To address area employers’ growing need for skilled welders, Southeast Community College is now offering adult welding classes at Falls City Public High School. Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (EDGE) is responding to the skills need with tuition grants.

Two skill levels of welding courses are being offered:

• Basic Welding classes start September 29. Students will learn the concepts, procedures and safety of oxyacetylene and arc welding.
• Intermediate Welding classes start November 3. Students will develop skills in metal inert gas welding and tungsten gas welding as well as learn the safety precautions of these procedures.

Classes will focus on developing skills by demonstration and practice in the shop. Both classes will be held for five sessions on Mondays from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuition for each course is $50 and the supply fee is $15. Register today! EDGE will award the first ten (10) registrants of each course with a $65 tuition and fees grant.

“Developing workforce skills needed by our employers is one of the many ways EDGE is building for the future of Falls City. A well-educated, skilled workforce is key to the future economic growth and vitality of our community,” said Chuck Whitney, EDGE Executive Director.

For more information and registration materials, please contact Rick Johnson, local director for Southeast Community College Adult Education, at 402.245.3455 or email rjohnson@esu4.org.

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More than 125 guests from eight nations will be visiting the state to take part in an event that will bring the world to Nebraska and Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (EDGE) representatives will be on hand to network and discuss Falls City investment opportunities with international business executives.

Starting Wednesday, Sept. 10 and running through Saturday, Sept. 13, the event has been designed to encourage international companies to explore opportunities for investment in Nebraska.  “The reverse trade mission concept provides an opportunity to encourage our international trade partners to explore Nebraska’s endless possibilities up close and in person,” Gov. Heineman said. “International trade and investment are crucial to our state economy. This event provides opportunities for international customers to see first hand what Nebraska has to offer.”

The event is being sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), the Nebraska Diplomats, and the University of Nebraska, with additional support from a network of 22 businesses and organizations.

The reverse trade mission will provide international businesses the chance to meet with potential customers and explore opportunities for partnership with sourcing companies or joint venture partners. It will also showcase emerging technologies available for license in Nebraska.  Delegations from Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea are expected to participate.

The reverse trade mission coincides with the annual Nebraska Diplomats’ Passport to Nebraska Weekend.The Nebraska Diplomats Weekend begins Friday afternoon, starting with a CEO Roundtable. Comprised of business leaders from across the state, the Nebraska Diplomats hosts the annual Passport to Nebraska Weekend to give business prospects from around the nation and world the opportunity to see the benefits of doing business in Nebraska.   Kevin Malone and Steve Kottich, EDGE Board Members, are members of the Nebraska Diplomats.

DED Director Richard Baier said, “The reverse trade mission builds on the activities associated with the Passport to Nebraska event with tours and meetings tailored specifically to the interests of our international visitors and business contacts. Combining these two events means we have an opportunity to bring together many of the Nebraska businesses interested in expanding their international connections and the foreign businesses interested in what Nebraska has to offer.”

Additional information on the reverse trade mission is available online at www.WorldToNebraska.com.