Tell us a little about your business. – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry (nechamber.com) has promoted and protected Nebraska’s free enterprise system since 1912. We’re the only statewide, broad-based business and industry association focused on expanding economic opportunities for all Nebraskans. We bring together businesses and organizations with policymakers, community leaders, officials and elected representatives to work together on projects and policies that will make Nebraska the best place to do business.

How did you get started in the business? – I’m not new to business and industry policy in Nebraska. I was raised in Lincoln, graduated from UNL and started my career at the Department of Economic Development. I worked in government relations at the NE Chamber, and had roles for other Nebraska organizations where I worked on business development and advocacy. Nebraska has an enviable foundation for economic development. We have one of the world’s most productive agricultural economies, a strong manufacturing base, nationally important transportation and logistics assets, affordable and reliable public power, outstanding educational institutions and a culture of hard work and collaboration.

I’m about 90 days into this role as President & CEO, and it’s been great. So far, I’ve traveled to 20-some communities across the state and met with over 500 business owners, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, economic developers, policymakers and community leaders.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Nebraska is at a pivotal moment. We, as a state, have extraordinary opportunity in front of us, but opportunity is not a strategy. Nebraska has the assets to compete. The question is whether we are prepared to capitalize on them. I believe that starts with three things: Setting the foundation by focusing on our assets, thinking bigger than our geographic boundaries and traditional thinking, and telling Nebraska’s story with confidence – and a louder, collective voice. Businesses are looking beyond tax rates and incentives. They’re wondering whether they can find and keep skilled workers, whether sufficient energy and infrastructure are available, whether their workers can find housing and childcare, whether projects can move efficiently through regulatory processes. In other words, they’re asking whether they can thrive in Nebraska. We need to assure the answer is yes. Nebraska’s biggest economic challenges are interconnected, requiring organizations, industry, communities and all levels of government to come together. I’m optimistic that we can work on a coordinated strategy for statewide economic growth and competitiveness that makes sure everyone knows that Nebraska is open for business.

Tell us a little about your family. – I have a wife of 21 years and two kids. Kylan and Finnley (21 and 19). They both attend Florida State University.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Definitely getting married and having children. Everything I do is for them!

Who inspires you? – My family inspires me. Not just my immediate family, but my parents and in-laws as well.

What is your favorite quote? – “You have two ears and one mouth, so you should listen twice as much as you talk.”

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they? – For more information on the Nebraska Chamber, visit nechamber.com.