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By Bryan Slone, President, NE Chamber
As Nebraska plans for our post-COVID recovery, it’s urgent that we unite behind a pro-growth vision and seize a unique generational opportunity to leverage the quality-of-life advantages of our state. The pandemic has fundamentally changed the dynamics of how people view where they live and work. In these challenging times, there is no better place to come together and come home to than our Nebraska communities, from Omaha to Scottsbluff. Our pro-growth agenda must transcend politics and geographies. Whether urban or rural, conservative or progressive, public or private, we all share a common interest at this critical point. Indeed, whether we focus on maintaining leadership in healthcare, education, our key industries, technology, or infrastructure, our efforts are likely interlinked. All require the kind of economic and population growth necessary to create the economic base and environment to accomplish these goals. Being pro-growth in this way will require deliberately going on offense as a state. It will require working together in new ways and embracing new policies, public-private partnerships and funding models. It will require a consistent, multiyear commitment by community, business, charitable and public sector leaders to build communities and modern public services and amenities that successfully attract new businesses and new residents to Nebraska (particularly 18- to 34-year-olds). Pursuing a pro-growth mentality means, not only doing new things, but continuing to support and grow our high-impact industries. It means removing barriers to progress. Depending on your passion, that can mean relieving tax burdens, connecting and upskilling workers, expanding broadband, addressing prison overcrowding, and delivering workforce solutions that move Nebraskans out of poverty. Fortunately, Nebraska has a pro-growth plan in the Blueprint Nebraska report (blueprint-nebraska.org), its 15 growth initiatives and its related benchmarks for measuring success. This report reflects the input of literally thousands of people statewide and transcends politics and geography. We were proud to be a partner in the development of the Blueprint Nebraska report, and we are committed to working as a partner with many communities and organizations in the execution of its plan. Blueprint Nebraska calls us to:
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LINCOLN – The Nebraska Chamber and the state’s six community colleges have launched a survey to better understand employer training and credentialing needs across the state as unemployed and underemployed Nebraskans seek new work. All Nebraska employers are invited to take the survey by 5 p.m. central, Thursday, August 20.
The five-minute survey, currently being circulated among state and local chamber of commerce members, is designed to help community colleges develop training programs that align with local workforce needs and build skills needed to grow Nebraska’s post-pandemic economy. The data gathered will help enrich programs for students attending community colleges through the Nebraska Workforce Retraining Initiative. The program, instituted by Governor Pete Ricketts with Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding, provides scholarships to Nebraskans out of work or underemployed due to COVID-19. More information is available at https://southeast.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bjW48jRzsDCRH3T?Source=chamber The Nebraska Chamber is the largest, statewide business association and has proudly served as the voice of Nebraska’s business community since 1912. LINCOLN – Nebraska Chamber President Bryan Slone issued the following statement today on the outcome of legislative debate related to property tax relief and economic incentives.
“It’s Day 3 of the remaining legislative session, and unfortunately, both a property tax reform bill and economic incentives legislation stalled without action. This is a pivotal time for Nebraska. Our businesses are struggling to make ends meet and keep Nebraskans on their payrolls. It is essential that the state remains competitive in attracting businesses, jobs and people as we rebuild our economy and put Nebraskans back to work. “Right now, Nebraskans are most concerned about the health of their families and their ability to provide for them by securing a job. The new, improved economic incentives program is ready to go to work for them on its own merits. “There is sufficient time to act. During the next two weeks, all state leaders need to step up, recognize the consequences of a failure to act and cooperatively move critical legislation forward without raising taxes on an already burdened economy. The stakes could not be higher as actions or inaction now will have consequences for years to come.” LINCOLN – Chambers of Commerce and economic developers across Nebraska today are calling on state leaders to seek compromise in the remainder of the legislative session. Delivering both acceptable property tax reform and a modernized economic incentives program will help reboot Nebraska’s economy and get Nebraskans back to work in good-paying jobs. Now is not the time to let a successful economic incentives program expire, they write.
Pass LB720 to help get Nebraskans back to work Nebraska is fortunate to be in a better employment and economic position than other states at this time. We can use that advantage to bounce back and compete better nationally and internationally, right now. Even more importantly, we can enhance quality-of-life for families challenged by the economic conditions of coronavirus. Now’s the time to pass the ImagiNE Nebraska Act (LB720). No question: We must get Nebraskans back to work safely and businesses growing competitively. Economic incentives are one of the primary tools states can use to stimulate investment from the private sector –investment that will help get our economy growing at this critical time. The state’s commitment in LB720 will help jumpstart that activity. Economic incentive agreements are public/private partnerships that have historically returned $2.02 in goods and services for $1 in incentives earned. That’s in addition to the $10.8 billion in private capital investment, 100,000 jobs and 170 communities in Nebraska that have benefited from the current incentives program over the last decade. ImagiNE Nebraska better promotes upskilling and workforce development to improve quality of life for all working Nebraskans, and those looking to relocate here. The bill requires higher wages than in the past and mandatory health insurance options. Under LB720, benefits earned by employers can be used toward workforce training, childcare and education programs, in addition to the traditional tax incentives. LB720 is a targeted program designed to support 21st-Century economic and civic needs. It supports the growth of Nebraska’s economic bread and butter – agribusiness and manufacturing – with right-sized thresholds for small businesses, startups, entrepreneurs and rural communities. The flexibility in benefits is designed to help startups and small businesses scale up. These are exactly the high-growth sectors and good-paying jobs we should be pursuing. Proudly, the proposed economic incentives plan continues to be a pay-for-performance program – no benefit until investments are made and jobs are created. Our economic reboot and acceleration are dependent on our combined ability to work together for the benefit of Nebraska businesses, workers and agricultural producers. There is no more time for inaction. Now is the time for action. Together, state and local chambers of commerce and economic development organizations are urging legislators to:
This bill is ready to go to work for Nebraskans. Don’t let Nebraska be the only state without an incentive program just when we need it most. Signed by: Alliance Chamber of Commerce Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce Aurora Development Corporation Greater Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce Box Butte Development Corporation Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce Butler County Chamber of Commerce Cass County Nebraska Economic Development Council Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Cozad Chamber of Commerce Cozad Development Corporation Dawson Area Development Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (EDGE) Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce Greater Fremont Development Council Gage Area Growth Enterprise (NGage) Gothenburg Chamber of Commerce Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Hastings Economic Development Corporation Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council of Buffalo County Keith County Area Development Corporation City of Laurel Economic Development League of Nebraska Municipalities Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry Nebraska City Area Economic Development Corporation Nebraska City Tourism & Commerce Nebraska Diplomats Nebraska Economic Developers Association Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce Norfolk Area Economic Development Council North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation Northwest Nebraska Development Corporation, Dawes County Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Omaha Public Power District O’Neill Area Chamber of Commerce Phelps County Development Corporation Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce Sarpy County Economic Development Corporation City of Scottsbluff Economic Development Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber Twin Cities Development Assoc., Inc. Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership Sidney and Cheyenne County Economic Development Partnership South Platte United Chambers of Commerce South Sioux City Community Development Agency Washington County Chamber of Commerce Gateway Development Corporation, Washington county Valentine Chamber of Commerce Valley County Economic Development Wayne Area Economic Development Western Nebraska Economic Development York County Development Corporation 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:
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 |
Media Contacts:Please email Holley Salmi at hsalmi@nechamber.com with your media requests or call 402.474.4612 Archives |
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