<![CDATA[Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Chamber News]]>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:48:51 -0700EditMySite<![CDATA[Scheuler is New Membership Vice President]]>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:18:12 GMThttps://www.nechamber.com/chamber-news/scheuler-is-new-membership-vice-presidentLINCOLN, Nebraska — August 6, 2026 — The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry welcomes Mitch Scheuler this month as Vice President of Membership Development.
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In this role, Scheuler will be responsible for all aspects of NE Chamber membership recruitment and retention, sponsorship, and member relations.
 
Scheuler, of Lincoln, has vast experience in sales and customer success. His most recent role was vice president of sales for Datapath, where he led enterprise sales efforts across a multi-state territory, driving new business through strategic account planning and pipeline development. There he collaborated across corporate functions in product, market, and leadership teams to develop tailored proposals. Prior to that, he was a senior sales representative at Haberfeld where he was part of a sales team that twice achieved the company’s highest annual sales amount closed. Earlier in his career he managed customer success at NRC Health, and was a business consultant at Talent Plus.
 
Scheuler earned an associate degree from Southeast Community College in Beatrice and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
 
Joseph Young, NE Chamber President & CEO, said Scheuler’s background in sales and his Nebraska business connections are a perfect fit for the NE Chamber membership vice president role.
 
“The Nebraska Chamber prides itself on the quality of the member experience, and using data to drive results for our members,” Young said. “Mitch’s expertise in networking and business performance metrics are a perfect fit for this role. He already knows many of our members and understands the Nebraska business environment, and we’re eager to get him on board.”
 
###]]><![CDATA[Nominations Now Being Accepted for the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska]]>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:32:09 GMThttps://www.nechamber.com/chamber-news/nominations-now-being-accepted-for-the-2026-coolest-thing-made-in-nebraskaLINCOLN, Nebraska — August 3, 2026 — The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance announced today that nominations are open for the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska competition, presented by Pinnacle Bank.
 
The competition, in its fifth year, will lead into the celebration of National Manufacturing Month in October.  Sixteen products will be chosen from companies across the state and voted on through a bracket-style competition that ultimately crowns one product the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska.
 
“Nebraska manufacturers are second to none in the U.S., creating innovative products that strengthen our economy and local communities every day”, said NE Chamber President and CEO, Joseph Young. “We’re excited to celebrate the innovative manufacturers that make Nebraska such a great place to  live, work and do business.”
 
Nominations are open through the month of August followed by voting in September. Voting is open to the public and all Nebraskans are invited to vote for their favorite product to advance it to the next round. The winner of the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska will be announced at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit on Oct. 29 in La Vista. Registration for the Summit is open to the public and can be found here.
 
“From innovative products to quality jobs, Nebraska manufacturers strengthen our economy and communities across the state. Pinnacle Bank is proud to once again partner with the Nebraska Chamber and Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance to recognize the ingenuity, craftsmanship and people behind the Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska competition,” said Marc Wisdom, Pinnacle Bank President.
 
The competition celebrates one of Nebraska’s largest industries and brings together students, educators, community leaders and manufacturers to celebrate the 100,000+ Nebraskans working in manufacturing every day. Past winners are Kawasaki’s Rail Car, Rocket Mobility’s All-Terrain Tracked Wheelchair, Valley Irrigation’s Valley Center Pivot and Case IH’s AF Series Combine.
 
Rules for the competition can be found at nemanufacturingalliance.com/contest-rules.
 
###]]><![CDATA[NE Chamber Releases 2026 Results for Business Report]]>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:26:05 GMThttps://www.nechamber.com/chamber-news/ne-chamber-releases-2026-results-for-business-reportPicture
LINCOLN, Nebraska — July 16, 2026 — The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry has released its 2026 Results for Business report, providing a comprehensive look at state legislation that shaped the Chamber’s advocacy on behalf of businesses and organizations across Nebraska.
 
The report details priority bills and amendments the NE Chamber engaged on throughout the 2026 Legislative session. Eleven of those bills and amendments were included at the end of the report, outlining each senator’s alignment with the NE Chamber’s priorities.
 
In the outset of the report, outgoing NE Chamber President & CEO Matt Williams detailed how success is measured throughout the session. A former state senator, Williams outlined how the results achieved by the NE Chamber in the 2026 legislative session are significant and set the organization and Nebraska up for future success.
 
Hunter Traynor, NE Chamber Executive Vice President of Legislation and Policy, emphasized how the 2026 session produced meaningful progress and successes worth celebrating. 
 
