MAY 6, 2011 (OMAHA, NEB.)—Nebraska Diplomats, company, community, and government officials gathered in Omaha today to celebrate the economic contributions of the state's businesses and industries.

With a membership of more than 360 business executives and community leaders, the Nebraska Diplomats Inc. is the largest economic development organization in Nebraska that allies with other economic development organizations to promote the state's business climate and quality of life.

During the morning "Building Successful Internships" session, Allison Hatch with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, talked about InternNE (pending passage of LB386) and how it will help connect college students and employers statewide.  InternNE will reimburse companies for internship costs up to 40 percent, or $3,500 (or up to 60 percent/$5,000 in distressed areas) beginning this summer. Companies wanting to participate in InternNE and create new internships this summer or fall can contact Allison Hatch at 402-471-3368 or allison.hatch@nebraska.gov.

Governor Dave Heineman welcomed guests during lunch and presented plaques to the newly-named Nebraska Economic Development Certified Communities of Albion, Aurora, Elwood and York.

Diplomats President Terry McMullen, Mainfreight USA, presented the Diplomats Presidents Excellence in Business Awards to Flatbed Express, Distefano Tool & Manufacturing Company, and Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) all of Omaha.

Flatbed Express, family-owned and founded in 1988, specializes in moving projects and over dimensional hauling throughout the U.S. and Canada. Some projects include moving the last B47 from Salina, Kan., to Dayton, Ohio; and moving materials for the TWA Done and Savvis Center in St. Louis and Las Vegas casinos including the Bellagio and Treasure Island. Headquartered in Kansas City, the company also maintains a location in Bellevue, Neb. Contact Mary Davie at mary@flatbedexpress.com.

Founded in 1972 by Carl A. Distefano, Distefano Tool & Mfg. Co. has evolved into one of the leading suppliers of precision tooling, machined steel components, and custom fabricated metal parts in the Midwest. Distefano fabricates more than 1,000 different metal components for various industries including commercial turf care, agricultural, construction, transportation, medical, and telecommunications. In January 2008, following a long-term relationship of more than 20 years, Behlen Mfg. Co. acquired Distefano, adding more capacity and more capability to both companies. Behlen, which was founded in 1936, is a global manufacturer exporting to more than 70 countries. Contact Brian Turner at bturner@dtamfg.com.

The Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that builds and manages public venues in Omaha. After a vote of approval from the citizens of Douglas County in May 2000, MECA formed to build and operate Qwest Center Omaha. Formal operations began August 2000 with signing of a 99-year lease and development agreement with the City of Omaha. At the City's request, MECA also assumed operations of the Omaha Civic Auditorium in July 2004. In January 2009, MECA broke ground for TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, home to the NCAA Division I Men's College World Series and Creighton Bluejays men's baseball team, and host of numerous other events. The first baseball games were recently played there. MECA also manages the Red Sky Music Festival held each July in the stadium and on festival grounds. Contact Roger Dixon at 402-341-1500 or rdixon@omahameca.com.

  @font-face { font-family: "Calibri"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Visit Nebraska, based in Lincoln NE, is the states premier tourism organization. Having worked with towns and cities from across the state, is working every day to promote the many wonderful tourist attractions the state of Nebraska has to offer.