Development Council, Partners Welcome Community to New Building

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 stakes. This formalization of their longstanding collaboration led to the construction of a $5.3 million, 12,000 sq ft building at the corner of Talmage and 11th Ave in southeast Kearney’s growing hospitality district.

The Development Council has been a key player in driving economic growth and community development in Buffalo County. The new building symbolizes the Council's commitment to fostering a thriving business environment and enhancing the quality of life for residents, and doing so with key partners in the Chamber and Visitors Bureau.
 

A New Era for Community Development
This state-of-the-art facility serves as a hub for the Development Council and provides a centralized location for the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Kearney. The strategic co-location aims to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and better serve the community's needs.

Trevor Lee, Development Council President, expressed his gratitude: “We sincerely thank the partners who made this possible, especially Jon Abegglen and Paul Younes for championing the fundraising campaign, the City of Kearney, former City Manager Mike Morgan, the Buffalo County board of commissioners, and the many businesses and individuals who invested in this project. This is an investment in Kearney and Buffalo County, the Chamber and Development Council, and our members. It’s also an investment in the Visitor’s Bureau and the thriving tourism industry. Know that the Development Council shows up every day to outwork our peers and peer communities and ensures that your investment pays dividends.”

The Development Council's role in this project underscores its dedication to creating opportunities for local businesses and attracting new investments to the area. By providing resources, support, and advocacy, the Council continues to be a driving force behind Kearney's economic vitality.
 

Community Engagement and Future Prospects
The grand opening event highlighted the strong community support for the Development Council's initiatives. Attendees toured the new facility, learned about the services offered, and engaged with staff and board members of all three entities.

Looking ahead, the Development Council is poised to leverage this new space to further its mission of promoting sustainable growth and development. With modern amenities and a prime location, the building is set to become a cornerstone of Kearney's economic landscape.

Photos courtesy of Visit Kearney.