Innovation isn’t necessarily just about new things or inventions. Often, it’s about new value and new markets.

Which is why as Nebraskans, we look to capitalize on some of our natural advantages, such as agriculture and food production and how to maximize their capabilities for our economy and daily life. As our startup community continues to flourish in Lincoln, we must always look to new ideas and new ways to stimulate its success and its offerings.

At the end of September, the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development visited Israel along with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Greater Omaha Chamber, UNL Office of Research and Economic Development and UNeMed/UNMC to attend various events that promote startups in ag-tech and food tech in Israel.

As the demand for skilled workers continues and the careers of tomorrow evolve, one thing remains constant—education will need to keep pace with changing environments.

To grow Lincoln’s workforce and increase talent immigration, the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development announced the launch of their new marketing campaign – “Lincoln the Place to Be.” 

The economy in Lincoln and throughout Nebraska continues to boom. However, challenges exist to make it the best that it can be for everyone in Nebraska.

On July 17, Governor Ricketts hosted his 4th Annual Governor’s Summit on Economic Development at the Lincoln Marriot Cornhusker Hotel. This year’s theme was workforce development, which remains a key cog for keeping Lincoln’s economy vibrant and strong.

With more than 450 community leaders and economic development professionals in Lincoln for this year’s summit, a wide variety of topics were discussed with the Lincoln Chamber office providing informed representation on the speaking panels.

The award may have been announced in March, but the victory tour continues through 2019.

For the third consecutive year, Nebraska was awarded the Governor’s Cup by Site Selection magazine, representing the state with the most economic development projects per capita. Governor Pete Ricketts and members of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development kicked off a Governor’s Cup tour on Tuesday, July 9 that will visit facilities, expansions and numerous businesses across Nebraska, with stops in Lincoln, Omaha, Bloomfield, Norfolk, Columbus, Minden and Sidney

A “super region” for attracting tech talent was announced on Friday, June 28 by the Greater Omaha Chamber and The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development. The joint initiative by the two organizations is designed to connect highly skilled workers with regional tech positions. 

“OPTiN: Opportunities in tech,” is a digital solution connecting global and local tech employers from across the super region with job seekers looking to accelerate their tech careers. The initiative encompasses a newly developed super region brand and messaging, a digital tech jobs portal and an aggressive targeted marketing campaign in select markets. 
 

For the second time in 2019, Nebraska has been honored with an economic development award from a national publication.

On Tuesday, June 18, Nebraska was honored for the second time with the “Silver Shovel” award from Area Development magazine, with the previous award coming in 2007. The award recognizes states for their achievements in attracting high-value investment projects that will create a significant number of new jobs in their communities and states.

The ability to market Lincoln truly knows no boundaries, as the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development continues its exploration of Canada to market the city and its offerings. After attending the Collision Conference previously in Las Vegas and New Orleans, LPED maintained a presence at this year’s conference, which expanded greatly in a new setting in Toronto. Now in its fifth year, Collision saw nearly 25,000 people pack the Enercare Centre May 20-23. 
 

Join our team and help move Lincoln forward! LPED is currently seeking a Director of Talent Strategy. This position is responsible for leading talent attraction, retention, engagement and development initiatives for Lincoln. We’re looking for someone passionate about this city, its people and our growth.

We're launching the Expanding Talent Pool Series, a recruiting and hiring workshop that emphasizes inclusivity, in partnership with the Greater Omaha Chamber. Each session will feature expert insights and best practices. Learn how to successfully tap into available talent pools in Omaha and Lincoln that are sometimes overlooked or underutilized.

Lincoln receives more refugees more per capita than any city in the nation. Many refugees and immigrants arrive in Lincoln with experience as doctors, accountants, lawyers, veterinarians, engineers and more. However, many of our newest citizens are unsure about the process to become certified to reenter their careers in Lincoln.

Lincoln’s New Americans Task Force has been selected as one of eight participating communities and states for World Education Services and its Global Talent Bridge program in 2019.  The Task Force brings together all agencies focused on immigrants and refugees to coordinate resources and efforts around career pathways The Task Force includes all agencies that serve immigrants and refugees.

The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED) has announced funding for three startups through its LaunchLNK initiative, a program designed to help startups grow and thrive in Lincoln.

Canary Sound Design, Sapahn and BasicBlock have been named as recipients of a LaunchLNK award. The LaunchLNK program includes a $25,000 grant, connections to mentors and potential corporate partners and professional services from LaunchLNK partners HBE, Cline Williams, Suiter Swantz and Eakes Office Solutions.