LINCOLN, NEB. (December 13, 2007)—The Nebraska Diplomats, the state’s largest economic development organization, has announced its slate of elected board members who will lead the 400-plus members through its 2008 agenda. The agenda includes hosting regional meetings in March; Business and Industry Day in May; and the Passport to Nebraska Weekend in September.

Heading the organization in 2008 is Tim D. White, Diplomats president. He serves as a commissioner with the Nebraska Economic Development Commission, and on state and local boards including the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Children and Family Foundation, Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska, the Reynolds Foundation, and the University of Nebraska President’s Advisory Council. White is senior vice president with Central Bio-Energy LLC in Grand Island.

“I’m honored to serve as Diplomats president for 2007-2008. We’re fortunate to have a dedicated and talented board of directors and a progressive, highly engaged membership that works tirelessly on behalf of Nebraska,” White said. “The Diplomats have served as an important link between the public and private sector, creating a partnership yielding great success as seen through the passage of the Nebraska Advantage Act and this year will be no different. We’re looking forward to a successful year, and welcome others to join in our efforts to promote economic development in Nebraska. ”

Joining White is Mary Gerdes, Diplomats first vice president, and president of Community Bank of Lincoln; Dan Koch, Diplomats second vice president, and manager of Perrin Manufacturing, Inc., in Alliance; Richard Baier, Diplomats secretary, and director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development;  and Amy Knust, Diplomats treasurer, with BKD Technologies in Lincoln.

Other board members include Roger Christianson, Diplomats past president, and manager of Economic Development for Omaha Public Power District; Joe Ferguson, director of Economic Development for Northeast Community College in Norfolk; Dan Hunt, president of HunTel Communications in Blair; Pete Kotsiopulos, vice president for University Affairs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Lisa Olson, senior vice president with First Data Corporation in Omaha; Dan C. Park, vice president with HDR, Inc., in Omaha; Edy Patterson, owner and president of Pro Printing & Graphics, Inc., in North Platte; Jeffrey M. Scherer, chief financial officer with Smeal Fire Apparatus Company in Snyder, Neb.; and Stephen R. Skaggs with Auburn Consolidated Industries, Auburn, Neb.

The Nebraska Diplomats mission is to help build the state’s economy by supporting the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s efforts to assist the growth and expansion of existing businesses, attract new businesses, and improve Nebraska’s business climate and competitiveness.’’

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