Conference Details
Registration: $175; after April 11th, fee increases to $200.
Lodging: A block of rooms are reserved at the following North Platte hotels:
Candlewood Suites & Avid Hotel - 202 E. Eugene Avenue
- $109 + taxes, includes a kitchenette
- $99 + taxes, no kitchenette
- Phone: 308.252.1507
- Use Code: Rural Prosperity Nebraska or RPN; (cut-off date 3/24)
Holiday Inn Express - 300 Holiday Frontage Road
- $119 + taxes (indicate if state gov't, reduced to $109)
- Phone: 308.532.9500
- Use Code: CEC; (cut-off date 3/23)
Fairfield Inn - 319 W South River Road
- $154 - $159/night
- Phone: 308.532.9900
- Use: Reservation link for group rate,
- Use Code: CEC Conference UNL; (cut off date 4/9)
"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 7th 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
Additional Opportunity
SourceLink Nebraska Business Connect – Moving Forward, Working Together at the CEC Conference
As part of the 7th annual Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference, SourceLink Nebraska is offering open office hours to provide personalized, one-on-one resource coaching for entrepreneurs and business owners. This year’s theme, "Moving Forward, Working Together," highlights the power of collaboration in building strong, thriving communities—something we’re passionate about at SourceLink Nebraska.
During the CEC Conference, stop by our open office hours to connect with Nebraska’s entrepreneurial support network and explore customized resources for launching, growing, or expanding your business. Whether you’re attending CEC to discuss workforce development, rural innovation, or local business ecosystems, we’re here to help you turn ideas into action.
You do not have to be a conference participant to access SourceLink Nebraska’s open office hours.
Register for an appointment with SourceLink Nebraska
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, Extension Educator, Rural Prosperity Nebraska
Welcome to North Platte—Mayor Brandon Kelliher
Brief Address—Bryan Slone, President of Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
Keynote Presentation—Lisa Citta, Axes & Aces
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
6 REGIONS, ONE NEBRASKA: USING DATA AND REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP FOR SUCCESS
Emily Wurl, 6R1N Regional Navigator, Mid-Plains Region
Dena Beck, 6R1N Regional Navigator, Central Region
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
COMMUNITY FOOD SAFETY
Brenda Aufdenkamp, Extension Educator, Food, Nutrition & Health
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR BUSINESS
Kimberly Stanke, Extension Specialist, Science Literacy and Data Analytics
DISCOVER SOURCELINK NEBRASKA: SUPPORT TO START OR GROW YOUR BUSINESS
Scott Asmus, Program Director, NBDC SourceLink Nebraska
EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
Bryan Slone, President, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
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 Slone, President, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
TinaMaria 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
BREATHING LIFE BACK INTO DOWNTOWN: THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPARK THAT DRIVES GROWTH
Shae Caldwell, Local Entrepreneur
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
INNOVATIVE CHILDCARE SOLUTIONS
Dena Beck, Central Regional Navigator, 6 Regions One Nebraska
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 Boesen, 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.
