Business leaders discuss key issues related to state’s economic viability during 2006 Business and Industry Day

Business leaders discuss key issues related to state’s economic viability during 2006 Business and Industry Day

NORFOLK, NEB. (May 15, 2006)—About 120 business and industry leaders gathered at Northeast Community College’s Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk as part of 2006 Business and Industry Recognition Day to be briefed on issues and programs related to Nebraska’s economy. The day is hosted yearly by the Nebraska Diplomats, Inc.

Tony Raimondo’s presentation, “Addressing the Skills Gap and the Importance of Manufacturing,” focused on the National Association of Manufacturers’ campaign to attract college graduates to careers in the sector. According to estimates, the U.S. could face a shortage of 15 million qualified employees by 2020 (a large percentage in manufacturing) if current trends continue including the departure of low-level manufacturing jobs overseas and a misperception about the industry among young people. Raimondo is president and CEO of Behlen Manufacturing in Columbus.

Richard Baier, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), updated statistics about companies applying for the new Nebraska Advantage Incentives program. From January 1 through April 30 of this year, 30 applications were submitted for a potential $511.6 million investment and 4,403 jobs under the general Nebraska Advantage Act. Of those, 14 were manufacturing/processing projects for a potential $367.6 million and 1,010 jobs, four were financial services projects investing $75 million for 2,639 jobs, and 12 were for telecommunications/other services projects for $69 million and 754 jobs. By location, 17 projects were in Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington counties, three were in Lancaster and Seward counties, and 10 in other Nebraska counties.

Jenne Rodriguez, director of DED’s Edgerton Awards Program, talked about performance excellence, and the opportunity that businesses have to improve this by participating in the Edgerton Awards process where they undergo a rigorous application process and receive comprehensive input and a final report from Edgerton examiners.

Linda Black spoke about the Economic Development Certified Communities program that also enlists a rigorous application process and judging component for communities vying for the designation that elevates their status among economic developers, site consultants and others. The certification of three additional communities was announced, increasing the total number of Economic Development Certified Communities in Nebraska to six.

During lunch, State Senator Mike Flood welcomed guests to his district. Nebraska Diplomats president Don Heimes then presented the following awards:

• The President’s Award for Outstanding Industry and Its Continuous Investment in northeast Nebraska went to Nucor Corporation. With four operating divisions, Nucor employs 919 people and maintained a 2005 payroll topping $52.4 million. The company recently selected Norfolk for the location of its new Nucor Detailing Center as part of its new Corporate Division. Total sales in 2005 for all divisions totaled $832 million.

• The President’s Award for a Lifetime of Community Leadership went to Jerry Huse, fourth generation of his family to serve as publisher of the Norfolk Daily News. At age 29, Huse was the youngest publisher of a daily Nebraska newspaper. Fifty years later, he is still involved in the paper’s daily operations. He helped founded and served for more than 50 years as president of the Greater Norfolk Corporation, and played a major role in attracting seven new major industries. He also has led dozens of community service and economic development projects.

• The President’s Award for Recognition of Innovative Regional Economic Development went to the Elkhorn Valley Economic Development Council (EVEDC). Founded in 2001, EVEDC is a partnership of 16 communities in Madison, Pierce, Stanton and Antelope counties that promotes economic development opportunities throughout the region. Dozens of resource providers assist EVEDC as part of its “team approach.” The partnership is gaining state and national recognition for its marketing and outreach efforts as a model for regional collaboration. R.J. Baker is executive director, and the EVEDC board of directors is comprised of individuals from member communities.

• The President’s Award for Outstanding Industry (recognizing 75 years of growth and progress) went to Affiliated Foods Midwest Cooperative. In June 1931, a handful of independent grocers pooled their purchases and formed Associated Stores Wholesale, a buying group in Plainview, Neb. In 1934, the business relocated to Norfolk, Neb., and in 1936, the name was changed to General Wholesale. The company survived a major fire in January 1968 to be rebuilt in June 1969. In 1977, the name was changed to Affiliated Foods Cooperative, Inc. In June 1999, Affiliated Foods Norfolk purchased the assets of Affiliated Foods of Elwood, Kan., and its name was changed to reflect the merger—Affiliated Foods Midwest Cooperative. Since 1977, the company has expanded nearly every year. In 2005 and 2006, several new programs were begun and additions are in progress. The company and its 900 employees are involved in numerous civic and community service activities in Norfolk. President Marty Arter is celebrating his 25th year with the organization.

The afternoon also featured industry tours of Affiliated Foods and Vulcraft, or Norfolk Iron & Metal and Nucor Detailing/Steel Mill.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Lori Shaal at 402-471-4592, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it