LINCOLN, Nebraska — March 23, 2023 — Applications are now being accepted for the NE Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Nebraska, the statewide leadership program that prepares Nebraskans who want to play a key role in helping their community and state thrive.
 
Applications must be received in the NE Chamber office on or before May 1, 2023. Applications can be completed online and submitted, e-mailed or mailed. 
 
Leadership Nebraska is beginning its 15th year. Its mission is to identify, educate, connect, inspire and engage Nebraska’s current and emerging leaders for the well-being of the state of Nebraska. The program focuses on leadership development and broadening understanding and engagement on issues and opportunities facing our state. Participants gain in-depth knowledge that helps them define challenges, develop solutions and achieve positions of higher responsibility. Class members are selected from different regions of the state, with different backgrounds and diverse talents. Applicants must have demonstrated community and professional leadership experiences, as well as an abiding interest in Nebraska and its future.
 
The nine-month program consists of six sessions, each of which lasts two and a half days. The sessions cover a broad range of key Nebraska issues – such as economic development, health care, education, agriculture, government and policy.
 
“Strong leaders are the heart of our communities and businesses,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber president. “We must equip our next generation of leaders with the experiences, information and connections they need to generate big ideas and make bold moves that push Nebraska forward.”
 
Leadership Nebraska’s next class will begin with an orientation retreat in June at Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. Other sessions will be held in August, September, October, November and January across the state. A commencement ceremony will be held in Lincoln in February 2024. The application form and all session dates are posted at www.leadershipnebraska.com.
 
Tuition for the 2023-2024 class is $3,750, which includes all meals and lodging. Individuals not sponsored by an organization or employer may be eligible for a scholarship, based on financial need. Additional sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, please contact NE Chamber Foundation President Tera Norris at the NE Chamber, 402-937-9262.
 
The NE Chamber Foundation builds a stronger future for Nebraska by driving nonpartisan research on issues important to businesses, providing regular analytics on the state economy and business climate, and building partnerships to leverage connections between business, education and all Nebraskans. It is a 501(c)3 charitable and educational organization. Learn more at nechamber.com/foundation
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LINCOLN, Nebraska — March 14, 2023 — Business, elected, and education leaders, including students, spotlighted a growing need to prioritize workforce training, talent recruitment and retention initiatives in community and state economic development work. The group gathered Tuesday in the Nebraska Capitol to recognize Workforce Week, March 12 – 18, as proclaimed by Governor Jim Pillen.
 
“Keeping and attracting talent in our businesses and families in our communities are quickly becoming the most important issues we can address in the coming decade,” said NE Chamber President Bryan Slone. “About 50,000 to 80,000 jobs have been going unfilled over the past two years. As you can see from the team assembled today, we’re taking action.”
 
Nebraska has the highest workforce participation rate among all U.S. states at 69.9% and the third-lowest unemployment rates at 2.6%.
 
“We have great jobs for thousands of graduating and new Nebraskans in our communities today,” said Nebraska Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly. “Working together, in public, private, and education partnerships, we can build a bright future for our children.”
 
“Our workforce is our people – our state’s most valuable resource. A continued focus on workforce development is about helping Nebraskans achieve their dreams by connecting them to the great high-wage jobs that can help them live, work, and raise a family right here in the Good Life,” added U.S. Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE).
 
The initiatives featured by the NE Chamber, and legislative and education partners today include:
 

• LB610, sponsored by Nebraska Senator Loren Lippincott, District 34, to expand the reach of career and technical education (CTE) programs in high schools statewide by appropriating $10 million in state funding to complement existing federal Perkins funding;
• LB416, sponsored by Nebraska Senator Kathleen Kauth, District 31, which modernizes Nebraska’s tax code to minimize the threat of double taxing remote workers and helps businesses to better leverage remote talent in filling the workforce gap;
• Funding for Nebraska’s colleges and universities to support scholarships, workforce training programs and facilities, and new initiatives that grow enrollment by 10% in the next five years;
• Workforce development grants, included in Governor Jim Pillen’s budget request, that are modeled after the extremely popular Workforce Retention, Recruitment & Development Grants of 2022; and
• Prioritizing solutions to effectively and legally address Nebraska and the nation’s workforce shortage to allow talented individuals to legally move to the U.S. and work.

 
In addition to the team assembled at the Nebraska Capitol Tuesday, more than 60 local chambers across the state are highlighting initiatives they and their members are taking on to meet workforce needs.
 
