Governor thanks Nebraska Diplomats

Thanking the Nebraska Diplomats

By Governor Dave Heineman

September 5, 2014

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

For more than four decades, one organization has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to grow our State’s economy and develop new and exciting opportunities.

One of the largest economic development organization in Nebraska, the Nebraska Diplomats, unites with other economic development organizations to promote the state's productive business climate and outstanding quality of life. Its connection to Nebraska leaders is done without political, organizational or geographic restrictions.

Through the Nebraska Diplomats program, dedicated men and women volunteer themselves and their time to build new and lasting connections with businesses throughout the state, country and world, always sharing the benefits and advantages of doing business in Nebraska. These outstanding ambassadors are helping brand Nebraska as a place to do business. Nebraska Diplomats have supported generations of business leaders from Harrison to Falls City and Haigler to Wynot, and continue to do so today.

So how does it work? Each diplomat accepts the charge to support the business recruitment efforts of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. They work closely with community leaders and state officials to improve Nebraska’s business climate and competitiveness by attracting major economic projects. These invaluable connections often lead to matching executives and business leaders in a variety of industries including energy, hospitality, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, financial, and information technology.

In addition to running their own successful businesses and organizations, Nebraska Diplomats schedule personal meetings with business leaders in other states and other countries to share their firsthand experience with those interested in expanding or locating their business here. Their breadth of personal knowledge builds a sense of credibility as it relates to doing business in Nebraska.

Additionally, they host events throughout the year including Business Recognition Day in the spring and the Nebraska Diplomats Passport Weekend in the fall. As the Passport Weekend approaches, members invite guests and prospects from throughout the United States and the world to visit Nebraska and enjoy all that we have to offer. They participate in valuable roundtable discussions with highly accomplished and successful CEOs and business consultants.

They get a firsthand look at Nebraska businesses and communities through a series of personal and individualized industry tours. The weekend then culminates with a tailgate event hosted by the First Lady and myself at the Governor’s Residence, followed by a Husker game at Memorial Stadium.

This is a great opportunity for us to work with them in bringing new businesses to our state or expanding these existing businesses. After a recent event, nearly a dozen site consultants from around the country who scout locations for corporate clients shared comments such as having “a truly first rate itinerary,” that the visit “showed how hard local groups are working to prepare for recruiting,” and “I would love to locate another project in Nebraska.”

This annual weekend provides us with the perfect opportunity to thank those CEOs from corporate headquarters nationwide who fly and drive in for this event.

Nebraska’s economy is strong, thanks to the efforts of the Nebraska Diplomats.  If you are interested in becoming a Nebraska Diplomat I encourage you to contact Lori Shaal, executive director, at 402-471-4592, or lori.shaal@nebraska.gov.

~Gov Dave Heineman

 

2nd Kite Festival at Five Rocks over holiday weekend

Residents and visitors are invited to the 2nd annual Bluffs Breeze Kite Festival at the Five Rocks Amphitheater in Gering this Labor Day weekend. This year's festival is a two-day event to be held on both Saturday and Monday.

Karla Nieden-Streeks, Gering Convention and Visitors Bureau director says bring your lawn chairs, sunscreen and kites and get a good spot. Streeks says the event proved to be hugely successful last year, and they are hoping to build on that success this year.

Admission to the event is free, although there will be food available for purchase, as well as kites.

Demonstrations will be given, with a return this year of the giant 15 x 75 foot Rielet Kite, which is 10 feet longer than a semi-truck trailer. Hands-on lessons in flying kites are also scheduled.

Start time will be 10 a.m. both Saturday and Monday.

Governor highlights business advantages in weekly column

The Advantage of Doing Business in Nebraska

By Governor Dave Heineman

August 22, 2014

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

For the last decade, we’ve worked hard to create an environment in our state to grow jobs and today we are seeing the results. Nebraska is a leader in a diversity of industries, including the insurance, telecommunication, agriculture, food processing, transportation and manufacturing sectors of our economy. 


The Nebraska Advantage Act continues play a critical role in our state’s economic growth and development. This tiered incentive program was first designed to make Nebraska the go-to destination among those business owners and leaders interested in finding the right place for either starting or growing their businesses. 

The program was upgraded in 2013 making it easier than ever for applicants to be considered and further enhancing Nebraska’s competitive edge.


That year, LB 34 made a number of changes that simplified and standardized the Nebraska Advantage Act. For those applications filed on or after September 6, 2013, the legislation: simplified the definition of taxpayer; standardized project years as calendar- instead of tax-years; authorized the Nebraska Department of Revenue to disclose project and prior benefits information to an acquiring taxpayer; and established a 180-day approval or denial application deadline.


