
When word arrived that the Executive Directors of Nebraska’s Commodity Boards would like to increase the collaborative efforts with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I volunteered to schedule a meeting. In addition, the Directors of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) and Department of Economic Development (NDED) were invited to the meeting. The list of all invitees is at the end of this brief article.
The meeting took place on September 19, 2024. Each participant presented the level of past and existing collaborations. Given Governor Pillen’s goal to develop a strong Nebraska bio-economy, new opportunities for collaborations were identified. Workforce development for the new types of jobs in the bio-economy was identified as a critical need, as well as enhancement of research and extension relevant to the Commodity Boards’ interests. A list of action items was compiled to help with implementation and future meetings.
List of Invitees:
• George Gogos, Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences (NCESR) Director, UNL Mechanical and Materials Engineering Professor
• Mark Riley, UNL College of Engineering Associate Dean for Research and NCESR Associate Director
• Derek McLean, UNL Agricultural Research Division Dean and Director
• Tala Awada, UNL Agricultural Research Division Associate Dean and Associate Director
• K.C. Belitz, NDED Executive Director
• Thad Fineran, NDEE Interim Executive Director
• Joe Fox, NDED Deputy Director of Business Development & Programs
• Reid Wagner, NE Ethanol Board Executive Director
• Kelly Brunkhorst, NE Corn Board Executive Director
• Andy Chvatal, NE Soybean Board Executive Director
• Royce Schaneman NE Wheat Board Executive Director
• Kristine Dvoracek-Jameson, NE Sorghum Board Executive Director
• Brenda Coufal, NCESR Program Coordinator