The NE Chamber is the largest statewide business and industry association, proudly serving its members since 1912. It is where members of the business community gather to help make Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business. Focused on delivering economic and workforce growth and a competitive business climate, members also gain a network of engaged, connected business leaders across the state. In 2023, the NE Chamber launched priorities to “Accelerate Our State”, with specific initiatives outlined to address workforce, modernize taxes and drive innovation. Learn more at nechamber.com.
 
 
Additional Statements from Workforce Week Partners
 
Loren Lippincott, Nebraska Senator, District 34
 
“Nebraska is the only state that doesn’t provide state funding towards Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. That’s why I’ve introduced LB610, a bill that appropriates funds to the Department of Education for Perkins CTE programs. Students from Scottsbluff to Syracuse stand to benefit from these investments. In just a few short years, they’ll be our manufacturers, educators, doctors, nurses, farmers, and business owners. Let’s make sure they’re ready.”
 
Kathleen Kauth, Nebraska Senator, District 31
 
“In a state with a tight labor market and plenty of remote-capable jobs, our businesses are looking out of state to expand the hiring pool. Yet, Nebraska is one of just five states that collects income taxes from these workers – even if they never set foot in Nebraska. LB416 would fix that.”
 
Matt Gotschall, President, Central Community College President
 
"Nebraska community colleges are excited about the several workforce related bills addressing manufacturing modernization, housing rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements because that means more job opportunities for our students that support the communities we serve.”
 
Heath Mello, Vice President, External Relations, University of Nebraska
 
“With 11,000 new graduates every year and world-class research and education programs, the University of Nebraska plays a crucial role in building a highly skilled workforce for our state. We are fully committed to working closely with our public and private partners to solve this urgent challenge and ensure a prosperous future for Nebraska.”

LINCOLN, Nebraska — March 8, 2023 — NE Chamber President Bryan Slone today announced Tera Norris has joined the NE Chamber team. Norris will serve as President of the NE Chamber Foundation, leading the nonprofit’s work to expand economic opportunity in Nebraska through nonpartisan research and leadership development initiatives focused on the core drivers of economic prosperity.
 
“Tera’s experience is a perfect match for the leadership, energy and passion our activist members demonstrate daily and what they seek in NE Chamber initiatives,” Slone said. “She has a proven record of harnessing unique expertise and partnerships to deliver results that far exceed expectations. We’re pleased to welcome her to the team.”

A Peru native, Norris served as President of Junior Achievement (JA) of Lincoln since 2010, strengthening the organization’s impact and partnerships in a 10-county region. More than 700 volunteers helped power significant program growth in schools during her tenure. Her track record of successful partnerships with business leaders, educators, donors and foundations were also instrumental in helping grow programs in Beatrice, Seward, Grand Island and Kearney, among others.

Prior to JA, Norris served as sales and marketing specialist at BKD LLP, and director of events at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Journalism degrees at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and currently resides with her family in Lincoln.

The NE Chamber Foundation will build a stronger future for Nebraska by driving research on issues important to businesses, providing regular analytics on the Nebraska economy and business climate, and building partnerships to leverage connections between business, education and Nebraskans. It is a 501(c)3 charitable and educational organization. Learn more at nechamber.com/foundation.

The NE Chamber is the largest, statewide business and industry association, proudly serving its members since 1912. It is where members of the business community gather to help make Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business. Focused on delivering economic and workforce growth and a competitive business climate, members also gain a network of engaged, connected business leaders across the state. Learn more at nechamber.com.

​WHAT:  Nebraska business leaders were inducted into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame at a recognition banquet on February 2. The Nebraska Business Hall of Fame was established in 1992 by the NE Chamber and UNL College of Business. Nominations are solicited annually from the business community, business associations and academia.
 
HONOREES:       
Mildred “Millie” Brown, Omaha Star (posthumous)
Jim Clifton & Jane Miller, Gallup of Omaha
Ralph & Beverly Holzfaster Family, Agribusiness / Community Development of Paxton
Anthony “Tony” Messineo, Jr., Valentino’s of Lincoln
Wilfred “Dick” Tegtmeier, Encore Mfg. Co. of Beatrice (posthumous)

Biographies
 
VIDEO LINKS:    Videos provided below feature the video presentation at the banquet, as well as footage of the award presentation and acceptance remarks. Please contact Holley Salmi if a different format is needed.
 
