Norfolk Area Economic Development Council

10/20/2026

What does it take to turn a “crazy” idea into a $12 million company? For RealBricks CEO Chris Gerardi, it took technology, outside capital—and a decision to build it all from Norfolk, Nebraska. https://www.norfolknebraskaed.com/post/the-crazy-idea-behind-a-high-tech-norfolk-real-estate-company

10/16/2026

Rural communities are competing too: for workers, entrepreneurs, families, and investment. But competitiveness isn't just about landing the next big employer.

In our latest blog, we look at what it really takes for Madison County and Northeast Nebraska to compete, and why the answer is "together," not "against the town next door."

Read more:

Melissa Garcia - Director of Economic DevelopmentWhen we talk about economic competitiveness, it is easy to picture large communities competing for major employers, headquarters, or high-tech industries. Rural communities are competing, too. For businesses, workers, entrepreneurs, families, investme...

10/14/2026

🎉 You're Invited! Join Us for a Ribbon Cutting!

We're excited to celebrate the completion of the ✨ Illuminate the River Point ✨ project, including the new River Point District Gateway Arch, decorative festoon lighting, and illuminated alleyway mural!

🎀 Tuesday, November 3, 2026
🎀 11:00 a.m.
🎀 West Norfolk Avenue, between 8th & 9th Streets

Funded in part by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Creative District program, with local matching funds and support from community partners, this project reflects a shared commitment to enhancing Downtown Norfolk River Point District.

✨ Come celebrate this exciting investment in downtown Norfolk and the partnerships that made it possible!

09/29/2026

Manufacturing has been a historical cornerstone of Norfolk's economy. Today, companies are investing in new facilities, advanced technology, and workforce development because they know the region will drive their competitiveness.

See why manufacturers continue building their future here: https://www.norfolknebraskaed.com/target-industries

09/25/2026

Economic development should be able to answer three fundamental questions:

Are we growing?
Are we competitive?
Are we resilient?

The answer to the first question is YES.

Norfolk and the surrounding region are experiencing positive economic momentum—from business investment and job creation to housing and infrastructure development.

But what does that growth actually look like?

Here are a few examples of how our community is growing—and why it matters for the future of Norfolk and the region. 👇

09/23/2026

Site selection is about more than available land. Norfolk is defined by development-ready properties, strong utilities, transportation access, and local partners committed to helping projects move forward efficiently.

Ready to build? Norfolk is ready to help.
https://www.norfolknebraskaed.com/site-selection

09/21/2026

Growth & Success Story | Wood Duck Dental

For Scott and Jessie Zach, returning to Norfolk meant more than coming home. It meant putting down roots, raising their family and investing in the community’s future.

After returning to Norfolk, the couple purchased an existing dental practice, rebranded it as Wood Duck Dental and began building a business focused on serving a growing community. Their story reflects something we continue to see across northeast Nebraska: young professionals choosing to return home for the quality of life, career opportunities and community they find here.

Read more about the Zach family, Wood Duck Dental and why they chose Norfolk:

Within the last decade, Norfolk has experienced a remarkable transformation. The city has improved its public spaces, revitalized the downtown area and welcomed many new small businesses that draw tourists and residents alike. Norfolk has maintained a charming, small-town feel while growing to provi...

09/17/2026

Companies succeed where communities invest in infrastructure, workforce, and partnerships. Norfolk does just that! An emphasis on all three is evident in a business-friendly environment designed to support expansion and long-term success.

Find out why businesses continue choosing Norfolk: https://www.norfolknebraskaed.com/business-resources

09/16/2026

What does your local Economic Development team actually do?

Our latest blog post takes a look behind the scenes at economic development and the many ways this work supports businesses, projects, jobs and long-term growth throughout Norfolk and Madison County.

We’ll also be sharing more in the coming months about the different areas of economic development, current efforts and the data used to measure their impact.

You can now subscribe to the Norfolk Area Economic Development blog and receive an email when a new post is published.

Read the latest post and subscribe on our website.

Hi! If we haven’t had a chance to meet yet, I’m Melissa Garcia. I’m excited to be part of the Economic Development team in Norfolk and to continue getting to know the people and businesses that make this place special. If you asked me over coffee what we do in our office, I’d probably tell y...

09/10/2026

Education and industry work together in Norfolk. Northeast Community College and local employers prepare students together with the skills businesses need now…and in the future!

See how Norfolk connects graduates can build meaningful careers without leaving the region. https://www.norfolknebraskaed.com/workforce