The Nebraska Diplomats hosted its annual awards banquet on Wednesday evening at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney.
During the banquet, Governor Jim Pillen, Nebraska Diplomats President Dave Rippe, and Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton helped present the following awards:
Business of the Year – Kinney Manufacturing
Kinney Manufacturing is headquartered in Lincoln, with additional businesses in Beatrice. The company offers laser cutting, fabrication, finishing, assembly, and more. Through strategic expansions over the past year, Kinney Manufacturing has created numerous jobs, offering competitive wages and benefits that support families and stimulate regional economic growth.
Equally noteworthy is Kinney Manufacturing’s proactive role in retaining vital businesses in the region. By acquiring and integrating companies at risk of relocation or closure, they have preserved numerous jobs and ensured continued economic activity in their community.
Beyond their economic contributions, Kinney Manufacturing is a leader in workforce development and youth engagement. They have collaborated with local schools, community colleges, and workforce agencies to establish innovative career and training pathways for young people. Through these pathways, they are equipping the next generation with the skills needed for high-demand careers.
Community of the Year – City of Kearney
In recent years, Kearney has undertaken several major initiatives to grow its economy, attract tourism, and enhance local quality of life. These include:
- Cultural and recreational attractions, such as the renovation and expansion of the Museum of Nebraska Art, the construction of Kearney SportsPlex, and the creation of Yanney Park Pavilion and Gardens.
- Community development achievements such as construction of the new Kearney Partnership Building and Welcome Center, creation of University Village at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, and expansion of the Kearney Regional Airport.
- Healthcare and education projects, including the Doug Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex, Kearney Catholic Activities Complex, and the Kearney High School-Central Community College Mechatronics Program.
- Housing initiatives, such as Millennial Estates, the Meadows, Taylor Villas, Kearney Community Sustainable Housing, and Element 30.
- Business development and assistance projects such as the Younes Landing Development, the Hilltop Mall, and the revitalization of Downtown Kearney—“On the Bricks.”
The Development Council for Buffalo County and the City of Kearney have collaborated to procure Site and Building Development Funds, Prototype Grants, Community Development Block Grant loans, and a U.S. Dept. of Commerce grant to support economic development. Kearney has also made significant investments in broadband infrastructure, fostered youth leadership and workforce readiness, and aggressively marketed the city. These many activities and achievements have distinguished Kearney as a standout in the field of economic development.
Diplomat of the Year – Allen Fredrickson, Founder and CEO, Signature Performance, Inc.
Allen Fredrickson founded Signature Performance in 2004 with a vision to enhance the healthcare industry. Under his leadership, Signature Performance has implemented innovative solutions that have significantly improved healthcare delivery and patient outcomes, while reducing administrative burdens, complexities, and costs. The company has grown from 10 employees to having approximately 1,200–with more than 600 based in Nebraska.
Fredrickson has served as chair of the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Health Care Council, been an active member of the Public Policy Committee, and served as chairman of the Labor Availability Council. He is also a past Nebraska Chamber of Commerce board member and member of the Aksarben Foundation’s Board of Governors.
Fredrickson’s dedication to serving the community and his ability to drive meaningful change exemplify the qualities of a Diplomat. His leadership has not only improved healthcare delivery but also contributed to the economic growth and development of Nebraska.
Power in Partnership Award – GROW Nebraska
GROW Nebraska serves as a key resource within Nebraska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping businesses access markets, improve operations, and achieve economic growth.
GROW Nebraska serves entrepreneurs at all stages, from the first spark of an idea to scaling and sustainability. They teach business owners how to harness the power of digital tools and help them compete in the global marketplace. They offer one-on-one guidance for business owners and aspiring founders. They also collaborate with peer organizations to connect businesses to technical training and tailored development resources.
GROW Nebraska delivers thousands of hours of training each year through one-on-one coaching, small group sessions, live webinars, and in-person workshops. Their programs are free or low-cost, ensuring accessibility for all Nebraskans, including those in rural and underserved communities.
Governor’s Excellence in Agriculture Entrepreneurship Award – Birds Eye Robotics
Birds Eye Robotics is being honored for its pioneering work in automation and robotics for agriculture. At a time when most producers were hesitant to incorporate robotics into their daily operations, Birds Eye Robotics saw potential in applying cutting-edge technology to age-old agricultural practices.
Founded in 2019, Birds Eye Robotics introduced intelligent automation to support poultry producers in Nebraska and abroad. By combining engineering innovation with a deep understanding of agriculture, the company has helped hundreds of clients reduce labor costs, improve operational efficiency, and enhance animal welfare through precision robotics.
Birds Eye Robotics brings transformative tools directly to the heart of the agricultural economy. Their work exemplifies how technology and tradition can align to strengthen the future of farming.
Governor’s Excellence in Agriculture Partnership Award – Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
The Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, located on the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s East Campus, is being honored for the disease surveillance and diagnostic services it provides to livestock producers, veterinarians, and researchers. The lab’s faculty veterinarians have a wide range of specialties and most have board certification in disciplines such as pathology, microbiology, and immunology.
Opened in 2017, the 65,000-square-foot facility is also helping to educate the next generation of veterinary practitioners and scientists. With continually growing research efforts, the facility draws interest from students who gain experiential learning opportunities working with real-life animal health diagnostic challenges. Students provide technical support throughout all areas of the lab, and many go on to work in animal health across Nebraska.
The Nebraska Diplomats, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and Nebraska Department of Economic Development would like to congratulate the 2025 award winners and thank the following sponsors of this year’s Governor’s Summit and Diplomats’ banquet.
- Platinum – Farm Credit Services of America
- Platinum – DataPowered.US
- Gold – Google
- Gold – Invest Nebraska
- Gold – Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Gold – Nebraska Diplomats
- Gold – Nebraska Public Power District
- Gold – Omaha Public Power District
- Silver – Black Hills Energy
- Silver – Cox
- Silver – Deloitte
- Silver – Development Council for Buffalo County / Kearney Visitors Bureau
- Silver – Nebraska Economic Developers Association
- Silver – Phelps County Development Corporation
- Silver – Samsara
- Silver – University of Nebraska System
- Silver – Valmont
- Bronze – Bio Nebraska
- Bronze – Cargill
- Bronze – Don’t Panic Labs
- Bronze – Greater Omaha Chamber
- Bronze – Kinkaider Brewing Co.
- Bronze – Meta
- Bronze – Nebraska Bankers Association
- Bronze – Nebraska Corn Board
- Bronze – Olsson
- Bronze – Reinke
A nonprofit corporation, Nebraska Diplomats, Inc. has a membership comprised of business executives and community leaders. The Diplomats form alliances with other Nebraska economic development organizations to promote the state’s productive business climate and unparalleled quality of life. For more information about the group’s work to benefit the state, visit www.nediplomats.com.
A photo album from the awards ceremony is available by clicking here.