A Northeast Community College dean was chosen to help represent the tri-state region in discussing issues of importance with leaders in Washington, D.C., earlier this year.
Cyndi Hanson, Northeast Community College dean of workforce development, was one of 46 individuals from the Siouxland tri-state area representing businesses and education, nonprofit and government entities in the 69th annual Siouxland Chamber Delegation to Washington, D.C.
“Participating in the annual chamber delegation is a tremendous opportunity to connect with our federally elected officials in the tri-state,” Hanson said. “Our communities span three states and yet work together for the betterment of all. We find by engaging as a group, we display the impact a collective effort can have, and we find our congressional delegation often works together similarly.”
Originally, the delegation was scheduled to meet with the congressional members from Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. Unfortunately, they were unable to meet with most of the senators because they needed to attend hearings. The delegation did get to meet with staffers from their offices.
“Issues of importance to the Siouxland delegation impact all of us,” Hanson said. “We spoke to the congressional delegation about workforce shortages, need for common sense immigration reform, infrastructure support and funding, challenges in health care, education and aviation related to government regulations. We also have an opportunity to network with other members of the delegation and find ways to support one another and our communities in this valuable time together.”
They also had presentations and Q&A with representatives from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, American Immigration Council, the Heritage Foundation, Business-Industry Political Action Committee, Cybersecurity Division of Department of Defense and CyCom Agency.
Hanson also attended the Nebraska delegation’s weekly “Nebraska breakfast” in which all five federal delegation members meet with any Nebraskans in Washington to provide an update on legislative happenings.