Link Up in Lincoln T he Lincoln area workforce continues to come to the forefront when companies consider the advantage of doing business in Nebraska.    Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, the Nebraska State Legislature recently passed a multi-million workforce training program to provide Lincoln workers with the kind of skills needed for companies to compete in the 21st century. The training program was part of a larger business incentive package.    "Time and time again, we hear from our companies that the No. 1 competitive advantage for Lincoln is the people themselves," said Jason Smith, Vice President of Economic Development for the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.    Smith points to major expansions at national and international companies such as Kawasaki, State Farm, Molex, Husqvarna, Tennaco Automotive, Gallup, World's Foremost Bank (Cabela's) and TAG/TMI (A Perot Systems Company) as proof that once companies discover the value of the Nebraska workforce, they look for more opportunities to grow in the region.    "The ability of the workforce here has everything to do with education, training and a superior work ethic," Smith added. "In addition to the University of Nebraska which continues to be on the cutting edge of research, development and education, we have a number of private schools and technical schools that excel in various aspects of education."    In a recent study by Community College Week, Southeast Community College, which has campuses in Lincoln and Beatrice, ranked 1st in the number of precision and production degrees in the nation, in addition to 11th in engineering technologies and 45th for business, management and marketing. SECC ranked 54th in the total number of degrees awarded.    The new state training program provides a flexible program that allows companies to design their own training or to work with a dedicated statewide training team to develop a curriculum that best suits the company's needs. In addition, an incumbent worker-training program has been included for companies that need a substantial upgrades to the skills of current employees.    A new program of business incentives, The Nebraska Advantage Act will take effect Jan. 1. The program provides investment tax credits as well as job tax credits for companies creating new jobs and/or making investments in Nebraska.    Also included in the program are a sales tax exemption on manufacturing equipment and a refundable tax credit for research and development.    For more information on locating in the Lincoln area, go to www.lincolnpartners.org.