Brown: https://youtu.be/CsJFhTZJgUM 
Clifton & Miller: https://youtu.be/sfm1cFCW1Ew
Holzfasters: https://youtu.be/jPUjg9LHuWs
Messineo: https://youtu.be/OzM4DnqASUo&t   
Tegtmeier: https://youtu.be/bmzVVsRFoEo
 
The NE Chamber is the largest, statewide business association, proudly serving its members since 1912. It is where members of the business community gather to help make Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business. Focused on delivering economic and workforce growth and a competitive business climate, members also gain a network of experienced, connected business leaders across the state. Learn more at nechamber.com.

NE Chamber leaders welcomed a new chair and 17 new members to its Board of Directors at its annual meeting last week. Ryan Parker, President & CEO of Endicott Clay Products Co. of Fairbury will serve as chair for the 2023 term.
 
“I’m excited to get going this year and help find new ways to accelerate our state,” Parker said. “Workforce, tax modernization and statewide innovation are front and center for our members. We are focused on addressing these challenges and unleashing economic growth.”
 
The following individuals began their terms on the board this year.
 

• Kyle Arganbright, Executive Vice President and Co-Founder, Sandhills State Bank, Valentine, serving as District Representative
• Dawson Brunswick, President, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Columbus, serving as NE Chambers Association President
• Courtney Dentlinger, Vice President of Customer Services and External Affairs & Chief Customer Officer, Nebraska Public Power District, Columbus, District Representative
• Jisella Dolan, Chief Global Advocacy Officer/Chief Strategy Officer, Home Instead Senior Care, Omaha, serving as District Representative
• Russ Gronewold, CEO, Bryan Health, Lincoln, serving as District Representative
• Mark Hesser, President, Pinnacle Bank, Elkhorn, serving as District Representative
• Jessica Kolterman, Director of Administration, Lincoln Premium Poultry, Seward, serving as District Representative
• Bruce Kreutzer, Operations Manager, Parker Filtration Group, Engine Mobile Aftermarket Division, Kearney, serving as District Representative
• James Nygren, Legislative Affairs Officer, Farm Credit Services of America, Omaha, serving as Agribusiness Council Chair
• Sarah Pillen, Co-CEO, Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics, Columbus, serving as District Representative
• Nicole Sedlacek, Economic Development Manager, Nebraska Public Power District, O’Neill, serving as Economic Development Council Chair
• Joni Sundquist, President and Executive Director, Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants, Lincoln, serving as Public Affairs Council Chair
• Dennis Swanson, President, Sandhill Equipment, Inc., Bassett, serving as District Representative
• Taylor Teepell, Director of Public Policy and Governmental Affairs, Lumen, Omaha, serving as District Representative
• Stacy Watson, Tax and Consulting Shareholder, Lutz, Omaha, serving as Taxation Council Chair
• Luke Virgil, Executive Director, Wayne Area Chamber of Commerce, Wayne, serving as Leadership Nebraska Chair

 
“Our board is made up of individuals with a track record of leadership, both in their companies and in their communities, and a passion for the Good Life,” NE Chamber President Bryan Slone said. “We’re fortunate that they are volunteering their time and talent to help keep our businesses competitive and growing.”
 
New board members are nominated by the current board and elected by the broader NE Chamber membership. Board members promote economic growth across the state and establish the association’s policies with input from members and 12 councils.
 
The NE Chamber is the largest, statewide business association, proudly serving its members since 1912. It is where members of the business community gather to help make Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business. Focused on delivering economic and workforce growth and a competitive business climate, members also gain a network of experienced, connected business leaders across the state. Learn more at nechamber.com.

​LINCOLN, Nebraska — The NE Chamber recently announced the recipients of six, $2,000 scholarships named for past Nebraska Business Hall of Fame honorees.
 
2023 scholarship winners include:
 

• Jerry Brito-Mendoza of Omaha, from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, awarded the Moe Beardmore Scholarship;
• Ryann Haburchak of Ewing, from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, awarded the Virgil Eihusen Scholarship;
• Brogan Jones of Allen, from Wayne State College, awarded the Kenneth L. Wortman Scholarship;
• Tommy Pugsley of Omaha, from Creighton University, awarded the Jack Swartz Scholarship;
• Whitney Schwisow of Beatrice, from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, awarded the Robert & Cynthia Milligan Scholarship; and
• Emalie Wightman of Omaha, from Nebraska Wesleyan University, awarded the Bob Harris Scholarship.

 
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. Since 1997, the NE Chamber Foundation has awarded over $238,000 in scholarships to 119 students across Nebraska.
 
