Finding Resources
for Dreamers
to Become Doers
A Dynamic Community
Can Move Mountains
Small Communities and Small Businesses, Dynamic Organizations and Dynamic Individuals all go hand in hand. BBA is founded in the core belief that the people of the community, whether they are elected leaders, volunteers, business owners, or residents, are the key to identifying what is best for the place where they live and work.
BB Associates are passionate about community and economic development. Vibrant towns require diverse efforts - and there are resources available for ambitious creators who know where to look. We can help show you where that is, and bring you and your organization together with others who share your goal.
What We Do (and do well)
Helping communities reach their full potential.
LB840 Application Administration
We are your applicant resource to ensure information requested by the city meets the economic development plan, and we facilitate a complete document compilation for city staff.
Request for Info (RFI) or Request for Proposal (RFP)
With approved partnership, we work with the State Dept. of Economic Development to respond to inquiries for industry location in the region based on available property, identified criteria and demographic information.
Downtown Revitalization
We locate available resources and programs to benefit a community in reimagining, improving, and energizing their downtown as they would envision - including bringing in outside resources for funding, leverage education and expert programming.
Business Retention & Expansion Visits
BBA can identify needs and trends employers and shops are facing - keeping cities informed of the issues business owners are facing and helping them celebrate their success.
Point of Contact for Unsolicited Request
As a potential investor in your community makes a request for information regarding Economic Development programs, incentives and location availability, we can perform initial vetting to help determine legitimate interest, saving your staff time.
Location One Information Systems (LOIS)
BBA can increase visibility of available sites and buildings for sale or lease to enable relocation or creation of new enterprise through the LOIS national database.
What You Get
Results
Regular
Updates
Communication and Reporting
Tailored
Reports
You know your ideas are great.
We help you make them happen.
Michelle Coolidge, BBA Director is a life-long resident of the Nebraska panhandle. Her background includes 10 years in elected municipal leadership, including the role of Mayor; economic and community development; work in the mortgage servicing industry; mediation and facilitation services; and higher ed administrative services. Her community involvement has included volunteering for community boards and local youth organizations. A recognized “Doer” and champion for the places everyone calls home, Michelle has used her background to connect needs to resources, navigate the limitations of budgets and legislation, and motivate groups to complete their projects.
In 2022, she realized she could be a more effective and nimble actor by hanging her own shingle, and through BB Associates Consulting she is sharing her expertise at bringing together communities, businesses, private individuals and NGOs in the ways that best serve the area’s development.
Certifications with Ongoing Training
Heartland Basic Economic Development (IEDC)
Marketing and Attraction (IEDC)
Nebraska Community Development Block Grant Administrator Certified (NDED)
Destination Creation Training Facilitator (WNCC)
Memberships
Nebraska Economic Developers Association (NEDA)
League of Nebraska Municipalities Associate Member (LONM)
International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Experience Where it Matters
Six years City Council, 4 years Mayor
Western Nebraska Economic Development Municipal Chair
Land Bank Consultant / Presenter to League
LONM Small Communities Legislative Committee Member
Leadership Certified Community (LCC) Submission
Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC) renewal
Rural Workforce Housing Grant Administration
Panhandle Area Development District Board Member
Community Mediation and Facilitation Trained
Public Accounting Budget Coordination
Testimonials
Nick Schulz, Senior Partner, RDG Planning & Design, Omaha
“Michelle is truly an asset for any project or client she engages. Her ability to manage people, processes, and expectations throughout the project makes her a valuable member of any team. Her vast experience in both the public and private sectors provides her the insight and understanding of what it takes to create a successful project no matter the size and complexity.”
Mike S
“I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle Coolidge on multiple community projects. As an administrator and as a city mayor she was always prepared, self-driven and passionate about her job and the people she served. Michelle always displayed forward thinking vision and realistic expectations as well as a great work ethic.”
Jared L
"Our project would have never seen the light of day had Michelle not consistently followed up and pushed us all. When we got tired from all the obstacles she'd phone and email us all to make sure we hadn't given up. Her passion for the community is infectious."