 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/ ###
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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. ### LINCOLN, Nebraska – The Nebraska Chamber Foundation announces 36 members of the new Leadership Nebraska class, marking the 18th year in the program’s history.
Leadership Nebraska, presented by Medica, was established in 2006 to identify and develop current and emerging leaders across the state. The program strengthens participants’ leadership skills while providing a deeper understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and issues shaping Nebraska’s future. The members of Class XVIII were selected from communities throughout Nebraska and represent a wide range of industries, professions, backgrounds, and experiences. Each participant has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, community engagement and the continued growth and success of Nebraska. Over eight months in 2026-27, participants will explore key issues impacting the state, including economic development, workforce and education, agriculture and natural resources, health care, public policy, and community development. Through immersive experiences, statewide travel, and conversations with Nebraska leaders, participants will gain valuable insights into the people, industries, and communities that drive Nebraska forward. “The Nebraska Chamber is excited to welcome the 18th Leadership Nebraska class,” said Matt Williams, interim president of the NE Chamber. “These individuals represent some of the brightest and most engaged leaders from across our state. They bring diverse experiences, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to making Nebraska stronger. Through Leadership Nebraska, they will have the opportunity to learn from one another, explore the challenges and opportunities facing our state, and build relationships that will last a lifetime.” Williams added, “Every time I visit a Nebraska community, I am reminded that our greatest asset is our people. The success of our businesses, communities, and state depends on leaders who are willing to step forward, collaborate, and think boldly about the future. I am excited to see how this class grows through the program and the impact they will have in their communities, organizations, and across Nebraska for years to come, joining a network of more than 450 Leadership Nebraska alumni who continue to make a difference every day.” The following individuals have been selected to participate in Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII, along with the class members’ employers: AURORA: Jannelle Seim, Hamilton Telecommunications BLAIR: David Chase, Black Hills Energy FALLS CITY: Kelly Bletscher, Great West, LLC GORDON: Valerie Beel, Valerie Enterprises GRAND ISLAND: Elizabeth Frerichs, Chief Industries, Inc. Lindsey Jurgens, Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity Jeffry Palik, Olsson KEARNEY: Bradley Green, University of Nebraska at Kearney Curtis Ott, Pinnacle Bank Sarah Sawin, City of Kearney Sarah Worthing, Great Plains Communications LINCOLN: Jeffrey Bernecker, Hausmann Construction Erin Dobesh, Davis Design Ashlee Harms, TMCO, Inc. Erin Moran, Humanities Nebraska Phillip O'Donnell, Nebraska Public Power District Rachel Sissel, Early Futures Partnership Christine Widman, Nebraska Hospital Association NORFOLK: Danelle McKeown, Daycos OMAHA: Ashley Carroll, CHI Health Christine Cottrell, Lindsay Julie Dierberger, University of Nebraska at Omaha Dale Ervin, FNBO Phillip Friedrich, Northwestern Mutual Holly Kovy, Blue Cross Blue Shield NE Angela Miller, BookLoop Timothy Moore, Medica LaTerra Patterson, Comfort Squad Melissa Polito, Metropolitan Utilities District Travis Schwartz, Meridian Business K.D. Thompson, The FIDO Foundation Benjamin Tiffany, Bankers Trust Company Yesenia Valenzuela, DLR Group Lexi Weisbeck, Hawkins Construction Company PAPILLION: Jeremy Jensen, City of Papillion YORK: Kiley Palmertree, Klute, Inc. After graduating in Spring 2027, participants will join a network of over 450 alumni committed to lifelong learning and community engagement. Leadership Nebraska is the NE Chamber Foundation’s cornerstone program. The NE Chamber Foundation is focused on meeting the needs of current business, community and state leaders, as well as equipping Nebraska’s next generation of leaders with the experiences, information and research they need to turn big ideas into bold moves. ###  LINCOLN, Nebraska – June 5, 2026 – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry has selected Joseph Young, who has vast experience in government affairs and business development, as its next president & chief executive officer.
Young is not new to the NE Chamber, having served as executive vice president at the NE Chamber in 2015-2018. A seasoned business and public affairs leader, Young has spent more than 20 years working at the intersection of economic development, government relations, and private-sector growth. In addition to his role at the NE Chamber, his career includes executive leadership positions at Sampson Construction, Cox Communications, the Greater Omaha Chamber, and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, all in Nebraska; and at AgAmerica Lending LLC, and Blue Tide Ventures LLC in Florida, where he is currently managing partner. In addition to leading successful business development and public policy initiatives, Young has extensive experience building coalitions, working with elected officials, and advancing strategies that strengthen economic competitiveness and investment. He holds an MBA from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. "I am honored to join the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and to have the opportunity to serve Nebraska's business community once again,” Young said. “Together with our members, policymakers, and community leaders, I look forward to advancing policies and programs that strengthen Nebraska's economy, support job creation, and create opportunities for all Nebraskans." Pat Keenan, chair of the NE Chamber Board, said Young “checked all of the boxes” for the Chamber CEO role. “Not only does Joseph have extensive experience leading both state and Omaha chamber government relations, but he’s worked in business development and government affairs,” Keenan said. “The array of experience in the roles he’s had, combined with his demonstrated ability in leading teams, building culture, and managing with accountability, makes him a great fit for the Nebraska Chamber. He’s a Nebraskan, and we’re pleased to welcome him to the team.” Former state senator Matt Williams has served as interim president of the NE Chamber since February and was part of the selection process. Young will begin his new role with the NE Chamber in mid-July. ### LINCOLN, Nebraska — June 4, 2026 — The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA) are convening the second Welcoming Workforce Summit on Thursday, July 23 at Holthus Convention Center in York. This summit is for Nebraska employers and organizations to learn and connect about today’s immigration landscape.
The event is sponsored by the Nebraska Alliance for Thriving Communities. The Alliance was established in 2024 and comprises more than 70 Nebraska organizations working to identify and effect change in state and federal policies to make Nebraska attractive to immigrants. “Immigrants and refugees are essential to Nebraska's workforce, economy, and communities. This summit will focus on real strategies to ensure Nebraska remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive,” said CIRA Director of Community Engagement Khenda Mustafa. At a time when changing immigration policy is impacting Nebraska’s economy and communities, the summit will create space for business leaders, organizations and policy makers to have conversation and identify practical solutions grounded in the broad support Nebraskans share for immigration policies that help families thrive and keep local systems strong. "Our state relies on new Nebraskans to fill our ever-increasing workforce needs, and we must challenge ourselves to identify ways to recruit and retain people,” said Matt Williams, interim president of the NE Chamber. “Immigrant workers are an essential part of our state’s economic success. At this welcoming workforce summit, we can come together to share successes, discuss challenges, and work to keep our state growing and thriving.” Through panel discussions, workshops, and a resource fair, attendees will gain practical guidance on immigration law and employer rights and responsibilities while learning how to strengthen and support their workforce. An inaugural summit was convened in 2024 by CIRA and the NE Chamber. The event is open to the public and registration is required, at bit.ly/4dIEUT4. ### |
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August 2026
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