LINCOLN- Attracting both people and businesses to Nebraska will be the main focus of K.C. Belitz, the states new top economic developer. Belitz, a former longtime head of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, said economic developers today must deal with issues dramatically different from a decade or so ago. Housing and child care, for example, are among services that “clearly are part of the puzzle,” said Belitz.

Gov. Jim Pillen announced Belitz as his choice to lead the Department of Economic Development, which has 130 full-time positions and has quickly grown with new grants and programs funded in part through federal pandemic dollars. Belitz, who hails from Pillen’s hometown, replaces Tony Goins, who resigned April 5 from his $215,000-a-year-job amid conflict of interest questions. According to a department spokesperson, the DED’s base budget this fiscal year is $881 million, up from about $58 million and 68 full-time positions five years ago.

Pillen said the search for the new DED director was typical. He said that there was “tremendous interest” for the advertised position and that three finalists were interviewed. He said he sought a director who understands “how important the culture of an organization and a team is,” and who hits the sweet spot with energy, experience and enthusiasm. Belitz is to step into the post July 5. Pillen said.

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