LINCOLN, Nebraska – Integrity, a Nebraska work ethic and relationships were key themes that emerged while celebrating the three newest members of the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame on Jan. 29. Nebraska business leaders DJ Eihusen of Chief Industries; Rodrigo Lopez of Amerisphere Companies; and the late John E. Olsson, were inaugurated into the Hall of Fame with a crowd of 550 attending.

These individuals join a distinguished group of more than 140 business leaders whose work to grow their businesses in Nebraska has made a significant impact on 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.
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DJ Eihusen graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He has held various positions at several of Chief’s business units including Manufacturing Manager, General Manager of Chief Fabrication, and Executive Vice President. DJ became a member of Chief’s Board of Directors in 1998 and began his current position as Chairman of the Board/President/Chief Executive Officer in 2010. Chief, of Grand Island, has been a family-owned company since 1954, now featuring seven brand divisions across the globe, employing 1,500. Three generations of Eihusens have served as chair and CEO.
 
Watch DJ’s honoree video here.

Rodrigo Lopez was born and raised in Cali, Colombia, and came to Nebraska in 1971 as an exchange student in Superior. Except for his early years working at an architecture firm, his professional career has focused on commercial real estate finance and development. In 1997, Lopez founded a mortgage company that became a Fannie Mae and FHA lender, specializing in multifamily rental housing finance. By the time it was sold to Northmarq Capital in 2015, it had offices across the US and a $6 billion multifamily mortgage loan portfolio spanning 37 states. Lopez then served as Executive Chairman of Northmarq Capital until retiring in 2017 and is current chairman of AmeriSphere Companies. Rodrigo earned his bachelor’s and MBA from the University of Nebraska. He is a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) and graduated from the Mortgage Bankers Association School of Mortgage Banking.

Watch Rodrigo’s honoree video here.

John E. Olsson, 1926-2015. Born in New York John E. Olsson graduated from Richmond Hill High School and from the New York Maritime Academy in 1946 with a degree in marine engineering. After working briefly for Lykes Brothers Shipping Line, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve during a maritime strike and completed his service in 1947. While visiting family in Nebraska, John was admitted to the College of Engineering. He earned his mechanical engineering degree in 1951 and worked with Fulton & Cramer for five years. John E. Olsson Professional Engineering was founded in 1956 in Lincoln, growing to be one of the 75 largest engineering and design firms in the nation, employing more than 2,000.

Watch John’s honoree video here.

Photos from the event can be found here and attributed to Sam Rice.

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LINCOLN, Nebraska — February 3, 2026 — Because Nebraska communities face infrastructure financing challenges that slow development, increase housing costs, and limit the ability of cities and villages to guide high‑quality growth, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry today testified in support of LB1130 as a responsible and highly structured solution by authorizing Community Improvement Districts.
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CIDs are voluntary, property‑owner‑driven districts that finance public infrastructure improvements within municipal boundaries without creating financial liability for communities.

Nate McHargue, Government Relations Leader at Olsson, represented his organization, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and the NE Chamber at the Nebraska Legislature’s Urban Affairs Committee in support of LB1130.

“LB1130 is a balanced, responsible, and locally driven tool that empowers communities, supports housing and industrial development, and strengthens Nebraska’s competitiveness—while fully respecting municipal authority and protecting school funding,” McHargue told the committee on Feb. 3. Olsson is a nationally recognized design firm based in Nebraska with over 2,400 employees across 11 states.

CIDs enable long‑term, tax‑exempt financing of public infrastructure, reducing upfront development costs and lowering the final price of homes and commercial lots, McHargue said.

They support redevelopment and infill by allowing property owners to reinvest in areas with aging or inadequate infrastructure. Municipalities retain full zoning, permitting, and regulatory authority, ensuring that every project aligns with local goals.

Beyond housing, LB1130 is also a significant tool for industry and commercial development, McHargue said. Nebraska employers—manufacturers, logistics firms, agribusinesses, and others—consistently identify infrastructure readiness as a barrier to expansion. CIDs help by enabling:

• Industrial site readiness: Roads, utilities, stormwater, and other public infrastructure can be financed upfront by the district instead of relying entirely on municipal budgets or private capital.
• Accelerated project timelines through coordinated planning with municipalities—critical when competing for regional and national investment.
• Lower initial capital outlays for employers, making Nebraska industrial sites more competitive by spreading infrastructure costs over 20–30 years using tax‑exempt financing.

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LB1130 sponsor Senator Mike Jacobson of North Platte said: “LB1130 would give communities across Nebraska a voluntary, locally controlled way to fund and deliver the infrastructure they need to grow, without relying on state dollars or shifting costs to the general taxpayer. It gives cities and property owners another tool to address local infrastructure needs while keeping decisions and responsibility local.”

