RSVP for the TCD Annual Meeting on Friday, November 22
November 7, 2024
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 asked to RSVP via email to jdiedrich@tcdne.org by Monday, November 18, for an accurate headcount.
This meeting serves as an opportunity to discuss TCD's accomplishments in the past year and look ahead to the coming months. Attendees can voice their opinions about Western Nebraska's future while also networking with other business leaders and community members.
“We hope to continue our momentum in 2025,” says Katy Reichert, Board President of TCD. “TCD has worked hard to develop relationships and build bridges within the community. That facilitates greater growth because we are all working toward a common goal. We have also taken a more regional review and will continue to support economic development panhandle-wide.”
Here are a few leading topics that will be the focus of the annual meeting and the key goals of TCD in 2025. You can invest in the future of Western Nebraska through your membership and meeting attendance this year.
TCD is Investing in Business Training and Development
Two key tenets of economic development are recruiting new businesses and helping existing businesses grow. The latter tenet has been a key focus of TCD through the investment in training programs to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. TCD strives to provide affordable and free resources to companies that otherwise couldn’t afford to send their employees to expensive conferences or register them for extensive coursework.
In 2024, TCD offered 732 free business trainings on its website in both English and Spanish. It provided 105 business consultations to advise companies on growth and supported 134 business startups with TCD Business Resources folders.
“Local businesses in a small community are vital, which is why we invest in expansion,” says Reichert. “When a company is ready to grow, we provide resources to help them.”
TCD Continues to Address the Housing Needs of Residents
Housing is a challenge for economic development organizations across the United States. Many communities lack ample housing to support growth or need affordable options for current and future residents. TCD works closely with government leaders while offering resources to make buying a house easier in the Nebraska panhandle.
“The first-time homebuyer classes are a huge benefit, financially,” says Reichert. “I wish more people would take advantage of that program.”
In 2024, TCD and WNHO held 14 first-time homebuyer classes to help residents navigate this complex process. It also provided downpayment assistance to 14 families (distributing $45,179) and contributed $17,983 to help local families cover repairs.
“You need housing to drive the workforce,” says Reichert.
TCD has also worked with developers to rehabilitate old homes or build new ones, increasing the overall housing supply. TCD has funded 22 rehabilitation projects and 12 new construction units with the Rural Workforce housing program with over $3.5 million. During the annual meeting, TCD will discuss housing and other essential quality-of-life investments, like developing childcare initiatives in the region.
TCD is Taking a Regional Approach
Western Nebraska is made up of several vibrant communities that extend beyond Scottsbluff and Gering. The entire panhandle has a lot to offer residents and businesses alike. One of the key points at the annual meeting will be the expansion from promoting economic development in the Twin Cities and instead supporting Greater Western Nebraska.
“We are less effective as small factions that are fighting each other for resources,” says Reichert. “Western Nebraska communities are stronger when we work together. Every town has something valuable to bring to the table. TCD wants to give them a voice.
For example, a company moving to Kimball or Bridgeport will benefit residents from across the panhandle. The job growth, new products, and potential B2B connections with vendors will have ripple effects throughout the region.
Learn About Other Initiatives and Grants at the Annual Meeting
Small business development, housing, and regional growth are just a few of the topics that will be discussed during the November 22 annual meeting. TCD will also share reports on its USDA REAP initiatives and LOIS listings to support commercial building development. Attendees can meet the TCD staff and current board members while preparing for the year ahead.
Remember to RSVP before November 18 to attend the luncheon. If you cannot attend, consider becoming a member and receiving regular updates about TCD. Your participation in local economic development can help Western Nebraska grow.
