NEDA builds membership through conferences, networking

For more than 30 years, the Nebraska Economic Development Association has been providing economic guidance to small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the state. NEDA’s goals are focused on economic development, increase knowledge and advancement among it’s members and networking opportunities for different professionals throughout the state.

NEDA has over 200 members in fields ranging from railroads, government positions, chambers of commerce, construction jobs, advertising agencies and financial institutions. The variety of companies and businesses that are NEDA members allows for strong networking opportunities. The Association has a set of policies that help provide each business with guidance towards success.

Jason Smith, vice president for economic development, said NEDA provides contact information for entrepreneurs looking for the correct path to take when starting a new business.

“Each member of the NEDA will more than likely have some sort of entrepreneur program as part of their local program,” Smith said. “Some of the things that we try to do is provide information on establishing practices in their communities and see what’s successful.”

“We have good networking opportunities for professionals as well as all around the state. One of the things that we try to do is make it where it’s successful to everyone.”

NEDA upcoming Conference titled "NEDA-Taking The 'LEED' in Economic Development"

As part of NEDA’s economic development, they host two conferences each year.  This year’s conference will be held from September 22 to September 24 in Kearney.

Smith said the NEDA also connects the companies with their local economic development offices, which helps spur business in rural areas.

“Our advice would be to contact your local economic development office,” he said. “Most communities will have those tools in place at the local level. If you don’t have a local chamber, there are a number of statewide resources for those who are looking for help.”

NEDA not only focuses on large companies, but also on the entrepreneurs because almost all big companies started as small businesses.

“If you look even at the large companies, they began as entrepreneur effort,” Smith said. “A number of our major employers in the community began as an entrepreneur.”

Smith said the economic outlook for entrepreneurs in the state is positive, especially because of the increase in technology companies throughout Nebraska.

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve been exceptionally impressed with professionalism throughout the state,” he said. “I can’t recall an instance where we’ve had any sort of meeting that didn’t involve entrepreneurship, particularly when it comes to technology and innovation.

“I can tell you from our standpoint, NEDA will be at the forefront pushing the state and local governments to work at fostering those kinds of activities throughout the state.

“Our members are all practicing economic developers as opposed to a local economic developer.”

NEDA is hosting conferences on the following dates:

September 22, 2010 – September 24, 2010 in Kearney

June 1, 2011 – June 3, 2011 in Grand Island

September 28, 2011 – September 30, 2011 in Lincoln

Those interested in attending these conferences can contact Shawnna Silvius at eventuresmarketing@live.com.

For more information on NEDA and NEDA policies and membership click here.