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LINCOLN, Nebraska — January 30, 2026 — The NE Chamber Foundation on Thursday awarded six outstanding Nebraska college students with $2,500 tuition scholarships.  The students are majoring in a business-related field and have shown excellence in their academics, leadership and community.
 
2026 Nebraska Business Hall of Fame scholarship winners are:

• Jacie Ambrose, University of Nebraska at Omaha, St. Paul native, awarded the Bob Harris Scholarship;
• Andrew Heckman, Hastings College, Hastings native, awarded the Jack Swartz Scholarship;
• Will Blatchford, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Lincoln native, awarded the Robert & Cynthia Milligan Scholarship;
• Lillian Johnson, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Lincoln native, awarded the Kenneth L. Wortman Scholarship;
• Maddock Oberzan, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Lawrence, KS native, awarded the Virgil Eihusen Scholarship; and
• Arabelle Horst, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Gretna native, awarded the Moe Beardmore Scholarship.

 
To be eligible, college students in Nebraska 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. Since 1997, the NE Chamber Foundation has awarded over $280,000 in scholarships to more than 135 students across Nebraska.
 
“These students embody the talent and promise that will guide Nebraska’s business community forward,” said NE Chamber Foundation President Tera Norris. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to support them and look forward to seeing the difference they’ll make in communities across 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.
 
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​LINCOLN, Nebraska – January 6, 2026 – Luisa Smith has joined the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry this week as its Director of Government Affairs.
 
Smith has been working on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. since 2021, most recently as a Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator James E. Risch. Her policy expertise includes areas such as energy, transportation, science, and infrastructure. Smith grew up on her family’s cherry orchard operation in The Dalles, Oregon. She earned her bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of Idaho and a master’s degree in Strategic and Defense Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
 
“Luisa’s vast experience in federal legal and policy issues and her analysis and advisory skills will advance the Nebraska Chamber’s efforts to inform and advocate for members in the Unicameral and in Washington,” said Todd Bingham, President and CEO of the NE Chamber. “She has a keen mind for sophisticated policy areas, understands what it takes to run and grow a business and is an effective communicator and skilled in legislative strategy. We welcome her to Lincoln and look forward to her work for a stronger Nebraska.”
 
Smith will work with Executive Vice President of Legislation and Policy Hunter Traynor, Executive Director of Tech Nebraska Emily Allen, Vice President and General Counsel Ron Sedlacek, and President/CEO Bingham on legislative and policy issues.
 
Luisa will serve as the dedicated government affairs and policy lead for Tech Nebraska, managing Tech Nebraska and the NE Chamber’s shared technology & innovation portfolio and assisting as well with the NE Chamber’s broader agenda and presence before the Legislature. 
 
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LINCOLN, Nebraska – December 3, 2025 – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and CareerPathway.com today announced a strategic partnership to connect students to career opportunities and strengthen Nebraska’s workforce pipeline.
 
Under the partnership, CareerPathway.com will provide significant services to NE Chamber members including premium onboarding, a biannual statewide workforce data package, and access for key Chamber workforce initiatives. The NE Chamber will support activation by members, provide convening opportunities, and recognize CareerPathway.com as the Official Digital Career Pathways Partner of the NE Chamber.
 
“Nebraska’s economic future depends on our ability to connect talent to opportunity,” said Todd Bingham, President and CEO of the NE Chamber. “By partnering with CareerPathway.com, we are supporting an innovative Nebraska-grown solution that helps students discover meaningful careers while giving employers direct access to the workforce they need to grow. This is the type of collaboration that ensures Nebraska leads the nation in workforce development.”
 
Through expanded career exploration, business engagement, and actionable labor-market insights, the partnership will:

• Connect students with real-time opportunities at Nebraska industries
• Support employer visibility and recruitment statewide
• Ensure aligned talent development through measurable workforce data and
• Showcase Nebraska as a model for modern, industry-driven workforce strategy bridging the gap cohesively with education through early touchpoints in middle school, and talent connection for high school and college-age students

 
“CareerPathway.com was built in Nebraska for Nebraska,” said Bo Jones, Founder & CEO of CareerPathway.com. “Partnering with the NE Chamber accelerates our mission to connect thousands more young people to fulfilling careers right here at home in Nebraska. That fuels Nebraska growth.”

CareerPathway.com is a workforce development platform connecting students, educators, and employers through interactive career exploration, real-time talent alignment, and data-driven insights — designed to grow the workforce of tomorrow, today. 

