50 Nebraskans Are Benefitting From New Manufacturing Alliance Credential at Community Colleges8/25/2026 LINCOLN, Nebraska — August 24, 2026 – Fifty Nebraskans are participating in or have completed a new and innovative career education and apprenticeship program six months into its creation.
The new Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance Credential, developed by the Nebraska Department of Labor, the Nebraska Chamber Foundation, manufacturers and the state’s six community colleges, is improving Nebraska workers’ readiness for manufacturing jobs and helping industries fill their skilled labor shortage through a curriculum devised by the project partners. So far in 2026, 27 students have completed the program, and 23 students are in progress. The Level 1 credential is 173 contact hours and consists of seven modules focused on manufacturing skills:
The Nebraska community colleges are now employing apprenticeship coordinators, career skills coaches, instructors, curriculum and instructional designers, and purchasing training equipment for students in the program. In addition to courses being tuition-free, students receive stipends for participating in them. The credential can be completed in 6-8 weeks – or “boot camp” style in as little as five weeks. Additionally, students can eventually go on to earn Level 2 manufacturing certificates. Students participating can be youth or high-school-aged learners, adults studying for their GED or high school graduates and industry professionals wanting to “upskill.” Upskilling can earn workers higher wages and promotion. Student evaluations record that 89% of students’ expectations were met and 93% felt more prepared to work in manufacturing after completing the program. Sixteen respondents planned to seek employment in manufacturing, eight planned to apply for an apprenticeship and 12 planned to continue their education or training. Students surveyed were most impressed with their instructors – with 100% reporting that their instructors were knowledgeable and helpful. Funding for the multi-year, $7 million project is from the state’s Workforce Development Program Cash Fund. So far, Southeast Community College has completed two Level 1 cohorts in the program, registering 38 students – 20 of whom have completed the program. A new cohort of 13 students started on Aug. 4. Metro Community College has also completed 2 cohorts, with 16 students registered and 6 students completing. Another cohort is underway with another beginning on Aug. 31. At Northeast, the first cohort of five students is currently underway with a new one beginning Aug. 21. Central Community College has had one student complete the program, with a new cohort planned to begin Sept. 8. Programs at Western Nebraska and Mid-Plains are scheduled to begin soon. Additionally, the students were able to earn nationally recognized certifications and employer engagement through the program. The manufacturers working on the program include Lozier, Graepel, Malnove, Timpte, Lincoln Industries, MetalWorks, Klute, Kawasaki, and Collins Aerospace. Josh Gear, brand manager for Lozier, said the unique format of the program allows for the content to be consistent while allowing each individual school/region to tailor the text and approach to their specific market. Doug Rood, senior operations manager at Collins Aerospace and a curriculum contributor through the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance and NeMAC, said the project is an important component of a manufacturing workforce development strategy. Rood and Gear said success in manufacturing careers requires strong fundamentals: reliable attendance, effective communication, punctuality, and an understanding of workplace expectations. Recent interviews with candidates highlight a significant gap in basic workforce readiness and expectations – such as the number of sick days that are acceptable for performance. “The primary workforce challenge for employers is the shortage of available workers, especially individuals with mid‑level or advanced manufacturing skills,” Rood said. “Collins Aerospace in York currently has 14 open positions. While we can train and hire entry‑level candidates, there is a point at which employers need applicants with intermediate or mid‑career experience to help reduce the training burden and accelerate time to full productivity. This challenge is shared broadly by manufacturers across NeMAC and the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance.” Prospective students interested in enrolling should contact their nearest community college. Manufacturers wanting to learn more can contact the NE Chamber. ###
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LINCOLN, Nebraska — August 20, 2026 — Erin Sharpe has been hired by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry as its new Director of Manufacturing, NE Chamber President & CEO Joseph Young announced today. Sharpe has worked as Director of iHub at Northeast Community College and will bring an array of experience in Nebraska innovation and workforce development to the NE Chamber.
