"Moving Forward, Working Together"
North Platte, Nebraska
April 23-24, 2025
Community development professionals from across the country are heading to North Platte Nebraska, for the 6th annual Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference on April 23-24. Hosted by Rural Prosperity Nebraska, this unique “walking conference” immerses attendees in the city’s entrepreneurial spirit, with nearly 30 sessions held inside locally-owned businesses. From workforce development to local food systems, experts will share innovative strategies to help communities thrive. With networking events, hands-on learning, and real-world business insights, this conference is a must-attend for anyone passionate about fostering community growth. Register now to be part of the movement shaping the future of rural prosperity.
See below for the 2025 conference schedule.
Click Here to Register
Wednesday, April 23
11:00 am - 11:45 am
11:45 am - 12:50 pm
Welcome to the Conference
Conference Opening
Welcome to CEC 2025—Ben Dutton, , Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension Educator
Welcome to North Platte—Mayor Brandon Kelliher
Keynote Presentation—Lisa Citta
Brief Address—Brian Sloane, President of Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
Lisa Citta, Owner, Axes & Aces
"Doing Your Homework: Building Relationships with Local Businesses"
Lisa Citta will explore how entrepreneurship can fill gaps, create jobs, and strengthen local communities. Through real-world experience in community service and owning multiple businesses, she will highlight strategies for overcoming challenges, fostering innovation, and building businesses that not only succeed but also contribute to the local economic environment and strengthen local connections.
12:50 pm - 1:00 pm
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Walking Break to Sessions
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Breakout Session 1
SUPPORTING BUSINESS TRANSITIONS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Odee Ingersoll, Center Director, Nebraska Business Development Center
Jason Tuller, Extension Educator, Rural Prosperity Nebraska
DEVELOPING YOUR LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS THROUGH THE BUSINESS BUILDER GRANT PROGRAM
Rulon Taylor, Extension Educator, Rural Prosperity Nebraska
Ben Dutton, Extension Educator, Rural Prosperity Nebraska
THE RECIPE FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SUCCESS IN GOTHENBURG
Nate Wyatt, President, Gothenburg Improvement Company
Deb Egenberger, Executive Director, Gothenburg Chamber of Commerce
USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Marla Marx, Business Programs Specialist, USDA Rural Development
SIX REGIONS, ONE NEBRASKA—MID-PLAINS REGIONAL UPDATE
Emily Wurl, Regional Navigator, Mid-Plains Community College
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Walking Break
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Breakout Session 2
EXPLORING THE CHALLENGES OF SUPPORTING BUSINESSES IN RURAL AREAS
Shawn Kaskie, Extension Educator, Rural Prosperity Nebraska
Charlotte Narjes, Extension Educator, Rural Prosperity Nebraska
NAVIGATING NEW REGULATIONS FOR COTTAGE FOODS & FOOD SAFETY
Brenda Aufdenkamp, Extension Educator, Food, Nutrition & Health
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR BUSINESS
Kimberly Stanke, Extension Specialist, Science Literacy and Data Analytics
SOURCELINK NEBRASKA: YOUR GUIDE TO FUNDING, SERVICE PROVIDERS, AND TAILORED SUPPORT
Scott Asmus, Program Director, NBDC SourceLink Nebraska
EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
Bryan Sloane, Executive Director, NE State Chamber of Commerce and Industry
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Walking Break
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Breakout Session 3
EXPLORING COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED ALTERNATIVES
TBD
CONNECTING FARMS TO SCHOOLS
Eastlyn Wright, Program Coordinator, Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Nebraska Extension
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AT THE KANSAS CITY FED
Rachael Surmick, Community Development Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Kanas City, Omaha Branch
BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES: THE WHY AND HOW OF ENGAGEMENT
Jamie Bright, Extension Educator, Rural Prosperity Nebraska
Marilyn Schlake, Extension Educator, Rural Prosperity Nebraska
WELCOMING NEWCOMERS & IMMIGRATION ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Bryan Sloane, Executive Director, NE State Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Tina Maria Fernandez, Director, Hope Esperanza
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Walking Break
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Networking Event, Cash Bar, & Heavy Hors d'Oeuvres
Pals Brewing Company
4520 S Buffalo Bill Ave.
Join us for drinks, appetizers, and a chance to network with other attendees at the conference.
Thursday, April 24
8:00 am - 9:00 am
Welcome to Day 2
Prairie Arts Center
416 N Jeffers St.
*Please note Thursday's location is different from Wednesday's.
Morning Welcome—Ben Dutton
Keynote Presentation—Nick McNew
Nick McNew, Owner, McNew's Unlimited
"Driving Growth: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Community Impact"
Nick McNew will share insights on building a successful business, fostering economic growth, and creating a thriving entrepreneurial environment in rural communities through engagement with community members. Drawing from his experience as an entrepreneur and city council member, he’ll discuss strategies for driving local development and empowering the next generation of leaders.
9:00 am - 9:15 am
Walking Break to Sessions
9:15 am - 10:15 am
Breakout Session 4
BEST PRACTICES FROM ENTREPRENEURSHIP COACHING AND NAVIGATION SYSTEMS
Shawn Kaskie, Extension Educator, Rural Prosperity Nebraska
Panelists - Alisha Juelfs-Cheyenne County E3, Molly Jeffres-Keith County E3, Doris Lux & Travis Barker-UNL eCoaches, Brent Custer-Broken Bow Entrepreneur
HOW BUSINESSES CAN SUPPORT CHILDCARE
Jamie Bright, Extension Educator, Rural Prosperity Nebraska
PUTTING THE UNIVERSITY TO WORK FOR YOU
Katelyn Larson, Extension Educator, Nebraska Extension
COMMUNITY CHANGE
Lindsay Hastings, Clifton Professor in Mentoring Research and Director, Nebraska Human Resources Institute
10:15 am - 10:45 am
Walking Break
10:45 am - 11:45 am
Breakout Session 5
FUTURE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Shawn Kaskie, Extension Educator, Rural Prosperity Nebraska
CHILDCARE AS A COMMUNITY CONNECTION FOR DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION & VETERAN ENGAGEMENT
Shaniya DeNaeyer Albertus, 4-H/Youth Development Assistant, Nebraska Extension
Andrea Thomas, Treasurer, Thomas County
DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP & CYBER SECURITY
Travis Barker, CEO, EZ IT Solutions
FROM BIG DATA TO LOCAL INSIGHTS: MAKING DATA WORK FOR YOUR COMMUNITY
Katelyn Larson, Extension Educator, Nebraska Extension
Rebecca Vogt, Program Manager, Nebraska Rural Poll
Marilyn Schlake, Extension Educator, Rural Prosperity Nebraska
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT: FROM INVITATION TO BELONGING
Chloe Higgins, Youth Engagement Specialist, Nebraska Community Foundation
Becky Boeson, Community & Cultural Impact Specialist, Nebraska Community Foundation
11:45 am - 12:00 pm
Walking Break
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Conference Conclusion
Prairie Arts Center
416 N Jeffers St.
Lunch
Keynote Presentation—TinaMaria Fernandez
Wrap-up—Ben Dutton
TinaMaria Fernandez, Founder/Executive Director of HOPE-Esperanza
"Embracing New Beginnings: The Power of Welcoming Newcomers in Rural Communities"
In this interactive presentation, Fernandez will explore the transformative impact of welcoming newcomers in rural communities, focusing on how inclusivity and cultural competence can drive economic growth and social cohesion. By highlighting successful strategies and community initiatives, she aims to demonstrate the power of embracing communities collective backgrounds and viewpoints to foster a more vibrant and resilient rural environment.
