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LINCOLN – Lincoln Premium Poultry (LPP) and Aulick Industries have been named Nebraska Manufacturers of the Year. Aulick received the award for small-sized manufacturers, while LPP received the award for large manufacturers. The award recognizes Nebraska manufacturers that implement innovative ways to conduct business using products, processes, technologies and other strategies. The companies were honored today at the annual NE Chamber Manufacturing Summit, with top sponsor RSM US LLP, a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services to manufacturing and wholesale distribution industries. More event sponsors are recognized at nechamber.com “This year’s honorees are helping equip and feed the world,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber president. “Their hard work, innovation, and commitment to building strong futures for Nebraska families are admirable and appreciated. Our goal is to make Nebraska the best place for companies like Aulick and Lincoln Premium Poultry to operate and expand for decades to come." Small Manufacturer of the Year - Headquartered in Scottsbluff, Aulick is a manufacturer of agricultural transportation equipment. Its Belt Trailers and silage boxes are designed for easy loading, hauling and unloading of any farm commodity. Aulick has also expanded into construction, landscaping, and dump boxes, and most recently, goose neck trailers. The operation traces its beginnings to a gas station opened in 1952 by Harry Aulick. In Harry’s downtime, he began rewinding alternators and starters. When demand for the business took off, he sold the gas station and moved into a shop down the street where he began working on truck frame modifications, leading to the innovative design of the silage box in the 1970s. By the early 2000s, Aulick officially grew into manufacturing various trailers and boxes. Operations are currently in transition from the second to the third generation of Aulick’s. Now occupying four buildings along the South Beltline in Scottsbluff, the company has more than 130 employees in 12 locations, across the U.S., including Grand Island and Benkelman. This year marks Aulick Industries’ 70th year of business. “Nebraska’s largest industry is ag. The fastest growing industry in Nebraska is manufacturing. We cater to both of those,” said Austin Aulick. “Our work impacts the state, not just through the initial sale of our products, but through every load that’s hauled by our customers.” A long-time corporate citizen, Aulick has recently been recognized for its innovative approach to reinvesting in workforce development, including offering high school internships, helping start up a high school diesel technicians’ experiential learning program (housed onsite at Aulick’s), and creating college apprenticeships. In 2009, Aulick received the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce Trail Blazer Award. Large Manufacturer of the Year - Lincoln Premium Poultry is a Nebraska company established in 2016 for Costco to serve as the poultry management company in its new poultry complex in Fremont. The state-of-the-art processing facility, hatchery and feed mill represents a $500 million investment in the region, with an additional $400 million investment by local grower partners. The facility employs 1,200 Nebraskans and delivers an estimated total economic impact of $1.2 billion annually, approximately 1% of Nebraska’s gross domestic product. “Before we opened this facility, we traveled the world, literally. We looked at technology in many other countries. We toured both manufacturing and poultry facilities with a couple of goals in mind – automation and safety,” said Walt Shafer, chief operating officer of Lincoln Premium Poultry. “We wanted to take care of all our team members before we even hired them.” LPP is involved in numerous state and local organizations including the Greater Fremont Development Council, the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska, and the NE Chamber, in addition to engaging nationally in the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association and the National Chicken Council. NE Manufacturing Nebraska is home to more than 1,500 manufacturers employing 101,000 workers. One in 10 jobs is in manufacturing. The industry contributes more than $14.1 billion annually to Nebraska’s gross state product. Average annual wages in manufacturing exceeded $67,000 in 2019, the most recent year data is available. The NE Chamber is the largest, statewide business association and Nebraska’s affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. It has proudly served as an advocate for Nebraska’s business and industry since 1912. ###Award videos available at https://www.nechamber.com/ne-manufacturers-of-the-year.html
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The New York City Transit Authority’s modern R211 rail car, manufactured by Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. in Lincoln, Nebraska, has been named the “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” for 2022. Manufacturers, students, and all Nebraskans were invited to vote in a head-to-head, bracket-style matchup of 16 finalists to determine the 2022 winner. Learn about each of the finalists at nemanufacturingalliance.com. In total, the four rounds of voting drew more than 20,500 votes total. “This was an exciting contest for Nebraska’s manufacturing community. We saw friendly face-offs on social media and employees seeking votes from family, friends and communities,” said Mike Johnson, chief operations officer and vice president of manufacturing for the NE Chamber. “But in the end, we’re all aligned in highlighting the global problem-solving and world-class, high-tech products coming out of our hometowns across Nebraska every day.” The champion was announced October 11 at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista, where the 16 products featured in the tournament were also invited to display their products. The contest, hosted by the NE Manufacturing Alliance and powered by the NE Chamber, 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. ### About NE Manufacturing Alliance Five statewide manufacturing groups have pledged to coordinate efforts to grow manufacturing and STEM workforce in Nebraska over the next decade. Learn more at nemanufacturingalliance.com.  