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Each year, the NE Chamber works with its members to analyze bills introduced throughout the Legislative Session to curate a slate of NE Chamber priority bills. The focus generally remains the same, favoring bills that address workforce, modernize our tax code and ensure business is affordable and competitive throughout the state and in relation to neighboring states. These bills further the mission of the NE Chamber and push Nebraska toward greater economic growth.
NE Chamber Policy Briefs capture a breakdown of these bills and can be found here. “Workforce development and embracing technology enablement of our core industries are at the top of the NE Chamber’s priority list because those are the most vital pieces in keeping Nebraska competitive with the rest of the country,” said NE Chamber President Bryan Slone. “These bills have Nebraska’s best economic interests at heart and advance our mission of being the best state to live and operate a business in.” Nebraska is one of the best places to own, operate and grow a business, but there’s always more work to be done. In last year’s legislative session, state lawmakers made progress in streamlining regulations and expanding accessibility and flexibility to childcare. This year, lawmakers have the means to close our statewide workforce gap and ensure Nebraska’s economic climate is appealing to current and future Nebraska business owners. “Our 2025 priorities, while broad, home in on the needs of our broader membership base while furthering the NE Chamber’s mission,” said Joel Russell, NE Chamber Board Chair. “These bills promote innovative initiatives, from energy to childcare and many more in between. With workforce development and a modernized tax code at the forefront of our mission, these priority bills are sure to strengthen our state’s economy even further.”
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 Leadership Nebraska proudly celebrates the achievements of 35 outstanding graduates from its Class XVI, who were honored during a commencement ceremony in Lincoln on Thursday, February 20. This special occasion recognized the commitment and contributions of leaders from across Nebraska as they received certificates and commemorative awards marking their successful completion of the program.
Leadership Nebraska is dedicated to developing informed and engaged leaders by strengthening their leadership skills and broadening their understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping the state. Participants gain the ability to assess critical issues, craft innovative solutions, and make a meaningful impact on Nebraska’s future. “We are honored to welcome this exceptional group of leaders into the Leadership Nebraska alumni network,” said Bryan Slone, President of the NE Chamber. “These individuals exemplify the best of Nebraska—driving positive change in their organizations, communities, and across the state.” The program consists of six immersive sessions held in locations across Nebraska, covering key topics such as economic development, healthcare, agriculture, education, and government and policy. By experiencing firsthand the industries and communities that shape Nebraska, participants gain valuable insights and build strong connections with fellow leaders. The graduates of Leadership Nebraska Class XVI include: AURORA: Tammy Morris, Hamilton Community Foundation/Jim's U Save Pharmacy BATTLE CREEK: Angela Bessmer, Nucor Cold Finish BELLEVUE: Guadalupe Millan, All United Building Maintenance DENTON: Stacey Roach, Olsson GERING: Clinton Schleicher, ALLO Fiber GIBBON: Matthew Smallcomb, City of Gibbon GRAND ISLAND: Zachary Griess, Bosselman Enterprises HOLDREGE: Scott Dicke, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District KEARNEY: Alexander Straatmann, University of Nebraska at Kearney LINCOLN: Jennifer Williams, American Communications Group, Inc. Julie Murray-Jensen, The Foundry Community Foundation Melissa Grovijohn, Pinnacle Bank Mitchell Clark, First Five Nebraska Nathan Clouse, General Excavating Tiffany Pusateri, Black Hills Energy OMAHA: Adam Steffen, Medica Candice Price, Home Team Auto Sales Christina Kahler, FNBO Dustin Marvel, OPPD Elise McHatton, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Jordan Klute, Klute Julie Davis, Robert B. Daugherty Foundation Rachael Johnson, Ho-Chunk, Inc. Robert Bell, Robert M. Bell, P.C., L.L.O. Shalon Buffum, Metropolitan Utilities District Tierra Robinson, Nebraska Medicine Andrea Mausbach, Great Plains Communications OSCEOLA: Nicole Brumbaugh, Nebraska Public Power District PAPILLION: Ivy Svoboda, Nebraska Alliance of Child Advocacy Centers Michael DeBoer, Lamp Rynearson Michelle Andahl, City of Papillion Mynesha Spencer, All of Us Together Co. Javier Saldaña, Jr., Nebraska Department of Economic Development SIDNEY: Timothy Craig, Adams Industries WEST POINT: Vanessa McCain, Cuming County Economic Development These graduates join an esteemed network of nearly 400 Leadership Nebraska alumni, all committed to lifelong learning and service to Nebraska’s communities and industries.  NE Chamber President Bryan Slone recently welcomed Ryan Querry to the NE Chamber team. Querry will serve as Vice President of Membership Development, expanding the Chamber’s membership base and providing the best experience for members spanning the entire state.
