News & Events

Find all the economic development news related to the Fremont Area. You can browse by Category or Keyword or simply scroll to the bottom and hit "next."

Fremont High Welders Represent

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Students with the Fremont High School Welding Academy recently competed in a welding competition at the Fort Omaha Campus at Omaha’s Metropolitan Community College — and they returned with impressive results. Of the eight students who competed, five placed in the top 10, and Fremont students scored first and second place. Click here for the complete article.

Meet Scott Meister: Pinnacle Bank President and GFDC Board Member

Thursday, February 14, 2019

As the Fremont Market President for Pinnacle Bank and former head of American National Bank of Fremont, Scott Meister has been at the forefront of Fremont’s growth and development. In his role as Market President, he has had the opportunity to support local companies, developers and entrepreneurs looking to grow their business and increase market share. Simultaneously, he has worked to ensure that the bank provides financial solutions for local families looking to buy homes and put down roots. Scott’s focus on community building stems from a desire to see the community he was raised in grow and thrive. “I’m passionate...

Fremont Public Schools Announces New High School Program

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

The JAG program, which stands for “Jobs for America’s Graduates” is new to Nebraska and is being piloted at three Nebraska sites starting in January 2019 with Fremont High School being one of the sites. The program is designed to benefit students who face barriers to high school graduation. Students will complete four semester-long classes (two classes in block scheduling) based on social skills, job skills, career exploration and career development. A single instructor, Rae Dixon, will work with students connecting them to the opportunities within our community and region to pursue employment and post graduate careers. The students are...

8 Welding Students Compete at Metropolitan Community College

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Eight Fremont High School SkillsUSA welding students recently competed in the Inaugural Metro Omaha Trades Invitational at the Fort Omaha Campus. The competition was held on Saturday, February 2 and consisted of written and physical tests for students in Gas Metal Arc Welding, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, and Oxyfuel Cutting to demonstrate their mastery of the subject. Fremont represented well by placing three of the top five welders and five of the top ten. Click here for the complete article.

Abby Wharff Joins GFDC as the Creative Program Coordinator

Friday, February 08, 2019

Meet Abby Wharff, Creative Program Coordinator for the Greater Fremont Development Council. Abby is a fantastic addition to the GFDC team. She is our first point of contact for visitors and focuses on program coordination, handling accounts payables/receivables, events and providing assistance to the entire staff. As a Fremont native, she is intimately familiar with our area, has chosen to raise her family here and is passionate about lending her talents to help Fremont grow. We invite you to get to know Abby and to say hello next time you are in the GFDC office. What was your background prior to...

Manufacturers Are Nebraska's Leaders In Economic Output

Wednesday, February 06, 2019

The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry is more than just a statewide chamber; it also serves as Nebraska's manufacturing association. Manufacturers in Nebraska account for 11.2% of the state's total economic output and employ nearly 100,000 individuals with an average annual compensation of $59,867 in 2016. In 2017, the total output from Nebraska's manufacturing sector was $13.60 billion -- larger than any other industry in the Cornhusker State. Manufacturers also help drive Nebraska's economy with their goods sold abroad. In 2017, Nebraska manufacturers registered nearly $6 billion in exports. For more on Nebraska's manufacturing sector, click here for data...

January 28 Rural Workforce Housing Fund Project Press Conference in Fremont, NE

Thursday, January 24, 2019

WHAT: Murray Properties Press Conference (Partly funded by the Rural Workforce Housing Fund) A message from Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NDED) Director, Dave Rippe addressing the LB 518/Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF) Impact Explanation of the Dodge County Investment Fund in partnership with LB518 funding to support workforce housing projects in Dodge County A brief message from Oscar Duran, Developer and Murray Properties, Owner of the planned second story residential rehab in downtown Fremont. A brief message from local leaders on the impact and support of housing projects in Fremont and Dodge County, NE WHEN: Monday, January 28 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. WHERE: 630 N Park St, Fremont,...

Progress 2019: Fund spurs workforce housing development

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

After establishing the Dodge County Investment Fund in 2018, the Greater Fremont Development Council is looking to continue to spur workforce housing projects in the community through the revolving loan fund in 2019 and beyond. Along with continuing to provide “gap” financing to developers, like the Morningside Crossing apartment complex which received $1 million from the revolving loan fund last year, the Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC) is also looking to extend funds to homebuyers before the calendar turns to 2020. According to GFDC Executive Director Garry Clark, the Dodge County Investment Fund (DCIF) was created partly out of the need for...

