Market Report

March 16, 2015 Leave a comment


Markets:

3/16/15 @ 9:47am

Dow Jones +159.14

S&P 500 +18.08

Nasdaq +36.44

 

The market rebounding this morning from a tough week last week.  Concerns of Yellen raising interest rates and the strength in the US dollar being among the reasons.  The US dollar & crude remain under pressure this week, with the dollar index falling this morning from the 100-point mark, and crude matching late-Jan lows overnight, technical traders are watching these

 

Grain:

 

May Corn -4 ½ @ 3.76

May Beans-1 @ 9.73

 

Fundamentally, corn and beans are looking for higher acreage estimates ahead, though demand data is on the way and expected to remain strong.

 

Friday was a lower volume day with the US dollar making another new high and pushing pushing down grain & energy commodities. We really didn’t see anything new on basis values heading into the weekend, if we continue to see negativity this week, we may see some added strength in basis.

 

Corn: Concerns of more competition coming from Ukraine, Argentina and Brazil with regard to corn coming to US ports, but lack of news in corn continue and corn stays range bound gradually pushing lower.  In the event of news regarding delayed planting, or weather may represent an opportunity for a cash sale.

 

Beans: NOPA crush out at 11 AM this morning looking for another record pace on crush with trade est. at 148.5 mil up from last year.  Argentina talking about flooding in the northern part of Argentina’s farm belt will reduce the country’s 2014/15 soybean production by 1 million to 2.5 million tons, experts said on Friday as growers started assessing damage done by heavy February and early March rains.

 

For Fun:

Did you know giving your children chores and actually requiring them to perform these duties may give them an edge in life?  Interesting enough 82% of people said they had chores growing up, but only 28% said they require their own children to do them.  Studies show chores benefit a child academically, emotionally and even professionally.  With a professor stating giving children chores at an early age helps to build a lasting send of mastery, responsibility and self-reliance!  So kids…..get your butt to work!

 

Read the article here http://www.wsj.com/articles/why-children-need-chores-1426262655?mod=trending_now_3

 

 

Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

P: (402) 685-5613 | C: (402) 380-9855 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

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Mervonne Doebke, 82, of Pierce NE

March 16, 2015 Leave a comment


Mervonne Doebke, 82, of Pierce, Nebraska passed away Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Pierce Manor in Pierce, Nebraska.

Memorial services are pending with Bressler-Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield, Nebraska

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Sign-up for Manufacturing Bootcamp to be Held in West Point

March 16, 2015 Leave a comment


By Patty Plugge

Executive Director of Burt County Economic Development Corporation

Are you interested in landing a job with one of our area manufacturers? Manufacturing Bootcamp may be just the ticket. Applications are now being taken for the next session to be held April 27 – June 24, Monday and Wednesday, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. at theNortheast Community College Extended Campus in West Point.

 

This class provides individuals basic workforce readiness skills, tools and techniques related to the application and management of quality production, customer service, and safety. Participants will obtain the skills necessary for success in a variety of manufacturing positions in the area. Successful program participants will be prepared to earn a set of stackable certificates, nationally recognized credentials, and the foundation for more advanced technical skill training. Job interviews with area manufacturers will be held after bootcamp has ended.

 

If you are interested in registering, call 402-844-7000. Cost is $99. Or stop by the West Point Extended Campus at the Nielsen Convention Center on Tuesday, April 21st, 12 – 8 pm, to talk to a representative for more information.

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Winner-Take-All System discussed by Nebraska Legislature

March 16, 2015 Leave a comment


 

Monday, March 2, was Day 36 of our 90-day session. The Legislature’s workload continues increasing and discussions remain, as always, interesting. Returning to the final hours of first round debate on LB10, the Legislature discussed reinstating the winner-take-all system for electoral votes. Our state used this method until 1991. After 1991, this bill was introduced nine times before 2008 and passed twice by the Legislature, but vetoed twice by then-Governor Ben Nelson. LB10 received thirty-one votes in favor of advancing to second round of debate.

 

Debate on LR10CA resumed which allows the voters to decide whether or not to remove the prohibition on legislative authority over games of chance. The Nebraska Constitution only permits the Legislature to authorize a small number of games of chance. The Legislature indefinitely postponed the resolution by a vote of twenty-seven ayes and sixteen nays.