“Ryan is adding immense depth to the NE Chamber team with his experience in sales and membership development,” said NE Chamber President Bryan Slone. “His commitment to the state of Nebraska and local businesses will continue to advance not only the NE Chamber, but the state as a whole.” An Omaha native, Ryan was raised in Louisville, KY and returned to Nebraska in high school. After attending York College to play soccer, he later graduated from Bellevue University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a minor in Business Administration. In his 19-year career, Ryan spent time at a Berkshire Hathaway owned insurance company, the San Francisco 49ers, as Chief Revenue Officer at Werner Park, and ultimately founded his consulting firm, Great Plains Sponsorships. Most recently, Ryan served as the Vice President of Development at the Omaha Children’s Museum. Over the years, Ryan has sat on nonprofit boards and coached numerous teams that accomplished unprecedented sales results. The accomplishments he is most proud of are being married to his wife, Jen, and raising their two kids, Harper & Nash. In his spare time, Ryan loves watching his son play baseball and daughter take the stage as a performer. He's a diehard fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Kentucky Wildcats basketball, and San Francisco 49ers. He treasures his time outdoors, whether on the golf course, by the water, or in his garage. LINCOLN, Nebraska — The NE Chamber Foundation celebrated the recipients of six $2,500 college tuition scholarships named in honor of past Nebraska Business Hall of Fame honorees. 2025 Hall of Fame scholarship winners include:
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 $267,000 in scholarships to more than 130 students across Nebraska. “These students represent the future of Nebraska business leaders, and we’re thrilled to be able to support them in their educational journey,” NE Chamber Foundation President Tera Norris said. “We look forward to welcoming these outstanding group of individuals who will soon have a tremendous impact on business in Nebraska.” The NE Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable and education foundation that expands economic growth and opportunity throughout Nebraska through game-changing nonpartisan research and initiatives. The NE Chamber Foundation also supports the future of Nebraska through the Leadership Nebraska program and college scholarships. The NE Chamber Foundation strives to be the leader in Nebraska in future-focused research and data and be a catalyst for positive change. Learn more at nechamber.com/foundation.
LINCOLN, Nebraska — The NE Chamber and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) College of Business inducted five honorees into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame, including:
These leaders were formally inducted into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame on Thursday, January 30. They join an esteemed group of over 140 Nebraska business leaders who have made a tremendous impact on the state’s economy, driven its competitiveness, and contributed significantly to the vitality of our free enterprise system. “The Nebraska Business Hall of Fame is the highest honor a business leader can receive in our state. These five Nebraskans have contributed greatly to the success and growth of Nebraska, making them among the most deserving.” said NE Chamber President Bryan Slone at the Banquet. The program was established by the NE Chamber and UNL College of Business in 1992. Candidates are nominated by individuals from the business community, business associations and academia. Nominations for 2026 Hall of Fame honorees will open on February 10, 2025, on the nechamber.com website.
LINCOLN, Nebraska – Bryan Slone publicly announced today that he intends to step down as President/CEO of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry (“NE Chamber”) following the 109th Legislative Session in June of 2025. A search committee has begun a search process to identify his successor and has started accepting applications.
During his tenure, the NE Chamber has continued to serve as the “Voice of Business” in legislative and regulatory matters and policy-making processes. Slone noted that his time at the NE Chamber has been a “great personal privilege due to the incredible support of the membership, the very talented staff members on the chamber team, and the many unique opportunities for the organization to make a difference for Nebraska’s businesses and economic competitiveness.” Slone has worked with the NE Chamber Board since the latter portion of 2024 to ensure the best possible transition process as well as staying focused on the upcoming Legislative Session. Slone said: “We have in place an excellent team at the NE Chamber with a good strategic vision and capable young leaders who are developing into extraordinary Chamber executives. In addition, the NE Chamber Board is strong, cohesive, and engaged. This is a good time for the NE Chamber to make this kind of transition and I am very confident in the future of this organization.” Slone noted that he does not intend to retire but intends to pursue other significant professional opportunities. With Slone’s expected departure in June 2025, the NE Chamber Board has appointed a search committee and has begun a search for a new President & CEO of the NE Chamber. Interested parties may find more information at the NE Chamber website. Applicants should send any requests for additional information or letters of application and the applicant’s resume to the NE Chamber Search Committee at [email protected]. The NE Chamber is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. ### Meg Hatfield Director of Marketing and Communications 1128 Lincoln Mall, Suite 302 Lincoln, NE 68508 (402) 474-4422  NE Chamber leaders welcomed a new chair and 11 new members to its Board of Directors for 2025. Joel Russell, President & CEO of Millard Lumber in Omaha will serve as chair for the 2025 term.
