University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Agricultural Leadership, Education & Strategic Discussions for Nebraska Communication Department

2009 Nebraska's Economic Future David Iaquinta University of Nebraska-Lincoln

William Wehrbein University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Timothy Donahue University of Nebraska-Lincoln

James Koehn University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Jim Partington University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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Iaquinta, David; Wehrbein, William; Donahue, Timothy; Koehn, James; Partington, Jim; Decker, Christopher; and Fransecky, Roger, "Nebraska's Economic Future" (2009). Strategic Discussions for Nebraska. 4. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/sdn/4

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication Department at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Strategic Discussions for Nebraska by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Authors David Iaquinta, William Wehrbein, Timothy Donahue, James Koehn, Jim Partington, Christopher Decker, and Roger Fransecky

This article is available at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/sdn/4 Volume 2 | May 2009 May | 2 Volume

STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska

Nebraska’s Economic Future

R

University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications Acknowledgements Nebraska’s Strategic Discussions for Nebraska is grateful to its funding Dear Readers: organization – the Robert and Ardis James Family Foundation in Economic Future New York. Their financial support and their guidance have made this project possible. Strategic Discussions for Nebraska is a grant- 6 . . . . . Introduction funded research project located in the University of Strategic Discussions for Nebraska benefits from the Nebraska–Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications. The project began July 1, 2007 and Interviews involvement and advice of an external advisory board. We wish to 10 . . . . . Richard Baier express appreciation to the board members: performs studies on topics of national interest and how they affect Nebraska and the people who live here. 12 . . . . . Greg Ibach Jonathan Brand, J.D., President of Doane College in Crete We hold conversations in communities throughout 14 . . . . . Sandra Scofield the state to encourage the public to become involved in 16 . . . . . Senator Bill Avery Dr. Eric Brown, General Manager of improving statewide communication. Through these 18 . . . . . Governor Dave Heineman KRVN Radio in Lexington qualitative studies and discussions, we hope we can raise state and national awareness of important issues 19 . . . . . Jerry Deichert Dr. Will Norton, Jr., Dean of the UNL and how they affect Nebraska and eventually, affect 20 . . . . . Senator Kathy Campbell College of Journalism and Mass Communications public policy. 22 . . . . . Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler Our first magazine, Immigration in Nebraska, was Dr. Frederik Ohles, President of Nebraska Wesleyan 23 . . . . . Peter Kotsiopulos published in June 2008. It presented research and University in Lincoln 24 . . . . . Bright Futures Foundation opinions collected through nearly 100 interviews in 26 . . . . . Roger T. Larson Dr. Janie Park, President of Chadron State College, in Chadron communities throughout the state. This magazine focuses on Nebraska’s economic 27 . . . . . Kathleen Thornton Harvey Perlman, J.D., Chancellor of the future. It includes a summary of our findings; stories University of Nebraska–Lincoln based on individual interviews; summaries of Community Conversations community conversations; and five articles written 30 . . . . . Ord James Seacrest, Retired Newspaper Publisher, Lincoln specifically for this magazine. The articles represent 32. . . . . North Platte varied geographical perspectives as well as perspectives Jose Soto, J.D., Vice President of Affirmative Action, 34 . . . . . Kearney Equity and Diversity, Southeast Community College Area, Lincoln on various parts of the state’s economy. We selected Beatrice, Columbus, Kearney, North 36 . . . . . Beatrice Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein, J.D., Executive Director, Platte and Ord for community conversations; we also 38 . . . . . Columbus Peter Kiewit Foundation in Omaha convened a focus group of University of Nebraska– 40 . . . . . University of Nebraska–Lincoln Lincoln students to gain the perspective of Nebraska’s future leaders. Additionally, we visited Aurora, Falls Articles We also wish to thank the ex-officio board members: City, Omaha and South Sioux City for photos and interviews. 44 . . . . . David Iaquinta This is only part of the information collected during 49 . . . . . William Wehrbein Ralph James, Executive Director of Executive Education this study. You can find more stories, photographs and 52 . . . . . Timothy Donahue & James Koehn Harvard Business School, Cambridge, Massachusetts video clips on our project’s website: www.unl.edu/sdn. 56 . . . . . Jim Partington You may access a pdf of this magazine through the Dr. Robert James, President 58 . . . . . Christopher Decker Enterprise Asset Management, Inc., New York, New York website, as well as the pdf of Immigration in Nebraska. I welcome your comments on this study and your 64 . . . . . Roger Fransecky Cathy James Paglia, Director suggestions for future studies. If you would like Enterprise Asset Management. Inc., New York, New York additional copies of this magazine, please contact me.

STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska Sincerely, Strategic Discussions for Nebraska also appreciates the Coordinator . . Mary H. Garbacz involvement of the faculty and staff of the UNL College of Design ...... Adam Wagler Research . . . . . Nkem Kalu Journalism and Mass Communications, including the advice of Jacob Varvel Dr. Will Norton, Jr., Dean; Dr. Linda Shipley, Associate Dean; Tim Anderson; Dr. Charlyne Berens; Dr. Ruth Brown; Kathy Mary Garbacz, Coordinator Strategic Discussions for Nebraska Christensen; Trina Creighton; Michelle Hassler; Phyllis Larsen; Strategic Discussions for Nebraska College of Journalism and Mass Communications 133 Andersen Hall Amy Struthers; and Dr. John Wunder. [email protected] [email protected] University of Nebraska–Lincoln 402.472.3075 Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0443 Tel: 402.472.3075 Fax: 402.472.8597 Front cover images from left to right: www.unl.edu/sdn North Platte, Nebraska University of Nebraska–Lincoln All articles written by Strategic Discussions for Falls City, Nebraska Nebraska except when noted. All photography by Omaha, Nebraska Adam Wagler except when noted. Nebraska’s Economic Future

University of Nebraska–Lincoln STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska Ec and income taxes are about same the as states, its peer that afact property burden tax on individuals. However, Nebraska’s sales have resources mineral that some states heavily, tax relieving the to share property the burden. tax Additionally, Nebraska doesn’t astatealso with only 1.7million people, there so are few people It is constitutionally required to state balancethe budget. It is Commerce said it “we best: for need Nebraskans proud.” to be went. Pollard, Caleb Executive Director of Ord the Chamber of Nebraska team heard variations we on that theme everywhere from, sound apologetic. they The Strategic Discussions for to and feed power world. the feel safe here.that the like fact They Nebraska agriculture helps workthat, the like fact They endary ethic. for thethey mostpart, “sense of place” feel here. they being part like the They leg- of cooperation. And people. comes down to themes: afew basic agriculture, education, technology, infrastructure, leadership, statewide I Nebraska’s EconomicFuture 6 Snapshot ofNebraska’sEconomy Nebraska is aconservative state, and politically both fiscally. But people when from other states ask where them they’re Nebraskans like wherelive. they Young and old, like the they Nine Mile Prairie perspectives aboutperspectives Nebraska’s economic future. In collectiveview, their economic the future of Nebraska interestingt has been to visit with individuals invarious communities inNebraska to their learn Introduction onomy cultural and manufactured in2008.That’s goods fromup $3.6 2010. Nebraskathe State Fair fair the when moves to Grand Island in Innovation Campus, built be inLincoln will which on site the of and support they University the of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Nebraska braska’s research important has been for Nebraska agriculture, worldthe want to buyknow They them. the University of Ne- quality crops and animals, and know they people rest inthe of changes.know They the state is well-suited growingto high- ing business and Nebraskans are knowledgeable about those Nebraska’s Strong Agricultural Base byfaced communities that desperately workers. need stories that refer to work the force shortage and challenges the ingreaterparticularly Nebraska. This magazine contains several is often overlookedpeoplewhen share concerns abouttaxes. Nebraska nearly exported $5.5 billion dollars worth of- agri Agriculture has changed last inthe century, but it’s- aboom One of state’s the main concerns is declining the work force, ditional are needs infrastructure schools, care health facilities, cludes water, sewer, electricity, roads and Internet access. Ad- economic development and therefore, growth. Infrastructure people communities. to smaller care, business development, education or for attracting young cloudy.” That isn’t enough forgood the health rural needs of her satellite gives her access to Internet the “as long as it isn’t versation participant lives who outside North Platte told us capacity that statewide, Nebraska just doesn’t have. Acon- locations have state, inthe to they’ll know technology. motives inAlliance or conduct research inone of dozens of ranchCozad, near Mullen, read x-rays inOrd, work on- loco people work ininformation inOmaha, farm near technology quire more knowledge its of inall forms. technology Whether state.in the one of drawing the cards for businesses interested inlocating greater Nebraska. The state’seducation system andis is good Importance of Education and Technology products, Ibach said. knowledge, and experience work to ethic produce quality the –butucts background, has people the with needed also the and parts material needed the for manufactured the prod- some of products agricultural best the –and can source is fortunate to have not only natural the resources to produce that cycles cial affectthe U.S. and countries.other Nebraska andtional sales allow state the to remain strong during finan- bringexports state the asteady flow of domestic and interna- Ibach, Director of Nebraska the Department of Agriculture, billion in2006and $4.2billion in2007.According to Greg Infrastructure necessary for every viable for communityInfrastructure every necessary in- If astate doesn’t have infrastructure, it good doors closes to Technology requires consistent broadband access and Nebraskans know that jobstoday and future inthe re will - There aregreater no proponents educationof thanpeople in ence, education, location and economic condition. Eachofficials. opinionvalue, person’shas the on based - experi munity business leaders,academics, owners and government Nebraska’s economy, including opinions the of state and com- entire state, regardless of money, power interests. or special whole. It consider will of leaders who needs needs the the also munities, states and countries for of good the Nebraska as a ers are who with to other willing partner organizations, com- Leadership and Cooperation sions for Nebraska website: www.unl.edu/sdn. . We’[email protected] results the post on Strategic the - Discus hub. the be munities would spokes. the be Trouble wants to is, everybody one town would hub the be and about 10or com 12smaller - and eastern Nebraska inaccessibility to services. in savings and would gap the widen greater between Nebraska about 15larger counties. say Others there would few dollars be state could save money counties ifthe were merged, creating a horse to andget to county buggy the seat, but some say the county structure. a number of Nebraska people believe who should change its Changing Nebraska’s Layout? and costly repairs or replacement. years ago –and are to beginning crumble, requiring extensive school buildings were built about same the –about time 100 University of Nebraska-Kearney, told us many of state’s the tain existing facilities. Dr. Doug Kristensen, Chancellor of the power plants, transportation and communication. In magazine, this you find avariety perspectives will of on People told us state the and communities strong need - lead What your makes most Send the sense? opinion to me at suggestOthers a“hub and spoke” regional layout, inwhich Ninety-three counties were people when had to use needed The Strategic Discussions for Nebraska team interviewed It’s expensive to things and build these expensive to main-

7 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s Interviews

Strategic Discussions for Nebraska interviewed selected local and state leaders, representing government, academia and business. Each was asked questions about economic drivers, community and state susceptibility, the state’s role in the global economy and vision for the future.

Union Pacific Bailey Yard, North Platte, Nebraska STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska 10 of opportunities state inthe working to create avariety Economic Development is that have network. they asocial communityrural and feel still professionals to move back to a across state, the allowing young and that is model spreading networking clubs for young people in Lincoln and Omaha as social state,”the Baiersaid. They started professional clubs forming across most important and thing, that’s family time.” day sitting inatraffic jam,” he said. “It cuts into the don’tThey want twoto spend threeor hours their of group,” he said. “They’re looking to backget their to roots. people are less eager to relocate. after families havetwo threeor childrenwho areschool, in come together”). If wait they to launch recruiting efforts until with achild and married 20s, newly apuppy (“they to seem young people back to Nebraska are isthey when mid- intheir things –and Nebraska can provide them. communities have grown large so that people have lost those security, family and network,” for social aclose Baiersaid. Many but they’re looking for other things –they’re looking for safety, and have come back. Most of are them looking for job, agood Baiersaid. schools?” the community the does like? look Is it open to outsiders? How are families –what doyoung families want inacommunity? What needs. children here, creating growth the –and future the state –the challenges. Astate of young full have people means will they to live. That’s one the department’sof long-term primary environment where young people and young families want of Economic Development, said state the has to create an back –onethem person at atime. people inNebraska, but doleave, to ifthey lure DED is trying state’s young people. Economic Development is using to them stay incontact with the W Opportunities Expanded Bringing NebraskaT Focus on The DepartmentThe of “We’re going some to really nice see progress.Baier is seeing “We aggressive very to about need be marketing to that age But timing to the time is Baiersaid; critical, best lure the “We’ve done some research on people have who the left state “We are encouraging our communities like young to think Richard Baier, Director of Nebraska the Department The department is doingcanit everything to keep young social networkingsocial sites, Nebraska the Department of hether it’s Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn or other Y outh, Opportunities, ogether for aclose socialnetwork. for safety, security, familyand other things–they’re looking job, butthey’re lookingfor them arelookingforagood and havecomeback.Mostof people whohaveleftthestate We’ve donesomeresearchon Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development - Richard Baier, of the electronically them sends to inIndia designer the who, because inIndia.designer She works on designs during day, the then out of her home Nebraska, inrural with another partnering to livechoose amore life inHershey. rural housing, Baiersaid, and people work who inNorth Platte can from Union the Pacific rail yard. Hershey has growchosen to its system; it is 12minutes from North Platte and eight minutes That community identified that it has an exceptional school themselves on strengths; those based Hershey is one example. gentleman from Hershey, Baiersaid. Nebraskans. For example, PayPal inOmaha is owned by a industry, he said. Many national companies are driven by former Nebraska on national the agenda for information the technology center and adata center Omaha area inthe in2009.That put other things, like information the sector.” technology and Omaha Steaks,” Baiersaid. We want people to know us for communitiesthose facechallenges will down road, the he added. pursue outside resources or to invest housing intheir stock, and Baier said. There aresome communitieswho have chosen not to of people. “Our jobis to give tools the them successful,” to be to accommodate employment the interests of alarge number Information allows forto technology adesigner work Boeing Communities are determining strengths their and marketing Yahoo! announced in2008that locate it will acustomer care “We are aleading state for Cornhusker things besides football Richard Baier global time difference, time global works on the designs during

Photo Courtesy of Nebraska DED states, but countries also – like India. competition,” he said. Nebraska competes with other attractive is to have strong good, communities to “It’s sell. abit of a them,” he said. volunteer side, but apaidperson staffcan paththe“cut for Baier said. Most communities have tons ofon energy the and and activities get going everyone right inthe direction, compensates well, them leaderscan organize those volunteers toleaders time attend leadership training. people to community identify assetsand allow leaders,then sprint. Part of leadership the training is model to bring inyoung consistent leadership, and it’s amarathon, not a100-meter community. directors and learning what young people are looking for ina are bringing schoolstudents inhigh into board their of long-range planning. Some community development groups communities to help priorities identify them and on focus it’s finding a sushibarLincoln, in Nebraska,said. he home goes then popcorn, and imports it from Nebraska. Maybe togoes movies the here and develops an appreciation for travel back and forth,” he said. Maybe astudent from China toleads business opportunities down road, the Baier said. family. priorities are cultures same the inall –safety, and security interesting to watch environment social the realized as everyone andindustry agriculture. In evenings, the Baiersaid it was for aweek to what learn Nebraska has to offerscience, in business leadersrepresenting five continentscame to Nebraska a reverse mission trade inSeptember of 2008;130international Nebraska.back to rural India’s day. As inNebraska, sun the rises designs the are sent Helping Communities Nebraska’s GlobalEconomy “We have to know labor the force, buildings and building In greater Nebraska, of part department’s the challenge If acommunity hires reallyyoung good, staff and Growing Nebraska and its communities means strong and Baier said there are program representatives that go into “We are developing culture aglobal there because much is so Thatkind cultural of activity leads to appreciation,which The NebraskaDepartment Economicof Development hosted us, Baiersaid. “Tell people…invite to them come back home.” some great things,” he added. Texas. We to need have that mentality here –we really do have they’re from, get real they excited, telling you they’re from said. “If you get on an elevator and ask inDallas someone where Texan inus and more be proud of things the we dohave,” he different way of life, “sometime to yourself,”said. he recognition and people flying in,”Baiersaid. CommonsBuffalo notthat many years ago now has national “What aunique asset–something that was written about as class SandhillsCourse,capitalizing Golf on its natural terrain. where people now want to time. live Mullen full built world- the area around is capturing Burwell area the around lake, the they’re getting incanoes on Calamus the river, Baiersaid. The by January, drawing people from entire the Midwest)…or Dismal river (“tanking” businesses were for booked summer the cattle and with tanks friends floating downthe Niobrara or Sandhills. Visitors to Valentine and Mullen are getting inbig said. counties are identifying and building on strengths, their Baier but other countries, as well. Sparsely-populated agricultural enough that attract they visitors not only from other states, entrepreneur,’” he said. or here’s how we can support you ifyou want to become an are employment opportunities, here’s abusiness you can buy, “They’re aggressive very aboutsaying ‘comeback home. Here websitesspecial and other facilitate methods communication. in contact with schools; alumni postcards, high from local he said. Many communities have proactive been instaying in Nebraska and you’ll know real quickly understands,” who sites, websites. You go to acommunity website inmost places T Responsibility “Selling” NebraskaisEveryone’s For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy Bringing young people and young families back is up of to all “I hate to say it, but we to need have Ithink alittle more The state’s hunting and fishing is industry a ablesell to little People pay afee to participate incattle brandings inthe Nebraska’s unique lifestyle and natural resources are unusual ourism

Source: Nebraska Department of Economic Development

11 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska 12 the jobsfromthe Nebraskans. “People native-born (the they think attitudethe insome communities is that immigrants are taking supplying much of labor agricultural the force inNebraska, but products,agricultural Ibach said. Immigrants have been going to hard dothe work of growing, processing and shipping Ibach said. importance of work the force and wants to make that work, prosperity inNebraska,” of industry agricultural the he said. in agriculture and derive success their they from success the and Company big. is Many also of companies these are deeply rooted biggestthe lenders agricultural nation; inthe Farmers National an company; agricultural First National of Bank Omaha is one of agriculture. other communities, recognizes importance the of Nebraska state,”in this Ibach said, but Omaha, heamong believes United States and is second nationally incattle production. said. Nebraska is fourth the largest economy agricultural inthe employees,” he said. double sizeof the your feedlot, you’re going to have to hire more probably get it done without hiring more employees. But ifyou “If you double sizeof the your row crop operation, you can than crop the so industry,” he said, and jobsdrive economy. the livestock most the vibrant, industries,be will he added. Communities that embrace with agriculture, thriving those especially according to Greg Ibach, Director of Nebraska the Department of Agriculture. N Economic Driver Agriculture: Nebraska’sChief But there’s aclash it when comes to work the force and who’s Anyone employs who people inagriculture realizes the “Look at companies the inOmaha,” Ibach said. “ConAgra is “Certain sectors can really forget importancethe of agriculture The overall outlook for Nebraska agriculturepositive, is Ibach livestock manpowerneeds “The industry and employees more and communities continue will to support of industry the agriculture, ebraska continue will strong avery to be state agricultural future, inthe said. another opened abeauty salon “and agreat does business,” Ibach community,” he said. For example, one woman is ateacher; are either starting businesses or working inother jobsinthe in livestock operations inour community, and spouses their store office,post a grocery school,and a amongother businesses. people, and has awelding abank, shop, arestaurant, aco-op, a from Lexington,” he said. Sumner is acommunity of about 250 Nebraska. “Sumner from is afew miles Kearney, afew miles amenities follow,”social he said. important to develop economic the first base and watchthe theatre, or agolf course, amenities, or other but social it’s more morebe exciting for young people to move back ifwe had a community can support into future. the economic drivers are and develop economic the the base he added, but eachcommunity to needs determine what its grow and over successful areas expand be inthose will time, that embrace agriculture and for look ways to help agriculture important employer state,” inthe Ibach said. communities Small and jobs,either. dothe That’sthe clash,”said. he hard enough to But dothem. don’t they want others to come in Nebraskans) should have jobs,but those don’t they want to work Future ofCommunities “I know examples of several of husbands are who working Ibach and his family farm and raise cattle near Sumner, “We’ve had alot of debate inNebraska on it whether would “At end the of day, the agriculture going is still most the to be Greg Ibach

Photo Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Agriculture Future Farmers departments and colleges, including CASNR. The Institute Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) includes many Nebraska Department of Agriculture. opportunities and qualificationsbe Director to the of farming and ranching operation, but educational the also provided education the not he needed only asuccessful to run of and Agricultural Sciences Natural Resources (CASNR) economics.agricultural He strongly believes that College the himself, earning animal degrees and inboth science careers. provide many opportunities and intechnical professional production training and scientifictraining combine to today than an ag college graduate,” he said. The work ethic, said. is no college “There graduate, in morethink, I demand many options an education agricultural can provide, Ibach city is attractive to people, he said. relative safety of community asmaller compared to alarge pulling people back to afuture infarming, he said. The farmers. dentists become doctors and dentists; same the of holds true come home of and apart farming the be operation.” we’re more seeing and more parents encouraging to kids their are more seeing opportunities inagriculture,” Ibach said, “and findsthat there are many more younger agriculturalists. “Kids our communities,” he said. for need the strongundervalued FFA and 4-Hprograms in and communities. insmaller “I lots think of we’ve times that inagriculturepeople successful belief can the be they organizations, he said. These organizations havegiven young undoubtedly have strong National FFA Organization and 4-H that are attracting young people back to farm the much of future the success of area. the communities Smaller Farming andHigherEducation The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Ibach is agraduate of University the of Nebraska-Lincoln Young people attend who college are attracted to the andLifestyle cost of living are contributing also factors Thatsense, makessaid. he Many children of doctors and When he attends ameeting of producers, agricultural he communitiesIbach believes must responsibility take for For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy vitality that relates back to agriculture,” he said. economy nation, inthe and percentage the of our economic It recognizes that we’re fourth the largest agricultural Ibach said. “It of is part fabric the of agriculture inNebraska. compared to other land grant universities across nation,” the a unique organizational and piece political inNebraska, Ibach said. and remain important avery of part university the system, of Agriculture and Natural Resources to needs remain strong “The Institute“The of Agriculture and NaturalResources is stomach andafull fuel tank. and unappreciative onafull many havegrowncomplacent understands thisrole,as of thedevelopedworld make surethatthepopulation Agriculture’s challengeisto next centuryandbeyond. that theworldwillenjoyfor determine thequalityoflife responsibility andpowerto agriculture, willhavethe involved inthecareersaround Agriculture, andpeople medicine andorgandonation. to limitlesspossibilitiesfor in humansandanimalspoints Our understandingofgenetics for nutraceuticals. and alsoprovidetheplatform drought andyieldchallenges; use biotechnologytoaddress produce renewablefuels; an ever-growingpopulation; the world’schallengetofeed Agriculture sits at the center of Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture - Greg Ibach

