Local Leaders Attend Connecting Young Nebraskans Summit

Nearly 300 of the state’s young leaders gathered last week for the fifth annual Connecting Young Nebraskan’s Summit. 

Among those attending were six of Antelope County’s business leaders - Greg Ptacek, Neligh Economic Development Director; Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen, Neligh Economic Development Assistant Director; Brad Averill, UNL Extension Agent; Carrie Pitzer, president of Pitzer Digital; Samantha Cleveland, graphic designer at Pitzer Digital; and Cassie Snodgrass, owner of Massage By Cassie.

Local business leaders who attended are also part of the recently formed Antelope County Young Professionals organization. 

Held at the Holtus Convention Center in York, the Connecting Young Nebraskans Summit annually brings together 20-40 somethings from across the state to collaborate and discuss issues that matter to themselves and their peers. Through interactions at the summit, young Nebraskans discover new and creative ways to make a difference in Nebraska communities. In addition to professional, personal, and community development sessions, there are multiple networking opportunities with other young Nebraska leaders.

Connecting Young Nebraskans (CYN) is a statewide network designed to connect, empower and retain young Nebraskans. CYN focuses on enhancing the opportunities for individuals ages 21–40 to impact their communities through networking and learning experiences. The CYN Network is a dynamic and diverse group of peers with a passion for making a difference, a willingness to learn and the desire to build important relationships that will impact the future.

CYN is a program of the Rural Futures Institute at the University of Nebraska. The Rural Futures Institute believes that young leaders are a vital part of communities and that young leaders should be included in the community leadership structure. By embracing the growth and development of these individuals we can harness their ambitions to energize communities across the nation.