2013 Greater Omaha Chamber Book by Omaha World-Herald

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WELCOME

Omaha: EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITIES 2013 Edition A Greater Omaha Chamber publication, created and produced by the Omaha World-Herald

PROJECT TEAMS For the Greater Omaha Chamber PROJECT DIRECTOR Karla Ewert CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kim Sellmeyer PROJECT COORDINATOR Kayti Rachwalik RESEARCH COORDINATOR Michelle Janssen PROJECT CONTRIBUTOR Anne Branigan

GREATER OMAHA ABSOLUTELY

WORKS

For the Omaha World-Herald EDITOR Chris Christen ASSISTANT EDITOR Amy LaMar LEAD DESIGNER Quentin Lueninghoener DESIGNER Heidi Hoffman LEAD WRITER Dan McCann IMAGING SPECIALIST Patricia 'Murphy' Benoit PRINT MANAGER Wayne Harty ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Carrie Kentch

Indeed, Greater Omaha works. On all levels. We’re noticed for all the right reasons, too. Let us introduce you to a few highlights of living, working and playing here.

CONTRIBUTORS/CONTENT Kurt A. Keeler, Tim Stuart, Michelle Janssen, Michael Kelly, Omaha World-Herald archives

BILL SITZMANN

We are a competitive, pro-business community that helps turn visionaries into achievers. And we hold our achievers in the highest regard, from our mosaic of thriving small businesses, to the Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies that enhance Omaha’s corporate and physical landscape with their steadying presence. In the spring of 2013, Omaha-born TD Ameritrade debuted its spectacular new headquarters – a 12-floor, $250 million investment in the company’s future – and in Greater Omaha. We are a community centered on economic progress. In less than a decade, the Chamber’s economic development efforts have resulted in 426 new projects, representing 23,830 jobs and nearly $4.3 billion in new investments (as of the end of the second quarter of 2013). Our recruiting efforts are backed by a skilled labor pool, solid infrastructure, strong financial institutions, low power rates and generous business incentives. Even during the height of the national recession, we maintained our low unemployment rate, stable housing market and comfortable cost of living. We are a family focused community that boasts impressive amenities: award-winning, innovative schools; affordable housing in neighborhoods with character; a wealth of options for activities; a diverse religious

WELCOME

landscape; and a beautifully supported cultural scene. We are rapidly becoming a spotlight community, attracting bold, national events such as the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials in 2008, 2012 and again in 2016, the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 2013, and the U.S. Senior Open in 2013, which set an attendance record for a sporting event in Omaha. Not to mention the NCAA Men’s College World Series, the annual powerhouse that will call Omaha home until at least 2035. The website MTV Iggy even gave us kudos in 2013 for being one of the nine best up-andcoming cities for music in the world, with a No. 2 ranking. Omaha? Absolutely! This publication offers example after example of how Greater Omaha works in magnificent, significant ways. If you are thinking about expanding your business, moving your family here or coming on your own, we welcome you and we look forward to working with you.

David G. Brown

President and CEO Greater Omaha Chamber

Terry Kroeger

2013 Chairman Chamber Board of Directors Chairman, BH Media Group and Omaha World-Herald

CONTRIBUTORS/PHOTOGRAPHY Brad J. Williams, Eric Francis, Jim Ferguson, Kurt A. Keeler, Bill Sitzmann, Scott Drickey, Bob Ervin, Scott Dobry, Hannah Harrison, Lance Cheung, Anna Reed, Melissa Anderson, Ken Block, Kim Sellmeyer, Jeff Beiermann, Omaha World-Herald staffers Howard K. Marcus, Alyssa Schukar, Matt Miller, Kent Sievers, James R. Burnett, Rebecca S. Gratz, Brynn Anderson, Jeff Bundy, Kiley Cruse, Mark Davis, Chris Machian, Ryan Soderlin ON THE COVER: Kenny Perry wins the 2013 U.S. Senior Open at Omaha Country Club in Omaha, Nebraska. Photo by Chris Keane/USGA.org FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES, CONTACT: GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER 1301 Harney St., Omaha, NE 68102 Phone: 402-346-5000; Fax: 402-346-7050 info@OmahaChamber.org

LEARN MORE OmahaChamber.org SelectGreaterOmaha.com View this publication online Omaha.com/ChamberBook COPYRIGHT 2013 Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102; 402-444-1094; omaha.com Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Greater Omaha Chamber and the Omaha World-Herald assume no responsibility for misinformation. No part of this publication may be reproduced without joint permission of the Greater Omaha Chamber and the Omaha World-Herald. PRINTED BY OMAHA PRINT COMPANY, OMAHA, NEBRASKA, A MEMBER OF THE GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER.

17th & Harney St.

facebook/mudomahane @mudomahane

www.mudomaha.com WELCOME

JIM FERGUSON

Getting Acquainted | 6

Doing Business Here By Choice | 23

On the Move | 33

Targeting Growth | 44

Emerging Talent | 59

Center of New Ideas | 65

International Presence | 74

Operating at Full Power | 80

Neighbors & Partners | 89

Where We Live | 98

Inspired to Learn | 103

Caring Community | 117

Hard at Play | 132

See & Do | 135

BRAD J. WILLIAMS

Accomplish More. Together. You want your business to thrive. So do we. The Greater Omaha Chamber is an advocate, a catalyst and partner dedicated to helping you – and the community – succeed. For membership details, visit OmahaChamber.org. For business information and more, visit SelectGreaterOmaha.com.

Twitter.com/OmahaChamber

WELCOME

Vimeo.com/OmahaChamber

Facebook.com/GreaterOmahaChamber

OUR SERVICES Banking & Finance Business & Corporate Creditors’ Rights Emerging Business Employee Benefits Employment Law & Labor Relations Environmental & Natural Resources Estate & Business Succession Planning Health Care Intellectual Property International Business Litigation Mergers & Acquisitions

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koleyjessen.com 5 WELCOME

G ET T I N G ACQUA I N TE D

TAKE A LOOK AT ALL THERE IS.

THE METRO AREA IS A

THRIVING MIX OF PEOPLE AND PLACES.

Downtown Omaha from Riverfront Place condominiums, 15th floor of the northern tower.

GETTING ACQUAINTED

By Michael Kelly

It’s all

HERE Our thriving, eight-county metropolis in the middle of the country offers much to enjoy. Work, play, volunteerism, sports, music, you name it. It’s all here.

H OWA R D K . M A RCU S

Look around, from a perch on high or from a suburban curbside, and you’ll see who we are and what we do. We are more than the City of Omaha. We are Greater Omaha, home to about 880,000 people, with room to welcome more. We are Council Bluffs on the Iowa side of the Missouri River, with its plethora of public art, its Loess Hills, the Mid-America Center arena and the new Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, which is linked to downtown Omaha by the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. We are Papillion, which Livability.com ranked the No. 1 small town in America, with its outdoor Sumtur Amphitheater and Werner Park, home of Omaha Storm Chasers baseball. We are Bellevue, the third-largest city in Nebraska and home of Fontenelle Forest; a town that is adjacent to Offutt Air Force Base, home of the U.S. Strategic Command. We are Ralston, site of a $32 million arena. We are suburban towns such as Gretna, La Vista, Plattsmouth, Waterloo, Valley, Blair, Springfield, Fremont and Bennington on the Nebraska side, and Glenwood, Treynor, Crescent and Missouri Valley on the Iowa side. We are Millard and we are Elkhorn, former towns annexed by Omaha that retain their traditions and their water towers proudly shouting their communities’ names. continued on next page

GETTING ACQUAINTED

Omaha BY THE NUMBERS

Figures are for the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) unless otherwise noted.

Dodge County (Fremont) Washington County (Blair) Douglas County (Omaha) Sarpy County (Bellevue)

4,900

Square miles of the nine-county Greater Omaha metropolitan area.

The five-county Greater Omaha statistical area.

922,051

Population of the nine-county metropolitan area.

421,570

Population of Omaha.

Cass County (Plattsmouth)

$63,818

Adjusted median household income compared to $53,133 for the U.S.

continued from page 7 We are long-standing Omaha neighborhoods, each distinctive: • Dundee, with its old-fashioned globe lights, which in 2012 was named one of the top 10 neighborhoods in America. • Benson, whose business district has become a beacon of restaurants and live music. • Florence, home of Pioneer Days and a Mormon temple. • South Omaha, the colorful, traditional neighborhood for immigrants who have stirred the melting pot. • North Omaha, with a rich history of African-American art and jazz and the well-known Big Mama’s Kitchen. And then there are modern, rebuilt areas, such as Midtown Crossing and Aksarben Village – both full of residences, retail stores, restaurants, cinemas and large public gathering places for music and other events. Old standbys continue to attract many, including the downtown Old Market, with its quaint mix of shops, restaurants and theaters, and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, ranked No. 1 in the nation.

