Valley County Economic Development is thrilled to announce Katie Walmsley as the recent hire for the newly added Business Coach position. The VCED Business Coach is a collaborative effort between Valley County Economic Development, Valley County Community Foundation Fund, Valley County, the City of Ord, and Central Community College. The addition of this position follows the successful participation in the Sandhills eCoach Grant Program through UNL Extension, which funded a business coach for Valley County, Custer County, and Cherry County. The VCED Business Coach will work directly with Valley County businesses, connecting them with local and statewide resources, as well as providing direct coaching services and developing business support workshops.
Walmsley previously served as the Deputy Director for Valley County Economic Development for four years, overseeing many projects for the Ord Area Chamber and Valley County Tourism as well as assisting the VCED Executive Director with programming. “I’m extremely excited to begin working as the VCED Business Coach. Valley County is full of incredible entrepreneurs and undiscovered dreamers, backed by a community who supports them, and I’m looking forward to walking alongside businesses as they continue to form, grow and thrive,” Walmsley stated. From working at VCED to being a business owner herself, Katie fully understands the resiliency and network of support it takes to own and operate a business. Katie will begin her transition to the Business Coach position in the coming months. For more information on the VCED Business Coach and how to access Katie’s services, contact her at (308) 728-7875 or katiewalmsley@ordnebraska.com.