Here We Grow! 2024 Marks Momentous Year for Innovation, Collaboration and Growth in Greater Fremont

Greater Fremont saw a momentous year of achievements in 2024, thanks to the collaborative vision of investors, government and industry leaders and community advocates laying the groundwork for a bright future filled with opportunity.

“The positive impact that this group has had on our community is hard to put into words,” said Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC) President & CEO Megan Skiles. “They took on every challenge and turned it into an opportunity for growth that will pave the way for a prosperous and exciting tomorrow.”

Here We Grow!

As 2024 came to a close, it also marked the end of our five-year strategy and funding campaign, Here We Grow 2025. With a focus on driving economic growth through key initiatives to enhance our area, the full list of notable accomplishments can be found in our 2024 Annual Report. 

Some of the highlights of the last 5 year strategic plan include:

Business Attraction:

• 2,385 new jobs created by new and expanded businesses
• $215 million capital investment into Greater Fremont

Business Retention & Expansion:

• 11 LB840 projects since 2020 totaling over $5.5 million in collaboration with the City of Fremont
• $950,000 in Site & Building Development Funds administered for four local expansion projects

Workforce Development & Preparedness:

• 14,278 website visits for our “WORK BETTER, LIVE BETTER” campaign
• $700,000 secured in grants for Fremont Public Schools Career and Technical Education efforts

Quality of Life Enhancements:

• $4.3 million in funds managed through our three revolving housing loan programs
• 552 new housing units built

An Eye on the Future

These milestone achievements were celebrated during the GFDC’s Annual Investors Meeting on February 19th at the Fremont Golf Club.

GFDC Board Chair Brett Richmond led the annual meeting with the 2025 board member nominations and highlighted key accomplishments from 2024 and reinforced the collective impact of our investors and partners. Attendees enjoyed lunch and a presentation by guest speaker Josie Schafer, Ph.D, Director of the Center for Public Affairs Research at University of Nebraska, Omaha, who provided valuable insights into economic trends shaping our region. Her data-driven presentation offered a compelling look at the opportunities and challenges ahead.

A key highlight of the event included a presentation by Dave Honz from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED). The City of Fremont and GFDC were proudly presented with the Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC) program award—a true reflection of our commitment to creating opportunities, supporting businesses, and enhancing our community.

The event also recognized an outstanding group of investors that support the potential for growing our core values and goals. It’s these steadfast partnerships that will ensure Here We Grow 2030, our new five-year action plan to strengthen the Fremont economy, makes a tremendous impact.

“We’re already seeing positive growth in 2025 and are excited to watch our business and residential community continue to innovate even more than before thanks to the commitment of our investors and visionaries,” said Skiles. 

Check out our website for more details about what the future holds for Greater Fremont!