GETTING ACQUAINTED

9-13

What has stunned visitors and returnees the most in the last decadeand-a-half is the transformation of downtown and the riverfront. The former sites of a smelting plant and a railroad repair yard are now the home of Lewis & Clark Landing, the CenturyLink Center (convention center and arena) and TD Ameritrade Park, home of the NCAA Men’s College World Series. The glittery Holland Performing Arts Center was built nearby, and the Gene Leahy Mall and lagoon are under renovation. In a stiff competition involving bigger cities that wanted to take the Olympic Swim Trials from Omaha, USA Swimming announced that for the third Olympiad in a row, the 2016 trials will be held in Omaha at the CenturyLink. Meanwhile, Creighton University moved up to the Big East Conference, and will welcome men’s basketball teams to the CenturyLink from New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Milwaukee and elsewhere. Up-and-coming? Things are looking up and a lot more is coming.

Median age (35.6 percent of the population is younger than age 25). The U.S. median age is 37.5 years.

Michael Kelly is a columnist for the Omaha World-Herald. He made his home here 43 years ago, and has been writing about Greater Omaha for as many years.

SOURCES: 2011, 2012 U.S. CENSUS, AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, APPLIED GEOGRAPHIC SOLUTIONS, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

Percent below the national average for cost of living.

Percent below the national average for housing costs.

$135,400

Median price of an existing home compared to the U.S. median home price of $176,600.

31.4

Percentage of residents who have bachelor’s degrees or higher compared to 27.9 percent for the U.S. in the ninecounty area.

35.2

EMPOWER YOUR EMPLOYEES! Financial Literacy Leads To Financial Empowerment

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Central Branch

West Branch

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4740 S. 48th Street Omaha, NE 68117 402.553.7999

4203 S. 120th Street Omaha, NE 68137 402.330.5373

5070 N. 32nd Street Lincoln, NE 68504 402.477.7766

3933 S. 14th Street Lincoln, NE 68502 402.420.0644

Outside Omaha & Lincoln: 800.882.0244 GETTING ACQUAINTED Federally insured by NCUA.

We’re a ‘happening place’

The secret is

OUT The 2013 U.S. Senior Open golf championship at Omaha Country Club in July capped a remarkable 16 months of national sports events in Greater Omaha. “I don’t think any city in the country, and maybe the world, has had a string like that in that time frame,” said David G. Brown, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber.

Omaha just may be the greatest non-major league city in the country. The NCAA Men’s College World Series is booked through 2035. An early round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament will be here in 2015, and the Olympic Swim Trials return in 2016. The Ralston Arena was the 2013 site of a 10-team international women’s volleyball tournament, while a Cuba vs. USA baseball series was played at Werner Park in Papillion. “We don’t want people to say Omaha is the best-kept secret anymore,” said Dana Markel, executive director of the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We want them to say, ‘That city is a happening place and I want to go there.’” The “big six” spectator sports attracted more than 1.1 million attendees, who pumped an estimated $125 million into the local economy. There was also another winning result: 46 days/nights of positive national TV coverage from Omaha. That kind of publicity, Markel said, is worth “hundreds of millions of dollars.” 10

GETTING ACQUAINTED

“EACH DAY, I

FELL IN LOVE WITH YOUR CITY AND ITS PEOPLE JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE.”

— Lisa Carter of Liberty Township, Ohio, on her first CWS experience (2013).

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and downtown skyline.

“IT’S REALLY NICE TO WIN A COMPETITION

WHERE THE COMPETITION WAS EXTREMELY STRONG.

IT SAYS A LOT FOR THE CITY.” — Omaha Sports Commission President Harold Cliff, on hosting the 2016 U.S. Olympic Swim Trials

BRAD J. WILLIAMS

GETTING ACQUAINTED

The 10 Best Cities to Raise a Family in America (Movoto Blog – May 2013)

Overall for economic performance during the last recession (Brookings Institute – December 2012)

On Numbers Economic Index (measures 18 indicators, including private-sector job growth, unemployment and retail activity) (The Business Journals – September 2012)

Top 50 MilitaryFriendly Cities (G.I. Jobs – June 2013)

Healthiest Housing Markets in 2013 (Trulia.com – December 2012)

KENT SIEVERS

How we rank in the eyes of others

Top 10 Best The 10 Best Cities for Young Cities for College Entrepreneurs Graduates (NerdWallet. (MSN – July com – April 2013) 2013)

Lowest Average Monthly Mortgage Payments (LendingTree – November 2012)

Top 10 ProBusiness States (Pollina Corporate Real Estate – July 2013)

Best-Run States (24/7 Wall St. – November 2012)

America’s Top States for Business (CNBC – July 2013)

America’s Least Expensive States to Live In (CNBC – July 2013)

Top States for WellBeing (Gallup – February 2013)

Best States for Business and Careers (Forbes – December 2012)

Best States to Make a Living (MoneyRates. com – April 2013)

HOW GREATER OMAHA MEASURES UP Papillion, part of Greater Omaha, was named #8 Best Places to Live (CNN Money – August 2013)

Bellevue, part of Greater Omaha, was named #5 on Where Homes Are Affordable (CNN Money – August 2012)

SEE MORE View all rankings at SelectGreaterOmaha.com

GETTING ACQUAINTED

Sarpy County, part of the nine-county Omaha metro area, ranked 11th on the list of Where the Jobs Are (CNN Money – August 2012)

JEFF BEIERMANN

Nebraska stands tall, too

Ranked #1 Embassy Suites in the World 2009, 2010 & 2011 2012 Make a Difference Award for Project SEARCH 2013 Best of MidAmerica Meetings Focus Award

The Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in La Vista is proud to be an award winning host site for Project SEARCH - a school to work program for special needs students. Their classroom is onsite where their learning experience includes three rotations of 10 weeks each in a range of hotel and conference departments that include housekeeping, engineering, kitchen and banquets. Guests and staff alike appreciate their integration and soon discover their unique skills are a valuable asset. Embassy Suites also hosts a Business Advisory Council to assist the students in finding meaningful employment following graduation. Call 402-408-5470 to become involved with Project SEARCH, or to book your corporate meeting, group or social event.

Ranked #1 Embassy Suites worldwide in quality, service and guest satisfaction Voted Make a Difference Award winner by the staff of all Embassy Suites properties around theG world. ETTING ACQUAINTED We are proud to be hosting the 2014 Project SEARCH International Conference in July 2014 bringing together over 250 worksites from around the world.

Solid as a

ROCK

Nursery rhymes teach us that straw houses will crumble in the wind, and eventually, so will houses made of wood. But brick houses can withstand the huffing and puffing – or in this case, the big, bad economic recession. Not only was Greater Omaha’s fiscal house made of brick, but it had the country’s most solid construction from late 2007 – the start of the economic downturn – through the third quarter of 2012.

SCOTT DRICKEY

In a Brookings Institute comparison of how the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas performed on key economic indicators, Omaha fared the best. The No. 1 ranking for overall economic performance during the last recession is attributed to a number of factors, including a varied economic mix strong in insurance, agriculture-related industry, transportation and health care, plus a generally conservative business climate that helps the city avoid the economic highs and lows seen on the coasts. To Karla Ewert, a spokesperson for the Greater Omaha Chamber, the metro area had so much economic momentum and so many things in the works, that even the biggest downturn since the Great Depression couldn’t derail it. “We had this new, vibrant economy at the time, and we just kept building,’’ she said. “You could look at the city’s skyline 14

GETTING ACQUAINTED

and still see cranes. That’s what other cities didn’t have.’’ Jerry O’Flanagan, First National of Nebraska senior vice president and chief credit officer, cited a strong agricultural economy, stable home prices and a welldiversified business environment. “Omaha has an educated, skilled and energetic workforce, resulting in unemployment rates that are far below the national average.” Brookings found that Omaha had the best recovery performance in unemployment. By late 2012, the city had essentially recovered all of the jobs that it shed during the downturn. Conservative lending practices helped, as well. “Credit unions and banks in the Omaha area are governed more cautiously, and thus, we’ve had fewer financial institution closings,” said Gail DeBoer, president and CEO of SAC Federal Credit Union.

ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE RANKINGS #1 - Least Financial Stress (on households in 77 metropolitan areas) (Credibility.org – May 2013) #2 - Lowest State Debt per Capita (Tax Foundation – June 2013) #2 - Top States for Employment Leaders (Business Facilities – July/August 2013) #3 - Number of Economic Development Projects (for MSAs with a population between 200,000 and 1 million) (Site Selection Magazine – March 2013) #6 - Top States for Credit Quality (Business Facilities – July/August 2013) #8 - Most Competitive Metros since 2010 (EMSI, Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc. – November 2012)

. w o r G o T y a W r e tt A Be When Nebraskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest credit union opened its doors nearly 70 years ago, a beautiful partnership developed with this area. Capital investment in our community sparked business growth, which has made it a magnet for stability, industry, and vitality. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be prouder of our nearly-completed corporate headquarters, and the communities we are privileged to serve. For more information about SAC Federal Credit Union, a better way of banking and how to join, go to sacfcu.com.

Together for Omaha | Together for Growth | Together for Better

Better Banking GETTING ACQUAINTED

SAC Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.

Omaha’s mayor:

JEAN

STOTHERT It was a historic win – delivered by a landslide. Jean Stothert, on May 14, 2013, became the first woman elected to serve as mayor of Omaha. Ready to lead on day one, she brings to the office a conservative approach and an extensive resume of private and public sector experience. It includes her time spent as a critical care nurse and nursing manager in St. Louis, three terms on the Millard School Board (including three years as president) and four years on the Omaha City Council. A LY S S A S C H U K A R

Stothert moved from St. Louis to Omaha in 1993 with her husband, Joe, a trauma physician at UNMC, and adult children, Elizabeth and Andrew. Inspiration to run for mayor: “My own personal philosophy: I feel that every citizen has the obligation to give back to their community. In college, I chose my profession – nursing – based on that belief. … (As a member of the Omaha City Council), I felt that Omaha was a great city, but it had a lot of opportunities that had been missed. And the only way I was going to address and solve that was if I ran for mayor.” On her historic election: “It is an honor to be the first woman elected mayor of Omaha. … I hope that my election will lead to other women running for this office in the future. I do believe that, being a woman, I bring a different perspective and a different temperament to the office. I raised a teenage boy – I can do anything!” 16

GETTING ACQUAINTED

Vision for the City of Omaha: “How do I see Omaha after I’ve been mayor for four years? I see a city with a lower tax burden that allows businesses to thrive and our economy to grow. I see Omaha being a place where city services have been improved. That’s what people want for their tax dollars: good streets, good parks, libraries and infrastructure; they want good firefighters and police. They also want a city government that’s going to manage their money well.” A message for young professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners: “We’re open for business – and we want them here. We want new business to come here, and our existing businesses and young professionals to stay here. We want to do what we can to work in partnership with the Chamber so we can encourage business to develop here. … My job as mayor is to put policies in place that make businesses want to come here and create jobs.”

From critical care nurse to community leader, the impact of past experience: “I took care of people in the worst possible situations you can imagine. When I became head nurse, I managed about 40 other nurses and seven surgeons. I did the hiring, I did the counseling, I ordered the equipment and I did the budgeting. I learned how to be a good manager, and yet I was in a very stressful situation all the time. It taught me how to stay focused on my job and to organize my time. I bring those past experiences and skills to this job.” On living in Omaha: “It’s a very cosmopolitan city for its size. It’s still a 20-minute city, and we have everything that a big city offers – but we also have that small-city feel. We have great cultural opportunities: theater, art museums, major universities and two medical schools. We have business; we have philanthropy. I’ve loved living here ever since I arrived.”

Where we have tracks, we have ties. And none are stronger than right here in Omaha, our hometown. In addition to delivering the materials that power our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy, we also fuel the local economy with the payroll of more than 4,500 employees and charitable community giving of $3.8 million.

www.up.com GETTING ACQUAINTED

Warren Buffett You may know him as the fourth-richest person in the world or the chairman/CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Omaha knows billionaire Warren Buffett as one of its own, a locally born resident who still lives here and, in May 2013, welcomed an estimated 35,000 shareholders to Berkshire’s annual meeting, the reputed “Woodstock of Capitalism.”

Music Omaha ranked No. 2 on MTV Iggy’s 2013 list of the world’s most up-and-coming cities for music, alongside Santiago, Chile, Athens, Greece and Barcelona, Spain. “Poppin’ since the 1920s,” MTV Iggy reported that Omaha’s scene “Hasn’t really slowed down since, with thriving indie labels like Saddle Creek Records boasting the likes of Bright Eyes and Tokyo Police Club.”

GRAND Brands WHAT IS OMAHA KNOWN FOR? TAKE YOUR PICK.

The NCAA Men’s College World Series This annual “grand slam” event draws teams, media coverage and fans from across the country — a total of 341,483 in 2013 — a new CWS attendance record. An Omaha tradition for more than 60 years, the Series is also a major economic prize for the city, generating an estimated $30 million annually. cwsomaha.com

GETTING ACQUAINTED

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium It’s Nebraska’s top paid attraction and the No. 1 zoo in the U.S, according to TripAdvisor. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is, itself, organic, continually enhancing its core exhibits — from the Lied Jungle to the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium — and developing new ones, including one that will house the zoo’s first red panda. omahazoo.com

Omaha Fashion Week It’s the Midwest’s premier bi-annual fashion event, surpassing Kansas City, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis and Denver in terms of audience size and number of participating independent Midwest designers. Organizers describe the event as “part show, part incubator,” helping designers produce and market their work — and participate in a professional show at no cost. omahafashionweek.com

Omaha Steaks Family owned and internationally known for its premium steaks and gourmet foods, Omaha Steaks serves 1.5 million customers through its mail-order, online and retail operations (80 stores in 26 states). Founded as the Table Supply Meat Company in Omaha in 1917, the company adopted its iconic name, Omaha Steaks, almost 50 years later. omahasteaks.com

Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom” TV Series A television and cultural icon, Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom” premiered on NBC in 1963, and pioneered a television genre – the reality show. “Wild Kingdom” ran until 1986. Stephanie Arne hosts a webisode series set for YouTube release in fall 2013. A wildlife educator and global explorer, Arne won the spot in a national competition. wildkingdom.com

Boys Town Nationally renowned and nationally expanded, Boys Town continues to build on Father Edward Joseph Flanagan’s almost 90-year-old legacy of outreach. Through Boys Town’s innovative Family Home Program, at-risk boys and girls learn life skills and build healthy relationships while living under the care of married couples known as family-teachers. boystown.org

Healthy Choice/ ConAgra Foods “Don’t diet. Live healthy.” That’s the motto for ConAgra Food’s Healthy Choice brand, a nutritious product line that includes frozen and shelfstable meals, soups and sweet frozen treats. ConAgra brands, including Healthy Choice and Chef Boyardee, can be found in 97 percent of America’s households. conagra.com

U.S. Olympic Swim Trials Here in 2008 and 2012, the nation’s best swimmers are coming back to Omaha in 2016, a required stop on the way to the Summer Games in Rio. More than 164,000 fans attended the eight-day Trials in 2012, soaking up sensational swimming from the likes of Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. Millions more tuned in to NBC’s nightly, live coverage. usaswimming.org

GETTING ACQUAINTED

Proudly born and raised here, we’ve been the bank Omaha trusts for more than 150 years. In that time we’ve built relationships with people and businesses passionate about making Omaha a better place to live, and we will always put our customers and community first. If you’re ready for a better banking experience, stop into one of our 38 convenient branch locations today.

402.346.3626 | firstnational.com | Member FDIC 20

GETTING ACQUAINTED

The First National Tower, headquarters of the largest privately owned banking company in the country, stands vigilant over Pioneer Courage Park. Dedicated to the city by First National Bank, this sculpture collection weaves one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest bronze and stainless steel works of art across seven city blocks. The oversized wagon train honors the bravery, courage and entrepreneurial spirit that led settlers west from Omaha. GETTING ACQUAINTED

A Winning Combination Combining quality people, a unique culture and a passion for innovation and growth: West Corporation and Omaha share many traits that create a successful partnership. West Corporation is a leading provider of technology-driven communication services, offering its clients a broad range of communications and network infrastructure solutions that help them manage or support critical communications. West’s customer contact solutions and conferencing services are designed to improve its clients’ cost structures and provide reliable, high-quality services. West also provides mission-critical services, such as public safety and emergency communications. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Omaha, Neb., West serves Fortune 1000 companies and other clients in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, retail, financial services, public safety, technology and healthcare. West has sales and operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America. For more information about West Corporation, please call 800-841- 9000 or visit us at west.com.

