NPPD supports ‘Dream It, Do It' with donation

COLUMBUS - Nebraska Public Power District, the state's largest electric energy supplier, presented a $25,000 check to the Nebraska Advanced Manufacturing Coalition in support of the Nebraska “Dream It. Do It.” campaign.

“Dream It. Do It.,” which launched Sept. 8 in Lincoln, is a statewide program that promotes careers in manufacturing, the utility industry and related businesses while highlighting educational and training opportunities for young people seeking careers in Nebraska businesses.

NPPD President and CEO Ron Asche said the career campaign dovetails well with the district's vision of enhancing the quality of life in Nebraska.

“We look forward to working with leaders in industry and the educational community in (utilizing) new ideas to make sure young people in Nebraska are aware of the interesting career opportunities available in manufacturing and the electric utility industry in our state,” he said.

The presentation took place at NPPD headquarters in Columbus. Asche presented the check to Tony Raimondo, chairman of Behlen Mfg. Co. of Columbus and NAMC Executive Director Dwayne Probyn.

The “Dream It. Do It.” campaign was created by the Manufacturing Institute, the education and research arm of the NAM, after research projected the U.S. would face a severe shortage of skilled workers by 2010. The 2005 Skills Gap Survey by the National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute reported that 81 percent of manufacturers said they can't find the skilled workers needed to keep their businesses competitive in a global 21st century economy.

The NAMC launched the “Dream It. Do It.” campaign in hopes of increasing the awareness level of Nebraska educators, parents and young adults of the exciting, high-tech careers available in Nebraska's manufacturing and related industries. Raimondo, also the chairman of the NAMC, said he views “Dream It. Do It.” as an investment in Nebraska's youth and the state's economic development.

“In order to stay competitive in today's global economy, Nebraska manufacturers must attract the state's finest talent,” Raimondo said. “In order to do that, we must overcome old stereotypes of the industry and help the next generation see the outstanding opportunities for rewarding and challenging careers right here, right now. We're proud to partner with NPPD to help young people better understand the terrific, highly skilled careers available in manufacturing and the supply chain linked to making things in America.”

The NAMC has several key partners, including the University of Nebraska, the Nebraska Community College Association, the Nebraska Department of Education's K-12 System, Nebraska Workforce Development, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, and several chambers of commerce. Nebraska is the first state to launch “Dream It. Do It.” as a state campaign.