 

Testifiers waited during many lengthy public hearings. LB623, introduced in our Transportation Committee, clarifies lawful status for eligibility for a motor vehicle operator’s license or state identification card. Currently, to receive a license or ID you must demonstrate lawful status by submitting certain federal or state documents. It is a difficult and emotional situation for children brought here years ago by parents who are, or were, illegal immigrants. Many of these children are now young adults painfully caught in the middle of wanting to do the right thing yet knowing their legal status inhibits them. Some are now college graduates with some form of legal documentation, but not the long-awaited citizenship. Some legal means of residency and citizenship can take nearly twenty-five years. Many rural employers expressed the value and appreciation of their hard work in helping fill longtime vacancies in jobs important to agriculture. For example, the Nebraska Cattlemen testified in support. District employers have contacted us and our federal delegation requesting assistance resolving the complex and stagnant immigration process on behalf of this work force. In 2012, then-Governor Heineman stated these young adults, known as deferred action childhood arrivals (DACA), would not be given operator’s licenses. I respect, understand, and supported this 2012 position. However, Nebraska remains the only state not granting this privilege. As a daughter of legal Ukrainian immigrants and a 1st generation American, this bill is extremely difficult. While we must not undermine legal means of immigration and the consequences for entering illegally, this bill provides compassion and opportunity for youth who came here by no choice of their own but made Nebraska their home. Constituents have weighed in heavily: many support and many oppose.

 

LB268 replaces the death penalty with a sentence of life without possibility of parole. It is also one of Senator Chamber’s bills passionately re-introduced. As I left the Capitol after 6 p.m. on Friday, the LB643 hearing was still underway. This is the Cannabis Compassion and Care Act supported by many testifying parents of children suffering from seizures. Notably, the Nebraska Medical Association was in opposition.

 

In our Revenue Committee, a few notable bills were heard: LB398 (eliminate tangible personal property from property tax), LB610 (raise gas tax to provide additional revenues for roads and bridges), and LB542 (provide sales tax exemption for agricultural society purchases).

 

Please contact me, administrative aide, Katie Wattermann, or legislative aide, Tom Venzor, with questions or thoughts at (402)471-2728 or e-mail at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov.

 

Keeping the Good Life Growing in Nebraska,

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16

Senator Lydia Brasch

Senator Lydia Brasch

 

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Keep Looking Up!

March 16, 2015 Leave a comment


katcountryhub's avatarKat Country Hub

By Gary Fugman
” Hot Topics in the Universe Revealed!”
The universe is full of mysterious objects.  These mysterious objects range from far away planets in our Solar System to forces in the center in our Milky Way and other galaxies.  Particularly in the 21st century astronomers have answered many more questions about mysteries in our universe, but with better images of the cosmos and more information gathered, more and more questions about astronomy have come to light.
Ten years ago Pastor Gary Fugman taught “Adventures in Astronomy” at Northeast Community College in West Point NE to dozens of area residents that wanted to know more about the night sky and the universe we all live in.  Now Pastor Gary and NECC-WP have once again collaborated to offer a new ground breaking, no, a sky breaking astronomy class, “Hot Topics in the Universe”.  The four session course will discuss and…

View original post 203 more words

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Oakland City Council Meeting Agenda

March 16, 2015 Leave a comment


 

The Oakland City Council meets today. Please review the agenda below. The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to attend!

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

CITY COUNCIL

CITY OF OAKLAND, NEBRASKA

 

MEETING NOTICE:

            NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Oakland, Nebraska, will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2015, at the Municipal Building, 401 North Oakland Avenue in Oakland, Nebraska for the regular monthly meeting.

An agenda for such meeting, kept continuously current is available for public inspection at the office of the City Clerk. Except for items of an emergency nature, the agenda shall not be enlarged later than twenty-four hours before the scheduled commencement of the meeting.

