News & Media

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Blake didn’t have to come back to York. Although taking his place as the third generation of Woodruff financial advisors at Ameriprise Financial could have felt like an obligation, Blake makes it clear that York is the community he wants to live and work in.

Community-Builders Wanted: How to Receive State Tax Credits for Investing in Local Betterment Projects

Tuesday, August 06, 2019

"the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) wishes to inform you of an open application cycle for a program that offers 40% state tax credits for individuals and organizations who invest in qualifying community development projects through eligible cash donations or by providing services and materials."

Back to Her Heritage

Monday, August 05, 2019

This is the fourth article in a series that I will be working on during my summer internship at the York County Development Corporation. This series strives to highlight the stories of people who were raised in York County and came back as adults to develop their careers and raise their families. A place can only be as fantastic at its people, which is why the personal histories and current successes of these individuals shows us the true heart of York County. Back to Her Heritage Angie Berthold’s Story By: Sam Redfern, YCDC Intern A story that sounds like it was pulled from ...

Back to School

Monday, August 05, 2019

Earlier this year, Senator Julie Slama championed a much-needed update to our state’s civics education. It guarantees students will study American heroes like Standing Bear, Susan B. Anthony, and Abraham Lincoln. It also ensures that students will learn the patriotic songs that have become part of our national culture and develop proper respect for our country’s flag.

Striv named inaugural winner of Third District entrepreneur award

Friday, August 02, 2019

Congressman Adrian Smith has announced the winners of the inaugural Third District Young Entrepreneurial Awards – and one of the recipients is Striv Inc., a company started and run by Taylor Siebert in Henderson. The award was created to celebrate the efforts of young and rising leaders who strengthen their communities with their entrepreneurial spirit, Congressman Smith said. The winners will be recognized by Rep. Smith before the U.S. House of Representatives. Click here for the complete article.

Changing the Narrative: Stephanie Metzger's Story

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

This is the third article in a series that I am working on during my summer internship at the York County Development Corporation. This series strives to highlight the stories of people who were raised in York County and came back as adults to develop their careers and raise their families. A place can only be as fantastic at its people, which is why the personal histories and current successes of these individuals shows us the true heart of York County. Changing the Narrative Stephanie Metzger’s Story By Sam Redfern, YCDC Intern Most of the country seems to think small towns are running agains...

POLL: RURAL NEBRASKANS BECOMING MORE ACTIVE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Thirty-five percent of respondents to the 2019 Nebraska Rural Poll have worked with someone or some group to solve a problem in the community where they live during the past 12 months. This is an increase from 29% in 2015. (Craig Chandler/University Communication)

See You at the Fair

Monday, July 29, 2019

Nebraska’s farm families work incredibly hard to cultivate the crops and raise the livestock that enrich our state. Fairs display the fruits of their labor and help familiarize the rest of the state with the valuable contribution they make to Nebraska.

Planting New Roots - Maddie Elder's Story

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

This is the first article in the second series that I am working on during my summer internship at the York County Development Corporation. This series spotlights people who had no previous ties to York County before deciding to call it home. A place can only be as fantastic at its people, which is why the personal histories and current successes of these individuals shows us the true heart of York County. Planting New Roots Maddie Elder’s Story By Sam Redfern, YCDC Intern After growing up in McCook, Nebraska, Maddie Elder always thought that her adult life would begin in a big city. Onc...

Landing Back Home - Jane Brogan’s Perspective

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

This is the second article in a series that I am working on during my summer internship at the York County Development Corporation. This series strives to highlight the stories of people who were raised in York County and came back as adults to develop their careers and raise their families. A place can only be as fantastic at its people, which is why the personal histories and current successes of these individuals shows us the true heart of York County. Landing Back Home Jane Brogan’s Perspective By Sam Redfern, YCDC Intern Jane Brogan is always headed somewhere. Growing up in York, Nebraska sh...

Want an extra $10,000? Consider moving to these states

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

More than half of U.S. counties are now shrinking, thanks to low birth rates, aging baby boomers and skilled people moving to better job markets. According to recent research from the Economic Innovation Group, 50 million people live in counties with a lower population than they had a decade ago, and another 11 million live in counties with close to zero population growth. As a result, many of these states are struggling with a “brain drain” of educated workers moving elsewhere. For example, Vermont lost about 4% of its adult population with a bachelor’s degree or higher to other states in 2017, according t...

