August 1, 2023 — Manufacturers and all Nebraskans are invited to nominate their favorite product to compete in the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” tournament. To qualify, products must be manufactured in Nebraska. Nominations are accepted online at nemanufacturingalliance.com.
“This exciting contest is an opportunity to showcase just how broadly manufacturing is at the heart of success in our communities and our families, not to mention the level of pride Nebraskans have in Nebraska-made products,” said Mike Johnson, NE Chamber Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Manufacturing. “Last year’s competition exceeded our expectations with the excitement it created. We can’t wait to see how the public embraces it and who will take the championship title this time!” The tournament will once again lead Nebraskans into the annual celebration of NE Manufacturing Month this October. Nebraskans are then invited to vote for their favorite Nebraska-made product in a head-to-head, bracket-style competition during September. The champion will be announced October 10 at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista, where the finalists will also be invited to display their products. The contest, hosted by the NE Manufacturing Alliance and powered by the NE Chamber and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) – together with your local public power utility, celebrates the state’s thriving manufacturing industry with Nebraska residents, students, educators, community leaders, manufacturers and especially, the vast number of Nebraskans working in manufacturing every day. “Nebraska Public Power District is proud to provide power to many of Nebraska’s manufacturers across the state who, in turn, help to power our state’s economy. We’re excited to shine a spotlight on these industries, while highlighting the incredible economic impact they have on Nebraska,” said Courtney Dentlinger, NPPD Vice President of Customer Services and External Affairs and Chief Customer Officer. Nominate your favorites online at nemanufacturingalliance.com.
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August 1, 2023 — NE Chamber President Bryan Slone today announced the hiring of Laurel Oetken as the first executive director of Tech Nebraska, a new organization created to cultivate Nebraska’s tech community and drive collaboration, growth and policy for Nebraska businesses. “Laurel comes to Tech Nebraska with a strong record of bringing tech leaders, entrepreneurs and community and state policy leaders together,” Slone said. “We’re excited to have her leading the efforts of the new organization to further connect technology interests throughout the state and grow Nebraska’s technology brand.” A native of Omaha, Oetken most recently served as director of entrepreneurship and innovation at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. She spearheaded Omaha-area work with Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (REAP) to cultivate a short- and long-term strategic plan for growth in the innovation ecosystem. She engaged 40 Omaha-based tech startups and 400 business and community leaders during Startup Omaha Week. Prior to that, she worked as a project manager at Ervin & Smith and a marketing project manager at Flywheel. She’s the current fundraising director for the Junior League of Omaha and was a leader in the Greater Omaha Young Professionals Council. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Journalism degree. “I’m incredibly proud of Nebraska and the advancements our state has made collectively toward becoming a leader in technology. Tech Nebraska has the unique opportunity to continue building on past momentum, advancing our state’s technology interests and reputation as a leader in technology and innovation even further,” Oetken said. “To be a part of accelerating this growth through Tech Nebraska and to serve as its first executive director is truly exciting. I can’t wait to get started.” Christopher Dill, Vice President and CIO at Kiewit, said Tech Nebraska’s new leader will be key in growing the state’s tech sector. “Every Nebraska company is impacted by technology,” Dill said. “We are confident that Laurel, as the new director of Tech Nebraska, will be a leader in helping those Nebraska businesses collaborate, partner and ultimately become leaders in the technology ecosystem." “Laurel will be a leader in guiding statewide strategy as the director of Tech Nebraska,” said Assistant Vice President & Lead Engineer for IT at Union Pacific Railroad. “We look forward to her working directly with CIOs and CTOs across the state to move our state forward in the technology ecosystem.” Tech Nebraska’s mission is to strengthen the state’s position as a leader in the future of technology and innovation, advocating for tech-forward public policies and developing a diverse technology community. The organization announced its formation in December, and is in the process of building capacity, with senior level information and technology officers helping to create the founding board. Companies interested in engaging their chief information and technology officers may contact the NE Chamber for more information at nechamber@nechamber.com, or