They received a Gold Award and a Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council
August 20, 2026 York, NE – York County Development Corporation (YCDC) received two 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The Gold award was bestowed for the organization’s work in the Innovative Financing category for the less than 25,000 population group. The Silver award was for the organization’s work on Multimedia Promotion for the less than 25,000 population group. York County Development Corporation Executive Director, Lisa Hurley will be honored at the IEDC 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 25–28.
”York County Development Corporation is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its York County Workforce Housing Revolving Fund model and the 17-County Podcast as part of a Multimedia project/program. This award shines a spotlight on York County Development Corporation’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “IEDC is honored to present this award to York County Development Corporation to celebrate their leadership and innovation in the field.”
Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.
”Receiving these awards is certainly an honor, but more importantly, it validates the work that our communities, partners, investors, and volunteers have been doing together for years. The Workforce Housing Revolving Fund was created because we saw a challenge and chose to build local capacity rather than wait for someone else to solve it. The 17-County podcast grew from the belief that rural communities have important stories, ideas, and innovations worth sharing. Both projects reflect who we are as an organization. We believe strong relationships, creative problem-solving, and a long-term commitment to our communities create meaningful results. We’re proud that work happening in York County is being recognized on an international stage.” Lisa Hurley, Executive Director, YCDC
This year’s awards take on special meaning, as IEDC celebrates its 100th anniversary. In recognizing excellence in economic development, IEDC and its partners are celebrating successes and shining a spotlight on programs that inspire and prepare the field for the next century of economic development.
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About York County Development Corporation (YCDC)
YCDC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to strengthening the economic vitality of York County, Nebraska. Through business recruitment, retention and expansion, workforce development, housing initiatives, entrepreneurship support, and community development, YCDC works to create opportunities that support long-term growth and prosperity across the county.
YCDC partners with local businesses, community leaders, educational institutions, investors, and government agencies to address challenges and leverage opportunities that enhance quality of life and economic competitiveness. Guided by the belief that strong communities are built through collaboration, strategic investment, and leadership, YCDC is committed to helping York County thrive today and for generations to come.
Learn more at www.yorkdevco.com.
About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC): Based in Washington, D.C., IEDC is the world’s largest association for economic developers. Originating a century ago, IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that represents the entire economic development profession. Members include practitioners in economic development through local, state, provincial, and federal governments, non-profits, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurial support organizations, chambers of commerce, utilities, universities, and a variety of other organizations.
IEDC is the leading voice in driving the future of the field. IEDC provides professional development through courses and certifications, networking, conferences, research, policy advocacy, partnerships, and other valuable offerings to economic development professionals across the globe. For more information, please visit www.IEDC.org.
