Pub. 13 2018-2019 Issue 3

NEBRASKA BANKERS ASSOCIATION 7 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE LAUNCHING BLUEPRINT NEBRASKA Richard J. Baier, President & CEO, Nebraska Bankers Association T HE STATE OF NEBRASKA, LAST YEAR, CELEBRATED ITS sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) with a variety of statewide events and activities focusedon commemorating our great state’s wonderful heritage. These events, while focusedonour history, also fosterednumerous conversations about Nebraska’s future. One of the foremost leaders in the discussion about the future of Nebraska was University of Nebraska's Presi- dent, HankBounds, whowas instrumental in a statewide planning effort during his time working in Mississippi. President Bound’s persistence coupled with leadership offered by a small group of the state’s business leaders led to the recent launch of Blueprint Nebraska. This initiative is a statewide coalition of business and community leaders, policy makers and Nebraska citizens tasked with creating a planor “Blueprint”, forNebraska’s future economic growth, prosperity and quality of life. Co-chairs of the Blueprint initiative are Lance Fritz, chairman, president and CEO of Union Pacific Railroad based in Omaha, and Owen Palm, president and CEO of 21st Century Holdings in Scottsbluff. These gentlemen will work closely with a 21-member statewide Steering Committee which includes strong representa- tion of Nebraska bankers who actively support the NBA. These Steering Committee members include: Leslie Anderson of the Bank of Bennington, Tony Goins formerly with Cabela’s Bank, Hod Kosman of Platte Valley Companies of Scottsbluff and Clark Lauritzen of First National Bank of Omaha. Over the next 12-18months, Blueprint Nebraska will conduct extensive research related to our state’s competitive strengths and weaknesses. This research will incorporate comparative analysis with other states across the country, with a focus on unique growth prospects. There will also be ample opportuni- ties for Nebraskans to offer their personal thoughts and ideas for making Nebraska even better for the next generation. To help structure and focus the research and planning pro- cess, Blueprint Nebraska has established 16 separate industry President’s Message — continued on page 11