Gov. Heineman Promotes "Made in Nebraska"

Governor Proclaims October Nebraska Manufacturing Month (Lincoln, Neb.)  -  Gov. Dave Heineman touted Nebraska’s manufacturing industry and previewed the 2014 Salute to Manufacturing tour to be held later this month. The Governor was joined by Barry Kennedy, President of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and 2014 Chamber Chairman Chris Roth, President and CEO of Reinke Manufacturing Company in Deshler. During the event, Gov. Heineman signed a proclamation officially declaring the month of October to be Nebraska Manufacturing Month. “We are kicking off Nebraska Manufacturing Month, a time to reaffirm our commitment to Nebraska’s manufacturing base and to the industry which has helped our state become one of the strongest in the nation,” Gov. Heineman said. “To grow our manufacturing base, we must make the most of opportunities which will help communities attract investments that ensure long-term growth. And we must make a concerted effort to develop the workforce needed by manufacturers.” Nebraska exports to more than 170 countries, selling manufactured goods and services totaling more than $7 billion dollars. Manufacturers employ nearly 10 percent of Nebraska’s workforce. The average manufacturing job in Nebraska pays nearly $55,000 annually. Nebraska Chamber of Commerce President Kennedy said, “Nebraska’s manufacturing sector has played a key role in our state’s economic recovery. Today, around 100,000 Nebraskans earn their paychecks in manufacturing – and for every 100 manufacturing jobs, nearly 300 additional workers are needed to support them.  Moreover, Nebraska’s manufacturing sector is worth approximately $12.5 billion to our state economy. It deserves to be recognized, and it is my hope that young Nebraskan’s looking for meaningful, well-paying careers will explore the many options in modern manufacturing.” Later this month, Governor Heineman and representatives from the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce will visit manufacturers in Lincoln, Deshler, Lexington, and Norfolk as part of the statewide Salute to Manufacturing. “Manufacturing is what helped build America and its middle class. Manufacturing is incredibly important to the economy of Nebraska as Nebraska is home to over 2,700 manufacturers. As the president of one of those manufacturers, I am excited to participate in an event that highlights the importance of manufacturing to Nebraska,” said Roth. Governor Heineman added, “Manufacturing jobs are important to America’s and Nebraska’s economies. Our goal is to make Nebraska an even better place in the future to live, to work and to raise a family and manufacturing jobs help us do that.”