13 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska 14 in terms of and soil water –and that’s not going away.” Even going to have to eat, and Nebraska of has arichbase resources added. carehealth aren’t listed, are eventhough they big players, she bring revenue into state, the that so explains why education and information she said. Statistics services, list only drivers that tourism, professional trucking, and business services and ofneeds urban rural areas. both Chadron. Through her work education,and she understandsthe as asenator from northwest Nebraska; has she afarm near still You have to have one to have other, the she said. educated population and it has appealing to be to young people. of our future economy.” That means Nebraska has to have a well- implicationshas critical for what we might able be to dointerms communications explosion,” technology she said. “I that think is expanding access and affordability Internet.of high-speed future Nebraska. of rural One of have things the they identified projectsthe is to work state with rural senators interested inthe or to gain support their for things we’re doing,” she said. One of university organizations either to support things they’re doing on issues facing greater Nebraska. fourall of university’s the campuses of and all that focuses talent organizationtheknowledge, identifies all andskills creativity on to address challenges the that Nebraska, facerural she said. The 2002 to extend resources the of University the of Nebraska and “When you’ve there, been you aren’t going to go back.” and affordable havethey as enjoyed the university,”at said.she imagine living somewhere that doesn’t have Internet as fast young people to at look your town and stay there, can’t they up just doesn’t doit anymore for most people. And ifyou want Director of University the of Nebraska Rural Initiative. “Dial- business interests inyour community,” said Dr. Sandra Scofield, do, but ifyou don’t have Internet, access to high-speed it affects P health care...andhealth Internet. high-speed are roads, bridges, power, quality water, schools, growth. Afew of state’s the needs infrastructure areneeds expanding and are to state’s the critical since state’s the enough, especially infrastructure spent alot of money on infrastructure, it’s never it becomes important. Even though Nebraska has Future V Rural Infrastructure “The economyag “The gives us a stablebase,” said.she “People are Nebraska’s economic drivers are agriculture, manufacturing, the in Nebraskaserved Scofield Legislature from 1983-1990 “I’m abig advocate to get of ahead ofwhole the trying “We support research, work inpartnership with avarietyof The University of Nebraska Rural Initiative was created in “You to want used highway the to go by your town. You still ital forNebraska’s bridge community intheir down falls –then eople don’t about the think till infrastructure Dr. Sandra Scofield Rural vs.UrbanIncomes generates majority the and of sales the income revenue tax for from greater Nebraska and from other states. Although Omaha and Fortune 500companies, attracts many educated workers produce incomes, higher benefit which the state. trained work force. Education and often technology combine to states. In states fact, are competing for educated, the technically- However, state the is short of workers of any kind, just like many future, of career. apart being with nearly technology every economically healthy, she said. That increasethe in will need three of poorest the counties United inthe States. up inpoverty statistics. Some statistics show that Nebraska has ThurstonCounty, with twoits Indian always reservations, comes Nebraska, are they considerably below Omaha.” to poor,” look she said, “but ifyou at look incomes the inrural numbers are cattle when collected prices are bad, “you’re going numbers were In collected. an ag state, prices fluctuate,the so if statistics can read differently depending when on whereand the are getting poorer insome areas of state. the Some of the benefits, she added. you won’t make as much money and you probably won’t have but we’ll contract with you,’” Scofield explained. Thatmeans job with acompany that said ‘you don’t have jobanymore, this but they’re not. “It simply means that aperson may have had a would like to think,” she said. state. “We may have more people at asubsistence level than we Nebraska has more women work inthe force than any other states people inwhich have country inthe two or three jobs. Nebraska statistics show that Nebraska is one of top the five statethe from most the severe effects. budgetbalanced (“we’re not spenders inNebraska”) wild buffers combinedbase, with state’s the constitutional requirement of a state the when economic experiences downturns, that stable Omaha, with its expanding information industry technology Nebraska astream needs of well-educated people to stay countiesCertain always show up instatistics, she said; In terms of wealth people have at Nebraskans disposal, their Some of people the statistics inthe show up as entrepreneurs, However, some trends are emerging that concern Scofield. Expectations ofStateGovernment www.unl.edu/sdn/economy For more information visit to cut his costs.”trying some farmer who’s I’d put my money on solves issues, energy gadgeta new that to come up with “If anybody is going businesses,” she said. help people new start of innovation and encourage that kind better, she said. to make his business from someone trying from universities, but inventions don’t come most the times, creative are inventive, she said. Many its human resources. Nebraskans said.Scofield for ‘refreshing the your soul’ potential,” but for also recreational their potential and valuable not only for potential agricultural their that is envy the of many places, natural resources environmental problems, afood-producing capability have,” she said. “Soil, lots of water, relatively few “We’re really lucky to have of base the resources we T don’t get any mention at all,” she said. Ifheadlines. you’re smart enough to prevent it, you fire’sthe burning and you put it out,then you make not everybody’s sure that’s going to happen. Now if about prevented somebodywho something, because time, she added, but “nobody everwrites headlines things that are important also to state’s the future. aren’tsolving they short-term the crises, doing other ofsame set desires,” she said. But senators while are future. a responsible way state the so can achieve ahealthy and leadership for future, the allocatingresources in would state like to see government provide vision unable to provide for themselves. that, Beyond Scofield civic order, but to provide also for are who those families. appropriations, agriculture, education and children and Unicameral, on committees serving including and versa. vice If greater Nebraska is successful, Omaha is successful... state,the communities state inthe are interdependent. aking CareoftheState’sResources “We ought to The state’s resources includealso One of state’s the tasks is to care take of its resources. Preventing future problems alot takes of senators’ “Most people go who to Unicameral the have that The role of state government is first, to maintain two theterms in served Scofield Nebraska get anymention atall. enough toprevent it,youdon’t make headlines. Ifyou’resmart and youputitout,then happen. Nowifthefire’sburning everybody’s surethat’sgoing to something, becausenot about somebodywhoprevented Nobody everwritesheadlines Director of the University of Nebraska Rural Initiative - Dr. Sandra Scofield,

15 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska investments right inthe places. N Nebraska’s FutureBrightwithBold,FrugalLeadership 16 tremendous economic takeoff,”said. he development project. proposed arena and Antelope the Valley planned Innovation Campus, city’s the of University the of Nebraska and its Lincoln with flagship the campus Command has its headquarters; where United States Strategic and Offutt Air Forcebase, infrastructure technology wealth, its information – Omaha with its strong future inthe be both Lincoln will Omaha and future, too,” he said. inthe good be will relieved, and that on corn can be of pressure the production, some cellulosic ethanol with we will think if we get to where I economy.global “And and are competing inthe developed from agriculture spinoff industriesthat have strong,” he said. There are many economy agricultural the stays continue pretty to be as long good as economic future for state this will many things happening. good “The to impact communities of sizes. all and demographic changes continue will communities are to survive; struggling most pressing problems; smallest the iswhich thought one to be of state’s the state the base; has adeclining work force, property of taxes because its tax small said. Nebraska is known for having high obstacles to achieve that bright future, he to Nebraska’selected Unicameral in2006. more than 30years, retired he when was at University the of Nebraska-Lincoln for Lincoln “In many ways, Lincoln for is poised a Avery believes otherOn the hand, Nebraska has Nebraska have will to overcome some Avery, aProfessor of Political Science and local levels,and according local to State Senator Avery Bill of Lincoln’s 28.And that District means putting ebraska’s economic future positive, can be but it hinges yet leadership on bold frugal, on state the both to accommodate research the campus, about moving Nebraska the State Fair segment of economy.impact the every people to lucrative will jobs,which attract alarge number of well-educated for knowledge,” new he said. It also will engine for growth new and an incubator university is going atremendous to be current site. research campus built can be on fair’s the State Fair to Grand Island the in2010so voted spring inthe of 2008to move the research campus. Nebraska’s Unicameral University the will of Nebraska-Lincoln’s would attract demographic, acertain as The arenathe in west Haymarket district Innovation Campus Although there was controversy “I research the think campus at the new knowledge. and anincubatorfor engine fornewgrowth to beatremendous university isgoing campus atthe I thinktheresearch District 28 - State Senator Bill Avery the city’sthe existing Pershing Auditorium. downtown Lincoln, and would replace revenues for proposed the arena project. about year $700,000per instate tax sales to 2008. The provideis expected bill bywas passed Unicameral the inearly diversity, not just diversity,” ethnic he tolerance toward preference sexual tolerance toward diversity, especially young workers, like he said. “Things on how communities attract and keep university,” Avery said. for Nebraska. That’sfuturethe forthe investment future. inthe That’sfuturethe vote, it easily. passed “It is atremendous fortime Unicameral the membership to at adifferent location. When cameit fairhoped the could remain inLincoln number one priority, eventhough they researchthe campus was group’s the Lincoln got together and agreed that Avery said state the senators representing The arena be would built just west of There are interesting research studies said. Additionally, availability the Avery sponsored LB912,which explained. of museums, and galleries art (for Performing Arts),” Avery other forms of entertainment gallery or Center to Lied the gallery – more than just movies more likely to go to art the and sporting events –are fans; it’s just that they’re attractive to young fans or basketball workers. they can’tthey football be That’s not sayto concept workers. new knowledgenew – Arena arena will who deal with deal who appeal to some thinkers and people, but not people are who necessarily to “The proposed “The Antelope V cherry-pick their information their cherry-pick and like to wetaxes) because have groups that helps us to build,” Avery said. scholarships. “It keeps people here, it offor years a period as payback for the return to Nebraska communities to work careers;in needed recipients the would bill would provide students scholarships in Nebraska inareas of need.The high scholarship up set fund to train students our problems,” he said. going to build that plant, and that’s one of you don’t have workers, the they’re not Advantage Act breaks, –tax whatever –if Super Advantage Act or Nebraska the “It doesn’t matter what you dowith the workers, skilled particularly Avery said. issues is declining the work force, development issues. additional bills to work with economic businesses to Nebraska, and is crafting legislationpassed to recruit and retain perspectives. collaboration of people from many for its future, and that may involve a venues. trails and shopping and entertainment developing roadways, new parks, bike of Lincoln’s oldest neighborhoods and project is changing landscape the of some heavy rain runoff to Salt Creek,the tremendous,” he said. re-development. And it’s going to be it’s not justcontrol flood – it’s urban hugely expensive one,” Avery said. “And and University the of Nebraska-Lincoln. Resources City the of District, Lincoln Lower the between Platte South Natural historical core, and is apartnership community revitalization for Lincoln’s control,flood transportation and events require. andtechnology that infrastructure many number and would include new the would seat approximately that twice capacity of proposed 7,500;the arena Pershing was built in1956and has a T Nebraska axes “There’s alot of misinformation (about He hasproposed twice abill to get a However, one of Nebraska’s largest Nebraska’s legislature has already Nebraska has smart inplanning to be preventingBesides carrying floods by “Lincoln has some taken risk, and a The Antelope projectValley combines alley Project a chance government the a close will regulations; federal all don’t, ifthey there’s sure facilities to adhere be those they to $300 million, Avery said. throughout state the account for other the that total; National the Guard facilities Command, accounts for $2.2billion of Force headquarters Base, of U.S. Strategic many,surprises he added. Offutt Air Nebraska facilities, which has 27military amounts to $2.5billion, Avery said. economy. consideringespecially uncertain the taxes on people with fixed incomes, concerned about impact the of property residential homeowners; he is especially hard,” he said. without having to hit taxpayers the very teacherstheir more than we pay ours makes it possible for (Wyoming) to pay is unableso to access that revenue. “This Nebraska not does have resources, those andas petroleum, coal natural gas. consumedto be inother states, such of natural resources resources ifthe are imposes on aseverance tax extractors population and low taxes, but it For example, Wyoming has asmall states misleading, can he be said. Nebraska structures with tax of other issue,really alocal he said. otherenact measures, but end, inthe it’s rebates, it which has done, and could counties and cities. The statecan give governmentsby local and jurisdictions, Much of property the is determined tax a broad base. tax doesn’t provide populationsmall Nebraska’sbecause property taxes are Nebraska’s higher taxes,” he said. is onhigh property taxes. Where we’re on middle sales we’re about inthe state income taxes; in high particularly country, “we’re not with rest the of the he said. worst possible light,” put Nebraska inthe Military Economy The statesenators pay close attention to economy The military in Nebraska Avery is pursuing relief tax for Comparing structure tax of the In comparison State Senator Bill Avery, District 28 Rural vs.Urban www.unl.edu/sdn/economy For more information visit employers, he said, there’s nothing left. fine.be But if youtake awaythe main communities, places will those then meatpacking plants insmall around. just tocommunitiesa struggle keep those live inLincoln and Omaha, and be it will moreto be and more people wanting to Lincoln can’t compete with that.” moneytheir inpublic projects. And havethey people are who to willing invest money. Omaha is awealthy city, and abigalso asset,” he said. “And have they and is integrated with StratCom, is which impressive –thatinfrastructure is very an –particularly infrastructure IT not as much, Omaha has because an get somewill of that action,but probably economic the to be driver. “Nebraska impact,” Avery said. long it run, probably not does have a huge country, to rest the of state? the In the but it does matter to rest the of the really matters to people the inDeWitt, Vise-Grip™the built his first shopthat – onethe inDeWitt, where inventor the of impact on state’s the economy. maythough they not make asignificant matter to people live the who there –even butsurvive, towns small continue to economy with it. facility, asegment taking of Nebraska’s However, as long as there are Avery said Nebraska’s future is going otherOn the hand, Omaha is going “If you closing start down factories like Nebraska’s towns to small struggle 17

Photo Courtesy of http://nebraskalegislature.gov Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska they arethey with dealing reputable Nebraska companies. building alevel companies of so trust inother countries know make that difference by contacts,making supplying support and Germany, to Japan, China, Cuba, Taiwan,” he said. Nebraska can “We can make adifference as a statewhen we go tripon a to many of parts world, the arranging of sales Nebraska’s products. as examples.industry andindustry other technological developments ag inthe but to agribusiness, also research and development, ethanol the ever before.” The governorpointed to farming and ranching, market economy global for years, and they’re more efficient than that Iknow,” he said. competing “They’vebeen free- this in farmingso and ranching are of part too,” this, he added. to grow. Agriculture number the is still one state, inthis industry foundation of state’s the economy, he said. “We agriculture need agriculture continues and associated the industry all the to be in your community, you can make adifference.” and have to promote your community,” he said. “If you believe advantage of economic incentives, have right the leadership attitude –a“we can get it done” attitude. “You have to take to make adifference; takes acommunityit that right thehas in communities on depends business leadership that wants communitythe to advantage take of that,” he said. Growth community, he said. happen is ateamwork concept state the between and each ofopportunities part Nebraska. inevery Making growth than other communities, it is important to create growth LaVista and acustomer care center inwest Omaha in2009. announced that would inOctober they locate adata center in said. and economic development, you can make adifference,” he lowering taxes, control your spending but invest ineducation right incentives, great the work force, low costs, keep energy greatthe attitude of our people state. inthis If you have the reasons we were able to dothat isof because our work force, companytechnology from California,” he said. “One of the names. Nebraska more has seen jobcreation, including some big Heineman said. Since Nebraska Advantage was created, Nebraska Advantage, are already showing results, Governor with apackage of economic development incentives called 18 they’ll want tothey’ll stay. prepared for economy the compete. they’ll inwhich And he wants to create opportunities state inthe so N Nebraska’s Future Agriculture, Incentives,EducationV The governortrade missions leads agricultural to countries in “Agriculture is probably most the rapidly-changing industry Even thoughbig the draws like Yahoo! make headlines, the “Our jobis to create opportunity; it’s the then jobof the Although Omaha and Lincoln may grow more quickly Yahoo!, an Internet search inCalifornia, engine based “Last year we recruited Yahoo! to our state –ahigh- Educating children for jobsof the future, the combined knowledge-based, technology-driven, free-market economy approach to education sure to be they’re ebraska Governor Dave Heineman’s long-range is goal to provide state’s the children a21st-century, leader in the Midwest inthe leader and throughout America.” we’re going more to see and more of that. We’re going a to be “With technology, you can locate anywhere world, inthe and well Angeles as Los love they because our quality of life,” he said. kindofthe jobsthat attract will people from New York City as wind, solar and biodiesel. grow, alternative the as will sector, energy including ethanol, business, financial and insurancesector is going to continue to important as state’s the products are moved worldwide. The he said, and increasingly transportation the be will industry Agriculture continue will foundation the to be of state, the about of because rapid the advances intechnology,” he said. expanding Nebraska, creating jobswe never dreamed change and growth. governor future the believes of entire the state one be of will For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman “You’re going aNebraska to see that’s that’s thriving, creating outLooking or adecade two, “I you’ll an think ever- see Just as agriculture continues arapid of pace change, the ital to state, of because partly its large population relative to rest the Census. economic using model information from taken U.S. the said.Deichert That conclusion based on is an input-output native-bornthe and foreign-born costs were about same, the Universitythe of Nebraska-Omaha, it was that determined Christopher Decker, Associate Professor of Economics at research conducted of as part an immigration study by Dr. to determine that figure. However, benefitbased on cost vs. impact state’s the economy, but it is difficult,if not impossible, from what we had 90s.” inthe migration is about athousand or 1,500ayear, but it’s ashift gaining folks from other countries,” net he said.out- “The going on again. “We’re losing people to other states, but we’re that2000s, he sees domestic out-migration to other states is we were gaining people from other states, too,” he said. In the had a net in-migration of because people moving into state. the deathsbirths exceeded during that time. In state 90s,the the million. However, state the population added actually because people –more than 100,000out of total the population of 1.6 in alarger community. functions are changing. People may live inone town, but work population, he said. towns Smaller may exist, but still their many areas of strength that around we see state, the too.” aggregate,the that’s case,” the he said. However, “there are doesn’t“That thatmean towns small all are declining, but in three metropolitan counties Sarpy –Douglas, and Lancaster. said.Deichert as aresult, you have that aging population and fewer kids,” leaving afterschool.Some high comeback, but most don’t and opinion on topics of importance Omaha area. inthe years, it an does Omaha Condition Survey, gauging public available. Third,fourCenterresearch; theevery survey does Second, Center the helps interpret census data and makes it U.S. Census Bureau up set to help disseminate information. Center, is which afederal-state cooperative program with the reasons. First, it agency for is lead the Nebraska the State Data Nebraska and growing populations inLincoln and Omaha. resultthe is now by evidenced declining populations inrural Public AffairsResearch the at University of Nebraska-Omaha, O R demographics beganto change. I Nebraska Population maha as an ural, Omaha is oftenthought be a economic chief to driverthe in said peopleDeichert want to know how undocumented folks “A lot of people came those from other countries; however, In said, 1980s,Deichert the Nebraska was really exporting the Thetown, smaller the less likely it is growto in More than state’s the half population is concentrated injust In Nebraska, rural “what we are is young seeing adults CenterThe for Public Affairs Research exists threefor main According Director Deichert, to of Jerry Center the for into larger communities, and that’s wherehad children. their they Slowly, almost imperceptibly, state’s the nearlyt started 50years ago…in 1960s.Young the people beganmoving out of Nebraska’s areas rural and U rban Population E conomic Driver S hifts Aging, ShiftingEast differently, butthey’re working,” still said. he example of people don’t who retire; “they may dothings of types options,”all said. Deichert He cited farmers as an won’t able be to retire at have 65,people will to work longer… care of needs over-65 the population. upondepended more for dollars tax their to support health the workin the force 18-64years be be old) (people will will who increasing for need care, health he said, and people are the who increase slowly, he said. in just afew years.population The under 18 years of agewill over-65 the be 40s and inthe born will 50s,which population groupThe be replaced bornthewill 30sthelarger in by group replacing cohort small the that 30s,” wasinthe born he said. increase 65-and-older inthe population, he said. population. But in15or 20years, an really there be will down and Nebraska an to start increase see older inthe will from other countries slowing is also down; slow births will ripple effect…that’s going to slow down,”said. he In-migration now we have grandkids the of baby the boomers…and that population increase by will four to sixpercent. population projections show that 10years from now, state’s the is ThurstonCounty, home twoto Indian reservations. States, said. Deichert Another county poverty rate with ahigh capitaper income of more than 3,000counties United inthe poverty rates. In Loup fact, County had absolute the lowest nationthe as awhole, some of more the areas rural have higher morethe likely it isbelow to be national the average,” he said. lower than national the average. morethe county, rural “The than average, the rest the while of state the is about 15percent metropolitan counties have incomes about 10percent higher sector,”agricultural he said. railroad, that that industry, serves it’s so not divorced from the and you that have industry; transportation,services with the you have that industry; manufacturingthat services that are packing plants inOmaha; you still have financialsector the you have other kinds of processing food headquarters; there said. activityagricultural throughout rest the of state, the Deichert of state. the Much of activity inOmaha the is associated with For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy Population Projections Income Differences, Poverty “Something have will to change…types people of services, The rapidly-increasingpopulation older afast- signals “You get bulk of the baby the moving boom through, “We had baby the of kids the then baby boom, the boomers; said Center the Deichert for Public AffairsResearch’s Even though Nebraska has aslightly lower poverty level than Compared to U.S. the as awhole, people inNebraska’s “You have Farm the Credit Association; you have ConAgra;

19 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska 20 other commodities that converted can be into tomorrow through corn, switchgrass and world,the of but energy the can be they productsagricultural can not only feed of University the of Nebraska researchers, agriculture, and with continued the work businesses can work with others. best there’s strength inthat and inknowing what we have.” Nebraska population, has asmall but agriculture,” she said. “We to need build on what to strength the we already haveservices in major role inNebraska’s future, she added. connected to agriculture, always it so will have a said. In Nebraska, three or one four jobinevery is herecash of reserve because agriculture,” Campbell Agriculture create of part anetwork state. the with every Omaha and Lincoln,” she said, it because has potential the to havewill agreater benefit greaterto Nebraskathan to will it Nebraskathe State Fair. “I maintain that Innovation Campus Campus, aresearch park built to be inLincoln on site the of economic effort, said,she part and thatbe of Innovationwill it. They’re willing to get involved, that’sand an asset.” but one major university –and we to of need maximize use the state,” she said. “We have many higher education opportunities, Education each impacts state’s the economy. necessarily inthat order –but Nebraskans to how need learn education, agriculture, transportation and –not technology from University the of Nebraska-Lincoln. as ateacher, shebachelor’s both earned and master’s degrees business –Campbell’s Nursery and Garden Center. Educated ofBoard Commissioners and involved has been family inthe Children Foundation, 16years on Lancaster the served County to legislature. the services 30 years of inbusiness, experience government and human term limits, could not again. run Campbell brings more than eight years and hadRon served Raikes of Raikes. because inNebraska’s District 25th the Unicameral, replacing Senator wholethe state. winning and who’s losing –and work together for of good the of Lincoln. And state the has to get over concept the of who’s economy, or webig lose time,” said Senator Kathy Campbell N New Senator, SolidV Economic ngines The state thelandhas mass to support “We how to need see we can ancillary tie “We’re lucky that we have agriculture; we have ahealthy The University of Nebraska playwill a big global rolethe in “The University of Nebraska is economican engine forthe Campbell Nebraska’s believes chief economic engines are She is Executive Vice President of CEDARS Home for Kathy Campbell inNovember, was elected 2008to represent “We either plan for how we’re going of apart to global the be there’s not much to time waste. ebraska’s economic priorities education, to need be agriculture, transportation and technology, and ision day, asphalting the then project is possible. priorities –ifmore than about 450vehicles road the use ina There is acertain formula, said,she for determiningpaving heard from people wanted who to have county roads paved. communities,” she said. “We ought able to be to figurethat in.” little to how view very it plays into economic the of health the auditoriums.in full “Roads are built being state inthis with state,the attending public hearings and listening to people task force for then-Governor Mike Johanns. She traveled to Nebraska’s economy on atransportation she when served Transportation informed votes. affectthe stateso Nebraskacan grow so citizensand can cast Nebraska is reflectedeastern in on energy bills Nebraska. Unitedin the States, she said, or why an icestorm ingreater that’s ahuge capital investment.” dollarsfederal to transmit it, we’d ingreat be shape. But boy, it’s of use land. the agood “And ifwe could draw down the transmission lines. Wind has great energy potential, she said; is notwind energy installing equipment the –it’s cost inthe of has caught people’s attention,” Campbell said, but cost the of Wind Energy economically viable.” “We sure to need be they’re on cutting the they’re edge so fuel. “We that need shot arm inthe for agriculture,” she said. When Campbell served onWhen Lancaster the County Campbell Board, served she Campbell about learned importance the of transportation And it’s important for public the to about learn issues that Many people don’t understand how is transmitted energy The energy of tomorrow includecan also wind energy. “It we losebigtime. global economy, or to beapartofthe how we’regoing We eitherplanfor District 25 - State Senator Kathy Campbell For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy job andgood away to care for themselves,” she said. children and families can’t happen have unlessthey a Medicaid on Reform Health the Council. She serves and with issues involving children, including aseat on the Prevention of Abuse Child and has always involved been communities prosper and grow economically,” she said. from Lincoln the area, you really want both to see collaborating regionally. And that’s why, as asenator ripple effect,” said.she Lincoln see “I do and Omaha moving state the forward economically. meeting annually to have conversations purposeful about representatives from state local, and government. federal existing businesses, educational institutions and and shouldpurposeful involve group awide of Nebraska’s don’t just happen; structured and to need be they networks you create,” Campbell said. But networks those population state, you’re going to have to rely on the region,” tolink every she said. areas across all state. the We can create anetwork and a globally. to live communities insmaller and conduct still business commodities to fuel. Internet connectivity allows people from broadband capacity and access to converting Technology not outside realm the of possibility,” she said. Nebraska an could be air and rail transportation hub. “It’s center of United the States, she said. In she fact, believes with Omaha is increasingly important. communities to protect, but transportation connectivity County,Douglas Lancaster County has more small protectstill integrity the of communities?” small Unlike is “how to grow acommunity sizeof the Lincoln and 2 with Interstate 80.One of considerations, the she said, east the beltwaywhile would connect Nebraska Highway connect U.S. Highway 77with Nebraska Highway 2, transportation network.south The beltway would east beltways, may which eventually of part Lincoln’s be to need havestill paved roads. areas, don’t they reach 450vehicles day per –but they have adequate economic opportunities. And inmany potential.” If you don’t have adequate roads, you don’t with other links statesthose inorder to create economic that numbers don’t count,” she said. “You have to create The HumanServices W focus in this state, inthis focus much so of what I advocate for Transportationthe and Telecommunications Committee. Human Committee in Unicameral,the Services as well as Campbell helped Nebraska the start Committee for the “When you things happening, see you the see Representatives from groups these should consider “If you’re going to maximize your efforts inasmall- “What alot of potential here –to bring anetwork to Technology area is affectingevery the of state – One of Nebraska’s strengths is inits location inthe Campbell’s has issue the district 25th of south the and “When Itraveled state, the what clear so was became “Unless we have economic solid avery development orking T ogether Aspect Unicameral Nebraska State Capitol