“The strongest economies are built through sustained attention, long-term thinking and an ambition to prepare for investments before they arrive,” Traynor said. “Nebraska begins this next chapter from a position of strength. We benefit from a diverse economy, strong communities, innovative employers and a tradition of collaboration that continues to distinguish our state.”
 
The Results for Business report is published annually and distributed to Chamber members, elected officials and stakeholders across Nebraska.
 
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]]><![CDATA[NE Chamber Plans 'Road Show' Visits to Nebraska Communities]]>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:19:06 GMThttps://www.nechamber.com/chamber-news/ne-chamber-plans-road-show-visits-to-nebraska-communitiesLINCOLN, Nebraska – July 6, 2026 – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry is scheduling a series of visits across Nebraska beginning this month and continuing through the fall.
 
Hosted by local Chambers of Commerce and economic development organizations, the Road Show events are designed as community visits to hear directly from local Chamber members, community leaders and others interested in local and regional business development topics.
 
NE Chamber President & CEO Joseph Young and Executive Vice President of Legislation & Policy Hunter Traynor will lead the conversations on topics of interest to the hosting local Chambers.  NE Chamber staff and local officials will also participate.
 
“When we visit our members across the state, we gain insight on issues that are unique to their community or region,” said Young. “This input is vital to understanding local needs and advancing policies to make Nebraska the best state in the country to do business.”
 
Young begins his role this week as president and chief executive for the 114-year-old NE Chamber. A lifelong Nebraskan who recently returned to the state from Florida, he said the Road Show visits will be a chance to reconnect with his home state and learn about recent business and community development in cities across Nebraska.
 
Matt Williams, interim president and board member of the NE Chamber, kicked off the 2026 Road Show in his hometown of Gothenburg on June 16.
 
The dates and communities that have been scheduled are listed below. Community members are welcome to attend.

South Sioux City          July 20
Norfolk                          July 21
O’Neill                            July 21
Wayne                           July 22
Columbus                     July 22
Schuyler                        July 29
West Point                    July 29
Falls City                        Aug. 4
Auburn                           Aug. 4
Nebraska City               Aug. 4
Wahoo                            Aug. 5
Seward                           Aug. 5
Kearney                         Aug. 19
Grand Island                 Aug. 19
Central City                   Aug. 19
Aurora                            Aug. 20
York                                Aug. 20
Bellevue                         Sept. 22
Blair                                Sept. 22
Broken Bow                   Oct. 5
Scottsbluff                    Oct. 6
Sidney                            Oct. 6
 
The NE Chamber website, nechamber.com/road-shows, will be continually updated with new locations and dates.
 
Specific details about times and locations are available through the local host Chambers or by contacting kbartling@nechamber.com.
 
###]]><![CDATA[Grand Island student Mya Bernal wins first National Civics Bee Nebraska State Finals, will go to national finals]]>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:54:47 GMThttps://www.nechamber.com/chamber-news/grand-island-student-mya-bernal-wins-first-national-civics-bee-nebraska-state-finals-will-go-to-national-finalsPicture
LINCOLN, Nebraska – June 24, 2026 – A Barr Middle School student from Grand Island won the first National Civics Bee Nebraska State Finals on June 23, earning a trip to the 2026 National Civics Bee competition in Washington, D.C., in October, and a $1,000 prize.
 
Mya Bernal was among the 17 Nebraska State Finals qualifiers competing in the first state finals hosted by the Nebraska Chamber Foundation at Innovation Campus. Her final round pitch presentation was on the closing of the Tyson beef plant in January and the industry’s impact on the community and state.
 
First runner-up was Xi Lin, from Elkhorn Ridge Middle School in Elkhorn; with second runner-up Joseph Douglas from Fremont Middle School in Fremont.
 
The National Civics Bee is aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee is an annual nonpartisan civics competition for middle schoolers that increases civic knowledge, skills and disposition among young Americans, their families and communities.
 
Sixth, 7th and 8th grade students from participating Nebraska public, private, charter and home schools began the competition in January by submitting essays, followed by Nebraska Regional Competitions. The top students from each Regional Competition advanced to the State Finals. The live event featured two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round of five finalists pitching their proposals for improving their communities.
 
The judges for this year’s competition were Kendra Ritchie, Associate Director of Recruitment and Enrollment Management, University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business; Dave Rippe, Director of the Scott Scholars Program at Hastings College; and Dr. Jane Stavem, Deputy Commissioner of the Nebraska Department of Education.
 
Mya will compete in the National Championship in October 2026, where the winner receives a grand prize of a $100,000 contribution to a 529 plan. The second-place National finalist will receive $25,000 and the third-place National finalist will receive $15,000.
 
