Governor Ricketts, Nebraska Business Leaders Discuss Role of Digital Tools in Helping Economy Rebound

OMAHA, NEBRASKA (October 21, 2020) – Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska business leaders held a discussion about the role technology platforms and digital services can play to bolster the state’s small and local businesses as they recover from the pandemic. The “Tech Forward Webcast: How Technology Is Fueling The Nebraska Recovery & Growing The Nebraska Economy” was hosted by Jake Ward, president of the Connected Commerce Council, a non-profit membership organization representing digitally empowered small businesses. 

Governor Ricketts spotlighted Nebraska’s economic success, low unemployment and the role digital services have played in the state’s recovery: “Nebraska has the lowest unemployment rate in the United States. Our state is gaining increased recognition for its competitive landscape that allows businesses to thrive.” Commenting on the role tech has played in the economy, the governor said: “Digital tools are helping Nebraska’s businesses stay open, reach customers and meet the challenges posed by COVID-19. Nebraskans are resilient, and it’s no surprise at how quickly our state’s businesses have adapted during this unprecedented time.”

Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, discussed the vital role small businesses play in Nebraska and how they’ve leveraged recent digital innovations to their advantage: “Local businesses are the foundation of Nebraska’s economy. The pandemic is challenging the livelihoods of many, but digital innovations, often available at little or zero cost, have helped strengthen our economy and kept communities around our state well supported.” 

Slone noted his chamber’s efforts to help keep the economy moving, saying: “Our members are doing everything they can to provide the same quality services and products Nebraskans have come to expect from them. We are committed to helping them rise to the occasion and rebound stronger.”

Omaha Chamber of Commerce President David Brown discussed how his chamber is assisting local businesses and how his members are using digital services to remain open. “Nebraska’s businesses demonstrated a resilient, quick to change attitude in the early days of the coronavirus,” said Brown. He continued, saying: “Our state’s businesses had one significant advantage in the fight to stay open and evolve to meet difficult conditions: an ability to rely on digital tools and an entrepreneurial environment. As a result, Nebraska’s economy is roaring back.”

Brown also commented that the Omaha Chamber would continue to support the state’s economic community as it fights to recover from the virus and put the pandemic behind us. 

Laura Schabloske, managing partner and owner of Clairrant Partners a Nebraska small business, echoed the praise of digital services and noted how her business and clients are relying on them. “The pandemic has presented its own unique set of challenges to the usual business of our state,” Schabloske said. “However, digital tools have provided a unique set of solutions to help owners and consumers alike. Without these tools, Nebraska’s economic recovery would not be as robust as it is,” said Schabloske. 

To view a recording of the webcast, visit https://bit.ly/34ixSQY.