Sharpe has a career built on customer advocacy, operational excellence and business growth, primarily in the manufacturing sector. In her role as Director of Northeast’s iHub, she has led the development of the new Norfolk-area fabrication lab, workforce development lab and youth STEM center. The iHub is a creation and ideation environment giving users space to explore, experiment and create using cutting-edge tools and technologies. Since 2024 she helped secure funding for the $8.5 million facility along with $2 million in technical equipment for the 18,000-square-foot regional makerspace and training center. During her time at Northeast, the college has engaged 1,200 K-12 students through camps and after-school programs and delivered automation training programs serving local workers and workplaces. The iHub facility was the first in Nebraska to achieve Smart Automation Certification Alliance Gold Testing designation. Sharpe’s previous roles have been in purchasing, analysis, international team leadership, vendor management and ecommerce at Kawasaki Motors, Spreetail, Wholestone Farms, and Petrelocation. She has a master’s in business administration and bachelor’s degree in communication and mass media from Northwest Missouri State University. Sharpe will be primarily located in Norfolk and work throughout the state with Nebraska’s manufacturing sector. Her role will be convening and coordinating leaders from education, workforce and policy partners to create initiatives, build networks and increase NE Chamber manufacturing membership and the impact of manufacturing. Her network will be with individuals and organizations such as the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance, Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership at the University of Nebraska, and Women in Manufacturing. She will begin her role in September. “Erin has an established network and is a leading influence in Nebraska manufacturing, which will be greatly beneficial to manufacturers and industry partners,” said Young. “Her experience at iHub and leadership in northeast Nebraska are a great fit with the NE Chamber.” The NE Chamber serves as the manufacturing association for Nebraska and is a member of the National Association of Manufacturers. Earlier in 2026, NeMAC and the NE Chamber Foundation announced a partnership with all six Nebraska community colleges and the Department of Labor in developing a statewide stackable manufacturing credential as a workforce development initiative. Young said Sharpe’s experience working in the higher education and manufacturing training space is directly relevant in advancing workforce development in Nebraska manufacturing. “Erin’s passion for connecting people, ideas, and opportunities has left a lasting mark on the Northeast iHub,” said Leah Barrett, president of Northeast. “We are incredibly grateful for her contributions and proud to see her take on this important statewide role. We congratulate Erin and look forward to continuing our work together in support of Nebraska manufacturers and the future workforce they depend on.” ### LINCOLN, Nebraska — August 19, 2026 — The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance are now accepting nominations for the 2026 Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year award. Nominations will be accepted through September 11. Following the nomination period, a panel of statewide manufacturing and business leaders will select the 2026 honoree. The winner will be announced at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit on October 29 in La Vista. Registration for the Summit is open to the public and can be found here. “The Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year award celebrates a manufacturer whose efforts and innovation helped contribute to Nebraska’s $80M+ Manufacturing GDP in 2025,” said NE Chamber President & CEO Joseph Young. “We’re proud to recognize the industry leaders that are investing in their people and increasing opportunities for manufacturing to spur growth across the state.” This is the 19th year of recognizing a Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year. Past winners include Lindsay Corporation (2025), Timpte (2024) and date all the way back to the inaugural winner in 2008, Reinke Manufacturing. See the full list of winners here. ###   LINCOLN, Nebraska — August 12, 2026 — Tech Nebraska today announced its transition to an independent, member-driven organization, effective September 1, 2026. This marks the next chapter in its growth as the statewide voice for Nebraska’s technology and innovation ecosystem.
Originally established as part of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry to strengthen Nebraska’s technology sector through advocacy, programming and collaboration, Tech Nebraska has grown into a statewide organization representing technology leaders, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, educators, researchers, investors and innovators across Nebraska. As an independent 501(c)(6) organization, Tech Nebraska will accelerate its mission of advancing Nebraska’s technology ecosystem through public policy, industry collaboration, leadership convening and signature programs, including the Tech Nebraska Summit, Tech Talks and regional Built Here Microsummits. ”This is an exciting milestone for Tech Nebraska and for Nebraska’s innovation economy,” said Chris Dill, Board Chair of Tech Nebraska and Chief Information Officer at Kiewit Corporation. “From the beginning, the vision was to build a statewide organization dedicated to connecting and advancing Nebraska’s technology community. Thanks to the strong foundation established in partnership with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Tech Nebraska is well positioned to continue growing its impact while remaining focused on serving our members and strengthening Nebraska’s innovation ecosystem.” The transition reflects Tech Nebraska’s continued growth while ensuring continuity for members, sponsors, partners and stakeholders. Existing memberships, sponsorships, programming and advocacy efforts will continue uninterrupted. ”For our members and partners, this transition is about continuity and opportunity,” said Emily Allen, Executive Director of Tech Nebraska. “Technology isn’t a sector of Nebraska’s economy. Technology is the infrastructure that powers every sector of Nebraska’s economy. That’s why Tech Nebraska exists. Becoming an independent organization positions us to build on a strong foundation and deepen our impact across Nebraska’s innovation ecosystem.” Tech Nebraska and the Nebraska Chamber will continue working together on issues that strengthen Nebraskan’s technology and innovation ecosystem. ”The Nebraska Chamber has been proud to help launch and support Tech Nebraska during its formative year,” said Joseph Young, President and CEO of the Nebraska Chamber. “The organization’s growth reflects the strength and momentum of Nebraska’s commitment to technology and innovation. We look forward to continuing to work together to support innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth across our state.” Since its founding in 2023, Tech Nebraska has expanded statewide programming, strengthened its policy leadership, launched regional events and grown a diverse membership representing companies and organizations across Nebraska’s innovation economy. As an independent organization, Tech Nebraska will continue to:
### LINCOLN, Nebraska — August 6, 2026 — The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry welcomes Mitch Scheuler this month as Vice President of Membership Development.
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.” ### LINCOLN, 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. ###  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. ### LINCOLN, 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 [email protected]. ###  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/ ### NE 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):
“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. ### |
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August 2026
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