For more information on the National Civics Bee, visit: https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee/

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]]><![CDATA[NE Chamber Foundation to Host 2026 National Civics Bee® Nebraska State Finals June 23]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:12:28 GMThttps://www.nechamber.com/chamber-news/ne-chamber-foundation-to-host-2026-national-civics-beer-nebraska-state-finals-june-23NE Chamber Foundation to Host 2026 National Civics Bee® Nebraska State Finals June 23
17 middle school students will showcase their civics knowledge and compete for prizes and recognition.
LINCOLN, Nebraska – June 17, 2026 – Seventeen students from across Nebraska will compete June 23 at the first 2026 National Civics Bee Nebraska State Finals at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Hosted by the Nebraska Chamber Foundation, the initiative is aimed at encouraging young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.
 
The 6th, 7th and 8th grade students from Nebraska public, private, charter and home schools have already taken part in the first-round civics essay competition and second-round Regional Competitions. The top students from each Regional Competition were selected to advance to Nebraska’s State Finals: an in-person, live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round in which students will discuss their proposals for improving their communities.
 
The first-place winner of the Nebraska Finals on June 23 will receive a cash prize and earn a trip to the National Finals in Washington, D.C. where they can win a grand prize of a $100,000 contribution to a 529 plan.
 
The Nebraska Finals will be livestreamed for viewers to watch at https://www.nechamber.com/necivicsbee-regional-725237.html
 
The occasion of the United States 250 celebration prompted the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to engage all 50 states and their Chambers in holding state Civics Bees for a truly national effort for the first time. Civic engagement and literacy are a primary goal of Chambers of Commerce, because individuals’ and families’ knowledge and embracing principles of civics leads to stronger communities.
 
Participating students, their schools and hometowns are (children’s full names are not provided without parental permission):
  • Grayson A., Emerson-Hubbard Community Schools, Emerson
  • Cecilia A., Hemingford, Alliance
  • Mya B., Barr Middle, Grand Island
  • Joseph D., Fremont Middle, Fremont
  • Michael F., Seward Middle, Seward
  • Nor H., Barr Middle, Grand Island
  • Aria H., St. Johns Battle Creek, Battle Creek
  • Xi L., Elkhorn Ridge Middle, Elkhorn
  • Brynn L., Creek Valley, Chappell
  • Sadie M., Columbus Middle, Columbus
  • Madison O., Laurel-Concord-Coleridge, Concord
  • Landon R., Fremont Middle, Fremont
  • Chloe S., Sidney, Sidney
  • Olivia V., King Science & Tech Magnet Center, Omaha
  • Ty W., Seward Middle, Seward
  • Savannah W., Beadle Middle, Omaha
  • Lily W., Pleasanton Public Schools, Pleasanton
The National Civics Bee, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is an annual nonpartisan competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee elevates civics as a national priority through a network of state, regional, and local organizations across the country.
 
“Each year, the National Civics Bee reminds us how much promise and talent exists in communities across the country,” said Hilary Crow, Vice President, Civics, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “Students step up with thoughtful solutions, bold ideas and a willingness to participate — exactly the qualities our democracy and workforce need. We’re proud to support a program that strengthens civic knowledge and skills for all young people and helps build the foundation for a stronger future.”
 
The National Civics Bee is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.

###]]><![CDATA[Leadership Nebraska Announces New Class]]>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:31:28 GMThttps://www.nechamber.com/chamber-news/leadership-nebraska-announces-new-class9478360LINCOLN, Nebraska – The Nebraska Chamber Foundation announces 36 members of the new Leadership Nebraska class, marking the 18th year in the program’s history.

Leadership Nebraska, presented by Medica, was established in 2006 to identify and develop current and emerging leaders across the state. The program strengthens participants’ leadership skills while providing a deeper understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and issues shaping Nebraska’s future.

The members of Class XVIII were selected from communities throughout Nebraska and represent a wide range of industries, professions, backgrounds, and experiences. Each participant has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, community engagement and the continued growth and success of Nebraska.

Over eight months in 2026-27, participants will explore key issues impacting the state, including economic development, workforce and education, agriculture and natural resources, health care, public policy, and community development. Through immersive experiences, statewide travel, and conversations with Nebraska leaders, participants will gain valuable insights into the people, industries, and communities that drive Nebraska forward.

