Connecting in Western Nebraska

Members of the Omaha Branch Board of Directors and Kansas City Fed leadership visited the Scottsbluff area August 27-28. In tandem, Omaha Branch staff also hosted a series of events to connect with business and community leaders in western Nebraska.

The Omaha Branch has a seven-member board of directors who help ensure broad and diverse views from Nebraskans are part of monetary policy discussions. While they typically meet in Omaha, occasionally meeting in a different part of the state provides directors and Kansas City Fed leadership with valuable firsthand perspectives on local and regional economic conditions.

In addition to the board meeting in Scottsbluff, directors and staff toured CS Precision Manufacturing in Gering, Nebraska. The group got an up-close view of the manufacturing process for hydraulic couplings used in industries such as construction, agriculture and mining. They also visited the Legacy of the Plains Museum, which chronicles the history of the settlers and agriculture of the North Platte Valley and High Plains.

"We strive at the Federal Reserve to hear directly from people across the state of Nebraska how economic developments may be affecting their business or household." -Nate Kauffman, Senior Vice President and Omaha Branch Executive

During an Economic Forum in Gering, Nebraska, hosted by the Omaha Branch in conjunction with the board meeting, around 115 business and community leaders heard an update on the economy from Nate Kauffman, senior vice president and Omaha Branch executive.

“We strive at the Federal Reserve to hear directly from people across the state of Nebraska how economic developments may be affecting their business or household,” said Kauffman. “These direct and in-person interactions are crucial in gaining a better understanding of the issues affecting all parts of Nebraska.”

Additional events included a roundtable discussion with business leaders from the region, a small group meeting on community economic development, and a program for bankers focused on emerging trends and important regulatory topics.

Kauffman also visited Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska. He spoke with students about the role of the Federal Reserve, potential careers, and the economy at a symposium hosted by their Business Academy.