A new statewide survey of business and community leaders points to workforce issues as the top concern.

The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry reports that includes a shortage of skilled or qualified labor.

Chamber Vice President Jamie Karl says building the workforce is a long-term project, but schools are making headway.

Karl says one ranking shows the state dropping the ball on workforce development.

Karl says the workforce issue is more of a problem in western and central Nebraska compared to areas around Lincoln and Omaha.