April 16 , 2007
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
I had the opportunity to visit with leaders in business, education and economic development professionals from across the state during the 2007 Governor’s Summit on Workforce Development held recently in Lincoln.
Referring to the global environment in which businesses are competing today, the theme for this year’s conference was ‘Playing the Global Game,’ and discussion was focused on helping Nebraska companies expand their customer base overseas and developing strategies to prepare young workers and students for careers in the global marketplace.
In an era where business transcends national borders, the companies that reach new levels of success will be those who are engaged in finding new markets to export products. The state has an important role to play in helping companies that aren’t involved in trade but that have products and services in high demand find suitable markets overseas. The state also helps develop new international markets for existing export companies.
My administration is determined to chart a new course for international trade in our state. That commitment will only increase as more businesses look to new customers in other countries in order to grow. Already Nebraska has a significant stake in international trade with more than 1,500 companies exporting goods or services to more than 150 countries worldwide. We want to help more Nebraska businesses take advantage of opportunities to be part of the global game and exchange of goods and services.
Trade plays an important role in the success and growth of American businesses, and the rapid growth now possible for small companies in an economy driven by technology and innovation is another key factor in economic development.
This is a unique time for American businesses. Access to technology and advanced communications and the ability to ship products almost anywhere in the world have helped level the playing field for small businesses. As a result, what used to take a decade or more for new companies to grow into big business is now happening in the span of just a few years for businesses that are successful in creating new products and services, particularly those who are innovators in Internet technology.
Building a strategy for business development that puts the focus on helping small and start-up businesses in tech-savvy and research-driven fields will help grow to become the major employers of tomorrow.
By harnessing the creativity and innovation of young workers interested in becoming entrepreneurs by helping them access the extensive training available in Nebraska to develop their ideas into a business model.
Expanding our reach into international markets and helping small start-up businesses plan for future growth are the keys that will unlock future economic development in the 21st Century. This year’s Workforce Development Summit was about helping ensure Nebraska companies can recruit, retain and train the workers that can help businesses meet their goals now and in the future.
We do that by retaining more of the students that attend and graduate from schools in Nebraska, and continuing the good work of business and educational institutions that are creating greater opportunities for young innovators here in Nebraska.
This year’s summit was an important forum for discussion on these and other topics impacting worker recruitment and business development. As our economy changes, we need to step up our efforts to reach out and help businesses get involved and succeed in the global marketplace. I have no doubt that Nebraska businesses have what it takes to compete in the global game of business development and I look forward to exploring new opportunities to expand Nebraska’s international reach.