21 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska L Lincoln, OmahaMustCooperateforFuture 22 for cooperation. “There’s overlapping therebelieves are many opportunities two are located inOmaha. Beutler of Nebraska Medical Center. Thelatter Nebraska-Omaha and University the Nebraska-Lincoln; University the of Nebraska-Kearney; University the of has four campuses: University the of attract educated workers to lucrative jobs. additional facilities for research and will and Innovation Campus provide will more than tripled injust over 10years, in 2010.Research funding at UNLhas fair the when moves to Grand Island sitethe of Nebraska the State Fair Innovation Campus built be on will pursuing that,” he said. vitality for Lincoln, and we are actively pathways economic to further growth and and are industry probably most the likely The research theand associated business research university the is able to develop. some extent to university the and to the that identity. “Our destiny to is tied continue to develop and capitalize on town, said, and Beutler city the will cities. light rail system built to connect two the In future, the would a Beutler like to see three, accommodating increased traffic. expands system the from two lanes to midstthe of amulti-year project which Lincoln and80 between Omaha is in is cities’ in the future. However, Interstate not does ashared believe Beutler airport citiesdiscussion. have Both and airports, and Omaha has long atopic been of transportation. issues such as zoning, planning and Lincoln. The commission considerwill about Omaha and between link the of I-80Commission the thinking to begin projects already, including formation the preparation for that pathway, he said. Lincoln and alot need Omaha both of communities past,” inthe said. Beutler that we have thought of our respective rather than competitive inthe way aboutthinking eachother inthat way, The University of Nebraska system The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Lincoln’s identity is as auniversity Transportation Lincoln between Thetwo cities havesome jointstarted “I it think is important that we start in the future,in the and it is important preparing to begin Lincoln both and Omaha for that eventuality. incoln Mayor on be west the Lincoln believes will end of Beutler agreat Chris metropolitan community the projectsthe mayor the built be hopes will and jobs. new partnerships that create will jobs good private growth sector and public-private but mayor’s the office is working on jobstoenough keep good people here, said. right nowas needed —but are,” they he not sure peopleimmigrants generally see that fits into our outlook policy.on I’m about for need the immigrants and how areas. “So that should cause us to think cities’those workers come from rural the pressure on Lincoln and Omaha because drainthe Nebraska).” (on rural growth. It may simply mean end the of stabilize, but I’m not sure that means “I passes, time for look areas those to become more important, he said, as so Transportation corridors are going to acontributor be also to stabilization. said, and mayBeutler wind energy production may stabilize area,” the energy. have expanded to other including uses, state. Nebraska’s industries agricultural as other the industries agricultural inthe systems to support that industry, as well provides work the force and the processing, and greater Nebraska incattle country the production and business for Nebraska, said. Beutler agriculture continues main the to be or to transportation corridors, as agriculture, processing agricultural state’sthe communities are to tied of Nebraska’s population. The rest of comprise approximately two-thirds communities surrounding cities those near Omaha. is housed at Offutt Air Force Base a collaborator with StratCom, which ofCollege Law, for example, could be University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s said. Thelaw space programthe in for collaboration inthat way,” he therecertainly are possibilities and over sciences the here (at UNL); research Medical the between Center A proposed 15,000-seat arena is one of At time, this Nebraska doesn’t produce But ifthat drain ends, put it will more “Ethanol and alternative energy Nebraska ranks near top the of Lincoln, Omaha and bedroom the Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler important from our perspective.” raise families their here. arena’s the So people happy to stay here, live here and life interesting here and what makes arena is akindof thing that makes economy. thus bringing more dollars into city’s the attractwill more and more spectators, athletic teams that continue to improve cooperative ventures, believes and Beutler Lincoln,” he added. arena.a new That income is significant to continue will they think to come ifwe get areas, and rural the generally I speaking, people like tothink come to Lincoln from Omaha or other places,” said. “I Beutler orsort another that are starting to go to lossthe of statewide tournaments of one that’s right now occurring with regard to development. additional including purposes, economic events. But arena the would serve accommodate sporting and entertainment west Haymarket and district, would built west of downtown, inLincoln’s economic climate. The arena be would arena delayed has been due to current the future,in the though avote to approve the www.unl.edu/sdn/economy For more information visit Additionally, he said, “I the think Growth and economic development are “First of mitigate it all, will bleeding the Retention, Nebraska for right the opportunities, and many of those said. colleges, University the of Nebraska, state or private colleges, he in Nebraska regardless attend of they whether community advancement intechnology. Students can education get agood work force ingreater numbers than currently exist due to for community astruggling to survive. said. If that attitude is permeating community, the hard be it will ‘it’s to easy say,’ and ‘you know, you’re right, I’m out of here,’” he “I’ve had some people get up and say ‘that won’t work here,’ and young people into decision-making the process incommunities. cooperation and leadership and importance the of integrating toreally communities,” hurtful Kotsiopulos said. are drivers –and they’re not rowboat inthe together –that’s conversations with schooland their whatever organizations that decisions thatfuture, affecttheir will Kotsiopulossaid. leadership and cooperation, and on involving young people in he said. existing businesses within state the oftenpays more dividends, attemptstill to recruit companies, new supporting and growing communities’ salvations,” he said. While communities should state?’this And as that mentality happens, one that be of will our state, can apiece of your business go to another community in larger employers, saying ‘before you of think a satellite out of this toward keeping jobsinNebraska. to their “Italking them see communities state, inthe Lincoln and must Omaha also work people, and Omaha nearly 500,000. than 2,500people,” Kotsiopulos said. Lincoln has nearly 250,000 than that 2,500,so leaves than less 50communities greater with have than less 1,000people. Alittle more than 480are less “We have 532communities in the state, and more than 400 together inany way possible to ensure communities’ survival. – means that communities smaller may benefit by working way that when topic arises. it’she believes responsibility the of education higher tothe lead but at Ilook it as retention, attraction and growth,” he said. And partnerships to build on its strengths its and future. solidify a proponent of forging partnerships; Nebraska he believes needs three-term member of Kearney the City Council, Kotsiopulos is where he’s since 2005.Aformer been mayor of Kearney and private business and community government to his NU position, University of Nebraska system, brings of in decades experience bullets to go around. But for communities with right the attitude, there’s abright future ahead. E Education andOpportunities to Nebraska’sFuture Education, Leadership,CooperationKeys Kotsiopulos young believes people are to willing stay in Nebraska’s economic future require will an educated Kotsiopulos said he’s about inmeetings talking been “If communities, city councils and boards village aren’t having futureThe of Nebraska communities sizesdepends all of on Even with large their populations relative to other Nebraska’s population small ingreater –especially Nebraska “There are probably 12definitions economicfor development, Peter Kotsiopulos, Vice President for University Affairsthe in if acommunity is waiting for asilver bullet to provide abright future…well, there aren’t enough silver ducation, positive leadership and cooperation are three keys to Nebraska’s future economic success. And Attraction andGrowth For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy he said. networkthe of resources ingreater those –especially Nebraska,” action inLincoln and Omaha, but to needs understand everyone and get us goingreally try same inthe direction. There’s alot of colleges and organizations. is an “This opportunity to share and expanded to include representatives from other Nebraska includes people from four the NUcampuses and is being do more of things the that bring our talents together.” U-NET don’t want cookie-cutter, to make everything but we’re to trying opportunities within NUsystem. the team, or U-NET, was formed to provide networking education system. The University of Nebraska Entrepreneurship on partnerships that facilitate networking inNebraska’s higher- government; and education. inhigher Kotsiopulos is working andbetween within private the and public sectors; in and increased infrastructure. providing jobgrowth, large labor, of pools skilled stability added a community,” he said. branch of research or other entity. “It changes complexion the of said, and it doesn’t matter it’s whether acommunity college, a some piece of education higher community, intheir Kotsiopulos community. Any community nation inthis would like to have students nationwide. students are able to coursework the take of school high expected are rising inNebraska, and it he believes more because is partly Kotsiopulos said. Standardized college-entrance exam scores about and this it’s decided interest best inthe for youth,” the consolidation. “You can pick out ones the that have thought communities that survive. to make effort the payand attention be to leadership will “here’s what we have to offer,”said.Communities he wanting 10 years, making then e-mail and direct-mail campaigns saying graduated from community’s the schools within last the high about asking young people to come back. to that lifestyle, and some communities are proactive being knowwho about life towns insmall are most likely drawn to be home towns, ifthere are opportunities for them,” he said. People replicate lifestyle, the creature the comforts from respective their but it’s Ithink huge,” he said. available jobsandgraduates. qualified “Itcan’t thatbe difficult, do abetter jobof communicating with one another regarding he said. Institutions of education higher and employers to need that somebodydoesn’t say ‘oh, Iwish Ihad known that existed,’” opportunities already exist. But “there isn’t aweek that by goes Partnerships “We’re drawing from eachother’s strengths,” he said. “We Developing partnerships is important incommunities; economicThe benefit to any community is substantial: Education changes ifthere’s things –especially aschoolinthe requiresSometimes survival difficult changes, such school as Some towns are creating databases of people have who “There are an lot awful of youngpeoplewho would like to

23 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska 24 Director, longtime then teachers Fishback Cris and Giovanni great care. They chose Wayne Brown as AvenueScholars Project funds, passion and Staff experience. members werewith added program took place quickly, few people with avery between Plans for Bright the Futures Foundation and its Avenue Scholars educator and program-builder, Operating as Chief Officer. Foundation; he brought inDr. Jef Johnston, alongtime also hired June Executive 1,2008as Chief Officer ofBright Futures on long, inarelatively too especially wealthy city. Bird was to issue. the discuss group The the situation decided had gone of Westside the schoolsystem, met with Omaha philanthropists class.middle Omaha may able be to build and retain ablack poverty gradually diminish. As aresult, emotional costs that go along with and that and means social the better jobsand income, higher most concentrated. hopelessness are the poverty, violence and north Omaha is where square-mile area of and more. Asix- and not working attending school families, teens not in single-parent poverty, children studiedthey – category in every statethe average farekids worse than showed that Omaha Kids Count data, which byechoed 2003-2007 The census figures were attention with its ranking. notice until it attracted national happened gradually, eluding much anywhere United inthe States. It has more black children inpoverty than populations. achievementthe gap Nebraska’s between white and non-white in Higher Education shows economic the impact, indollars, of The Birthof“IntrusiveSupport” I State Impact Equalizing arningPotential=Billion-Dollar Dr. Ken Bird, alongtime educator and retired superintendent educationBetter to leads According to 2000U.S. the Census, Omaha One billion dollars. And that’s just inNebraska. That 2008figure from the CenterNational for Public Policy personal incomepersonal for state the would increase by one billion dollars. and minorities racial ethnic f all inNebraska had same the educational attainment as whites, total the annual Bright Futures Foundation - Giovanni Jones, and resources. with information empower students knowing, andjust it, theshameofnot that shameoutof do istakesomeof What we’regoingto student cohort. introducedbe to talent their advisors and to rest the of the along with more Bright Futures staff members. In coming years, additional schools and students added, be will pilot and schools –Ralston, Omaha Benson Omaha Northwest. firstthe year the of programschools in the as chosen program’s students for from selected be eachof schools will three high workbegun already. Twenty-five junior students seniorand 25 officialyear ofoperation schools, the though in theteam has notice.escapes potential and resiliency. Its mission is to support students of “intrusive support” concept for low-income with kids academic Advisor and JonesCollege as first the Talent Advisor. Jones. as program’s the Fishback serves firstSchool High Talent How Shortlyschool after thestudents high will they are selected, be The 2009-2010academic yearwill AvenueScholars’ first And until recently, have so kids. the The AvenueScholars program is a never-been-done-before A venue ScholarsW is designed,he said, you don’t drive through it it so talent from schoolthrough high college and into everybody else knew, else everybody too. But way the city the careers can have they so enhanced careers you it knew was bad, but you thought and lives, Johnston said. that six-square-mile of part Omaha, “The donors,“The who are now on our board, got together and gave Dr. Brown said that growing up in this,” Brown said. Bird amission –tothis,” fix mine. Ican’t leave it like orks said Brown. Brown grewup room for more stories like in Omaha and found his successful. There’s enough way out of of cycle the me, it made me poverty; he graduated poverty; from law schoolin Bright Futures. Omaha and received a community through job offerfrom a major and give back to his company inAtlanta. to stay inOmaha offer, Brown decided Instead of the taking “This city birthed “This Br there are 7,000students from whom as to Avenue choose parallelswhich eligibility for tuition assistance. That means eligible for and free reduced lunch public inthe schoolsystem, right now. About 35percent of students, those Bird said, are Sarpy counties; counties those are of focus the Bright Futures along to others. embarrassment of not knowing…which Jones hopes to pass but experience, the she taught her daughter to overcome the program free sheevery could find. Her mother didn’t have her mother wanted for best the her and her up signed for advocacy. with information and resources,” Jones said. Sheit calls self- of it, shame the of not knowing, and just empower students maybe evenoffering a home-cooked meal. campus…listening, offering advice, answering questions… Post-secondary talent advisors keep track of will students on to college take courses, to moving into dorm,” the she said. “We’ll show from you cafeteria, the to everything what it’s like summer spendthe helpingwill become them connected. atmosphere, Jones advisors and other the post-secondary said. If students don’t feel comfortable college inthe campus is help to eliminate and excuses barriers, reasons,” Jones adjust to college life. talent advisors, helpother will post-secondary who them schooltalenthigh advisors pass along them will to Jones and scholarships and complete applications. the students money for college, advisors help will find them applications for college. Although program the won’t give courses coachedthrough and be process the will of preparing programs able be and to college take will activities, credit Throughthe program, students havewill access to tutoring, right away there andbe to help will push aside barriers. the Fishback and talent the know advisors schools will high inthe pilot schools,” he said. If there are to barriers student success, teaching acollege access and success course inour firstthree with young the people we serve,” Fishback said. “I be will The There are about 22,000 juniors seniorsand Douglas in and Jones grewup also innorthOmaha, and that is thankful “What we’re going to dois some take of that shame out “As one talent advisors, of post-secondary what the I do At end the of students’ the senior year, Fishback and other is model going“The to havedaily virtually contactus in Cris Fishback ask ofChoosing igh t Futures Foun Giovanni Jones A venue Scholars Dr. Ken Bird support project’s the students. Bright Futures Foundation’s Avenue Scholars program to research projects forCOJMC The them. collaborateswith consultant with Bright Futures Foundation andcomplete will workbegins on her Ph.D. asked has to fall, been this work as a thesis, has helped to publicize issue. the Creighton, who Creighton’s documentary, produced of as part her master’s gap black between children and white children inOmaha. You Better Do When You Know Better, about achievement the The in2008called documentary Academic AchievementGap: Communications (COJMC), produced a30-minute of Nebraska-Lincoln of College Journalism and Mass care of rest,” the she added. Students concentrate on getting work the done, and we’ll take that could impede success. “But about we things. worry those it’swhether financial, family, emotionalsocial, or other issues often-needed support during college. nationwide help students get into college, but don’t offerthe throughout student’s the college career. Similar programs itbecause offersthe intrusive support,safety-netthe approach resilientselecting students. overcomethem Gallup, barriers. Inc. provides assistance in limited schoolsuccess high and have that help aresiliency will generation college students, have financial demonstrateneed, Additionally, students the as Avenue selected Scholars are first- are not he said, selected, may referred be to other programs. Futures Foundation’s Avenue Scholars program. Students who and Girls Club and others help will refer students to Bright the to schools, the organizations like Urban the Boys the League, a relationship-based referral process, Bird said. In addition hard,” he said. and Fishback, go hearts their outkid. “It’s to every going to be Scholars. “We’re going to break some hearts,” Bird admitted. Nebraska–Lincoln Collaboration withtheUniversityof For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy Trina Creighton, member afaculty University inthe “We’re there to help step you of way,” the every Jones said, The Bright Futures AvenueScholars program is unique Students for selected program the be will through inpart Johnston that added you when hire people like Brown, Jones Dr. Jef Johnston d Wayne Brown at i on

Photos Courtesy of Bright Futures Foundation

25 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska retired KFOR broadcast pioneer sales and most recently, editorial broadcaster on Lincoln’s KLINRadio. “ Education, E difficult to find rural workers in especially – Nebraska. compete with Nebraska for ag rankings, high and those it’s often for industry agricultural what they’re doing,” Larson said. people’s taste and for we need –so really have food to salute the standardthe of life and country inthe world, inthe as well as nation.in the cattle production, and is fourth the largest economy agricultural Cloud.Red Nebraska is one of topthe two states in in country the economyagricultural –from Omaha to Chadron, Valentine to state, and much of Nebraska insome way tied is still to the A increasing education the level of Nebraskans. important time,” the all he said, and would this one be way of 14insteadgrade of 12.“Education grade is becoming more Nebraska should consider extending public education through want to dowith rest the of lives.” their waterin the of education higher toout and sort begin what they great place for entry alot of schoolgraduates high to “get atoe overlooked, Larson said, is community the college system. It’s a statethe needs. Innovation Campus are likely to attract and retain work the force and continued recruitment efforts. Growth of entities such as out-migration, or “brain drain” of educated young professionals biggest challenges state the faces,and one that involve will slowing job. likely to stay inNebraska rather than elsewhere for look agood university students get involved they firms,are with those more people that produce research, the Larson said. And when provide opportunity the for companies to employ educated those park. springthe of 2008to move fair the to make room for research the fair moves to Grand Island. The Nebraska Unicameral voted in on site the of Nebraska the State Fair in2010after beginning the show that Nebraska’s greatest assetis its educated people. amazed,” he said. that have come out of University the of Nebraska, you’d Ithink be and listened of to all advantages the to Nebraska and to world the research is attracting more attention. “I ifyou think went back important to Nebraska,” he said. He that pleased is particularly many other states have to, and therefore, education is terribly economic driver inNebraska. Nebraska and university the believes is most the important lifelong Nebraskan, Larson graduated from University the of confidencethe in ability of Nebraskanssolve to problems. A attitude about change, and help communities move forward. sure arebe they educated about current events, have apositive I 26 ducation as an griculture as an But state’s the population compared is small with states the that “Agriculture ups the and has survived downs of economy, the Agriculture has always agreat been economic driver inthe A proponent of education higher inany form, Larson feels that One of educational the opportunities state inthe that is often An inadequate number of educated workers is one of the Innovation Campus and research the campuses inOmaha A UNLresearch Innovation park called Campus built be will Many more advantages result, will and will Larson said they “I we have think to rely more upon human the capital than Larson has an informed, positive of issues view the and Larson said change up is speeding and Nebraskans to need against any kindof change. And change is inevitable,” said Roger T. Larson, Lincoln community leader, ’m day. learning things every new ifyou And Ithink don’t dothat, you get behind…and pretty you’re soon E E conomic Driver conomic Driver Agriculture, PositivityForecastNebraska’sFuture Immigrants Cooperation, Investment are he said. “I’d rather push forward than kick backward.” And same the way with state. the We have it pretty doggone nice,” live inacity where we don’t have much too about. critical to be Buttimes. Ijust can’t force myself First critical. too to off, be we are also certainly investedthey ineducation. tradition of production and industrial growth, he said, though more inLincoln,both he Omaha focuses said, while on old the Nebraska’s flagshipcampus theand center of government are as intellectual the capital Lincoln. The be –will University of had to guess, he’d predict main the center of influence – as well hold,” he said. bothbenefit cities. that think “I realizationbeginning take is to corridor Lincoln and between Omaha, and that growth will area future. inthe Theregreat is economic developmentthe in and slowly two the cities believes will become one metropolitan involved.” Larson admires economic the development inOmaha, he said, and “unfortunately, inasituation like that you get egos have had aunique, almost relationship jealous, for nearly 35years, Planning for problems,” he said. some background to make some decisions on kinds of these current with current events and with history, as well, we so have Larson said. facts, the “I have we all think an obligation to stay with reality. They aren’t stupidpeople, but they are ignorant of – and people come who up withanswers easy have lost touch immigration, but issues the are not simple, nor are answers the I want (immigrants) to love our like country we do,” he said. help (Nebraskans) understand that immigrants are an asset.And misinformation. “We must keep up educational the process to aboutfacts immigration, and that many may influenced be by can to educate people,” those Larson said. “It help will our state.” immigration “And is good. we we should Ithink doeverything peopleso can fixed come legally, this country to believes he immigrant workersthe theneeds to of fill work force. an investment –of time, dollars, cooperation and commitment. And working together to make communities their thrive involves going have ownthey their way; to work together,” he explained. making that communitycan’t viable, he said. “They be individuals shouldthey have strong leadership and unity in of purpose townspeople to gather is important, anddogather, they when general store or supermarket; and restaurant. agood Aplace for thatbank is not afraid to make loans people; aco-op; to a local towns are indanger of disappearing. townsSmall to retain awork struggle force, and smallest the state, many of are those going to jobsinLincoln and Omaha. Larson’s Philosophy For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy “An editorial writer, Iam, which is supposed most critical, to be be centersThere will of influence the in future, Larson and if Lincoln and have Omaha will major roles, but two the cities It’s to easy come up with simple answers to complex issues like Larson recognizes that many Nebraskans don’t understand the While Larson would prefer that immigration the system be Communities that welcome may industry welcome also Larson said towns that prosper tend to have aschool; Although Nebraska is attracting many people to jobsinthe N ebraska’s Future E ssential where all the womenwhere the all do, day all long, is water take from the They’re working on a project to get water into communityrural a to raise moneycountries, to she go trying said. is to also Africa, multimedia presentation at end the of study. the she added. The team providesthe townwith a report and a a lifestyle that entices people to come back to community, their Thorntonsaid. The asset-mapping project leadmay to creation of build economy the of community the and county. the second assets;the stepthe how determined assetsto to those use asset, Thorntonsaid. The first step the of was toidentify project culture, historic buildings…anything an that called could be anything the from aspects, infrastructure, people, the social the assetof looked attown the in Ogallala every Keith County; come back, she said. “And that’s them.” it lose –they The project communities, young the people leave to go to schooland don’t resourcesthe have.” they many Like somewhat small, rural what multiple we be hope will projects –to help (towns) identify an asset-mapping project, Thornton“This the is said.first of for Free Enterprise. YWCAthe joboutfitters program theand Conference Heartland Organization (CEO);and holds events –such as, afundraiser for in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and Collegiate the Entrepreneur competition; sponsors two student organizations –Students undergraduatethe and graduate levels; holds abusiness plan CenterThe offers coursework in entrepreneurship on both student organizations; third the is outreach with community. the stool,legged Thorntonsaid; oneeducation; leg is another is people, she said. get people back to Nebraska. That lifestyle is appealing to alot of are,” she said, and communities are doing innovative things to to raise somewhere kids their other than wherecurrently they broadband capacity is available and adequate. “People may want she said. Web-based businesses can locate anywhere the they’reso ready want they when to on dothis own.” their for somebodyfor five years, havethe contacts theand expertise “That’s actually okay,” said;she canthe learn “they process, work most plan to work for someone before else businesses. start they are from Nebraska. The majority plan to staythe in state,though educationsaid, the so inentrepreneurship quickly. global goes and Many experience. students are from other countries, she students how to and start operate businesses through education yet that couldn’tfunding. find you don’t have resources, the she said she hasn’t agreat seen idea she said. Even though it’s difficultthink to ofinnovations when byfall wayside, the step people inand will doit better and faster, E the Universitythe of Nebraska-Lincoln. necessity,” according to Kathleen Thornton, DirectorActing the of NebraskaCenter for Entrepreneurship at I “Innovation isthequickestwayoutofarecession” Nebraska CenterforEntrepreneurship: ducation, The SIFE organization,which is campuseson 1,500 in140 havethere;jobs“They don’tthey havepeople the jobs,” fill to The SIFE organizationtraveled in to Ogallala January to do The NebraskaCenter for Entrepreneurship three-is like a Nebraska has potential for people want who to businesses, start But most of students the inThornton’s entrepreneurship classes The NebraskaCenter for Entrepreneurship on teachingfocuses Innovation is quickest the way out of arecession; as businesses of it, but infive years,think we’ll I back look be whatandsurprised at us led out the of recession—out of midstn the of adown economic time, “it’s hard what’s to see going to change or what’s going tous out lead O rganizations, O utreach For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy way of doing it’?” she said. your job, inwhat you create. How about saying ‘there’s abetter creative ways of solving problems. Thatbe in couldyour life, in had training inentrepreneurship from an early age, she said. school. Regardless ofpeople field the go into, they would have supportive of innovation level, starting with grade on every businesses.their able be to also drawand on resources they’ll to help run them go out they when sets and openown their businesses,” she said, majors often lead to business will creation. “They have theskill could acertificate earn inentrepreneurship,sorts these of as in community college majors such as auto and body culinary Nebraska-Lincoln and at community the college level. Students certification inentrepreneurshipalso both the at University of colleges. She hopes to expand not only course offerings, but entrepreneurship courses and credits transferred can be between interfaces statewide with community colleges;offer they samethe income, Thorntonsaid, endthey and up doingwell. very own.their may They a start business to supplement their primary havethey to; they’ve hit ceiling glass and the want to out start on intotake account that women are starting businesses because than dowomen.” But Thorntonsaidthe nationaldata not does big adisparity,” she said. “More it as see males acareer choice more than males females inmy classes –sometimes 25to 4–that than men, but opposite the inNebraska, is true she said. “I have encourage entrepreneurship or bring people back, she said. there isn’t quite as much support for what they’re doing to communities specific their are doing to promote new business, has an entrepreneurial climate, you when ask individuals what said. Although majority the say of that people surveyed Nebraska things the that all wineries, are going on west of Lincoln,” she interesting, about we when talk value-added products, especially The rest the of statebehind,lagged said.she that’s think “I had greatest the capital growth inNebraska, followed by Lincoln. Bureauthe of Business Research, indicated which that Omaha international levels of competition. Center’s business plan competition, national has which local, and course. The course encourages students participateto the in classes inNew Venture Creation, is which abusiness plan writing in entrepreneurship and aformer Center director, teach both water day, per freeing up for time their entrepreneurial activities. wouldwhich allow an woman African to make only one trip for working with acompany that manufactures arolling water drum industries or anything else, she said. The SIFE organization is source to family. the don’t They havetime to farm, have cottage Gender Differences “I inan believe entrepreneurial attitude, lifestyle and in In future, the Thornton hopes Nebraskacanbe more Thorntonsaidthe NebraskaCenter for Entrepreneurship National data indicate that more women are starting businesses Thornton cited a2006 study Thompson,by Eric Director of Thornton and Dr. Sebora, director graduateof Terry education

27 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s Community Conversations

Strategic Discussions for Nebraska hosted a community conversation in five Nebraska communities, as well as a focus group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The conversations took place in January and February of 2009. Participants were asked questions about their views on the economy of the state and of the nation.

