Economic development professionals, community leaders, entrepreneurs and rural residents will gather in Tekamah, Burt County, Nebraska, April 29-30 for the eighth annual Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference, hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Rural Prosperity Nebraska initiative.
CEC offers hands-on learning experiences designed to strengthen local economies and inspire rural innovation through entrepreneurship. This year’s theme, “The Future is Local,” highlights the economic and social impact that collaboration within communities can have not only on the community itself, but on greater Nebraska as a whole.
Coined as Nebraska’s only “walking conference,” the more than 20 interactive sessions take place inside locally owned businesses, letting attendees see firsthand how entrepreneurship fuels community development, and gain valuable insights into workforce development and small business support. By immersing participants in the county’s business ecosystem, the conference fosters meaningful connections for those invested in community development.
“This year’s conference is a little different because an entire county is hosting rather than a single community,” said Ben Dutton, the Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension educator leading this year’s conference. “This format will highlight that entrepreneurship isn’t limited to one business or even one city, but when one of us succeeds, there’s a ripple effect that impacts our neighbors and their neighbors, until we see the entire state thriving.”
Experts from across the country will lead this year’s interactive sessions, as well as Nebraska entrepreneurs and community leaders. Nebraska Extension educators from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will also lead many of the workshops, sharing innovative strategies and real-world solutions for fostering economic vitality. Topics will include asset mapping, creative districts, marketing, artificial intelligence, business transitions, leadership and sharing your community’s story.
Beyond the sessions, Burt County is also hosting an immersion tour of the county, a farm-to-table dinner hosted by a local restaurant, and a block party to showcase the local talent and creativity of Tekamah’s downtown entrepreneurs.
“Hosting the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference is a significant moment for Burt County,” said Cindy Chatt, executive director of Burt County Economic Development Corporation. “It’s an opportunity to showcase the momentum happening across our communities and highlight rural Nebraska as a place where entrepreneurship is thriving. More than anything, it allows us to share our story — and demonstrate that the future of rural communities is being built right here at the local level.”
The conference is open to economic developers, chamber of commerce members, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, business owners, educators and anyone else committed to strengthening their local community.
Register today and find more details at the CEC Conference website.
Registration is also available at the conference home base on 11:30 a.m. to noon CT on April 29, Carson Civic Center, 1315 K St., Tekamah.
