COLUMBUS - On Wednesday, Gov. Pete Ricketts toured the Behlen Manufacturing headquarters in Columbus and signed a proclamation recognizing the contributions manufacturing makes to Nebraska.

“Everybody knows agriculture is our No. 1 industry, but manufacturing is No. 2," Ricketts said.  "It contributes over $13 billion to our state’s economy every year.  One in 10 people in Nebraska in non-farm jobs are employed in manufacturing and there’s lots of great careers."

Behlen, which said it just celebrated 35 years of returning to local ownership, said the heart of Manufacturing Month is business opening doors to students and allowing them to see what careers are available in the area.

“It really helps the students select an education path to get skills to pursue one of these careers," Chairman emeritus T.R. Raimondo said.  "Marketing, engineering, CNC operators, welding.”

Raimondo said the governor's proclamation helps spread that message.

He also said the company's been participating with the state's Registered Apprenticeship system, which allows high school students to not only get on-the-job training and do paid work, but also receive college credits.

“We’ve had eight apprentices now and they’re growing," Raimondo said.  "So it’s very exciting when they see it early.  Also last summer, we had 40 interns at Behlen Manufacturing.”

Ricketts praised the company for that, saying it helps keep talent in Nebraska.