West Corporation 11808 Miracle Hills Drive Omaha, Nebraska 68154 22

DOING BU SI N ESS H E R E BY CHO I CE

The Oracle

& OMAHA

Warren Buffett could live anywhere in the world. But he chooses to live in Omaha, where he has said it’s easy to keep a clear perspective. “If you can’t think clearly in Omaha, you’re not going to think clearly anyplace,” he told The Associated Press in a 2012 interview. “There are plenty of other places I like, but the one I love is Omaha.” A new book published by the Omaha World-Herald takes a look at how Omaha and its most famous resident and his Berkshire Hathaway holding company share a history and a future. “Just as Buffett was shaped by the teachers, the friends, the neighborhoods, the ethics – the overall identity – of Omaha, so Buffett has helped shape the city,” author Steve Jordon writes in “The Oracle & Omaha: How Warren Buffett And His Hometown Shaped Each Other” (owhstore.com). “Sometimes Buffett’s impact is direct, such as visitors coming to Omaha for the annual meeting of Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. Sometimes it’s indirect, such as the Omaha buildings and programs funded by donations from multimillionaire investors in Berkshire Hathaway.”

M AT T M I L L E R

D O I N G B U S I N ESS H E R E BY C H O I C E

THE BE R KS H I RE BOOST

erkshire Hathaway enjoys a top 10 position among the world’s companies. With Warren Buffett at the helm, the holding company owns about 80 businesses in a diverse range of industries, from insurance, railroads and energy companies, to manufacturers, retailers and fast food. Most of the Omaha companies in the Berkshire family, including Nebraska Furniture Mart, Borsheims and Northern Natural Gas, were already quite successful when Berkshire acquired them. “Others probably succeeded more with Berkshire than they might have by themselves,” said Steve Jordon, author of “The Oracle & Omaha.” Here’s a look at three companies that benefited from the Berkshire boost.

M AT T M I L L E R

NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY

APPLIE D U NDE RWRITE RS

BH ME DIA GRO UP

National Indemnity’s story opens in 1940 in a two-room office in Omaha. Brothers Arthur and Jack Ringwalt founded the firm as a specialty insurance company – a four-employee operation that wrote liability insurance for taxis. Today, National Indemnity Company is one of the leading property/casualty members of the Berkshire Hathaway group of insurance companies. Stock control changed from Jack Ringwalt to Berkshire Hathaway in March of 1967. (In the early 1970s, Berkshire Hathaway actually held its annual shareholders meetings in the National Indemnity Company’s lunchroom.) In the 2004 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report, Buffett wrote, “Indeed, had we not made this acquisition, Berkshire would be lucky to be worth half of what it is today.” When National Indemnity Company launched its Specialty Risk Division in 1985, an ad in Business Insurance featured the headline, “Berkshire Hathaway wants to see property/ casualty risks where the premium is $1,000,000 or more.” “National Indemnity Company’s success is pretty clearly tied to Berkshire, which has turned it into a huge property-casualty insurer,” said Jordon.

Applied Underwriters was 16 years old when it joined the Berkshire Hathaway family. The acquisition in 2006 prompted an immediate growth spurt. “As anticipated, our new relationship with Berkshire Hathaway is generating positive marketplace responses and exciting growth opportunities for our businesses, our managers and employees and our independent agent network,” Sidney Ferenc, chairman and CEO, told the Claims Journal seven years ago. Based in Foster City, Calif., with its national operations center in Omaha, Applied Underwriters provides workers’ compensation and business services for small and mediumsized companies. From the start, Ferenc was confident that the company’s relationship with Berkshire would take it to an even stronger national leadership position in the industry. Buffett, in announcing the deal, was confident that Berkshire had picked another winner. “We invest in proven companies that are industry leaders and offer significant growth potential,” he said in 2006. “Applied’s management team has the disciplined mindset necessary to lead a profitable underwriting operation.” Today, the company is twice as large in terms of customers and revenue. It has one of the highest customer retention rates in the industry at over 90 percent.

Berkshire launched BH Media Group after the $200 million purchase of the Omaha World-Herald in December 2011. Expanding steadily since, the division now owns more than 80 newspapers in Nebraska, Iowa, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and New Jersey. “In towns and cities where there is a strong sense of community, there is no more important institution than the local paper,” Buffett said in May 2012 after a $142 million acquisition of 63 daily and weekly newspapers in the southeastern United States. When Berkshire bought the Omaha World-Herald, Buffett said, “I think newspapers . . . have a decent future. It won’t be like the past. But there are still a lot of things newspapers can do better than any other media. They not only can be sustained, but are important.” Buffett, an avid newspaper reader, has said that he wants to buy more newspapers in cities where people are interested in their communities. The Press of Atlantic City, N.J., was the latest daily to join BH Media Group in July 2013. Other dailies include the Tulsa World, the Roanoke Times and the Winston-Salem Journal.

SEE MORE An influx of visitors and national media for the 2013 Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting, the NCAA Men’s College World Series and the U.S. Senior Open provided a unique opportunity to promote more than tourism and hospitality in Greater Omaha from May through July. The Chamber touted the city’s young entrepreneurs in an “Only in Omaha” image campaign that included airline magazine ads and testimonial-style videos. Hear the success stories at OmahaProud.com.

D O I N G B U S I N ESS H E R E BY C H O I C E

Omaha has a lot of pride in its “fab five,’’ the five Fortune 500 companies born in the metro area and raised in its robust business environment and stable economy. Combined, they give the city one of the strongest concentrations of Fortune 500s in the nation.

“WE ARE BLESSED

WITH FIVE OF THESE

COMPANIES THAT ARE ENGAGED IN THE

COMMUNITY IN EVERY WAY YOU CAN IMAGINE. THEY ARE ALL

VERY IMPORTANT IN MAKING OMAHA A

GREAT PLACE.” — David G. Brown, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber

One of America’s most recognized and iconic companies, Union Pacific, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country and serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers. UP also operates key north/south corridors, and is the only railroad to serve all six major gateways to Mexico.

209

U N I O N PAC I F I C

138

JEFF BUNDY

U NION PA C IFIC (NO. 1 3 8 )

243

CONAGRA

Omaha’s Fortune 500s

Synonymous with Omaha billionaire Warren Buffett, holding company Berkshire Hathaway owns businesses in a diverse range of industries, from insurance, railroads and energy companies, to manufacturers, newspapers, retailers and fast food. Its local holdings include Nebraska Furniture Mart, Borsheims and the Omaha World-Herald.

394

KILEY CRUSE; KENT SIEVERS

THE FAB

BE RKSHIRE HATHAWAY ( NO . 5 )

CO NAG R A FO O D S (NO. 2 0 9 )

PE TE R KIE WIT SONS’ (NO . 2 4 3 )

“Good for You, Good for the Community and Good for the Planet.” More than providing quality products, ConAgra Foods embraces a corporate citizenship platform that reflects the company’s commitment to both the environment and the communities it serves. For nearly 20 years, the ConAgra Foods Foundation has worked to eradicate childhood hunger by donating ConAgra products and investing tens of millions of dollars into non-profit partnerships and programs. In 2012, ConAgra donated the monetary equivalent of 3.4 million meals to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, as part of the company’s national Child Hunger Ends Here campaign.

What began in 1884 with two hardworking brothers has grown into a construction, mining and engineering powerhouse with a reputation for safe, high-quality work. Kiewit is a leader in a variety of market sectors throughout North America, and most recently, Australia. It is also one of the largest employee-owned firms in the nation, with both U.S. and Canadian employee shareholders.

D O I N G B U S I N ESS H E R E BY C H O I C E

MU TU A L OF OMA HA (NO . 3 9 4 ) Mutual of Omaha was founded on a simple principle: To provide financial security and care in difficult times. For more than 100 years, the company has put that principle into action through its insurance products, financial services and community involvement. The catalyst behind Omaha’s vibrant Midtown Crossing mixed-use development, Mutual also sponsors many popular endeavors, including the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials and the U.S. Senior Open.

