Annual Meeting 2026

Join us for the Thayer County Economic Development Alliance’s Annual Meeting on March 19th at 5:00 PM at the Stastny Center in Hebron, NE. This year’s event features a special keynote from Cory Hepola, along with the presentation of our fifth annual “Thriving in Thayer County” Business Award. More details, including RSVP information and award announcements, are available below. Below, you’ll find Cory’s bio and a short introduction video to help you get excited for this year’s lineup. Single tickets are $32 and a table of 8 is $260. 

  • 5PM - Networking
  • 6PM - Meal (Catered by Acreage Steakhouse)
  • 6:30 - Annual Meeting, Awards, and Speakers

RSVP - 

 

Plains Tree Farm and DPM Inc. Named 2026 “Thriving in Thayer County” Business Award Recipients

The Thayer County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA) is proud to announce Plains Tree Farm and DPM Inc. od Davenport as the 2026 recipients of the Thriving in Thayer County Business Award. This year’s honor recognizes not just a successful business, but a family’s multi-generational commitment to entrepreneurship, stewardship, and long-term investment in Thayer County.

Plains Tree Farm and DPM Inc. will become the fifth inductees into TCEDA’s countywide Business Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for businesses that exemplify resilience, leadership, and a deep connection to the communities they serve.

“One of the benefits of serving on a board, like TCEDA, is that we get to learn about some amazing businesses right here in Thayer County.  Great businesses like Plains Tree Farm and DPM Inc. quietly operate here within our community exporting value outside our local economy providing good jobs right here.  The business and its owners and management are active cogs of our county and its organizations which we thank them for.  Celebrating success and thanking Plains Tree Farm for "living in Thayer County" is what this award is all about!  Great work!” 

- Pat Kenner, TCEDA President

To read the rest of our press release, visit our News Center!

Keynote Speaker - Cory Hepola

Cory Hepola is a 3-time Emmy-Award Winning Documentarian & TV Anchor. Growing up in small town Perham, Minnesota, Cory is the Director, Writer, and Host of “My Town,” a documentary series which serves to break down the popular misconceptions with the rural lifestyle showing the opportunities in our small towns. Through 2 Seasons, “My Town” has explored 15 different rural communities across 6 states and has been nominated for 4 Emmy Awards including Outstanding Lifestyle Series. 

 

Before "My Town," Cory had a successful broadcast journalism career earning two more Emmy Awards for “Outstanding TV Anchor” at KARE 11 in Minneapolis and was named “100 People To Know” by Twin Cities Business Magazine as the Host of his own daily show on iconic WCCO Radio. In 2022, Cory was honored by his alma mater – Concordia College – with the “Sent Forth Award” which is presented “to a young alumni who has made an impact early in their career, emphasizing service to others and demonstrating a strong vocational commitment.”

 

Thank you

This year's event was made possible in part by Nebraska Community Foundation’s Civic Experiment & Youth Engagement Grants, along with incredibly generous donations from: Hebron Community Fund, Deshler Community Fund, Bruning Community Foundation, Byron Community Foundation Fund, and Davenport Community Foundation. Thank you for supporting our county and creating the future you want to see in our communities!