News Archive

Several organizations and individuals across Western Nebraska are planning to meet on Friday, April 10, to discuss issues related to the local housing market. The 2026 Rural Housing Conference will be held at Weborg 21 Centre, 2625 10th Street, in Gering from 8:00 AM until 4:15 PM, with professional networking...Continue Reading

Entrepreneurs and small business owners across Western Nebraska can turn to the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) for resources, while getting involved in the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce early on to network and find support. These organizations are designed to help business owners across the region, regardless of their...Continue Reading

Career Connections of Western Nebraska continues to grow its Career Cabs program, bringing high school students from across the region to businesses and organizations so they can experience work environments firsthand. In 2025, 611 students participated in the event, each visiting four different workplaces within their desired industry.Since the program...Continue Reading

November kicks off National Small Business Month, a time to celebrate entrepreneurs and owners while recognizing their impact on the community. This aligns with Small Business Saturday on November 29 and the greater holiday shopping season. However, Western Nebraska residents don’t have to wait until the end of the year...Continue Reading

Business owners, community leaders, and engaged residents are welcome to attend the 2025 Annual Meeting for Twin Cities Development – Economic Development for Western Nebraska – on Monday, November 17, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Gering Civic Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about economic...Continue Reading

Businesses across Western Nebraska have the support of the Twin Cities Development Association (TCD) and can find the resources, connections, and tools they need to succeed. While TCD is supported by multiple staff members working to grow Western Nebraska, new and expanding businesses will likely work with Anthony Gurrola, Community...Continue Reading

Childcare is a national economic development issue, with up to 1.9 million parents reducing their hours or missing work monthly because of inadequate childcare. Lack of access is also felt in Scotts Bluff County, with the community losing $6.9 million annually (and businesses losing $3.9 million in lost productivity) due...Continue Reading

The Twin Cities Development Association (TCD) recently created a new position to support marketing and workforce development initiatives across Western Nebraska. Ria Rebman, who stepped into the role of Marketing and Workforce Coordinator, is launching several exciting projects as she promotes the region and highlights the valuable resources offered by...Continue Reading

Tourism is Nebraska’s Sleeping Giant because it is the state’s third-largest economic industry. The Western part of the state is prime for tourism expansion because of its beautiful scenery and proximity to Colorado. In 2023, tourism was responsible for 730 jobs in Scotts Bluff County, with visitor spending reaching 61.5...Continue Reading

Economic Development Week runs from May 11-17, 2025, and the team at Twin Cities Development (TCD) wants to use this time to highlight the value of working together as a region. One community lobbying for resources or investment will not be as effective as all of Western Nebraska using a...Continue Reading

In March 2022, Twin Cities Development (TCD) was awarded a grant to start a Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF) that issues loans for the construction, rehabilitation, and repair of houses in the region. The loans have favorable repayment terms – often with low or zero interest rates – allowing various...Continue Reading

America eats because of Nebraska farmers. Nearly 90% of the state's total land is used for farming, with more than 44,300 farmers raising a variety of crops and livestock. Farming is such a strong part of the Nebraska economy that one in four jobs in the state is related to...Continue Reading

The Twin Cities Development Association (TCD) will host a free Business Resource Fair at the Gering Civic Center on Monday, February 24th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and community members are invited to attend and meet with resource providers in the area.“Attending this event is a great...Continue Reading

Business owners, entrepreneurs, and residents preparing to start new companies can all benefit from the resources available at Twin Cities Development (TCD). The economic development organization is designed to support new and existing businesses, no matter their size. If you are trying to launch or improve your business this year,...Continue Reading

Current and potential members of the Twin Cities Development Association (TCD), which supports economic development in Western Nebraska, are invited to the annual meeting luncheon on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon will be held at the Scotts Bluff Country Club and is free to attend. Attendees are...Continue Reading

Residents of Western Nebraska will make their voices heard on Tuesday, November 5, when they vote in the 2024 Presidential Election. While voting for elected officials is important, there are also key ballot initiatives that can shape the future of the region. Two important propositions that Scottsbluff residents will vote...Continue Reading

Tenth-grade students in the Nebraska panhandle will have an opportunity to explore different career paths through the second-annual Career Cabs event this fall. Students will visit four different workplaces in their desired career field and learn about the various job opportunities at each one. This program is made possible through...Continue Reading

Twin Cities Development (TCD) recently received a Rural Business Development Grant from the USDA to establish a revolving loan fund for small businesses in Western Nebraska. This fund will help rural business owners fund essential projects to expand their operations, increase production, or improve efficiency.Business owners interested in applying for...Continue Reading

For nearly twenty years, the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has helped agricultural producers and rural small business owners improve their energy efficiency and invest in renewable resources. Twin Cities Development (TCD) recently received a technical assistance grant to support Western Nebraska REAP applicants.“Anyone who is interested in...Continue Reading

Summer is the best time for family vacations. It’s the perfect time to take a road trip, exploring parts of America the Beautiful while creating memories and strengthening the bond that matters most: Family! As you plan your August vacation, the Twin Cities Development Association (TCD) wants you to consider...Continue Reading

Tourism is an often-underutilized driver of economic growth, capable of transforming communities by creating jobs, fostering local businesses, and enhancing the overall quality of life. Economic developers and tourism professionals must work together to create a cohesive strategy that leverages the community’s tourism potential. Here’s how you can integrate tourism...Continue Reading

Childcare shortages have become an increasing problem nationwide, and Western Nebraska is no exception. With the rising cost of childcare services and the limited availability of affordable options, many parents are facing significant challenges in securing reliable care for their children. This shortage not only strains family budgets but also...Continue Reading

Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) encourage Nebraskans to register for the One Nebraska Ag & Economic Development Summit. This year’s event will take place August 7-8, 2024, at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney.Registration for the Summit...Continue Reading

The sale of taxable items in Minatare will soon generate funding for the community.Voters in the community approved a one cent sales and use tax during the primary election Tuesday evening by a margin of more than 2 to 1, with 72 in favor and 31 voting against.50 percent of...Continue Reading