2025 Governor’s Summit:
GROWING NEBRASKA
Summit Agenda:
7:00 am – 8:00 am: Registration
8:00 am – 8:15 am: Welcome – Governor Jim Pillen
8:15 am – 9:00 am: Opening Keynote – Husker Football Coach Matt Rhule
9:00 am – 9:15 am: Break
9:15 am – 10:30 am: Breakout Session 1
Workforce Pillar - Doing More, Spending Less: Uniting Nebraska’s Workforce to Build a Stronger Future
Nebraska is rewriting the playbook when it comes to workforce development by bringing together state agencies, education, and local communities to open doors to new opportunities. By teaming up with key partners and investing in our youth, we’re not just preparing the next generation for successful careers – we’re making sure they stay in Nebraska, helping to grow the state and tackle talent shortages – all without breaking the budget.
Moderator: | |
Speakers: | Courtney Wittstruck, Nebraska Community College Association |
Katie Thurber, Commissioner, Nebraska Department of Labor | |
Dr. Matt Gotschall, Central Community College |
Manufacturing Pillar - The Governor’s Manufacturing Roundtable
Moderator: |
BioEconomy Pillar - From Fields to the Future: Growing Nebraska’s Bioeconomy
What is the “bioeconomy” in Nebraska? This panel will highlight the scope of this opportunity, the products Nebraska creates today, and what could be produced here in the future.
Moderator: | |
Speakers: | Vanessa Rising, Novonesis |
Mel Badheka, Citroniq Chemicals | |
Nate Stephens, Cargill | |
Dr. Hank Robinson, Aksarben Foundation | |
Dr. Brad Lubben, UNL Department of Ag Economics |
10:30 am – 10:45 am: Networking Break
10:45 am – 12:00 pm: Breakout Session 2
Workforce Pillar - Workforce Success Stories
We believe Nebraska’s greatest asset is our people. This panel will highlight the workforce development initiatives that have brought success. Investing in talent not only changes lives but strengthens our businesses and communities.
Moderator: | Jeff Harrison, Deloitte |
Speakers: | Carmen Tapio, North End Teleservices |
Paul Younes, Younes Hospitality | |
Jake Aulick, Aulick Industries | |
Craig Hicks, Aulick Industries | |
Justin Gipe, Scottsbluff Public School |
Manufacturing Pillar - Automation in Manufacturing
This panel will discuss how Nebraska can automate its unique manufacturing industry and how automation enhances customer service, retains/recruits workforce, and brings new products to market faster in the manufacturing industry.
Moderator: | |
Speakers: | Scott Volk, Weiland Doors |
Diane Temme Stinton, TMCO | |
Jordan Klute, Klute | |
Rich Harold, Lindsay Corp. |
BioEconomy Pillar - Advancing Water Quality and Quantity Through Technology That Saves Producers Money
This panel brings together voices from across the agricultural water landscape to explore how innovation is driving both conservation and cost savings. A local representative will discuss cutting-edge tools and management strategies; a producer will share real-world experience implementing on-farm efficiencies; a technology expert will highlight advancements in water quality monitoring; and an industry leader will showcase irrigation technologies improving water use. Together, the panelists will examine practical, tech-driven solutions that benefit both natural resources and the producer’s bottom line.
Moderator: | Jesse Bradley, Director, Nebraska Department of Water, Energy & Environment |
Speakers: | Joe Anderjaska, Middle Republican NRD board |
Tracy Zink, Producer | |
Jackson Stansell, Sentinel Ag | |
Justin Gibson, Lindsay Corp. | |
Jeff Steffen, Producer |
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch & State Agency Leader Panel
Good Life – Great People – Smaller Government
Governor Pillen has been working with agency leadership to identify and implement process improvements that will translate into better outcomes and savings for Nebraskans. This engagement session will highlight some of those accomplishments, where those projects go from here, and leadership lessons from state directors.
Moderator: | |
Speakers: | Director Vicki Kramer, Nebraska Department of Transportation |
Director Rob Jeffreys, Nebraska Department of Corrections | |
Director/COO Lee Will, Nebraska Department of Administrative Services | |
1:30 pm – 2:45 pm: Breakout Session 3
Workforce Pillar - Nebraska is Building Tomorrow…Today
Hear from some of Nebraska’s outstanding young people about why they are choosing to pursue their future in the Good Life. Nebraska is making investments in our youth in a variety of pathways, because in Nebraska we never give up on a kid!
Moderator: | |
Speakers: | Dr. Tiffany Heng-Moss, UNL & students of Elite 11 Veterinarian Program |
Lane Carr, Nebraska Department of Education | |
Dr. Paul Illich, Southeast Community College |
Manufacturing Pillar - Manufacturers on the national stage
Hear from Nebraska manufacturers that sell their products nationally about the trends they see impacting their industry and how Nebraska can continue growing exports here and abroad.
Moderator: | |
Speakers: | Tony Raimondo, Behlen Manufacturing |
Chris Roth, Reinke Manufacturing | |
Mike Boyle, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. |
BioEconomy Pillar - Fuel and More: The Future of Ethanol
The U.S. ethanol market is predicted to grow significantly, driven by the rise of biorefineries, expansion into new markets, and a myriad of potential new uses. Nowhere is better positioned than Nebraska to benefit from this bright future!
Moderator: | |
Speakers: | Ben Rhodes, Nebraska Ethanol Board |
Nick Bowdish, Siouxland Ethanol | |
Trevor Hinz, ICM Inc. |
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm: Wrap-Up – Governor Jim Pillen
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: “Nebraska Homegrown” Reception
Enjoy Nebraska value-added products and network with fellow participants.
Sponsored by Kinkaider Brewing Co.
Conference Information
Younes Conference Center North707 West Talmadge Street Kearney, NE 68845
Dates: August 13-14, 2025