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LINCOLN, Nebraska — February 26, 2026 — Matt Williams of Gothenburg, former state senator and longtime board member of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, has agreed to lead the chamber in the role of interim president. Board of Directors Chair Pat Keenan made the announcement today to the Board and Chamber members.
“The Board is grateful to Matt for stepping into this role during a very active and productive time for the Nebraska Chamber,” Keenan said. “He has steady leadership, strong relationships and trust from his many years of advocacy for economic development, and decades of experience working with the legislature and state government on tax policy and economic development incentives. Further, his experience leading state and national associations will help assure the good work of the state chamber continues as we look to hire a permanent President and Chief Executive Officer.” A member of the Nebraska Legislature from 2015-2023 representing District 36, Williams has a lifelong career in banking, serving now as chairman of Flatwater Bank. He also previously served as chair of the Nebraska Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association. His long involvement with the NE Chamber includes membership on the Board of Directors, currently serving as director for District 6. In 2025 he was named to the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame. “The Nebraska Chamber is on rock-solid footing, with the clear vision of the Board, and talented and hard-working staff hitting its stride in legislative policy and advocacy, technology, manufacturing, leadership-development, fund-raising and membership,” Williams said. “The success of cutting-edge initiatives like 6 Regions, One Nebraska, the launch of the Go Big Future series, and the strong member engagement across the state demonstrate the success and strength of this organization. I’m excited to lend my support in whatever way I can for the Chamber. I know how strong businesses and communities make for a stronger Nebraska, and I’m glad to be part of that.” The appointment will continue until a permanent President and CEO is identified, following the recent resignation of Todd Bingham. ###
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 Jason Ball, Matt Williams and Heath Mello. LINCOLN, Nebraska — February 25, 2026 — Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry Board Member Matt Williams shared with the Nebraska Legislature’s Revenue Committee today that LB1165 will be a tax policy and economic development tool with “discipline, accountability, and an understanding of how capital and talent move in today’s economy. It moves Nebraska in the right direction.”
Williams, a banker from Gothenburg, has decades of advocacy committed to economic development, and worked extensively on tax policy and economic development incentives in his time as a state senator. He represents District 6 on the NE Chamber Board of Directors. “I had the privilege of serving in this body and working extensively on tax policy and economic development incentives,” Williams said. “I learned during that time that when approached with discipline and crafted with thoughtfulness, these tools play an outsized role in growing our economic base amidst fierce national competition. They should be transparent, performance-based, and accountable. LB1165 is exactly that.” Williams shared three main points “why LB1165 meets the moment…and the future:”
“The Grow the Good Life Act should not be viewed as an endpoint. It is one deliberate step toward a broader commitment to economic competitiveness,” he said. “If we are serious about retaining our young people, attracting capital, and ensuring opportunity for the next generation, we must continue making forward-looking investments that grow the economy for all Nebraskans.” ###  LINCOLN, Nebraska — Leadership Nebraska celebrated the graduation of 35 distinguished leaders from across the state during a commencement ceremony held Thursday, February 19, in Lincoln. The ceremony recognized the successful completion of the program’s Class XVII and honored participants for their commitment to strengthening their communities and Nebraska’s future.
Leadership Nebraska, a program of the NE Chamber Foundation, is designed to cultivate informed, connected, and action-oriented leaders. Through six immersive sessions hosted in communities across the state, participants deepen their understanding of the industries, policies, and regional dynamics shaping Nebraska’s economy and quality of life. Key focus areas include economic development, healthcare, agriculture, education, workforce, and government. Throughout the program, class members engage directly with business executives, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and community innovators. The experience equips participants to evaluate complex issues, collaborate across sectors, and develop thoughtful solutions that drive meaningful impact. “We are proud to welcome this exceptional group into the Leadership Nebraska alumni network,” said Tara Lea, Executive Vice President – Partnerships and Programs at the NE Chamber. “Class XVII represents the very best of Nebraska — leaders who are committed to growth, service, and strengthening our state for generations to come.” The graduates of Leadership Nebraska Class XVII include: AURORA: Jennifer Dennis, Hamilton Telecommunications BLAIR: Bryce Miller, Great Plains Communications COLUMBUS: Bradley Christensen, Pinnacle Bank Tara Vasicek, City of Columbus CREIGHTON: Lindsay Nelson, City of Creighton FALLS CITY: Amber Holle, Falls City Chamber & Main Street FREMONT: Cindy Slykhuis, RVR Bank GRAND ISLAND: Travis Mittan, Associated Staffing HOLDREGE: Meredith Pierce, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District KEARNEY: Peg Abels, University of Nebraska at Kearney Scott Hayden, City of Kearney Suzanne Brodine, Olsson LINCOLN: Carrie Myers, Davis Design Dave Miller, ALLO Dustin Snyder, Black Hills Energy Dylan Wren, City of Lincoln Kelly Ross, ECHO Collective Michael DeLanie, Nebraska Hospital Association Michael Medwick, First Five Nebraska Shelby Strattan, Invest Nebraska NORFOLK: Brittney Koenig, Nebraska Public Power District Katie Towler, Northeast Community College Lisa Jones, Daycos OGALLALA: Christopher Heilman, American Shizuki Corporation OMAHA: Adrienne Cavill, Boyd Jones Christopher Kestel, FNBO Jaclyn Lindburg, University of Nebraska at Omaha Kristin Lowrey, Access Period LaTisha Henry, Comfort Squad, LLC Lindsay Mouw, Conservation Nebraska Lindsey Freeman, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Nikki Klugh, Nikki Klugh Design Group, Inc. Sarah Griger, Eide Bailly Susan Violi, Baxter Auto Group Trevor Tonniges, Metropolitan Utilities District These graduates join an esteemed network of over 400 Leadership Nebraska alumni, all committed to lifelong learning and service to Nebraska’s communities and industries. 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. ### LINCOLN, Nebraska -- The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry will begin searching for a new president and chief executive officer following the resignation last week of Todd Bingham.
