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National Manufacturing Jobs Campaign Hits Nebraska

Nebraska recently launched the “Dream It. Do It.” initiative in hopes of ensuring a lively future for the state’s manufacturing sector.

By Michelle Janowitz

Nebraska is home to 2,000 manufacturing businesses, employing some 100,000 people. In an effort to avoid any potential worker shortages in this sector, Governor Dave Heineman joined state business leaders, educators, and other groups with an interest in the future of Nebraska’s manufacturing sector at the September launch of “Dream It. Do It.” This national crusade sponsored by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and its research and education arm, The Manufacturing Institute, is a multi-regional careers and economic development campaign aimed at attracting young people to manufacturing careers and expanding their educational and training opportunities.

nebraska department of economic developmentAmber Mesto, intern at Behlen Mfg., with former Michigan Gov. Engler, Nebraska Gov. Heineman, and Tony Raimondo at the "Dream It. Do It." launch.
Photo: Nebraska Department of Economic Development

“Our goal is to expand ‘Dream It. Do It.’ throughout Nebraska by expanding our new strong alliance of business, educational, workforce, economic development, and political leaders,” says Tony Raimondo, who chairs the Nebraska Advanced Manufacturing Coalition, which will manage the program. “This campaign will help drive rural economic development in our state. Manufacturing contributes $7 billion to Nebraska’s economy every year, but our industry is threatened by a shortage of skilled people to work in Nebraska’s cutting-edge manufacturing industries. ‘Dream It. Do It.’ aims to close that skills gap by promoting manufacturing careers to young people and connecting them with local educational and training opportunities and jobs.”

The campaign began as a pilot program in Kansas City in February 2005. It will launch in southwest Virginia in early October, and in several other regions across the country this year.

“‘Dream It. Do It.’ is the unique and home-grown initiative of The Manufacturing Institute,” says Jerry Jasinowski, president of The Manufacturing Institute. “Today’s launch in Nebraska brings us one step closer to making ‘Dream It. Do It.’ a national campaign that will persuade more young people across the country to prepare for and pursue a career in manufacturing.”

Nebraska FAST FACTS

  • Population (2005): 1,758,787
  • Largest Cities (2005): Omaha, 414521; Lincoln, 239,213; Bellevue, 47,334; Grand Island, 44,546; Kearney, 28,958
  • Targeted Industries: Transportation and Logistics, Biotechnology, Information Services, Metal Fabrication, Processed Foods, and Agritourism
  • Key Incentives: The Nebraska Advantage Act, Invest Nebraska Act, The Customized Job Training Program

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