Loup River Valley Region, Nebraska STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska OR 30 town decided emptying. “The storefronts started things were –until Ord way the liked years ago, people in Kroger came to Ord 11 Public When Schools. Superintendent of Ord the according to Max Kroger, end, can who get things done,” may not most the popular be inthe others. aren’t afraid to from learn and cooperate with are knowledgeable about issues, accept change and Chamber of Commerce. somebody didit for us,” said Nancy Glaubke, of also Ord the and aplan to improve our community ourselves, not because like ours –ones that after look themselves. We havevision a says ‘what are you going to give me.’ Successful cities are ones on top of issues the that rural affect Nebraska. to Ord, teaching young people entrepreneurs to be and staying community is capitalizing on its strengths, recruiting businesses and has said ‘we’re going to ourselves,’” do this Pollard said. The Commerce inlate 2008. fall, took jobofwho the Executive Director of Ord the Chamber of leadership generation after generation, saidCaleb Pollard, younger ones. That’sthe way to ensure acommunity has strong leadership training, community’s the older leadersmentor involves incommunity them leadership. In addition to formal said. Ord to looks town’s the young people for and ideas new statewide for its vitality. withdealing challenges and creating acommunity known for ways new to diversify its economy. It is identifying assets, comes fromNebraska, rural he said. Nebraska, but much of income the for Lincoln and Omaha Randy O’Brien. The economyag supports much rural of always there be to supply world the with food,” said Ord Mayor Managing Change,Leadership is still avitallyimportantis still economic driver Sandhills region. inthis farming. That means peoplefewer supporting towns, small eventhough agriculture driven by its farmers and ranchers. However, farms are larger, fewer so people are T Ord: urFutureisinHands “It people push takes who hard, who Successful communities have strong, positive leaderswho “A community successful is not one that to looks state the and community“This takenhas itself up by its bootstraps own “One of our biggest resources is our young people,” O’Brien In spite of importance the of agriculture, Ord is looking give potentialthe will ag sideus global. be “The to will We O and is county the seat of Valley County. Its economy is rooted inagriculture and he largest town Loup inthe River Valley region, Ord is home to 2,200people verview D - Nancy Glaubke, Ord Chamber of Commerce somebody diditforus. ourselves, not because to improveour community We havea visionandaplan family-friendly, with short commutes to work. communitiesrural often benefitsoffer the being of safe and lower costs of operation and overhead for business owners. And cost of living than metropolitan areas, translates which into have anumber of benefits, townsay. leaders They have a lower what it isn’t– and that attitude has Ord led to initself. believe have to,” Pollard said. Instead, Ord on focuses what it is, not a long to time apologize for what aren’t, they and shouldn’t they people able to be proud. to be towns Small have pushed been for not; it’s how you guidethat change for better or worse.” Pollard said. “Change is going to happen you whether want it or uncomfortable. step outside familiar, the and that can be Change requires that people same the forbeen along time. aplace when has especially Kroger added. go you ahead, go backward,” businesses.new “If you don’t in and bringing started in economic development came anymore,” he said. Then maybe we can’t dothat The Importanceof “For 10minutes every aperson sits intraffic,activism civic Rural areas may have slightly lower incomes, but also they Ord doesn’t apologize for its sizeor location. “We for need “You have to build anarrative on why change is important,” But change isn’t always easy, goes downgoes 10percent,” Pollard said. Attitude There work-lifeis a good balance in rural areas,balance inrural and there is more time totime pursue personal personal interests, he added. Business inOrd The “Grow new andnew want to keep it to ourselves.” Aurora. This isn’tbasketball game, a where something we learn said O’Brien. “We from learned City, Central from learned who 20 businesses, with no defaults. “But we didn’t invent wheel,” the years, Glaubke said, more thanloaned to $1.5million has been thattax provides low-interest loans to businesses. In last the five profit. access toof part land, the farmed for they which and experience ethanol plant inOrd shut down, schoolstudents high were given could how learn merchandise to sell on Internet. the When the businessthe owner collaborated students with schoolso the business alesson became ine-commerce for older students; own their start businesses. The closing and liquidation of a local kindergarten about business and basics encouraging to them entrepreneurship program, teaching students as early as huge impact on student the and parents, the she added. are graduating hours with several of college credit, and that has a schooloffershigh advanced-placement courses, many students someone you it respect, makes an impact.” public the Because one of you back,’” Glaubke said. “When you get that from understand how could make they aliving here.” year, we get afew students back,” Kroger didn’t said. “They own” model, approach this to is beginning work inOrd. “Every the Sometimesjobs.called those to need fill they “grow your students about opportunities inOrd, and kindof the education attract people have the who left. Teachersthe Ord in schools tell to recruit people new to Ord, but are they working also to re- year.urban areas every Community leadersare working hard Nebraska; trends indicate that afew young people are lost to the A key part of rural development ofA key part rural to infrastructure. is tied Ord has implemented aloan program on city the based sales The OrdSchools Public have implemented an “Teachers are saying ‘we would love to have eachand every Out-migration of young people is aconstant challenge inrural Y our Own”Model For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy Executive Director of the Ord Chamber of Commerce. Public Schools; Randy O’Brien, Mayor of Ord; and Caleb Pollard, Editor of the Ord Quiz; Max Kroger, Superintendent of the Ord Nancy Glaubke of the Ord Chamber of Commerce; Lynn Griffith, conversation in Ord on January 22,2009. Participants were Strategic Discussions for Nebraska hosted ac future the think bright.” looks system, safety and agreat place to live draw will people here. I facility. hope community’s the many draw assetswill workers to new the carehealth professionals to locate area. inthe But leadersinOrd restthe Nebraska, of rural Ord is challenged to find enough access asix-county hospital,a critical area. serves Along with of $21.3million incity bonds. The County Valley Health System, Completion in2010and through is funded is sale expected the foot hospital spring, replace this will which its existing hospital. Lincoln and Omaha.” up here, we would have same the advantages that have they in few options for improvements. But Nebraska rural connectivity has and varying capacity –and capacity, people could conduct business anywhere world. inthe required competitive to be business inthe world. With adequate that limits growth the Nebraska. inrural More bandwidth is broadband development Nebraska inrural isn’t adequate, and you to need have adequate Internet access,” Pollard said. But more desirable. care facilities, libraries and parks for acommunity that is even community toExpand that survive. to include schools, health sewer, electricity, roads and Internet access are for needed any Infrastructure may invarious defined be ways, but water, Infrastructure Lynn Griffith, editor the of Quiz, saidOrd “the education The communitybegins construction square- 67,000 of a new is important,”really “This said O’Brien. “If we could havethat “For communities rural 21st inthe century, to survive ommunity

31 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska N 32 borders. and Mexican Canadianthe south, as well as to east,in the west and to shipping ocean lanes trains daily that are headed Bailey carriers. The Yard handles 135 world; Union Pacific is one the of state’s major reliesindustry on railroad the to ship products over all the player economy. global inthe The state’s huge agriculture country. ag-related Local businesses thrive inNorth Platte. Platte’s location of heart inthe Nebraska’s farm and ranch amajoris also economic driver area, inthe thanks to North Walmart store and Walmart the distribution center. Agriculture 2008, says North Platte’s major employers are railroad, the the going around to be awhile. infrastructure, covering 2,800acres, suggests that business this is livewho inand around city this of 24,000.The massive railroad rail classification yardthe in world and employspeople 2,600 after former Union Pacific President Edd Bailey, the is largest show’sthe in1913. run yard and transported show the by rail for nearly 40years, ending Wild West Show from his Scout’s Rest Ranch northof rail the town. firsttrain enteredwhat thenknown was as a “Hell on Wheels” Oregon,the Mormon and Overland trails. Four months later, the of area’s the water good and it because was astopping point on as location the for Union Pacific’s major shopbecause facilities chief engineer for Union PacificRailroad.the siteDodge chose year before Nebraska astate became –by Grenville the Dodge, D Global Economy North Platte:fromBuffaloBillto For all practical purposes, NorthFor purposes, Platte, practical all Nebraska is abig Marc Kaschke, mayor was who elected of North Platte in Today, Union the Pacific Bailey Yard in North Platte, named Twelve years later, William “Buffalo Bill”Cody organized his North Platte was laid out as atown site inAugust of 1866–a O would you assetsthat the see cushion it against worst the economic of global the swings. riving through North Platte, you wouldn’t note take of town’s the long and notable history, nor verview ort involved andmakeadifference. have theopportunity toget to worryabout the kids. You love thesense thatIdon’thave it’s ahandshakecommunity; I ourselves sometimes.Ilovethat I thinkweunderestimate - Marc Kaschke, Mayor of North Platte h Ourselves” Better JobofSelling “W Platte decline work inthe force is more prevalent ingreater Nebraska anboth aging population and out-migration of youth. That tomorrow.” would like to recruit businesses the that offer will jobsthe of if we continued to build on what we already have,” he said. “I a number of businesses. smaller “We would have benefit best the 500-person employers, Kaschke said it is more to start practical North Platte, Nebraska.” aggressive; you aren’t going to stumble across a better jobof ourselves. selling We to need be just drop in,” Kaschke said, but “we to need do extensive company anew so infrastructure could businesses. environment it so can attract building abusiness-friendly that, city the is focusing on businesses. To counteract many workers few inso concentrationthe of so unique challenges; one is Statistics show Nebraska has adeclining work force due to Even though it would great be to attract afew “We’ve put insome pretty Still, North Platte faces e NeedtoDoa than inLincoln and Omaha, where people tend to migrate for more opportunities. “Businesses have had aproblem finding skilled workers,”skilled said Karin Lange, Regional Manager for Nebraska Workforce Development, “and Nebraska continue will to have trouble attracting skilled labor.skilled The people live who in Nebraska know the state has good things to offer, but initial the hurdle to get people here can be huge,” she said. Relationship-Building Creating Opportunities Lincoln and Omaha for economic development “You purposes. people throughout state. the cropping systems, provides then resulting the information to staff conduct research thousandson of acres pastureof and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Its and faculty research and extension facility of University the of Nebraska West Research Central &Extension Center is afield-based transportation, and health fire andlaw enforcement. as well as programs inbusiness, computer, construction, Community College, provides an transfer academic program, jobs,andthose it’s kindof ashame.” that don’t require afour-year degree. They’re not hearing about tokids if you these a don’treal disservice tell them about the jobs ofand types jobsthat the are needed,” Lange said. “You’re doing degrees, Lange said. and heating/air conditioning. wantall They four-year college occupations that are community, inthe needed like welding here,” Kaschke said. keeping our young people here than recruiting to them live is keeping our young people here. We more can be successful opportunities. “One of things the we to reallyon need focus Kaschke said as mayor, he plans to build relationships with North Platte has aUniversity also of Nebraska presence; its The North PlatteCommunity College, a division of Mid-Plains “There’seducationalkindthe between of adisconnect system But North Platte with not kids going struggles into The city is looking at ways to provide lucrative employment For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy Platte Planning Director. for Nebraska Workforce Development; and Judy Clark, North Kaschke, Mayor of North Platte; Karin Lange, Regional Manager in North Platte on January 29,2009.Participants were Marc Strategic D opportunity to get involved and make adifference.” thatsense Idon’t have about to worry You kids. the have the sometimes. Ilove that it’s ahandshake community; Ilove the of what it has to offer. think we underestimate I ourselves you have still opportunity the your to further education.” security…it’s awonderful place to raise your kids,” she said, “and communities have something to offer.“There’s afeeling of Platte, to needs responsibility take for telling people that smaller benefit the entireof state. large and to small, determine what people want and for need the honest conversations incommunities and communities, between ofpart state the often feels forgotten, and it is important to have interested in…what interest will and engage them.” Omaha,” Kaschke said, “to figure outwhat jobs youngpeople are a young professionals conference with people inLincoln and can drive same back inthe day ifyou to need visit there,” he said. Kaschke said “I chose to move back to North Platte because said western the Clark of also part Nebraska, including North Judy Clark, North Platte Planning Director, said western the “We’ve working been with rest the of state the to put together iscussions for Nebraska held acommunity conversation

33 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska Kearney 34 science studiedscience by the is nearly ascience…a people community inthe nearly stay. half Keeping Kearney from out-of-state, students come who to Kristensen said. Ofthe graduates stay inNebraska, energy,” he said. strong have isthey because the reasonsthe that Kearney is going County. ofCouncil Buffalo “One of Director of Economic the Development Kearney,” said Jonathan Krebs, Executive Platte Valley community. towillingness collaborate are characteristics of this people, apositive attitude and acommunity-wide vitality to town.” the never leave,”people have he said.fresh “These that ideas bring stay for they’ll acouplepeople think who of years and they then stayed of because education the system. “There are alot of people; Kristensen said there’s acore group of people have who accomplished.be annually and explains how Kearney operates and what to needs and operate businesses. Aleadership training program is offered throughout generations by training peopleleadership to fill roles keeping future the of city the inmind. positions know one another and frequently communicate, business destination, but enough small that people inleadership city is large enough care, ahealth to be education, tourist and community, as well as University the of Nebraska-Kearney. The difference,” Kristensensaid. but it’s attitude the of business the community that makes the latterthe category, he said. Chancellor of University the of Nebraska-Kearney. Kearney is in do it?’” said Dr. Doug Kristensen, former state senator and now group that says ‘what are we going to do, and is who going to groups: group the that sits around and nothing does and the The Scienceofurvival K but there’s more to Kearney’s success than location. it maintain its status as athrivingmid-sizecity and aregional convention center, to Kearney’sEnergy Education, Leadership, Seventy percent of Kearney “There’stremendous a amount of youth in open welcoming to ideas, new Being participation by young The community been ablehas to mass acritical keep of Kearney able has been to maintain strong leadership Kearney is home to about 28,000 people and a diverse business “Kearney has a blend of education, health care and agriculture, “In my with Nebraska experience communities, there are two O to Platte the River, nearly center inthe of Nebraska. Its location has helped position state inthe is inaperfect earney –right on Interstate 80,adjacent verview of lifethat willstillbehere. see theanimals. That’s thequality see thesunset, breathecleanair, will realizethe value ofrurallife… clean waterandspace.People to ruralNebraska. There’s safety, Someday, people willflockback - Dr. Douglas Kristensen, Chancellor, UNK Attitude Central and businesses. die. The importantthing is to find a way to retain Nebraska jobs them,” between synergy some towns he explained; otherwise will can letgo of that, there’s an opportunity for to them realize some andhave another grocery the have aconvenience store. “If they instance, community store; not every agrocery needs one may another ways innew inorder toIngersoll survive, said. For Community Survival to where jobsare available. are jobs.” communities Small that businesses lose drive workers there aren’t move people will jobs,able-bodied to where there is more the telling number, when because Ingersoll said, “but outbound the migration pretty remarkable compared to nation, the Outbound Migration business statistics. advice to entrepreneurs and studies state Ingersoll.trains The leaders, NBDC offers andCenter its (NBDC) director, Odee UNKNebraskathe Business Development “There is no guarantee“There that acommunity has a spot the on Nebraska communities may have to collaborate with one Nebraska’s low unemployment rate is map forever,” Kristensen said. People go where will they think they can they think they do their best best do their and have severe than in other states. by recessionary trends, effects may the arrivelater be lessand much Although of state experiences. the country the is affected state somewhat to be bufferedfrom economicthe highs and lows Nebraska’s animal agriculture and crop production allow the tangible manufactured ensure goods…to its economic stability. water.” greatest assetsare our wonderful farm ground and our beautiful Kristensen said. “Land ownership is extremely important. Our Nebraska’s Stabilityecret: from experiences,” those he said. outreach to area businesses. made apositive impact on business the community through some ofthebelieves university’ssee effects. the Shea has NBDC recent economic downturn, but community the is starting to of Commerce, said Kearney fortunate has been overall inthe that is planning to leave,” Ingersoll said. essence, we have to create businesses 3.4new for that one person generation; and one-third plan said they to simply close. “In one-third plan said they to pass on business the to next the entrepreneurs,those one-third plan said they tothe business; sell area plan to step aside next inthe 10years, Ingersoll said. Of Business Creation necessity.” and larger cities,” he said. “Cooperation happens of because tostart realizevalue the of cooperation towns small between “Nebraska always an will be independent state, but we will bysurvive themselves, and that’s to need cooperate. they when opportunities, but there comes communities when atime can’t Ingersoll said that astate must produce something… source lasting “The all of comeswealth from theland,” “There are opportunities forthe businesses community to gain Greg Shea, Executive Director of Kearney the Area Chamber percentFifty-two of existing entrepreneursthe in Kearney Agriculture For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy Chamber of Commerce. Kearney; and Greg Shea, Executive Director of the Kearney Area Dr. Douglas Kristensen, Chancellor of the University of Nebraska- Director of the Economic Development Council of BuffaloCounty; at the University of Nebraska-Kearney; Jonathan Krebs, Executive Ingersoll, Director of the Nebraska Business Development Center in Kearney on February 19,2009.Those attending wereOdee Strategic Discussions for Nebraska held acommunity conversation here.” be still will breathe clean air, animals. the That’s see the quality of lifethat said. “People realizevalue the life…seesunset, the of will rural Nebraska.to rural “There’ssafety, clean water and space,” he success, he added. physical and access are virtual to state’s the critical economic broadband, Krebs said. The quality andcapability both of advantage of opportunities,” those he said. do business anywhere, with anyone to and need take people will counties away from Interstate 80.“Technology has allowed us to of state, the but communities most the be viable will one or two Communities continue will to thrive outside eastern the portion communities successful very dark andspots.” some very also build structures,” new Kristensen said. “You about see 25 will communities forced be will to consolidate can afford they so to of many the requirements for communities. successful carehealth facilities and Internet access and capacity –are afew moves or ahead rest lags the behind of country. the consolidation make difference the will whether in Nebraska made now. Wise decisions related to and infrastructure V ision forNebraska’sFuture Kristensen that believes someday,back flock people will But for that to happen, state the have will to have roads and Ingersoll said have there will consolidation. successful to be “In apart to fall and 20years, begin will infrastructure the Infrastructure –including roads and bridges, schools, utilities, In 20years, Nebraska results the see of will decisions being

35 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska Beatr 36 the SCC the SCC juniors at school for high all held annually transition fair is said a in Beatrice, Workforce Development Coordinator with Nebraska areas, come then to work. back to Beatrice is that students go on will to pursue adegree inone of these workpeople actually who jobsthey’re inthe studying. The hope gives studentsalso the achance to become acquainted with the academyhealth and abusiness academy,” he said. The academy schoolandclasses, high earn college credit for it. We have a seniors have an opportunity to go to academy, the college take a career academy,” schooljuniors said. high Kruse All and and surrounding the in Beatrice area inmany ways. studentssaid Beatrice about learn career opportunities available Dageford said. worked centurywon’t 20th inthe as marketable be future, inthe acomponent be will of many future. jobsinthe that sets Skill kindofin the exposure students receive, technology because stay in–or come Technology back to –Beatrice. figures heavily students for 21st-century careers, hoping that means will they agriculture and cooperation as priorities. technology, infrastructure, care, health diversity of employment, area. employ thousands of workers and surrounding the inBeatrice andmanufacturing, education services health employers that south40 miles of Lincoln and is home to government, sell. incentives are lucrative and Nebraska’s quality of life isto easy has apro-business climate; state’s the economic development Director of Business and Nebraska believes Industry inBeatrice, Education T and people –to state the to share that burden. N Education, Pro-BusinessClimateDriveBeatrice Jody Easter, Workforce “Southeast Community campus) (Beatrice College is starting Dr. Superintendent Kruse, Dale Public of Schools, Beatrice the on focuses educationBeatrice as akey to preparing town’s the plansAs Beatrice for its future, leaderspoint to education, acommunityBeatrice, of nearly 13,000people, is located Terri Dageford, Gage County Economic Development O than instates with more people.solution The is to attract more businesses – ebraska’s population small means there are fewer people to share burdenthe tax verview echnology - Dr. Dale Kruse, Superintendent, Beatrice Public Schools for business andeducation. able topluginto theInternet means nothing whenyou’re The vastnessof thestate ic who youwho are,” he said. system, system. health good Nice sizecommunity…people know one.’good Lots of alot experiences, of exposure, education good Andup?’ Iwould say most say from kids ‘we Beatrice had avery ‘whatlife, to start think they kind of alife didIhave growing to go someplace else,” said. Kruse “But in get further they when community, they’re not quitewhere satisfied they are and want himself, but returned to state the to raise his family. school or ajob. take said he left Kruse Nebraska fortime a Community College’s campus; Beatrice or leave town to attend a jobwith acompany; continue educations their at Southeast introduces young people to differentcareers in manufacturing. students about Dream the It. It Do . national program that Economic Development to visit partner school with high programming and drafting, among others, said.she manufacturing explore related careers inengineering, computer work. Students interested in patient care or laboratory field,the whether it is direct to variousexposed careers in care,in health for example, are she said. Students interested what atypical work day is like, educationthe people have, what learn They jobs are like, differentcareer fields,” she said. occupations and pick kids the people from different all campus. Beatrice bring “They Those Those Beatrice leaders arehopepeople theto the reach – “I ifyou to most think schoolseniors high talk inalmost any The town’sschoolgraduates high may stay in town takeand Dageford said Workforce Development and Gage County people have who left fortime,then a look forsafe, a e pleasant place to raise family. their Infrastructure Infrastructure figures into creating asafe, pleasant place to live; said the Kruse state to needs maintain the infrastructure so so infrastructure the communities are able to accept new employment because the the because infrastructure isinfrastructure in place. “A lot of Diversification ofEmployment after 20,30 years,” said.she that pay what will them were they making inmanufacturing manybelieves jobsinLincoln. take “There aren’t will jobs here don’t so full-time, want to leave community. the However, she of people and farm part-time those have work spouses who back to school, she said, andcome will out Many with askill. in2008,350workersclosed werewithout left jobs. Many went tosuchIrwinjobs. fill skills the After the Manufacturing plant future to provide opportunities to people are who now learning park,” she said. more professional into our new, services 150-acre industrial once that project is offground,the canwe look to attracting community,healthier Dageford said. wageshigher and differentkinds of employment make for a areain the and hopefully, wages. higher The combination of County means there would many be differentkinds of employers able to plug into Internet the for business and education, he said. said. But vastness the of state the means nothing you’re when state we because have alot of land and not alot of people,” Kruse important to Nebraska. “Technology, for us, is abig issue for the stable, butput also will people to work, Dageford said. water the both main and street the hadrepaired. to be water main break referred to Kruse which street the and ruined maintenance. ininfrastructure trillion alone, In the Beatrice now has replaced,” to be he said. and repairs infrastructure move down on priority the list. fix infrastructure theand issuepasses the to next elected officials officialsSometimes elected are reluctant spend the to money to bridges counties inthe are 100years old, and we know it.” our fixed,” to needs infrastructure be said. Kruse “A lot the of Easter said she hopes Beatrice will see more see jobsinthe Easter will said skilled she hopes Beatrice “Our hospital purchase hope is Beatrice the will ground and Diversifying employment opportunities and Gage inBeatrice Additionally, component technology the of is infrastructure Infrastructure maintenance not only make communities will Dageford cited areport indicating that U.S. the $13.1 needs “We don’t until them water the see main breaks from 1901and Superintendent of Beatrice Public Schools. Development; Joelyn Hansen, Beatrice Daily Sun; and Dale Kruse, Jody Easter, Workforce Coordinator with Nebraska Workforce Economic Development Director of Business and Industry; temperatures to participate: Terri Dageford, Gage County in Beatrice on January 14,2009.Four people braved subzero Strategic Discussions for Nebraska held acommunity conversation together.” in Columbus,” she said. “We’re to willing collaborate, to work you to have ajob, it’s whether area communities inBeatrice or were looking for 400employees. If you don’t have ajob, Iwant Gage County. “Columbus came to our jobfair,” she said. “They concern is making sure peopleevenjobs, find if those it isn’t in plant to another sell will manufacturer, Dageford said main the Dageford said. about partnership and effort aunified for our community,” development, education or work force development are “all Dageford, and said work their Kruse Easter all with economic Collaboration related employment, to export she said. according to U.S. the Census, about 57,000Nebraska jobsare no choice but player aglobal to be intoday’s economy, and areexports to Mexico China, and Japan,” Dageford said. There’s or forexported used production of fuel. into county’s the economic profile. Many the of products are agriculture as well as crop production figure prominently and remain will so, leadersconcurred. Animal Beatrice the For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy Agriculture Although community the Manufacturing hopes Irwin the Economic development inNebraska is alesson inpartnering; “Look at amount the of that exporting we do. top Our Agriculture is amain economic driver insoutheast Nebraska

