Nebraska

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns on April 19 announced the appointment of Scot Blehm as the Nebraska State Director for USDA Rural Development.

"Scot Blehm brings to the Bush administration team a grassroots understanding of the community and economic development needs of rural Nebraska," said Johanns. "His background in agriculture and rural issues will serve the residents of Nebraska well."

Blehm, from Mitchell, currently serves as the district office manager for U.S. Representative Tom Osborne of the 3rd District of Nebraska. Blehm has served in this capacity since April of 2002. During this time, he has directed Congressman Osborne's rural initiatives effort by serving as the team leader in creating a rural economic development handbook and resource guide and hosted numerous conferences related to rural development issues.

Blehm holds a bachelor of science and master of science degrees from Colorado State University and has authored numerous science related publications and patents during his career.

Blehm remains active in his family farm and livestock operation and is a member of the Nebraska Ag Relations Council, Nebraska Rural Renaissance and an ex-officio member of the Nebraska Rural Development Commission. He received the Outstanding Young Men of America award in 1992.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development has invested over $50 billion since the beginning of the Bush administration to provide equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. As a result, over 800,000 jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Date: 4/20/05