Community development professionals from across the country gathered in Burt County, Nebraska, April 29–30, 2026, for the 8th annual Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference. This one-of-a-kind "walking conference" brought learning out of the conference room and into 20 locally owned businesses, offering an up-close look at rural entrepreneurship in action. Sessions explored topics ranging from rural business support to tourism to applications of artificial intelligence, with practical ideas communities could put to work right away. Along with meaningful networking and hands-on experiences, attendees also left with fresh perspectives and real-world insights into supporting community growth across Nebraska.
by Russell Shaffer
May 8, 2026