37 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska Colum 38 nonprofits. “You see for community’s the is huge the support Columbus,Connect Program Director for Kollath,to Denise important,also according awarded for community projects. state grant proposals written and grants community,the and by also and federal the in recruiting businesses and awork force to impressed by work the Columbus leadershave done has worked inColumbus since 2005.He has been care, among many others. transportation; education; banking; post-secondary and health international electronics manufacturing company; centers; call headquarters of an international steel fabrication company; an an international pharmaceutical manufacturer; world the majorthe employers are Nebraska the Public Power District; today on focuses agriculture and manufacturing; some of on Columbus the serves City Council. Business inColumbus to Columbus, said John Lohr, aretired businessman who andwas good, companies impededthe nobody from coming citythe fathers had foresight the that to see diversification fund, alegacy,”trust said. Casey States. We have to build on that; we have to say they’ve given us a not only here inColumbus but inNebraska and United inthe community of abase companies, and we have aresponsibility – west80 miles of Omaha and northand 82miles west of Lincoln. “micropolitan” area. ineastern Located Nebraska, Columbus is answersthe that makes it work,” said. Casey we’rewhen working with eachother. teamwork Ithink is one of for differentthings, theto butkeep big try picturewe inmind teamwork. “We to get seem along all pretty well; we’re vying all established adiverse business but base, aculture also of contribute anything; they’re just going to waste energy,” he said. Company inColumbus. “People fight who aren’t going to Dick Casey, Vice Senior President Manufacturing of Behlen who’s worse inNebraska, we’re going around,” all to lose said Business Diversity for betterment the of state the as awhole. N Community Columbus: Unique to Columbus and Adrian Sanchez, areporter for Columbus the Daily Telegram, The diversity of employmentwhenbackthe 1940s in started “We’ve fortunate been that our forefathers have built up inthe Columbus has apopulation of itself 21,000and as a describes Generations of strong leadership inColumbus have “If we don’t stop fighting littlethese battles who’sof better and O have or haven’t done. Instead, Nebraskans must work hard and work together ebraska can’t afford of complainingthe luxury aboutwhat communitiesother verview Activism A Legacyofeadership - Dick Casey, Behlen Manufacturing Company answers thatmakesit work. think teamwork isoneofthe working witheach other. I picture inmind whenwe’re We trytokeepthebig W affected earlierby downturns – such as Michigan – and have Chamber representatives have visited areas of country the usinghas nation’s the been recession to its advantage. Columbus workers. But said Columbus Lohr the Chamber of Commerce it,” he added. causegood comes along, there aswell to that seems be supports there is enough support at levels of all community the a –when and business people to same dothe “It thing. just that seems yourself,” said. Lohr It’s to easier then contact neighbors friends, findinggrant money, but raisingalso moneythe community. in volunteerism and community leadership. And that includes that number. They’re to createtrying betterevenan culture of arewho active community inthe and there are efforts to increase core group of about 150 people grant for after-school programs. Columbus to get a$1.25million his office worked Connect with Educator for Platte County, said of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension that benefitthe community. putting money the into projects and for also finding dollars and for volunteerism, Kollath said, Columbus has areputation hit was incredible,” she said. wasyear,goal this and what we what United the Way campaign b Columbus, like Nebraska as awhole, has ageneral shortage of “You can’t go ask people for money unlessyou’ve given Vyhnalek said there also is a Vyhnalek,Allan University ork ForceShortage us recruited families to come to Columbus to work. The recession “has afforded us an President of Columbus the Chamber of Commerce, said any aware of susceptibilities and works to address K.C.Belitz, them. V thought work in the could be they force. locate inColumbus and provide jobs to people never who Columbus many used resources to ensure that Apogee could community are who working have who never had jobsbefore.” with disabilities as possible,” she said. “We have people inour more is thanto hirefocus 250people. “Their as manypeople Columbus for its outward-bound center, call employs which Workforce Development, said Apogee Retail, LLC chose as well. McPhillips, Bonnie Regional Manager for Nebraska organizations,several said. Lohr spring.grant The proposal waswritten incollaborationwith neighborhood –44homes –on a15-acre site this beginning said Lohr NeighborWorks needed. badly is building an entire housing opportunities community, inthe leaderssay which is Community (located College inColumbus), among others. Department of Economic Development, NPPD and Central organizations, including NeighborWorks Nebraska the America, Economic Partners economic impacts,” she said. affectthe community if many them leave;of there somebe could “that we desperately inour need workforce. It would certainly community employs afairly large number of immigrants new immigrationif new are policies on enacted level. federal the The needs,” industry local said. Lohr opportunity to go elsewhere and bring labor inthe force that our ision fortheFuture Although Columbus is apositive, thrivingcommunity, it is Joseph Mangiamelli, Columbus City Administrator, said Working with has partners to led success inother areas, NeighborWorks awarded Columbus agrant to expand Columbus with partners economic development Kollath said work the force affected inColumbus be also will For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy Educator for Platte County. and Allan Vyhnalek, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Development; Adrian Sanchez, Columbus Daily Telegraph; Bonnie McPhillips, Regional Manager for Nebraska Workforce City Council; Joseph Mangiamelli, Columbus City Administrator; Program Director for Connect Columbus; John Lohr, Columbus Anne Kinnison, Columbus City Finance Denise Officer; Kollath, Casey, Senior Vice President of Behlen Manufacturing Company; President, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce; Richard in Columbus on January 16,2009.Participants: K.C.Belitz, Strategic Discussions for Nebraska held acommunity conversation work.’” are good. We have alegacy to build on, let’s so take it and make it said.Casey “You just have to get up on the platform and say ‘we “we let them know we’re positive, that we take the high road,” When people look at Columbus asapossible business location, Agency to build structures, the he said. of Environmental and Quality Environmental the Protection highway federal the Roads, administration, Department the city.” Columbus is working with Nebraska the Department of “We down take that will that wall separates of two the parts the of becoming one community, to build viaducts,” the he said. came together and it decided was about time, interest inthe andviaducts possibly, community overpasses. “The pedestrian through construction erased the dividing be of line several will consider it adividing to be line. But next inthe two years, that dynamic, but we’re working to address it,” he said. companies that time the all are locally-owned, and it changes the owned. “There are fewer Behlen and Manufacturingfewer wealth communitythe inthe businesses ifthe are not locally- townsmall is increasingly susceptible to losscontrol of local of Mangiamelli said railroad the city the bisects and some

39 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska 40 relations or for a public hopes to work or Angeles. Los He like Miami, Houston city himtotake acoastal second language inacareer may and English, said his desire to his use some of sort happy medium,” he said. you want inajobor what you want inaplace to live and find you want to doandwhatsacrificing between balance find anice there are more elsewhere. “In end, the you have to follow what student, said there he believes are jobsinhe Midwest, good but planthey to stay Midwest. inthe Kevin Jones, agraduate Nebraska ifthey’re able to find employment; if not Nebraska, environment than other companies with he which interviewed. company more to be flexible and have less of ahigh-pressure grewto love they because city. the found also Lopez the owners, told who located company the himthey inLincoln Although nationwide, he interviewed he company’s the liked Lincoln –shortly afterthis magazine is published in May 2009. company aftergraduates he from the University of Nebraska- group agreed that work the helps ethic drive state’s the economy. of working hard, either for themselves or for others. And the network. of sense the familiaritybelieves inNebraska makes it to easier for networking and Downing making friends, said, but he pursuing other opportunities, and personal both professional, conversations connections. to lead those It is important to keep Nebraska are closely-connected and it doesn’t long take before in Nebraska larger –eveninthe cities.” He said people in of asense family,be home or familiarity anywhere you go arecentRoos, UNLgraduate. “It’s just place to agood be.” W students and graduates and it’s single characteristic the that would most be likely to keepstate. inthe them N W UNL U Downing, is who fluentboth in Spanish Many of other the group focus participants intend to stay in ajobwith start aprivately-owned will Carlos Lopez Lincoln Focus group participants agreed that Nebraskans aren’t afraid Graduate student Ryan Downing said “there to seems “People care about more than just themselves here,” said Josh ill ork EthicMakeNebraska Y O it’s “sense the of place” that evokes admiration the of group afocus of University of Nebraska-Lincoln ebraskans are strong individualists, have work alegendary and ethic are welcoming and helpful. But ou StayorLeave? n FocusGroup:SenseofPlace, verview i vers - Phil Boll, UNLGraduate Student and build jobsthatarestable. build andgrow stayhere invite companies tocomeand to encouragethese thingsthat The stategovernmentneeds i Nebraska.” me to build alife, anetwork and ahome out base of Lincoln, lastseven she years said. have “The been an opportunity for placement inNebraska or somewhere not far,” particularly “Should things change, chances then are I’d looking for be completion of her doctorate. But she is keeping an open mind. to move sheso expects out of United the States following development of parts developing the inrural world,” she said, “My current program academic is directed toward community came to Lincoln she when her studies was 16to begin at UNL. was and born inNigeria, raised she was educated inZambia. She onlythe international student group. focus inthe Although she where he’s able tojob. find a coast.”than East the However, said come it will Boll down to Midwest, he said, “we because really fitbetter the in Midwest or another, larger Midwest city. They would like to remainthe in his wife plan to move to Omaha area, the or perhaps Kansas City or any of states,” those he said. you might find in Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas,SouthDakota country,the you’re not going tothat find sort of communitythat “It’s really aquality-of-life issue –ifyou go maybe to edges the of where jobis, the but he hopes to remain Great inthe Plains area. life,” he said. anticipate feeling apull back to Nebraska at some point inmy career, eventually then return to Nebraska to teach. “I still clientele. However, his long-range plan is to build asuccessful marketingthat firm seeks out and retains HispanicLatin or Nkem Kalu is working on aPh.D. science, and inpolitical was said thatPhil Boll afterearns he graduate his degree, he and Jacob Varvel, agraduate also student, said he plans to go ty o Attractive Economic Drivers Nebraska’s economy is driven by the agriculture industry, Downing said. f “That’sthe elephant in the room, basically; room,the basically; everyone knowseveryone

that,” he said. N “We don’t want to make it an e b Expectations ofStateGovernment stages, but place,” there taking is adiscovery she said. platform for future collaborations. “It inits is still preliminary of students here, she said. These arepartnerships that create a differentperspectives and expanding the learning experience programs with universities throughout world the are bringing may need,she said. UNL has support the system to offer these students the help they programs inbiological agriculture sciences, and business, and to attend University the of Nebraska-Lincoln for its strong Kalu said. Alarge number of international students have chosen and that fact the she aplayer can be economy,” global inthe “That’s a pretty essential rolethat we have,” he added. going to fluctuate, butpeople arealways going to food. need obviously, is food.” said prices on Roos and technology such are else. before And for oneneeded survival everything of them, said. “There arethingsRoos that a certain few are absolutely there,” he said. are not huge companies value people live andthe who still they companies “seem more to be of afit for Nebraska becausethey employment Nebraska inthe cities whereexist. These they not huge be by national standards, but are they anchors of big chunk of economy the there, Ithink.” a lot of money that’s getting pushed through,” he said. “That’s a institutions of learning higher must have jobs.“That’s part-time Jones said thousands the of students attend who state’s the colleges and employ they large numbers of people. Additionally, Nebraska has many universities, colleges and community have ahuge gap state,” inthe said. Boll he added. said. businesses Small towns insmall help also hold up state, the onraised farms, generations of farmers and businesses, too,” he much intovery tied that work and ethic people are the who answer,easy but that’s what generates economy. the It’s still all ras The university’seducational partnerships and exchange “Nebraska is only to beginning discover economy global the Nebraska’s role economy logical global inthe is agriculture, Downing said state’s the privately-owned corporations may areSchools economic also drivers inNebraska, Jones said. “If you took away farming, or agriculture the industry, you’d Josh Roos, Jacob Varvel, Phil Boll, Nkem Kalu, Carlos Lopez, Ryan Downing and Kevin Jones k a- Li For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy years. Nebraska for years; seven and Lopez has lived in Nebraska for six Varvel have lived their entire lives in Nebraska; Kalu has been in and Jacob Varvel, Lincoln. Boll, Downing, Jones, Roos and Nkem Kalu, Nigeria; Carlos Lopez, Lincoln; Josh Roos, Lincoln; Boll, Blair; Ryan Downing, Stratton; Kevin Jones, Cambridge; undergraduate students on February 2,2009.Participating: Phil with University seven of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate and Strategic Discussions for Nebraska held afocus group discussion jobs that are stable.” companies to come and build and grow and stay here and build state government to needs encourage things that these invite We generally have afairly low unemployment,” he said. “The “we dohave ahard work atmosphere. We dohave stability. attractions offered by stateswith mountains oceans,and but each other!” people inScottsbluff wanttheirs, but we areso dependent on you know business –the inOmaha wants interests their and the other. But unfortunately, it exists. Sometimes you get – inthis debate east and between west, we on “because depend each state.”the ofpart Nebraska, Jones said “we feel alittle left out as citizens of people live who state, inthe Jones said. from Also southwest the waythe state the government works and way the it works for the that there is another, larger of part state the off the to west. attention to and respond to constituents their and acknowledge wouldactive officials like be the elected in to government, pay itthink would help government their to them trust more.” He morebe information sent out to western the of part state…I the clicking along way the should they But be. there to Ithink needs “many people around (Lincoln) are more aware that things are greater Nebraska informed about how dollars are used. being dollarstax responsibly and doabetter jobof keeping people in Nebraska asaGlobalPlayer Boll added that added NebraskaBoll doesn’t have alot of natural the From adifferentsaidBoll he doesn’tperspective, the like The westernpart of Nebraskasomewhat is from disconnected Downing, is who from southwest the of part state, the said group This focus expects Nebraska’s state government to use n c oln

41 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s Articles

Strategic Discussions for Nebraska solicited articles for this publication from Nebraska colleges, universities and businesses. The articles represent a variety of interesting perspectives on Nebraska’s economy.

Omaha, Nebraska STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska 44 Agriculture andUrbanization of Nebraska’sCommunities T to Nebraska the experience. important concept after first applying the capital-assets approach continuously emerging urban-like interstices. integrate Iwill this how cities are to linked eachother, places and to rural to the living inurban places. It necessarily involves consideration of in sizeand number or growth the inpercentage of population options. even though it may not starting point the be for considering as awhole and factored to needs be into Top the 10Questions , However, it is an essential component of vitality the of Nebraska itbecause is not community central to every inNebraska. questions: consider his or her civic role state, inthe relative to these must consider some key questions. Nebraskan Each might sustainability of communities. state.the This distribution poses questions aboutthe roles and thirds of population the is located eastern inthe one-third of is affectedEach the by geography and environment theof region. families, communities, economies, systems political and culture. and of country. the back into equation the planning when for future the of Nebraska of hope individual. inthe C Overcoming theCrisisofHope By David Iaquinta, Ph.D., Nebraska Wesleyan University op 10QuestionsRelatedtotheFuture Urbanization is more than just growth the of urban places Agriculture not is purposely listed Top inthe 10Questions receive kinds which of support? 10. How decisions made as will to be communities which vitality? 9. How is entrepreneurship important to overall community globalization? reflect to mutual their and necessary how survival, links dothese 8. What urban, town between links places and are rural Nebraska? 7. Why is it important to have avital hierarchy of place in systems? commitment to developing non-petroleum-based energy 6. How can Nebraska’s communitiesfrom benefit global the harnessed by Nebraska communities? 5. How can current and impending demographic changes be Nebraska? 4. What role identity does play inwhy to people stay choose in and region? 3. How dopeople construct aculture to place, tied community communities? 2. Why to dopeople live choose invarious Nebraska sustainable? 1. Which communities, orof types communities, are As Nebraska plans for its future, regional and state leaders Nebraska’s population small is unevenly distributed; two- Throughout history,people have formed human systems – Overcoming that crisisof require hope will putting people challenges we currently facehas to helplessness led alearned of nation’s the collective spirit and acrisis hange requires imagination, vision, cooperation and effort drivenall – by hope. scope the theYet, of Communities: Legacy and Change (2008),doan excellent job and development process. necessity for broad stakeholder participation inany planning charting sustainable futures. My reinforces also experience the capital assetsapproach to assessing community strengths and periurban settlements and urban governance systems, Ifavor a Capital Assets –Building Consensus on remaining the capitals. seven by people) are and well understood, discussed primarily Ifocus etc.) and human capital (education, knowledge, skills, etc. held and gender. economic Because capital (money, wealth, goods, impacts and differential impacts class, ethnicity social by race, impacts, values, long-termsocial externalities, environmental Consequently, evaluation the process includes human concerns, concerns assessing when community and health vitality. and efficiency concernstake to precedenceall other over control political the decrease time, they that allows economic knowledge accumulated by different disciplines. samethe At important capitals. Amore complete list should include: Putnam (1993,2000)and others say there are additional financialcapital and human (or intellectual)capital. However, Additional Capitals sustainability. – assetsthat eachcommunity to uses enhance its vitality and it. Participation is one of central the components of capital capitalof existing social and amechanism also for building support –either existing or sought. Participation is ameasure incorporating appropriate state, regional and national policy stakeholders, including relevant and elites experts and ultimately influential). It requires broad communityparticipation, withall and elites (i.e., politicians, elected wealthy the and politically opportunities inregional, national and/or areas. global attempt to assess its capital assets,matching with them market without serious a though no community should “written be off” Capitals andSustainabilityofCommunities Cornelia andCornelia Jan Flora, third intheir edition of Rural on myBased international work communities, with rural capitals These create acommonframework for integrating Generally, consideration of capital limited has to been The assessment processcan’t solelybe left toexperts, outsiders Social Capital –Participation Central to Success Not community Nebraska every inrural may sustainable, be • spiritual capital • political capital • bridging social capital • bonding social capital • cultural capital • environmental capital • built capital • human capital • economic capital national interests, policy suggest that communities more be will and market effectively. them formsto certain of enterprise.task The theis matchesto identify Natural assetsdoappeal individuals to certain and are conducive Sandhills andthe vast the horizon with its big weather and wind. Nebraska open the expanse sports of prairie, the solitude the of Natural Capital –the State’s Natural Amenities features to appropriate target groups and individuals. of potential recruits lieswith marketing natural certain capital of afamily-friendly quality of life. Additionally, another group familywhose those aspirations include children and a perception relocate here are have who those pre-existing to state ties the and individuals. In general, people most likely to stay inNebraska or matchwhich place with personal/family interests of these professional class requires appealing tocharacteristics specific and professionals. Therefore, attracting and maintaining a and working class individuals to alarger degree than managers entrepreneurship. at levels, to labor all both marketing strategies and facilitating enterprise and entrepreneurial investment. They are relevant values interms of relevance their inattracting economic place, but are fairly present throughout. These are important classes ofacrossand sense social bedrock fairness. vary These core values –“rugged individualism,” astrong work and ethic a are some reflectionsthat are significant. Cultural Capital –Individualism, Work Ethic and Fairness interest of larger the urban and regional hierarchy. is to linked interest the of community, the is which to linked the even ifnot always equal. In end, the interest the of individual the enough interdependency that continue they to have influence – various the when capitals are inadynamic equilibrium with redundancy and feedback. Communities more be will successful Sustainability rests on characteristics such as diversity, flexibility, power of self-interest and sustainability the of collectivebenefit. spirit. What motivating the is abalancebetween is needed one another andof legitimacy everyone’s respectingthe interests. disadvantage inorder toeveryone. benefit It means listening to cherishedthe mythologies undergirding advantage social and to willing being surrender “sacred cows,” stereotypes and all Fisher and Ury inGetting to Yes It (1981),is useful. means also positions.rigid Principled negotiation, like that advocated by organizations and can underlying identify interests and counter bridged.be Often,groups civic arethe cross-cutting community different values andcapital strengths. differences These have to development. Stakeholders community inthe emphasize points into acommunity-wide discussion aimed at sustainable analytical framework for allowing acommunity to find entry for creating community. asuccessful Instead, it and is apractical segments communities. of local among various the capitals and distribution their across different communities, show they many the and complex interactions particularly, to Midwest. the on research their Based across rural of applying toand ideas American the experience these more Natural capital considerations, combined with evolving Natural capital refers to natural the amenities of aregion. ofSecond, asense place business links owners, farm families First, cultural capital inNebraska is highlighted by three No single description fits all Nebraska communities, butthere Community require actionwill harnessing entrepreneurial the However, capital the assetsapproach is not amagic formula Built Capital –Transportation, Communication, Building capital profile. of Aspects builtcapital are relevant. consider to seeking of enhance when both human their these lack of desirable Communities amenities to need and services. for leaving areas: rural lack of employment opportunities and worldwideinterviews is that young people cite two main reasons onto human this capital. What we know and from surveys particular, but Nebraska ingeneral, have time adifficult holding college-educated labor market entrants. Rural communities in discussions and planning. communities work will to incorporate resource this into their human capital into community meaningful legacies.Smart more creative ways to invest self-interest their both and their wantwill from retirement their years. may They be looking for andhistory human their capital, to it ask iswhat useful they movement and environmental the movement. Given past their formative roles rights civil inthe movement, women’s the havealso They a generational heritage –includingof activism (human capital) andbring into will these retirement their years. haveThey an unprecedented level of educationformal and skills first generation to move significantly into higher education. opportunities. and Medicare Security demands,Social but it presents also baby generation. boom This involves costs such as increasing Human Capital –Keeping People in the State creating public-private partnerships. transmission lines). public utilities, would which facilitate construction of new (such as removing restrictions that limit support federal for to facilitate generation) wind energy and at level federal the in public at state policy the level (such as instituting legislation This requires changes incommunity thinking as well as changes into tie they when successful newly-developing systems. energy Built capital many takes forms, but three are particularly At other the end of are demographic the young, spectrum In terms of human capital, baby the generation boom is the rest the Like of nation, the Nebraska aging facesthe of the It important be also will to build bridging social capital by Lincoln, Nebraska Nebraska Wesleyan University Professor &Demography of Sociology David Iaquinta, Ph.D., Article by:

45 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska 46 imply a lack of concern for larger urban centers. Nebraskasmall towns communities, and rural but not does this articleafterthis consideringthe urban hierarchy. spiritual capital fits intothis enterprise, we defer the endto of values into development the of built and financialcapital. Where from incorporates start, the cultural capital and community economic model. consequences of disrupted preferences, is which classic the simply deciding what is “efficient”dealing the then and with preferences. It is important to recognize that issue the is not with existing cultural capital such as values and alternatives, integrated givencan be they greater flexibility inadapting to new and sizeaffords scale small their redeveloping built capital, resources available for communities have limited alternatives.energy to desire the for new professionals and appeal also to will housing stock retrofitted sustainable environmentally- anddesign more conscious building environmentally- on innovative, to move forward families. The ability professionals and attracting talented traits assist will in and forth. These so schools, lowgood crime pollution and urban stress, assets include relief from assets desired. Some of those must paired be to quality the of life as FedEx and United Parcel Service) on availability the of mass carrierssuch and relatively fixed shipping costs (depending values, inexpensive housing, lower taxes, lower labor costs enterprise and place. relationship work between and place and commercial between of electronic new communication technologies that alter the of transportation options. This is closely connected the to role statethe and with private enterprise to develop generation anew of communities to work incoordination with one another, with corridors. But success into future the on depend ability the will transportation networks, such as Interstate the system or rail environmentally-sustainable building. important: transportation, communication and Urban Hierarchy Thus far, mostlybeen the has the focus on role and needs of The preferred capital is assetsmodel to create asolution which, While small For Nebraska, rural comparative the advantages of low land Some communities already have access to traditional Nebraska Wesleyan University - David Iaquinta, Ph.D., corridors ofpower. decisions are made in the are tiedstronglytowhat and ruralcommunities Nebraska’s smalltowns The outcomesfor metropolitan corridor, neither land with good transport. The Example Airport creates less-than-optimal solutions. of power, leading to exclusion and capital discounting, that from discussion the and decision-making. It is concentration the to exclude interests the of non-elites and “lesser” communities of itself. nor presence the of aprimate city is necessarily aproblem inand withinpowerful) communities. Neither existence the of elites level mirrors problem the of elites (i.e., privileged the and larger community interest. The problem the urbanat hierarchy competitive posturethe face flies in which both efficiency and of The Primate City Structure – Nebraska’sDisproportionate Growth on. Clearly, is this not for case the Nebraska’s urban hierarchy. with populations about one-third that of largest the city) and so thathalf of largest the city), three third-ranked cities (i.e., those two second-rank cities (i.e., with populations those about one- urban hierarchy.balanced rule states This that there shouldbe Geographers and a“rank use sociologists sizerule” to define a state like looks situation the inmany developing countries. Comparing Nebraska to a Developing Country An example of iswithin eastern this twothe airports The problemtheirwhen undue arises dominanceallows them Instead, Nebraska has what and sociologists demographers Curiously, interms of its urban hierarchy, Nebraska as a call aprimatecall city structure, one inwhich city vastly effective regional planning, clinging instead to a out-distances others all insize. There largeis a the respectivethe municipalities resist volume of literature documenting the between Omaha andbetween Lincoln, many negative consequences of system to is widened sixlanes this condition.this bottom The line of literature this is that the Even as Interstate the Planning dominant city draws to Ineffective Regional itself adisproportionate Consequences to share of resources the (financial,political, Nebraska. social, economic,social, corridor in entrepreneurial, metropolitan demographic, of eastern the etc.) of the development political entitypolitical at historic the (i.e., Nebraska). when onewhen looks clearlyis seen influencethis The dynamic of between publicbetween interest and private gain. interests and goals, and it ultimatelycurrentthe reflects balance stabilize system the and advance important goals. social bureaucracy, but on other the hand, it can level playing the field, financing, interests, special patronage and democracy. in government. It variously to mind calls issues of campaign another is regulation; another still is policy. Governance, Regulation, Policy systemic at needs larger levels. level to coordinate local the effectivelywith human agency and capitalof bridging social inplace that allow human agency at or state, or What global local. important seem are forms the corridors of power, are they whether public or private, national communities are strongly tied to what decisions are made inthe Outcomes staffed by individuals making systematically corporate decisions. framed, long-term self-interest is reasonable. They areboth to them respondexpecting cooperatively to appropriately- ConAgra or is fantasy. Omahaaltruistically to act However, brokers are often more publicpersonae.their in Expecting potentialthe to dominate. live, work and find meaningsamethe in systemthat havethey system. In end, the people make the who up ConAgra have to without within current equal the system, but it is not itself the communities and linkages. ConAgra, for instance, may apeer be owners.the The system depends upon many individuals, conglomerates are large stakeholders system, inthis but not and state the as awhole. ConAgra and other large economic andindustry economic wellspring for many communities Agriculture and Big Business source of impacts the can world. evenlieelsewhere inthe or state the that impact. isthe experiencing Increasingly, the by corporate board room fiat far awayfrom the community absence of civic human agency, decisions directed simply can be capital value –the of oneself seeing as aNebraskan. In the Lincolnite, an Omahan or an Ordite –and bridging the social bonding social capital value –the of oneself seeing as a opportunities. are of facts life, present both challenges and offer both impending retirement of baby the generation. boom Both of existing the hierarchy is similar to acknowledging the in Nebraska. some Recognizing of inherent the limitations important overall the urban hierarchy cities is to and all towns Importance of Urban Hierarchy more alternatives surrounding communities. to serving rural problem ineastern Nebraska and could, inturn, have provided facilitated innovative solutions to overall the transportation An early decision as location to airport would have greatly Policy is outcome the of negotiating competing values, Regulation can create undue burden and mindless Governance refers of to fair adequacy the representation One form of capital such bridging social is governance; The outcomes for Nebraska’s towns small rural and sameThesaid canbe for Omaha as acity, exceptpowerthe Nebraska has an overall reliance on agriculture as abasic A fundamental is to need create the abalancebetween My point is not to past, criticize the but to point out how the U.S.the and Nebraska is no exception to growth. this Asian- They arethe fastest growing segment populationthe of in a rapid rate, influencing Nebraska’sfuture inunknown ways. development and on perspectives our new future. Hispanics,Like offer they alternative models for community continue to play asignificant futurerolethe in the of state. Americans have strong culturalto ties Nebraska and will arrangements,social yet African-Americans both and Native are divisions, structure oldinthe of social embedded our of continued isolation, deprivation and exclusion. These ongoingAmericans pose challenges for Nebraska interms done. have hardened stereotypes. their Clearly, much more could be shift as an opportunity foreconomic revitalization while others history. Some communities have adapted well, recognizing the other “new” groups that have inNebraska settled over its Response to change this as mixed as has it to been has been and growing labor force inmany Nebraska small communities. West, inthe particularly and on other the hand, arelatively new workplace for families, businesses and society. continued change relationship inthe home between and the and movement their out of exclusively domestic roles means Women bring and to perspectives market the new skills place work place and old to barriers advancement continue to erode. Nebraska future. Women have moved permanently into the growth, women and Hispanics significant be will players in any groupsimpact these have will on state’s the future inmany areas. present articlewould incomplete be without at least noting the publication devoted solely to such issues. Nonetheless, the topic is worthy of acompletely separate articleinaseparate continue to change. important So are changes these that the but nature the meaning and of categories social these also will Not only demographics will continue tofuture,the shift in dimensions Nebraska within both and nation the as awhole. Nebraska’s future have as they to its been past. stamp adecision already made without disclosure. full to expand and strengthen capital, bridging social not to rubber- can’t solved be by any one constituency alone. The objective is participants the when come together to solve an issue which perceptions of eachother’s positions.thecase This is especially to share interests instead of into locking them stereotyped levels. Such bridging mechanisms include: facilitating structures that capital develop bridging social at all creates alevel playing field for competing interests while Nebraska’s Future Race, EthnicityandGenderin The Asian-Americanpopulation continuewill growto at groups,Other such as African-Americans and Native Hispanics are, on one the hand, longtime citizens of Nebraska, to magnitudeDue their population inthe and rate their of The context of life has changed dramaticallyalong these identity ethnic Race, and gender integral issuesbe to will •intra-community civic organizations •intercommunity networks and entities The importantpoint that is allow they various stakeholders •trans-professional organizations •intergovernmental panels and boards providers •multi-jurisdiction service •public-private partnerships The most effectivelikely is public the be policy to thatone

