Development Council for Buffalo County

10/12/2026

Congratulations to these finalists!

🎉 Our Top 10 finalists have been selected!

💡 Berumen Mobile Grooming
💡 Pretzel's Pantry
💡 My Helix Lab
💡 Airplane Deice Service
💡 Prairie and Prose Books
💡 Midway City Performing Arts
💡 Kearney O2asis
💡 These Ears, They are a Ringing
💡 Kearney Surface Solutions
💡 The Center Stage Project

Big Idea Buffalo County received a record 28 submissions this year!

Now, 10 finalists will take the stage to pitch their ideas and compete for $8,500 in prizes.

Join us October 29 at The World Theater to cheer them on and celebrate local creativity and entrepreneurship!

10/06/2026

October is Manufacturing Month, and Buffalo County has plenty to celebrate!

Local manufacturers supported approximately one in seven private-sector jobs in Buffalo County this year and paid more than $55 million in wages in the first three months of 2026 alone.

From filters and engines to medical components and food products, the work happening here reaches far beyond our community while supporting families, local businesses and careers close to home.

This month, we recognize the manufacturers and skilled people helping drive our local economy forward.

Manufacturing Month Highlights a Major Driver of Buffalo County’s Economy

09/29/2026

09/29/2026

Big investments in Gibbon’s future! 💧

Yesterday City of Gibbon Nebraska welcomed Governor Jim Pillen and state officials to highlight two major projects: a new drinking water wellfield and upgrades to the community’s wastewater treatment facility.

The City is finalizing approximately $15 million in state financial assistance, with 42% expected to qualify for loan forgiveness. Combined with low-interest financing, this could save residents an estimated $11–15 million in repayments compared with private financing.

These investments will strengthen essential infrastructure and support Gibbon’s growth for generations to come.

09/25/2026

This week the Development Council co-hosted a press conference announcing a one-year pilot program of child care navigation services for Kearney Regional Medical Center employees starting October 1st.

The employee retention initiative helps working parents find and secure child care while helping Kearney-area providers manage their waitlists and fill open slots.

This navigation service is being provided by Upwards.com, a child care and workforce support platform used by employers like the U.S. Army National Guard and Chobani. Upwards assigns each family a dedicated Care Navigator who handles the research and outreach, matches them with the right providers, and guides them through enrollment, saving families hours of work.

Learn more in our announcement:

A technology platform that increases employee retention and dramatically decreases the time families spend finding child care that meets their needs is coming to Kearney.

09/24/2026

We are so lucky to have a thriving downtown thanks to passionate volunteers and organizers like these fine folks.

We’re so grateful to share that The Bricks Creative District has been honored with a 2026 Nebraska Arts Council Creative District Award. 🎨

This recognition means so much because it reflects the creativity, collaboration and community spirit that have always been at the heart of Downtown Kearney. ❤️

From murals and yarn bombing to public art projects and the 2026 Creative District Assembly and Statewide Arts Conference, this work has been made possible by so many people and organizations working together.

Thank you to the Nebraska Arts Council, Kearney Cultural Partners, our creative community and everyone who continues to invest in The Bricks. We’re honored to be part of it. ✨

09/24/2026

Kearney’s momentum is getting statewide attention. Buffalo County’s direct travel spending reached $184 million in 2025, up 7% from 2024—the fastest growth among Nebraska’s five most populous counties.

With the Kearney, NE SportsPlex and Kearney Welcome Center open, and more entertainment and retail planned at Younes Landing, Kearney is giving visitors new reasons to come, stay and spend locally.

It’s exciting to see local development helping drive growth across Buffalo County.

Nebraska's Buffalo County, buoyed by development in Kearney, stood out as a growing tourism magnet during an event about travel impact.

09/01/2026

Exciting news! Kearney has been selected as the 99th community to participate in the Communities for Kids initiative. We’re excited to leverage the program’s resources and connections as we continue working with local families, childcare providers, employers and community partners to address childcare challenges and strengthen early care and education in Kearney.

https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/kearney-selected-for-communities-for-kids-initiative

Early Futures Partnership Bright Futures Preschool Buffalo County Community Partners Central Region Early Learning Connection Buckle Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce City of Kearney Nebraska Government University of Nebraska at Kearney Kearney Regional Medical Center Kearney Area Community Foundation Entrepreneurship Center at Central Community College

09/01/2026

08/25/2026

Congratulations to Senator Stan Clouse, recipient of the Excellence in Economic Impact Award, Outstanding Business Person of the Year!

Throughout his service as a Kearney City Council member, mayor, community volunteer and now District 37 State Senator, Stan has been a dedicated advocate for Kearney and Buffalo County. His leadership has helped advance major projects, including the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home, Patriot Park Youth SportsPlex and Tech oNE Crossing.

We are proud to recognize Senator Clouse for his continued leadership and commitment to moving our region forward.

Read more: https://blog.growbuffalocounty.com/development-council-for-buffalo-county-blog/senator-stan-clouse-receives-excellence-in-economic-impact-award