Hard work heritage pays off in modern-day jobs

Nebraska pioneers worked hard to eke out a living from the grass-covered plains, and many of the homesteaders didn't make it.

Those who did, however, passed on a work ethic that is still paying dividends today as the state competes nationally and internationally to play a part with growing businesses.

Nebraska ranks seventh in Forbes magazine's new "Best States for Business" list, in which all 50 states were ranked in business costs, labor, regulatory environment, economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life.

Nebraska scored ninth in business costs -- cost of labor, energy and taxes -- and quality of life -- schools, health, crime, cost of living and poverty rates.

In regulatory environment, which also includes the lawsuit climate -- the Cornhusker state earned a respectable 14th.

Expanding its old Best Metro Areas for Business and Careers, the magazine tailored its survey to states for the new list. This time, it took a look at potential for growth in jobs, income and gross state product, as well as flow of venture capital and new businesses that have started in the past five years.

The list also examines government's role in the business climate in terms of environmental and labor laws, taxes and incentives on the state level.

A story from the Grand Island Independent points out how our state's work ethic has helped maintain the third-lowest unemployment rate in the state.

"When you have a good attitude, you're willing to do a little more training and go a little farther than the next person, and employers recognize and seek that," said Mike Henke, general manager of Associated Staffing in Grand Island.

In an interview earlier this year, Behlen Manufacturing chairman Tony Raimondo said that work ethic counts when it comes to landing jobs for the state.

"Our people are flexible, they're adaptable," Raimondo said. "With our terrific work ethic and some more partnering, this state is very globally competitive."

Hard work and responsibility is never out of style, whether it's at the handles of a plow pulled by a workhorse or at the keyboard of computerized manufacturing machine. As long as Nebraskans don't lose sight of that, we'll be players in the world business scene.