Meet Kelly Gentrup, GFDC’s Dodge County Housing Program Manager

Monday, December 31, 2018

Kelly Gentrup has joined the Greater Fremont Development Council as the Dodge County Housing Program Manager where she will be managing the Dodge County Investment Fund. She has had a diverse career in economic development that includes working for the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce and Cuming County’s Convention & Visitors Bureau. Immediately prior to joining GFDC, Kelly was the Executive Director for Cuming County Economic Development, after having previously been their grant writer. We spoke with Kelly about her recent move to Fremont, goals for the Dodge County Investment Fund and the ideas she has for the future. What excites you...

Locals find jobs through Fremont Career Placement Pilot program

Friday, December 07, 2018

When local resident James Smith was struggling to make his rent payment, he contacted the Fremont Area United Way to see if the local non-profit could help. “I knew they offered rent assistance and I was just figuring I would jump through the hoops and that would be it,” he said. Although Smith did receive rent assistance — he ended up with something worth a whole lot more — a new full-time job. Smith was one of 10 local residents who participated in Fremont Career Placement pilot program developed by a variety of local organizations and businesses to help people better their lives...

GFDC Executive Director, Garry Clark, Wins Prestigious 40 Under 40 Award

Monday, December 03, 2018

Garry Clark, the Executive Director of the Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC), has won the prestigious 40 Under 40 Award, presented by the Midlands Business Journal. Garry was nominated by colleagues at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, partners with GFDC since 2013. Surprised and humbled, he was unaware that he had been nominated until he had already won. As the second GFDC Executive Director to win a 40 Under 40 designation, he embodies the can-do spirit of Fremont and his mission is to continue propelling the community forward. You could say that Garry moves quickly Some people may recognize the name...

GFDC Supports the #SlamDunkBook Campaign this Giving Tuesday

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

This Giving Tuesday, the Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC), in partnership the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, is on a mission to give books to kids in need through the Slam Dunk Book campaign. The goal of the campaign is to gift children with their own #SlamDunkBook so that they can begin fostering a love of reading – something that can help them throughout their academic career and the rest of their lives. By giving children books, GFDC is helping to improve literacy, academic performance and inspire children to dream. Books are powerful and we invite anyone who is interested...

Bill Vobejda, GFDC Board President and Passionate Community Leader

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Bill Vobejda, Vice President of Operations at Methodist Fremont Health and President of the Board for the Greater Fremont Development Council has been a passionate community leader for nearly two decades. Since 2012, he has served as the Vice President, responsible for overseeing human resources, marketing and public relations, community health, the hospital foundation and external affairs. When speaking of him, Patrick Booth, former CEO of Fremont Health said, “I’ve also served with Bill on numerous committees over the last few years and have been very impressed with his passion and commitment on community projects that were all aimed at...

Garry Clark is a recipient of the Midlands Business Journal 40 under 40 Award!

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Greater Fremont Development Council is proud to announce that Garry Clark has been named a Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award winner. This distinction honors 40 entrepreneurs, executives, and business professional men and women under the age of 40. Clark has served as executive director of Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC) in Fremont, Nebraska since September 2017. Clark, a graduate of Dana College and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, had a previous role as the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) Opportunity Fund Manager, out of the Omaha and Lincoln, NE offices and before that served as Cuming County Economic...

Greater Fremont Development Council Hires Housing Program Manager

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Fremont, NE November 8, 2018 - Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC) announced the hiring of Kelly Gentrup to serve in the newly created position of Housing Program Manager. With the inception of the Dodge County Investment Fund, projects geared toward housing development and other related programs also meant expanding staff at GFDC. “We realized that taking on a program like the DCIF would add the need for dedicated staff time to keep and maintain a sustainable program. We are grateful to the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority for their Outreach Partnership Program which partially funds the new position,” said Garry Clark, executive director...

Infinite 8 Institute for Drone Research and Technology Announces New Location in Fremont, NE

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Infinite 8 Institute has locations in Washington, D.C., Kansas City, & Omaha, and have just announced plans to locate in Fremont, NE (Pop. 26,500), their first rural community. “We have long wanted to find the right agricultural community to begin a focus on the drone, AI, and use of rover technology that is fast developing in the ag industry,” says owner, Ean Mikale. Founded in 2013, Infinite 8 Institute, LLC, is a low-profit limited liability company and social enterprise, specializing in the design and financing of social impact systems. Ean is also the founder of The Drone School, a serial...

