The Development Council for Buffalo County recently hosted 150+ economic development professionals from across Nebraska at the 2026 Nebraska Economic Developers Association (NEDA) Annual Conference, June 10–12. The event brought together peers 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.
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.
