Jonathan Krebs, executive director of the Buffalo County Economic Development Council, announced he is leaving his job at the Development Council at the end of this month. Krebs will continue to consult for the Council for a period of time thereafter to assure a smooth transition.

Krebs stated that he and his wife want and need to be closer to their two sons and their families who reside in Portland, Oregon. “My wife Elaine and I are looking forward to moving back to the Pacific Northwest so we can be closer to our sons and their families. Currently we see them once a year - if we are lucky” Krebs stated. A 30-year veteran of the economic development profession, Krebs came to Kearney from Ottumwa, Iowa in July, 2007.

During his tenure, Krebs worked on numerous projects including Pramac America’s purchase and reopening of the former Powermate plant, Chief Agri-Industrial and Inter-Motion tremendous growth, the Buckle’s decision to expand in Kearney and build a new distribution center and Eaton Corporation’s celebration of their 40th anniversary in Kearney.

“Kearney, and the other communities in the county are truly unique communities who make this one of the leading counties and regions in the state and Central Nebraska,” Krebs says. “It has been my pleasure to serve the Development Council and work with and help the expansion of our primary employers.”

“Jon has served our organization well and we owe a great deal to him for his leadership and Council achievements” said Dale Pohlmann, chairman of the Buffalo County EDC Board of Directors. “Moving forward, we wish Jon and Elaine the very best for their future” Pohlmann concluded. The executive committee of the Council’s board of directors has begun the process of finding a replacement. The actual process and mechanism of that search has not yet been established nor when a replacement will be named.

Representing Buffalo County and Kearney, the Buffalo County Economic Development Council (BCED) has been in existence for 23 years and provides economic and industrial development services for existing and new primary employers. The Council is overseen by a 15 member board of directors who’s chairman for 2008 is Dale Pohlmann and vice chairman is Tom Henning. Board members include representation from Kearney, Gibbon, Ravenna and the county as a whole.

Courtesy: Buffalo County Economic Development Council