Gov. Dave Heineman told representatives from Brownville and other area communities Friday afternoon, Sept. 7, that they, as well as other Nebraskans, need to work on promote their communities.

“There is so much good going on in Nebraska. Where we have good leadership, those communities are on the move,” the governor said at the Brownville Lyceum.
Members of the Brownville Community Foundation and Lee Sapp, the foundation’s ambassador, were hosts for the reception.  The reception celebrated the Brownville Community Foundation raising more than $10,000, enabling it to reach its goal of becoming a fully-funded endowed foundation. The foundation has been involved in preserving the village’s historical aspects. The reception drew a large turnout from Brownville and area communities.
Heineman was born in Falls City and lived in several Nebraska cities while growing up.
After the reception, Heineman went on a windshield tour of Brownville historic buildings and attractions.
Sapp, who was born in the Auburn area, said “it’s an honor to be here. Thank you for letting me help you. God bless all of you,” he said. Sapp also introduced Heineman.
“I’m honored and pleased to be here. A lot of governors don’t know where Brownville is. You should be proud of your community. Lee’s a great ambassador for Brownville and for Nebraska,” the governor said.
Heineman said Nebraskans work hard and understand about giving back to their communities. He said he was proud of Nebraskans for giving back to their communities and making a difference.
“It’s heartwarming to go into communities and see what is going on. As we continue to promote our state and our communities, it’s really up to local leadership to do whatever you want for your community. I see it all across Nebraska,” Heineman said.
Nebraskans tend to help each other in times of need, the governor said. He cited the recent efforts of volunteer firefighters who have fought fires in north central Nebraska and the northern Panhandle recently.
“The volunteer firefighters know how to take care of themselves. They’ve done an incredible job. Many volunteer fire departments responded before calling in help. The local guys put in 18 hour days for three to four days when they needed help,” Heineman said.
Food, water and supplies came in from communities all across Nebraska and throughout the United States. Nebraskans have responded in the same way when needed in other states, the governor said.
He also talked about why Nebraskans have weathered the tough economic times of recent years better than residents of other states.
Nebraskans are much more optimistic, Heineman said.
Nebraskans are hard workers who are willing to work long hours and want to do good things for the state. Nebraska has the second lowest unemployment rate in the United States, 4 percent vs. 8 percent nationally. Nebraskans, including state and local governments and families, have practiced fiscal responsibility, Heineman said.
“We have a lot more common sense in Nebraska. We don’t spend money we don’t have. We make those tough decisions,” the governor said.
In two of the last three years, Heineman said Nebraska’s population growth has exceeded the national average.
“We’re a small state. We have no oceans, no mountains and no year-round warm climate. If we can (keep the population growth up) for a decade, our sons and daughters will stay here,” he said.
The governor said he has followed the Husker volleyball team, who are ranked No. 1 nationally. The team recently honored former player Jordan Larson. Larson, a Hooper native, played on the silver-medal U.S. volleyball team at the London Olympics.
“They’re doing a great job. We are proud of them. These are the kinds of kids we’re producing,”
Agriculture is still the foundation of Nebraska and a lot of great things will happen in that area, Heineman said.
“Agriculture has been the No. 1 industry for a long time, will continue to be No. 1 and it will remain strong. It will head in a positive direction, not just individual farms and ranches, but areas such as alternative energy, ethanol and food processing, which occurs in many communities,” the governor said.
The past two years, many Nebraska farmers dealt with flooding in 2011 and drought in 2012.
“I’m proud of our farmers and ranchers. They know how to adapt and adjust. Hopefully they’ll survive,” he said.
“Nebraska has safe communities, good schools, good jobs, affordable housing and unmatched quality of life,” Heineman concluded.