On Wednesday, August 7, the Nebraska Diplomats announced that Owen Palm, president and CEO of 21st Century Equipment and a Nebraska Diplomat since 2002, won the prestigious Diplomat of the Year award at their annual awards banquet. Governor Jim Pillen, Nebraska Diplomats President Desiree Wineland, and Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton presented this year’s awards at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney, Nebraska.

The Nebraska Diplomats comprise more than 286 business executives and community leaders and is the largest economic development organization in Nebraska. Diplomats form alliances with other Nebraska economic development organizations to promote the state’s productive business climate, and provide connections to Nebraska leaders without political, organizational or geographic restrictions according to their official website. The organization recognized Palm in 2024 for the years of time and talent he’s bestowed to the state of Nebraska.

“Owen has given much to agricultural and business communities in Western Nebraska, the state, the region, and the country,” noted a recent press release. “Through knowledge-sharing opportunities and field day demonstrations, he has made a profound contribution to Nebraska agriculture. Owen’s leadership in civic life has focused on bridging the gaps between Scottsbluff and Omaha to make the state a better and more welcoming place to do business.”

In addition to co-founding 21st Century Equipment in Scottsbluff, Palm is also the co-chair of 6 Regions, One Nebraska in the Western Nebraska Community College district, president of Twin Cities Development, a trustee for Chadron State College Foundation, and a trustee and former president of Scottsbluff’s YMCA. Palm also co-chaired Blueprint Nebraska, a 12-month statewide visioning and planning process in 2018 – 19 which developed a comprehensive economic development strategy to benefit Nebraska’s economy.

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