Manufacturing is a hotbed of activity, interest, and innovation right now and states like Nebraska are leading the way. As part of our Made Here series, we toured Nebraska’s manufacturing heartland to hear stories from leaders, experts, and innovators who want to spread the word about the opportunities and community benefits of manufacturing.
We round off our Nebraska tour with Mike Johnson COO of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who shares a wider perspective on how manufacturing is impacting local communities, the economy, and the individuals who make it all happen.
We talk about why manufacturing opportunities are great for people from all walks of life, with some inspiring stories about women in the space becoming role models for future manufacturers. Mike also explains the role of a Chamber of Commerce and why we should celebrate and showcases manufacturing careers for the benefit of all. We hear a great example of Nebraska doing this with its annual competition for the coolest innovations in Nebraska – featuring a fire-breathing drone and an all-terrain wheelchair.
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3 Quick Things from this Episode
- Old perceptions of manufacturing being dirty and dangerous are fading and as a result, we’re seeing much more diversity in the space. This can only be a good thing for innovation, growth, and local communities.
- What better way to showcase the potential and variety in manufacturing than a competition? Nebraska has a ‘Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska’ competition each year that votes on awesome inventions in the community.
- The great thing about manufacturing is that it’s open to all who want to learn a skill or trade and develop solid careers. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, there are amazing opportunities to be found.
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Tweetable Quotes
- ”The chamber of commerce is the conduit for manufacturers of any shape and size across the state to convene and partner on what the voice of this industry in this state needs right now.”
- “State departments are starting to see that when manufacturers automate, they make more stuff, more stuff made means higher wages are paid to people, higher multipliers than hitting the local communities. And so the state can see higher tax revenues and then in the future, lower tax rates.”
- “I think it’s really important for young women to see that “I can do this” and I don’t have to be a big dude to be able to do this type of work.”
Please Scroll Down for Recommended Resources from this Episode
Do you want to connect with other leaders that are moving the needle in manufacturing everyday? Then make sure to join us in the Manufacturing Happy Hour Industry Community on LinkedIn.
This episode is part of the MADE HERE City Series, created in partnership with ISN, the Industrial Solutions Network. In these episodes, we’re exploring what makes a city’s manufacturing community so special. This series not only features full podcast interviews with manufacturing leaders, but behind-the-scenes tours of some of the region’s most iconic and important industrial operations. Check out our latest mini-series in Nebraska today.
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What We Discuss with Mike
- A summary of what we’ve heard and learned as we round off the Nebraska tour of our Made Here series
- We recap on the last time Mike was on the show and how perceptions of the industry have changed since
- Old perceptions of the dirty and dangerous stereotype of manufacturing are changing, leading more young people to consider it as a career
- Why rural Nebraska is writing a playbook for reinvigorating manufacturing and the impact this has on the economy and community
- The role of education institutions in training and encouraging more to consider manufacturing careers
- The best ways to connect with the local community and involve everyone in the manufacturing scene
- Why we’re seeing more women in manufacturing plus some inspiring stories from Mike
- How a Chamber of Commerce can act as a conduit for manufacturers to share their voice on what the industry needs
- The coolest things made in Nebraska, including a fire-breathing drone
Recommended Resources
- NE Chamber, delivering economic and workforce growth, a competitive business climate, and a network of leaders with the connections and know-how to help Nebraska businesses succeed
- Nebraska Manufacturing Competitiveness Study, January 2024
- Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska
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