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Submitted on behalf of economic development leaders in Ogallala, Holdredge, Kearney, and Hastings.The recent commentary published by the Nebraska Examiner and submitted by leaders of the state’s largest chambers of commerce and our statewide economic development association rightly calls for a laser focus on economic development and competitiveness to grow...
Kearney has been selected by the Nebraska Diplomats as the 2025 Community of the Year!This award recognizes significant achievements and economic momentum within communities. In recent years, Kearney has undertaken several major initiatives to grow its economy, attract tourism, and enhance local quality of life, including:Cultural and recreational attractions, such as...
The results of #KearneyTomorrow2050 are in.Through community surveys and focus groups, residents helped identify key challenges and exciting opportunities that will shape Kearney over the next 50 years.Now, in partnership with the City of Kearney Nebraska Government, Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Kearney we’re moving forward with a shared vision...
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Buffalo County Economic Pulse | July 2025
Jul 18 2025Welcome back to our monthly Economic Pulse report, where we break down the latest trends shaping the economic landscape of Kearney and Buffalo County. This interactive snapshot is designed to empower businesses, policymakers, and residents with the insights they need to make informed, data-driven decisions.Labor Force: Growth with a Grain...
The City of Kearney proudly announces its designation as Nebraska’s fifth and final Good Life District, marking a significant milestone in economic development and community growth. Over the next 30 years, this initiative will drive tourism, support business growth, and enhance the overall quality of life for both Kearney residents...
A new non-profit has formed in Elm Creek to bring childcare services to their rural community, Elm Creek Childcare Initiative (ECCI). After two home childcare providers announced retirements, leaving the community searching for options, the community applied and received Communities for Kids grant. This grant provided planning funds to bring...
Welcome back to our monthly Economic Pulse report, where we break down the latest trends shaping the economic landscape of Kearney and Buffalo County. This interactive snapshot is designed to empower businesses, policymakers, and residents with the insights they need to make informed, data-driven decisions.Key TakeawaysFull Throttle, Some Turbulence, and...
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents today approved the appointment of Dr. Neal H. Schnoor as the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney.The vote took place during the board’s regularly scheduled meeting at Varner Hall in Lincoln.A Nebraska native and former longtime faculty member and administrator...
The Archway is celebrating 25 years of business and service to the Kearney community.At the quarter century mark, The Archway has already boosted tourism in the City of Kearney.“In 2024, we had visitors from all 50 states including Washington D.C. We had visitors from 69 countries around the world,” Cherry...
Development Council for Buffalo County President Trevor Lee was honored for his service as the outgoing president of the Nebraska Economic Developers Association (NEDA) during the organization’s annual conference, held May 28–30 in La Vista.Lee has been a dedicated member of the NEDA Board since 2015, having served in every...
Last week we celebrated the retirement of our dear friend and colleague, Roger Jasnoch.Jasnoch has been the Director of the Kearney Visitors' Bureau for the past 38 years and will retire officially at the end of June.Here's an insightful perspective on Roger's immense impact on Kearney, as told by local...
Charlie Wolford, who launched his business journey at just 17, has rapidly transformed his holiday lighting service into a dynamic, multi-state enterprise. Now 22, Wolford leads Haven Lighting Solutions and Haven Patio Furniture, companies with headquarters in Kearney, NE, and Rapid City, SD, and ambitions to expand nationally. His businesses generate...
Welcome back to our monthly Economic Pulse report, where we break down the latest trends shaping the economic landscape of Kearney and Buffalo County. This interactive snapshot is designed to empower businesses, policymakers, and residents with the insights they need to make informed, data-driven decisions.Key Takeaways Labor Force & Unemployment: A...
The City of Ravenna, Nebraska recently completed a new 4-plex housing project, supported by a $350,000 grant from the Rural Workforce Housing Fund and $175,000 in local funding. This initiative enhances affordable housing options in the community and showcases the power of collaboration and investment. Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF) provides competitive...
Four talented students from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management are helping a national fashion retailer based in Kearney advance toward offering its guests a tailor-made online fashion stylist experience.Buckle, which employs about 8,000 people with more than 440 stores in 42 states,...
Earlier this month, the first high-quality child care provider was licensed by the State and is open for business due to a collaborative regional approach to creating new child care openings.A local Buffalo County model to seek, train, and license new child care providers in Buffalo County was expanded to...
Yesterday, the Development Council for Buffalo County held its Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon at the Gail & Michael Yanney Pavilion. The event was a resounding success, bringing together community members to celebrate local achievements and discuss important economic initiatives.K.C. Belitz and Dena Beck from the Nebraska Department of Economic...
What's the economic pulse in Buffalo County right now? We'll break it down for you in our monthly Economic Pulse report.This interactive report is designed to offer valuable insights into the economic health and trends within our Kearney and Buffalo County, empowering businesses, policymakers, and residents to stay informed and...
As the sun begins its final descent on another day in central Nebraska, cars race by on the interstate heading somewhere.Once upon a time, there wasn’t much to see passing exit 272.“It’s a ton different, absolutely,” said Mayor Jonathan Nikkila.“It wasn’t long ago it was just the Holiday Inn right...
One of the largest sporting facilities in the region was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 10. The City of Kearney’s SportPlex is the culmination of four years of hard work and dedication.Located near Interstate 80, the 209,000 square foot facility will offer a year-round, climate-controlled...
$200,000 has been awarded by 6 Regions, One Nebraska to support early childhood workforce development over 26 counties in Central NE. These funds will be used to support child care champions in providing one-on-one mentoring to help entrepreneurs obtain childcare licensure, create business plans, and access business development resources.Congratulations to...
On March 4-5, a collaborative public engagement group hosted a series of visioning sessions asking area residents, "What will Kearney look like in 2050?"Their goal? To transform visionary ideas and leads into strategic action, ensuring a stronger, more vibrant future for the Kearney area.Throughout Kearney Tomorrow 2050 sessions, several common...
PLEASANTON, Neb. – A central Nebraska village has been chosen to take part in a state-wide program that supports the development of young children.According to a news release, Pleasanton was selected to be part of the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation 'Communities for Kids' program, a state-wide initiative which supports...
Kearney, NE | February 20, 2025 – The Development Council, Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Kearney, along with over 200 community members, celebrated the grand opening of their new building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.In 2022, these three entities formed the “Kearney Partnership,” a nonprofit organization with equal ownership...