Wagner Area Growth is excited to announce that Michele Juffer has accepted the position as the new Economic Developer for the Wagner community. She started in the position on March 8, 2021, and while she is part-time in this position, Juffer comes into the role with big goals and high hopes. “I look forward to being of service and seeing our wonderful community thrive,” she said.

Juffer, who loves the outdoors, including sailing and boating in the area, is married to Gerrit Juffer. Together they have three daughters, Jacqueline, Kathleen, and Sidney.

Juffer moved to Wagner in 1992 after working for the University of Nebraska Lincoln as the Assistant Director of Housing. In that position, she oversaw the summer camps and conference operations, and she acted as the point of contact for the new student enrollment regarding housing needs at the university. In addition to that work, she was also involved in crisis line work where she assisted individuals who were experiencing mental health issues.

While in Wagner, Juffer has acted as the administrator at the Good Samaritan Society from 1994-2107, working as a part of the team that provides care to the elderly and others in need in our community. She acted on the ELGSS National Board of Directors, and was a member of a national board in Washington, D.C. that focused on rural health. “I felt so blessed to be a part of the Good Samaritan Society here in Wagner,” Juffer said. “So many people touched my life.”

In moving into this role as economic developer, Juffer really wants to see Wagner and the surrounding area grow. “I really see Wagner as the heart of the south eastern part of the state. Wagner and the surrounding area is really one of the best kept secrets of the state,” she said.

Juffer sees many strengths in our community, and the greatest one, she believes, is the people in our community and in the area. Dedicated, hard working, friendly people who are willing to help others out are traits that come to mind when she thinks of individuals here.

Instead of looking at things as challenges, Juffer prefers to call them opportunities. “Being rural, we have some opportunities where we can showcase all of the good things we have to offer,” she said. Some of these opportunities include our local businesses and being in a great area of the state.

Wagner Area Growth president Roger Schroeder spoke proudly on behalf of Juffer taking on this position. “The board is very excited,” he said. “She has a lot of experience and connections with people, and she truly cares about the community of Wagner.”

Juffer is currently beginning her work as Economic Developer by working with local leaders to learn more about their vision in order to incorporate ideas into the community. She plans to stop by local businesses each week, but she also invites people to contact her with thoughts, ideas, and questions. You can stop by her office at 104 1st Street SE in Wagner, or you can email her at director@wagnerareagrowth.org.