Coming Together To Grow - #WhyYorkCounty

Friday, July 05, 2019

Over the last six months, YCDC has been doing a soft roll-out of #WhyYorkCounty. If you follow us on social media, you might have noticed the hashtag, and wondered what it was for. Through the Marketing Hometown America, talent initiatives, and other planning in York County, a consistent identified need was an image and brand that says York County, and not an individual business. From these meetings, YCDC identified a need to create a County-wide brand that could be used to tell York County’s story. I would like to thank those that helped provide feedback and input as the YCD...

Dream careers - find yours in Nebraska

Friday, July 05, 2019

Are you looking for the career of your dreams? If so, Nebraska is the ideal place for you. Wages are growing rapidly. And we have tens of thousands of open jobs at any given time. To help people take these jobs, my team has started a number of initiatives. From the middle school years to career launches and transitions, we are connecting the next generation of Nebraskans to great opportunities. In 2015, I worked with the Legislature to create the Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI). During the last four years, this program has introduced more than 7,000 middle school students t...

Nebraska's Third District ranks first for agriculture

Tuesday, July 02, 2019

The Census of Agriculture ranks Nebraska’s expansive Third District first for farms and farmers, and among the top three for women farmers, cattle sales, and total acres.

Less than a Year since the Passage of LB 518 — the Rural Workforce Housing Investment Act — Progress, Enthusiasm Continue to Build

Monday, July 01, 2019

If rural economic development had an ingredients list, workforce housing might be somewhere near the top. “Housing enables communities to accommodate the workforce and support business development,” said Department of Economic Development (DED) Director Dave Rippe. “Communities that invest in their workforce housing stock can position themselves to grow and thrive.” Yet rural communities face unique challenges when it comes to building and rehabilitating homes. From high construction costs to developer scarcity and everything in between, creating the “places where jobs sleep” can be a monumental task. The State of Nebraska, through DED, administers an array of financial and technical assistance resources tha...

Building For Better - Jason Hirschfeld

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Building for Better: Jason Hirschfeld’s Impact By Sam Redfern, YCDC Intern This is the first article in a series that I will be working on during my summer internship at the York County Development Corporation. This series strives to highlight the stories of people who were raised in York County and came back as adults to develop their careers and raise their families. A place can only be as fantastic at its people, which is why the personal histories and current successes of these individuals shows us the true heart of York County. Jason Hirschfeld, known to many as Mr. Hirschfeld, seems to b...

Gov. Ricketts Accepts Major Economic Development Award on Behalf of the State of Nebraska

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Governor Pete Ricketts accepted a major economic development award on behalf of the State of Nebraska. Area Developmentmagazine—considered to be the leading executive magazine covering corporate site selection and relocation—presented Nebraska with the Silver Shovel Award for 2019. “Today is further proof that Nebraska is one of the best places in America to invest and do business,” said Governor Ricketts. “The Silver Shovel Award demonstrates that we continue to succeed at attracting great employers and creating quality, high-paying jobs for hardworking Nebraska families. Thank you to the numerous Nebraskans who helped build the environment that attracted these great opportunities and new investments.” Gol...

Coming Together To Grow June 2019

Friday, June 14, 2019

Lisa Hurley, CEcD, EDMP YCDC Executive Director I want you to picture this. Individuals willing to invest their life’s energy into building and sustaining community life. Catalysts emerging from across sectors, leveraging roles and relationships to enhance the quality of life in the places they call home. Their presence can make the difference between a place where people live near one another, and one where people connect. In smaller communities, these individuals often become targets and experience high burnout. The Sherwood Foundation, developed the Catalyst program to invite change agents into groups, to provide connections, leadership training, self-care training and other opportunitie...

YCDC's Executive Director Becomes Economic Development Master Practitioner

Monday, June 03, 2019

Lisa Hurley Completes Advanced Economic Development Program Lisa Hurley, Executive Director of York County Development Corporation, recently completed the Advanced Economic Development Leadership (AEDL) program. AEDL is a two-week executive education course developed by four partner universities (The University of Alabama, Clemson University, Texas Christian University, the University of Southern Mississippi). At graduation ceremonies in Kansas City, Missouri, graduates were awarded the Economic Development Master Practitioner diploma. The Advanced program is an experiential course that explores economic development subjects that impact communities and states across the U.S. Instructors include site consultants, business leaders, nationally known subject experts and university professors. This world-class facult...

