‘Dream' to take off Friday

COLUMBUS - Gov. Dave Heineman will launch Nebraska's “Dream It, Do It” campaign Friday during a ceremony in Lincoln.

Behlen Mfg. Co. Chairman Tony Raimondo of Columbus, who also is the chairman of the Nebraska Advanced Manufacturing Coalition, has brought together a new alliance of business, educational, work force, economic development and political leaders for this campaign.

The endeavor will address the state's shortage of skilled manufacturing workers and help drive rural economic development.

“Dream It, Do It” began as a pilot program in Kansas City in February 2005, where it has produced encouraging results, according to a news release from the Nebraska Advanced Manufacturing Coalition. The campaign is poised to launch in several other regions across the country this year, beginning with Nebraska.

The Nebraska campaign of “Dream It, Do It” aims to attract young people to manufacturing jobs and to expand their educational and training opportunities.

Also present at Friday's ceremony will be National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler, Manufacturing Institute President Jerry Jasinowski and University of Nebraska President J.B. Milliken.

In June 2005, Raimondo introduced the “Dream It, Do It” campaign to about 20 local representatives of local manufacturers, Central Community College, Columbus Community Hospital, Loup Power District, Cornhusker Public Power District, Columbus Economic Council and Nebraska Workforce Development.

Raimondo said at that time the focus of “Dream It, Do It” depends on local needs, but must include an alliance among the business community, education community and economic developers.