From the Columbus Telegram, Sept. 18, 2006

NPPD OKs $75,000 for ‘Dream It, Do It' plan

By Adrian Sanchez/asanchez@columbustelegram.com

COLUMBUS - The Nebraska Public Power District board of directors voted Thursday to support the newly launched “Dream It, Do It” program with a financial contribution of $75,000.

The goal of “Dream It, Do It” is to attract young people to manufacturing careers and expand their educational and training opportunities in industry. The campaign supports economic development efforts in Nebraska and helps address the need for finding skilled workers for high-tech positions within manufacturing and utility industries.

Nebraska is the first state to implement the campaign statewide.

Board members voted to support the campaign with a financial commitment of funds in the amount of up to $25,000 per year for three years.

NPPD President and CEO Ron Asche of Columbus said he had received a request from Behlen Mfg. Co. Chairman Tony Raimondo for assistance with the program in its initial stages as the campaign grows throughout the state.

Asche said he and Raimondo, who is also the chairman of the Nebraska Advanced Manufacturing Coalition that will manage the campaign in Lincoln, Omaha and Columbus, had discussed the “Dream It, Do It” program as an investment in the state's youth and Nebraska's economic development.

“We look forward to working with leaders in industry and the educational community to develop new ideas to make sure young people in Nebraska are aware of the interesting career opportunities that are available in manufacturing and the electric utility industry in our state,” he said. “One of the great things about this program is that it will aid in the development of a workforce that is critical to Nebraska being able to sustain economic growth in the future.”