“The Nebraska Chamber is excited to welcome the 18th Leadership Nebraska class,” said Matt Williams, interim president of the NE Chamber. “These individuals represent some of the brightest and most engaged leaders from across our state. They bring diverse experiences, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to making Nebraska stronger. Through Leadership Nebraska, they will have the opportunity to learn from one another, explore the challenges and opportunities facing our state, and build relationships that will last a lifetime.”

Williams added, “Every time I visit a Nebraska community, I am reminded that our greatest asset is our people. The success of our businesses, communities, and state depends on leaders who are willing to step forward, collaborate, and think boldly about the future. I am excited to see how this class grows through the program and the impact they will have in their communities, organizations, and across Nebraska for years to come, joining a network of more than 450 Leadership Nebraska alumni who continue to make a difference every day.”
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The following individuals have been selected to participate in Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII, along with the class members’ employers:

AURORA:
Jannelle Seim, Hamilton Telecommunications
 
BLAIR:
David Chase, Black Hills Energy
 
FALLS CITY:
Kelly Bletscher, Great West, LLC
 
GORDON:
Valerie Beel, Valerie Enterprises
 
GRAND ISLAND:
Elizabeth Frerichs, Chief Industries, Inc.
Lindsey Jurgens, Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity
Jeffry Palik, Olsson
 
KEARNEY:
Bradley Green, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Curtis Ott, Pinnacle Bank
Sarah Sawin, City of Kearney
Sarah Worthing, Great Plains Communications
 
LINCOLN:
Jeffrey Bernecker, Hausmann Construction
Erin Dobesh, Davis Design
Ashlee Harms, TMCO, Inc.
Erin Moran, Humanities Nebraska
Phillip O'Donnell, Nebraska Public Power District
Rachel Sissel, Early Futures Partnership
Christine Widman, Nebraska Hospital Association
 
NORFOLK:
Danelle McKeown, Daycos
 
OMAHA:
Ashley Carroll, CHI Health
Christine Cottrell, Lindsay
Julie Dierberger, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Dale Ervin, FNBO
Phillip Friedrich, Northwestern Mutual
Holly Kovy, Blue Cross Blue Shield NE
Angela Miller, BookLoop
Timothy Moore, Medica
LaTerra Patterson, Comfort Squad
Melissa Polito, Metropolitan Utilities District
Travis Schwartz, Meridian Business
K.D. Thompson, The FIDO Foundation
Benjamin Tiffany, Bankers Trust Company
Yesenia Valenzuela, DLR Group
Lexi Weisbeck, Hawkins Construction Company
 
PAPILLION:
Jeremy Jensen, City of Papillion
 
YORK:
Kiley Palmertree, Klute, Inc.
 
After graduating in Spring 2027, participants will join a network of over 450 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.

###]]><![CDATA[Joseph Young Selected as President & CEO of Nebraska Chamber]]>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:56:16 GMThttps://www.nechamber.com/chamber-news/joseph-young-selected-as-president-ceo-of-nebraska-chamberPicture
LINCOLN, Nebraska – June 5, 2026 – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry has selected Joseph Young, who has vast experience in government affairs and business development, as its next president & chief executive officer.
 
Young is not new to the NE Chamber, having served as executive vice president at the NE Chamber in 2015-2018.
 
A seasoned business and public affairs leader, Young has spent more than 20 years working at the intersection of economic development, government relations, and private-sector growth. In addition to his role at the NE Chamber, his career includes executive leadership positions at Sampson Construction, Cox Communications, the Greater Omaha Chamber, and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, all in Nebraska; and at AgAmerica Lending LLC, and Blue Tide Ventures LLC in Florida, where he is currently managing partner.
 
In addition to leading successful business development and public policy initiatives, Young has extensive experience building coalitions, working with elected officials, and advancing strategies that strengthen economic competitiveness and investment. He holds an MBA from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
 
"I am honored to join the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and to have the opportunity to serve Nebraska's business community once again,” Young said. “Together with our members, policymakers, and community leaders, I look forward to advancing policies and programs that strengthen Nebraska's economy, support job creation, and create opportunities for all Nebraskans."
 
Pat Keenan, chair of the NE Chamber Board, said Young “checked all of the boxes” for the Chamber CEO role.
 
“Not only does Joseph have extensive experience leading both state and Omaha chamber government relations, but he’s worked in business development and government affairs,” Keenan said. “The array of experience in the roles he’s had, combined with his demonstrated ability in leading teams, building culture, and managing with accountability, makes him a great fit for the Nebraska Chamber. He’s a Nebraskan, and we’re pleased to welcome him to the team.”
 
Former state senator Matt Williams has served as interim president of the NE Chamber since February and was part of the selection process.
 