Mike Johnson, NE Chamber COO, awards Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A. President, Mike Boyle, with the 2022 Winner award for the Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska. Kawasaki nominated their NYC Subway car. Click the photo to see the top 16 products in the Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska Contest. LINCOLN – Two Nebraska-made products are in a head-to-head race to claim the championship title in Nebraska’s first ever “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” tournament. Manufacturers, students, and all Nebraskans are invited to vote for their favorite product now through October 9. Online voting is available at nemanufacturingalliance.com. The following Nebraska manufacturers and their featured products are finalists:
The champion will be announced October 11 at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista, where the 16 products featured in the tournament are also invited to display their products. The contest, hosted by the NE Manufacturing Alliance and powered by the NE Chamber, 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. ### About NE Manufacturing Alliance Five statewide manufacturing groups have pledged to coordinate efforts to grow manufacturing and STEM workforce in Nebraska over the next decade. Learn more at nemanufacturingalliance.com.  LINCOLN – Four Nebraska-made products have advanced to the semifinals of the “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” tournament being held now through October 9. Manufacturers, students, and all Nebraskans are invited to vote for their favorite product in this head-to-head, bracket style competition. Online voting is available at nemanufacturingalliance.com. The following Nebraska manufacturers and their featured products are semifinalists.
The champion will be announced October 11 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, 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. ### About NE Manufacturing Alliance Five statewide manufacturing groups have pledged to coordinate efforts to grow manufacturing and STEM workforce in Nebraska over the next decade. Learn more at nemanufacturingalliance.com.  – The field in the first ever “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” tournament has narrowed to eight products. Manufacturers, students, and all Nebraskans are invited to vote for their favorite Nebraska-made product in a head-to-head, bracket style competition through October 9. Online voting for the competition is available at nemanufacturingalliance.com. The following Nebraska manufacturers and their featured products advanced to round two of the tournament.
Round one garnered more than 4,600 votes. Voting for round two begins today, September 20. The final round will end at 11:59 p.m., Sunday, October 9. Each contestant has submitted a photo and description to aid in voting. Only one vote per person per matchup per round will be allowed. The remaining voting timeline follows.
The champion will be announced October 11 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, 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. ### About NE Manufacturing Alliance Five statewide manufacturing groups have pledged to coordinate efforts to grow manufacturing and STEM workforce in Nebraska over the next decade. Learn more at nemanufacturingalliance.com.  LINCOLN – The first ever “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” tournament will lead Nebraskans into the annual celebration of NE Manufacturing Month this October. Manufacturers, students, and all Nebraskans are invited to vote for their favorite Nebraska-made product in a head-to-head, bracket style competition over the next four weeks. The contest, hosted by the NE Manufacturing Alliance and powered by the NE Chamber, 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. The following Nebraska manufacturers and their featured products will comprise the contestants for this inaugural tournament.
Voting for the first round begins Tuesday, September 13. The final round will end at 11:59 p.m., Sunday, October 9. Each contestant has submitted a photo and description to aid in voting. Only one vote per matchup per round will be allowed. The voting timeline follows.
Online voting for the competition is available at nemanufacturingalliance.com. The champion will be announced October 11 at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista, where the finalists will also be invited to display their products. “This exciting contest is an opportunity to showcase just how much and 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. “It’s already exceeded our expectations, and voting hasn’t even started yet! We can’t wait to see how the public embraces the competition and who will take the championship title.” Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the competition. Contact James Berringer (jberringer@nechamber.com) for more information. ### About NE Manufacturing Alliance Five statewide manufacturing groups have pledged to coordinate efforts to grow manufacturing and STEM workforce in Nebraska over the next decade. Learn more at nemanufacturingalliance.com.   LINCOLN – The NE Chamber Foundation Monday evening announced the recipients of six scholarships named for past Nebraska Business Hall of Fame honorees.