Businesses partner with Nebraska middle schools to raise early interest in manufacturing

Sunday, June 02, 2019

It’ll take years until they see the results, but Nucor Detailing Center is willing to wait. The Norfolk company is partnering with Norfolk Junior High School and four other area schools to expose seventh- and eighth-graders to manufacturing and IT-related fields and machinery. The long-term goal? To have more people consider careers in manufacturing and IT, like those available at Nucor. The shorter-term goal? Introduce students to the field early so they are more likely to choose relevant classes in high school and college programs. Read full article.

Gov. Ricketts Announces Release of “Nebraska Disaster Resource Guide”

Saturday, June 01, 2019

Governor Pete Ricketts announced the release of a consolidated guide for Nebraskans in need of disaster relief resources. The guide was created as a reference for Nebraskans to utilize as a resource based on the state’s experience following historic flooding that devastated many areas of the state in March. “The Nebraska Disaster Resource Guide was developed with both public and private partners to aid Nebraskans personally recovering from disasters as well as those working to assist them,” said Governor Ricketts. “Navigating government agencies and a wide variety of community partners can seem overwhelming. The guide will help Nebraskans get connected t...

Local View: ImagiNE Nebraska Act will grow state

Friday, May 31, 2019

Nebraska’s current program to incent employers to locate or expand in Nebraska will expire in 2020. With a record of bringing more than 850 business expansions to our state, 100,000 new jobs and $30 billion in capital investment since 1987 -- under both LB775 and the Nebraska Advantage Act, according to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development -- Nebraska cannot afford to be without a program. We must keep our “open for business” sign illuminated. Read full article.

Nebraska must pursue strategy on workforce growth

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Nebraska faces a major workforce shortage in a wide range of jobs. Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is right when he says, "This is now the most pressing economic issue in the state." But Nebraska has tremendous potential to turn the problem around. We should strive to be a national leader on this issue. Let’s show the rest of the country how smart planning and a collaborative, can-do attitude can help a state make groundbreaking strides forward on workforce development. Nebraska boasts major strengths, including a lower cost of living and sound, strategic investments being mad...

York County unemployment rate slightly decreases

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

According to figures provided by the Nebraska Department of Labor, the unemployment rate in York County in April was 2.6 percent, compared to 2.9 percent in March. The unemployment rate in York County in April, 2018, was 2.5 percent – so it has remained quite consistent over the past year or so. The department of labor says York County’s labor force was 7,361 people in April. Of those, 194 were considered to be unemployed.

NEBRASKA COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT CENTER – TWENTY YEARS STRONG

Monday, May 20, 2019

Since 1999, the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center has provided technical assistance, education and training to groups who are developing or are considering the development of a cooperatively owned business. The primary objective has been and is to improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative business development. NCDC continues to be committed to working with communities and organizations from idea formation to implementation. As we reflect on the 20th year of the Center, this article revisits the cooperative model. Often in economics, cooperatives are described as formed for a market failure. That may be the case, but that failure creates a...

'Quality of place' key, says state DED chief

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

McCOOK, Neb. — Communities that concentrate on quality of life and basics like adequate housing and a trained labor pool are more successful in supporting and attracting businesses, a state official told the McCook Rotary Club. David Rippe, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, told the group that the communities that are focusing on building a quality of place where people want to live are the communities that are “ahead of the curve.” He explained that jobs are everywhere and the entire country is in a “war for talent.” Read full article.

Business Spotlight: Cornerstone Building Brands

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Our brands provide complete building solutions for the residential and commercial markets In November 2018, Ply Gem Building Products and NCI Building Systems merged together to become the single largest manufacturer of exterior building products in North America. Better together, the combined organization offers unparalleled expertise in creating products and solutions for the commercial and residential construction industries and delivers on decades of experience serving customers and communities across North America. Since 1984, NCI Building Systems has grown through strategic mergers and acquisitions. Now part of Cornerstone Building Brands, the organization continues to design, manufacture and deliver a comprehensive range of products fo...

