A couple of years ago, a new Web site went up called MoveBackToNebraska.com. This Web-based service aims to recruit out-of-state professionals and entrepreneurs who were raised and educated in Nebraska by informing them of job openings and entrepreneurial opportunities here in the Cornhusker State.The goal of the site is "to bring sharp, talented and enthusiastic people back home," reversing brain drain -- the all-too-frequently occurring scenario in which young Nebraskans are educated in our state and then take their talents and revenue-producing potential outside the state lines.
The verdict is still out on MoveBackToNebraska.com. While we appreciate the pro-active thought and effort that went into the site, we think small communities can go one step further.
The fact is, for most people who wish to return to their home area, the thought of moving back to their hometown probably holds as much -- if not more -- appeal than just relocating within their home state's boundaries.We see fertile ground for opportunity. Dorchester leaders -- perhaps a combination of school employees and city officials or DACA members -- may wish to consider establishing a new campaign to recruit DHS alumni back to the area by informing them of jobs as well as available real estate, including businesses and vacant buildings for sale. The Dorchester Public School holds the most complete database of alumni contact information. However, the Dorchester Times would be more than happy to assist in any widespread communication effort.
Dorchester, like all small Nebraska communities, must reach out to its sons and daughters who have moved away -- for whatever reasons -- to another city or state, but now have thoughts of returning to our community and the surrounding area. We need their talents. We want them to be part of Dorchester once again.
Considering the soaring cost of living in large urban areas, and the higher quality of life offered by our town, the time is right for a Move-Back-To-Dorchester campaign. 
Of course, we also hope that Dorchester teachers and parents are already encouraging our grade school, junior high school, and high school students to consider returning to the Dorchester area after they further their education. These young people need to know that the future of our town depends on them.
We would like to know your thoughts on the idea of a Move-Back-To-Dorchester campaign. Readers are also encouraged to share their recruitment ideas.
The people in Dorchester (and the surrounding countryside ... like me) should count their lucky stars........ there are many small farming communities to the south and west that are nearing the end of their life cycle ........ because Dorchester is close to major employment centers in Seward, Lincoln and Crete, we have lots going for our town....... we could easily support more people here.......
ReplyDeleteIf there are young families looking to move back to Dorchester, they should consider the new northwest development going in. Ron Zoubek has put in a new road. It looks like at least four homes could be placed there. A sign near 12th St. has the phone number to call for details. Good location for those working in Seward or Lincoln.
ReplyDeleteThere are many options for families wanting to move into Dorchester. There are existing homes for sale and there are many more properties that are already zoned for building on the east and south sides of town along with the west side. Maybe we need all this information available with the list of homes for sale. Love reading other residents and outsiders comments. I along with local and distant family members read the Dorchester Times everyday to keep up on times of meetings and games and new from meetings we cannot attend because of work hours. I love seeing that other surrounding town members appreciate your hard work to keep Dorchester and Saline County informed on our great town. You are appreciated for all of you involved in Dorchester, NE on the WWW. Sando 75
ReplyDeleteDorchester needs this new school if you want more people to move in. September 12th should be the launch of the pavement project. Area landowners are going to pay for the school. Town residents should be willing to pave the streets and clean up the run-down property. A new school will draw new students, and a paved, clean community will draw new residents.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Amen! Amen! Im not being sarcastic when I nominate the person who wrote the comments above to run for village board. We need that type of proactive response and we need vision. Any small town can wallow in the status quo. Any pea brain can say "no" to improvement ideas. WE NEED VISION!
ReplyDeleteThere are several different strategies that could be implemented in order for a "Move Back to Dorchester" initiative to be successful.
ReplyDeleteFirst their must be adequate housing stock available to persons interested in moving to Dorchester. One suggestion would be contacting Blue Valley Community Action. They are a local housing specialist for Saline County that can provide insight into qualifying for programs such as owner-occupied rehab, purchase-rehab-resale, or down-payment assistance projects. Typically these programs are ran through a housing organization, and not on an individual basis. A place to start would be:
Blue Valley Community Action
Jerri Kerr, Director
620 5th Street, Fairbury NE 68352
402.729.2278 ext. 304
Another contact would be with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development:
Paula Rhian
Southeast Housing Specialist
402-471-3760
mailto:paula.rhian@ded.ne.gov
Second, there must be a way to market available property to outside audiences. In a prior post for suggestions to DACA, the creation of free website provided by NPPD would be an example of a marketing tool. Available property could be listed on the site with appropriate contact information, etc.
Third, for a "Move back to Dorchester" initiative to be successful, residents must view the community as a product.You are trying to "sell a product". Is Dorchester marketable? The community must continue to be proactive in improving the appearance of Dorchester. Efforts must be maintained to show the positive attributes of living in a small town and at all times maintain a positive attitude about living in Dorchester.
Mike says that for a "Move back to Dorchester" initiative to be successful, residents must view the community as a product. You are trying to "sell a product".
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mike. It also takes a marketing team to sell a product. It's funny that about 20% of readers of this blog don't see keeping Dorchester's youth as a priority according to the poll. For our sake and theirs, I hope that 20% live outside of our town or at least let us know who they are so we don't waste any time with them.
the buildings in our town need much
ReplyDeleteimproving. take torn curtains out of windows and paint where needed. paving the streets would be of great value in making dorchester a very neat looking town. there are some properties that need to be improved on. getting to know our neighbors. there are wonderful people here in our town-it would be great if we could ALL work together and make it better. J