Premium ContentMouse over Home then click on Premium Content for information.Nebraskans feel a sort of "tribal" connection that prompts them to look out and fight for one another in business and social circles, Gallup Chairman Jim Clifton said Wednesday in Omaha.
"That's a big advantage we have here," said the Lincoln native who heads the global human research company based in Omaha and Washington D.C.
However, Clifton said that to grow economically, local leaders must do more to identify and cultivate a special group: budding entrepreneurs. They are key, he said, to creating customers and jobs and, ultimately, maintaining global dominance.
"Nebraskans need to search and identify young star entrepreneurs with the same enthusiasm that we have in looking for a great quarterback or running back," Clifton said.
He made his remarks during and after the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting, which drew about 1,200 business people, elected officials and policy-makers. Gov. Dave Heineman and Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle also were at the event held at the CenturyLink Center.
In his talk, Clifton touched on points in his book "The Coming Jobs War" and its Gallup poll-based conclusion that people all over the world want — even more than peace, family or religion — a good job.
The problem, Clifton said, is that there is a global job shortage of about 1.8 billion. He said that the country that wins the war for jobs will lead the free world.
The "real matchstick," he said, is entrepreneurship. Local and national leaders must take deliberate steps to find and assist innovative minds that can create customers and turn an idea into jobs.
"We are masters at intellectual development," Clifton said, saying the U.S. is heavy on top-notch business schools. Yet he estimates that three out of 1,000 people have the ability to create a business that would grow to $50 million a year in sales.
Autumn Frazier, of north Omaha-based Ajasa Technologies, said it was daunting to think about filling the global job gap. However, she said, Clifton's talk got her wheels spinning on how to attract more customers to her employer, an information technology staffing and consulting firm.
"I felt the energy in the room," said Frazier, who bought Clifton's book and asked him to sign it. "We need to find ways to get customers."
Among the many stories Clifton told the group was one about a traveler in Buenos Aires wearing a Nebraska shirt. Clifton ran him down to acknowledge the home state connection. Turned out the guy was a Husker in college, but really was from Seattle. He told Clifton he liked to wear his Nebraska shirt while traveling because Nebraskans always approached him to talk.
While Nebraskans have that "fighting for our own tribe" spirit more than many states, Clifton said in an interview, the state would stand out more if leaders intentionally sought out entrepreneurs with promise to create commerce.
"Even if Omaha is doing a great job, we have to kick our game up five to 10 times," he said. Global competitiveness and leadership is at stake over the next 30 years if other cities don't do the same, he said.
Also during the annual meeting, awards were presented: Chairman's Award of Excellence to Leslee Joy, Communications Services Inc.; and Headliner of the Year to Todd Simon, Omaha Steaks.
Volunteer of the Year Awards went to Jim Krieger, 2011 chairman of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce; Tonn Ostergard, 2011 chairman of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce; and Jeffrey Scherer, 2011 chairman of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Contact the writer:
402-444-1224, cindy.gonzalez@owh.com
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