LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A leading state business group says Nebraska needs more skilled workers to fill its manufacturing jobs.

The president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry said Wednesday that the shortage is the greatest challenge that its manufacturing members face.

Barry Kennedy, the group’s president, says many Nebraska businesses would hire more people if they could find ones with adequate training to work with technology. His remarks came during an appearance with Gov. Dave Heineman, who proclaimed October as Nebraska Manufacturing Month.

Heineman says the shortage demonstrates the need to boost enrollment in Nebraska’s community colleges and universities.

Chris Roth, president of Reinke Manufacturing Company in Deshler, says his company needs workers with specific training in computer technology, math and science.