Of all the homes we’re found in, we’re especially proud of this one. At ConAgra Foods, we’re proud to be found in 99 percent of America’s households and at the world’s most popular restaurants. Our brands are in just about every aisle of the grocery store and on just about every shopping list. But we’re especially proud to be on your shopping list. We’re grateful for the support you’ve given us right here in the Omaha area. At ConAgra Foods, we love to make the food you love. And we love to make it here. www.conagrafoods.com

D O I N G B U S I N ESS H E R E BY C H O I C E

7 06

GREEN PLAINS KURT A. KEELER

6 45

In addition to its steady presence on the Fortune 500 list, Omaha is strongly represented in the next tier of companies that make up the Fortune 1000.

GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY (NO. 645) A vertically integrated ethanol producer, Green Plains Renewable Energy operates nine ethanol plants in Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana and Tennessee. It currently has an ethanol production capacity of approximately 740 million gallons per year. Green Plains also operates an independent third-party ethanol marketing business, Green Plains Trade, which is responsible for the sale, marketing and distribution of ethanol. VALMONT INDUSTRIES (NO. 706) Founded in 1946 with a $5,000 investment, Valmont Industries has grown to become an international leader in engineered products and services for infrastructure and waterconserving irrigation equipment for agriculture. Today, Valmont is present in 28

D O I N G B U S I N ESS H E R E BY C H O I C E

7 81

9 37 23 developed and developing countries, offering 27 brands from more than 90 facilities around the world. T D AM E RITRA DE (NO. 7 8 0 ) “Bringing Wall Street to Main Street since 1975,” online brokerage company TD Ameritrade delivers an extensive array of state-of-the-art tools, straightforward pricing and personal service to help customers take charge of their trading or investing plans. In 2013, the company celebrated the grand opening of its new corporate headquarters, a $250 million, 12-story high-rise in west Omaha’s Old Mill area. W ES T C ORPORATION (NO. 7 8 1 ) With employees worldwide, West processes billions of minutes in voice-related transactions every year for the full spectrum of industries: communications, financial services,

M AT T M I L L E R

FORTUNE 1000 companies

CHRIS MACHIAN

Omaha’s

government, health care, insurance, retail, transportation, travel and hospitality. While the company’s client base is expansive, its focus is singular: To create solutions that cover every aspect of voice communication for each industry, market and customer it serves. WERNER ENTERPRISES (NO. 937) C.L. Werner launched his family business in 1956 with one truck. He hauled cargo that was exempt from regulatory restrictions, such as grain, watermelons and fence posts. He built the company one truck at a time, hauling in regional areas. Today, Werner Enterprises is a transportation and logistics company with coverage throughout North America, Asia, Europe, South America, Africa and Australia. Werner has a network of more than 7,200 trucks, 6,000 alliance carriers and ocean, air and rail providers.

IN A STUDY ACROSS 124 COUNTRIES, A MEDIAN OF 21% OF ADULTS ARE “THRIVING”…

… at Gallup, we help our clients understand why that is important to their business, customers, employees, and to the world.

Gallup is constantly cracking the code to human behavior, and we are not shy about our intent to use that knowledge to create positive change throughout the world. We help the leaders of companies, organizations, communities, and nations solve their most pressing problems with advanced research, analysis, and consulting. Through large-scale initiatives, Gallup helps clients from the public and private sector create sustainable GDP growth and improve organizational performance by applying insights from the cutting-edge field of behavioral economics. While Gallup maintains more than 30 offices around the world, we are proud that our largest location is right here in Omaha. D O I N G B U S I N ESS H E R E BY C H O I C E

TD Ameritrade:

HOMEGROWN

giant

It has been called a sustainability icon – an almost $250 million “coming-of-age building.” Like a heavyweight champ, TD Ameritrade’s new corporate headquarters in west Omaha has earned its share of titles. It’s a knockout structure that encompasses 12 floors, 530,000 square feet and 1,760 parking spaces. The exterior, which features irregular patterns of green and colorless window glass, purposefully resembles strips of old-fashioned Wall Street ticker tape.

BOB ERVIN

“TD Ameritrade was founded in Omaha in 1975. While we have many other locations and employees across the country, we’ve always maintained our largest presence in our hometown,” said Karen Ganzlin, chief human resources officer. At the July 2013 ribbon-cutting for the building, Chamber President and CEO David G. Brown noted, “To have a Fortune 1000 company who was ‘born here’ and then grew up here and who now chooses to remain here, sends an incredible signal about Greater Omaha to the outside world.” TD Ameritrade provides investing and trading services for nearly six million client accounts, totaling more than $400 billion in assets. On average, TD Ameritrade clients place approximately 400,000 trades per day. The new headquarters is the landmark centerpiece of a corporate campus that encompasses three Old Mill-area locations. Centrally located, the campus brings all of TD Ameritrade’s approximately 2,000 Omaha employees within walking distance of each other. And that has resulted in “more efficiency and more opportunities for innovation, teamwork and collaboration,” said Ganzlin. The headquarters building has an initial capacity of 1,800 people, with room to add more. If all goes as planned, it will become the eighth-largest building in the United States to be certified as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum. This is the U.S. Green Building Council’s highest level of certification. The building’s green features include solar panels, five electric car charging stations, four wind turbines and a roof with plantings. Each work area has separate 30

D O I N G B U S I N ESS H E R E BY C H O I C E

thermostats. Renewable building materials include bamboo, natural rubber flooring and linoleum made from linseed oil. The exterior walls enclose vented insulation made of recycled denim. Other standout features include a “pedestrian highway” for quick passage around the facility; an open lawn linking the office space and a two-story pavilion that houses dining and fitness areas; and a seating area overlooking the building’s vegetative “green roof.” “We also built a state-of-the-art learning and development center where we host training classes, networking sessions and other opportunities for our employees to continue their skill development, earn the credentials needed for their current position – or a position they aspire to achieve – or to hear from other leaders in the organization,” said Ganzlin. Outdoors, there’s access to the Big Papio Trail, a full basketball court and a sand volleyball area. “The focus for so many professionals today is the worklife balance: ‘How can I excel at my job and continue to develop professionally, while at the same time keep my personal life and wellness in check?’ We’ve created an environment that encourages both,” said Ganzlin. TD Ameritrade officials decided to build the corporate campus more than five years ago. From the beginning, Ganzlin said, assistance from city leaders was critical. “We have received considerable support and cooperation, and the result of those efforts is a corporate campus in the middle of the city that 2,000 individuals and their families are proud to call theirs,” said Ganzlin.

DESIGN FEATURES » 230-foot-tall building » 12 floors » Separate but connected sections for corporate and technology operations » Auditorium and training rooms, dining area and fitness center » Solar H20 heating » Four wind turbines » Five electric car charging stations » High-efficiency transformers » Raised-floor air distribution/ individual HVAC control SOURCE: MORRISSEY ENGINEERING

Together, for over 67 years, Travel and Transport and Omaha have been “Going Places”. From our innovative corporate travel solutions, to our expertise in planning unforgettable vacations, Travel and Transport is “Going Places” and we are excited to take Omaha along for the ride. Thank you for your support and watch for new things to come from Travel and Transport.

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31 D O I N G B U S I N ESS H E R E BY C H O I C E CORPORATE TRAVEL | EVENTS | LOYALTY | VACATIONS

D O I N G B U S I N ESS H E R E BY C H O I C E

ON T HE M OVE

ERIC FRANCIS

A CULTURE OF GIVING

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

THE GAMECHANGERS

Charitable giving and community-based philanthropy are ways of life here. Simply put, the Greater Omaha community rises to the occasion and gets things done in spectacular fashion. Enviable public-private partnerships have built the CenturyLink Center Omaha, the Holland Performing Arts Center, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha (pictured), Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and scores of other game-changing facilities for tourism and economic growth. Education and health care are also perennial benefactors of individual and corporate generosity. In May 2013, the University of Nebraska Medical Center broke ground on the state’s largest-ever public-private partnership – a $370 million cancer center. The project attracted $160 million in donations (17 of which were more than $1 million each), in addition to a combined $90 million public commitment from the State of Nebraska, the City of Omaha and Douglas County. ON THE MOVE

NEW BUD IN CITY’S

GARDENS

Drivers crossing the Missouri River from Council Bluffs to Omaha on Interstate 80 soon will see a new shape emerging on the hillside: A gleaming glass building inspired by a tropical flower in bloom. that celebrated its 10th anniversary in September 2013. The conservatory project is backed by Heritage Services, a non-profit fundraising group that has gathered millions of dollars for a long list of substantial projects. Those entering the conservatory through the visitor center will pass a waterfall, and then enter the largest of the building’s three sections: a 10,000-square-foot tropical house. From there, visitors can meander along paths, including a gradual uphill climb into the 5,000-square-foot temperate house. That section of the conservatory will feature plants most commonly found in the southeastern United States. The top donor for the project is the Robert B. Daugherty Charitable Foundation (Daugherty was the founder of Valmont Industries). The conservatory will be named for Daugherty’s wife, Marjorie, who was an avid vegetable and flower gardener.

