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Buffalo County Economic Pulse | April 2025
Apr 15 2025What'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...
Kearney SportsPlex Facility Opens
Apr 11 2025One 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...
The Development Council for Buffalo County is pleased to announce the addition of five distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors, and the appointment of new officers.New directors include:Kimber Bonner, Vice President of Patient Care Services, CHI Health Good SamaritanNick Ridgeway, Shareholder, Jacobsen Orr Kurt Schmidt, City Council, City of KearneyJason...
A recent study revealed that the University of Nebraska generates $6.4 billion annually and supports one in every 20 Nebraska jobs.It also highlighted the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK)'s pivotal role in driving economic growth and development in Kearney, Buffalo County, and the broader Nebraska region. UNK Operations ImpactIn fiscal...
A new study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Bureau of Business Research confirms the strong—and rising—return on investment from the State’s Business Innovation Act (BIA) programs.The report examined the overall economic impact BIA programs have had by empowering early-stage entrepreneurial ventures. BIA funds have generated $11.52 of private capital investment for...
KEARNEY — The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated reopening on Saturday, May 3, 2025.Following an extensive expansion, restoration, and renovation, MONA will unveil its revitalized historic building and a brand-new 23,000-square-foot expansion, marking a new chapter for Nebraska’s art and cultural community.The reimagined...
The community of Ravenna has recently been selected to be part of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation Communities for Kids, a state-wide initiative which supports young children, families and those providing their care. The Communities for Kids initiative is a multi-year planning and implementation initiative that was created in response...
Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly awarded prizes to three teams of aspiring college entrepreneurs through the 2nd Annual Nebraska Governor’s New Venture Competition. Awardees were announced during Thursday’s Nebraska Business Hall of Fame banquet at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. Ten teams were selected as semi-finalists. The winners, prize amounts and...
We have a new year, a new Congress, a new Legislature, and a new president. Within the policy and political world, there is a whirlwind of change and a mix of excitement with equal amounts of uncertainty. Both state and federal government policy and budget decisions made in the next...
KEARNEY – Brenda Jensen is a big supporter of the Nebraska Good Life Opportunities Program.When the new scholarship program was announced last fall, she came to the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus to meet with prospective students and talk about her career.“Public administration is kind of an unknown field,”...
The University of Nebraska-Kearney Rural Immersion Program is an important recruitment tool, providing an opportunity to connect with health science students early in their college careers and show them “all the good things happening in rural health care across the state of Nebraska.”Said, Cozad Health CEO Robert Dyer, “There’s a...
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators announced on Thursday that Central Elementary from Kearney has been named a National Elementary and Secondary Education Act Distinguished School by the state education agency in Nebraska.According to Kearney Public Schools, Central Elementary is one of 69 schools nationwide recognized for exceptional...
The City of Kearney is opening the annual Downtown Rehabilitation Grant program.This program has been developed to assist business owners, property owners, and developers whom wish to reinvest into their properties in the Downtown District. A 50% minimum cash match is required.The Downtown Rehabilitation Grant Program is designed to encourage...
Kearney, Nebraska – The City of Kearney is excited to announce the award of a $2.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). This grant will fund critical infrastructure improvements to support business growth and development in northeast Kearney.The grant will provide for essential water,...
Kearney city council approves actions for 45 housing lots near M Ave for Habitat for Humanity
Jan 15 2025The Kearney city council approved various actions that would allow for the creation of an eventual 45 housing lots near M Avenue for Kearney Area Habitat for Humanity.The land in question lies east of M Avenue and north of E. 17th St.Craig Bennett with Miller & Associates appeared representing Kearney...
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KEARNEY, NE – The Development Council for Buffalo County is delighted to announce the appointment of Amanda Polacek as the new Director of Operations & Marketing. In her new role, Amanda will work closely with the President on a range of economic development initiatives, including business recruitment, retention, and expansion, housing, and...
State of the States 2025
Jan 3 2025Well, it’s been quite a year. And as far as state economic development policies and news go, it’s about to be quite another year.Looking back and looking forward, among the themes to emerge across the 50 state legislatures are workforce housing, streamlining of permitting, child care, infrastructure and shovel-ready site...
After more than two decades on the city council and 18 years as mayor, Stan Clouse didn’t seek reelection this cycle. KEARNEY, Neb. — The city of Kearney is going through a transition time in the new year, as is the city’s most prominent public official.After more than two decades on...
Kearney, Nebraska (December 2024) — The Development Council for Buffalo County has officially moved into its new office space, a state-of-the-art 12,000+ square foot building that it now shares with the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Kearney. This new facility, strategically located near the Younes Conference Center and the Kearney...