Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Nebraska's January unemployment rate of 2.9% has held strong at 5th lowest in the nation.?? Since January 2024, NE's labor force has grown by nearly 13,000 and employed workers have increased by nearly 9,000. The national unemployment rate is 4%, down slightly from December's 4.1%. https://ow.ly/lL7u50VkUov

Both Lincoln (#3) and Omaha (#1) earned top spots in Midwest Madness! ?? Presented by Midwest Startups and M25, this tournament highlights top tech and startup ecosystems throughout the Midwest. Be sure to cast your vote before Friday on Midwest Startup's LinkedIn to advance our cities! ?? https://ow.ly/IW9N50Vk4US

LB130, introduced by Sen. George Dungan, would reinstate the language that was in place prior to the 2024 special session for calculating transfers to the state's Cash Reserve Fund at the end of each fiscal year, providing a steadier flow of excess revenue transfers. ?? Overall, the bill represents a more flexible approach that will allow future legislators to use these funds how they see fit and better ensures the Cash Reserve Fund stays well-resourced in light of potential economic downturns. Watch Hunter's Bill in Brief for a more detailed breakdown of the bill and why it won over our support. ??

Something we love: watching NE's local chambers grow and thrive, bringing economic growth and top-tier events to their communities. ???? The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce recently unveiled their 2024 Year in Review video, a must-watch to see all the wonderful things they accomplished last year! ? https://ow.ly/IIcc50Vj3x0

Do you know a Nebraska business leader whose work has made a significant impact on Nebraska's economic climate? Nominate them for the 2026 Nebraska Business Hall of Fame at the link below before March 24!?? Nebraska College of Business https://ow.ly/Zqv350VgNGk

Looking for ways to effectively grow your small business and thrive in today's competitive business climate? CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce has you covered!!?? Sign up for Midnight Oil, the weekly newsletter that features tips to help your business grow one day at a time.?? https://ow.ly/utK650VhGFH

Tech Nebraska's Spring Tech Talks series kicks off on March 25!?? Daragh Mahon, CIO at Werner Enterprises, will give us a run down of his tech journey, what innovation looks like at a Fortune 500 company and where the future of AI and automation come into play.?? Register below! https://ow.ly/msZG50Vg3mC

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently recognized the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce with a 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies and its outstanding community contributions!?? Kearney Chamber President, Derek Rusher, said the award highlights their commitment to excellence in serving Kearney businesses and the overall community. This is the Kearney Chamber’s second time receiving this award. Congrats to our friends in Kearney!?? https://ow.ly/tlIo50VhvAz

Huge news — Greater Omaha has passed the 1 million population mark! Read Heath Mello’s statement on this major milestone below: "The Greater Omaha metro area exceeding 1?million?in population is great news and certainly puts us on another echelon. A population of this size strengthens our economic base and enhances our standing in national and global markets. In addition, it opens new doors for attracting highly educated professionals, young families, and skilled workers, especially in targeted industry sectors. We know that people are power and the more people Omaha has, the better we are able to compete.” https://lnkd.in/g7hv8Ftd

Another edition of The Pulse is here! From key policy updates to launching Tech Talks, we're kicking off the year with big moves for Nebraska’s tech community. ?? Read the latest ??