Have a great idea for our state? Let this group know

Would you liike to see things be better for yourself and your neighbors? Would you rather pitch in for improvement than sit back and complain?

How about New Year's resolutions -- do you make one every year, whether or not you're completely successful in following them?

If any of these descriptions apply to you, you may want to join former Husker football standouts Adi Kunalic and Blake Lawrence in the Forging Nebraska's Future effort for the "NExt Generation."

Described as an "independent, long-term planning initiative organized by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, with support of organizations and individuals from the state," it is staffed by a member of the Nebraska Chamber team and is governed by an advisory committee with diverse interests and backgrounds from all parts of Nebraska, a majority of its members age 35 years or younger.

You've got a couple of more weeks to submit your ideas for improving Nebraska at www.NebraskaIdeas.com or www.ForgingNebraska.com.

After a quick and easy sign-up, participants can submit ideas, support other ideas and collaborate on different aspects of each suggestion.

Categoies include Foundational Issues, Workforce, Development & Technology, K-12 Education, Higher Education, Quality of Life, Utilities & Infrastructure, Agriculture and Natural Resources.

A sampling of some of the ideas under discussion include "small wind turbines on a grand scale," "'rehab' for small towns," an agricultural theme park, encouraging young farmers and efforts like encouraging pedestrian and bicycle travel.

"As a former Husker and current Nebraska business owner, I am excited about the future of our great state," Adi Kunalic said. "We need to find better ways to attract and retain young workers, leaders and entrepreneurs. Every Nebraskan should take a few minutes to submit their ideas for improving Nebraska."

Blake Lawrence said he "came to Nebraska to attend the University of Nebraska and to play football. I've stayed in Nebraska because of the enormous amount of support from the business community throughout the state. our business has had many opportunities to uproot and leave Nebraska, but we've remained right here because we are dedicated to growing our company with Midwest values provided by Nebraskans and serving as a model for young entrepreneurs who are emerging across the state. Great programs are helping keep top talent in Nebraska and helping our youth forge a new future for Nebraska. This website, www.NebraskaIdeas.com, is one of the best we've come across so far."

The submitted ideas -- about 400 have been submitted so far -- will be narrowed to the "100 Best," and ultimately down to three to five "Big Ideas."

The advisory committee will then take the "Big Ideas" into partnership with elected officials, state and local leaders and other partners to develop and execute action plans to implement them.

Visit www.NebraskaIdeas.com, check out the ideas already under discussion, sound off about the ones you like or don't like, and submit your own. But do it before Dec. 15.