NE Chamber Board Chair Pat Keenan made the announcement today to the board and members. Bingham was selected in April 2025 following lengthy service in Utah in various business associations. The NE Chamber has been the voice for business in Nebraska since 1912, promoting and protecting Nebraska’s free enterprise system by ensuring a competitive business climate, economic growth and greater prosperity for all Nebraskans. ### LINCOLN, Nebraska – Integrity, a Nebraska work ethic and relationships were key themes that emerged while celebrating the three newest members of the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame on Jan. 29. Nebraska business leaders DJ Eihusen of Chief Industries; Rodrigo Lopez of Amerisphere Companies; and the late John E. Olsson, were inaugurated into the Hall of Fame with a crowd of 550 attending.
These individuals join a distinguished group of more than 140 business leaders whose work to grow their businesses in Nebraska has made a significant impact on Nebraska’s economy, overall job opportunities and quality of life in their communities. Candidates are nominated by individuals from the business community, business associations and academia. The program was established in 1992 by the NE Chamber and UNL College of Business. DJ Eihusen graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He has held various positions at several of Chief’s business units including Manufacturing Manager, General Manager of Chief Fabrication, and Executive Vice President. DJ became a member of Chief’s Board of Directors in 1998 and began his current position as Chairman of the Board/President/Chief Executive Officer in 2010. Chief, of Grand Island, has been a family-owned company since 1954, now featuring seven brand divisions across the globe, employing 1,500. Three generations of Eihusens have served as chair and CEO. Watch DJ’s honoree video here. Rodrigo Lopez was born and raised in Cali, Colombia, and came to Nebraska in 1971 as an exchange student in Superior. Except for his early years working at an architecture firm, his professional career has focused on commercial real estate finance and development. In 1997, Lopez founded a mortgage company that became a Fannie Mae and FHA lender, specializing in multifamily rental housing finance. By the time it was sold to Northmarq Capital in 2015, it had offices across the US and a $6 billion multifamily mortgage loan portfolio spanning 37 states. Lopez then served as Executive Chairman of Northmarq Capital until retiring in 2017 and is current chairman of AmeriSphere Companies. Rodrigo earned his bachelor’s and MBA from the University of Nebraska. He is a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) and graduated from the Mortgage Bankers Association School of Mortgage Banking. Watch Rodrigo’s honoree video here. John E. Olsson, 1926-2015. Born in New York John E. Olsson graduated from Richmond Hill High School and from the New York Maritime Academy in 1946 with a degree in marine engineering. After working briefly for Lykes Brothers Shipping Line, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve during a maritime strike and completed his service in 1947. While visiting family in Nebraska, John was admitted to the College of Engineering. He earned his mechanical engineering degree in 1951 and worked with Fulton & Cramer for five years. John E. Olsson Professional Engineering was founded in 1956 in Lincoln, growing to be one of the 75 largest engineering and design firms in the nation, employing more than 2,000. Watch John’s honoree video here. Photos from the event can be found here and attributed to Sam Rice. ### LINCOLN, Nebraska — February 3, 2026 — Because Nebraska communities face infrastructure financing challenges that slow development, increase housing costs, and limit the ability of cities and villages to guide high‑quality growth, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry today testified in support of LB1130 as a responsible and highly structured solution by authorizing Community Improvement Districts.