In 2013, we were in receipt of the third highest number of signed agreements under the Nebraska Advantage Act since it first took effect in January 2006. In addition, I am pleased to announce we have now received more than 450 applications representing nearly $12 billion in investment and more than 30,000 new jobs.


Since the Act first took effect, there have been a number of upgrades and enhancements made, always with our number one priority in mind: Making Nebraska a key competitor for high-wage jobs and cutting-edge technology-driven industries that support and grow our free market economy.


The Nebraska Advantage Act will represents our best efforts to attract key global companies and fully support and assist Nebraska companies with some of the most business-supportive incentives found anywhere in the U.S.


When coupled with our solid reputation for providing dedicated, hard-working employees, excellent high-quality educational opportunities, a low cost of living including some of the most affordable housing found anywhere, low cost utilities, clean air and water, and overall safe environments in which to raise families, Nebraska is poised to remain a highly attractive and prime location for companies, and to grow and expand.


The bottom line is Nebraska has good jobs, good schools, safe communities, affordable homes and an unmatched quality of life. Our goal is to make Nebraska an even better place to live, to work and to raise a family. The Nebraska Advantage is helping us achieve that goal.

~Governor Dave Heineman

Camp Hope – A Camp for Cancer Survivors and Their Support Persons

“Forever changed.” These simple words hold a powerful message for the cancer survivors, their support persons, and children who attend Regional West Cancer Services’ annual Camp Hope weekend.

Camp Hope is offered free of charge to cancer survivors, their support persons, and their families, through funding provided by Regional West Foundation. It is set in the serene surroundings of the North Platte River near Scotts Bluff National Monument at Trails West YMCA Camp in Scottsbluff, Neb.

This year, the camp will be held August 22, 23, and 24. Campers can relax and benefit from the compassionate support of health care providers, family, and friends while participating in a variety of activities. Cancer survivors who would like to participate can register by calling Cancer Services at 308.630.1348.

“Being around so many caring, hope‐filled, and optimistic people reminded me of something I learned long ago. There are no hopeless situations, only people who grow hopeless from lack of understanding, information, and tools,” said one former Camp Hope participant.

For the past 21 years, Camp Hope has brought growth and rewards to cancer survivors, their support systems, and the professional staff who provide the program. Camp counselors include Regional West physicians, nurses, therapists, clergy, counselors, pharmacists, social workers, associates, and volunteers.

Camp Hope gives cancer survivors an opportunity to explore the hopeful side of cancer while providing a vacation from everyday stress and worry. Participants attend group sessions to learn skills for coping with cancer and its after‐effects while enhancing their quality of life. The program incorporates a holistic approach by including sessions that address issues of the mind, body, and spirit.

Support persons, families (including their children), and friends of cancer survivors also benefit from the Camp Hope experience. Camp Hope provides several separate programs and sessions throughout the weekend for support persons only.

“After all,” said a camper, “It¹s scary watching someone you love battle cancer. (The support person) needs time to heal too.”

Recognizing that children are also affected by cancer, whether as a son, daughter, or sibling of a cancer survivor, or as cancer survivors themselves, the program also involves children in the Camp Hope experience.

“Camp Hope is a time of support and sharing. It really is a great weekend for anyone whose life has been affected by cancer,” said Carol Diffendaffer, PMHP, PMSW, OSW‐C, Cancer Services social worker and Camp Hope director. “Campers enjoy a weekend of sharing, learning, fun, entertainment, and relaxation. It’s a wonderful bonding experience for survivors and their families.”

“Being able to interact with physicians and other people surrounding the program in a casual, relaxed atmosphere is a wonderful bonus,” said a camp attendee. “It’s nice getting to know them as people instead of just as health care providers.”

For more information about Camp Hope, contact Carol Diffendaffer at 308.630.1535 or email her at diffenc@rwmc.net.

Public Comes Out in Support of Scottsbluff High School Renovation Project

The Board of Education heard from 19 speakers encouraging them to place the Scottsbluff High School renovation on the November ballot. Senator John N. Harms introduced the comments during the Public Comment portion of the agenda. Senator Harms and the other speakers summarized the need for the Board of Education to place the project on the ballot using the following points:

“It’s the Right Thing to Do”

• The facility is unsafe and deteriorating.
• We must provide our kids and our teachers what they need and deserve.
• This project is a fiscally responsible plan.
• This initiative is an investment in our community’s future.
• The time is now!