by calling 402-474-4422. For more information, visit technologynebraska.com NE Chamber President Bryan Slone today welcomed Tara Lea to the NE Chamber Foundation team. Tara will serve as Director of the Leadership Nebraska program. Leadership Nebraska was founded in 2006 to identify current and emerging leaders throughout the state, enhance their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska. “Tara has a strong passion for her state, its communities, and the sectors and businesses that fuel local jobs and economies,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber president. “Her own leadership development path and experiences make her an excellent host for others on their unique leadership journeys.” A native of Hooper, NE, Tara most recently served as president/CEO of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, a 600-member organization. Prior to that, Lea spent four years as the president of the Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce. Tara has served on the board and is a past chair of the NE Chambers Association and the Mid-America Chamber Executives organization. She graduated from the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organizational Management program in 2021 and is a Leadership Nebraska class VII graduate. Lea earned her Bachelor of Journalism in broadcasting and her Master of Science in educational leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She currently resides in Omaha with her husband and their son, Preston and daughter, London. Leadership Nebraska is the NE Chamber Foundation’s cornerstone program. The NE Chamber Foundation is focused on meeting the needs of current business, community and state leaders, as well as equipping Nebraska’s next generation of leaders with the experiences, information and research they need to turn big ideas into bold moves. The NE Chamber is the largest, statewide business association, serving its members since 1912. It is where members of the business community gather to help make Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business. Focused on delivering economic and workforce growth and a competitive business climate, members also gain a network of experienced, connected business leaders across the state. NE Chamber President Bryan Slone today issued the following statement in response to Governor Jim Pillen’s signing of the LB754 and LB243, the income and property tax relief packages passed by the 2023 Nebraska Legislature.
“For decades, excessive tax burden has been holding Nebraskans and their families back, not to mention the food, goods and services they work hard to provide to our nation and world. It’s been dead weight on our shoulders as families seek greater opportunity for their children and grandchildren and farmers, ranchers and businesses work to grow their operations. In global markets, high taxes make our products less competitive. “The tax cuts signed into law today will be transformational. They will unleash growth, which will unleash opportunity for all Nebraskans and attract new residents to the Good Life. “Much credit goes to the Governor and legislators who strongly believed excess money does more good back in the pockets of hardworking Nebraskans.” LB754 lowers the top two individual and corporate income tax brackets to 3.99% by FY27 and exempts social security from income taxes starting in tax year 2024, among other provisions. LB754 will deliver over $1.48 billion in tax relief by FY27 and $3.2 billion by FY29. LB243 increases contributions to the Property Tax Credit Fund, takes community colleges off the property tax rolls, and provides soft caps on local school district spending. When combined with an increase in state aid to education, this year’s legislation will deliver over $2.1 billion in property tax relief by FY27 and over $3.3 billion by FY29. The NE Chamber is the largest, statewide business association, proudly serving its members since 1912. It is where members of the business community gather to help make Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business. Focused on delivering economic and workforce growth and a competitive business climate, members also gain a network of experienced, connected business leaders across the state. Learn more at nechamber.com. The NE Chamber Foundation has announced the members of its new Leadership Nebraska class. This year’s class is the 15th in the program’s history.
Leadership Nebraska was founded in 2006 to identify current and emerging leaders throughout the state, enhance their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska. Participants have been selected from across the state and possess varied backgrounds and diverse talents. All candidates have demonstrated an abiding interest in Nebraska and its future. The nine-month program covers a broad range of key Nebraska issues including economic development, workforce and education, agriculture and environment, health care, education, government and policy development. “We are excited and pleased to welcome this incredibly talented group to our statewide leadership program,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber President. “If we’re going to truly compete and solve our workforce challenges