CIDs are voluntary, property‑owner‑driven districts that finance public infrastructure improvements within municipal boundaries without creating financial liability for communities. Nate McHargue, Government Relations Leader at Olsson, represented his organization, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and the NE Chamber at the Nebraska Legislature’s Urban Affairs Committee in support of LB1130. “LB1130 is a balanced, responsible, and locally driven tool that empowers communities, supports housing and industrial development, and strengthens Nebraska’s competitiveness—while fully respecting municipal authority and protecting school funding,” McHargue told the committee on Feb. 3. Olsson is a nationally recognized design firm based in Nebraska with over 2,400 employees across 11 states. CIDs enable long‑term, tax‑exempt financing of public infrastructure, reducing upfront development costs and lowering the final price of homes and commercial lots, McHargue said. They support redevelopment and infill by allowing property owners to reinvest in areas with aging or inadequate infrastructure. Municipalities retain full zoning, permitting, and regulatory authority, ensuring that every project aligns with local goals. Beyond housing, LB1130 is also a significant tool for industry and commercial development, McHargue said. Nebraska employers—manufacturers, logistics firms, agribusinesses, and others—consistently identify infrastructure readiness as a barrier to expansion. CIDs help by enabling:
LB1130 sponsor Senator Mike Jacobson of North Platte said: “LB1130 would give communities across Nebraska a voluntary, locally controlled way to fund and deliver the infrastructure they need to grow, without relying on state dollars or shifting costs to the general taxpayer. It gives cities and property owners another tool to address local infrastructure needs while keeping decisions and responsibility local.” ###  LINCOLN, Nebraska — January 30, 2026 — The NE Chamber Foundation on Thursday awarded six outstanding Nebraska college students with $2,500 tuition scholarships. The students are majoring in a business-related field and have shown excellence in their academics, leadership and community.
2026 Nebraska Business Hall of Fame scholarship winners are:
To be eligible, college students in Nebraska must be sophomores or juniors in a business-related field, show demonstrated leadership in extracurricular activities and maintain at least a 3.0 grade point-average. Since 1997, the NE Chamber Foundation has awarded over $280,000 in scholarships to more than 135 students across Nebraska. “These students embody the talent and promise that will guide Nebraska’s business community forward,” said NE Chamber Foundation President Tera Norris. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to support them and look forward to seeing the difference they’ll make in communities across Nebraska.” The NE Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable and education foundation that expands economic growth and opportunity throughout Nebraska through game-changing nonpartisan research and initiatives. The NE Chamber Foundation also supports the future of Nebraska through the Leadership Nebraska program and college scholarships. The NE Chamber Foundation strives to be the leader in Nebraska in future-focused research and data and be a catalyst for positive change. Learn more at nechamber.com/foundation. ###  LINCOLN, Nebraska – January 6, 2026 – Luisa Smith has joined the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry this week as its Director of Government Affairs.
Smith has been working on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. since 2021, most recently as a Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator James E. Risch. Her policy expertise includes areas such as energy, transportation, science, and infrastructure. Smith grew up on her family’s cherry orchard operation in The Dalles, Oregon. She earned her bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of Idaho and a master’s degree in Strategic and Defense Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. “Luisa’s vast experience in federal legal and policy issues and her analysis and advisory skills will advance the Nebraska Chamber’s efforts to inform and advocate for members in the Unicameral and in Washington,” said Todd Bingham, President and CEO of the NE Chamber. “She has a keen mind for sophisticated policy areas, understands what it takes to run and grow a business and is an effective communicator and skilled in legislative strategy. We welcome her to Lincoln and look forward to her work for a stronger Nebraska.” Smith will work with Executive Vice President of Legislation and Policy Hunter Traynor, Executive Director of Tech Nebraska Emily Allen, Vice President and General Counsel Ron Sedlacek, and President/CEO Bingham on legislative and policy issues. Luisa will serve as the dedicated government affairs and policy lead for Tech Nebraska, managing Tech Nebraska and the NE Chamber’s shared technology & innovation portfolio and assisting as well with the NE Chamber’s broader agenda and presence before the Legislature. ### NE Chamber and CareerPathway launch partnership to strengthen Nebraska's workforce pipeline12/3/2025 LINCOLN, Nebraska – December 3, 2025 – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and CareerPathway.com today announced a strategic partnership to connect students to career opportunities and strengthen Nebraska’s workforce pipeline.
