YCDC Team Attends 2026 Nebraska Economic Developers Association Annual Conference

The York County Development Corporation (YCDC) team recently joined economic development professionals from across Nebraska at the 2026 Nebraska Economic Developers Association (NEDA) Annual Conference, held June 10–12 in Kearney. The annual event brings together leaders, community builders, and industry experts to share ideas, discuss emerging trends, and strengthen the partnerships that help Nebraska communities grow and thrive.

This year's conference focused on the evolving challenges and opportunities facing economic development across the state. Sessions explored topics such as workforce development, housing, entrepreneurship, community storytelling, site readiness, legislative updates, and strategies for building vibrant and resilient local economies. The conference also created space for honest conversations about some of the more complex issues facing communities today, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping Nebraska's future.

The conference featured nationally and regionally recognized speakers, including keynote presenter Cory Hepola, whose message centered on the power of storytelling and the role communities play in shaping their own narratives. Additional sessions encouraged attendees to think creatively about workforce challenges, economic competitiveness, and the opportunities that arise through strong public-private partnerships.

The conference also a session called "Reality Check, What's next Nebraska", which presented data around wage and population growth, and a presentation by Courtney Dunbar, a national speaker and site-selector for Burns McDonald. This presentation challenged us to look at the data, hear what others are saying, and gave attendees ideas of what to build upon as a state. 

YCDC was proud to be represented not only as attendees but also as contributors to the conference's educational programming. Executive Director Lisa Hurley served as one of the featured speakers in the breakout session, "Real-World Ethics in Economic Development Decisions," co-presenting alongside Shannon Landauer of the Hastings Economic Development Corporation. The session explored real-life scenarios and the ethical considerations economic developers face while balancing the needs of businesses, communities, and stakeholders. It encouraged open discussion around integrity, transparency, and responsible decision-making—values that are essential to the profession.

Reflecting on the conference, Hurley shared that one of NEDA's greatest strengths is the opportunity to connect with peers from across the state.

"Economic development can look different in every community, but when we come together, we're speaking the same language," Hurley said. "It's energizing to learn from one another, support each other, and bring fresh ideas back home."

The Nebraska Economic Developers Association serves as the state's leading professional organization for economic developers, dedicated to advancing Nebraska's business climate and fostering collaboration among those working to strengthen communities across the state. Through educational opportunities, networking, and professional development, NEDA helps equip local leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to support sustainable economic growth.

For YCDC, participating in the annual conference is an investment in the future of York County. The ideas, relationships, and best practices shared throughout the event help inform local initiatives and strengthen the organization's ability to support businesses, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and community growth.

YCDC extends its appreciation to the Nebraska Economic Developers Association, the Education Committee, and the City of Kearney for hosting another outstanding conference. We look forward to building on the conversations and connections made during the event as we continue creating opportunities and strengthening York County for generations to come.