 September 12, 2023 — Four Nebraska-made products have advanced to the semifinals of the “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” tournament. Public voting for the top four semifinalists in the bracket-style competition will be held Tuesday, September 12, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, September 17 at nemanufacturingalliance.com. Each voter is permitted one vote per matchup, per round. The first two rounds of the competition drew about 40,000 votes total. The following Nebraska manufacturers and their featured products are semifinalists.
The contest, hosted by the NE Manufacturing Alliance and powered by the NE Chamber and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) – together with your local public power utility, celebrates the state’s thriving manufacturing industry with Nebraska residents, students, educators, community leaders, manufacturers and especially, the more than 100,000 Nebraska makers working in manufacturing every day. The tournament leads Nebraskans into the annual celebration of NE Manufacturing Month this October. The champion will be announced October 10 at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista, where the top 16 finalists are invited to display their products. ### About NE Manufacturing Alliance Five statewide manufacturing groups have pledged to coordinate efforts to grow manufacturing and STEM workforce in Nebraska over the next decade. Learn more at nemanufacturingalliance.com. 
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 September 5, 2023 — The field in the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” tournament has narrowed to eight products. Round one garnered more than 30,000 votes from across the state. Public voting for the top eight products in the bracket-style competition will be held Tuesday, September 5, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, September 10. Manufacturers, students and all Nebraskans are invited to vote for their favorite product manufactured in Nebraska each week through the month of September at nemanufacturingalliance.com. Each voter is permitted one vote per matchup, per round. The following Nebraska manufacturers and their products are among the top eight contenders.
The contest, hosted by the NE Manufacturing Alliance and powered by the NE Chamber and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) – together with your local public power utility, celebrates the state’s thriving manufacturing industry with Nebraska residents, students, educators, community leaders, manufacturers and especially, the more than 100,000 Nebraska makers working in manufacturing every day. The tournament leads Nebraskans into the annual celebration of NE Manufacturing Month this October. The champion will be announced October 10 at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista, where the top 16 finalists are invited to display their products. ### About NE Manufacturing Alliance Five statewide manufacturing groups have pledged to coordinate efforts to grow manufacturing and STEM workforce in Nebraska over the next decade. Learn more at nemanufacturingalliance.com.  LINCOLN, Nebraska — August 28, 2023 — The top 16 contenders in the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” contest have been announced. Public voting for the top 16 products in the bracket-style competition will be held Tuesday, August 29, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, September 4. Manufacturers, students and all Nebraskans are invited to vote for their favorite product manufactured in Nebraska each week through the month of September at nemanufacturingalliance.com. The contest, hosted by the NE Manufacturing Alliance and powered by the NE Chamber and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) – together with your local public power utility, celebrates the state’s thriving manufacturing industry with Nebraska residents, students, educators, community leaders, manufacturers and especially, the more than 100,000 Nebraskans working in manufacturing every day. The following Nebraska manufacturers and their products made it to the top 16 tournament.
“We are more than excited to launch the second year of this fun, public and friendly competition,” said Mike Johnson, NE Chamber Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Manufacturing. “It’s all about highlighting the cool things made right here in our own backyards and the proud, skilled, innovative, and hardworking Nebraskans — our neighbors – who make them. We are calling everyone to vote to crown the Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska!” The tournament will once again lead Nebraskans into the annual celebration of NE Manufacturing Month this October. The champion will be announced October 10 at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista, where the finalists will also be invited to display their products. “It’s great seeing industries from all over the state represented in this year’s contest, along with a diverse mix of products that many people may not know are made right in their community,” says NPPD Economic Development Manager Nicole Sedlacek. “NPPD and our wholesale power partners are proud to be able to help highlight these businesses that are doing incredible work and making cool products used across the country and the world.” ### About NE Manufacturing Alliance
Five statewide manufacturing groups have pledged to coordinate efforts to grow manufacturing and STEM workforce in Nebraska over the next decade. Learn more at nemanufacturingalliance.com.  August 28, 2023 — The top 16 contenders in the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” contest have been announced. Public voting for the top 16 products in the bracket-style competition will be held Tuesday, August 29, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, September 4. Manufacturers, students and all Nebraskans are invited to vote for their favorite product manufactured in Nebraska each week through the month of September at nemanufacturingalliance.com. The contest, hosted by the NE Manufacturing Alliance and powered by the NE Chamber and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) – together with your local public power utility, celebrates the state’s thriving manufacturing industry with Nebraska residents, students, educators, community leaders, manufacturers and especially, the more than 100,000 Nebraskans working in manufacturing every day. The following Nebraska manufacturers and their products made it to the top 16 tournament.
