Our Story
The Legend of Wayne America
For over 30 years, Wayne America has been synonymous with our community in northeast Nebraska. In 1989, the City of Wayne needed to repaint their primary water tower. A local resident recognized the routine work as an opportunity to help their community stand out, persuaded the City Council to revise the work order, and ensured that the water tower was emblazoned with a new phrase: Wayne America. The phrase has become a calling card for the community, as many residents, businesses, and visitors, as well as Wayne State College (WSC) Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni, identify our community as Wayne America.
Wayne America Inc.
Wayne America Inc. is the umbrella organization for local economic development, chamber of commerce membership, housing development, and tourism, and was formed via the partnership of the City of Wayne, Wayne County, Wayne Community Housing Development Corporation (WCHDC), and Wayne Area Economic Development, Inc. (WAED).
Wayne America Inc. serves both the City of Wayne and Wayne County, and is overseen by the employees of the City’s Department of Economic Development. Taking the lead from our residents, businesses, patrons, and visitors, Wayne America Inc. has embraced the silhouette of the City's iconic water tower, embedded the Wayne America identity into every facet of its new branding, and will provide progressive and unified resources to enhance the region.
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2026 Strategic Planning
We're excited to share our five-year Strategic Plan (2026-2031) approved by the Wayne America Inc. Board of Directors.
Over the past several months, we surveyed the community, hosted a Board Retreat, interviewed key stakeholders, and then used that data to compile our five-year Strategic Plan (2026-2031).
The below one-pager is an overview of 2026, or Year 1, of our five-year plan. Each day, we will be using this plan to guide our actions; and each year, we will be assessing our achievements and setting new goals.
We look forward to the next 5 years in Wayne America!
Vision for Wayne America Inc.
Foster economic development, support chamber membership, improve housing, and attract tourism throughout Wayne County.