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Chamber News
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State Chamber to Hold Legislative Forums Across NebraskaLINCOLN – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, in cooperation with local chambers of commerce across the state, will present its annual Legislative Forums in the months of September and October. The forums are conducted by State Chamber staff and are held each fall to gather input from the business community on legislative issues and other topics of concern. Members of the State Chamber and local chambers of commerce, as well as the news media, are invited to participate. State senators have also been invited to each forum.
State Chamber President Barry L. Kennedy said: “The economy continues to be the most pressing issue facing lawmakers at both the state and federal levels. These forums provide a timely opportunity for business leaders and others to learn about the key concerns facing local, state and federal policymakers.” To make reservations or for more information, contact the local chamber of commerce for each forum location. The State Chamber is Nebraska's largest business association, representing individuals, large and small companies, other associations, and local chambers of commerce. With an underlying grassroots membership of more than 100,000 people, the State Chamber has served as the voice of Nebraska’s business community for more than 97 years. ___________________________________________________________________________________________Nearly 750 Attend Chambers’ Federal Fly-Back Approximately 750 Nebraskans participated in the first-ever Federal Fly-Back held Aug. 20 at the Strategic Air & Space Museum near Ashland. Attended by all five members of the Nebraska congressional delegation – as well as Gov. Dave Heineman – the event was co-hosted by the State Chamber and the Lincoln, Omaha and Bellevue Chambers of Commerce. The first part of the day featured a recreation of the traditional “Nebraska Breakfast,” which is typically hosted every week at the U.S. Capitol during session. Originating in 1943, the Nebraska Breakfast is the oldest and only ongoing state gathering for constituents on Capitol Hill. Fly-Back attendees heard updates on federal proposals that could substantially impact the business community, including the “card-check” bill, cap-and-trade climate legislation, and health care reform. The breakfast was followed by issue briefings conducted by the senators and congressmen. At the luncheon, attendees heard from the governor; U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chairman and Nebraska business leader Robert Milligan; and Tom Donahue, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. __________________________________________________________________________________________Innovation Award Presented to Majors Plastics, Behlen Mfg. Co. LINCOLN – Majors Plastics, Inc. of Omaha and Behlen Mfg. Co. of Columbus are the recipients of the 2009 Nebraska Innovation in Manufacturing Award. Both companies were honored April 24, 2009, at the annual meeting of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Manufacturers Council. Sponsored by the State Chamber and RSM McGladrey – a leading accounting, tax and business consulting firm – the Innovation in Manufacturing Award recognizes manufacturers who are successfully implementing new ways of conducting business through the use of products, processes, technologies and strategies. Accepting the award on behalf of Majors Plastics was the company’s president and CEO Tim McConnell. Majors Plastics – which has four facilities in Omaha and employs approximately 300 workers – has specialized in high volume, custom injection molding and other high quality plastic products for more than 50 years. The company ranks in the top 125 of 3,000 similar type companies throughout the United States. Majors Plastics was recognized for its innovative methods to strengthen ties with customers. McConnell said his company utilizes a “bear hug approach” when it comes to customer relations, adding that businesses – especially manufacturers – must go “above and beyond” to ensure repeat business. This can be accomplished by sharing “a customer's computer information platform and managing all their part requirements from Majors,” McConnell said. The innovation award was also presented to Behlen Mfg. Co. and CEO Phil Raimondo. Founded in 1936, Behlen has grown into a global manufacturer exporting to more than 70 countries. The Columbus-based company, which employs nearly 700 Nebraskans, is the nation's leading manufacturer of livestock equipment and a top supplier of grain systems, strip joining presses, and custom fabrication. Behlen was recognized for its strong employee relations programs. Raimondo noted the company’s employee involvement program – called “Awareness Is Money” or AIM – as an example of how Behlen uses new programs to create a positive, more efficient workplace and ensure that employees contribute to the Behlen team. Also noted was the company’s efforts to reduce health care costs by offering a semi-monthly, free on-site clinic for employees, as well as free physical therapy to employees four times a month. The State Chamber is Nebraska's largest business association – representing individuals, large and small companies, other Nebraska associations and local chambers of commerce. With a grassroots membership of more than 100,000 people, the State Chamber has proudly served as the voice of Nebraska’s business community for 97 years.
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