Rural Workforce Housing Fund Project Groundbreaking in Fremont, NE Features Governor Ricketts, Local Leaders, Developers

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Picture (Left to Right): City of Fremont – Mayor Getzschman, GFDC – Garry Clark, GFDC – Barb Pierce, Fremont Beef Company – Les Leech, City of Scribner – Kathy Lodl, Governor Ricketts, Lincoln Premium Poultry – Jessica Kolterman First National Bank – Barry Benson, Fremont Area Community Foundation – Melissa Diers, Fremont Contract Carriers – Tim McCormick Fremont, NE – November 1, 2018 Governor Pete Ricketts attended a groundbreaking ceremony in Fremont, NE on Thursday, November 1st at 10am. This project is the first recipient of Greater Fremont Development Council’s (GFDC) Dodge County Investment Fund (DCIF). The project, titled Morningside Crossing, consists...

GFDC Secures Visit from Dream It Do It Metro Area Mobile Expo STEM Trailer

Friday, November 09, 2018

Story by Colin Larson, Fremont Tribune With October serving as Manufacturing Month across the country, the Greater Fremont Development Council wanted to give local kids an interactive look at a few of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) career pathways available to them when prepare to enter the work force. To do that, GFDC secured a visit from the Dream It Do It Metro Area Mobile Expo STEM Trailer which gives students a firsthand look at robotics, 3-D printing, welding simulator and virtual reality experience. The 30-foot gooseneck trailer contains a Fanuc robot with training pendent, a virtual reality training welder, 3-D printer,...

November 1st Rural Workforce Housing Fund Project Groundbreaking in Fremont, NE Features Governor Ricketts, Local Leaders, Developers

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

WHAT: Morningside Crossing Groundbreaking (Partly funded by the Rural Workforce Housing Fund) A message from Governor Pete Ricketts addressing the LB 518/Rural Workforce Housing Fund (RWHF) Impact Explanation of the Dodge County Investment Fund in partnership with LB518 funding to support workforce housing projects in Dodge County A brief message from Spencer Lombardo, Developer on the planned Mixed Use-three phased housing development in Fremont, Nebraska (300 Unit total with a 1st phase of 108 apartments; 1 and 2 bedroom apartments; Walking Trail, Dog Park, Resort Style Pool) A brief message from local leaders on the impact and support of housing projects in Fremont and Dodge County,...

Fremont Diesel Career Academy Moves to Fremont Contract Carriers

Friday, October 12, 2018

Asking questions and collaborating on solutions is critical to the ultimate success of Fremont. It is possible to solve local challenges when the community comes together, something that is on clear display when entering the Fremont Diesel Career Academy. In 2015, the Greater Fremont Development Council held a meeting that brought local companies in need of diesel tech talent together with area community colleges to discuss the future pipeline for this skilled trade. In that meeting, it was identified that industry leaders believed the shortage of technicians was due to a lack of interest from graduating high school students. In...

Infinite 8 Institute: The Drone School Announces Opening in Fremont

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

The Infinite 8 Institute: The Drone School invites you to attend a press conference to announce their commitment to Fremont. Infinite 8 Institute (I8I) will open its doors at 544 Main Street in downtown Fremont, focusing on Commercial Drone Piloting, Commercial Drone Software Development, Artificial Intelligence, and Autonomous Vehicles. Students will be exposed to leading edge technology that can be used across many sectors. The Press Conference is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 28 at 544 Main Street. All media outlets and the public are invited to attend.

How Fremont is Solving its Workforce Housing Shortage

Monday, August 27, 2018

With businesses expanding, there is an increased need for workforce housing in Dodge County. According to a recent housing study, that number could be as high as 1,500 units. To say that the community of Fremont and Dodge County is determined to address this issue would be an understatement. With the Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC) at the helm, partners including FCC, Lincoln Premium Poultry, First National Bank, FBC, City of Scribner, the Fremont Area Community Foundation, and the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority have come together to address workforce housing in a big way. These local match participants agreed to...

Bow Tie Blog! August 24, 2018

Friday, August 24, 2018

Bow Tie Blog Posted by Greater Fremont Development Council on Friday, August 24, 2018 (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v3.1'; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));

News Alert! Sale of Fremont Hormel plant to Wholestone Farms, LLC

Thursday, August 16, 2018

It was announced today (8.16.18) that Hormel Foods Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Hormel Foods Fremont, Nebraska processing facility to WholeStone Farms, LLC. The press release states that "the current Fremont plant management team and workforce will remain in place." The official sale will take place by end of December this year. Garry Clark, executive director of Greater Fremont Development Council has been in touch with Hormel plant manager, Steve Weers. Citing a quote from the press release, Glenn Leitch, executive vice president of supply chain for Hormel Foods said, "A multiyear supply agreement with WholeStone Farms ensures the Fremont facility will...

