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 organizations 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 officer role and leading as president for the past two years. During that time, NEDA experienced significant growth and transformation, including a successful transition from volunteer-led operations to partnerships with two professional association management firms—enhancing both sustainability and member services.
Lees helped NEDA secure a dedicated lobbying firm to represent the interests of its members and communities —an essential step that dramatically elevated the organizations advocacy efforts. This strategic move not only expanded NEDAs legislative committee but also greatly enhanced its ability to shape public policy in support of economic and community development across Nebraska. It marked a turning point in how the organization engages with lawmakers and influences statewide initiatives.
At the conference, Lee also secured Kearney as the host city for the 2026 NEDA Annual Conference, scheduled for June 10–12, 2026. The event will bring together over 200 community development professionals to explore the impact of tourism and public-private partnerships on Nebraskas economic future.
“Serving on the NEDA board has been an incredible honor,” said Lee. “Im proud of all weve achieved and am excited to see how the organization continues to evolve. NEDA has had a profound impact on my career, but more importantly, its given me the opportunity to build lasting personal and professional relationships with others who are just as passionate about community development. Thats something truly irreplaceable.”
NEDA is Nebraskas largest association of community development professionals, offering education, advocacy, and networking opportunities. Learn more at www.neda1.org.
