York County Development Corporation continues to foster growth, community vitality; county budget request made

YORK COUNTY – Lisa Hurley, director of the York County Development Corporation (YCDC), met with the York County Commissioners this past week, to present the organization’s annual report and budget request.

With her was Jane Jensen, current board president of the YCDC.
Hurley said recent success stories in York County “underscore the effectiveness of our strategies and the potential for continued growth with adequate support. For instance, the expansions of Klute Inc., Green Plains, CVA (Bradshaw) and Preferred Popcorn (Waco), in addition to the attraction of Sukup Manufacturing, BGIN, NEXAT and Nobell Foods (Waco). We are also excited about a new business, LivFarms in the southeast corner of the county where this success story is growing lettuce for a regional market with hydroponics in what was once an old machine shed. This is cutting edge and it increases our overall ag output. These latest business stories showcase our ability to attract and support businesses which contribute to the local economy. We are seeing more innovation and research development in York County. The business landscape is changing with some really big projects to increase capacity. Projects are made possible through YCDC-administered grants and community infrastructure improvements, connections and technical assistance reflecting the collaborative spirit which drives our success.”
She said business development continues to be active. “Over 250 entrepreneurs and small businesses have used the Small Business Insights tool, Size Up York County, in the past year. In the past decade, YCDC has assisted existing businesses with expansions, small businesses and new businesses, resulting in over $430 million in investment and around 400 jobs. On top of that, we have participated in over $20 million investment in new housing development and have been involved in several quality-of-life activities. These numbers show a very positive return on investment and they add to the overall property tax base.
“As we grow, housing and childcare need to expand,” Hurley said further. “We are working with various communities across the county on many potential projects to address the 542 new housing units needed by 2030. We are in the process of lending out the Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF) ($1.5 million) for a new subdivision and have used our RWHF reuse funding for a project for this year. We continue to support housing and other initiatives in our smaller communities, including Henderson’s subdivision efforts, working with Bradshaw on several projects, and Gresham, McCool Junction, Benedict and Waco through our traveling offices and other meetings. Another priority under our talent goal is child care. According to analysts prior to COVID, York County had a gap of 262 positions, which then increased to 359 positions and now is at 315 spots. Housing and childcare are contributing to our workforce challenges.
“York County’s blend of urban amenities and rural quality of life make it an attractive location for businesses and families,” she said. “We offer exceptional public and private schools, higher education opportunities and a variety of recreational activities, all of which enhance the appeal of living and working here. Our community-focused initiatives, such as the 17-County Leadership program, are designed to nurture future leaders and strengthen community connections. YCDC highlights these qualities through a local, state and national marketing campaign for both businesses and talent. This includes highlighting businesses and individuals on our 17-County Podcast, which has been listened to in over 24 nations.
“To sustain and expand these efforts, we seek to increase funding to $80,000 for support from York County,” she said. “This is an increase from 2024 when the county contributed $73,800, but it is still lower than the funding allocated to YCDC in 2023 when it was $83,000. This funding will enable us to continue providing essential resources and assistance to businesses, enhancing our talent programs and marketing efforts. Historically, YCDC has always been considered the economic development partner/extension of the county and the communities. This public/private partnership has allowed our government entities to partner with businesses while not having to carry the expense of having a full-funded economic development government department. According to the International Economic Development Council, this structure is a best practice for communities.”
She said funding helps to enhance the operations of the organization. “By supporting YCDC, York County does not have to fund and maintain an economic development department, which saves tax dollars. The executive committee, board and staff are taking steps to ensure we are investing in the county strategically for projects, while at the same time strengthening the organization by updating needed technology and reviewing policies and procedures.”
Hurley said the funds help expand their talent development programs. “We have to recruit people and keep people here. These initiatives are crucial for attracting, retaining and upskilling workers, essential for economic growth. One current initiative is the York Regional Career Day, which varies between 8-12 schools depending on the year and features over 60 York County businesses throughout the day. Another is working with companies to identify needed training and working with our educators to form programs.”
Further, the funds help YCDC “support business retention and expansion. By providing technical assistance and resources to businesses, we can ensure their long-term success and contribution to the local economy. We plan to add additional online tools for our small businesses and entrepreneurs.”
And she said the funds help them “enhance marketing efforts. In 2024, we cut back on our marketing efforts. An example is that we had to eliminate our Why York County talent videos due to increased costs. We have also cut back on our business marketing. We have also eliminated paid housing recruitment and childcare marketing, and are trying to supplement that with social media posts, connections and introductions. It takes three to five years of continued marketing to be considered to be developing a brand and we should be spending much more than we have.”
York County Commissioner Daniel Grotz, who represents the county commissioners on the YCDC board of directors, said the organization “is doing good work.”
York County Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier noted how the funds provided to YCDC come from the county’s inheritance fund, so he encouraged Hurley to help in the effort to push back against state legislation which could end inheritance tax in Nebraska. Hurley said the state economic development board is actively watching that type of possible legislation and economic developers across the state are doing the same.
The commissioners will consider the YCDC request during the 2024-25 budget process.