by growing communities that excel at supporting young families, talent, innovation and community development over the next decade, the next generation of strong and informed leaders like this group will be necessary to achieve those goals.” Following are the Nebraskans selected to participate in Leadership Nebraska’s Class XV, along with the class member’s employer. AUBURN: Crystal Dunekacke, City of Auburn AURORA: Adam Jurgens, Hamilton Telecommunications BLAIR: Kelli Vondra, Great Plains Communications COLUMBUS: David Mazankowski, Nebraska Public Power District Brett Rains, Columbus Credit Services DESHLER: Julie Deepe, Midwest Bank ELMWOOD: Jenna Roberts, Pinnacle Bank-Elmwood GRAND ISLAND: Shane Labenz, CMBA Architects HASTINGS: Jason Davis, Central Community College HEMINGFORD: Gina Jespersen, Hemingford Public Schools HOLDREGE: Alex Linden, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District KEARNEY: Lauren Brandt, City of Kearney Kristen Majocha, University of Nebraska at Kearney Doug Sutko, FNBO LINCOLN: Katie Bass, First Five Nebraska Stacy Clouse, Olsson Lee Ann Heflebower, Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence David Sharp, Hexagon Agility Courtney Wittstruck, Nebraska Community College Association NORTH PLATTE: Cassie Condon, North Platte Area Chamber & Development OMAHA: Kyleigh Austin, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Patrick Burke, Viterra Cristina Castro – Matukewicz, Wells Fargo Beth Coffman, Omaha Public Power District Rosalee Higgs, Nonprofit Association of the Midlands Itzel Lopez, AIM Tami Soper, Boys Town Michaela Valentin, Omaha Public Power District PAPILLION: Jennifer Peters, Black Hills Energy Amber Powers, City of Papillion After graduation participants join a network of 330 alumni committed to lifelong learning and community engagement. Leadership Nebraska is the NE Chamber Foundation’s cornerstone program. The NE Chamber Foundation is focused on meeting the needs of current business, community and state leaders, as well as equipping Nebraska’s next generation of leaders with the experiences, information and research they need to turn big ideas into bold moves. Thirty Nebraska leaders were recognized with certificates and commemorative awards for completing Class XIV of Leadership Nebraska at a commencement ceremony held Thursday, February 9, in Lincoln.
Graduates are current and emerging leaders from communities throughout Nebraska. The program enhances their leadership skills and deepens their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing our state. Leadership Nebraska is dedicated to the development of informed leaders who understand issues, define problems, develop solutions and achieve positions of higher responsibility in Nebraska. “Strong leaders make strong communities,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber president. “We are pleased to add the talents and drive of Class XIV to those of the larger network of Leadership Nebraska alumni across the state. These 355 individuals are in the field every day making decisions and accelerating growth in their organizations, communities and state. We are proud of their passion for the Good Life.” The program includes six, two-day sessions held in various locations across Nebraska. Topic areas include economic development, healthcare, agriculture, education, and government and policy. Leadership Nebraska Class XIV members who graduated Thursday include: AURORA: Brett Mitchell, Fontel, Inc. BLAIR: Jordan Rishel, Washington County Community Foundation CRETE: Dr. Jennifer Bossard, Doane University COLUMBUS: Dawson Brunswick, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce FALLS CITY: Lucas Froeschl, Falls City Economic Development Growth Enterprise GERING: Jennifer Sibal, Gering Public Schools GRAND ISLAND: Lisa Albers, Anesthesia Group of Grand Island Lori Schuppan, Chief Industries, Inc. Lynne Werner, First National Bank (FNBO) IMPERIAL: Eric Exum, Pinnacle Bank KEARNEY: Michael Christen, University of Nebraska at Kearney Trevor Lee, Economic Development Council of Buffalo County John Lowe, State of Nebraska LINCOLN: Matthew Kasik, Region V Services Brandon Malleck, Black Hills Energy John McNally, Nebraska Public Power District Holley Salmi, NE Chamber Abbi Swatsworth, OutNebraska NORFOLK: Candace Schmidt, Norfolk Public Schools NORTH PLATTE: Jacob Rissler, Mid-Plains Community College OMAHA: Sydnie Carraher, The Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative Brenda Christensen, SHARE Omaha Veronica Doga, UNO-Nebraska Business Development Center Ryan Gerdts, Omaha Public Power District Cynthia Gubbels, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Patrick Hoefener, Medica Kara O’Connor, Edward Jones Patricia Thraen, Peter Kiewit Foundation PAPILLION: Mark Stursma, City of Papillion WAYNE: Brittany Webber, State Nebraska Bank & Trust For more information on the NE Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Nebraska, please contact the NE Chamber at (402) 474-4422 or visit www.leadershipnebraska.com. Today, Tech Nebraska, a new organization created to cultivate Nebraska’s tech community and drive collaboration, growth and policy for Nebraska businesses, announced its search for an executive director.