“We are more than excited to launch the second year of this fun, public and friendly competition,” said Mike Johnson, NE Chamber Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Manufacturing. “It’s all about highlighting the cool things made right here in our own backyards and the proud, skilled, innovative, and hardworking Nebraskans — our neighbors – who make them. We are calling everyone to vote to crown the Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska!” The tournament will once again lead Nebraskans into the annual celebration of NE Manufacturing Month this October. The champion will be announced October 10 at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista, where the finalists will also be invited to display their products. “It’s great seeing industries from all over the state represented in this year’s contest, along with a diverse mix of products that many people may not know are made right in their community,” says NPPD Economic Development Manager Nicole Sedlacek. “NPPD and our wholesale power partners are proud to be able to help highlight these businesses that are doing incredible work and making cool products used across the country and the world.” ### About NE Manufacturing Alliance Five statewide manufacturing groups have pledged to coordinate efforts to grow manufacturing and STEM workforce in Nebraska over the next decade. Learn more at nemanufacturingalliance.com.  August 1, 2023 — Manufacturers and all Nebraskans are invited to nominate their favorite product to compete in the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska” tournament. To qualify, products must be manufactured in Nebraska. Nominations are accepted online at nemanufacturingalliance.com.
“This exciting contest is an opportunity to showcase just how broadly manufacturing is at the heart of success in our communities and our families, not to mention the level of pride Nebraskans have in Nebraska-made products,” said Mike Johnson, NE Chamber Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Manufacturing. “Last year’s competition exceeded our expectations with the excitement it created. We can’t wait to see how the public embraces it and who will take the championship title this time!” The tournament will once again lead Nebraskans into the annual celebration of NE Manufacturing Month this October. Nebraskans are then invited to vote for their favorite Nebraska-made product in a head-to-head, bracket-style competition during September. The champion will be announced October 10 at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista, where the finalists will also be invited to display their products. The contest, hosted by the NE Manufacturing Alliance and powered by the NE Chamber and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) – together with your local public power utility, 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. “Nebraska Public Power District is proud to provide power to many of Nebraska’s manufacturers across the state who, in turn, help to power our state’s economy. We’re excited to shine a spotlight on these industries, while highlighting the incredible economic impact they have on Nebraska,” said Courtney Dentlinger, NPPD Vice President of Customer Services and External Affairs and Chief Customer Officer. Nominate your favorites online at nemanufacturingalliance.com.  August 1, 2023 — NE Chamber President Bryan Slone today announced the hiring of Laurel Oetken as the first executive director of Tech Nebraska, a new organization created to cultivate Nebraska’s tech community and drive collaboration, growth and policy for Nebraska businesses.