Ever wonder what Opportunity Zones are? Fremont has two of them. Learn more here.

Tuesday, August 07, 2018

The new federal Opportunity Zones program is one of the most substantial pieces of legislation targeting community revitalization and economic development in America’s lowest income communities today. However, the program is still in its infancy, leaving state and local governments, foundations, advocates, and private sector professionals with many questions about its implementation and operation across America’s 55 territories and states. This LINK will take you to a recorded webinar addressing the Opportunity Zones program’s economic context and incentives, as well as policies and practices needed by stakeholders to achieve equitable development outcomes. For your convenience important links on this topic are below: Webinar Explaining Opportunity Zones Webinar...

Housing Development Using Technology to Showcase Site

Thursday, August 02, 2018

Technology is Cool! Check out this vimeo of the Gallery 23 East site! This is one of several housing developments in the Fremont area. Contact GFDC if you want to be connected to this development or others. Ask for Garry Clark, 402.753.8126. Vimeo of Gallery 23 East, LLC, Development For information on the Dodge County Investment Fund administered by GFDC go HERE.

GFDC is taking Developer Applications for Workforce Housing Projects

Friday, July 20, 2018

Greater Fremont Development Council is taking Developer Applications for the Dodge County Investment Fund. First round deadline for submitting a developer loan application is August 15, 2018. The Greater Fremont Development Council is pleased to announce that the Dodge County Investment Fund (DCIF) “ Loan Application” is now available for developer’s seeking to develop workforce housing in Dodge County, Nebraska. The purpose of the Dodge County Investment Fund (DCIF) is to provide "gap" financing to developers of workforce housing and homebuyers consistent with the Workforce Housing Investment Act. Developers can access the application online at www.fremontecodev.org. The DCIF will support workforce housing...

2017 Dodge County Communites Housing Study

Friday, December 08, 2017

The 2017 County-wide Housing Study has been completed. This study was made possible through a grant from the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) and a local collaborative effort. Dodge County Communities Housing Study Snapshot Dodge County Communities Housing Study Full Report Local collaborators included: City of Fremont City of Hooper City of Scribner Dodge County Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce Fremont Area Community Foundation Fremont Department of Utilities Fremont Public Schools Greater Fremont Development Council Midland University

Bow Tie Blog Time! February 6, 2019

Wednesday, February 06, 2019

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v3.2'; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Bow Tie Blog Time. Posted by Greater Fremont Development Council on Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Drive Thru Job Fair Held October 11

Friday, November 09, 2018

Industry Leaders, Education, and Community Organizations coming together to develop programming that engages jobseekers, attracts talent from outside the community and thinks outside the box on workforce development gaps. That is what takes place at the monthly meetings of the Fremont Manufacturers and Transportation Strategic Doing group. One of the programs started by this group’s efforts was a Fremont first. It was called a “Drive Thru Job Fair,” and was led by Tara Lea and her staff at the Fremont Area Chamber who took on the organizing effort. This included outreach to industry for participation, volunteer sign ups, marketing, and of course,...

Midland University Announces Local Partnership with Fremont Schools

Friday, November 09, 2018

Story by Madonna Kilpatrick-Kielion - November 9, 2018 Midland University recently announced a new strategic partnership with Fremont Public Schools to enable local students to attend and graduate from college through a “grow your own, keep your own” initiative. The strategic partnership will involve Fremont High School and Archbishop Bergan with the new Tiger to Warrior, and Knight to Warrior Scholarship program. All graduates from Fremont High School and Archbishop Bergan will be offered scholarships renewable for four years based on students high school grade point average and ACT score. Additional needs-based-aid may also be applied, as well as athletic, and performing arts awards to make obtaining a...

FHS Librarian starts Project Lit Program

Friday, October 12, 2018

Following a grassroots movement to bring awareness to multicultural issues through reading, Fremont High School librarian Dana Fontaine decided to initiate a Project Lit program within the Book Club at FHS. “We are starting Project Lit this year because we need to read more diverse literature in our Book Club,” said Fontaine, who has sponsored the Book Club for three years at FHS. “We need to represent all groups at the high school and open our eyes to a world outside of Fremont.” Founded in 2016 by Jarred Amato, a reading teacher in Nashville, Project Lit is a program designed to enrich...

FHS Senior named in 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program!

