Beatrice Daily Sun - Governor, Johanns Visit Beatrice

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Kristin Jirovsky

Governor Dave Heineman and senate hopeful Mike Johanns stopped in Beatrice Monday to tour Precise Fabrication, Inc. facilities.

"The Gage County Economic Development group recommended the company as a place that has a lot of growth and because of the jobs it gives to the area. We've just heard great things about them," Sarah Pompei, Johanns for Senate communications director, said.

Leroy Jansen of Precise Fabrication gave the two a tour of the facilities. He told a bit of background on the company, as well as showed the group some large machines used in product fabrication.

Looking at a Mazak 1,500 watt laser, Johanns asked Jansen what the machine cost.

"About a quarter of a million dollars," Jansen said.

Johanns said he has a proposal that would help out Precise Fabrication, as well as other industries in Nebraska.

It would allow the company to buy $800,000 in equipment and then deduct up to $200,000 a year in taxes instead of depreciating over time.

Johanns said he spoke with Dempster Industries about this proposal, too.

"They'll have the opportunity to get new equipment with a tax break. That's the positive," he said.

At the end of the tour, Heineman gave a little input into what he's seen around the state.

"I feel good about where we're at financially as a state," he said.

He said areas like Beatrice are ones many communities should mirror.

"You've got to have good business and community leadership. It makes a huge difference. We underestimate how critical that can be," he said.

Johanns hopes Nebraska can be a leader in renewable energy, specifically wind energy with businesses like Dempster Industries leading the way.

"We'll see a comprehensive new energy initiative in congress. It will be one of the first things the new president does, whether it's McCain or Obama," he said.

Finally, standing next to Heineman, Johanns talked about the importance of the bonds that he, Heineman and Ben Nelson have.

"We've all worked together. When I was governor, (Heineman) was Lt. Governor. (Nelson) was senator when I was governor. We're able to set aside our politics and get things done," he said.

He hopes this will aid in getting a lot accomplished for Nebraska.

After the tour, the two headed to a meet and greet at the Primavera Room at Valentino's to promote Johann's senate campaign.

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