The Executive Director of Tech Nebraska will provide strategic leadership for the organization and has primary responsibility to support growth, sustainability and global competitiveness of Nebraska’s technology-based economy through advocacy, collaboration and education. With an eye to educating, connecting, influencing and building Nebraska’s technology community statewide, the Executive Director of Tech Nebraska is a key player in driving innovation and growth. Tech Nebraska’s mission is to strengthen the state’s position as a leader in the future of technology and innovation, advocating for tech-forward public policies and developing a diverse, talented workforce. The organization announced its formation in December, and is in the process of building capacity, with senior level information and technology officers helping to create the founding board. The next phase will include growing statewide membership. “If Nebraska is going to compete and win in today’s global economy, we must prioritize tech transformation in our key sectors – manufacturing, agriculture, financial services, transportation and logistics,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber President. “In Tech Nebraska, the on-the-ground CIOs and CTOs in this race will help guide our statewide strategy.” In March, an initial group of Tech Nebraska members met to discuss the organizational formation and solidify initial goals:
"Technology impacts companies across Nebraska, and there isn’t another industry that touches every company in the same way that technology does,” said Chris Dill, chief information officer at Kiewit. “Tech Nebraska will enable businesses in Nebraska to collaborate and partner, and thus not only be competitive in the technology ecosystem, but become leaders.” The search for an executive director is underway and the job description is available. Tech Nebraska is also actively recruiting new members. Companies interested in engaging their chief information and technology officers may contact the NE Chamber for more information at nechamber@nechamber.com , by calling 402-474-4422, or at technologynebraska.com. LINCOLN, Nebraska — March 23, 2023 — Applications are now being accepted for the NE Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Nebraska, the statewide leadership program that prepares Nebraskans who want to play a key role in helping their community and state thrive.
Applications must be received in the NE Chamber office on or before May 1, 2023. Applications can be completed online and submitted, e-mailed or mailed. Leadership Nebraska is beginning its 15th year. Its mission is to identify, educate, connect, inspire and engage Nebraska’s current and emerging leaders for the well-being of the state of Nebraska. The program focuses on leadership development and broadening understanding and engagement on issues and opportunities facing our state. Participants gain in-depth knowledge that helps them define challenges, develop solutions and achieve positions of higher responsibility. Class members are selected from different regions of the state, with different backgrounds and diverse talents. Applicants must have demonstrated community and professional leadership experiences, as well as an abiding interest in Nebraska and its future. The nine-month program consists of six sessions, each of which lasts two and a half days. The sessions cover a broad range of key Nebraska issues – such as economic development, health care, education, agriculture, government and policy. “Strong leaders are the heart of our communities and businesses,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber president. “We must equip our next generation of leaders with the experiences, information and connections they need to generate big ideas and make bold moves that push Nebraska forward.” Leadership Nebraska’s next class will begin with an orientation retreat in June at Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. Other sessions will be held in August, September, October, November and January across the state. A commencement ceremony will be held in Lincoln in February 2024. The application form and all session dates are posted at www.leadershipnebraska.com. Tuition for the 2023-2024 class is $3,750, which includes all meals and lodging. Individuals not sponsored by an organization or employer may be eligible for a scholarship, based on financial need. Additional sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, please contact NE Chamber Foundation President Tera Norris at the NE Chamber, 402-937-9262. The NE Chamber Foundation builds a stronger future for Nebraska by driving nonpartisan research on issues important to businesses, providing regular analytics on the state economy and business climate, and building partnerships to leverage connections between business, education and all Nebraskans. It is a 501(c)3 charitable and educational organization. Learn more at nechamber.com/foundation LINCOLN, Nebraska — March 14, 2023 — Business, elected, and education leaders, including students, spotlighted a growing need to prioritize workforce training, talent recruitment and retention initiatives in community and state economic development work. The group gathered Tuesday in the Nebraska Capitol to recognize Workforce Week, March 12 – 18, as proclaimed by Governor Jim Pillen.