“Nebraska has long been a state with pioneering business leaders, and they are committed to helping pave the way for young, aspiring minds,” NE Chamber President Bryan Slone said. “It’s wonderful to bring these young intellectuals in to connect with the larger business community.”
 
The scholarship winners were recognized at the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame Banquet on February 2 in Lincoln. At the banquet, the following business leaders were inducted into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame: Dick Tegtmeier of Encore Manufacturing Co. in Beatrice; Tony Messineo of Valentino’s in Lincoln; Mildred Brown of The Omaha Star in Omaha; Ralph and Beverly Holzfaster family in agribusiness/community development in Paxton; and Jim Clifton and Jane Miller of Gallup in Omaha.
 
The NE Chamber is the largest, statewide business and industry association, proudly serving its members since 1912. It is where members of the business community gather to help make Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business. Focused on delivering economic and workforce growth and a competitive business climate, members also gain a network of engaged, connected business leaders across the state. Learn more at nechamber.com.

LINCOLN, Nebraska — January 12, 2023 — The NE Chamber and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) College of Business today announced the 2023 inductees into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame, including:

• Mildred “Millie” Brown, Omaha Star (posthumous);
• Jim Clifton & Jane Miller, Gallup of Omaha;
• Ralph & Beverly Holzfaster Family, Agribusiness / Community Development of Paxton;
• Anthony “Tony” Messineo, Jr., Valentino’s of Lincoln; and
• Wilfred “Dick” Tegtmeier, Encore Mfg. Co. of Beatrice (posthumous).

These leaders will officially be inducted at the NE Chamber Annual Meeting and Nebraska Business Hall of Fame Banquet Thursday, February 2, at a 5:30 p.m. reception and 6:30 p.m. banquet held at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. To join in honoring these individuals and their families, register at web.nechamber.com/events or contact the NE Chamber at 402-474-4422. To sponsor, contact James Berringer at 402-474-4717 or jberringer@nechamber.com.

“This year’s honorees embody the vision, grit and community loyalty often ingrained in our boldest-thinking Nebraskans,” said NE Chamber President Bryan Slone. “The impact each of them has had on our communities, quality of life, and state reputation and identity is awe-inspiring.”

These individuals join a distinguished group of more than 130 business leaders whose work to grow their businesses in Nebraska have made a significant impact on the free enterprise system, 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 are excited to recognize and salute the accomplishments of the 2023 Nebraska Business Hall of Fame honorees whose contributions to Nebraska’s economy and business environment are broad and far reaching. This group includes entrepreneurs, exceptional business leaders and highly engaged citizens who made a tremendous impact on the state,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Dean of the UNL College of Business.

The NE Chamber is the largest, statewide business association, proudly serving as the voice of Nebraska’s business community since 1912. The organization promotes and protects Nebraska’s free enterprise system by ensuring a competitive business climate, economic growth and greater prosperity for all Nebraskans. Learn more at nechamber.com.

​MILDRED “MILLIE” BROWN, Omaha Star, Omaha (awarded posthumously)
Mildred Brown was the owner, publisher and editor of the Omaha Star, the nation’s longest-operating, Black-owned newspaper run by a woman. Launched in 1938, the newspaper helped steer Omahans through racial segregation, the 1960s civil rights movement and additional racial unrest through the early 1970s. Her coverage of civil rights and riots earned her commendations from President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Star featured positive news about the Black community, celebrating family stories, role models and accomplishments. Readers were encouraged to vote and run for office. Brown died in 1989, but her legacy lives on. Today, the Omaha Star is the only remaining African American newspaper in Omaha and the only one still printed in Nebraska. The biweekly publication is available by print or digital subscription with a circulation of about 30,000 in 48 states.

​JIM CLIFTON, Gallup, Omaha
Jim Clifton is chairman of Gallup, a global analytics and advice firm. Under his leadership as CEO from 1988 to 2022, Gallup expanded to a worldwide organization with 30 offices in 20 countries and regions. He created The Gallup Path, a metric-based economic model that establishes the linkages among human nature in the workplace, customer engagement and business outcomes. It is used in performance management systems in more than 500 companies worldwide. The Gallup World Poll, another of his innovations, gives the world’s 7 billion citizens a voice on virtually all key global issues. In addition to authoring four bestselling books and several articles on global leadership, he serves on many national boards. The Clifton Foundation and Gallup were essential in establishing the Don Clifton Strengths Institute at the University of Nebraska, which supports early identification and accelerated development of thousands of gifted entrepreneurs and future business builders in Nebraska.

