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.
“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.”
We are deeply honored that Ord has been chosen as the host community for the 2027 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities event. This opportunity means so much to us. Our town takes great pride in the strengths that make us who we are—especially our entrepreneurial spirit and the strong partnerships we’ve built throughout the county. Ord is a true example of the ‘grow your own’ philosophy, and we’re incredibly excited to welcome leaders from across Nebraska to share in the energy, collaboration, and community that define our way of life.”- Katie Walmsley, VCED Business Coach
The 2026 and 2027 conferences will take place in April, with registration opening early each year.