Under the partnership, CareerPathway.com will provide significant services to NE Chamber members including premium onboarding, a biannual statewide workforce data package, and access for key Chamber workforce initiatives. The NE Chamber will support activation by members, provide convening opportunities, and recognize CareerPathway.com as the Official Digital Career Pathways Partner of the NE Chamber. “Nebraska’s economic future depends on our ability to connect talent to opportunity,” said Todd Bingham, President and CEO of the NE Chamber. “By partnering with CareerPathway.com, we are supporting an innovative Nebraska-grown solution that helps students discover meaningful careers while giving employers direct access to the workforce they need to grow. This is the type of collaboration that ensures Nebraska leads the nation in workforce development.” Through expanded career exploration, business engagement, and actionable labor-market insights, the partnership will:
“CareerPathway.com was built in Nebraska for Nebraska,” said Bo Jones, Founder & CEO of CareerPathway.com. “Partnering with the NE Chamber accelerates our mission to connect thousands more young people to fulfilling careers right here at home in Nebraska. That fuels Nebraska growth.” CareerPathway.com is a workforce development platform connecting students, educators, and employers through interactive career exploration, real-time talent alignment, and data-driven insights — designed to grow the workforce of tomorrow, today. Now in 48 states, but based in Nebraska, CareerPathway.com has nearly 400 Nebraska businesses and organizations already on board and connecting with future earners and learners. With over 700 opportunity applications in Nebraska alone since the start of 2025, CareerPathway.com is seeing significant engagement from Nebraska students and others from outside the state interested in learning more about pathways to Nebraska careers. Chief Strategy Officer for CareerPathway.com Maggi Thorne noted: “Students have indicated an 82.2% increased likelihood to stay in Nebraska for educational or career opportunities when they know the opportunities available. In August, we helped launch the inaugural Governor’s Youth Summit, the single largest state-led youth workforce development, powered by Gov. Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. “When industry, education, and communities come together around shared data and shared purpose, we create continuous opportunities for Nebraska students and a competitive advantage for Nebraska businesses,” Thorne said. The value to students and their families is also significant, according to educators. “Students are becoming increasingly savvy about the time and cost of furthering their education,” said Malinda Jean Baptiste, Executive Director of the Nebraska School Counselor Association. “As they explore options, CareerPathway.com is helping them connect to their future careers and potential employers. This tool also supports the work of school counselors by providing networks of career opportunities to broaden their own knowledge of the careers and industries serving their local area so they can proactively support their students' career development.” Nebraska’s collaboration aligns with the national effort of the U.S. Departments of Labor, Education and Commerce's America’s Talent Strategy: Building the Workforce for the Golden Age, designed to advance integrated career pathways, work-based learning, and data-driven talent development. Through this partnership, Nebraska employers will gain expanded access to emerging talent statewide, while students and educators benefit from technology that connects learning directly to high-demand careers. Industry leaders have also come alongside the effort. "Partnering with CareerPathway.com has been a game-changer for how Kawasaki connects with the next generation of talent,” said Jim Townsend, Corporate Manager, Safety, Training, & Wellness at Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. “We value this partnership immensely because it allows us to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world career opportunities in manufacturing and engineering.” Townsend said the manufacturer has integrated CareerPathway.com into its facility tours for local schools. “By showing students the platform during their visit, we can immediately direct their excitement and curiosity toward tangible career pathways, helping them visualize a future with us and introducing them to the diverse opportunities available right here at Kawasaki," Townsend said. Under the NE Chamber agreement, CareerPathway.com will provide significant services including a 50% discount on premium onboarding for NE Chamber members priced at $545, a biannual statewide workforce data package, and access for key Chamber workforce initiatives. Companies will be able to reach over 20,000 students per year through combined efforts of in- person events, classroom activations, and at career event initiatives like the Governor’s Youth Summit. Thorne said the investment for Chamber members is about $1.50 per day – to reach over 20,000 students and prospective employees. “Together, the Nebraska Chamber, Nebraska educators and CareerPathway.com will deliver a cohesively coordinated, scalable approach to workforce readiness — grounded in local innovation and focused on statewide impact,” Bingham said. “This is a great example of statewide collaboration that creatively addresses Nebraska issues and provides value to our members and the state.” To learn more, contact: [email protected] ###  LINCOLN, Nebraska – October 22, 2025 – The NE Chamber and University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) College of Business today announced the 2026 inductees into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame. They are:
These leaders will officially be inducted at the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame Banquet Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. “These three honorees embody what it means to be in the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame,” said NE Chamber President and CEO Todd Bingham. “They've strengthened the state’s business climate, invested in their communities and fueled statewide economic growth for years. Our 2026 inductees are incredibly deserving of this elite, statewide honor." These individuals join a distinguished group of more than 140 business leaders whose work to grow their businesses in Nebraska has made a significant impact on Nebraska’s economy, overall job opportunities and quality of life in their communities. Candidates are nominated by individuals from the business community, business associations and academia. The program was established in 1992 by the NE Chamber and UNL College of Business. “We’re honored to recognize these exceptional leaders for the impact they’ve made across Nebraska,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the UNL College of Business. "Their success and generosity have inspired others, opened doors for the next generation and left a lasting mark on their community.” To join in honoring these individuals and their families at the NE Chamber’s Hall of Fame Banquet, register here. For companies interested in sponsoring the event, contact Ryan Querry at [email protected]. *Awarded posthumously. ### |
Media Contacts:Please email Meg Hatfield at [email protected] with your media requests or call 531-278-1262 Archives
February 2026
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