HDR

CHRIS MACHIAN

Lauritzen Gardens, by late 2014, will welcome visitors to a $20 million, 20,000-square-foot conservatory that will house tropical and temperate gardens and feature a gallery for floral displays and special events. The building’s design, by Omaha architectural firm HDR, connects with its visitor center, and will appear to take the shape of the tropical plant, Heliconia. “We’ve seen tremendous growth, community acceptance and community appreciation of the project,” said Spencer Crews, Lauritzen’s executive director. “It seemed like a logical time to make this gigantic step forward.” The South Omaha tourist destination, which opened its visitor center 12 years ago, attracts more than 175,000 people annually, and the numbers are steadily growing. In addition to having world-class botanical displays and educational programs, the Gardens hosts a nationally acclaimed antique and garden show

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ON THE MOVE

OMAHA. THERE’S NO. BETTER PLACE. TO THRIVE.

Gavilon is proud to call Omaha home. It’s not just in the middle of America’s heartland. It’s at the heart of the commodities markets around the world—from grain to feed ingredients to fertilizer. We build relationships across those supply chains to help our customers thrive. Our business goes around the globe, but it all starts here. For more information about the company, our services and career opportunities, go to gavilon.com.

ON THE MOVE

WOODMEN OF THE WORLD

OM AHA COM MU N ITY FOUNDATI ON

Omaha’s 122-year-old insurance company, Woodmen of the World, has created a unique approach to community giving through Red Basket, a person-to-person donation site. Visitors to redbasket.org donate directly to projects they care about, such as providing funding for a mother’s cancer treatment or a special van for a toddler who has spinal muscular atrophy. Woodmen covers all transaction fees to ensure the maximum benefit. “Red Basket engages members of our community by connecting those who need help with those who are able to give it,” said Red Basket President Colleen Maciejewski. “Donors know where and how their charitable efforts help, no matter the size.”

ON THE MOVE

N EBRASKA HUMANE SO CIETY

JAMES R. BURNETT

RED BASKET

The Omaha Community Foundation called it a “success beyond its imagination.” In May 2013, the organization hosted its first Omaha Gives! event, a 24-hour online charitable challenge to showcase Omaha’s spirit of giving and to raise awareness of local non-profits. The event exceeded all expectations, raising more than $3 million through 19,000+ gifts for organizations like the Nebraska Humane Society, Girls Inc. and dozens more. “People came together community-wide with joy, enthusiasm and unity around a shared purpose,” said Foundation President and CEO Sara Boyd. Since 1982, the Omaha Community Foundation, on behalf of its donors, has granted more than $906 million to more than 3,000 non-profits, initiatives and funds throughout Greater Omaha and southwest Iowa. Giving by Foundation donors continues to be among the most generous in the nation. In 2013, for the 11th consecutive year, the Omaha Community Foundation was included in the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual Philanthropy 400.

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HERITAGE SERVICES

GENEROUS GIFTS FOR ALL TO ENJOY Quietly working behind the scenes to make a deafening impact on Omaha’s landscape and quality of life – that’s Heritage Services. Since 1989, the non-profit organization has raised nearly $500 million in private donations to back $800 million in public facilities. The organization thrives because of “outstanding” board leadership and the Omaha community’s long-standing, enthusiastic embrace of philanthropy, said Sue Morris, president. “I hope we never take it for granted the kinds of community treasures and projects that have been created because of our donors,” she said. The icons include the Holland Performing Arts Center, the Orpheum Theater, Joslyn Art Museum and TD Ameritrade Park Omaha. “We are a very unique community,” Morris said, “and the beneficiaries of this generosity are all the citizens of this city.” Among the projects that Heritage Services is currently involved in are the Lauritzen Gardens conservatory, and a 76 million oncampus arena for the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Mavericks hockey program.

ON THE MOVE

O RP HEUM THEATER

WOMEN’S FUND OF OMAHA

DYNAMIC CHANGE

Identify critical issues. Fund innovative solutions. Influence dynamic change. Since 1990, the Women’s Fund of Omaha has been embracing that threepronged approach to improve the lives of Omahaarea women and girls. The organization has invested nearly $1.5 million in grants to support other non-profit programs that address domestic violence, economic self-sufficiency and leadership. The Fund has also established its own programs, including the Ready to Run workshop, which encourages and prepares women to run for elected offices. And its Women’s Fund Circles is a new group that connects young professional women with established leaders, in addition to promoting networking and philanthropy. “Every time a woman has the opportunity to become a leader, to earn enough money to support her family or to escape a violent relationship, our community becomes a little stronger and more vibrant,” said Michelle Zych, executive director. “And we come a little closer to realizing our vision of a community where every woman and girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential.” CO U RT ESY O F O M A H A P E R FO R M I N G A RTS

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Cable Reels

Transit Conductors

Crane Electrification

A Global Manufacturing Leader in your backyard 10102 F St. Omaha, NE (800) 521 4888 (402) 339 9300 info.us@conductix.com www.conductix.us

ON THE MOVE

PETER KIEWIT FOUNDATION

BUILDING LEGACIES No fan of inherited wealth, Peter Kiewit, construction magnate and Omaha community leader, committed his entire fortune to a trust for charitable endeavors in his hometown of Omaha and the surrounding region. Today, the private Peter Kiewit Foundation, launched after Kiewit’s death in 1979, is synonymous with Omaha philanthropy. “The Peter Kiewit Foundation works to strike a balance between sustaining those things that have made Omaha a very unique community, while simultaneously reaching forward to encourage its future. We hear many voices across our city – and we listen to all of them,” said Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein, executive director emeritus. In recent years, the Foundation has distributed, on average, about $18 million annually in grants and scholarships. Arts, education, social services and civic organizations across Omaha have all benefited from the Foundation’s giving. In April 2013, the Foundation welcomed a new executive director, Jeff Kutash. A transplant from San Francisco, he has worked with dozens of the nation’s most prominent foundations. He is excited to be a key part of Omaha’s ecosystem of involvement. “Everybody is civic-minded,” he said. “Whether that’s through their own personal time when they volunteer, whether it’s through their job, whether it’s through working in the social sector – I’ve just been impressed. I haven’t met a single person who is not involved in something. And that ranges from waitresses and bartenders to folks who work in foundations and non-profits.”

JOSLYN ART MUSEUM

Th e P e r f e c t Ve n u e f o r Yo u r C o r p o r at e E v e n t

Conveniently located near downtown Omaha State-of-the-art video projection system Wi-fi and cable tv connectivity Capacity of 372 Full stage Choice of caterers Coming Soon! Conference room for smaller groups

For rates and availability, contact our ballroom event specialist at 402.449.1424 or ballroom @ scoularballroom.com

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ON THE MOVE

WELLS FARGO

STAKEHOLDERS

C O U R T E S Y O F J O S LY N A R T M U S E U M

When it comes to philanthropy in our communities, “We understand that one size doesn’t fit all,” said Cristina Castro-Matukewicz, Wells Fargo community affairs manager. “Every community has unique challenges, needs and stories, and we want them to succeed in the long term. So we invest our talent, expertise and financial resources to be right there with them – listening, learning and partnering with key stakeholders to create local solutions for local needs.” Through its corporate giving program, last year Wells Fargo invested more than $1.1 million in Nebraska nonprofits. In addition, Wells Fargo team members volunteered more than 14,000 hours to causes that matter to them and impact the quality of life in the communities where they live, work and play.

A POWERFUL FORCE IN ENERGY In 1987, we started out to build a power plant. Today, Tenaska is one of the largest and most successful independent energy companies in the United States. Forbes magazine ranks Tenaska 35th among the largest privately held U.S. companies, with 700 employees and gross operating revenues of $7.2 billion. Headquartered in Omaha, with regional offices in Dallas, Denver, Pittsburgh, and Calgary and Vancouver, Canada, Tenaska is highly respected for its expertise, pursuit of opportunities and uncompromising values.

