Governor Pete Ricketts to kick off trade discussion
 
LINCOLN – The Nebraska Chamber is hosting Governor Pete Ricketts and officials from Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Department of Commerce in a digital panel discussion on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) on Wednesday, June 24, 2 p.m. All Nebraska businesses, manufacturers and agriculture producers are invited to participate. Register in advance at nechamber.com.
 
On July 1, USMCA will officially replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as the underpinning of trade relationships for the three nations. Panelists will discuss the importance of North American trade relationships in Nebraska, as well as enhancements in USMCA that can benefit Nebraska businesses and agriculture producers. The agreement contains modernized provisions to address intellectual property, digital trade, agricultural markets and balanced manufacturing policy.
 
Panelists include:

• Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts;
• Canadian Consul General Ariel Delouya;
• Mexican Deputy Consul Ricardo Sanchez; and
• Kyle Wells, Canada Desk Officer, U.S. Department of Commerce.

 
The Nebraska Chamber is the largest, statewide business association and has proudly served as the voice of Nebraska’s business community since 1912.   

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry has announced the members of its new Leadership Nebraska class.  This year’s class is the thirteenth 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 all across the state and possess varied backgrounds and diverse talents.  All candidates have demonstrated an abiding interest in Nebraska and its future.

The program consists of six sessions covering a broad range of key Nebraska issues including economic development, health care, education, agriculture, government and policy development.  Due to restrictions associated with Covid-19, the start date for Class XIII has been delayed, with orientation beginning in September and sessions concluding in April, 2021. 

Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber, said:  “Nebraska faces complex challenges in this new economy.  Now, more than ever, we need well-informed, connected leaders who are ready to serve their fellow Nebraskans.”
Listed below are the Nebraskans selected to participate in Leadership Nebraska’s Class XIII, along with the class member’s employer.
 
ALLIANCE:
Mara Anderson, Alliance Recreation Center
 
BLAIR:
Jordan Rishel, Washington County Chamber of Commerce
Matthew Reed, Great Plains Communication
 
COLUMBUS:
Heidi Elliot, Nebraska Public Power District
 
ELKHORN:
Jessica Colo, OCI Insurance & Financial Services
 
GERING:
Renae Jimenez, City of Gering
 
GRAND ISLAND:
Lori Schuppan, Chief Industries, Inc.
 
HOLDREGE:
Rochelle Jurgens, Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District
 
KEARNEY:
Brenda Jensen, City of Kearney
Kelly Kreger, On Point Construction Management
Lisa Tschauner, University of Nebraska at Kearney
 
LINCOLN:
Macala Carter, Great Western Bank
Ben Martens, U.S. Bank
Nate HcHargue, State Farm
Bridgett Petzoldt, Black Hills Energy
 
NELIGH:
Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen, City of Neligh Economic Development
 
NORFOLK:
Dr. Tracy Kruse, Northeast Community College
 
NORTH PLATTE:
Chance Schilling, First National Bank of Omaha
 
OMAHA:
Brook Aken, Omaha Public Power District
Britton Gabel, Omaha Public Power District
Julie Klug, Aksarben Foundation
Megan Murray, Metropolitan Utilities District
Jennifer Olds, Peter Kiewit Foundation
Sarah Sjolie, The Wellbeing Partners
Carole Swanson, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Nebraska
 
O’NEILL:
David Chochon, Great Plains State Bank
 
WISNER:
Kevin Black, Pinnacle Bank
 
YORK:
Edward Tjaden, City of York Police Department