Now in 48 states, but based in Nebraska, CareerPathway.com has nearly 400 Nebraska businesses and organizations already on board and connecting with future earners and learners. With over 700 opportunity applications in Nebraska alone since the start of 2025, CareerPathway.com is seeing significant engagement from Nebraska students and others from outside the state interested in learning more about pathways to Nebraska careers. 

Chief Strategy Officer for CareerPathway.com Maggi Thorne noted: “Students have indicated an 82.2% increased likelihood to stay in Nebraska for educational or career opportunities when they know the opportunities available. In August, we helped launch the inaugural Governor’s Youth Summit, the single largest state-led youth workforce development, powered by Gov. Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. 

“When industry, education, and communities come together around shared data and shared purpose, we create continuous opportunities for Nebraska students and a competitive advantage for Nebraska businesses,” Thorne said.

The value to students and their families is also significant, according to educators.

“Students are becoming increasingly savvy about the time and cost of furthering their education,” said Malinda Jean Baptiste, Executive Director of the Nebraska School Counselor Association. “As they explore options, CareerPathway.com is helping them connect to their future careers and potential employers. This tool also supports the work of school counselors by providing networks of career opportunities to broaden their own knowledge of the careers and industries serving their local area so they can proactively support their students' career development.”

Nebraska’s collaboration aligns with the national effort of the U.S. Departments of Labor, Education and Commerce's America’s Talent Strategy: Building the Workforce for the Golden Age, designed to advance integrated career pathways, work-based learning, and data-driven talent development. Through this partnership, Nebraska employers will gain expanded access to emerging talent statewide, while students and educators benefit from technology that connects learning directly to high-demand careers.

Industry leaders have also come alongside the effort.

"Partnering with CareerPathway.com has been a game-changer for how Kawasaki connects with the next generation of talent,” said Jim Townsend, Corporate Manager, Safety, Training, & Wellness at Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. “We value this partnership immensely because it allows us to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world career opportunities in manufacturing and engineering.”

Townsend said the manufacturer has integrated CareerPathway.com into its facility tours for local schools.

“By showing students the platform during their visit, we can immediately direct their excitement and curiosity toward tangible career pathways, helping them visualize a future with us and introducing them to the diverse opportunities available right here at Kawasaki," Townsend said.

Under the NE Chamber agreement, CareerPathway.com will provide significant services including a 50% discount on premium onboarding for NE Chamber members priced at $545, a biannual statewide workforce data package, and access for key Chamber workforce initiatives. Companies will be able to reach over 20,000 students per year through combined efforts of in- person events, classroom activations, and at career event initiatives like the Governor’s Youth Summit. 

Thorne said the investment for Chamber members is about $1.50 per day – to reach over 20,000 students and prospective employees.

“Together, the Nebraska Chamber, Nebraska educators and CareerPathway.com will deliver a cohesively coordinated, scalable approach to workforce readiness — grounded in local innovation and focused on statewide impact,” Bingham said. “This is a great example of statewide collaboration that creatively addresses Nebraska issues and provides value to our members and the state.”

To learn more, contact: [email protected]
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LINCOLN, Nebraska – October 22, 2025 – The NE Chamber and University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) College of Business today announced the 2026 inductees into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame.  They are:

• DJ Eihusen, Chief Industries, Grand Island
• Rodrigo López, Northmarq Capital, Omaha
• John E. Olsson, Olsson, Lincoln*

​These leaders will officially be inducted at the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame Banquet Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel.
 
“These three honorees embody what it means to be in the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame,” said NE Chamber President and CEO Todd Bingham. “They've strengthened the state’s business climate, invested in their communities and fueled statewide economic growth for years.  Our 2026 inductees are incredibly deserving of this elite, statewide honor."
 
These individuals join a distinguished group of more than 140 business leaders whose work to grow their businesses in Nebraska has made a significant impact on 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’re honored to recognize these exceptional leaders for the impact they’ve made across Nebraska,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the UNL College of Business. "Their success and generosity have inspired others, opened doors for the next generation and left a lasting mark on their community.”

To join in honoring these individuals and their families at the NE Chamber’s Hall of Fame Banquet, register here.  For companies interested in sponsoring the event, contact Ryan Querry at [email protected].

*Awarded posthumously.
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LINCOLN, Nebraska – October 14, 2025 – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry has named Kelly Bartling of Kearney as its first executive vice president of marketing and strategic communications. Nebraska Chamber President and CEO Todd Bingham made the announcement today.

Bartling, a York native, is currently vice chancellor of enrollment management and marketing at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, with two decades of experience at the University of Nebraska and prior roles at Nebraska daily newspapers.