Power Generation Energy Marketing Energy Development Private Equity Gas Exploration & Production

Tenaska.com

ON THE MOVE

IOWA WEST FOUNDATION

KAN EKO I N STAL L AT I ON / MID-AMERICA CENTER

C O U R T E SY O F I O WA W E S T F O U N D AT I O N

PUBLIC ART Since its inception in 1994, the Iowa West Foundation has awarded more than $285 million in grants to improve the quality of life for residents of more than 100 southwestern Iowa and eastern Nebraska communities. “We are committed to improving lives and strengthening communities for today and future generations,” said Pete Tulipana, president and CEO. “We do this by providing leadership, creating partnerships, leveraging resources and serving as a catalyst in identifying and supporting community needs.” The Foundation’s initiatives have had particular impact in the areas of public education, historic renovation, community beautification and public art. A recent $3.5 million grant from the Foundation will give Council Bluffs a new YMCA by early fall 2015.

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TARG E T I N G G ROWT H | YO U R CHAMBER AT WO R K The Omaha Business Hall of Fame was initiated in 1993 in celebration of the Chamber’s centennial anniversary. Proceeds from the induction gala support the permanent Omaha Business Hall of Fame display at The Durham Museum. They also provide funding for the annual Young Professionals Summit, a Greater Omaha Young Professionals project. Including the five 2013 additions, the Omaha Business Hall of Fame now stands at 127 inductees.

OMAHA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

WILLY THEISEN Founder, Godfather’s Pizza

“THERE’S

“The people were generous; they were honest. It was a clean environment,” he recalled of his first impression of Omaha in 1973. “I was fortunate that my car broke down and I was forced to stay here. Omaha is the key to what I’ve been and what I’ve done.”

ABOUT

SOMETHING

THIS TOWN THAT I REALLY

LIKED.”

MOGENS C. BAY Chairman and chief executive officer, Valmont Industries Inc.

“We always act with the highest level of integrity. We are committed to continuously improving the way we serve our customers and deliver results.”

MARSHALL E. FAITH Vice chairman, The Scoular Company

“What makes Nebraska and Omaha such an interesting place to raise wonderful businesses? ... I found a quotation in scripture that simply says, ‘I was a stranger, and you invited me in.’ … I think all of our employees have felt the same type of thing. Omaha is an including city – not an excluding city.”

TA R G E T I N G G R O W T H | YO U R C H A M B E R AT W O R K

OMAHA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME 4

SUSAN M. JACQUES President and CEO, Borsheims Fine Gifts and Jewelry

“I am following in the footsteps of two very important inductees into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame: my boss Warren Buffett, and my mentor Ike Friedman. Those are both two very big sets of shoes into which to fit my heels.”

JAMES R. YOUNG Chairman, Union Pacific Corporation

“When you talk about success in business, it goes far beyond the balance sheet. Our 45,000 employees get up every day to go to work. They work hard; they work safe. And guess what? They go home and get involved in their communities. To me, that is the true measure of business success.”

AND SP E A KI N G OF T HE H O N O R EES … It’s a tradition at the Omaha Business Hall of Fame gala for Mary Maxwell, “Omaha’s first lady of humor,” to kick off the evening with her dry-witted, unique take on the honorees. A bonafide worldwide YouTube sensation, one of Maxwell’s uploads has attracted almost 10 million viewers. SEE MORE View Maxwell’s uploads at youtu.be/vPFCnSitBFE

AL L IN F U N : M A XWE LL- I S M S ON MOGENS BAY

ON MARSHALL FAITH

“MOGENS (PRONOUNCED ‘MOENS’) “TALK ABOUT KEEPING

ON SUSAN JACQUES

“SHE BECAME THE

AND CEO OF THE FAITH, MOEN, WHICH AS YOU KNOW,

BAY IS THE PLURAL OF

THE CURRENT SCOULAR CHAIRMAN BORSHEIMS

IS A COMPANY THAT PRODUCES IS MARSHALL’S SON, PLUMBING ACCESSORIES.” DAVID FAITH.” ON WILLY THEISEN

ON JAMES YOUNG

“I BENEFITED BOTH FROM HIS FIRST HUGE SUCCESS,

“THIS IS SPECIAL — JIM IS THE ONLY NATIVE OMAHAN IN THIS HALL OF FAME CLASS.

GODFATHER’S PIZZA, AND THEN FROM THE

I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING A SMALL PART OF THE CELEBRATION OF

HALF-POUND CANDY BARS THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNION PACIFIC. HE DISPENSED (ON HALLOWEEN) FROM HIS MANSION IN THE REGENCY

I CAN TELL YOU THAT MORALE IS HIGH, AND

WEIGHT WATCHERS,

MY MOTHER- AND FATHER-IN-LAW MET AT UNION PACIFIC.

NEIGHBORHOOD. BECAUSE OF HIM, I DISCOVERED

JENNY CRAIG AND NUTRISYSTEM.”

PRESIDENT

JIM YOUNG IS THE BIGGEST REASON WHY. THEY MARRIED AND PRODUCED MY HUSBAND (PERFECT PAUSE). MOVING ON …”

WHEN SHE WAS 34 YEARS OLD. SHE DIDN’T JUST BREAK THROUGH

THE GLASS CEILING

— SHE SHATTERED

IT INTO TINY

LITTLE

PIECES. WHEN I WAS 34, I WAS STILL WEARING A

RETAINER.”

BUT SERIOUSLY . . .

“I think the class of 2013 is extraordinary. These honorees are the risk-takers in our midst. These are not timid people. They provide food and the means to distribute it; they provide transportation and water and engagement rings and thousands of jobs. They could have done it anywhere; they chose to do it here.” TA R G E T I N G G R O W T H | YO U R C H A M B E R AT W O R K

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TA R G E T I N G G R O W T H | YO U R C H A M B E R AT W O R K

Big O! Excellence Awards BUSINESS WOM A N O F THE YEAR

Honoring Omaha’s most

Honors exceptional women leaders who have excelled in their chosen field, devoted energy to strengthening the community and have helped to develop others.

Celebrating the pinnacle of performance among Omaha area businesses and individuals is at the foundation of the Big O! Excellence Awards, a Chamber-driven “round of applause” that marked its third year in 2013. The awards, which are presented at an annual luncheon, honor business excellence in six categories.

C O U R T E S Y O F B E V E R LY K R A C H E R

OUTSTANDING

LEARN MORE

2013 winner: Beverly Kracher, Ph.D., CEO/executive director, Business Ethics Alliance at Creighton University. “For me, it’s a matter of role-modeling and showing women that they can take the opportunity and do what they want. That could be staying home and taking care of kids, but it could also be running a non-profit and just making your community grow with what you do.”

BusinessEthicsAlliance.org/ethical-omaha

JEFF BEIERMANN

JAMES R. BURNETT

CO R P O RATE CI T I ZEN OF T H E Y EAR

INNOVATO R O F THE YEAR

Encourages corporate social responsibility by recognizing an organization whose philosophy of giving has made a significant impact on the Omaha metropolitan community’s health and well-being.

Acknowledges innovators who are creatively making a difference.

2013 winner: ConAgra Foods, Omaha-based Fortune 500; one of North America’s leading packaged food companies. “It’s not just about what you do; it’s about how you do it. We believe it’s important to support the communities in which we’re based, but also to be good stewards of the environment.” – Chris Kircher, president, ConAgra Foods Foundation, and vice president, ConAgra corporate affairs

2013 winner: MindMixer, a social media company that encourages online engagement to build stronger, connected communities. Co-founded by Nick Bowden and Nate Preheim (pictured). “This company wouldn’t exist if people didn’t care. When you look at what we’re doing, the kinds of ideas that have come in and how they’re having real, tangible impacts and imprints on communities, that’s good stuff.” – Nathan Preheim, co-founder and COO

SEE MORE Watch videos of the 2013 winners at OmahaChamber.org TA R G E T I N G G R O W T H | YO U R C H A M B E R AT W O R K

M I N OR I TY BU S I NESS OF T H E Y EAR Distinguishes a successful ethnic minority-owned business or organization that has demonstrated business growth and contributions to the community. 2013 winner: AmeriSphere, a full-service mortgage banking company that specializes in high-quality multi-family and health care mortgage loans throughout the United States. “We work hard to make sure we operate in an ethical way — always doing the right thing; that we provide opportunities for continuing education; and that we constantly provide opportunities for community involvement and philanthropy.” – Rodrigo Lopez, president and CEO

M AT T M I L L E R

NO N- P RO FIT O F THE YEAR Recognizes a 501(c)(3) organization for its excellent stewardship of resources and exceptional outcomes.

