Class IV Session Updates
The first meeting of State Chamber’s Leadership Nebraska Class IV was held February 10-12 at the Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. The 21 members participated in an Orientation Session that features: presentations by members of past classes, a talk by University of Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne, a presentation by Nebraska Historical Society’s Director Michael Smith, and sessions on key Nebraska issues.
The second session was March 9-11 in Lincoln on Government and Public Policy, which included a meeting with Gov. Heineman, sessions on dispute resolution, strategies to influence the Unicameral, a Congressional Insight interactive session, and a reception with State Senators and Leadership Nebraska Alumni. The rest of the sessions include a session on Education Session in Kearney in late April; the Health/Healthcare/Human Services Session in Omaha in mid-June; Agriculture Session in O’Neill in early August, and the Economic Development session tour to Scottsbluff in September.
A commencement ceremony will be held on October 22, 2010 The Class IV members come from across Nebraska and range from volunteers, business leaders, philanthropic workers, educators, and small business owners. They are: Shanie Bockmann, Leadership Tomorrow, Grand Island; Kelly Christensen, Central Comm. College, Hastings; Brian Copsey, JBC Inc., Scottsbluff; Jeannine Falter, Duncan Aviation, Lincoln; John Fruhwirth, CPA, Omaha; CenterPointe, Lincoln; Cindy Jeffrey, Health Education, Inc., Lincoln; Angela Jones, ConAgra Foods, Omaha; Joy Mace, Ameritas, Lincoln; Jeff McEwin, ConAgra Foods, Omaha; Kristi Nohavec, Clark Enerson Partners; Lincoln; Mary Plettner, NPPD, Norfolk; Larry Ramaekers, Aurora Public Schools, Aurora; Jan Rodehorst, Kearney Chamber of Commerce, Kearney; Sharon Schilling, Schillingbridge Winery, Pawnee City; Jason Sokolewicz, NPPD, Lincoln; Robin Stanosheck, Grant Writer, Odell; Lisa Turner, Turner Events, Omaha; Doris Urwin, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce; Annette Wiles, Wiles Development, Plattsmouth; and Joseph Young, Department of Economic Development, Lincoln.
Ken Wortman Scholarship Fund
We understand that many potential candidates are hesitant to commit due to the costs, and the Ken Wortman Scholarship Fund was established to help allay those concerns and guarantee that all qualified candidates be able to participate. This is another effort to lay the foundation for a quality program that will benefit the state of Nebraska for years to come. A non-profit 501(c)(3) fund is utilized for the organization and we have been successful in obtaining some grant funds. Endowing funds for the State Chamber’s Leadership Nebraska will perpetuate this statewide network of Leadership Nebraska graduates to actively engage in finding solutions that will enhance Nebraska’s future growth and prosperity. You may also wish to underwrite the tuition of some of your key employees or outstanding leaders in your community. However you choose your support will help develop Nebraska’s best and brightest to prepare to make their mark in our state’s continued growth and development.
Ken’s vision of mentoring and encouraging Nebraskans to reach out and help build a stronger state can be realized by this new scholarship fund. Please consider donating today to the Ken Wortman Leadership Nebraska Scholarship Fund to ensure future participation of bright new leaders of Nebraska. Contributions are fully tax-deductible. For more information, please call Executive Director Don Mihovk at the State Chamber office.
The 2010 Session Calendar:
• Orientation -- February 10-12, Lied Lodge, Nebraska City
• Government & Public Policy -- March 9-11, Lincoln
• Education -- April 28-30, Kearney
• Health and Human Services -- June 16-18, Omaha
• Agriculture -- August 4-6, O'Neill
• Economic Development -- September 15-17, Bus Trip Across Nebraska
• Commencement -- October 22 Lincoln
Alumni Updates
With filing deadlines passed, a number of Leadership Nebraska participants are involved in this year’s electoral process. Linda Aerni, Class I, and Diane Keller, Class II, are running for positions of the Central Community College Board of Directors. Cindi Allen, Class I, is running for State Board of Education Commission, District 7. Scott Kudrna, Class III, is running for mayor for Auburn.
Joni Sundquist, Class II, was named Vice President of Communications for the Nebraska Bankers Association. Smith Hayes Financial Services named John Decker, Class II, to one of its 2009 Employee of the Year Awards. According to an Omaha World Herald story, “Decker was bestowed with the Innovation Award for his creativity and problem solving. He is able to motivate others to excel. Decker is proactive not reactive and has a comprehensible vision. Decker makes Smith Hayes a better place for everyone to work.”
Congratulations to these alumni for their accomplishments and dedication to the ideals of Leadership Nebraska!
Class V Applications
Leadership Nebraska is for candidates to apply for the fifth class. The deadline for applying will be “October 29, 2010. We continue developing a cross-section of local leaders who will use their talents and abilities to foster a new spirit of energy, enthusiasm and vitality throughout the state. Each year, a class of up to thirty Nebraska leaders – in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s – is selected to participate in the program. The selected participants will be from different regions of the state, with varied backgrounds and diverse talents. But all must have one common characteristic: an abiding interest in Nebraska and its future. Sessions for the next class will begin in February 2011. For more information, call Don Mihovk, executive director, at (402) 474-4422 or e-mail dmihovk@nechamber.com. To download the application form or for more information, click on http://nebraskaleadership.nechamber.com
Past Leadership Nebraska Class Sessions
'07 Leadership Class
'08 Leadership Page
Leadership NE - Fall '07
July Leadership Page
Leadership Photo Page - April '09
'09 Fall LN Photo Page
