YCDC Celebrates Entrepreneurship, Manufacturing, and Momentum Across York County

YCDC Celebrates Entrepreneurship, Manufacturing, and Momentum Across York County

By Lisa Hurley, Executive Director, York County Development Corporation

Fall is always one of the busiest times of year for the York County Development Corporation (YCDC), and 2025 has been no exception. From supporting entrepreneurs and celebrating manufacturers to preparing for the upcoming legislative session, our team has been moving full speed ahead — all with one goal in mind: strengthening York County’s economy and quality of life.

Empowering Entrepreneurs

October had one of my favorite programs, the SPARK Pitch Contest, which continues to grow. The event provides a platform for local entrepreneurs to share their business ideas, receive feedback, and compete for funding to turn their vision into reality.

This year’s winners, Lighthouse Lead and Doug Rood Photography, are perfect examples of the innovation and creativity that thrive here. Each brings something unique to our local business landscape — from personal senior services to creative storytelling through photography. It’s inspiring to see these small businesses take the next step in their journey with the community cheering them on.

Programs like SPARK remind us that innovation doesn’t only happen in big cities. It happens right here in rural Nebraska, where ideas grow from community support and a shared belief that small businesses are the heartbeat of a thriving local economy.

Celebrating Manufacturing Month

October also marks Manufacturing Month, and we’re proud to celebrate the industries and people who make York County a powerhouse of production. Manufacturers like Klute Inc., Collins Aerospace, Cyclonaire, Corteva, and others are creating high-quality jobs, offering valuable training, and giving back to the community in countless ways.

This year, YCDC helped coordinate tours and outreach activities to connect local students and educators with area manufacturers. These experiences are critical for showing students that great careers exist right here — whether in advanced manufacturing, engineering, or skilled trades. When young people can see opportunities close to home, they’re more likely to build their future here too. One of the girls who participated in the tours told me she was surprised by the range of opportunities available at NPPD — exactly the kind of discovery we hope for.

Amplifying York County’s Story

In 2025, our Good Life Is Calling Marketing Grant took our talent attraction efforts to the next level. We launched a series of new videos and digital ads showcasing York County’s opportunities, quality of life, and the people who make this place so special. You can watch the videos at youtube.com/@YorkCoDevCo. Thank you to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, York University, and York County Visitors Bureau for your partnership on these videos. 

The results speak for themselves. The data below shows only half of the first month of the paid campaign period, which started in mid-September. It will be fun to track these results and to work with our businesses to see if they receive a spike in job applications or interest from out-of-state people!

• Google Ads: 23,918 impressions, 439 clicks, and an impressive 1.84% Click-Through Rate (CTR).
• Facebook Ads: 43,584 impressions, 27,263 reach, and an even stronger 3.39% CTR.

Both rates are outstanding in the digital marketing world — proof that people are paying attention to York County’s story.

Engaging in Statewide Policy Conversations

As we look toward 2026, I’ve also been spending time at legislative hearings and committee meetings to better understand what’s coming in the next session. From southeast Nebraska to statewide meetings, there have been many virtual meetings, and trips to Lincoln, Kearney, and Omaha. Policy decisions made in Lincoln impact our local businesses, housing developments, workforce programs, and infrastructure projects. By staying informed and sharing the rural perspective, YCDC ensures that York County’s voice — and the voices of other rural communities — are heard.

Working Together for the Future

There’s an incredible amount of momentum building across York County, and it’s because of the people who believe in this place; our entrepreneurs, employers, educators, elected officials, and community partners. Every meeting, every project, and every idea shared moves us one step closer to a stronger, more connected future.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or someone just discovering our community, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Rural Nebraska’s story is one of collaboration, resilience, and opportunity — and here in York County, we’re proud to be writing the next chapter together.