Applications are currently being accepted for the State Chamber's Leadership Nebraska program, which prepares individuals to play a larger role in their community and state. 

Applications must be received no later than Friday, April 12. 

Leadership Nebraska is beginning its twelfth year of developing informed leaders who seek a breadth of knowledge about Nebraska issues.  The year-long program consists of six sessions, each of which lasts two days.  The sessions cover a wide scope of topics, including economic development, health care, education, agriculture, and state government. 

The application can be found at www.leadershipnebraska.com or by calling Roberta Pinkerton at 402-474-4422.

Several Nebraska businesses have been affected by the recent devastating flooding our state has experienced.  Swollen rivers and quickly rising water have washed out roads and bridges, and triggered evacuations.  Many homes and businesses have been inundated by water that flowed from nearby rivers.
If your business has been directly affected -- and you need guidance on what to do next -- help is available.
Please reach out to the U.S. Chamber Foundation's Disaster Help Desk at 1-888-My-Biz-Help (888-692-4943). Or visit https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/disaster-response-and-community-resilience/disaster-help-desk.

Earlier this week, on March 6, the Nebraska Legislature's Revenue Committee held its hearing on LB720, which would bring the first major overhaul of Nebraska’s business incentives in 14 years.

The ImagiNE Nebraska Act would replace the Nebraska Advantage Act of 2005 – the state’s primary economic development tool that has resulted in 850 business expansions, $13 billion in capital invested or committed, and roughly 100,000 new jobs statewide.

The Nebraska Advantage Act is set to expire at the end of next year, making LB720’s passage critical this session.

Testifying in support of LB720 on behalf of the State Chamber was Chad Denton, president of CFO Services in Omaha. Chad highlighted LB720’s proposed process improvements, saying the bill would increase the value of incentives to businesses by making simplifications, ensuring that businesses receive earned incentives sooner, and eliminating unnecessary audits.

Other highlights from the hearing included:
 

• Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director Dave Rippe testified in support of LB720, saying it would make Nebraska “very competitive” regionally, while allowing the state to build “more meaningful relationships with business.”  Director Rippe noted that a recent sampling of Nebraska Advantage Act agreements showed two-thirds of the agreements were with companies that had operations in other states.  He told the committee that these companies could have created jobs or invested elsewhere, highlighting the importance of state incentives.

 

• David Brown, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, testified in support of LB720, saying that in today’s competitive climate, companies expect state economic development incentives.  Brown said, “If indeed incentives disappear, so does economic development in the state.”  He noted that Nebraska needs a mainline economic development program to work with local incentive tools, like the LB840 program.

 

• The Nebraska League of Municipalities also testified in favor of LB720, praising the bill’s transparency and language to provide an estimate to cities before incentives are awarded.

 
During the hearing, much of the focus from opponents was related to the bill’s cost, estimated to be around $29 million in Fiscal 2020-21, but projected to grow to more than $150 million as more projects ramp up under the program. LB720's main sponsor, Seward Senator Mark Kolterman, noted that over the years, costs related to Nebraska’s business incentive programs (LB775 and the Nebraska Advantage Act) have, on average, totaled an amount equal to roughly only 3% of the state’s annual budget.  Other supporters told senators that allowing businesses keep more of the money they earn in exchange for new jobs and investment should not be viewed as costs, since such economic activity would not likely have occurred but for incentives.
 
In his concluding remarks, Senator Kolterman told his fellow Revenue Committee members that he has repeatedly supported efforts to reduce Nebraska’s property tax burden.  “But we cannot grow our state by just reducing the property tax burden,” he said, adding that doing away with incentives would be like hanging up a “closed for business” sign.
 
Currently, 22 senators are cosponsoring the ImagiNE Nebraska Act.

LINCOLN – On February 21, 2019, the State Chamber’s Leadership Nebraska hosted a commencement ceremony in Lincoln to honor 29 individuals for their successful completion of the program’s coursework and other requirements.

This is Leadership Nebraska’s eleventh group of graduates since the program’s first class in 2007. 

Leadership Nebraska is focused on enhancing leadership skills and expanding participants’ knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing our state.  The program includes six two-day sessions held over several months in various locations across Nebraska.  Topic areas include economic development, health care, agriculture, education, and government and policy.

By completing the program, informed leaders can better understand issues, define problems and develop solutions to serve their communities.  Graduates of Leadership Nebraska are encouraged to seek positions of higher responsibility, whether at the local, regional or state level.

