Top 5 Clifton Strenghts:

​

I grew up in Fremont with parents that tackled all the ups and downs of being small business owners. They worked hard for their success, and I noticed. I discovered college life in Minnesota at Gustavus Adolphus College where I earned my degree in Communications. Upon graduation, I dabbled in PR/Promotions for movies at an ad agency in Minneapolis but soon found my way back to Fremont. Since then, I have worked most of my professional life in roles that support businesses in some way.  I enjoyed helping businesses be creative and intentional while at the local radio station as a News Director/Marketing Consultant and then moved on to finding ways to support them through my time as Director of Membership at the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, and as a result of my early efforts of fostering solid connections within the community, I was asked to join RVR Bank in Fremont to help lead business development efforts. I have enjoyed that role for the opportunities it brings to help businesses and to volunteer within this community ever since.

​

Top 5 Clifton Strengths: Empathy, Adaptability, Developer, Connectedness, Strategic

​

Kelsey was born and raised in Fremont, Nebraska where she graduated from Fremont Senior High School. Prior to the GFDC, Kelsey studied Environmental Science and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. While attending college, Kelsey was involved with various organizations and clubs including serving as Vice President of the Greeks Go Green committee, and serving as Environmental Chair and Recruitment chair for her sorority. She has been in her role at the Greater Fremont Development Council for 4 years, and continues to learn more about economic development daily with her fondness of the community strengthened throughout her professional involvements. Kelsey serves as Vice President for the Fremont Creative Collective board, sits on the Downtown Façade Improvements Review Committee, is a member of the Nebraska Economic Developers Association and is involved with the Fremont Area Chamber Diplomats Club. In her personal life, Kelsey enjoys running, baking, watching scary movies, spending time outside and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.
 

Top 5 Clifton Strengths:  Adaptability, Deliberative, Developer, Empathy, Relator

​

Rita is an Associate Professor of Business at Midland University.  She has over 30 years of experience in higher education, teaching a variety of business courses including Management, Organizational Behavior, and Business Communication.  In addition to teaching, Rita serves as the Coordinator of Business Internships for the Dunklau School of Business.  Having delved into small business ownership early in her career, and supporting her husband’s home improvement business in the past, Rita understands the challenges and rewards of running a business. Through her work in partnering student interns with a variety of businesses, she has broadened that knowledge.  Rita earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and Business Education from Peru State College, and her Master’s degree in Vocational/Business Education from University of Nebraska Lincoln.  

Top 5 Clifton Strengths: Learner, Input, Responsibility, Analytical, Individualization

​

Experienced Owner with a demonstrated history of working in the accounting industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Budgeting, Analytical Skills, and Risk Management. Strong entrepreneurship professional with a BS focused in Economics, Business from Midland Lutheran College.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Top 5 Clifton Strengths

Futuristic, Achiever, Learner, Maximizer, Strategic

Blair has spent over 30 years working in the agriculture industry for companies such as Cargill, Inc., Miller Milling Company and as an independent consultant. His background includes food safety, milling and baking science, quality, grain handling, operations, inventory pipeline management, and contract wheat growing programs. Blair entered the restaurant industry when he opened two pizzerias in Omaha dba My Pie Pizza. This means he can now say that he has worked from the farm to the fork. Presently, Blair is a licensed REALTOR® at Don Peterson & Associates here in Fremont NE. 

​

Blair holds a MBA Finance from Newman University and a GRI Designation from National Association of Realtors.

Hunter was born and raised in Fremont, Nebraska. He is a graduate of Fremont Senior High School. Hunter graduated magna cum laude from Midland University (BSBA 2019) studying Business Administration and History. Hunter obtained his juris doctor degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law (J.D. 2022). While in law school, Hunter served on the Executive Board for Greater Nebraska Connections, a group that helps students find law jobs in rural Nebraska. Hunter finished his law school career by completing the Criminal Law Clinic, serving as a student prosecutor for the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office. He returned to Fremont and joined SidnerLaw in 2022.

Top 5 Clifton Strengths:  Competition, Focus, Analytical, 

Futuristic, Responsibility

​

I began my career in 2002 and have always had a relentless interest in technology, data, and process. This interest has significantly impacted my career. Over the years, the desire to start my own business and help more than one company grew to a level that I couldn't ignore. Life is short. In early 2018, I took a leap. I founded ProsperSpark with the belief that small business should have access to the same tools and talent as big business, and I haven't looked back since.Small businesses often don’t have access to someone with expert level Excel skills, years of management experience analyzing business, or process improvement

expertise. ProsperSpark fills that gap. 

Top 5 Clifton Strengths: Positivity, Context, Harmony, Responsibility, Includer

​

Taylor is originally from Kearney, Nebraska. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She currently serves as the Director of the Career Studio at Midland University and is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. Prior to starting at Midland in 2017, she worked in hotel management and sales in Omaha. Under her leadership, her hotel was nominated for a handful of awards, including Top Hotel in Omaha from Tripadvisor.