NORFOLK, Neb. -- Pinnacle Bank, member FDIC, has joined the growing number of businesses investing in the Northeast Community College iHub in downtown Norfolk.
Pinnacle has committed $25,000 to the project.
The iHub is a 16,000+ square-foot, state-of-the-art workforce development and community fabrication facility located in the 700 block of West Norfolk Avenue. Designed to be a cornerstone of lifelong learning, innovation, and collaboration, the iHub will be equipped with cutting-edge labs for industrial automation, electromechanical, robotics, prototyping, and both wood and metalworking.
Kevin Black, Pinnacle regional president and Wisner market president, coordinated Pinnacle’s support for iHub. “Pinnacle Bank is excited to invest in the future of our area with our support of iHub,” he said.
“Having a state-of-the-art facility of this kind available for local students, businesses, and community members will be an invaluable resource,” Black continued. “Education is one of our core values at Pinnacle Bank, and being able to support projects like iHub that keep our community learning and growing is so important to us.”
Founded in 1938 in Palmer, Nebraska, Pinnacle Bank has grown into a trusted, family-owned banking network spanning eight states. Since 1959, Pinnacle has been proud to serve Northeast Nebraska. Pinnacle has five branches inside Northeast Community College’s 20-county service area: Madison, Neligh, O’Neill, Verdigre and Wisner.
iHub Director Erin Sorensen thanked Pinnacle Bank for its support.
“Collaboration and partnerships are the foundation of the IHub,” she said, “and we are proud to have Pinnacle Bank as a partner.”
Sorensen explained that the iHub will provide hands-on learning for all ages throughout the 20-county area served by Northeast Community College, whether on-site or through outreach to remote areas.
“This facility, the staff, and the equipment that it houses will empower learners from 4th grade to adulthood, to gain industry-recognized credentials, explore diverse career pathways, and engage in hands-on STEAM education,” she said.
The total iHub project cost is expected to be $8.5 million. Initial funding came from a $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and a $750,000 Community Project Funding Request from U.S. Representative Mike Flood. After accounting for the initial investment of institutional matching funds for some equipment and the purchase of the facility, the remaining gap is $2 million.
The college recently announced two leadership gifts for the iHub: $250,000 from Nucor Divisions in Nebraska and $250,000 from Norfolk Iron and Metal. Other manufacturers, employers, and financial institutions are also being asked to support the project with fundraising efforts continuing through the spring.
For more information on the iHub Campaign, contact Tracy Kruse at foundation@northeast.edu or call 402-844-7240. Online donations are accepted at northeast.edu/give. Checks may also be mailed to the iHub Campaign, Northeast Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 469, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469.
Pinnacle Bank Donation
Pinnacle Bank has committed $25,000 to the Northeast Community College iHub in downtown Norfolk. Shown here from Pinnacle (from left) are Paula Havranek, Kevin Black and Megan Bilstein. (Northeast Community College)
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