The Center for Rural Affairs would like to thank the people of North Platte and the surrounding communities for helping to make the Center for Rural Affairs' third annual entrepreneurship conference - Marketplace - a resounding success. We had a very impressive turnout, and none of it would have been possible without their support.

Whether looking to improve your farm or ranch operation, interested in expanding a home based business, or community development, MarketPlace has something for everyone.

The 2009 MarketPlace event had a special focus towards youth entrepreneurship. Along with the many financial, marketing, development, policy, agriculture and technology sessions, several youth sessions were specially designed for high school students and young adults. About a hundred-plus students and teachers attended MarketPlace. (See the 2009 conference agenda here).

The day kicked off with 24 year old CEO and founder of JM Web Designs, Jonathan Patton, as the opening keynote speaker. Young Patton started his business at the age of 14, working individually out of his bedroom, and has grown it into a thriving business with over 15 employees and an international clientele.

The first youth directed session,"ESI: Entrepreneurship Investigation Workshop", taught concepts of entrepreneurship through hands on Investigation. Participants experienced a variety of tools designed to help develop their entrepreneurial skills. They also learned they can pursue their entrepreneurial dreams without having to move to a big city.

A session lead by students from an Arthur County High School Business Class demonstrated how to find new uses for old products. Neal Ely, owner of Ely Farms, talked about the pros and cons of business success and what is important to the survival of rural Nebraska. Mr. Ely started Ely Farms Pickled Asparagus as an FFA project. His product is sold locally, in gourmet shops and specialty grocery stores, and over the Internet.

The noon meal featured Nebraska-raised meat, tomatoes and cucumbers, plus refreshments. Participants also received a binder of proceedings and had access to a tremendous number of resources and expertise in one location.

Of course the success of MarketPlace wouldn't be possible without sponsors including many local sponsors such as: Idea Logic, Q Country 107.3 FM -North Platte, Mid Nebraska Community Foundation, The UPS Store, Consolidated Telephone, NebraskaLand National Bank, Wells Fargo, Adams Bank & Trust, Equitable Bank, Nebraska Rural Electric Association, North Platte Chamber & Development, North Platte Convention & Visitors Bureau, State Farm Insurance, and Nebraska Department of Economic Development just to name a few.

If you missed the conference this year make sure to attend next year on Feb. 24, 2010 at the Ramada Inn in Kearney. For information on entrepreneurship and what you can do in your community visit - www.cfra.org/renewrural.