“Laurel comes to Tech Nebraska with a strong record of bringing tech leaders, entrepreneurs and community and state policy leaders together,” Slone said. “We’re excited to have her leading the efforts of the new organization to further connect technology interests throughout the state and grow Nebraska’s technology brand.” A native of Omaha, Oetken most recently served as director of entrepreneurship and innovation at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. She spearheaded Omaha-area work with Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (REAP) to cultivate a short- and long-term strategic plan for growth in the innovation ecosystem. She engaged 40 Omaha-based tech startups and 400 business and community leaders during Startup Omaha Week. Prior to that, she worked as a project manager at Ervin & Smith and a marketing project manager at Flywheel. She’s the current fundraising director for the Junior League of Omaha and was a leader in the Greater Omaha Young Professionals Council. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Journalism degree. “I’m incredibly proud of Nebraska and the advancements our state has made collectively toward becoming a leader in technology. Tech Nebraska has the unique opportunity to continue building on past momentum, advancing our state’s technology interests and reputation as a leader in technology and innovation even further,” Oetken said. “To be a part of accelerating this growth through Tech Nebraska and to serve as its first executive director is truly exciting. I can’t wait to get started.” Christopher Dill, Vice President and CIO at Kiewit, said Tech Nebraska’s new leader will be key in growing the state’s tech sector. “Every Nebraska company is impacted by technology,” Dill said. “We are confident that Laurel, as the new director of Tech Nebraska, will be a leader in helping those Nebraska businesses collaborate, partner and ultimately become leaders in the technology ecosystem." “Laurel will be a leader in guiding statewide strategy as the director of Tech Nebraska,” said Assistant Vice President & Lead Engineer for IT at Union Pacific Railroad. “We look forward to her working directly with CIOs and CTOs across the state to move our state forward in the technology ecosystem.” Tech Nebraska’s mission is to strengthen the state’s position as a leader in the future of technology and innovation, advocating for tech-forward public policies and developing a diverse technology community. The organization announced its formation in December, and is in the process of building capacity, with senior level information and technology officers helping to create the founding board. Companies interested in engaging their chief information and technology officers may contact the NE Chamber for more information at [email protected], or by calling 402-474-4422. For more information, visit technologynebraska.com  NE Chamber President Bryan Slone today welcomed Tara Lea to the NE Chamber Foundation team. Tara will serve as Director of the Leadership Nebraska program. Leadership Nebraska was founded in 2006 to identify current and emerging leaders throughout the state, enhance their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska.
“Tara has a strong passion for her state, its communities, and the sectors and businesses that fuel local jobs and economies,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber president. “Her own leadership development path and experiences make her an excellent host for others on their unique leadership journeys.” A native of Hooper, NE, Tara most recently served as president/CEO of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, a 600-member organization. Prior to that, Lea spent four years as the president of the Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce. Tara has served on the board and is a past chair of the NE Chambers Association and the Mid-America Chamber Executives organization. She graduated from the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organizational Management program in 2021 and is a Leadership Nebraska class VII graduate. Lea earned her Bachelor of Journalism in broadcasting and her Master of Science in educational leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She currently resides in Omaha with her husband and their son, Preston and daughter, London. 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. The NE Chamber is the largest, statewide business association, 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. NE Chamber President Bryan Slone today issued the following statement in response to Governor Jim Pillen’s signing of the LB754 and LB243, the income and property tax relief packages passed by the 2023 Nebraska Legislature.
“For decades, excessive tax burden has been holding Nebraskans and their families back, not to mention the food, goods and services they work hard to provide to our nation and world. It’s been dead weight on our shoulders as families seek greater opportunity for their children and grandchildren and farmers, ranchers and businesses work to grow their operations. In global markets, high taxes make our products less competitive. “The tax cuts signed into law today will be transformational. They will unleash growth, which will unleash opportunity for all Nebraskans and attract new residents to the Good Life. “Much credit goes to the Governor and legislators who strongly believed excess money does more good back in the pockets of hardworking Nebraskans.” LB754 lowers the top two individual and corporate income tax brackets to 3.99% by FY27 and exempts social security from income taxes starting in tax year 2024, among other provisions. LB754 will deliver over $1.48 billion in tax relief by FY27 and $3.2 billion by FY29. LB243 increases contributions to the Property Tax Credit Fund, takes community colleges off the property tax rolls, and provides soft caps on local school district spending. When combined with an increase in state aid to education, this year’s legislation will deliver over $2.1 billion in property tax relief by FY27 and over $3.3 billion by FY29. 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. The NE Chamber Foundation has announced the members of its new Leadership Nebraska class. This year’s class is the 15th in the program’s history.