47 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska 48 to individualism both and measure. inequal altruism circumstances, continues to animate human agency, giving rise Itreasurebeing, hope the evenamidst which, most the dire of andlives productive inapeaceful world. And, as ahuman As afather, Iwish for my children to live meaningful, shared individuals dependingsystem. on location their social inthe culture to pre-figurethe range of opportunitiesvisible to As Irecognize power the systems asociologist, of and social amidst homogenizing the influence categoriesof and classes. As ademographer, Irelish persistence the of individualism with life which persists faceof inthe entropic inevitability. own contradictions. As abiologist, Iappreciate tenacity the that formal truth treasure all systems illogical the generate their afathersociologist, and ahuman As being. amathematician, I capitalsocial and economic capital at levels. all harnessed.can If be not, differences the sap will humancapital, and largely-irrational fears. If so, agreat wealth of diverse talent bridging social capital built can be to overcome historical bias can addvalue to Nebraska’s many communities. and country the are of part professional certainly the class that Americans have highest the levels of educational attainment in “For WhatIt’s I am amathematician, abiologist, ademographer, a Again, challenge the for Nebraskans all adequate is whether Population of Nebraska and Ethnicity, by Race 2000-2020 Information Center for Higher Education Policymaking and Analysis, www.higheredinfo.org, 2004. October Source: U.S. Bureau Census population for projections the United States published on the Web site of the National Year 2020 2010 2000 orth” (non-Hispanic) 1,637,856 1,595,942 1,539,408 White (non-Hispanic) 97,517 84,297 69,984 Black For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy to move us to actiontogether. for future success, whatever outcome the of present the exercise. outcomesif the are not guaranteed. The processthe is platform capital inplace, value the of process the itself is even meaningful appetitethe of individual the or community? the With spiritual collective endeavor. In absence the of such capital, what sate will importance the inboth trust of individual the and benefits the of itself –restsexperience on ultimate the capacity to hope and to that significance the all formsof capitalof –indeed, of human fundamental worth of life and shared It experience. to seems me enlightenment from springs which hope and inthe belief given individual. Instead, spiritual capital is spiritual the spiritual capital may or may not include things for these a primarily religion, religious affiliation or religiosity, although community development –spiritual capital. Idonot mean capital assetsapproach and into pursuit the of sustainable community. of our neighbors and living more simply and intelligently as a harnessing our long-range self-interest, enjoying success the We can dobetter for our environment by working together, do better for our children by doing better for our communities. can dobetter for ourselves by doing better for others. We can W Hispanic So it we seems So CANdobetter! Thatalone shouldbe enough A final form capitalof be incorporated to needs intothe It is withhope this that Isuggest that we can dobetter. We e CanDoBetter! 99,110 78,725 60,142 Other 57,528 47,319 35,933 1,892,011 1,806,283 1,705,467 Total seed corn. seed State’s economy centurywas clearly 20th inthe development the of hybrid pharmaceuticals, or robotics. But to Cornhusker the most science the crucial W Development inNebraska Science asanEngineforconomic Hybrid SeedCorn The ScienceBehindtheuccess– with superior strength with stalk harvested mechanical could be pollinated corn hadpicked to be by hand. New hybrid varieties grown before. to prevalence Due the of broken open- stalks, were developed to thrive inlocations where corn had not been replace destroyed seedlings by a late-spring freeze. New varieties (but perhaps lower-yielding) varietymight replanted be to location and growing condition. For example, afast-maturing to customize varietyfor aparticular geographical aspecific response to fertility. soil By combining traits it possible became strongerinsects; quicker stalks; maturation; and enhanced hotter, drier, or conditions; cooler resistance or to disease techniques.east to these learn colleges or stations agricultural were Belt Corn inthe coming parent generations. young Soon, agronomists from land-grant exhibitedseeds astonishing vigor as well as traits the of the inbred, and plants the produced by single-cross these hybrid produced by plants these must by have other fertilized the been tassels of one removed before appearance the seeds of All pollen. two inbredsseason were planted inalternating rows and the given ear were inbred, with identical genetic traits. The next due to loss the of hybrid stimulation, from but seeds a the all generation, rest the while were discarded. plants with desired one trait particular were for used next the from asingle ear, plants were forced to self-pollinate. from Seeds Haven at turn the of century. 20th the with seeds the Beginning directly beganat Agricultural Station Connecticut the at New generations of farmers were able to gradually improve strain. the earsbest at and time harvest using for them next year’s seed, material, or hybridization, by occurs chance. By choosing the tassels growing around it, and combination the of genetic each open-pollinated plant by from is fertilized pollen many grain that fell onattached silk the to that kernel. In field, the produced kernel the and plant the that produced pollen the combinationthe of genetic material from plant the both that female (kernel) blossoms.ripened The kernel resultsfrom extraordinary achievement. $80 billion. Let’s at look acloser take scientificbasis the this of contributed $6billion to Nebraska’s Gross Domestic Product of yield was 154bushels acre. per In 2007,corn production offleveled at about 30 bushelsper acre.Last year,the average By William M.Wehrbein, Professor Emeritus, Nebraska Wesleyan University Desirable traits include ability the of plant the to thrive in Afterseveral generations, theearsand becamestalks smaller Research to improve by controlling seed genetic material corn plantEach produces separate and (tassel) male 1870and average 1930the Between U.S. yield inthe had today, conversation the on usually focuses biotechnology, hen science, technology, and economic development are discussed Nebraska’s SuccessfulT animal division health to Pfizer in1995. it of its sold apart then which became SmithKline Beecham, afixturehas been Lincoln in for 70 years. earlythe In 1990s Pfizer countries. AG, Switzerland, inBasel, based employs 100,000people in 142 in pharmaceuticals, contact lensesand animal Novartis health, products, Northrup Kingand Now Excedrin. seeds, specializing was responsible for such well-known brands baby as Gerber multinationalthe giant Novartis AG. At one Novartis time Ltd. Then Sandoz to formmerged with in1996 Ciba-Geigy merged with Swiss the pharmaceutical company Sandoz Wanderthe Company late inthe 1950s,and in1967Wander Lincoln landmark. laboratories Dorsey of asubsidiary became 1908, and its former headquarters on street South 10th is a Novartis AG tech ventures, searching for some common elements. consider afew of Nebraska’s oldest and most high- successful confined to Nebraska’s feedlots grainand fields. It’s to instructive corn breeders.” inbredsthe and hybrids the received they from state and federal to contribute what didonly they of because cooperation, the Even worked three the who inprivate organizations were able work at land grant colleges and experiment agricultural stations. at land grant colleges, and nine of twelve the historic didtheir demonstrated value the of hybrid corn, ten of were them trained Richard Crabbe writes, “Of twelve the men discovered who and cornessentially planted all inIowa was hybrid seed. was planted with by hybrid 1938it seed; was half, and by 1942 corn is astounding. In 1933only 0.7percent of Iowa’s corn crop utilizing farmer-dealer systems. delivery The rapid rise of hybrid four private companies organized primarily by processing was of seed productionthe and researchtheir stations, at universities and progressed primarily corn pickers. Norden Laboratories, amanufacturer of vaccines for lifestock, CompanyThe Smith-Dorsey was foundedLincoln in in economicThe benefits science of andtechnology haven’tbeen In his classic The HybridCorn-makers, historian agricultural While corn breeding Lincoln, NE Nebraska Wesleyan University Professor Emeritus of Physics William M.Wehrbein Article by: echnology V entures 49

Photo Courtesy of William M. Wehrbein Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska 50 30 largest foundations U.S. inthe and distributes about $90 Marion Kauffman,the Kauffman Foundation is among the mid-60s by late the entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Kauffmanthe Foundation in Kansas City.Established the in challenges facing regional economic development than that of multinational corporation. generation retired, and were eventually merged into alarge some kindofexperienced acrisisinleadership first the when and expanded into but new closely-related areas. Most have community. ofa need local the thrived of firms Each these with ascientificbackground was able to identify and meet market of hematology reference controls. samples,blood Streck now maintains 70percent of world the manufacture automated instruments to count cells the of patient laboratory.clinical Established in1971by Dr. Wayne Ryan to hematology, chemistry, and immunology products for the Streck, Inc. products inover used 100countries. Kingdom and markets environmental and biotechnology with 200 employees has subsidiaries inGermany and United the sensors. Headquartered inLincoln, privately-held this company in1971to manufactureestablished Li-Cor and these similar usable solar radiation for photosynthesis field. inthe Biggs Biggs was hired to develop research the instruments to monitor to promote grain sorghum as aworld product. food William Li-Cor Teledyne companies. retired in2004,and Teledyne Isco one became of more than 50 was to sold ISCO Teledyne Technologies Allington when instruments and environmental water monitoring instruments. inliquid chromatography beganto specialize ISCO separation chromatography, and by them sold direct mail. In mid-60s, the faculty. He for need the recognized collectors fraction for liquid repairing and constructing scientificequipment for UNL Jacob Schafer, atoolmaker at Watch Elgin Factory, inabusiness of 1955,Allington contracted polio. Two years later he joined student internship at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratories summer inthe supporting repairman.16, partially himself While as aTV on a engineering program electrical began the at UNLat age the of Lincoln, Allington tinkered with electronics as ayoungster and a plant professor pathology at University the of Nebraska at Teledyne Isco Pharma employs, which 4,000people in23countries. Pharmaceuticals. In 1996Harris was acquired Labs by MDS development as chair andof of drugs, Smith served new Kline in Lincoln. Later, Harristesting inthe and specialized equipment, Harris and his bride Harris started Laboratories had saved tohis honeymoon both fund and some salvaged employment. It was summer the of 1933.With $100he the at University the of Nebraska he could find no suitable MDS Pharma State NewEconomyIndex Probably there no more has been thorough analysis of the Note that mostbeganwhen of asingle firms individual these Headquartered inOmaha, Streck, Inc. manufactures In Agronomy 1967,the Department at UNLinitiated aproject AllingtonRobert and are ISCO Lincoln legends.son The of HarrisWhen Lewis completed his M.S.degree inchemistry surrounding states except for high-tech-heavy Colorado (10th). of49th 50states the –our worst showing. of workers’ income invested as venture capital, Nebraska ranks relevant to article, this Nebraska ranked As 38th. far as share the number of scientists and engineers, probably indicator the most and number inthe of high-techjobs,only As 29th. for the Development investment by private ranked only industry 35th, school with an laptop $800MacBook computer. areas. Weeping Water recently provided student every inits high computer and Internet inschools, and that’s not just inmetro using Internet the Nebraska (16th). of use inthe ranks the 5th and of (10th), fraction state’s the the services traded population number of farmers connected to Internet the high-wage (18th), number of Information Technology professionals the (17th), only one year. Nebraska rankings achieves high inthe also Cornhuskerthe state has moved from place toin 14th 6th economic dynamics, is which an aggregate of six indicators, or more for four straight years. In category inthe fact, of withfirms annual sales revenuethat grownhas percent 20 stateOur is number “gazelle” one inso-called are jobs,which Nebraska’snews: from rank has place risen since 36th 2002. out –27th middle the of 50states. the But there is some good stack up? to number the of Internet domain names. How Nebraska does economy. indicators These rangefrom number patentsof issued eachstate’sto ascertain readiness to participate new inthe the cost of living is lower and the infrastructure not burdened. so Economic opportunities ought expanded toinregions be where 30 percent of jobgrowth U.S. inthe injust occurred five states. costs as well as to benefits.led unnecessary thelast In decade, geographical distribution of past economic development has productivity and quality of life. In addition, uneven the sourcesto energy new and using globalization to enhance (robotics, nanotechnology and biotechnology), transitioning revolution, digital the employing next the wave of innovation challengesthe and opportunities of achieving promise the of But beyond that, economy new the for centuryfaces new this is to restore credit markets and return employment. to full years. companies. 1977and 1998it Between took an average of only 12 to replace of half firms the on alist thelargest 100 of public In 60years the following 1917it took an average of 30years has grown faster 2.5times Gross than global Domestic Product. technology, and driven by innovation. trade Since 1980global dependent, entrepreneurial, global, rooted ininformation economy of 21st the century. Economy Index, assessing eachstate’s suitability for new the Technology and Innovation Foundation publish State the New agenda, Thepolicy Kauffman Foundation theand Information Advancing its pro-productivity and pro-innovation public entrepreneurship and improving education the of children. yearmillion per ingrants and programs related to advancing How DoesNebraskaStackUp? T oday’s Challenges Still, Nebraska’s overall rank was than higher any of its indicatorsOther were not rosy. so Nebraska’s Research and In overall the state-by-state score Nebraska ranks solidly in The 2008State New Economy Index 29different uses indicators The immediate challenge currentthe of economic slowdown Thateconomy, new the in as defined is knowledge- report, Collaboration intheGlobalEconomy expect the enormous the expect success of RTP repeated to be everywhere. long-termthe economic benefit all of Nebraskans. But can’twe university research and build private partnerships sector for Innovation Campus, provide will which asite to expand Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman as for amodel Nebraska government was partners), cited by University of Nebraska- State University (1,300acres and over 60 corporate and operation,A smaller Centennial Campus at North Carolina region previously known primarily for tobacco and textiles. companies employing 42,000people, transformed which this North Carolina, a7,000-acre campus home to more than 170 The exampleprime Researchis Triangle Park (RTP) incentral facilities and asubstantial of pool trained and motivated labor. access to highways and excellent airport, telecommunications for success are an attractive environment and available housing, of auniversity, with room for spin-offs and start-ups. Necessary R&D facilities and companies that require R&D, vicinity inthe Research Parks on knowledge.based together leadersto analyze and promote economy new this economy. Frequent conferences, inEurope, especially bring determine impact the of and science global inthe technology governments, firms, universities and researchlaboratories will state government, and astatewide consensus to create jobs. new business and government, relatively healthy state economy and other positives for Nebraska: ahealthy relationship between of Technical Development Resources Company, noted some James E.McClurg, University of Nebraska Regent and President The preferredthe is model “technopol,” mass acritical of Understanding and managing complex the interaction among For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy water quality, aquifers, and biofuels. leapfrogcan still world the with innovations inareas such as enhance skills required specific by employees the of operation. to provide talent, and programs to evenwillingness run to Community and College University the of Nebraska at Omaha that nearby-Omaha had to offer, as well as Metropolitan newest plant. They were sophisticated theattracted to lifestyle production of bioethanol, recently chose Blair for site the of its bioinnovation company developing enzymes to improve and Omaha. New BioNebraska member Novozymes, aDanish welcoming environment for and new expanding businesses. development of educated ahighly work force and providing a bybioscience industry supporting research, basic aiding inthe dedicated to development the and growth of Nebraska’s Association (BioNebraska), a nonprofittrade association school. McClurg chair is also of Bio Nebraska Life Sciences attitude, not narrow the developed ingraduate specialties problem-solving, team knowing skills, how to and learn cultural institutions. The skills required thetypical employeeof are come from community college backgrounds, not four-year notes that employees most entry-level inhigh-techindustries of culture the at to conventional UNL).Contrary wisdom, he professors (although consulting has not asignificant been part amenities that attract young professionals, and access to neara firm auniversity: availability trainedof spouses, venturelocal capital, were to success inNorth crucial Carolina. regional knowledge infrastructure, as well as presence the of Studies have indicated that public and private investment inthe Nebraska doesn’t have to beat Boston, noted McClurg. We economyknowledge-based The new isn’t just forLincoln McClurg pointed out advantages the of he developing sees

51 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska By Dr. Timothy Donahue and James Koehn, J.D., CPA, Chadron State College N Accepting Change Success DependsonPlanning,Collaboration, 52 of Association Nationalthe Director of is Executive infrastructure. and development of that are responsible for upkeep andfederal state agencies that business and community leadersand accomplished through acollaboration of approach to planning infrastructure could be evaluating and updating our infrastructure. Abalanced opportunities, emphasizes further which importance the of countries intheir model trade to maximize global their citizens, including developing and maintaining infrastructure. functions management inthe governments of local and their iswhich Nebraska: work independently but of as function part total the system, Development Administration, shows: Century,” written by Sandyof head Economic the K.Baruah, changes and proactive being necessary inour responses. its communities prosper. all will marketplace global inthe succeed and as aresult, state the and challenges and advantage take of opportunities, state the can contributes to of health the whole. the If Nebraskans with deal We work and plan independently, but of health the one part same. If malfunctions, one it part wholebody. affectsthe body organs to accomplish various functions, Nebraska the does Federal, stateandlocalgovernment Nebraska’s Systems Matthew D. Chase The world is usingthe Unites States’ public infrastructure The state and levels federal of government manyserve 4. Human capital ` 3. Non-profit foundations 2. Business and industry, agribusiness 1. Federal, state government and local Nebraska is composed of at least four systems; sub-systems the 5. Innovation is only the sustainable competitive advantage. 4. Partnership with private the is sector critical. pursued separately. 3. The components of competitivenesscan no longerbe pace 2. The of change continuewill to accelerate. 1. We are economy. inaglobal Five “The Realities Economicof New Development the 21st in Nebraska’s future and sustainability hinge on recognizing the Just as human the different uses body groupsmuscle and great changes, and understanding Nebraska’s roleebraska’s as an integral economicpart of bothfuture the U.S.depends andon planningglobal economies. for the future, working together instead of competing, accepting to livewherethey choose. possible forNebraskans Broadband hasmadeit Chadron State College - Timothy Donahue, Ph.D. and James Koehn, J.D., CPA, Business andindustry;agribusiness Telecommunications Industry News (reported by Scarborough to participate economy. global inthe According to industries are just beginning.” rest of The competitive globe. the challenges facing America’s at connecting nearly 70percent of world’s the workforce to the However, nations these are making strategic investments aimed maythey have far more pressing unmet than needs we have. U.S.)the on upgrades infrastructure and improvements. Sure, from four to eight percent vs.slightly about two percent for increasing portionof Gross their National Product (anywhere and many sub-Saharan nations, Africa are spending an also emergingOther markets, such as India, of parts Europe and workforce to centers trade and markets around world. the much of emphasis the is on connecting its landscape vast rural and airports new more than 300,000kilometers of roads. new remain on communities linking focused rail, 97 with high-speed only to our interstate system. Their work isn’t complete they as has1990s, China built an interstate expressway that is second 2001 and 2005than it spent previous inthe 50years. Since the spent more on its roads, railways and otherbetween fixed assets industries. service tourism, care, health production, energy manufacturing and community as well as other sectors of economy the such as trade. Access to markets for is both critical, our agricultural to efficiently and effectivelyparticipate innational global and centers, workforce training facilities or transportation, ifit is infrastructure, broadband, whether water and sewer, care health ofhistory United the States. Anation must invest inits public Development Organizations (NADO) and stated inearly 2008: Telecommunications has allowed Nebraska businesses investments“These are not just taking inurban place areas; “As reported byEconomist The China in 2008, has February “Our competitors global have from learned economic the Research), broadband penetration has grown by 300percent United inthe States past inthe six years, allowing people to become online urbanization of farmland their as long as parks, Little League fresh, firm and cheap. They have no interest in preventing the longer care where or how get as food, long their they as it is themselves –and have they now judgment. passed They no or politician, eventhe but rather with American the people no longer with farmer, the much less with abstract thinker the wrote inFields Without Dreams (Free Press, 1996): of power –aweapon!” of currency, atool of international politics, and an instrument major source of corporate cash flow,economic leverage, a form to commandseek our supply food it has become instead a first and foremost as a sustainer Rather,of life. who those to production, quality and accessibility, is no longer food viewed ending control worldwide to determine will who struggle its make it quite literally history’s ‘staff of life.’ Today,the in never- of culture the it feeds and its moral and religious significance denominator. Its availability, quality, price, and its reflection Agribusiness 1992): Books: (Essential nextthe generations. term profit decisions if we intend passto on a healthy system to agribusiness. We must address long-term planning over short- to us citizens –the of world the –to make decisions final the in impossible to replace ifwe don’t manage properly. them It is up percentage of state’s the total economy. though agriculture and its related businesses are alarge still Today, state’s the business and profile industry has diversified, of 0.27percent native-born inthe population. 2006 to 0.46percent compares in2007,which to an activity rate entrepreneurial rate of immigrants rose from 0.37percent in percent in2006to 0.40percent in2007.Additionally, the percent in2007. rate for women from decreased 0.23percent in2006to 0.20 0.35 percent in2006to 0.41percent in2007. In contrast, the development country. inthe owners, and is earliest the documentation of business new firstthe month of significant businessactivity new by business Published by Kauffman the Foundation,this indexcaptures leading indicator of business new creation United inthe States. people merchandise to worldwide. sell or services Telecommunications Industry News. Thiscapability allows Internet) for navigation and crop production, according to such as Positioning Global Systems (GPS)and Wi-Fi (wireless college, conduct business, obtain research and functions use Usingwhere choose. they online capabilities, can attend they 575 percent past inthe sixyears. represents majority the of increase, this with DSL increasing by to just 12percentLine (DSL) in2002.The Digital Subscriber Internethigh-speed connection household, inthe compared entrepreneurs. “The final verdict “The the on future the of American lies farm Victor Davis Hanson, a former raisinCalifornia grape grower, “Food, next to life itself, has become our greatest common A.V. Krebs wroteCorporate inTheBook Reapers: of The Food and water are fundamental resources that are almost Agribusiness has always abasis of Nebraska’s been economy. 2. Latinos’ entrepreneurial activity increased from 0.33 1. For men, entrepreneurial the activity rate increased from In 2007,changes reported inentrepreneurial activity include: The Kauffman Index of EntrepreneurialActivity the is Broadband has made it possible for Nebraskans to live Approximately 49percent of American adults now have a Non-Profit Foundations residents; gaps fill the in they government’s work by providing essential. sustainable. Public and private partnerships become will inacost-effective manner,services and are workingbecome to must prove understand they market, their can provide adequate and must demonstrate to donors their are they competent. They grow together and really handmaids be to eachother.” three importantThese branches of then will human industry our on dependence foreign nations and our liability to war. manufactures and commerce. To go beyond is them to increase cannot raise (and no more). These limitsaretrue the of consumption to amarket for exchanging it for articleswe surplus the produceto carry of agriculture beyond our own raise raw the materials (and no more). Commerce sufficient Manufactures sufficient for ourown consumption what of we commerce become isessential certainly to our independence. It’s real the reason are they mad.” impromptu rock concert. Instinctively, most farmers know this. horizon,the stuff the wineof a commercial, cigarette ad or quite transient appreciation of his rough-cut visage against romanticism for farmer the is just that, anand artificial reminds of them past their and not future. their Their stucco and asphalt. fields and occasionalan bikelane are left the amid concrete, Non-profits are part an essential the of state’ssafety net for its Nebraska non-profit (501(c)(3) organizations are businesses, “An equilibrium of agriculture, manufactures and Thomas Jefferson, inaletter to John Jay in1809, said: have “They someoneno need of they whoare not,who Chadron, Nebraska Chadron State College Director of Nebraska the Business Development Center Assistant Professor of Accounting and James Koehn, J.D., CPA Chadron, Nebraska Chadron State College Nebraska Business Development Center Associate Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship Dr. Timothy Donahue (left) Article by: 53

