Gov. Ricketts, State Chamber to celebrate Manufacturing Month in Nebraska

LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed October as “Manufacturing Month” and announced a statewide tour in celebration of Nebraska’s second largest industry. At the ceremony, Governor Ricketts was joined by Department of Economic Development (DED) Director Courtney Dentlinger, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, and the Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council.

“Nebraska is a state known for growing things and making things,” said Governor Ricketts. “Throughout the month we’ll be celebrating our manufacturers who are making world-class equipment and growing great job opportunities across our state. There are 97,000 Nebraskans employed in our manufacturing industry. Whether it’s assembling cargo doors for Kawasaki’s first American aerospace division in Lincoln, welding livestock headgates at Pearson’s in Thedford, or constructing center pivot irrigation equipment at Valmont in McCook, Nebraska’s manufacturers contribute $13 billion annually towards growing our state.”

“Exposing young people to careers in our state’s second largest industry is essential in order to recruit new talent into Nebraska’s workforce,” said Director Dentlinger. “Manufacturing Month allows students a first-hand opportunity to learn more about what makes our manufacturing businesses successful, such as new technology, growing investment opportunities, and most importantly, the skilled workers and leaders fueling this industry. It’s also an important first step in facilitating relationships between students, businesses and educators, which continues to be a top priority among our team at DED.”

“Manufacturing is Nebraska’s second largest industry and the Nebraska Chamber’s largest sector based on membership,” said Chamber President Barry Kennedy. “The average manufacturing job in our state pays nearly $14,000 more a year than what the average Nebraska worker earns. Nebraska’s future earnings growth and economic expansion depend heavily on our manufacturing sector.”

This week, Governor Ricketts will travel to communities across the state to participate in events celebrating National Manufacturing Month in Nebraska. On Thursday and Friday, the DED and the Nebraska State Chamber will participate. Along the way, the Governor will highlight job and educational opportunities which are available to Nebraskans in the manufacturing industry.