York County Shines on the National Stage: A Milestone Moment for Rural Economic Development

Why York County Update:

Lisa Hurley, Executive Director, York County Development Corporation

Representing York County Development Corporation (YCDC) at the national level is always an honor, but this year’s National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA) Annual Conference in Omaha, Nebraska, was particularly special. As the 2024 Conference Chair, I had the privilege of welcoming industry leaders from across the country to our great state, demonstrating firsthand why Nebraska is a leader in rural economic development. This year, over 30 Nebraska leaders joined the effort, sharing insights, success stories, and the authentic spirit that makes our communities thrive. I was particularly grateful to have Dr. Sue Crawford, City of York’s City Administrator, attend this conference. 

Elevating Nebraska’s Story on a National Stage

The conference’s location in Omaha served as a dynamic setting to spotlight the opportunities and innovations shaping rural America. The theme of the conference was “The Ripple Impacts of Successful Economic Development”, and we dove into business projects, leadership skills, and using humor. One of the program’s highlights was the in-depth case study of the Lincoln Premium Poultry (CostCo) in Fremont, which underscored the importance of infrastructure, partnerships, and vision in driving large-scale projects forward. This case study wasn’t just a success story for Nebraska; it provided actionable takeaways for communities nationwide looking to develop food production hubs or attract large employers. The Nebraska Economic Developers Association decided to highlight this project to show the broad impact of a larger project. I am proud to say that this project in Fremont has had an impact on suppliers in York County, and has over a $1.2 billion annual impact on Nebraska’s economy.

Another critical session that resonated deeply was “Mega Sites in Rural America,” focusing on the growing trend of large-scale site development. With industrial site selection becoming increasingly competitive, these mega sites represent significant opportunities for rural areas to attract major employers. The discussion centered on strategies for preparing, marketing, and financing mega sites while balancing the needs of rural communities. Hearing from experts in this space was both inspiring and validating for the work we’re doing as economic developers. It was also fun to partner with my friends at Terracon to host the site selectors for dinner Thursday evening to strengthen that relationship. 

A Personal Highlight: Leading and Learning

Serving as Conference Chair was both a professional milestone and a deeply rewarding experience. Coordinating a program of this caliber was no small task, but it allowed me to blend two of my passions: amplifying the voices of York County in addition to rural America, and connecting people with opportunities to grow. Seeing the engagement from attendees—whether during the sessions or over coffee—reinforced why gatherings like these are so essential.
A standout moment for me was witnessing Nebraska and Midwest leaders share their expertise on a national stage. Their insights into broadband expansion, workforce recruitment, and business development left a lasting impression. The energy in sessions like the case study and mega sites panel reaffirmed why rural development is so vital to the country’s economic future.

Looking Ahead: NREDA 2025

As the conference concluded, I was deeply honored to be elected as the 2025 President of NREDA. This role represents an opportunity not just for me but for all of Nebraska to continue shaping the conversation around rural economic development. It’s a chance to advocate for policies, programs, and innovations that will create lasting impact in rural communities nationwide. Next year, I will be able to join a DC Fly-In to meet with our elected officials, and key partners in rural development. 

Gratitude and a Call to Action

I’m immensely thankful for the YCDC board, stakeholders, and community for supporting me in representing York County on such a significant platform. Together, we’ve positioned York County as a leader in rural innovation and collaboration.

As we celebrate this milestone, I encourage everyone who is passionate about the future of rural America to get involved. Whether through initiatives like YCDC’s programs or national efforts with NREDA, your voice and participation are crucial.

From the success of the conference to the exciting opportunities ahead, one thing is clear: rural America’s best days are yet to come. Let’s keep building, connecting, and growing!