Young will begin his new role with the NE Chamber in mid-July.
 
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]]><![CDATA[Summit will Explore Immigration Solutions for Nebraska's Workforce & Economy]]>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:42:48 GMThttps://www.nechamber.com/chamber-news/summit-will-explore-immigration-solutions-for-nebraskas-workforce-economyLINCOLN, Nebraska — June 4, 2026 — The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA) are convening the second Welcoming Workforce Summit on Thursday, July 23 at Holthus Convention Center in York. This summit is for Nebraska employers and organizations to learn and connect about today’s immigration landscape.
 
The event is sponsored by the Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities. The Alliance was established in 2024 and comprises more than 70 Nebraska organizations working to identify and effect change in state and federal policies to make Nebraska attractive to immigrants. 
 
“Immigrants and refugees are essential to Nebraska's workforce, economy, and communities. This summit will focus on real strategies to ensure Nebraska remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive,” said CIRA Director of Community Engagement Khenda Mustafa.
 
At a time when changing immigration policy is impacting Nebraska’s economy and communities, the summit will create space for business leaders, organizations and policy makers to have conversation and identify practical solutions grounded in the broad support Nebraskans share for immigration policies that help families thrive and keep local systems strong.
 
"Our state relies on new Nebraskans to fill our ever-increasing workforce needs, and we must challenge ourselves to identify ways to recruit and retain people,” said Matt Williams, interim president of the NE Chamber. “Immigrant workers are an essential part of our state’s economic success. At this welcoming workforce summit, we can come together to share successes, discuss challenges, and work to keep our state growing and thriving.”
 
Through panel discussions, workshops, and a resource fair, attendees will gain practical guidance on immigration law and employer rights and responsibilities while learning how to strengthen and support their workforce. An inaugural summit was convened in 2024 by CIRA and the NE Chamber.
 
The event is open to the public and registration is required, at bit.ly/4dIEUT4.
 
###]]><![CDATA[Arch Receives NE Chamber Foundation's Inaugural Compass Award]]>Mon, 11 May 2026 21:17:31 GMThttps://www.nechamber.com/chamber-news/arch-receives-ne-chamber-foundatoins-inaugural-compass-awardPicture
LINCOLN, Nebraska – May 11, 2026 – State Senator John Arch of Omaha was honored in April with the inaugural Compass Award from the Nebraska Chamber Foundation.

Noted as a “champion” who believes in Nebraska’s future, NE Chamber of Commerce & Industry Interim President Matt Williams presented Arch the award during a NE Chamber Foundation Go Big Future series event at Nebraska Innovation Campus.

“Winning Nebraska’s next generation will require champions who believe in our state’s strong future, but more than that, champions who are willing to help define that future, defend it and deliver it,” Williams said. “Nebraska needs champions who can clearly articulate that future in a way that brings others along — across regions, across industries and across party lines. Champions who understand that progress doesn’t happen by accident, but through steady leadership and the willingness to engage in the hard work of leadership. 
 
“This award recognizes Speaker Arch’s steady leadership and service to Nebraska. He has helped guide important conversations at a critical time for our state, and he has done so with a focus on stability, responsibility and long-term thinking.”
 
Arch was elected to the Legislature in 2018 and re-elected in 2022 to represent the 14th legislative district. In addition to twice being elected as Speaker of the Legislature, Arch has served as the chairman and vice-chairman of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee. He currently sits on the Legislature’s Executive Board, the Rules Committee, the Planning Committee, the Legislative Oversight Committee and is a member of the Capitol Commission. During his two terms, Arch has been a champion of legislative oversight, leading two investigative committees and creating the new Division of Legislative Oversight. As speaker, he emphasized balancing Nebraska’s budget and addressing budget deficits while advocating for tax relief and economic growth.

Prior to his election to the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature, Arch served in health care administration for over 30 years. In 1993 he became a hospital administrator at Boys Town National Research Hospital.  He would spend 28 years at Boys Town in its health care division, with six of those years serving as Executive Vice President of Health Care and Director of the National Research Hospital and Clinics.

Arch sits on the board of Assure Women’s Center and is a member of Grace Life Bible Church, where he is a board member and teacher.

NE Chamber Foundation President Tera Norris described the new award.

“The Compass Award represents leadership that points the way for Nebraska. In moments of uncertainty, a compass offers clarity and confidence — qualities reflected in this honor. It will be given to those who demonstrate unwavering principles, thoughtful direction, and a commitment to guiding Nebraska toward opportunity and growth,” Norris said. “Speaker Arch is a model for future awardees.”

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