“Keeping and attracting talent in our businesses and families in our communities are quickly becoming the most important issues we can address in the coming decade,” said NE Chamber President Bryan Slone. “About 50,000 to 80,000 jobs have been going unfilled over the past two years. As you can see from the team assembled today, we’re taking action.” Nebraska has the highest workforce participation rate among all U.S. states at 69.9% and the third-lowest unemployment rates at 2.6%. “We have great jobs for thousands of graduating and new Nebraskans in our communities today,” said Nebraska Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly. “Working together, in public, private, and education partnerships, we can build a bright future for our children.” “Our workforce is our people – our state’s most valuable resource. A continued focus on workforce development is about helping Nebraskans achieve their dreams by connecting them to the great high-wage jobs that can help them live, work, and raise a family right here in the Good Life,” added U.S. Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE). The initiatives featured by the NE Chamber, and legislative and education partners today include:
In addition to the team assembled at the Nebraska Capitol Tuesday, more than 60 local chambers across the state are highlighting initiatives they and their members are taking on to meet workforce needs. The NE Chamber is the largest statewide business and industry association, proudly serving its members since 1912. It is where members of the business community gather to help make Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business. Focused on delivering economic and workforce growth and a competitive business climate, members also gain a network of engaged, connected business leaders across the state. In 2023, the NE Chamber launched priorities to “Accelerate Our State”, with specific initiatives outlined to address workforce, modernize taxes and drive innovation. Learn more at nechamber.com. Additional Statements from Workforce Week Partners Loren Lippincott, Nebraska Senator, District 34 “Nebraska is the only state that doesn’t provide state funding towards Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. That’s why I’ve introduced LB610, a bill that appropriates funds to the Department of Education for Perkins CTE programs. Students from Scottsbluff to Syracuse stand to benefit from these investments. In just a few short years, they’ll be our manufacturers, educators, doctors, nurses, farmers, and business owners. Let’s make sure they’re ready.” Kathleen Kauth, Nebraska Senator, District 31 “In a state with a tight labor market and plenty of remote-capable jobs, our businesses are looking out of state to expand the hiring pool. Yet, Nebraska is one of just five states that collects income taxes from these workers – even if they never set foot in Nebraska. LB416 would fix that.” Matt Gotschall, President, Central Community College President "Nebraska community colleges are excited about the several workforce related bills addressing manufacturing modernization, housing rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements because that means more job opportunities for our students that support the communities we serve.” Heath Mello, Vice President, External Relations, University of Nebraska “With 11,000 new graduates every year and world-class research and education programs, the University of Nebraska plays a crucial role in building a highly skilled workforce for our state. We are fully committed to working closely with our public and private partners to solve this urgent challenge and ensure a prosperous future for Nebraska.” LINCOLN, Nebraska — March 8, 2023 — NE Chamber President Bryan Slone today announced Tera Norris has joined the NE Chamber team. Norris will serve as President of the NE Chamber Foundation, leading the nonprofit’s work to expand economic opportunity in Nebraska through nonpartisan research and leadership development initiatives focused on the core drivers of economic prosperity. “Tera’s experience is a perfect match for the leadership, energy and passion our activist members demonstrate daily and what they seek in NE Chamber initiatives,” Slone said. “She has a proven record of harnessing unique expertise and partnerships to deliver results that far exceed expectations. We’re pleased to welcome her to the team.” A Peru native, Norris served as President of Junior Achievement (JA) of Lincoln since 2010, strengthening the organization’s impact and partnerships in a 10-county region. More than 700 volunteers helped power significant program growth in schools during her tenure. Her track record of successful partnerships with business leaders, educators, donors and foundations were also instrumental in helping grow programs in Beatrice, Seward, Grand Island and Kearney, among others. Prior to JA, Norris served as sales and marketing specialist at BKD LLP, and director of events at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Journalism degrees at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and currently resides with her family in Lincoln. The NE Chamber Foundation will build a stronger future for Nebraska by driving research on issues important to businesses, providing regular analytics on the Nebraska economy and business climate, and building partnerships to leverage connections between business, education and Nebraskans. It is a 501(c)3 charitable and educational organization. Learn more at nechamber.com/foundation. The NE Chamber is the largest, statewide business and industry association, proudly serving its members since 1912. It is where members of the business community gather to help make Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business. Focused on delivering economic and workforce growth and a competitive business climate, members also gain a network of engaged, connected business leaders across the state. Learn more at nechamber.com. |
Media Contacts:Please email Meg Hatfield at mhatfield@nechamber.com with your media requests or call 531-278-1262 Archives
April 2024
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