Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Twin Cities Development on November 17

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 development efforts in the region and identify ways to get involved.

“Our team at TCD works incredibly hard to bring investment in Western Nebraska, from new jobs to housing inventory to support our families,” says Jordan Diedrich, Executive Director of TCD. “We want to create a community where students want to stay after graduation and a place that new people are attracted to.”  

Here’s what you can expect from the event, along with a light lunch and good company.  

Reflecting on 40 Years of Serving Western Nebraska 

TCD was founded in 1985 to support the economic development efforts of Scottsbluff and Gering, Nebraska's seventh-largest urban area. In the years since then, the territory supported by TCD has grown and now encompasses more of Western Nebraska.  

“It’s important to invest our resources and time across the entire region because what is good for one community benefits them all,” says Diedrich. “We all grow when one town gets a new business or additional housing inventory.”  

While TCD’s territory has changed, so have its objectives. The main goal of the organization is still economic development, but its projects highlight the value of entrepreneurship and small business investment, along with attracting site selectors. The team at TCD is also involved in programs related to housing, workforce development, and quality of life improvements, all of which contribute to the success of the local economy.

“TCD has written and received more than $20 million worth of grants to bring money to Western Nebraska in its 40-year history,” says Diedrich. “Our organization has invested millions of dollars into housing projects, which currently support well over 100 workforce employees.”

The Annual Meeting will provide an overview of TCD’s work over the past 40 years to those looking to learn more about it. This can also help attendees decide if they are ready to get involved and contribute to economic development in the region.  

Highlighting the Current Year’s Achievements 

Forty years of history is a lot to cover during any event, so the main focus will be the current projects developed by TCD and its partners. Multiple community members will share their insight into Western Nebraska’s growth and highlight their efforts to make the region a better place. These attendees include:

• The Directors from the Riverside Discovery Center Zoo and the Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau highlighting how they use and benefit from Placer AI. 
• Randy Meininger, a TCD board member, sharing a county-wide clean-up event which helps with disaster preparedness.
• Cinda Munoz, President of Western Nebraska Housing Opportunities, highlighting the upcoming Housing Conference on April 10th.
• The owners of Scott Free Brewing Company discussing LB840 economic development funding.
• The owners of Two Smokin Grills sharing their entrepreneur story, from starting in the TCD e-kitchen, to buying a food truck, and eventually opening a brick-and-mortar building.

Economic development covers all aspects of Western Nebraska life. From entrepreneurship and housing to tourism (which supports the hospitality industry), sound development practices are sustainable and diverse. This year’s annual meeting highlights how all industries and residents are supported by TCD’s hard work. 

Looking Ahead to the Future

The team at TCD has accomplished a lot with the support of the Western Nebraska community, and it’s just getting started.TCD will also reveal its goals for workforce development, community development, business support, grants, and housing with an updated 5-year strategic plan.

There is also a major change coming to TCD to better reflect the people it supports and the greater Western Nebraska economy. The staff at TCD will announce this change during the Annual Meeting. You don’t want to miss it. 

RSVP to Help Us Get an Accurate Headcount 

The TCD Annual Meeting is free to attend, we just need a headcount to know how many people to plan for. If you want to attend this year’s event, RSVP to Ria Rebman (rrebman@tcdne.org) by November 7. Tell us how many guests we should expect so we can account for your whole party.

Economic development is successful when the entire community is involved. Everyone has a seat at the table to grow Western Nebraska. Save the date and plan to attend the 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting of Twin Cities Development.