Speakers included: Nebraska Senator John N. Harms, Phil Brooker, Rev. Mark Selvey, Dr. Todd Sorensen, Dr. Todd Holcomb, Dr. Jeff Holloway, Kim Holloway, Lee Glenn, Bob Kelley, Charlie Kennedy, Doug Miller, Jeff Kriewald, Bill Trumbull, Darla Heggem, Howard Olsen, Grant Hinze, Hod Kosman, Juanita Rodriguez, Eli Aguilar

Organizations also submitted letters of support encouraging the Board to place the renovation on the ballot. Letters of support are available online and were received from:

• Senator John N. Harms
• SBPS District Advisory Council
• Scottsbluff/Gering Rotary
• 23 Club
• Westmoor Elementary PTO
• Gary Shoemaker, Boy Scouts Senior District Executive
• Scottsbluff Booster Club
• Special Olympics - Scotts Bluff County Coyotes Unified Sports
• Michael Moravec PT, DPT, OCS, Supervisor, Monument Physical Therapy
• Twin Cities Development Board of Directors
• Bearcat Basketball
• Scottsbluff Wrestling Club
• Regional West Foundation
• Drs. Sami and Jason Webb
• NEXT Young Professionals
• Longfellow PTO
• Regional West Health Services Board of Directors
• Dr. Jon Darnell

The Board is scheduled to meet August 25 in a special meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the SHS Boardroom to make an official decision on placement of a bond issue for the high school project on the November ballot.

Mud Bog event this Friday at Scotts Bluff County Fair

Matt Silverman was guest on KNEB's News Extra program Monday morning to promote the Built Ford Tough Mud Bog events at the Scotts Bluff County Fair. It will be held on Friday evening, August 8th.

The cost is $10 for general admission and $15 for a pit pass. Kids under 6 will be admitted free of charge.

They will have Side by Side Mud racing, with ATV & Motocross Barrel Racing. There will be a kids ATV race starting at 7 p.m. sharp.

For more information, contact Matt Silverman at 308.631.3363.

New exhibit opens: Impact NE Artists: “Impact Best”

West Nebraska Arts Center, with generous sponsorship from Kosman,Inc., is pleased to present “Impact Best” -- an art exhibit created by artists from every corner of Nebraska.  The opening date is Thursday, July 31st, with a reception in the gallery from 5-7 p.m. The reception is FREE and open to the public and refreshments will be served. The show will run through Saturday, August 30^th, 2014.

For "Impact Best" there are no rules and no limits – each distinguished artist offers his or her signature work. Impact NE Artist’s thematic shows have always inspired their artists to creative inventions. But in the privacy of their studios, throughout their careers, they have pursued a private vision, which is what Impact Best is all about. Abstract designs, horses, a quilt, a Belly Dancer, pottery, batik, metal sculptures, and landscapes painted with the wind in your face – each artist delves into his or her passion to contribute to a show that is sure please.

Impact NE Artsits is a non-profit, visual arts organization founded in 1985 with a mission to educate through outreach programs and exhibitions. Impact maintains a membership of twenty-three Nebraskans who work in a broad range of disciplines, styles, and directions, and who reside in every part of the state. Artists are elected through an independent jury. Each member is committed to four years, participating in all programs, exhibitions, and meetings. Many of the founding members continue to be a part of the organization, a testament to their level of commitment and perhaps a persuasive reason the organization continues to enjoy success.

Current Impact members include Roberta Barnes, Halsey; Wava Best, North Platte; Jo Brown, Lincoln; Patricia Coslor, Sargent; Ben Darling, Sidney; Judy Greff, Ashland; Debra Joy Groesser, Ralston; Susan Hart, Cozad; Janna Harsch, Greenwood; Rick Johnson, McCook; Beth Jasnoch, Kearney; Howard Kaye, Lincoln; Sammy Lynn, Glenvil; Julia Noyes, Lincoln; Sharon T. Ohmberger, Firth; Amy Sadle, Syracuse; Patty Scarborough, Geneva; Donna Schimonitz, Lincoln; Patsy Smith, Brady; Kit Watson, Chadron; Sandra K. Meyer, North Platte; Michael Montag, Omaha; and Norma Stevens, McCook.

From its inception, Impact has been recognized for its record of professionalism and creative expression. Membership is limited to Nebraska artists, nationally recognized within their respective artistic disciplines. Past exhibitions have been shown in large and small venues, regionally and nationally. Impact continues a record of consistently innovative shows, which generate interest as well as provide quality educational experiences.

Impact Nebraska Artists offers four major exhibition packages which rotate during a four year cycle. For more information visit their website at www.impact

You can view the exhibit July 31st through August 30th. NOTE:  WNAC will be closed Sunday, August 31st for the holiday.  Visit the gallery Tuesday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Closed Mondays. Gallery admission is FREE and open to the public. 

 

The West Nebraska Arts Center is a cultural non-profit organization committed to education, awareness and excellence in the arts, serving the North Platte Valley Region. WNAC is located at 106 East 18^th Street in Scottsbluff, NE. To learn more visit www.thewnac.com or find us on facebook.

The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported this program through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Visit www.nebraskaartscouncil.org for information on how the Nebraska Arts Council can assist your organization, or how you can support the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.