A Community Update from York County Development Corporation

At York County Development Corporation (YCDC), our work continues to center on one simple goal: supporting a strong, prepared, and connected York County, today and into the future.

As we move through the early months of the year, our team is actively engaged in initiatives that strengthen our workforce pipeline, support leadership development, and ensure our community’s voice is represented in important policy conversations.

One of our current focus areas is York Regional Career Day, which will be held on March 10th. We are working closely with employers, educators, and partners to create meaningful exposure for students to the wide range of career opportunities available right here in our region. Events like this are about more than a single day; they help young people connect classroom learning to real-world careers while helping employers build awareness of future talent. The event will also include businesses set up in a “job fair” format for students who are looking for a job or want to further explore career options with participating employers.

At the same time, we are recruiting participants for upcoming Dale Carnegie Leadership and Management Training, which begins in March. Leadership development remains a priority for YCDC, because strong organizations and strong communities are built by people who are confident, capable, and prepared to lead. These trainings support employers, managers, and emerging leaders across York County as they invest in their teams and themselves.

I’ve also enjoyed giving community tours to several interested parties over the past few months. From businesses to individuals considering a move to York County, to housing developers, it’s rewarding to see their reactions as I share our local stories and the growth happening here. It’s amazing what fresh eyes notice—and how powerful those perspectives can be.

Those conversations also extend to ongoing business visits and check-ins with existing employers, where we continue to listen, problem-solve, and support the businesses that already call York County home.

Beyond local programming, YCDC is actively engaged in state, local, and national policy conversations that affect our business community. I currently serve on the board of the Nebraska Economic Developers Association and on its Legislative Committee, where I monitor state legislation and work with peers across Nebraska to better understand how proposed bills may impact housing, workforce, infrastructure, and business growth.

In this role, I’m able to connect those policy discussions directly back to York County—helping state senators understand how past programs have impacted our communities and how future legislation could affect local businesses, investment decisions, and long-term planning. Many of these conversations also intersect directly with housing, an area where continued progress is essential to workforce recruitment, business growth, and community vitality in York County.

In addition, I serve on the board of the National Rural Economic Developers Association and on its Rural Issues Committee. This group is currently developing a Rural Issues Paper to help guide conversations during a Washington, D.C. fly-in later this year, ensuring rural communities like ours are represented and understood during national policy discussions. Last year, I was able to incorporate stories and data from our area into more than 20 meetings during the D.C. fly-in, reinforcing how impactful real, on-the-ground examples can be in conversations with legislators and partners. One of our housing stories actually was spoken about on the floor by Senator Ricketts after a visit with his team on a DC trip.

Looking ahead, our focus remains on aligning talent, housing, infrastructure, and leadership development so York County is prepared for both near-term opportunities and long-term growth.

This work, whether hosting a career event, supporting leadership training, engaging with businesses, or participating in legislative conversations—is all connected. It reflects YCDC’s role as a convener, connector, and advocate: bringing information back home, translating it into local context, and helping our communities and businesses prepare for what’s ahead.

We are grateful for the continued support, collaboration, and engagement from our stakeholders, partners, and residents. Progress happens when we work together, ask good questions, and stay focused on what’s next.

If you’re interested in getting involved, whether as a Career Day participant, a leadership training attendee, or a community partner—we invite you to connect with us. York County’s momentum is built by people who show up, share ideas, and invest in the future.
 

Lisa Hurley, CEcD
Executive Director