Preventing 'brain drain' in Neligh: 'Be part of rural Nebraska'

NELIGH, Neb. -- A national labor shortage, dubbed the "Great Resignation," has plagued Nebraska well before higher wages were demanded. Another challenge to the lack of employees is youth pursuing careers out of state.

"Come back, be part of rural Nebraska -- it's the best place to live work and play in the world!," said Neligh's economic development director, Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen at the second annual Neligh Career & Job Fair, Thursday. 

Stepping off the school bus and into a career fair, students learned about how they can prevent brain drain.

"Last year we were talking with employers and realized how many positions were open," said Sheridan-Simonsen. She noted, Neligh is in need of teachers; mechanics, and manufacturing workers if they want to keep up with last year's growth of eight new businesses. That's why they started the fair -- which has grown this year and moved dates to accommodate agriculture employers searching for people to help them before spring begins. 

Neligh invited 14 local businesses to talk with 75 students from three local schools (in Clearwater, Elgin, Neligh) about what they can do to fulfill the dreams of students like high school junior Jaykown Petite.

"I think I can sell just about anything," Petite, who has a knack for auctioning things at FFA and prom, said. He wants to be a salesman. The question is: whether he and his peers will follow those career dreams within their hometown; or if they'll move out and contribute to the statewide labor shortage dubbed 'brain drain.'

The Center for Public Affairs estimates 2,000 college graduates leave Nebraska per year for reasons including healthcare options.

"I just felt like it was expected for me to go out and do something else," said Bri O'Brien, Assistant Director of Economic Development. She grew up in Albion but left to study at The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and later live in Omaha.

"I just realized I missed that community aspect and it pulled me back here," she said.

Arguing small towns offer safer and larger lifestyles, O'Brien advocates for rural Nebraska life.

"I completely fell in love with the small-town community life and everyone being there to support you," she said. By sharing her story, she hopes at least some of Thursday's students will help Nebraska drop from the 20th worst state for brain drain; to the best for brain gain.