The Leadership Nebraska Class XI members who graduated this week are:

Anna Brewer, Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, Lincoln
Carley Bruning, Phelps County Development Corporation, Holdrege
Matthew Burke, First National Bank, Omaha
Linette Gralheer Butler, BD Construction, Kearney
Angela Davidson, Central Community College, Grand Island
Elizabeth Everett, First Five Nebraska, Lincoln
Mike Feeken, St. Paul Development Corporation, St. Paul
Sarah Focke, Kearney Visitors Bureau, Kearney
Peggy Hain, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln
Erika Hamilton, Humanities Nebraska, Lincoln
Anne Hindery, Nonprofit Association of the Midlands, Omaha
John Hoggatt, First National Bank, Kearney
Sara Howard, Nebraska Legislature, Omaha
Darin Karstetter, Renaissance Financial, Omaha
Shawn Kaskie, University of Nebraska, Kearney
Noah Knisely, CHI Health, Omaha
Steve Konnath, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, Omaha
Joseph Lang, Omaha Public Power District, Omaha
Marjorie Maas, SHARE Omaha, Omaha
Carsten Mlady, Nebraska Public Power District, York
James Mowitz, Pinnacle Bank, Lincoln
Sandra Reding, AKSARBEN Foundation, Omaha
Tyler Rigby, Nucor Steel Nebraska, Norfolk
Ryan Sevcik, Koley Jessen, P.C., L.L.O., Omaha
Leslie Shaver, Simmons Olsen Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O, Scottsbluff
Angela Simdorn, Hornady Manufacturing, Grand Island
Michael Venem, Fast Global Solutions, Auburn
Nicole West, Black Hills Energy, Papillion
Laurie Zagurski, Omaha Public Power District, Omaha
 
Applications for Leadership Nebraska's next class may be submitted until April 12, 2019.
 
For more information, please contact Roberta Pinkerton at (402) 474-4422 or visit www.leadershipnebraska.com.

On Feb. 7 at the State Chamber's Annual Meeting, Gov. Pete Ricketts issued a proclamation declaring February as "Chamber of Commerce Month" in Nebraska.

Presented to the leaders of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Executives (NCCE), the governor's proclamation states: "Chambers of commerce play a vital role in shaping Nebraska's future by promoting the free enterprise system" by providing leadership and fostering "an economic climate conducive to the growth and development of our great state."

Receiving the proclamation from Gov. Ricketts were NCCE Chair Denise Wilkinson, president and CEO of the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as NCCE Advisory Council Chair John Hales, vice president of the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corp.

On Thursday, Feb. 7, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its annual meeting in Lincoln.

At the Chamber's morning board of directors' meeting, board members reviewed 2019 state legislation and acted on "support" and "oppose" recommendations made by the Chamber's policy councils. Gov. Pete Ricketts spoke at the luncheon, which honored local chambers of commerce from across the state.

The afternoon featured a panel of experts who discussed the state's workforce challenge and current economic conditions; another panel spotlighted federal issues that could affect Nebraska. The third panel -- the traditional Legislative Leaders panel -- featured Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer, as well as Senators Curt Friesen and John Stinner, all of whom addressed the current challenges facing the Unicameral.

During the evening hours, approximately 500 attended the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame Banquet, which featured the passing of the gavel from 2018 State Chamber Chairman Rich Herink, market executive for First National Bank, to 2019 Chamber Chairman Todd Foje, the CEO of Great Plains Communications in Blair.

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced the winners of its 2019 Business Hall of Fame scholarships.  All six scholarship winners will be recognized at the Chamber’s Nebraska Business Hall of Fame Banquet and induction ceremony, which will be held Feb. 7 in Lincoln.  Scholarships winners will each receive $2,000.
 
The following is a list of the Chamber’s scholarships and this year’s scholarship winners:

• Jack Swartz Scholarship: Ryan Schmidt of Creighton University. Schmidt is a sophomore from Leawood, Kan., majoring in finance and accounting.

• Virgil Eihusen Scholarship: Claira Thede of Hastings College.  Thede is a sophomore from Palmer, Neb., majoring in accounting.

• Robert & Cynthia Milligan Scholarship: Lauren Leapley of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  Leapley is a sophomore from Gretna, Neb., majoring in accounting and management.

• Roy Smith Scholarship: Alison Raszler of the University of Nebraska-Omaha.  Raszler is a junior from Elkhorn, Neb., majoring in supply chain management, as well as marketing and management.

• Moe Beardmore Scholarship: Isaac Cruz-Vital of the University of Nebraska-Omaha.  Cruz-Vital is a sophomore from Omaha, Neb., majoring in business administration.

• Bob Harris Scholarship: Alexandra Taylor of Creighton University.  Taylor is a sophomore from Colorado Springs, Colo., majoring in accounting, as well as business information and analytics.

 
The Nebraska Chamber has provided scholarship assistance to deserving students since 1997.  To be eligible for a scholarship, students must attend a recognized Nebraska college or university and be pursuing a degree in business-related fields of study.   
 