Business Spotlight: Henderson Health Care

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

We take pride in continually bringing new and innovative care and services to our facilities while preserving the traditions of patient-centered care that have characterized our philosophy for more than 65 years. Henderson Health Care encourages wellness, provides exceptional medical care and offers long term living alternatives for area residents.

Business Spotlight: York General

Monday, May 13, 2019

York General (York, Nebraska) is a community, not-for-profit, multi-facility organization. For over 100 years York General has provided quality patient/resident care, a broad range of services and a strong commitment to York and the surrounding communities through the dedicated efforts of caregivers and support staff. York General provides a vast array of services to the area through the hospital building, Hearthstone, Willow Brook, and the West View building. York General Hospital is a 25-bed critical access facility offering a wide range of primary care and specialty services. One of those services is Emergency services. The Emergency Department at York Genera...

Business Spotlight: A+ Construction

Friday, May 10, 2019

Starting in March of 1998, A+ Construction has become one of the areas premier builders. A+ Construction is a family owned construction business started by Kelly Bukaske. Making your dream home come to life is their goal. They have highly trained experts behind every task. This includes framing, siding, roofing, finish carpentry and more. High quality work is very important to them and they take great pride in a tidy working environment as they build homes, duplexes, apartments, and more. With 20 years under their belt, building in York and the surrounding areas, their contractor...

Gov. Ricketts Announces International Trade Mission to Vietnam and Japan

Thursday, May 09, 2019

“The key to export success is building on existing relationships and creating new opportunities in international marketplaces, and there’s a lot of room for growth in ag exports to Vietnam, particularly in beef, pork, corn, soybeans and distillers grains,” said Director Wellman. “Farmers and ranchers are the best people to tell the story of Nebraska agriculture and to show consumers and agribusiness leaders the quality ag products that Nebraska has to offer. I encourage Nebraska agriculture representatives to consider joining us on this upcoming trade mission.”

Gov. Ricketts, State Agencies Form Task Force to Provide Housing Relief

Thursday, May 09, 2019

“Towns across Nebraska lost hundreds of homes due to the flood,” said Governor Ricketts. “I’m grateful that friends and relatives have stepped in to give shelter to families displaced by the storm, but we know these families need a longer-term solution. The Task Force will have the expertise and coordinating capacity to provide more permanent housing options in those communities hit hardest by flooding.”

'We have a workforce crisis': Nebraska leaders sounding alarm about unfilled jobs

Wednesday, May 08, 2019

LINCOLN — Hudl represents an economic development touchdown for Nebraska, a software startup that literally transformed the way football teams break down film and prepare for games. But to fuel the explosive growth that has seen the company go from three workers to more than 1,400 in just 13 years, Hudl in the past year had to farm out about a dozen high-paying, high-tech jobs to locations outside Nebraska. Hudl simply couldn’t find the workers here to fill them. Read full article.

The path to an early stage funding in Nebraska

Friday, May 03, 2019

Continue to full case study.

A meeting, a magazine, a comedian and a sign: how Fred Hoiberg's path back to coaching ended in Lincoln

Thursday, May 02, 2019

As everyone expected with this whole thing, you can pin the success of Nebraska basketball's coaching search on American Airlines and Larry the Cable Guy. OK, yes, it took more than that to get Fred Hoiberg on a stage in front of more than a hundred people on the third floor of Memorial Stadium for his introductory press conference as the Huskers' next head man. But sometimes you need a sign. For Hoiberg and wife Carol, that sign came at 40,000 feet in the air. Flying home from watching son Jack's Michigan State team play in the NCAA Tournament, Hoiberg pulled an American Wa...

Grit, tenacity and imagination needed to revitalize rural Nebraska

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

Last December, the New York Times wrote rural America’s obituary. Citing three decades of population growth in tech hubs like Boston and Silicon Valley, the message was clear: As middle America dies, the coasts’ high-skilled, high-wage workers will feed off their own success while the rest of us dwindle into nothingness. Folks living in Omaha and Lincoln are in the same boat as Norfolk, Broken Bow, and Hyannis, according to the Times. Offsetting every effort to build confidence in our state, 20- and 30-year-olds in Somerville, Massachusetts, dismiss Nebraska as “flyover country” as they create explosive value in a knowledge econom...

