Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman's Remarks... September 8, 2006
Launch of "Dream It, Do It" Campaign

"I’m very pleased to be here to congratulate everyone involved in helping support the Dream It, Do It campaign here in our state. Nebraska becomes the first to launch this campaign on a statewide basis, and I want to thank Tony Raimando and all those involved in the Nebraska Advanced Manufacturing Partnership for their role in making this happen.

We have identified manufacturing as one of our target industries for growth in this state -- what we refer to as ‘smart manufacturing’ operations -- such as businesses involved in high-tech production of products ranging from pharmaceuticals to components for airplanes. This is an area ripe with opportunities for communities of every size here in Nebraska. Yet we are also facing the reality that there is a gap in the number of skilled workers ready to enter the workforce to take the place of baby boomers preparing to retire.

A study conducted by the Educational Testing Service forecasted that our national economy will face a growing shortage of skilled workers in the coming years. Nearly 60 percent of the new jobs in the 21st Century will require skills held by only 20 percent of today’s workforce.

Technology is a driving force in this industry and we must have the skilled workers needed to meet the demand for high-tech products. As technologies advance, so do the demands placed on the manufacturers of those products. A skilled and highly trained workforce is key to Nebraska’s future economic growth.

This partnership has the potential to help encourage more of our high school and college age students to consider the opportunities for a career in this high-tech field, and ultimately, encourage more of our young people to remain in Nebraska.

Partnering with our educational institutions is key, and that is why I’m so pleased that University of Nebraska President J.B. Milliken is here participating in this announcement. He’s been very vocal in his support for economic development through job training and research, and he’s not alone. Many of our community colleges have stepped up to help Nebraska companies meet their need for skilled workers. But this isn’t enough.

We need to reach out to students, their parents and their teachers and show them that there are exciting opportunities waiting for them in manufacturing. Our young people need to know that manufacturing has evolved beyond the assembly line into a career that offers room for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Dream It, Do It campaign is an effort to appeal the bright and motivated students of today, and open their eyes to the opportunities this field has to offer. I look forward to seeing the results of this effort, and I want to again thank all those involved in helping address this critical need in our state."