______________________________________________________________________________

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

 

I.                CALL TO ORDER

A.   Roll Call

B.   Establishment of a Quorum

C.   Reminder of Open Meeting Laws/Poster

D.   Approval of Minutes of March 27th,2015

E.    Treasurer’s Report: February

 

II.              SCHEDULED CITIZENS AND VISITORS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL

F.    Amy Guill- Special Liquor license request

G.   James Moseman- Endorsement for campaign for Presidential Youth Council.

H.   Tami Grover- Special Liquor License request

I.     Daniel Jones- Special Liquor License request

J.     Marilyn Tenney- Request to use Auditorium at no cost for Art Festival

K.   Alisa Uhing- Request to use Auditorium at no cost for Cancer Kickers.

L.    Julie Ogden- Industrial paving project

M. Bev Peterson

N.   Marilee Groth-Behalf of Oakland Police Department going to two officers

III.             OLD BUSINESS

O.   Consideration of Ordinance to change meeting time

P.    Dave Henke- Water & Sewer presentation

IV.             NEW BUSINESS

Q.   Recommendation and approval of a new member for the “Community Center Feasibility Study”

R.   Reactivation of seasonal personnel: Jim Toohey

S.

 

 

 

V.         COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS

A.   Police Department Report – Dan Jacobs

 

 

 

VI.             INFORMATION ITEM

 

VII.            DISCUSSION

VIII.          EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

  1. APPROVAL OF OPERATIONS BILLS AND WARRANTS
  2. Approval by motion

 

  1. ADJOURNMENT

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Red Flag Warning

March 16, 2015 Leave a comment 


RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM CDT THIS
EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PARTS OF EASTERN
NEBRASKA AND SOUTHWEST IOWA...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN OMAHA/VALLEY HAS ISSUED A RED
FLAG WARNING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...WHICH IS IN
EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING. THE FIRE WEATHER
WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* AFFECTED AREA...IN IOWA...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 043 MONONA...FIRE 
WEATHER ZONE 055 HARRISON...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 056 SHELBY...

FIRE WEATHER ZONE 069 POTTAWATTAMIE...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 079 
MILLS... FIRE WEATHER ZONE 080 MONTGOMERY...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
090 FREMONT AND FIRE WEATHER ZONE 091 PAGE. IN NEBRASKA...FIRE 
WEATHER ZONE 033 CUMING...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 034 BURT...FIRE 
WEATHER ZONE 042 PLATTE...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 043 COLFAX...FIRE 
WEATHER ZONE 044 DODGE...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 045 WASHINGTON...

FIRE WEATHER ZONE 050 BUTLER...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 051 
SAUNDERS...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 052 DOUGLAS...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
053 SARPY...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 065 SEWARD...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
066 LANCASTER...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 067 CASS...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
068 OTOE...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 078 SALINE...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
088 JEFFERSON...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 089 GAGE...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
090 JOHNSON...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 091 NEMAHA...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 
092 PAWNEE AND FIRE WEATHER ZONE 093 RICHARDSON.

* WINDS...SOUTHWEST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AS LOW AS 14 PERCENT.

* IMPACTS...ANY FIRES THAT DEVELOP WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO 
SPREAD RAPIDLY AND QUICKLY BECOME OUT OF CONTROL. OUTDOOR 
BURNING IS NOT RECOMMENDED. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES CAN
CONTRIBUTE TO EXTREME FIRE BEHAVIOR.

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Robert Kenneth Weatherly, Sr., 93, of Tekamah NE

March 15, 2015 Leave a comment


ROBERT KENNETH WEATHERLY, SR. was born to Fredrick and Jessie (McCloud) Weatherly in Cheyenne, Oklahoma on November 3, 1921. He passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at his residence in Tekamah, Nebraska

R.K. grew up in the Belgrade, Fullerton, Nebraska area, and along with his brothers and sister, came to settle in Tekamah.

On November 5, 1941, R.K. was married to Verna Nylene Underwood in Belgrade. They lived most of their lives on farms around Tekamah, where he enjoyed farming and selling irrigation. They moved into Tekamah in 1975.

R.K. was a member of the United Methodist Church of Tekamah, Master Mason of Tekamah Lodge #31, Tangier Shriners, proud Burt County Democrat, and loyal supporter of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

R.K. was preceded in death by his brother, F.M. Weatherly; sister, Dorothy Rieken; grandson, Michael Weatherly.

