Gov. Pillen Hosts 2026 Governor’s Summit in Kearney

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Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Hosts 2026 Governor's Summit in Kearney

LINCOLN, NE - Governor Jim Pillen welcomed more than 1,050 participants to Kearney for the 2026 Governor's Summit: Growing Nebraska and the second annual Governor's Youth Summit.

The annual Governor's Summit, co-hosted by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, convenes the state's economic development community to discuss shared strategies to grow Nebraska. This year's event featured breakout tracks on (1) creating opportunities for Nebraska's growing workforce, (2) fueling and feeding Nebraska's agricultural and manufacturing future, and (3) investing in the next generation of Nebraskans.

The Youth Summit facilitated one-on-one interactions between high school students and business, college, and military leaders. Throughout the day, employers and educators presented student attendees with internship, scholarship, and job offers in Nebraska.

"There's no better place to farm, ranch, or build a business than here in the Good Life," said Gov. Pillen. "Today's Summit brought together industry leaders from across Nebraska to talk about how to open doors for our kids and grandkids to achieve their dreams. During the event, we had the incredible opportunity help 500 students make direct connections with rewarding careers opportunities right here in Nebraska."

Husker Athletic Director Troy Dannen kicked off Tuesday's morning session with keynote remarks. He shared the ambitious actions that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is taking to invest in its student-athletes and facilities to compete at the highest level of college sports.

The Summit's lunch session featured a presentation from Dr. Josie Schafer, director of the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She shared data showing positive trends in Nebraska's population growth and domestic migration. Dr. Schafer also moderated a panel of young professionals who shared their reasons for choosing to start their careers in Nebraska after graduating from in-state colleges.

The Governor's Summit concluded with an afternoon plenary session headlined by Fred Hoiberg, head coach of the UNL men's basketball team. He highlighted Nebraska's second-to-none support of college athletics. He also shared insights on building a winning culture through a relentless focus on empowering each member on the team.

During the Youth Summit, participating businesses offered more than $20,000 in scholarships to student attendees. In its second year, the event doubled its attendance, drawing more than 600 youth, chaperones, and sponsors to Kearney.

Gov. Pillen delivers opening remarks at Governor's Summit in Kearney

Husker Athletic Director Troy Dannen speaks to attendees at Governor's Summit in Kearney

Gov. Pillen greets students participating in the Governor's Youth Summit

Husker Men's Basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg speaks to attendees at Governor's Summit in Kearney