Photos Courtesy of Timothy Donahue and James Koehn Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska 54 Institute Public of Certified Accountants. Telberg, editor-at-large for newsletter the of American the or through own starting their businesses, according to Rick entrepreneurs, tolearned be either through formal training generally have superior and skills, technology many may have workers. may Millenials not have much capital, but they teachers certified plan to retire,the as do majority of federal next in the In decade. that crucial that be time, of half will all Millenials and needs. andcapacity; immigrants. group Each has its own attributes baby Millenials; be boomers inare-defined will past;the they Entrepreneurs of tomorrow won’t like entrepreneurs the be of Carolina: Management at Mount Olive inGoldsboro, College North ofmodel aFor-Profit business. ofthrough is which classic the sale products the or services, is to generate income earned to support purpose its social waynew of doing business to assure sustainability. One option sustainability of individual organizations. increases, competition for donors increases, threatening also php?state=us). As number the of non-profit organizations from 1996(http://nccsdataweb.urban.org/PubApps/profile1. one million of organizations; these almost a70percent increase and business and individual support. In 2006,there were nearly from standpoint the of return on investment. that business andservices consider industry unprofitable to be Human Capital Millenials areMillenials now 10-27years old; is this an age group Nebraska’s future on depends its human capital. charitable fund then money; pursuits. 5. organizations enterprise should that asocial start can make provided; pay for services the 4. organizations should consider audiences that are to willing have by rejected private the been sector; 3. organizations should not on take business models that Economy; enterprise should2. social participate Experience inthe 1. organizations should with combine business; service According to David Assistant Rendall, Professor of Business/ Non-profit organizationscan protectthemselves by creating a Most non-profits are funded grants,by government support time, create state. inthe synergy We can, however, prioritize projects inafair manner and, in implement projects the all or wishes of residents the at all once. American Institute Public of Certified Accountants). money (Rick Telberg, editor-at-large for newsletter the of the haveto they succeed; little capital, but dohave adrive to earn English and American culture; have they an exceptional urge other languages and cultures; difficulties with experience they Public Certified Accountants). editor-at-large for newsletter the of American the Institute of and know they traditional ways of doing business (Rick Telberg, want to continue to work; have they avast network of contacts; havethey but skills, may technologies; innew weak they be humanitarian projects. hobbiestheir into businesses; may they apply business to skills honedwith skills from previous their careers. may They turn through retirement or displacement, continue will they to work future.the Many have worked incorporate environments, and SourcebookThe ClaireRaines).by leaders are approaching retirement Generations: (Connecting are on edge the of retirement, and many industrial and civic of workers employed with government federal the indicate they World War IIand are retiring ingreat numbers. Sixty percent activelivingresources.org). on what is wrong and right communities intheir (www. places. Additionally,friendly” young people have information equation has to development led the of many “people-un- Studies show that leaving children out of future the planning responsibility and excitement about state the and its future. aboutlearn economy, global the butgain of asense will they planning. Not introduce only they will own their interests and For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy Conclusions Immigrants Baby Boomers Nebraska can’t people, things to all nor all be can it Immigrants have contacts inforeign countries; know they Baby boomers may have money, but may not have pensions; baby These boomers will bring aboutwidespread change in Baby boomers were years inthe born following end the of Young people must involved be indecisions affectingfuture T some, but won’t as dominant be as 90s. inthe biking, and hiking extreme water are sports growing also important inimportance. be still will Golf for 10. Birds Birdies Beating –The fastest-growing spectatorthe USA in is sport bird watching.Geo-caching, chocolate, cheese, breweries vodka, and others. 9. Premiumization –it with started coffee but embracedbeen has in many other products like honey, driving trend, this as is growing the interest things organic. inall 8. Niche Ag Farmers –are increasingly diversifying production to niche new food products. is also Local to get inon front the everything edge of trend. this 7. Enviropreneurs –Green is increasingly growing inimportance. Many entrepreneurs local are investing The forold, walkableback. is neighborhood everything. 6. New Urbanization-Downtowns –are hot! and Boomers young professionals don’t want to have to drive starting to fight over thatit those and have control rule. of will it 5. Water, Water, Water –You can’t have enough of it. are Boomers going to want to live on it, west the is follow.will Huge driver of where Xers Gen the and are Millenials going to to decide raise families. their Employers anyone attended who its and grade schools. Newton, high Iowa and Dorado, El Arkansas have followed. 4. Promises –It with started Kalamazoo, Michigan, promised which to pay college the education for retraining of work the force due to rapid the changes place inour taking economy. going to increasingly pushed be down to kindergarten. Community key to the constant the be colleges will have world-class schools are and primary secondary going winners. the to Entrepreneurial be education is 3. Educationjobs –The the 21stof century are increasingly going to go the to well-educated. Townsthat businesses,starting new volunteering and transforming communities the that are able to attract them. recruiting young retirees to These them. young retirees aren’t goingpassive,be to they are goingbe to 2. Retirement as Strategy –The communities BabySeveral oldestBoomer 60in2006. turned are actively Millenials. the going most the to entrepreneurial be of history inthe USA.You the recruiting to need be and retaining generation, –this 1. Millenials now ages 10-27,dwarfs Baby the insize. These Boomers youngpeople are in 2008”aftertraveling to morethan 300 towns in44 states to trends.assess His assessments: Jack Schultz, founder of Boomtown the Institute (www.boomtowninstitute.com), wrote “Top Ten Trends op T CommunityLeadership” “The 10. Thou shalt developfuture leaders 9. Thou shalt prepare for environmentglobal a 8. Thou shalt value history, cultureandart 7. Thou shalt demonstrate standard ahigh behavior of ethical 6. Thou shalt promote respect 5. Thou shalt investeducation in trainingand 4. Thou shalt seek public/privatepartnerships 3. Thou shalt a build sustainableeconomy forthe next generation 2. Thou shalt develop a strategic plan 1. Thou shalt createvision a forfuturethe by Maury Forman en T en Commandmentsof rends in2008

55 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska 56 of identifying method secure an adequate, tofailed provide government has federal the because and out them sorting problem inidentifying that there is amajor but it must recognized be immigrants is appropriate, knowingly hire undocumented than inrelocation. services to result inagreater burden on our social reputations, enforcement this effort is more likely established families are who citizens legal and have exemplary many of have them lived for country inthis years and have return to native their countries. As matter, apractical since fromthem labor the force and theoretically, inspire to them immigrants andemploy who those This them. would remove of immigration laws targeting of pool undocumented this undocumented immigrants inside our borders. with question the of how with approximately to deal 12million not popular. Unable to pursue either of options, these we are left legalization. Mass deportation is not feasible and legalization is voters generally extremes the reject of mass deportation or with undocumented the immigrants presently country, inthe to country the more immigrants. When it comes to dealing that asignificant majority of our citizens are to opposed opening immigration prior to last the The election. findings clearly show Washington, D.C. on conducted voter asurvey attitudes toward voters, however.Center The for Immigration Studies in notThis does theappear be to option favored by most American obvious the needs, solution to is dilemma immigration. this labor.unskilled and an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit; level and entry areas: elite leaderswith advanced education, expertise, technical with severe faced labor be shortageswe will intwo critical can compensate for shortage the of people to some extent, but ability to remain competitive economy. global inthe leadership and productivity positions. clearly Thiswill affect our following are insufficient in numbers to replace them inkey force afterBabyBoomthe generation retires. The generations other demographers raise alarms about future the of our work and immigration. James Canton, Future inhis book Shock , and Unitedin the States with our attitudes toward economic growth social security,social care health and our of sense identity as Americans as we enter 21st the Century. I By Jim Partington, Nebraska Restaurant Association the UnitedStatesW Federal ImmigrationReformandtheFutureof Action against employers who There is broad support for more aggressivelaw enforcement Since other nations have asurplus of people able to these meet Advanced and technology other productivity enhancements We have an interesting and somewhat confusing dichotomy is an issue that has implications for national security, economy, the demographics of our future workforce, mmigration reform is acomplex visible andissue political very confronting our leadership political today. It Nebraska Restaurant Association - Jim Partington, generations. bring benefitslasting for and compromise, itwill and requireshard work While reformiscomplex orkforce 15 percent over next the 10years, but U.S. the government estimates number the ofto grow industry jobsinthe by of immigrant workers. The NationalRestaurant Association of $1.9billion; and one of largest the private employers sector second largest inNebraska with 67,000employees and sales employersector U.S. inthe with 12.8million employees; the government and not resolvable at state the level. for duration the of employment. their are able to enter United the States under controlled conditions workers willing which with available employment opportunities status, and rest the send then back to native their countries. and economy,society arrange for reliable identification their of against out we which canthose sort contribute who to our issue is unacceptable. equally We clearly some need standard of country. the Granting status legal all them just to resolve the Mass deportation is not feasible at any cost acceptable to most undocumented immigrants residing United inthe States today. up with asuitable, feasible and acceptable plan with the to deal U.S. Congress on immigration reform. approachesBoth are obvious debate inthe place inthe taking can demagogue issue the for advantage. political personal their issues solutions, and to them accept lead necessary the or they leadershippolitical to can educate elect people the about the actionspolitical that voters the are reluctant to support, our have combined to produce untenable this situation. workforce inexcess of that available from domestic the pool, of documented immigrants, along with employers’ for need a forsecurity past the 20years and provide reliable identification documented immigrants. The restaurantthelargest is industry private and foodservice of initiatives these Both are responsibility the of federal the Concurrent withwe to this, need establish aprocess through In order to resolve our dilemma, this to leadersneed come When with aproblem faced that can only solved be by The failure the of governmentfederal to enforceborder estimates labor the force grow will only 10percent. Even more troubling, government the estimates that 16-to the 24-year-old age group, makes which up about half of our industry’s workforce, will not grow at over all next the decade. immigration system Right now, our does notdoes the meet economy’s for need new workers.new cards are available service industry industry service each year for Only 10,000green nations on our and northern southern borders we so were not protection afforded oceansby to eastour and west friendly and For most of our history, United the States hasfrom benefited the enforcement resources to mean on who focus us harm. those terror. Immigration reform would scarce free law and border is itsleast potential discussed to bolster our nation’s war on end. on America’s doorstep insearch of opportunities new would longer fear broken being apart. And eraof the immigrants dying hundreds of thousands of whom include U.S. citizens, would no society’s mainstream as previous immigrants have done. opportunity citizens, to become enabling full to them join employees would have to English learn and given be the connected to it by only apaycheck, hardworking these comprehensive reform. Instead of living on society’s margins, protecting undocumented the from exploitation. over generations –were applied employee to every inAmerica, enhanced labor ifthe be standards –that Americans have won lawthe among employers and undocumented employees would lawbreaking that disturbs law-abiding for Americans. Respect law. Reasonable and enforceable end culture the will of rules immigration areas recording greatest the gains. native-bornthe over past the quarter century, with high- research shows that immigration has to wages led higher among sustain and grow our living standards. University of California that America’s expanding economy gets workers the it to needs with a way status. to legal earn of potential hires; and it must provide undocumented employees simple, efficient and inexpensivestatus systemthelegal to verify that our economy gets workers the it there needs; must a be four key concerns: it must strengthen our borders; it must ensure and compromise, bring it will benefitslasting for generations. squandered. While reform is complex and requires hard work cooperation, creating an opportunity that must not be public support and accomplished can be through bipartisan for economy the to get legally workers the it needs. hardworking undocumented immigrants to citizenship earn and and crack down on illegality. favor But also they away for immigrationthe problem. want They to strengthenborderthe cultural influences they start as up restaurants their of own. restaurants and as entrepreneurs, incorporating and ethnic make significant contributions as consumers in our nation’s portion of restaurant the industry’s workforce, but also they continued growth. Immigrants not only make up alarge America’s rapidly expanding labor market. immigration system fails to recognize economic the realities of This is a direct consequencethat the fact to our broken nation as awhole, up to one in20employees is undocumented. Pewrespected Hispanic Center.Center The estimatesthat the in in Nebraska is undocumented, according to research by the million people. What is result? the Up to one in37employees workers inAmerica’s rapidly expanding workforce of 134 Of all ofOf all benefits the of comprehensive reform,perhaps AmericanOther values would benefit. Immigrant families, Assimilation would one be of biggest the winners of Genuine immigration reform strengthen of also rule the will Such areform would benefit pocketbooks our by ensuring To succeed, comprehensive immigration reform must address Comprehensive immigration reform enjoys widespread Poll afterpoll shows Americans of supportaspect fixing every A rational immigration is essential to our policy industry’s For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy competitive position. continue to grow and we maintain our enviable international comprehensive immigration reform that so our economy can demagoguery, accept demographic the and facts support success of our country. Let’s work our way past irrational the on importance the of immigration to future the growth and employers. inexpensive and reliable and not does unfairly penalize status; and establishes averification systemthat is effective, undocumented to pay before apenalty earning permanent legal U.S.when workers are not available; creates aprogram for the borders; provides away for employers to hire from abroad immigrants, would they bring it to closer reach the of of all us. our ancestors to United the States, to today’s hardworking opening up American the Dream that brought many so of borders, our economy, of our law rule and our values. By to achieve what Americans care about by strengthening our applicant’s work authorization. provide asimple, inexpensive and effective wayjob a to verify workers cannot found. be Finally, government federal the should allowedbe to hire legally international employees U.S. when adequatelyeconomy’sthe reflect employers needs, should also given responsibilities. new To ensure that immigration rules a green card. continue to work here, but go to back of the line the to apply for pay any back taxes owed. In return, qualified applicants could fine, undergobackground criminal checks, English learn and lawbreaking by requiring undocumented employees to pay a of world. the fromdetract our strategic flexibility in other, more parts critical significant resources to closing borderour with Mexico, will it Our political leadershave political Our an opportunity to educate voters the We support comprehensive reform that strengthens our Such areform would enable to work parties both together Employers and government federal the would be also Democrats and Republicans should amnesty reject and punish www.prairiefirenewspaper.com Prairie Fire Newspaper Reprinted with Permission from July 2007issue of Nebraska Restaurant Association Executive Director Jim Partington Article by: to divert If we need borders. these to protect resources to divert required

57

Photo Courtesy of Jim Partington Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska particularly forparticularly retail establishments and businesses. small recovery until late 2009.According to Vincent and Pierson (2008),business closures are increasing as well, (GDP), it clear seems that nation’s the economy inarecession has been andlikely will not any see sustained slowdown inconsumer spending alone (which represents nearly 70percent of gross the domestic product B The CurrentPictureandProspectsfortheFuture Sources ofBusinessEnterpriseGrowthinNebraska: 58 gaining in business activity net of any closings. startups (i.e. births –deaths) 2000to over 2005.Hence, period the is on focus the degree the to aregional which economy may or may not be Thedata measure establishment (new startups),births deaths (closings), and expansions. Themeasure net employed here givesmeasure a of net 1 enterprises and establishments from U.S. the Census Bureau. main measure of economic activity, employing data on new of entrepreneurspart those business. starting anew conducive to some inlong belief termsuccess, at least on the business startups tend to depict an economic environment enterprises, are somewhat less volatile. Therefore,data on volatile. Businesses, large- the particularly and medium-sized Employment is an input to production and tends highly to be measure to consider for both short- and long-term analysis. on business new startups. In some is this aviable respects authors such as (2004)and Gabe Falck (2007)have focused Saenz, Schmitz, Neira, and Jeutang, 2006).Alternatively, some e.g.Decker, Goss, (see, Burkhart-Kriesel, Johnson, Thompson, regionally. One of most the common is to measure employment onwith focus its non-metropolitan areas. Thesources is to identify goal economicof growth in Nebraska These non-agriculture-basedsectors arethe this essay.of focus Nebraska’sboth metropolitan and non-metropolitan economies. strength other than agriculture that contribute significantly to comparedwhen to other states. Hence, Nebraska may able be to avoid as dramatic arecession employment sectors inagricultural tends counter-cyclical. to be as land values, and, and Rocha as Da Restucca (2008)point out, agriculture. Food and land prices are relatively still as well high, strength during such acycle. First, state the is heavily vested in dependent upon manufacturing for its economic well-being. sector, such as manufacturing, can disaster spell for area arural in nature. Therefore, on a nationwidebasis, adownturn in one recessions largely economies their because tend less to diverse be communities. Historically, areas rural tend harder to be hit by there may greater be concern inNebraska’s non-metropolitan not as hard been hit by downturn the housing inthe market, areas have arelatively diverse industrial composition and have weather current the storm. While state’s the major metropolitan wonderstill about prospects the for Nebraska and its ability to are regions the hardest hit by current the downturn, one might By Christopher Decker, Ph.D., University of Nebraska–Omaha Nebraska relative to its neighboring states, as well as to the In acomparison next the section, of business new growth in Thisdata easily canbe found at http://www.census.gov/csd/susb/susbdyn.htm. currentlyIt is available the countyat from level 2000 to 2005. This essaydata utilizes on net businessgrowth the as There are a number of ways to measureeconomic growth that,Beyond however, there may other be sources of economic However, inNebraska there may some sources be of economic While that it case the to east the and seems be west coasts home foreclosures on tightening rise, the credit markets, atroubled domestic auto market, and ageneral y any measure, United the States’ economy is currently substantial experiencing contraction. With 1

also seems to seems suggestalso that states like South Dakota are also had asignificant sector.presencethis in However,evidence Colorado, as well as inKansas. These states havetraditionally inmanyhas occurred western states, such as Wyoming and country.the Asignificant amount of new businessgrowth prompted increased mining and across activities extraction other natural resources over past the few years has certainly increase was 5.74percent. The increased cost of crude oil and 8.91 percent 2000and between 2005.In United the States, the as well as minerals. In Nebraska, of types entities these increased ofand naturally quarrying solids, such as oil occurring and gas, companies, and services. health firms, profession firms, management service and technical of manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, information and neighboring the region.sectors Those include mining, business growth inNebraska out-paced nation the both establishment counts during that same period. by contrast, a4.33percent experienced increase inbusiness and bordering inthe region it increased 5.66percent. Nebraska, establishments increased 5.8percent 2000and between 2005 nation.the In United the States, number the of business bordering the both behind lagged states region as well as 2000 and 2005,business establishment growth inNebraska Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, South Dakota, and Wyoming. considered study inthis are Nebraska’s bordering primary states: states for business new growth. The neighboring states nation, but to what extent Nebraska competes with neighboring provides apicture of how Nebraska fares withto respect the statesin those proximity inclose to Nebraska. This not only United the both States as awhole, as well as business growth growth inNebraska, to it compare is useful such growth with addressedthen and finally,the essay concludes. growth. Prospects for future short- and long-term growth are sources of metropolitan both and non-metropolitan business within nine separate regions within state the to potential identify statethe are identified.sectors industrial these Then, as analyzed United States as a whole, isKey undertaken. industrial sectors in Nebraska, theRegionandation Mining firms are enterprisesthose engaged the extraction in Thatsaid, there were a also number sectorswhereof As inTable seen can be 1,itthat years the is true between To provide context for state the of business establishment Total smaller sectors and unclassified enterprises are included in the Total but not presented in detail Source: USCensus Bureau: http://www.census.gov/csd/susb/susbdyn.htm, obtained October 15,2008.Some Other Services (exceptAccommodation Public and Food Administration) Services Arts, Entertainment, and RecreationHealth services Educational Services Waste ManagementManagement and Remediation of Companies Professional,Services & Enterprises Scientific,Real Estate and Rental& andTechnical Leasing Finance Services and Insurance Information Transportation and WarehousingRetail Trade Wholesale Trade Manufacturing Construction Utilities Mining Forestry, Fishing, Hunting, & Ag. Support substantial increase number inthe of such establishments. of first the fiveyears thethe 2000s, of a nation experienced residential property construction and throughout selling most homes and commercial establishments. Perhaps due to increased renting,in selling, and/or leasing stationary properties such as increasedactivities 19.08percent. and number 2005,the of businesses engaged ininformation its neighboring states and nation the 2000 as awhole. Between business growth inNebraska was substantially greater than both growth was slightly higher, 11.02percent. However, of pace the 10.06 percent increase. In Nebraska’s neighboring region, the positions. Nationwide, growth insuch businesses registered a engineers and like, the many of are which quite high-paying educatedhighly workforce, including authors, editors, software software,as books, and other electronic media. It employs a and distribution of information and cultural products such sectorThis is comprised of firms involved the with creation number inthe has been ofthe firms in Informationsector. 13.40 percent and for region the it was 13.30percent. in business growth here as well. For Nebraska, increase the was Yet, Nebraska and its neighboring states outpaced nation the 11.86 percent 2000and between 2005,asubstantial gain indeed. numberthe of businesses engaged insuch increased activities as well as warehousing the and storage of Nationwide goods. and cargo (including rail, trucking, pipelines, and air transport), aresector engaged those transportation inthe of passengers regions of United the States for anumber of years. Firms inthis substantial economic success Midwest inthe and Great Plains in manufacturing. 2000andbetween 2005Nebraska a1.06percent posted increase region net inmanufacturing losses experienced business, business to state. the While nation the both and neighboring the Nebraska appears effectively to be attractingmanufacturing new generated asubstantial amount of economic activity. Thatsaid, of associated the jobsare relatively high-paying positions that lamented shift sectoral this awayfrom manufacturing as many contractionexperiencing over years. last the Many thirty have manufacturing is of asector nation’s the economy that has been and transition the to more business service-oriented activity, a 14.34percent increase inbusinesses engaged inmining. in Nebraska’s neighboring region outpaced state, the registering witnessing increased business activity inmining. In mining fact, Table 1.Number and Growth of Business Enterprises The Real Estate TheReal sector includes enterprises primarily engaged Another major source of business growth for Nebraska Transportation and Warehousing asource has been of toDue increased globalization, agreements, free-trade Number in 42,374 4,064 3,311 1,560 1,743 1,719 2005 4,971 3,233 1,763 3,349 6,982 2,545 4,640 295 780 110 633 414 122 125 Nebraska Growth from 2000 to 2005 16.45 17.06 14.85 24.20 19.08 13.40 11.84 -1.33 -5.18 -7.58 -1.57 1.06 8.91 0.08 2.70 4.28 1.56 9.23 2.88 4.33 Number in 280,676 Neighboring Region 11,717 27,116 28,505 12,815 30,109 43,109 15,948 20,271 29,696 21,899 11,731 2005 2,464 5,873 8,678 1,859 1,061 4,204 2,898 701 Growth from 2000 to 2005 14.34 13.33 15.32 16.57 11.02 13.30 12.17 21.71 15.00 -0.19 -2.03 -1.38 -4.14 2.88 3.46 9.36 5.66 2.59 8.36 4.13 5,963,646 Number in 643,653 622,519 279,770 112,420 160,853 286,239 266,563 386,938 933,142 358,017 570,003 622,742 472,067 20,233 42,146 2005 18,448 65,234 15,343 85,457 United States Growth from 2000 to 2005 15.03 12.84 19.66 10.06 11.86 10.12 13.87 18.01 11.98 -5.37 -1.29 -3.38 -2.85 5.74 3.01 6.45 5.80 2.38 1.94 0.97 supplies average wages worker per from USBureau the of gaining are relatively sectors. Table wage high and salary 2 for Nebraska, however, is that sectors the where state the is register faster growth enterprises. innew potential The benefit is slower than its neighbors or nation, the key sectors certain percent. increased 16.45 sector of enterprises services health inthe respectively, 2000and between 2005.In Nebraska, number the percent firms increased 13.33 heathpercent,and 15.03 services sector. In neighboring the region and nation, the number the of nation and its neighboring region is Heath inthe Care Services increase was recorded. increased just under three percent, inNebraska a17.06percent numberand the 2005,while of establishments these nationally outpaced national the and regional growth rates. 2000 Between equity interests for other firms. Here, too, Nebraska has well essentially companies that hold and manage and other securities state’s neighboring region. slightly slower than 15.32percent the increase inthe posted However, inNebraska, increase the was 14.85percent, only increased 12.84percent nationally 2000and between 2005. of vocations. The number of such sectorthis businesses in tend to employ educated highly professionals from avariety advice forlegal nature, other firms. their By very firms these architecturalspecialized computer design, and services, and such activities technical as accounting, engineering and performing in specialize firms. They professional, scientific, enterprises These are inessence consultingservices. services increases inbusinesses that engage inprofessional and technical of decade. this state substantial experienced gains first inthe sector part inthis enterprises inNebraska increased by 24.20percent. Clearly, the 16.57 percent increase inbusinesses, number the of business outpaced Nebraska the neighboring region witnesseda which businesses increased 19.66percent innumber. While this Hence, overall the while increase inNebraska businesses sector whereThe final Nebraska beappears to out-flanking the sectorThe “ManagementCompanies of and Enterprises” is In recent years, Nebraska substantial experienced has also Omaha, Nebraska University of Nebraska–Omaha ofCollege Business Administration Department of Economics Christopher S.Decker Article by: these these 2005, and 2000 Between

