Linderholm, Frayser honored for economic development service
The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development recognized two key volunteers for their service to Lincoln’s economic development efforts.
Jim Linderholm, Chairman of HWS Consulting and Steve Frayser, President of the University of Nebraska Technology Park were honored for their outstanding work in advancing economic development in Lincoln. The awards were presented at the Partnership’s annual lunch, June 16.
Linderholm has been serving as chairman of the Greater Lincoln Workforce Investment Board for 12 consecutive years. He was recognized for serving as the leader of the Regional Innovation Grant process that was recently completed. The grant was a partnership between the Greater Lincoln Workforce Board and the Partnership for Economic Development.
“Jim is a master of bringing all sides together to develop solutions to common problems,” said Wendy Birdsall, President of the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development. She explained how Linderholm’s steadfast and determined leadership style made the Regional Innovation Grant project a success.
“This process has led to representatives from all sectors of higher education, state and local workforce boards and regional economic development organizations to agree to a regional compact that is historic in that it is the first time these collective groups will be striving to create more jobs for Southeast Nebraska,” Birdsall said.
"Likewise, Steve Frayser’s long history of economic development leadership brings a great deal of expertise to Lincoln. Frayser is currently the President of the University of Nebraska Technology Park. Birdsall acknowledged his work by saying, “Steve Frayser is one of the partners without whom, many of the successes of the past five years would have been impossible.”
Frayser plays a key role in attracting and retaining both small and large technology-based companies. In fact, his dedication has brought Lincoln over 2,000 new jobs including Verizon Wireless and Dell Systems.
Birdsall continued to praise Frayser’s work by saying, “Between 1997 and 2006, the park helped launch 30 new companies, including 18 software firms, four engineering firms, four business services firms, three biotechnology firms and one nanotechnology firm.”
Furthermore, Frayser not only brings promising businesses into Lincoln, but he also helps the Partnership grow from within.
“On a personal note, Steve has served as a mentor and trusted advisor to a number of our staff over the years at the Partnership and has been instrumental in moving our program forward,” Birdsall said.
The economic development awards have been given for four years to individuals that advance objectives of Lincoln’s economic development strategies. Past recipients include:
Liz Shotkoski (Young Professionals Group)
Reid Curtis (Nebraska Business Plan Competition)
Todd Hall (Business Retention and Expansion Survey Program)
Mary Simmons (Lincoln’s Regional Marketing Program)
Richard Baier (State Economic Development Leadership)
Frank Hilsabeck (Retiring Chairman of the Partnership)