R.K. is survived by his wife of 73 years, Verna Nylene Underwood Weatherly, of Tekamah; children, Patricia Ann Nicholls, of Claremore, OK, Robert Kenneth (Beth) Weatherly, Jr., of Fremont, NE, Jerry Lynn Weatherly, of Bellevue, NE; three grandchildren, Mark (Amanda) Nicholls, of Irving, TX, Bruce (Teresa) Nicholls, of Claremore, Jill Weatherly, of Lincoln, NE; five great grandchildren, Tyler and Grant Nicholls of Claremore, Tori, Micah and Laura Nicholls of Irving. R.K. is also survived by brothers Sam (Jo) Weatherly, of Algona, IA, Denzel (Lois) Weatherly, of Tekamah; many nieces and nephews.

MEMORIAL and MASONIC SERVICE: Monday, March 16, 2015, 10:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Tekamah.

MEMORIAL GATHERING: Sunday, 5-7 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah.

BURIAL: Tekamah Cemetery.

MEMORIALS: To the family.

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

Robert Weatherly Sr.

Robert Weatherly Sr.

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Burt County Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

March 15, 2015 Leave a comment


OFFICE OF THE BURT COUNTY CLERK Burt County Board of Supervisors March 10, 2015 Minutes TEKAMAH NE 68061

The Burt County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 in the Boardroom of the Burt County Courthouse in Tekamah, Nebraska, pursuant to adjournment of their last meeting with the following members present: Matt Connealy, David Schold, Greg Brummond, Perry Rogers and Ted Connealy. Absent: Cliff Morrow and Gerald Newill.

The meeting opened at 9:00 A.M. upon motion by Schold, seconded by Rogers, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – M.Connealy, Schold, Brummond, Rogers and T.Connealy Nays – none. Absent – Morrow and Newill. Vice-Chairman M.Connealy informed the public that the Nebraska Open Meeting Act was posted on the wall.

Upon motion by T.Connealy, seconded by Brummond, the agenda was approved, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – M.Connealy, Schold, Brummond, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none. Absent – Morrow and Newill.

The County Clerk Report of Fees, the County Court Report of fines, the District Court Fee Report and the Zoning Report for February, were approved upon motion by Schold, seconded by Rogers, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes –M.Connealy, Schold, Brummond, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none. Absent – Morrow and Newill.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved upon motion by Rogers, seconded by Brummond, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – M.Connealy, Schold, Brummond, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none. Absent – Morrow and Newill.

The following Miscellaneous Receipts in the amount of $204,873.12, along with the Fund Balance Report, were approved upon motion by Rogers, seconded by Schold, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – M.Connealy, Schold, Brummond, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none. Absent – Morrow and Newill.

ZONING PERMITS
AIRLINE TAX FROM STATE
CO CLERK-FILING & RECORDING
CO CLERK-DOC STAMPS (CO. SHARE) CO CLERK-MISC
DISTRICT COURT-FILING FEES
DISTRICT COURT-COST REFUNDS DISTRICT COURT-MISC FEES & REVENUE DEPT SOCIAL SERVICES IV-D
CO COURT-MISC FEES
ELECTION REIMBURSEMENTS

710.00 1,435.90 1,841.50 2,656.23

205.24 230.00 212.80 400.75

2,953.17 365.00 50.00

1

March 10, 2015

CO SHERIFF-SERVICE FEES
CO SHERIFF-MILE & COSTS
INTOX/BREATH ANALYZER FEES
TITLE INSPECTION
GUN PERMITS
FINGER PRINT CHARGES
OVERLOAD FINES -25% CO SHARE
INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS
SALE OF SURPLUS EQUIP
NACO- MTG. REIMBURSE
MISC REVENUE -SERVICE FEE HIGHWAY/STREET ALLOCATION
ROAD INCENTIVE PAYMENT
FUND TRANSFER GEN-ROAD
CO CLERK-PRESERVATION & MODERNIZATION PLAT BOOK SALES
COUNTY 911 SURCHARGES
OVERLOAD FINES -5% STATE SHARE
CO COURT -FINES
CO COURT -BOND FORFEITURES
DECATUR FIRE-GENERAL
LYONS FIRE-GENERAL
OAKLAND FIRE-GENERAL
DECATUR FIRE-BOND
LYONS FIRE-BOND
OAKLAND FIRE-BOND

597.00 574.98 375.00 510.00 140.00

10.00 6.25 110.65 2.85 95.00 18.50 71,083.83 9,000.00 100,000.00 316.00 68.00 1,326.00 18.75 6,374.65 406.70 579.61 1,014.25 657.85 238.28 160.69 127.69

Patty Plugge from Burt County Economic Development gave an annual update of services and projects throughout Burt County that her office has been a part of and assisted with this past year. She also presented a 2015 Priorities Plan for the Burt County Economic Development District.