59 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska 60 the samethe region as other counties labor intheir market area. Sizer,labor 1996).These market areas aregroups of counties linked by commuting.Counties borderthe on eachof Nebraska region were in placed areas as developed for Nebraska (and nation) the by of United Economic the the Research Service States Department of Agriculture (Tolbert and 2 or cities inadjacent states (such as Sioux City, Iowa). of Each the proximity to key economic characteristics, such as Interstate 80 metropolitan areas), production agricultural activity, and based on defined clusters citesof smaller (and adjacent non- regions are mainly non-metropolitan. These regions were centers, primarily Omaha and Lincoln. The remainingseven nine etal. (2006). Ofthe Goss, regions, two are metropolitan developed of University the of Nebraska’s Rural Initiative by regions, following designations the delineated inastudy rapid inless densely populated areas of state. the instance. Inevery someenterprise cases, growth is much more investigation,upon further it appears that is this not in case the are established being Omaha and inthe Lincoln area. However, of residents. This might suggestthat most the of new businesses largely characterized as be having afar less denseconcentration cities –Omaha, and Lincoln. The remainder the of statecan percent of state’s the population is located inits two largest enterprisesof new these located within Nebraska? Nearly 50 state. Nebraska, resulting the impact on incomes is favorable to the average. Hence, where business growth is making gains in averagethe levels are wage and greater salary than national the for year the 2007.As instance one save inevery can see, one, Economic Analysis United inthe States for sectors the of interest Non-metropolitan ebraska The grouping The of counties into regionsalways is some subject to debate. Whatwhich is consistent is hereutilized is methodology with labor market Table CountyDelineations 3.Regional Region 1: To investigate further, this state the is into subdivided nine A natural question to ask at point this is: where are most Washington Table 2.Wages worker) (per in2007 and by Salaries sectors Omaha Sector Saunders National Average Douglas Dodge Area Sarpy Hospitals and services health Management of companies and enterprises Professional and services technical estateReal and rental and leasing Information Transportation and warehousing Manufacturing Mining U.S. Department of Commerce: http://www.bea.gov/regional/spi/, October 18,2008 Source: Regional Economic Information System, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Cass Region 2: Lincoln Lancaster Jefferson Seward Area Saline Gage Region 3: Southeast Nebraska Richardson Nemaha Johnson Pawnee Otoe 9 Hamilton Franklin Fillmore Howard Buffalo Adams South Central South Central Clay Hall Region 4: Nebraska Sherman Nuckolls Kearney Webster Merrick Thayer York Polk Wages and Salaries 8 Region 5: North East North East Nebraska 105,784.21 Thurston 55,828.77 57,312.76 13,964.42 73,005.93 42,216.99 66,786.39 65,150.78 43,129.29 Cuming Dakota Wayne Dixon Cedar Knox Burt 6 instances, areas primary the of locational preferences for sectors where Nebraska outperforms nation. the In some 2000 and 2005 for Nebraska’s nine regions ineach of the counties ineachof economic these areas. of Nebraska the economy and include principal the cities and Nebraska: and Map (above) provides adepiction of areas. these Table 3lists Nebraska the Counties that comprise eachregion industrial sectors cited aboveregions. analyzed be inthese will Garfield Greeley Cherry Arthur Brown Custer Blaine Grant Boyd Region 6: Table 4shows growth inbusiness enterprises between In summary, nine regions these delineate recognizable areas area of Nebraska. Scottsbluffthelargest is citythe in region. • Region 9(Western Panhandle) encompasses Panhandle the includes North Platte, Lexington, and Ogallala. by counties that are vicinity inthe of Interstate 80and • Region 8(Southwest Nebraska) is inlarge defined also part surrounding counties with commuting links to the two cities. Norfolk as urban centers. The containsregionalso • Region 7(Norfolk/Columbus) is by defined Columbus and Broken and Bow Valentine. region of Nebraska. Thelargest townsthe in region include • Region 6(Sandhills) is composed of counties Sandhills inthe City, Iowa. of and northern eastern Nebraska that is closest to Sioux • Region 5(Northeast Nebraska) encompasses portion the include Grand Island, Kearney, and Hastings. by counties that are vicinity inthe of Interstate 80and • Region Nebraska) 4(South Central is inlarge defined part Nebraska City. regions of Southeast Nebraska. The containsareaalso • Region 3(Southeast Nebraska) includes agricultural the region. commuting to Lincoln or to other adjacent counties inthe • Region 2includes Lincoln and counties with substantial suburbs are located. • Region 1includes Omaha and counties where most of its nineThese areas comprisethe different economic regions of Sandhills Area Keya Paha Wheeler Thomas Hooker Valley Loup Rock 4 Holt 7 Columbus Area Region 7: Norfolk / Antelope Madison Stanton Colfax Boone Butler Nance Pierce Platte 5 2 1 3 Frontier Dawson Gosper Harlan Furnas Dundy Chase Hayes Region 8: South West Nebraska Red WillowRed McPherson Hitchcock 2 Lincoln Perkins Phelps

Logan Keith Cheyenne Box Butte Garden Banner Dawes Deuel Region 9: Panhandle Western Scotts Bluff Sheridan Kimball Morrill Sioux

Growth between 2000andGrowth 2005 between Number of Firms sector comparisonssector prior to 1990impossible. over two recessions. these Previous recession were periods not considered due to definitional changes inindustrial classification whichmakes http://www.bls.gov/data/#employment.percent The values presentedtablethe in representthe average thepercenttwo of changes inemployment The employmentdata based on is monthly figuresrecorded the by Bureau Labor of Statistics’ Current EmploymentStatistics beand can found at 3 13.37 percent gains, respectively. faster than that state as awhole, 27.50,22.22, 14.46,and posting Columbus), growth number inthe of enterprises these increased Nebraska), 5(Northeast Nebraska), 6(Sandhills), and 7Norfolk/ outpaced state growth sector. inthis In regions 3(Southeast concentration inany region. particular Indeed, four regions substantialexperienced growth enterprises inthese with little and Warehousing sector. 2000and state 2005,the Between business growth inNebraska Transportation the has been (Western Panhandle). Finally, amajor source of regional Nebraska),4 (South Central 7(Norfolk/Columbus), and 9 2000andbetween 2005in regions 3(Southeast Nebraska), quitebeen robust and widespread. Substantial gains were made growththe infirms in ManagementCompanies of sector has region 3(Southeast Nebraska, primarily Nebraska City). sector,percentgrew firms 25 new between 2000 and 2005in 6 (Sandhills), and 7(Norfolk/Columbus) l. InEstate Real the 2000andbetween 2005inregions Nebraska), 4(South Central manufacturing sector, business growth proved quite to be rapid Nebraska) at rates that far outpace state the as awhole. In the 6 (Sandhills), 7(Norfolk/Columbus), and 8(Southwest substantialmining has sector experienced growth inregions in primarily non-metropolitan areas. For instance, the sources of business growth for state the that tended to locate state.the percent firms was 15.71 in regionService 8 as well, outpacing 2000andbetween 2005.Growth inProfessional and Technical increased by 16.32,12.64,and 11.35percent, respectively, Panhandle), for instance, number the of Health Care entities (Norfolk/Columbus), 8(Southwest Nebraska), and 9(Western in more non-metropolitan regions of state. the In regions 7 there some hassubstantial been growth inbusiness enterprises Health Care sectors. Thatsaid,sectors, even withinthese Information,in the Professional and Technical and Service, 2 (primarily Lincoln). Thiswith firmsthecase tends be to business enterprises are inRegions 1(primarily Omaha) and Source: U.S. Census Bureau: http://www.census.gov/csd/susb/susbdyn.htm, obtained October 15,2008 The recessiondates are defined the by National Bureau Economic of Research (NBER), beand can found at (http://www.nber.org/cycles.html). Although numbers their are relatively regional the small, Moreover, there are anumber of sectors that were significant Table Enterprise 4.Regional Growth state state 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 16,154 42,374 Total 2,314 3,075 3,120 1,438 1,706 5,752 7,736 -3.62 -1.22 -2.59 8.18 5.60 4.33 0.52 2.23 2.40 2.49 939 -16.67 -25.00 -26.92 45.45 20.00 12.50 Min. 33.33 -8.33 8.91 110 na 22 16 19 6 9 5 9 1 8 Manu. -10.78 -13.27 10.42 1,719 -4.00 7.02 4.69 1.06 0.00 1.01 3.25 159 290 301 635 72 91 61 85 35 Trans. 13.40 13.37 14.46 22.22 27.50 Ware. 12.80 13.33 10.16 1,743 8.90 2.65 116 102 195 132 271 208 555 & 95 51 -23.64 -34.62 -17.65 Info. 36.49 19.08 10.94 17.44 18.18 -3.33 3.85 101 117 303 780 58 71 42 27 17 14 25.00 24.20 32.26 19.40 22.50 21.28 18.01 21.75 1,560 Estate -2.70 Real Real 9.09 171 308 694 82 80 98 24 36 20 -10.53 -20.00 28.73 15.36 14.85 15.71 Prof. & 1,517 3,311 -6.00 -2.13 Tech. 5.88 9.71 svcs. 138 221 180 339 681 68 80 47 125.00 100.00 -35.71 -40.00 17.06 83.33 38.89 Manag. 14.29 of co. 0.00 4.35 176 295 11 25 48 9 9 2 3 2 22.71 16.92 16.45 11.35 12.64 16.32 11.97 1,555 4,064 -3.33 Health 5.36 1.69 svcs. 206 294 278 118 120 533 832 87 percent employment reduction during recessions. susceptible to contraction during recessions, averaging a4.5 sectorsOf the identified, manufacturing thetends be most to businessnew manufacturing activity inthe of sector Nebraska. 2001. March 1991, and recession the dated March 2001to December calculations: recessionin these the dated from July 1990to endthe of anational recession. Two recessions were considered average percent change inemployment from to beginning the in previous recession Specifically, periods. illustrate they the figures, on how Nebraska’sgrowth key sectors have responded economic cycles. recession. Thatsectorssaid, these do respond differently to are immune to ravages the of anational (indeed,worldwide) influenced more by demographic changesthan economic ones, above, exceptis which industry possibly for services health the differentsources. However, none sectorsthe of highlighted 2000to 2005inNebraskaperiod have come from avarietyof contractions. substantial and joblosses business closings during economic activity during economic expansions but experience also innature.cyclical enjoy They substantial gains in business automobilethe market. Manufacturing sectors tend highly to be heavily concentrated inmanufacturing sectors – inparticular, states such as Ohio and Michigan have economies that are compositionin sector than inmany other states. For instance, its metropolitan regions, is that it tends more to be diversified 2000andstate between 2005? experienced economic climate as well as source the of business growth the prospectsthe for Nebraska given current the both national terms of duration and magnitude. forward, Looking what are prove one to be of more the substantial inhistory, in both writing, current the economic downturn likelihood inall will declines nation’s inthe housing sector. At of time the this recession of inDecember 2007,driven mostly by substantial of Economic Analysis, United the States’ economy slipped into current state of national the economy. According to Bureau the future.the Thisimportantparticularly is to considergiven the gainsthe 2000and made between sustained 2005can be in metropolitan regions. However, it is important to address how conditions for state the of Nebraska and its associated non- Prospects fortheFuture As from seen table, the can be there is reason for concern over Table 5displays information, on national based employment above,As discussed sources the of business growth over the A potential benefit of Nebraska’seconomy, in particularly currentThe somesuggestevidence does positive economic Table Responseto Historical 5.Sectoral Business Cycles Sector Health services Management of Companies and Enterprises Professional, Scientific, and Services Technical EstateReal and Rental and Leasing Information Transportation and Warehousing Manufacturing Mining Source: USBureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, November 5,2008 3

Perc. during recession decline

-2.01 -2.51 -0.50 -2.18 -2.03 -4.50 -0.88 2.87 61 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska Key SourcesofGrowth 62 economies, likely will sector continue this to benefitthe state. Given recent gains inNebraska’s sector inthis metropolitan continue to amajor be, source of business growth nationwide. Hence, sets. skill based Information the is, sector andlikely will to advance increasing as well, for further need the information- nearthe future. Moreover, computer continue will technology entertainment shows purposes, little of sign abating any in time Demand for computer software,both for professional as well as sectors. We live inan information economy. and media-based growth from arise information will the and care health services economies (Omaha and Lincoln), it is reasonable that continued non-metropolitan economies. For Nebraska’s metropolitan wonder about sustained growth inNebraska and its likely avoided.will be economy, alarge downturn cyclical sectors of non-metropolitan the percent. Hence, for certain was a relatively modest2.0 previous two recessions decline over the average employment sectors. Indeed, the to manufacturing least with respect effect is muted, at slowdowns, the from recessionary is not immune While sector this 2000 and 2005. businesses between expansion insuch significant experienced where many regions sectors, trucking transportation and Nebraska the has been of business growth in nation.the One key source non-metropolitan regions in mitigated be will relative to other any contraction inbusiness growth economies,these there is some hope that currentthe national recession adversely will impact regions, it is worth pointing out that, it while is likely that nation.elsewhere inthe economic storm better than other comparably-sized cities for city the of Omaha and its ability to weather current the concentrated inRegion 1of state, the tends well this to bode by 2.9percent. Since most of business new the growth was two recessions, employment expandedsector actually inthis effect, not susceptible to cycles.business Indeed, overthelast driven by demographic composition of aregion and is, in sector, services health activity inthe is which asector largely 4 See Armstrong, See James, “Nebraska: America’s Emerging Center,” Logistics Inbound March Logistics, 2006. The Health Services sector has been a sectorbeen substantial has source The Services of Health From alonger one termperspective, might attentionFocusing particular on Nebraska’s non-metropolitan It is noteworthy that Nebraska has enjoyed increased business University of Nebraska-Omaha - Christopher Decker, Ph.D., areas aswell. activity innon-metropolitan sources ofeconomic nonetheless somepotential urban areas,thereare seek opportunitiesin as manyresidents metropolitan population has beenadecliningnon- While thegeneraltrend households. 26 percent of continental the United States’ population and for instance, that one day’s worth of travel truck reach will geographic location is advantageous. It estimated, has been NAFTAalong so-called the corridor. trade Second, state’s the north-south routes that support north-south the flow of goods 80 east-west stretch across state, the and nearly of 23,000miles Nebraska is quite favorable, with its nearly Interstate 500-mile for First, transportation purpose. the this in infrastructure statethe has anumber of natural advantages over other states recent study of Nebraska transportation and potential, logistics to and trucking transportation state. inthe According to a for nation, the exploiting anumber of characteristics favorable enterprises for long the service termfor state. the characteristics likely will support continued expansion of health locate areas. inthese demographic These and infrastructural cost of living, has prompted increases inretirees choosing to This, combinedwiththe services. in health relatively low have developed over years the asubstantial infrastructure hospitals and countless clinics, Nebraska’s metropolitan centers Withdemand on major services. health several university a substantial demographic placing cohort,be increased will and rise post-Worldthe War IIbaby-boomer generation, is on Life expectancy an for increased need services. health demographic makeup of United the States tends to support totrend continue is expected inNebraska long inthe term.The business growth for state’s the metropolitan economies. This Nebraska as anatural warehousing and distribution center As for Nebraska’s non-metropolitan areas, there 4 Finally, there is asubstantial amount of surplus with Nebraska the Trucking Association, to bill are afew sources of long-term sustainable made recently by DED, the inconjunction growth prospects from as well. Recall an earlier discussion that one key Indeed, substantial efforts have been future. ofsector business growth has sector tosector state’s the economic intransportationbeen and sector assector akey being growth warehousing.sector This (DED) has targeted this may in particular indeed Economic Development along-termbe source Department of of economic growth In Nebraska the fact, for non-metropolitan Carrier Corporation.Carrier economies inthe Enterprises and Crete state. There are companies, Werner roughly 8,000 truck freightingtruck motorlicensed two top ten major homeis also to state. Nebraska carriers inthe regions, sectors such as transportation and are trucking of sector economies. those In non-metropolitan services health someto positive be prospects for continued growth inthe Nebraska’s metropolitan regions are concerned, there appears possible short- and long-term growth for state. the As far as are quite justified, it is advisable to considersources a few of contraction state inthe should expected and be some concerns nation, Nebraska. goes so However, some economic while States’ economy, it is natural to conclude that as the goes is which sector relatively well-paying. Transportation and warehousing is one possible sector, and a of economic activity innon-metropolitan areas as well. in urban areas, there are nonetheless some potential sources metropolitan population as many residents opportunities seek Nebraska. established and/or expanded major distribution centers within Oriental Trading Company, and Iams, have past inthe few years that major companies such as Walmart, Farmland Foods, educationthe and training of truckers. It to point the is also universities have developed certification programs to aid in many such individuals. Indeed, Nebraska several colleges and alternative, is arelatively trucking low cost alternative for more difficult to come by. Asa matter of employment toill-inclined relocate, yet are finding employment agricultural labor comes from individuals are who to closely area, the tied in many non-metropolitan areas of state. the Much of this labor with demographic characteristics conducive to trucking Conclusion Given rather the economic bleak outlook for United the In general the short, trend adeclining while has non- been For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy Empty,” Los Angeles Times, November 24,2008,C-1. 1996. Rural#9614. Economic Economy Research Services, Division, and Market Labor Areas: A 1990Update,” ERSStaff Paper University of Nebraska Rural Initiative. 2006. Nebraska’s Non-metropolitan Economy. Prepared for The Neira,Ben, Julian, and Jeutang, Pavel. Pillars of Growth in Johnson, Bruce, Thompson, C.,Saenz, Eric Schmitz,Mariana, and Towns,” Growth and Change. 27:164-186. 2048. Regional Conditions Matter?” Applied Economics. 39:2039- paper, University of Toronto. 2008. Agriculture inAggregate Business Cycle Fluctuations,” working Center,”Logistics Inbound Logistics, March Issue. that are worthy of attention. guess. This essaysome has highlightedpotential bright spots quite elusive. How ultimately things will play out is anyone’s accurately predict future the path of any economy has proven economies. Despite economists’ efforts, best the ability to likely to continue asource to be of long-term growth inthose References Vincent, Roger, and Pierson, David. “Malls are Running on Tolbert Charles M.and Sizer, Molly, “US Commuting Zones Ernie,DeckerGoss Christopher S.,Burkhart-Kriesel, Cheryl, Gabe, Todd M.2004.“Establishment Growth Cities inSmall Falck, Oliver. 2007.“Survival Chances of New Businesses: Do Jose Rocha, Da M.,and Restucca, Diego.Role of “The Armstrong, James. 2006.“Nebraska: America’s Emerging

63 Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s STRATEGIC DISCUSSIONS FOR nebraska 64 explained that she lived inNorth Omaha and she simply didn’t travel any “out further there.” in her mid-50sfrowned and said, “I’m sorry, but Idon’t go any than farther here.” but Iwas speechless, she at Westroads Mall and asked directions beyond I-680to West the of shopping the center. The pleasant clerk E Life intheCenter making. home worth statethis was a and that believe create, build, bond hardscrabble lives to plucky into settled souls who spirit very the ofembody enterprise: mountains or oceans, but we have people who Angeles,Los Florida, Denver, and Manhattan. We don’t have simple treasures, sunsets to anywhere rival we’ve lived, from we are richinbreathtaking landscapes, surprising beauty and surround us. As aNew Yorker, for Iwas starved horizons. Here Andaligned. that we don’t celebratethat enough gifts the spirited collections of communities and interests aren’t better iswhich how of Ithink our state, Ilament that our small, to stay.decided This is now my home. to move to Nebraska, my last year. wife unexpectedly died But I irony’s darkness, after fiveyears of daily celebrating our choice entertainmentarts, and culture and alive with connection. In andwith flush friends experience, giftswiththe the of city’s move to Omaha from New York. It is our home by choice, rich boundaries of our world. limitations; indeed,that limits the of our are beliefs the what It to think. reminded me how we create our own of morevictim than 100Kannual air –Ididn’t miles know native Nebraskan, over grieving is who still 9/11and is the By Roger Fransecky, Ph.D., The Apogee Group While Idaily celebrate our decision to move to Center, the After a year of travelregular back and forth, to we decided To me –anative of New York, to married aremarkable for an address Old neighborhood. inthe Mill My directions were poor, Istopped so for acup of coffee ight years ago, on my first businesstrip to Omaha, I found drivingmyself west Dodge on searchingStreet “them.” Howsad forallofus. feel bothways about thetwoof “less than.” And folkstothewest while theotherpersistsinfeeling one committedtobeing“more than,” between twocombativeneighbors, corridor feelslikeabrokentrail At timestheOmaha-LincolnI-80 Apogee Group - Roger Fransecky Ph.D., revenues that government fuel schools and essential services, that sense the we are One State may how be we share the cities and to East, the rest the of state. the to One barrier back. Memorial Stadium inshared support of ateam on way the state is during Husker games football 85,000of when us fill space of TheRest. Theonly think time we I likefeel asingle students, professors and college workers; and huge the open of citythink the as abig town); Lincoln, acity of servants, civil three disparatealign mini-states: “big, the bad” Omaha (Istill andfriends in-laws. At it times feels as ifwe to are trying in Lincoln, too, and insome of “Out the State” towns of my that as astate we suffer adeficit of timespend Iconnection. neighborhoods. People count. are out. sold We care take of our homes and we protect our games and evenauthor signings at bookstores local always to anyone inneed.We show up. concerts, School football shooting,mall or generosity inthe of gifts time of talentand It suggested has that been our is widestbetween the gulf But inmy irony second sad Ifeel compelled to suggest Nebraskans care for one another aftermath inthe tragic of a infrastructure. Omaha makes up more than half ofhalf Nebraska’s GDP, and more than 80percent of our state’s cities, towns and counties count on shared revenue to meet their budgets.their This sets This up an Possible. interconnections and to pockets New, dothe deep Next, the the stars bring who cloud computing, strategic global thinking, companies, and neighborhoodto anew many of high-tech the forsad of all us. folks to west the feel ways both about two the of “them.” How “more than,” other the persists while infeeling “less than.” And two combative between trail neighbors, one committed to being world.global spirit of apioneer people to compete economically inacomplex can fuel conservatism(which of history fiscal big ideas); theand ourthinking; proven capacity to deliver on our promises; our state’s “three mini-states.” We to and need link leverage our best we don’t suspend limitations the of ashorthand about our small chancethe of attracting and keeping our young best people –if severely diminish our state’s potential resources, –inideas, in hostage. took greed trust because In that same spirit, we will bring to reinvention and renewal. In we America, now suffer totime discover historic the gifts and well-honed we experience challenge mythology of painful this “three” states, perhaps in totime and surface exploit our values best and instincts to tectonic plates of eroding markets and uneven spending. It’s our economy, we can’t wait long to to learn on surf shifting the Nebraska’s economic development engine at runs half-speed. enterprises for our state, along with growing existing businesses, and create policy tax acompelling invitation to capture new often feel cheated. Absent acommonframework sensibleset to towns resent “big, the bad” revenue generators, and urbanites awkward forpull taffy resources, attention and priorities. Small We are home to some of nation’s the most successful At Omaha-Lincoln the times I-80corridor feels like abroken If we are to prevail during of time this profound erosion in For more information visit www.unl.edu/sdn/economy available on www.apogeeceo.com. newsletters and Commentaries on living and leading are leadership practice. ([email protected] )His monthly Canwebehind? affordthat take to chance? that we can’t “go any than farther here”? training towhat confirm we want to do becomeand together. courage, muscle weto the use can begin of growth, new jobs and of Commerce, governments and some leaders.But ifwe have the destination and value. It stands now as aprogram of Chambers proud state ifwe are to make economic development ashared opportunities? We to need engage and enroll inour everyone attempts to better understand our core values and competitive of of all our communities care who to welcome authentic these listening tour. Don’t we to need discover fears the and beliefs citizen leadersfromcollect three “mini-states” all to conduct a conversations” about what we about believe Nebraska and statethe of our state? London clients ask, who “how is it inOklahoma?” ignorance of of those us inThe is Middle profound. have I still property taxes and average the cost of living, national because former neighbors inManhattan are by surprised heft the of our and attract players. smart new We aren’t an inexpensive state. My Roger Fransecky, Ph.D, is CEOof The Apogee Group, global a If we do, what dreams dowe surrender? Who dowe leave clerk the Like poured who my coffee,dare darewe believe to I propose we initiate astate-wide of set “courageous If we have aTrue North as astate, let’s map it anew. Isn’t it at tolook time anew take economic development and It isn’t to easy grow businesses, our create local lasting work CEO, The Apogee Group Roger Fransecky, Ph.D. Article by:

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Photo Courtesy of Roger Fransecky Nebraska’s Economic Future Economic Nebraska’s Written by Jim Fras and Guy Miller

Beautiful Nebraska, peaceful prairieland, Laced with many rivers, and the hills of sand; Dark green valleys cradled in the earth, Rain and sunshine bring abundant birth.

Beautiful Nebraska, as you look around, You will find a rainbow reaching to the ground; All these wonders by the Master’s hand; Beautiful Nebraska land.

We are so proud of this state where we live, There is no place that has so much to give.

Beautiful Nebraska, as you look around, You will find a rainbow reaching to the ground; All these wonders by the Master’s hand, Beautiful Nebraska land.

Jim Fras was a refugee from Russia who moved to Lincoln in 1952. In 1960, Fras and Guy Miller wrote the words to Beautiful Nebraska. Fras set the words to music. On June 21, 1967, the Nebraska Legislature approved legislation adopting Beautiful Nebraska as the official state song.

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