“As a lifelong Nebraskan, Kelly understands Nebraska’s unique attributes and has a network of leadership partners across the state, including Greater Nebraska,” Bingham said. “She has demonstrated marketing and communication success and is committed to working collaboratively to serve our members and enhance the Nebraska Chamber’s communication strategies to be an even stronger voice for business in Nebraska.”

In this new role created by Bingham, Bartling will lead strategic marketing and communications efforts—managing the Chamber’s voice, strengthening engagement, and expanding its impact across communication platforms, events, and key initiatives including the Nebraska Chamber Foundation, Leadership Nebraska, the Manufacturing Alliance, and Tech Nebraska. With the Nebraska Chamber leadership team, she will help execute member relations and legislation and policy initiatives, including member and grassroots messaging and materials.

Bartling’s background includes work in journalism, public/community relations, marketing strategy and content development, digital media and multi-media storytelling, branding and visual identity, strategic planning, and data and budget management. Prior to joining UNK, she was the news director in the Office of University Communications at UNL and an adjunct professor in UNL’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications, where she earned her Master of Arts in Marketing, Communication and Advertising.

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LINCOLN, Nebraska – October 14, 2025 – Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools across Nebraska are invited to apply for the 2026 National Civics Bee, a nonpartisan competition created and organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Students begin by submitting a four-paragraph essay proposing ideas to improve their communities, and the top scoring essay finalists will be invited to a live quiz competition in their state.
 
Finalists who advance to live quiz competitions at the regional, state, and national levels have the chance to win prizes and represent their communities. They also strengthen their civics, writing, and public speaking skills, and form friendships with other young leaders along the way.
 
The first-place winner of the Nebraska State Finals in June will earn a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Championship in Fall 2026. Finalists who advance to the National Championship will compete for cash prizes, national recognition and a $100,000 529 education savings plan contribution. Thanks to the generous support of the Fisher Global Foundation, the first-place winner in each state may also secure a $5,000 donation for their school.
 
Educators, youth leaders, and parents are encouraged to share this opportunity with their middle school students. Educator and student resources are available to help students craft and submit their essays. Access these resources here.
 
The application portal is open now through February 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. Students can apply here. Students without access to the internet or a computer may submit their applications by mail.
 
“Every middle school student in Nebraska — whether attending public or parochial school — should apply to compete in the National Civics Bee,” said NE Chamber Foundation President, Tera Norris. “As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, there’s no better time to empower the next generation with a deeper understanding of the rights, responsibilities, and values that shape our democracy. This competition not only sharpens students’ civic knowledge but gives them the opportunity to proudly represent their communities and the great state of Nebraska on a national stage.”
 
“Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America. The National Civics Bee provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
 
For Nebraska companies interested in sponsorship opportunities for the Nebraska State Finals competition, please contact Tera Norris, NE Chamber Foundation President, at [email protected].
 
For more information about entering the National Civics Bee, visit nationalcivicsbee.org. For interview requests or additional information, please contact Tera Norris, NE Chamber Foundation President, at [email protected]. 

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LINCOLN, Nebraska – October 7, 2025 – Lindsay Corporation 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 Manufacturer of the Year award celebrates a company that pushes boundaries in manufacturing and enhances Nebraska’s competitiveness,” said Todd Bingham, NE Chamber President & CEO. “Being a global company, Lindsay Corporation still prioritizes its Nebraska roots, truly embodying what it means to be a Manufacturer in Nebraska.  It’s an honor to celebrate Lindsay as the 2025 Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year.”
 
Lindsay Corporation began as a farm equipment business in Lindsay, Nebraska in 1955 and has since grown to be a worldwide force in irrigation and infrastructure.  Lindsay’s global network of dealers, distributors and facilities provide solutions that enable smarter, safer and more sustainable operations. From agriculture to road safety to industrial technology, Lindsay meets customers where they are on a global scale.
 
"We're honored to be recognized by Nebraskans and fellow manufacturers as the Nebraska Manufacturer of the Year," said Rich Harold, Senior Vice President of Global Operations.  "Since our founding in 1955, Lindsay has grown from a local manufacturer into a global leader in irrigation and infrastructure solutions. Yet through all that growth, we’ve remained deeply rooted in Nebraska—committed to our people, our communities, and our values. Whether it’s helping farmers conserve water through smart irrigation or protecting lives on the road with our infrastructure products, Lindsay is proud to make a positive impact here in Nebraska and globally.”
 
Lindsay was recognized on October 6 by Governor Jim Pillen at the annual NE Chamber Manufacturing Summit, presented by RSM US LLP.  RSM is a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services to manufacturing and wholesale distribution industries.
 
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