Leadership Nebraska was founded in 2006 to identify current and emerging leaders throughout the state, enhance their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska. Participants have been selected from across the state and possess varied backgrounds and diverse talents. All candidates have demonstrated an abiding interest in Nebraska and its future. The nine-month program covers a broad range of key Nebraska issues including economic development, workforce and education, agriculture and environment, health care, education, government and policy development. “We are excited and pleased to welcome this incredibly talented group to our statewide leadership program,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber President. “If we’re going to truly compete and solve our workforce challenges by growing communities that excel at supporting young families, talent, innovation and community development over the next decade, the next generation of strong and informed leaders like this group will be necessary to achieve those goals.” Following are the Nebraskans selected to participate in Leadership Nebraska’s Class XV, along with the class member’s employer. AUBURN: Crystal Dunekacke, City of Auburn AURORA: Adam Jurgens, Hamilton Telecommunications BLAIR: Kelli Vondra, Great Plains Communications COLUMBUS: David Mazankowski, Nebraska Public Power District Brett Rains, Columbus Credit Services DESHLER: Julie Deepe, Midwest Bank ELMWOOD: Jenna Roberts, Pinnacle Bank-Elmwood GRAND ISLAND: Shane Labenz, CMBA Architects HASTINGS: Jason Davis, Central Community College HEMINGFORD: Gina Jespersen, Hemingford Public Schools HOLDREGE: Alex Linden, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District KEARNEY: Lauren Brandt, City of Kearney Kristen Majocha, University of Nebraska at Kearney Doug Sutko, FNBO LINCOLN: Katie Bass, First Five Nebraska Stacy Clouse, Olsson Lee Ann Heflebower, Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence David Sharp, Hexagon Agility Courtney Wittstruck, Nebraska Community College Association NORTH PLATTE: Cassie Condon, North Platte Area Chamber & Development OMAHA: Kyleigh Austin, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Patrick Burke, Viterra Cristina Castro – Matukewicz, Wells Fargo Beth Coffman, Omaha Public Power District Rosalee Higgs, Nonprofit Association of the Midlands Itzel Lopez, AIM Tami Soper, Boys Town Michaela Valentin, Omaha Public Power District PAPILLION: Jennifer Peters, Black Hills Energy Amber Powers, City of Papillion After graduation participants join a network of 330 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.  Thirty Nebraska leaders were recognized with certificates and commemorative awards for completing Class XIV of Leadership Nebraska at a commencement ceremony held Thursday, February 9, in Lincoln.
Graduates are current and emerging leaders from communities throughout Nebraska. The program enhances their leadership skills and deepens their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing our state. Leadership Nebraska is dedicated to the development of informed leaders who understand issues, define problems, develop solutions and achieve positions of higher responsibility in Nebraska. “Strong leaders make strong communities,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber president. “We are pleased to add the talents and drive of Class XIV to those of the larger network of Leadership Nebraska alumni across the state. These 355 individuals are in the field every day making decisions and accelerating growth in their organizations, communities and state. We are proud of their passion for the Good Life.” The program includes six, two-day sessions held in various locations across Nebraska. Topic areas include economic development, healthcare, agriculture, education, and government and policy. Leadership Nebraska Class XIV members who graduated Thursday include: AURORA: Brett Mitchell, Fontel, Inc. BLAIR: Jordan Rishel, Washington County Community Foundation CRETE: Dr. Jennifer Bossard, Doane University COLUMBUS: Dawson Brunswick, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce FALLS CITY: Lucas Froeschl, Falls City Economic Development Growth Enterprise GERING: Jennifer Sibal, Gering Public Schools GRAND ISLAND: Lisa Albers, Anesthesia Group of Grand Island Lori Schuppan, Chief Industries, Inc. Lynne Werner, First National Bank (FNBO) IMPERIAL: Eric Exum, Pinnacle Bank KEARNEY: Michael Christen, University of Nebraska at Kearney Trevor Lee, Economic Development Council of Buffalo County John Lowe, State of Nebraska LINCOLN: Matthew Kasik, Region V Services Brandon Malleck, Black Hills Energy John McNally, Nebraska Public Power District Holley Salmi, NE Chamber Abbi Swatsworth, OutNebraska NORFOLK: Candace Schmidt, Norfolk Public Schools NORTH PLATTE: Jacob Rissler, Mid-Plains Community College OMAHA: Sydnie Carraher, The Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative Brenda Christensen, SHARE Omaha Veronica Doga, UNO-Nebraska Business Development Center Ryan Gerdts, Omaha Public Power District Cynthia Gubbels, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Patrick Hoefener, Medica Kara O’Connor, Edward Jones Patricia Thraen, Peter Kiewit Foundation PAPILLION: Mark Stursma, City of Papillion WAYNE: Brittany Webber, State Nebraska Bank & Trust For more information on the NE Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Nebraska, please contact the NE Chamber at (402) 474-4422 or visit www.leadershipnebraska.com. |
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