To date, 90 students have received Nebraska Chamber scholarships since the inception of the program.  Funding for the scholarships is donated by State Chamber members. 
​
“Nebraska is a better place when we invest in our young talent,” said Chamber President Bryan Slone. “The Nebraska Chamber is proud to support the journey of these future business leaders and we congratulate them for their accomplishments in their academic careers.”
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LINCOLN – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry will hold its 2019 Annual Meeting and Legislative Caucus on Thursday, Feb. 7, at The Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln.  This is one of Nebraska’s largest business gatherings of the year. (For more information, including how to register, call 402-474-4422 or visit www.NEChamber.com.)
 
According to State Chamber President Bryan Slone, this year’s annual meeting will provide opportunities to learn about the important issues and legislation impacting Nebraska’s economy and business community.  Attendees will hear from Gov. Pete Ricketts, as well as state lawmakers and policy experts.  Three separate discussion panels will be held in the afternoon to spotlight federal issues, state issues and 2019 priorities at the Legislature.
 
The evening banquet will feature a distinguished group of business leaders and entrepreneurs who will be inducted into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame.  Established in 1992 by the Chamber and the University of Nebraska College of Business, the Hall of Fame pays tribute to Nebraska’s most accomplished business leaders and their contributions to our free enterprise system.  Candidates are nominated by individuals from the business community, business associations and academia.
 
The 2019 Nebraska Business Hall of Fame class members are:

• TALTON ‘TAL’ ANDERSON, Baxter Auto Group, Omaha (deceased) – Tal started pumping gasoline part time for Johnny Baxter in 1957.  By 1984, when Baxter retired, Tal owned 49% of the business and contracted to purchase the remaining stake and keep the Baxter name.  Today, the business has grown to 20 locations in three states and offers 15 brands of automobiles.  The business remains in the family under the leadership of Tal’s son and daughter, Mickey Anderson and Angie Quinn.  Baxter now employs 1,900 people and sold approximately 40,000 vehicles in 2017.

 

• JERRY HUSE, Norfolk Daily News, Norfolk (deceased) – In 1871, Jerry’s great-grandfather founded The Northern Nebraska Journal in Ponca, one of the earliest newspapers in Nebraska.  He purchased the Norfolk News in 1888 and Jerry’s grandfather and father ran it until Jerry took over as publisher in 1956 at age 29.  At the time, he was the youngest publisher of a daily newspaper in Nebraska.  He continued in the role of publisher for the following 56 years.  The family ownership of the newspaper continues today.  Jerry is in the Nebraska Newspaper Hall of Fame and received the Nebraska Press Association’s Master-Editor Award.

 

• BARRY L. KENNEDY, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Lincoln – Barry joined the Nebraska Chamber in 1987 and was named president of the Chamber in 2000.  He served in this role until his retirement in June 2018.  During his tenure, the organization grew in membership, influence and notability.  As a result, Nebraska benefited from a more diverse economy, an improved overall business climate and modernized business incentives, due in large part to the Chamber’s role in the advocacy process.  Prior to Barry’s time at the Chamber, he served as both the national and international president of the Jaycees (also known as the U.S. Junior Chamber), which at the time boasted nearly 400,000 members nationwide.

 

• PHILIP MULLIN, Garner Industries, Lincoln – Phil is the CEO and owner of Garner Industries, a diverse manufacturing company in Lincoln.  Established in 1953, Garner Industries started as a small tool and die company.  Today it is a robust company serving international markets while continuing its commitment to the local Nebraska economy.  Phil began working at Garner in 1968 while still in college and joined full time after graduation.  Under Phil’s leadership, the company outgrew its original site and in 2011 built a new, 115,000-square-foot manufacturing and office facility that houses more than 135 employees.  Mullin has dedicated his career to growing Garner Industries, while supporting Lincoln and the state of Nebraska. 

 

• LOU ROTELLA JR., Rotella’s Italian Bakery, Omaha – Lou Rotella Jr., CEO and president of Rotella’s Italian Bakery, has devoted his career to product innovation and business development, propelling the family business from a local legend to a national leader.  The bakery began in Italy in 1850 and came to Omaha in the early 1900s.  Alessandro Rotella and his wife opened a small bakery and delivered fresh bread with a horse-drawn wagon.  Louis Rotella Sr. came into the business in 1947 and oversaw the 1989 opening of the LaVista facility, which combined cutting-edge technology with old-world techniques.  The fifth generation of Rotellas now sells more than 500 products through stores in five states, while also marketing their products for wholesale across the country.

 
To register for the Nebraska Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Business Hall of Fame Banquet, or for more information, call (402) 474-4422 or e-mail Charlie Volnek at cvolnek@nechamber.com.  Online registration is available at https://web.nechamber.com/events.
 
The State Chamber is Nebraska’s largest statewide business association and has served as the voice of Nebraska’s business community since 1912.
 
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         Photos of the 2019 Nebraska Business Hall of Fame inductees are below.