​JANE MILLER, Gallup, Omaha
Jane Miller is retired president and chief operating officer of Gallup. In that role, she oversaw worldwide operations, ensuring all systems, resources and – and most importantly – people were in place and aligned to achieve organizational goals across all client servicing and market direct functions. She is committed to creating strong communities that begin with strong workplaces, as evidenced by her leadership as a director or trustee for Peter Kiewit Foundation, TeamMates Mentoring, Kiewit Luminarium, Omaha Zoological Society, Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska Foundation, in addition to serving on several boards in the past. Miller was the recipient of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Women in Leadership Award and was inducted into the organization’s Business Hall of Fame in 2017.

​RALPH AND BEVERLY HOLZFASTER FAMILY, Agribusiness / Community Development, Paxton
Ralph and Beverly Holzfaster began their early agricultural careers in custom harvesting and proving new stubble mulch practices on dry land wheat, which led to a stint farming in British Columbia. Embracing pivot irrigation technology in 1969, Ralph opened a Lindsay Manufacturing dealership in Ogallala. His ongoing commitment to advancing agriculture, economic development and ethanol opportunities is evident in his service on several boards over the years, including Nebraska Ethanol Authority & Development Board, Nebraska Public Power District, Keith County Economic Development Board and Foundation and Mid-Plains Community College Foundation, as well serving on boards for private ethanol and bioenergy companies. The Holzfaster family co-hosted the Cattleman’s Ball in 2013, and remain active locally, statewide and nationally in agriculture, economic development, housing and tourism initiatives, including managing Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge.

ANTHONY “TONY” MESSINEO, JR., Valentino’s, Lincoln
In 1972, Anthony Messineo and his brother, Ron, purchased Valentino’s, a pizza business started in the Campus Fruit Market near University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s East Campus. The 60-seat restaurant was small, but the takeout pizza business quickly boomed. Today, Valentino’s employs more than 500 Nebraskans at 40 locations and ships frozen pizza nationally and internationally, in addition to offering its popular sauces and frozen pizza in Nebraska grocery stores. As the official pizza of the Huskers, Valentino’s sells over 22,000 slices per home football game. An active philanthropist, Messineo contributes time and talent to Cedar’s Home for Children, Catholic Social Services, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Lincoln Public Schools’ High Five program, and TeamMates, among others. He has received several honors, including Restauranteur of the Year twice and Rotarian of the Year, and was inducted into the Omaha Hospitality Hall of Fame.

​WILFRED “DICK” TEGTMEIER, Encore Mfg. Co., Beatrice (awarded posthumously)
A pioneer in the lawn mower industry, Wilfred Tegtmeier turned sketches drawn in his basement into two successful businesses, eventually employing more than 600 Nebraskans and giving Beatrice the unofficial title of “Lawn Mower Capital of the World”. He designed his first line of lawn mowers at Kees Manufacturing in the 1970s before starting Exmark Manufacturing with partners in 1983 and launching a new line. In 1988, he formed a new mower company, Encore Manufacturing, which grew quickly. Both companies remain major drivers of Beatrice’s economy. Exmark is now a division of Toro Company. Encore was sold to China-based World Lawn Power Equipment on the condition that the facility continue operating in Beatrice. Tegtmeier was active in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Beatrice Optimists, Gage County Economic Development and Nebraska Diplomats, in addition to representing Nebraska on several trade missions. He died in 2013.

LINCOLN, Nebraska — January 9, 2023 — NE Chamber President Bryan Slone today welcomed Alex Reuss to the NE Chamber team. Alex will serve as Executive Vice President, Legislation and Policy, leading legislative advocacy efforts for the organization’s 1,000 members statewide.
 
“Alex’s experience and expertise in both the state and national policy arenas will be a strong asset for our members,” Slone said. “Her energy and focus will be invaluable in our work to make Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business.”

A native of Bennington, Alex most recently served as Governor Pete Ricketts’ Director of Strategic Communications, where she advised the Governor on issue management, communications, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to that, Alex served as a member of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s policy team and as a legislative advisor in the Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. She also co-founded Penn Ave Strategies, a Nebraska-based boutique communications firm.

Reuss earned her Bachelor of Arts from Hillsdale College, where she graduated with academic honors. She currently resides in Elkhorn with her husband and their daughter, Lincoln, and son, Clive.
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The NE Chamber is the largest, statewide business association, proudly serving as the voice of Nebraska’s business community since 1912. The organization promotes and protects Nebraska’s free enterprise system by ensuring a competitive business climate, economic growth and greater prosperity for all Nebraskans. Learn more at nechamber.com.

