Nebraska Diplomats Host Annual Awards Banquet at 2026 Governor’s Summit

The Nebraska Diplomats hosted its annual awards banquet on Monday evening at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney during the 2026 Governor’s Summit.

During the banquet, Governor Jim Pillen, Nebraska Diplomats President Dave Rippe, and Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton helped present the following awards:

Business of the Year – Blackburn Manufacturing

From its 1955 beginnings, Blackburn Manufacturing in Neligh has grown into a company serving customers throughout the United States and internationally, all while remaining firmly rooted in rural Nebraska. Blackburn makes premium marking flags for use by construction, surveying, public works, utility, landscaping, and other companies. Blackburn also manufactures custom signs, banners, and irrigation stickers.

Blackburn Manufacturing is known for its generous contributions to the community. The Blackburn family and company have consistently supported education, health care, scholarships, local organizations, and charitable causes that strengthen Neligh and the surrounding region. Their success, both in growing their business and in uplifting their community, has earned them recognition as this year’s Diplomat Business of the Year.

Community of the Year – City of Lexington

The City of Lexington was honored for taking bold steps to respond and recover after the closure of the Tyson Food plant in January 2026.

• The Lexington City Council authorized City Manager Joe Pepplitch to sign agreements with Tyson to acquire key nearby assets, including the plant's former wastewater treatment facility, adjacent farmland, and access to the Union Pacific Railroad.
• The city is managing these acquired assets to attract private investment, create new jobs, and encourage long-term industrial revitalization.
• Governor Jim Pillen nominated Lexington for designation under the federal Opportunity Zones program to help spur further investment.
• The city and local entities cooperated to connect more than 3,000 displaced workers with alternative employment opportunities and state assistance resources.

These activities have aided the community’s resilience and spurred its ongoing vitality.

Diplomat of the Year – Anna Wishart, Chief Development Officer, Monolith

Anna Wishart has made a profound impact in Nebraska as a public servant. She serves on the boards of the Downtown Lincoln Association and Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry. She formerly chaired the Lincoln Airport Authority. She also represented District 27 in Lincoln as a State Senator in the Nebraska Legislature from 2017 to 2025. Currently, she is Chief Development Officer for Monolith, a clean tech and materials company headquartered in Lincoln. In that role, she spearheads Monolith’s community engagement, government relations, human resources, communications, and corporate giving. 

What sets Anna apart is her ability to build trust and bring people together. Whether helping recruit investment, support workforce initiatives, or strengthen public-private partnerships, Anna approaches every challenge with integrity and an unwavering commitment to Nebraska. Through these qualities, she has distinguished herself for recognition as Nebraska’s Diplomat of the Year.

Power in Partnership Award – Latino Economic Development Council

The Latino Economic Development Council was honored for their work to support creation of Plaza de la Raza, a cultural park rising in the heart of South Omaha’s vibrant Latino commercial district. Construction began in June, with the plaza set to open in fall 2027. Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC) has worked in close partnership with Canopy South and the City of Omaha to rally community support for the project and to assemble public and private resources to fund it. In doing so, LEDC has underscored its reputation as a trusted and effective advocate for business and community development in South Omaha.

Governor’s Excellence in Agriculture Entrepreneurship Award – Molecular Trait Evolution (MTE)

Molecular Trait Evolution was honored for their work to apply research in microbiology to develop more efficient solutions for biofuel production. The biotech startup is taking genes from resilient organisms, living in some of the most extreme environments on earth, to engineer better-performing enzymes for industrial applications. Their technology can be used to get energy out of things that might otherwise be considered waste, making ag tech more efficient.

Governor’s Excellence in Agriculture Partnership Award – Nebraska Beef Council / Ann Marie Bosshamer

The Nebraska Beef Council was honored for their steadfast leadership and tireless support of the state’s ranching community. Through their unwavering dedication, the Council drives both domestic and international demand, ensuring Nebraska beef remains the gold standard around the globe. By investing in groundbreaking research and conducting consumer education, they protect Nebraska’s agricultural heritage while paving the way for the next generation.

As a key leader within the Nebraska Beef Council, Ann Marie Bosshamer received special recognition for her excellence in agricultural partnership. For 30 years, Ann Marie Bosshamer has worked diligently to protect and promote the state’s beef industry. She has taken part in countless promotional events and educational programs, spreading awareness about Nebraska beef. She also has served admirably on numerous national committees and has been a trusted mentor and advisor for other industry leaders across the country.

The Nebraska Diplomats, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and Nebraska Department of Economic Development would like to congratulate the 2026 award winners and thank the following sponsors of this year’s Governor’s Summit and Diplomats’ banquet.

• Platinum – Farm Credit Services of America
• Platinum – NetChoice
• Gold – Deloitte
• Gold – Google
• Gold – Invest Nebraska
• Gold – Meta
• Gold – Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Gold – Nebraska Diplomats
• Gold – Nebraska Hospital Association
• Gold – Nebraska Public Power District
• Silver – Black Hills Energy
• Silver – CFO Systems
• Silver – Don’t Panic Labs
• Silver – Nebraska Economic Developers Association
• Silver – Omaha Public Power District
• Silver – Phelps County Development Corporation
• Silver – Samsara
• Silver – Valmont
• Bronze – Bio Nebraska
• Bronze – Greater Omaha Chamber
• Bronze – Nebraska Bitcoin Association
• Bronze – Olsson

A nonprofit corporation, Nebraska Diplomats, Inc. has a membership comprised of business executives and community leaders. The Diplomats form alliances with other Nebraska economic development organizations to promote the state’s productive business climate and unparalleled quality of life. For more information about the group’s work to benefit the state, visit www.nediplomats.com.

A photo album from the awards ceremony is available by clicking here.

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