Friday, October 12, 2018

A Fremont High School senior has been named a “Commended Student” in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program. The student, Payton Eyler, received a letter of commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, according to information released by Fremont High School The commendation went out to 34,000 students across the country, who are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Click here for the complete article.

FPS Announces Preschools being Added to Two Elementary Schools

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

The Fremont Public Schools Board of Education approved a plan to add preschool classes to the Howard and Clarmar Elementary School buildings next year. Prior to the approval, which came unanimously during Monday night’s monthly Board of Education meeting, Howard and Clarmar were the only two elementary school buildings in the district without any preschool or early childhood offerings, according to FPS Director of Student Services and Business Affairs Brad Dahl. During the past few years, the district has been moving away from its “center-based program” of predominantly housing its early childhood program at the Davenport School, as it has moved preschool...

Student Run Coffee Shop

Monday, May 07, 2018

There’s a new coffee shop coming to Fremont this fall. While the new beverage stop plans to sell all of the usual coffee shop fare, the people it serves and those developing new business are less-than typical. The coffee shop, to be known as Deja Brew, will not only serve students at Fremont High School it will also be run and managed by their fellow classmates. “This is the first class that MCC (Metropolitan Community College) has ever had that has created a business incubator and is actually going to have a student run, student managed business,” Dan Smith, MCC instructor, said. Click here...

Fremont Public Schools - A Year in Review

Wednesday, May 02, 2018

Fremont Public Schools will soon close another academic year. The Tribune sat down with several FPS administrators to discuss the year’s academic highlights and new programs and preview what’s on the horizon for next year. This year, FPS brought pre-kindergarten classes to the Grant and Bell Field Elementary School buildings, with two sections at Grant and one at Bell Field. Those buildings join Milliken Park, Washington and Linden elementary schools to bring the total number of elementary buildings housing pre-kindergarten classes up to five. The district is hoping that it could be possible to implement pre-school classes at Howard and Clarmar by the...

Fremont Health Named a 2018 Top 100 Community Hospital

Friday, April 27, 2018

Fremont Health Medical Center Named a 2018 Top 100 Community Hospital FREMONT, NE – April 26, 2018: Fremont Health Medical Center in Fremont, Nebraska, was recently named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This is the second...

School Holds Annual Donuts with Dads Event

Friday, April 27, 2018

Grant Elementary School welcomed special guests on Friday morning: Dads. For its annual Donuts with Dads event, the school welcomed students’ fathers to spend the morning eating breakfast, chatting and taking a walk around the track outside. Children also welcomed grandfathers and other family members when fathers were unavailable attend. In total, there were 176 children and visitors, according to Diane Brown, the treasurer for the Grant Elementary School PTA, which organized the event. Click here for the complete article.

FPS Foundation recognizes High Achieving Grads

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

The Fremont Public Schools Foundation hosted its 14th annual Academic Achievement Banquet on Sunday, honoring 34 high-achieving students who are graduating from Fremont High School this year. The program, held at the Fremont Golf Club, recognized students who will be graduating with a 3.75 GPA or higher, and who completed Fremont Public School’s most academically rigorous courses. “We wanted to acknowledge the efforts of top academic students graduating from Fremont Senior High,” said FPS Foundation Executive Director Joe Sajevic. “It’s an accomplishment for these guys. Those classes are hard.” Click here for the complete article.

Precision Measurement Tools Incorporated into Classroom Thanks to Keno Grant

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Members of the Fremont community gathered at Fremont High School to celebrate a recent grant that was awarded to Fremont Public Schools on Friday. The grant, which was provided by through the Big Red Keno’s Science and Math Program, allowed for the purchase of new precision measurement tools for Fremont High School that aim to teach industrial engineering students how to design products to industry standards. The packed event, billed as an event for coffee and conversation, was sponsored by the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, and allowed guests to see the students using the new tools. It was meant to acknowledge...

Fremont Schools Adapt to Growing Latino Population

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

As the Latino community in Fremont grows, area schools are assessing ways to better reach and serve its members. In 2010, Fremont’s Hispanic and Latino population accounted for 10.6 percent of Fremont’s total population at 2,778, according to U.S. census estimates. By 2016, that number had increased by more than 1,000 to 3,875. The Hispanic and Latino population accounted for 14.7 percent of Fremont’s total population in 2016. Most of those individuals — nearly 3,000 — come from Mexico. For the last two years, Archbishop Bergan Catholic School has been actively working on increasing its enrollment numbers from within Hispanic community through...

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