TCD Has a Strong Foundation for Business Attraction and Expansion

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 Development Specialist, to reach their goals.  

“I had the opportunity to join TCD three years ago and take it to another level by offering business support. It’s been great ever since,” says Gurrola. “I like seeing businesses open around the region and know I had a part in it.”

Gurrola wears several hats in his role at TCD. Learn how he grows the local economy by empowering business leaders and entrepreneurs who see their futures in Western Nebraska.   

TCD Supports Business Attraction, Expansion, and Creation

Economic development professionals support all businesses in the region, from sole proprietors opening their doors to enterprises expanding their operations. In his role, Gurrola works with each company on an individual basis to understand their needs and provide solutions to potential challenges. Here are a few aspects of his job:

• Business attraction: connecting potential companies to local resources and gathering information on commercial properties. 
• Updating commercial listings: attracting businesses by making it easier for them to find potential properties that meet their operational needs. 
• Business retention and expansion: meeting with local companies to understand their pain points, opportunities, and growth plans. 
• Entrepreneur support: helping new business owners survive their first few years and gain the knowledge and resources to thrive.
• Curating resources: making it easy for local companies to find education and training opportunities.  
• Skillset development: guiding residents in growing their knowledge and skills to meet the needs of Western Nebraska’s economy.

Gurrola also keeps up with the business training calendar and shares online webinars and events that would benefit local business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and workers. By sharing virtual opportunities, Western Nebraska residents have a larger pool of programs to pull from. They also don’t have to travel to attend these sessions. Most webinars are recorded, so they can attend the session live or watch it on their smartphones at their convenience.  

Gurrola Sees Himself as a Connector

In his three years at TCD, Gurrola has honed his listening and problem-solving skills. He meets with companies and aspiring entrepreneurs across Western Nebraska to learn about issues preventing them from starting and growing their businesses, then connects them with opportunities to overcome these roadblocks.

For example, an entrepreneur might have a strong business plan, but lack the necessary accounting or marketing skills to grow. He can pair them with online training or in-person learning opportunities so they can hone these skills on their own.

Gurrola also takes a big-picture view of the Western Nebraska ecosystem. He is involved in TCD’s workforce development efforts that create career pathways to prepare the next generation of workers to succeed. For example, the Career Connections program brings students directly to potential employers and lets them see what the work environment would be like. This proves that there are high-quality, diverse career opportunities in the region.    

“Quite a few students want to stay local in the Nebraska panhandle,” says Gurrola. “We want to support their goals, and this is a great program to help with that.”

Everyone in Western Nebraska is affected by economic development. The efforts of TCD contribute to job opportunities, the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the overall culture of the region. This is why every meeting with local businesses or community groups counts.  

Gurrola’s Love for Western Nebraska Drives His Success

Gurrola was born and raised in Western Nebraska and enjoys living in Gering with his wife, Elise, and three kids. A job relocation took his family to the Phoenix area for three years, but his family would often return to Nebraska to spend time with friends and family. After some time, they realized Western Nebraska was home, and they moved back to raise and grow their family. Gurrola enjoys the people of Western Nebraska and how everyone helps each other.

“I love being able to support people I know here,” he says. “We’re a tight-knit community, and it’s wonderful to help people start their businesses. It’s often their dream to be an entrepreneur, and I get to help make that a reality.”

Outside of TCD, Gurrola enjoys watching sports and coaching his kids on their various teams. He’s big on family and enjoys spending time with his kids while they hone their athletic skills and build their character.

Gurrola has served on the NEXT Young Professionals board of directors, and he is currently serving on the Leadership Scotts Bluff board and the Nebraska Public Media Foundation board. 

Get Involved With TCD

Twin Cities Development is always looking to connect with local businesses and residents passionate about helping Western Nebraska grow. If you want to contribute to economic development efforts in the area, consider becoming a member. Join a community of business professionals working toward the future. We’re happy to work alongside you to improve Western Nebraska and create opportunities now and for the next generation. Connect with us today.