With each passing year, the Center for Rural Affairs assists more and more entrepreneurs in making their dreams a reality. And, as the number of small business owners grows, so does their need for assistance.
One of the newest members on the Center’s team is Lori Schrader, northeast Nebraska loan specialist. She serves entrepreneurs in the northeast corner of the state, including Antelope, Burt, Cedar, Cuming, Dixon, Dakota, Knox, Madison, Pierce, Stanton, Thurston, and Wayne counties.
So far, she’s enjoying this role.
“Meeting and working with people and having opportunities to help grow rural communities is something I truly enjoy,” said Lori. “My hope is to grow my knowledge of this region and my portfolio by meeting and networking my position as much as possible.”
Lori is excited to be part of the small business team, where she works with new and existing small businesses to help them develop business plans, obtain funding, and receive training. She also helps with technical assistance and the Center’s loan program.
A background in the banking industry, as well as experience with commercial and personal insurance, aids Lori in her responsibilities at the Center.
And, though she’s not originally from a small town, Lori loves being a part of rural America.
“I was born in a large city, but I love the fact that in rural areas people know each other and help one another,” she said. “Rural America has so much potential, and when people come together, it can really blossom.”
When Lori isn’t working, she and her husband stay busy attending the activities of their three children – tennis matches, volleyball games, and soccer games. They are also active in their church, and enjoy spending time on their patio watching their three dogs play.
Lori works from her home office as well as out of the Center’s main office in Lyons. She can be reached at 402.870.7070 or at loris@cfra.org.
