Rural Prosperity Nebraska has selected the next two Nebraska communities to host its signature Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conferences — Burt County in 2026 and Ord in 2027.
CEC is where Nebraska’s community leaders, economic developers, entrepreneurs, business owners, tourism developers and Extension experts come together to collaborate, workshop and share the creative and practical strategies that have sparked growth in their communities. The Burt County and Ord conferences will be the eighth and ninth, respectively, continuing a tradition of showcasing rural innovation at its best.
“The community selection process was insightful and exciting,” said Ben Dutton, the Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension educator who headed up the search for community hosts. “The applications highlighted the depth and breadth of ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that thrive across rural Nebraska. It was a tough decision to select only two among so many communities that are activity creating, in inventive ways, opportunities for their residents to thrive.”
CEC is Nebraska’s only “walking conference.” Instead of sitting in hotel conference rooms, attendees step inside local businesses of the host community for each session. Through this “on location” experience, they get an inside look into what makes local businesses and entrepreneurship prosper in rural areas. The 2025 conference in North Platte drew in more than 100 attendees from across the Midwest to enjoy, first hand, the city’s newly renovated Canteen District.
“We are beyond excited that Burt County will host the 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference,” said Cindy Chatt, executive director for Burt County Economic Development Corporation. “From our walkable downtowns and historic sites, to our local businesses, farms and unique lodging options, this is a chance to showcase everything that makes Burt County such a special place to live, work and visit. We can’t wait to welcome attendees and show off the energy, creativity and community spirit that thrive across our county.”
“Ord’s innovative downtown entrepreneurs strategically invest their time, talents and treasure into making their businesses and community a place that stands out among their peers,” said Shawk Kaskie, the Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension educator who works with Ord businesses. “Ord’s entrepreneurial success story over the last 20 years has been recognized nationally. If you want to learn their ‘secret sauce,’ don’t miss CEC 2027.”
The 2026 and 2027 conferences will take place in April, with registration opening early each year.
To see the agenda for the 2025 CEC Conference, visit the Rural Prosperity Nebraska website.
Questions? Contact Ben Dutton at ben.dutton@unl.edu