Following is a list of recipients and their awards.
Each award totals $2,000. Students 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 to be considered. “Our members are dedicated to welcoming our talented graduates to the fold and helping them get their education and careers started in Nebraska. These scholarships are just one way they show it,” said NE Chamber President Bryan Slone. The students were recognized at the NE Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Nebraska Business Hall of Fame Banquet Monday, May 2. Also, at the event, Mike McCarthy, founder of McCarthy Capital in Omaha; John Sampson of Sampson Construction in Lincoln; and Gloria Thesenvitz of Nova-Tech in Grand Island, joined more than 120 business leaders in the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame. The Nebraska Business Hall of Fame Scholarship Foundation was established in 1997 to recognize and support Nebraska’s next generation of business leaders while honoring the achievements of Nebraska’s more established entrepreneurs and business owners. Since 1997, the Foundation has awarded $226,000 in scholarships to 113 students in business-related fields. Learn more at https://www.nechamber.com/nebraska-business-hall-of-fame-scholarship-program.html. The NE Chamber Foundation has announced the members of its new Leadership Nebraska class. This year’s class is the 14th 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. “If we’re going to compete and win in the race for new families, talent, innovation and community development over the next five to 10 years, we need strong, informed and connected leaders to help us go the distance,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber President. “We’re pleased to welcome such a high-caliber group, from across the state, into the program.” Following are the Nebraskans selected to participate in Leadership Nebraska’s Class XIV, along with the class member’s employer. AURORA: Brett Mitchell, Fontel, Inc. BLAIR: Jordan Rishel, Washington County Chamber of Commerce 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 After graduation participants join a network of 320 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. The NE Chamber is teaming up with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NDED) to host a webinar that helps businesses and community leaders evaluate growth opportunities using the state’s mainline economic incentives program, ImagiNE Nebraska.
When: Wednesday, May 18 Noon – 1 p.m. CDT / 11 a.m. – Noon MDT Who: Jacquelyn Morrison, Incentives Division Administrator, NDED Tom Saltzman, Incentives Division Business Manager, NDED What: NDED leaders will provide an overview of the full suite of benefits ImagiNE Nebraska can offer, including:
Where: Zoom webinar Register at NEChamber.com In 2020, the NE Chamber led a coalition of business organizations and leaders to help modernize the state’s mainline economic incentive program. The streamlined and more flexible ImagiNE Nebraska program gives businesses of all sizes new opportunities to grow in Nebraska, including tiers geared toward both urban and rural manufacturers. It was passed in a broader tax relief and economic development package. A steadfast advocate for free enterprise, a competitive business climate and statewide economic growth, the NE Chamber is the state's only broad-based business and industry association. NDED is holding multiple information sessions across the state to help Nebraska businesses evaluate growth opportunities through ImagiNE Nebraska. WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 9 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. CDT, COLUMBUS, NE WHAT: Nebraska manufacturing leaders meet with disruptive technology experts to discuss mapping out their Manufacturing 4.0 technology journey. The day includes sessions on:
Nebraska currently ranks 36th in research and development spending in the nation, with 60% automation potential yet to be realized. Manufacturing Nebraska’s Future is designed to help Nebraska manufacturers consider their options and build a plan for tech-enabled production that keeps them competitive nationally and globally in a tight labor market. WHEN: Wednesday, May 11, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. CDT WHERE: Central Community College, North Education Center, 4500-63rd Street, Columbus WHO: Manufacturing executives, plant managers, engineers and technicians, Women in Manufacturing - Nebraska Chapter and operational leaders in related logistics, processing and supplier sectors will be attending. RESERVE A MEDIA PASS IN ADVANCE: Conference passes will be available to members of the news media for those interested in covering the speakers or engaging with manufacturers. Please reserve your pass in advance by contacting Holley Salmi, NE Chamber, hsalmi@nechamber.com, 402-763-0007. |
Media Contacts:Please email Holley Salmi at hsalmi@nechamber.com with your media requests or call 402.474.4612 Archives
October 2022
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