Farm Credit Services of America Invests in Northeast Nebraska iHub
As construction continues on the Northeast Nebraska iHub in downtown Norfolk, support from industries, organizations, and foundations remains strong.
Farm Credit Services of America (FCSA) is the latest contributor to the innovative technical training and entrepreneurial center, investing $25,000 toward the $8.5 million project.
Located at 707 W. Norfolk Avenue, the 18,000-square-foot iHub facility is designed to advance workforce development in manufacturing and agriculture. By emphasizing upskilling and credentialing, the iHub aims to become a regional cornerstone for technical education and economic growth.
While construction is slated for completion in late spring to early summer of 2026, iHub Director Erin Sharpe and Trainer Henry Goeden are already engaging students across Northeast’s 20-county service area. Northeast Community College’s iHub welcomed more than 240 students this summer to a series of hands-on camps focused on robotics, coding, and STEM exploration. Over the course of eight weeks in June and July, the iHub led 14 summer camp programs across five communities – Norfolk, Randolph, South Sioux City, West Point and O’Neill – serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade, with most participants in grades four to eight.
Matt Hoesing, regional vice president for FCSA, expressed pride in supporting the initiative.
“As a cooperative dedicated to serving rural communities, Farm Credit believes in investing in the people and institutions that drive innovation and opportunity in agriculture and beyond,” Hoesing said. “Northeast Community College plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of leaders and skilled professionals in our region. The iHub is a bold step forward — bringing cutting-edge technology, workforce training, and STEM education to the heart of Norfolk. It’s exactly the kind of forward-thinking initiative that strengthens rural Nebraska for years to come.”
Tracy Kruse, vice president of development and external affairs at Northeast and executive director of the Northeast Foundation, expressed gratitude for FCSA’s continued partnership.
“Farm Credit Services has supported other Northeast initiatives, and we deeply appreciate their ongoing commitment — not just to the college, but to the economic vitality of the entire region,” Kruse said.
The iHub project has received significant early support, including two grants totaling nearly $4.6 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and a $750,000 Community Project Funding allocation requested by U.S. Representative Mike Flood. Leadership gifts of $250,000 each have also been announced from Nucor Divisions in Nebraska and Norfolk Iron and Metal. Additional support has been received from manufacturers, employers, financial institutions, and foundations.
Naming rights are available for donations of $25,000 and above, with gifts from $500 to $24,999 acknowledged on a donor recognition display.
Northeast is in the final stages of fundraising and invites supporters to make a difference by contributing gifts of all sizes between now and the end of the year. To learn more about the iHub Campaign, contact Tracy Kruse at foundation@northeast.edu or call 402-844-7240. Online donations can be made at northeast.edu/give, or checks may be mailed to:
iHub Campaign
Northeast Community College Foundation
P.O. Box 469
Norfolk, NE 68702-0469
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