December 16, 2022 — Today, NE Chamber President Bryan Slone announced the formation of Tech Nebraska, a new, statewide organization to cultivate Nebraska’s tech community and drive collaboration, growth and policy.
 
Tech Nebraska will unite and strengthen Nebraska’s statewide technology community by helping drive industry growth and position the state as a leader in the future of technology and innovation, advocate for tech-forward public policies and support the development of a diverse, talented workforce. The organization is in the early stages of formation with senior level information and technology officers joining the founding board, including representatives from Kiewit, Google, Methodist Health System, Union Pacific, Meta, and Workshop, among others.
 
“Nebraska needs a thriving, unified tech sector to help drive its economy, compete for top talent and solve the challenges of tomorrow,” Slone said. “It’s imperative – regardless of whether you run a business in the urban core of Omaha, the shop floor in Columbus or from a pasture in the Sandhills. Every company is a tech company.”
 
The organization is being launched on a solid foundation. Nebraska outputs nearly $4.5 billion in GDP from the information technology sector and ranks in the top 15 states for most tech jobs per capita, a tribute to the work already underway by technology leaders, partners and governmental agencies, Slone said.
 
“We’ve grown our Silicon Prairie reputation by leaps and bounds over the past decade, but our tech community hasn’t reached its full potential yet,” he said.
 
For example, the Milken Institute’s State Technology and Science Index in 2022 ranked Nebraska 34th out of 50th,  a modest gain from 38th in 2020. The Milken Index measures state-level knowledge economies, including their capability to support business formation, job creation, and wage growth. Nebraska also ranked 46th of 50 in the 2022 Global Innovation Index’s most and least innovative states list. 
 
Tech Nebraska will leverage the collective expertise of its members – from McCook to Valentine, Scottsbluff to Omaha – to align with progress in peer states, many of which have had statewide-focused technology associations for decades. It will also partner with existing technology advocates and stakeholders in various regions of the state to build Nebraska’s reputation as a top-tier tech state.
 
In the coming months, Tech Nebraska will continue to recruit new members and begin to set future fundraising goals, as well as hire an executive director and staff.
 
More information will be made available soon, and a website and social media accounts will launch. Companies interested in engaging their chief information and technology officers may contact the NE Chamber for more information at nechamber@nechamber.com or 402-474-4422.

​University of Nebraska (NU) President Ted Carter and NE Chamber President Bryan Slone today announced the agenda for “Innovative State”, Nebraska’s first statewide innovation and tech summit co-hosted by the two organizations. The summit is December 16, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s Innovation Campus, 2021 Transformation Drive.    

Business executives, CIOs, operations and systems leaders, developers, researchers, educators and innovators are invited to attend, especially those in agriculture, manufacturing, finance, healthcare, technology and logistics. Tickets for the event are on sale now. For more information, or to register, visit nechamber.com. Conference passes will be available to members of the news media.

Bryan Slone, NE Chamber president, said Nebraska has the potential to be a leader in the technology ecosystem.    
“Global competition in tech and innovation has been heating up for years. The Blueprint Nebraska report identified that tech enablement in our largest sectors is vital to continued economic growth and how Nebraska-made food, goods and services compete globally,” he said. “If we don’t at least keep up, we fall behind. Ideally, though, we lead.”    
The event also includes sessions on:

• The imperative to quickly scale research and development (R&D) and technology investments in core sectors;

• NU’s vision for leveraging research and technology to build Nebraska;

• Accelerating growth in Nebraska’s technology and innovation ecosystem;

• Ag-tech opportunities; and

• Potential public policy solutions by sectors.

“Innovation is a key ingredient to Nebraska’s economic growth,” Carter said. “The University of Nebraska System – consistently ranked among the world’s best in bringing our faculty innovations to the market – is well-positioned to help lead the way. We look forward to gathering together with our partners in business, industry and education to share ideas on how we can do even more to build a vibrant innovation-based economy for Nebraska’s future.”

Joe Kava, Google’s vice president of data centers, will deliver the luncheon keynote address entitled, "Demystifying the Internet: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Where the Internet Lives".
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Event sponsors include Google, Nebraska Public Power District, NextEra Energy, 21st Century Equipment, LLC, Cox Communications, and Hamilton Telecommunications.