Editorial: This important incentive program helps Nebraska startups get off the ground

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Many states are surpassing Nebraska in creating high-productivity, high-wage jobs, mainly in technical industries, that give significant economic advantages to those states. Startups in Nebraska also often find it difficult to obtain venture capital funding early in their development. An existing Nebraska incentive program, the Business Innovation Act, has helped on this front, and the Appropriations Committee has rightly prioritized legislation this session to strengthen the program. Legislative Bill 334, by State Sen. John Stinner of Gering, would end another, less-successful incentive program, to free up $4 million to add to the Business Innovation Act. This would mean nearly $10 millio...

Department of Economic Development Announces Open Application Cycle for CDBG Disaster Recovery Planning Grants

Tuesday, April 02, 2019

In response to the March flooding disaster, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has announced an open application cycle for recovery-related grants under the 2018 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Planning category. Depending upon community needs, the CDBG Planning priority can support the preparation of strategic planning studies and feasibility analyses, including those pertaining to disaster mitigation and long-term recovery planning. Local governments, municipalities and counties may apply for assistance with disaster recovery, mitigation plans, community strategic planning, special studies and functional studies. Read full article.

Why York County Talent Spotlight - Familes chose York County as home

Monday, March 18, 2019

Two young families, who were friends in York County growing up, both decide to move back to raise their kids.

Ricketts: Agriculture drives Nebraska’s economy

Friday, March 15, 2019

Nebraska’s dominance in agriculture is reflected in our national rankings. We are No.1 for cattle on feed, popcorn and great northern beans. No. 2 in cattle and calves, ethanol production and hay production. No. 3 in corn for grain production and cash receipts from all livestock and products as well as fourth in cash receipts generated from all farm commodities. And we are fifth for soybean production. This past year, ag-related projects helped bring home Nebraska’s third consecutive award for the most economic development projects per capita in the nation. For example, Michael Foods invested $150 million at their poultry operatio...

CITY OF YORK USES FUNDING FOR HOUSING PURCHASE/REHAB/RESALE

Tuesday, March 05, 2019

The goal is to assist persons/families in need, improve the availability of quality housing, and promote homeownership. The City of York will purchase the unit, perform the necessary rehabilitation, and resell the unit to the applicant while also providing down payment assistance. Down payment assistance can be as much as 20% of the purchase price and takes the form of a deferred, no-interest loan on the property that is due on sale.

Coming Together to Grow January 2019

Monday, January 07, 2019

York County businesses continue to tell a story of a need for talent and workforce. As of today, York County businesses have 361 open positions listed on NEWorks. There is a wide variety of positions listed, from highly skilled to entry-level positions. I would argue that the need for workers is greater, since some businesses do not use NEWorks for employee recruitment. Our research has shown that York County’s talent is impacted by items such as housing options, training, daycare, and quality of life. Those items are impacting both our ability to grow our existing business base, and also recruitin...

Lisa Hurley's video releases "Why Millennials Are Choosing York County" Nebaska White Paper

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

IANR launches working group focused on rural community prosperity

Friday, July 12, 2019

“The University of Nebraska is a key resource for the state’s rural communities,” said NU Vice President and IANR Harlan Vice Chancellor Mike Boehm. “As part of our efforts to ensure the continued competitiveness of our state, this working group will help rural communities position themselves for long-term economic prosperity.”

Lisa Hurley's #WhyYorkCounty

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

How to Write the Perfect Resume: Data Proves There Is a Formula

Tuesday, July 09, 2019

By Siri Hedreen, Business News Daily When convincing employers of your ability, providing specific evidence has been shown to be more effective than stating one's skills. Resumes featuring keywords that imply proactivity and managerial skills are correlated with higher employer ratings. Resumes suggesting self-centeredness, a need for training or resistance to hard work are correlated with lower employer ratings. "Know your audience" may well be the central tenet of the art of persuasion. The same principle applies to resumes – in effect, the first step in persuading someone to hire you. With that in mind, the best place to get resume tips should be your audience...

Business Spotlight: Nutrition Services

Thursday, May 02, 2019

The new 30,000 square foot warehouse facility and the adjoining 3,000 square foot retail space certainly fit the bill. The facility was also located on the property to leave space in the rea for further expansion in the future if needed. Hours for the retail store front are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.