “We have active board members and passionate volunteers that dedicate their time to Plainview. They are the backbone of our community. Working hand-in hand with the City and the economic development director, they strive to make Plainview a better place for their families and future generations. Bettering a community is an all-in effort, and thanks to our great citizens, that is what pushed Plainview to improve. Our accomplishments have not come without hard work, risk and financial commitments. I believe
as a community we will continue to improve and grow as we move forward with our goals.”

Plainview’s accomplishments over the past five years are evidence of strong determination by local leaders and residents alike to confront local challenges and pursue opportunities for growth head-on.

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Following the award presentation at the Library, dignitaries took a driving tour of the community of Plainview to see firsthand the new housing development, expansions in business, showcase businesses, work being done with the Downtown Revitalization program, and projects like the ones in Chilvers Park that were recently completed.


After the driving tour, the Lt. Governor was treated to lunch at Mary’s Restaurant, and then a walking tour of downtown to view the DTR projects, with a stop for numerous television interviews. 

The award has garnered statewide attention as Plainview joins the Showcase ranks of North Platte, Central City, and a very small group of others.


A host of Plainview representatives and visits from across the State joined together for the Showcase Community award presentation at the Plainview Library last Thursday morning. Featured center are Lt. Governor Mike Foley and Plainview Mayor Brian Schlote, at Foley’s right, Dr. Mary Dougherty and City Administrator Jeremy Tarr, and at Schlote’s left, Council Members Tyler Sanne and Bob Smith, City Economic Developer Susan Norris and far right, City Clerk Courtney Retzlaff. Other in attendance were representing the University of Nebraska, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Nebraska Housing, the Pierce County Economic Development board, and numerous others.