According to Wenstrand, convincing companies that Nebraska can work for them is as simple as pointing out the state's strengths and backing it up by delivering.

"We've had some real success in several areas: biotech, food processing, metal manufacturing, and software development/back office operations," said Wenstrand. "The state has done a great job of developing IT and software talent, and that talent ended up in a number of areas."

In the biotech arena, the medical centers at the University of Nebraska and Creighton University have created a mass of biotech companies.

"We grow carbohydrates really well here in the state," said Wenstrand about the state's agricultural roots. "We've done a lot of work here in ethanol fuels and biodegradable products.

"We were also very fortunate that Cargill constructed a biorefinery in Blair that is now a joint venture between Cargill and Dow."

Small- to medium-sized back office operations/software centers also are thriving in the state. According to Wenstrand, Nebraska's work force is making those facilities go.

"In many cases, our rural population is a great source of workers," said Wenstrand. "There may be a case where the spouse of a farmer has a bachelor's or master's degree and wants to supplement the family's income outside of the farm. Those people don't show up as unemployed because they are already working on a farm, but they make great employees. They are going to be extremely good, and they aren't going to relocate."