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