A Monthly Update from YCDC

A Monthly Update from YCDC
Lisa Hurley, Executive Director
York County Development Corporation

One of the questions that comes up regularly in conversations with businesses, site selectors, and within our own communities is simple: What types of industries are you trying to recruit to York County?

It’s a fair question, and one worth answering clearly.

Over the past several months, YCDC has updated its target industries. This work was not about chasing trends. It was about taking a practical look at York County’s existing businesses, workforce, infrastructure, location, regional resources, and future opportunities.

It was also about being honest and strategic. Utility demands for large facilities are changing as technology and equipment needs evolve. At the same time, we want to focus on industries that fit York County and offer the potential for higher-wage jobs, stronger supply chain connections, and long-term community value.

Just as importantly, this approach recognizes that much of our future growth will continue to come from the industries already here. Companies operating in York County today are a key part of our economic foundation, and supporting their continued growth is one of the most important parts of our economic development strategy. By identifying companies that can partner with or supply others in the region, York County becomes stronger.

For the community, this means we are being more intentional about which opportunities we pursue and why.

Target Industries

Based on that work, YCDC has identified five target industry areas:

•    Agricultural & Industrial Equipment Component Manufacturing
•    Automation, Controls, Robotics & Industrial Technology
•    Specialty Metal Fabrication & Industrial Assembly
•    Rail-Adjacent Building Materials & Industrial Products
•    Technical Service, OEM Support & Industrial Operations Hubs
 

These sectors were selected intentionally. They reflect not only what we can support locally, but also the industries and supply chains already present across the region. In many cases, these are areas where York County businesses are already contributing, either directly or as part of a larger production network.

These targets give us focus, but they do not close the door on other projects that may be a strong fit. Instead, they help YCDC prioritize outreach, respond more clearly to inquiries, and direct limited time and resources where York County is most competitive.
 

This alignment matters. Companies are not making location decisions in isolation. They are looking at access to suppliers, customers, workforce, and transportation. York County’s strength is that we can connect to those existing systems.
In other words, we are trying to grow where York County already has a foundation to compete.

 
A Question We Often Hear

Alongside this conversation, we are often asked why we are not actively recruiting larger-scale projects such as soybean processing facilities or biofuels production.

Those industries are important and play a significant role in Nebraska’s economy. Locally, we support ag-related production and value-added agriculture, and we continue to look for ways to strengthen York County’s position over time.

At the same time, projects of that scale come with very specific requirements, particularly related to utilities, infrastructure, water, wastewater, power, natural gas, and overall site readiness. York County has strong assets, including a central location and well-established transportation networks, but there are still thresholds that must be met to competitively pursue some of the largest processing or production projects.

That does not mean the door is closed. It means the work has to be strategic. We will continue to stay at the table with partners, evaluate infrastructure needs, and look for opportunities to expand what York County can support in the future.
 

In the meantime, our focus remains on opportunities that align with our current strengths, while continuing to support the ag-related, manufacturing, and industrial companies already operating here. We also remain committed to helping grow companies that provide higher-paying jobs, quality workplaces, and long-term value for York County.

Why This Matters in Practice

Having clearly defined target industries helps guide our day-to-day work.

When YCDC is working with site selectors, responding to project inquiries, or partnering at the state, regional, and local levels, this focus allows us to clearly communicate where York County is a strong fit.

It also reinforces what we already know: our logistics and location are a competitive advantage.

York County’s proximity to major transportation routes, combined with access to rail and regional markets, positions us well for industries that rely on the efficient movement of goods. That strength is one of the reasons several of our targeted sectors, including rail-served and equipment-related industries, make sense here.

Combined with a strong manufacturing base and available sites, it allows us to compete effectively for the right opportunities.

Site Readiness and Available Opportunities

A major part of that competitiveness comes down to site readiness.

One of the key locations we continue to highlight is the Northwest York Industrial Park.

This site aligns well with several of the industries we are targeting because it offers available industrial land, strong highway access, rail adjacency, and the flexibility needed to support a range of industrial users, from manufacturing and fabrication to distribution and service operations.

Having sites like this available allows us to move conversations forward. When a company is evaluating options, being able to point to a site that fits their needs and can support their timeline makes a difference.

Continuing the Work

Economic development does not happen overnight. It is built through planning, conversations, and a clear understanding of where a community is best positioned to succeed.

Our updated target industries are part of that effort. They provide focus, support our existing business base, and connect with regional supply chains that strengthen our competitiveness.
 

At the same time, we will continue working on long-term investments, particularly in infrastructure and workforce, that expand what is possible for York County.

If you are a business considering expansion, a company evaluating locations, or simply interested in where York County is headed, we welcome the conversation.