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.
~Gov Dave Heineman