Upon motion by T.Connealy, seconded by Brummond, the Board approved a Special Designated Liquor License for L-TEN, LLC dba Pheasant Bonanza for a beer garden at their Warrior Dash Event on June 6, 2015, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – M.Connealy, Schold, Brummond, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none. Absent – Morrow and Newill.

Upon motion by Rogers, seconded by T.Connealy, the Board authorized Vice- Chairman M.Connealy to sign the letter to Ritterbush & Piotrowski regarding the audit they performed for Burt County on fiscal year 2013-2014, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – M.Connealy, Schold, Brummond, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none. Absent – Morrow and Newill.

The Board approved a new 5 year Lease with Pitney-Bowes for a Postage Machine, model Connect+1000. Upon motion by Brummond, seconded by Schold with roll call vote

2 March 10, 2015

as follows: Ayes – M.Connealy, Schold, Brummond, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none. Absent – Morrow and Newill.

Vice-Chairman M.Connealy moved the Board recess at 9:46 AM for Board of Equalization upon motion by Schold, seconded by Brummond, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – M.Connealy, Schold, Brummond, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none. Absent – Morrow and Newill.

The Burt County Board of Supervisors reconvened at 9:52 AM upon motion by Schold, seconded by Brummond, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – M.Connealy, Schold, Brummond, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none. Absent – Morrow and Newill.

Board Member Matt Connealy gave a report on LB609 Legislative Hearing he attended in Lincoln.

Road Superintendent Peggy Smith, Foreman Mike Braniff and the Board discussed possible equipment needs for Roads Dept. in the future. Smith reported that Midwest had presented an offer to buy the ‘old’ drag, the decision was to keep the old drag for now.

There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the Board adjourned at 10:05 A.M. until 9:00 A.M. March 31, 2015.

ATTEST: SARAH J. FREIDEL BURT COUNTY CLERK

CLIFFORD L. MORROW, CHAIRMAN BURT COUNTY BOARD OF

SUPERVISORS

3

March 10, 2015

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Women’s Entrepreneur Conference Coming to Grand Island During Women’s History Month

March 15, 2015 Leave a comment


Lyons, NE –  In honor of Women’s History Month in March, the Center for Rural Affairs Rural Enterprise Assistance Project’s (REAP) Women’s Business Center and U.S. Small  Business Administration will host the Women Entrepreneur Conference, featuring speakers designed to inspire and offer down-to-earth advice for women to start or grow a small business.

 

The event will take place on March 18 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the YWCA of Grand Island, 211 East Fonner Park Road.

 

The Conference is for anyone interested in becoming an entrepreneur or already an entrepreneur and looking to expand their knowledge. Participants will learn about financial statements and how to use them to determine the health of their business, find out about current legal issues that impact today’s entrepreneurs, and get the chance to network with other small business owners and prospective entrepreneurs.  Conference goers will also get the opportunity to learn from and ask questions to a panel of current women business owners.

 

Being an event dedicated to growing women entrepreneurship in Nebraska it is fitting that the REAP Women’s Business Center Entrepreneur of the Year be honored. Maria Swenson of Alliance will receive the award.  Using services from the Center’s Rural Enterprise Assistance Program (REAP), Maria is successfully operating and growing her business. This exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit so crucial to women-owned businesses and the rural Nebraska communities they call home.

 

Swenson will be presented her award by Monica Braun, REAP Women’s Business Center Director during the midday lunch break.

 

What:

The Women Entrepreneur Conference and presentation of Center for Rural Affair’s Women’s Business Center Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

 

When:

Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

Where:

YWCA

211 East Fonner Park Road

Grand Island, Nebraska

 

Registration covers lunch and may be paid at the door or online at: http://events.sba.gov/eventmanagement/EventRegistration.aspx?id=9bc4ad23-d99c-e411-8f7e-02bfa56e2a24.  For more information, please call Monica Braun, REAP Women’s Business Center Director at (402) 643-2673.

 

For more information on the Center for Rural Affairs or these events go to – www.cfra.org – or call (402)687-2100.

 

The REAP WBC is a program funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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