Media Release:

Gov. Ricketts Hosts NeMAC Signing Day Event

LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and members of the Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council (NeMAC) gathered to announce college scholarship recipients at “NeMAC Signing Day.”  Signing Day is the culmination of an inaugural program created to promote in-state manufacturing careers and STEM education among Nebraska youth.

“I have spoken to countless young adults who have been able to earn a competitive wage, start a family, and support a high quality of life because of careers in manufacturing,” said Governor Ricketts.  “I have also spoken with dozens of employers who are looking to the next generation to fill a variety of high-quality, high-paying jobs.  I would encourage any young person seeking a fulfilling career right here in Nebraska to explore the manufacturing industry.”

“Likewise, manufacturing is important to the Nebraska economy,” the Governor said.  “In 2017, the manufacturing industry supported over 97,000 jobs and contributed $13 billion toward our economic growth.  In 2016 and 2017, it helped us reach one million non-farm jobs for the first time in state history.  Working with NeMAC and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, we’re going to continue our efforts to grow Nebraska manufacturing and generate high-quality jobs across the state. “

In support of this mission, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) established NeMAC to champion the state’s manufacturing sector.  NeMAC Signing Day — modeled after collegiate sports’ National Signing Day — saw three high school students sign acceptance letters for community and technical college scholarships sponsored by Nebraska-based manufacturing companies, which are also NeMAC members.

At Signing Day, the scholarship recipients declared their intentions to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) related degrees, to be followed by careers in manufacturing after graduation, potentially with their sponsoring companies.

Lincoln Machine, Becton Dickinson, and Nucor Steel sponsored scholarships for the Signing Day event.  Brandon Stephens, of Lincoln, accepted a scholarship from Lincoln Machine and plans to major in Precision Machining and Automation Technology at Southeast Community College.  Lane West, of Merna, accepted BD’s scholarship and also plans to major in Precision Machine and Automation Technology at Southeast Community College.  Ben Galloway, from Valentine, was sponsored by Nucor Steel and plans to study Industrial Electronics at Nucor Technical Academy.

“We’re proud and excited for each of today’s scholarship recipients,” said NeMAC President Dave Arnold.  “These bright, talented young adults represent the future of our industry, and are taking their first steps toward successful, fulfilling careers.”

DED Director Dave Rippe also spoke at the event, and highlighted the role of manufacturing in the Nebraska economy.

“At its heart, economic development is all about creating a better quality of life in Nebraska communities,” Rippe said.  “There are few better ways to do this than supporting the growth of our backbone industries.  Today, we celebrate the future of an industry that means a great deal to our state in terms of its impact on individuals and families.”

 

For Immediate Release:

3:55PM CT on May 29, 2018

 

Media Contacts:  

Luke Robson, 402-471-1967