“I’m thrilled to take part in the NE Chamber’s mission on a deeper level this year as the 2025 Board Chair,” Russell said. “Together, we’ll continue to make Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business through enhancing legislative policies and connecting with business leaders across the state.” The following individuals begin their terms on the board this year. Brook Aken, Manager – Economic Development, Omaha Public Power District, Omaha Serving as Economic Development Chair Cameron Arch, Associate General Counsel, Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Nebraska, Omaha Serving as District 1 Representative Matthew Burke, Director – Commercial Banking, FNBO, Omaha Serving as Leadership Nebraska Chair Bob Caldwell, EVP/Chief Administrative Officer, NEBCO Inc., Lincoln Serving as District 2 Representative Rex Fisher, Senior Vice President, HDR, Omaha Serving as District 1 Representative Kyle Gilster, Office Managing Partner – Washington D.C., Husch Blackwell LLP, Omaha Serving as District 1 Representative Amber Holle, Executive Director, Falls City Chamber of Commerce, Falls City Serving as NE Chambers Association Chair Zac Holoch, President & CEO, Cornerstone Bank, York Serving as District 4 Representative Stephen Hornady, President, Hornady Manufacturing Company, Grand Island Serving as District 5 Representative Jim Nolan, Vice President, Communications & Government Affairs, Mutual of Omaha – United of Omaha, Omaha Serving as Appointed District 1 Director “Our board represents a broad spectrum of business leaders and organizations across the state, and we’re thrilled to add these 11 individuals to further enhance our statewide presence,” said NE Chamber President Bryan Slone. “Our board is vital in helping us deliver on our mission of ensuring Nebraska’s business climate stays competitive and offers economic growth to Nebraska businesses.” 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.
LINCOLN, Nebraska — November 25, 2024 — The NE Chamber and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) College of Business today announced the 2025 inductees into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame, including:
“This year’s honorees truly represent the entrepreneurial and innovative leadership that is so essential to Nebraska’s growth and success,” said NE Chamber President Bryan Slone. “We’re thrilled to honor these individuals for the contributions they’ve made and the lasting impacts those contributions will continue to have on Nebraska’s business economy.” These individuals join a distinguished group of more than 135 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 honor these five individuals with their induction into the 2025 Nebraska Business Hall of Fame. The impact this group has had on all sectors of Nebraska business is tremendous and their determination and grit are admirable,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed 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.  LINCOLN, Nebraska – October 30, 2024 – Timpte Inc. has been named Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year by the NE Chamber. The award recognizes a Nebraska manufacturer that implements innovative ways to conduct business using products, processes, technologies and other strategies.
“The Nebraska Chamber’s Manufacturer of the Year award celebrates a company that continuously betters its community and Nebraska’s overall economy, which is exactly what Timpte does,” said Mike Johnson, NE Chamber COO & EVP of Manufacturing. “Timpte embodies what it means to be a Manufacturer in Nebraska, from its state-of-the-art facility to being a competitive and desired place to work. We’re thrilled to honor Timpte as this year’s Manufacturer of the Year.” Timpte is located in David City and has been there since 1980, however the Timpte organization has been open since 1884. Over 140 years in business has established Timpte’s sole focus of designing and building trailers for any dry bulk commodity. Timpte trailers are custom-built to ensure each trailer that hits the road does its job efficiently and effectively. "We're a company founded on innovating transportation to help people move materials more efficiently and more effectively," said President and CEO Tim Carpenter. "Headquartered in David City, we take our Midwestern roots seriously, applying solid manufacturing principles and state-of-the-art technology to produce the industry's best dry bulk commodity and equipment trailers." Timpte was presented the award on October 29 by Senator Pete Ricketts at the annual NE Chamber Manufacturing Summit, co-hosted by RSM US LLP. RSM is a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services to manufacturing and wholesale distribution industries. ###
LINCOLN, Nebraska – October 29, 2024 – Valley Irrigation’s Valley Center Pivot has been named the 2024 “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska.” This is the competition’s third year, and it yet again garnered tens of thousands of votes. Manufacturers, students, and all Nebraskans were invited to vote in a head-to-head, bracket-style matchup of 16 finalists to determine the 2024 winner. Learn about each of the finalists at nemanufacturingalliance.com. “Nebraska’s Manufacturing sector is not one size fits all, and this contest really shows that,” said NE Chamber COO and Executive Vice President of Manufacturing, Mike Johnson. “This industry is vital to Nebraska, and this contest recognizes the creativity and ingenuity of Nebraska’s Manufacturers. There’s so much more to Nebraska Manufacturing than one might think, and this fun contest merely scratches the surface of the variety of amazing products manufactured right here in Nebraska.” The champion was announced on October 29 at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista by U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts. The 16 products featured in the tournament were also invited to display their products. “This award is a testament to all the hard work, innovation and dedication our team pours into every single pivot,” said Valley Irrigation’s SVP of Product Excellence & Commercialization, Matt Ondrejko. “Our Center Pivot isn’t just a piece of machinery, it’s a symbol of Nebraska ingenuity and resilience. It represents generations of farmers committed to feeding our world sustainably and efficiently.” 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 popular contest takes place during October while NE Manufacturing Month is celebrated each year.  |
Media Contacts:Please email Meg Hatfield at [email protected] with your media requests or call 531-278-1262 Archives
March 2025
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