S M AL L BU S I NESS OF T H E Y EAR Honors a business with 50 employees or less for its commitment to strong customer service and community involvement. 2013 winner: Office Furniture Installers, Inc., a company that provides professional business moves and employee relocation services. “At the end of the day, you want to make sure your customers look at what you’ve done and say, ‘Wow, that is pretty awesome.’” – Jay Bolding, president and CEO

2013 winner: Goodwill Industries Inc., serving eastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa, is a not-for-profit that provides job training, employment placement services and other community-based programs. “Our mission is to help people find employment. That mission is essentially unchanged going back to our founding days in 1933 … There are 650 people in this organization on any given day. They all know what the mission is, and they all work toward the mission.” – Frank McGree, president and CEO

Extraordinary Legal Excellence Our Omaha office has provided extraordinary legal services in the community since 1995. Husch Blackwell attorneys handle a wide range of litigation and business matters, representing local, national and global leaders in major industries. We are consistently recognized among The Best Lawyers in America and Great Plains Super Lawyers. To learn how we can provide excellent legal services for your business, contact us.

Todd Richardson, Office Managing Partner todd.richardson@huschblackwell.com · 402.964.5032 Husch Blackwell LLP

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TA R G E T I N G G R O W T H | YO U R C H A M B E R AT W O R K

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(Wel)come to

OMAHA! When you’re a teenager facing a move from the only city you’ve ever known, it helps to have a positive attitude, supportive parents and a sign that you are meant to be there. A blatant sign. Spelled out in big letters. Situated beneath a Union Pacific train. ERIC FRANCIS

Hannah Harrison, now 16, snapped a picture – in motion – while traveling here from Des Moines with her mother. Crossing into Omaha on Interstate 80, an unintended zoom on her camera transformed the city’s iconic “Welcome to Omaha” display into a timely, yet unexpected imperative. “She looked at the picture on her camera, and all it said was ‘Come to Omaha.’ We laughed about it. That was our sign that we made the right decision to come here,” said Kris Harrison, Hannah’s mother. Kris and her husband, Chris, had more than a sign to welcome them to Omaha. They had the Omaha Executive Institute, a 25-yearold Chamber program offered exclusively for senior-level executives and their spouses who are new to the area. Des Moines native Chris, a senior vice president for the Weitz Company, transferred to Omaha in 2012 to lead the company’s Nebraska office. “We didn’t really want to leave Des Moines,” said Kris, “but then we thought, ‘Who knows? This could be a nice fork in the road.’”

It has been a smooth transition thanks, in part, to their OEI experience, they said. The Harrisons participated in the fall 2012/spring 2013 session. “It was one of the best things we’ve done since moving to Omaha,” said Chris. “It’s a great way to get to know the community. It makes you feel like you’re a part of something; it makes you feel like you’re home.” Over the course of eight monthly OEI sessions, participants gain a deeper understanding of Omaha by exploring the community’s issues, challenges and opportunities. “I loved it,” said Kris. “We learned a lot about the history of Omaha and what’s happening here. And we met some great people who were in exactly the same situation that we were.” The program’s graduates are now ambassadors who are quick to encourage other executive couples to let OEI help ensure the “wel-” when their “Come to Omaha” sign arrives.

HANNAH HARRI SON

TA R G E T I N G G R O W T H | YO U R C H A M B E R AT W O R K

CLASS 34 SUMMER 2013 REUNION CHRIS CHRISTEN

Leadership Omaha’s

LASTING IMPACT In economics, it’s known as the multiplier effect: An initial investment triggers an economic chain reaction that impacts a community in a broad way. Take the same concept, substitute capital investment with a human investment of time and talent, and you have the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Leadership Omaha program.

One of the longest-running community leadership programs in the nation, Leadership Omaha is a coveted experience for 45 participants each year. While a few participants are individually represented, most candidates are nominated and sponsored by a wide range of employers. Over the 10-month program, participants are introduced to educational experiences that focus on community trusteeship, awareness and leadership styles. Social outings and team exercises build comraderie and often lead to lifelong friendships. Leadership Omaha graduates – who are both energized and inspired – fan out to strengthen and transform the community, encouraging their circles of influence to do the same. Small-group projects started during the program have a positive, direct impact on the community. In fact, a number of Leadership Omaha projects have become communityenhancing traditions that impact tens of thousands of lives each year. Other projects are narrower in focus but still fill an important need. Class 35 (2013), for example, worked with Lutheran Family Services to put a refugee family on its feet. See the multiplier effect at work, page 52.

TA R G E T I N G G R O W T H | YO U R C H A M B E R AT W O R K

HOW TO APPLY Applications for Leadership Omaha are available in the spring. Classes are selected in June. >> Applicants must demonstrate prior community trusteeship through service in an elected office, on non-profit boards of directors or on appointed boards and commissions. >> Applicants should indicate an interest in and understanding of the Greater Omaha community. >> Applicants must also show professional growth and leadership.

LEARN MORE LeadershipOmaha.org

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LEADERSHIP OMAHA’S LASTING IMPACT

KURT A. KEELER

REFUGEE FAMILY PROJECT Jim Clements, an attorney with Welch Law Firm, recalled a Leadership Omaha session on inclusivity and ethnic communities in Greater Omaha. The day’s presenters included a representative from Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, which helps local refugees. That talk, coupled with an earlier challenge to be community leaders rather than just bystanders, inspired Class 35 to work through LFS to sponsor a Bhutanese family who was resettling in Omaha. “When a new family has a sponsor, they are able to thrive in their new home. They feel safe and welcome,” said Lacey Studnicka, a LFS program development officer. The family – a husband and wife, their young daughter and a brother-in-law – had 52

been living in a camp in eastern Nepal with 120,000 other refugees. Thanks to the Leadership Omaha group, the family’s duplex in Omaha was clean and furnished when they arrived in April 2013. Members donated the essentials – beds, dressers, pots and pans, clothes and groceries – and money. Their welcome “package” also included emotional comfort and support. “There are about 10 to 12 people in our group who rotate and visit the family,” said Clements. “One member of our group just took the daughter to Jones Bros. for a cupcake. Two members went shoe shopping with the mother.” A musician in Class 35 even donated a guitar, a CD and impromptu lessons. Administrators of the non-profit LFS said

TA R G E T I N G G R O W T H | YO U R C H A M B E R AT W O R K

refugee resettlement is only possible with partners like Leadership Omaha. “The group is doing an amazing job. I’m excited for the relationships they’re building and the impact they are having on this family,” said Micki Schwerdtfeger, LFS volunteer coordinator. For the group, that’s reward enough – although members have received heartfelt thanks from the family as well. In broken English during a visit in September, the father expressed gratitude to Clements and Ryan Curtis for Class 35’s help and concern. “When I first came here, I felt sad and odd,” he said. “It was so different from the refugee camp. Now I feel very good and comfortable. I start liking Omaha very much.”

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• Seat Belt and Distracted Driving Awareness TA R G E T I N G G R O W T H | YO U R C H A M B E R AT W O R K

www.SafeNebraska.org • 402-896-0454 • 800-592-9004

LEADERSHIP OMAHA’S LASTING IMPACT

BENSON MURAL PROJECT Omaha artist Watie White and members of his small group from Leadership Omaha Class 31 are helping to transform the Benson community by beautifying it. They launched the ambitious Benson Mural Project in 2009, and today the radiant result of their brainchild can be seen on six Benson buildings. Among them are The Pizza Shoppe (6056 Maple St.), Jane’s Health Market (6103 Maple St.) and the Benson Professional Building (6053 Binney St.). “Benson is thriving in a way that it wasn’t when we started,” White said. “It seems like there are three times as many restaurants and bars. It’s a vibrant community based on the feeling that it is a creative, fun, interesting, artistic place to be. We’re certainly not trying to take credit for the good things that others have done, but being able to collaborate on the growth of that community feels really great.” Not only does the project have communal value, but there is individual impact as well. Each mural represents a collaboration between an experienced, lead artist and a budding artist. White teamed with Andrew Forsman, a then 14-year-old Benson High School student, on “Homer at the Pizza Shoppe.” The mural was inspired by Homer’s “The Odyssey.” “The mural is going to remain vibrant until he has grandkids,” White said. “He has done something that has added positively to the cultural life of the community.” The same holds true for the other organizing members of White’s small group and the lead artists who volunteered their time and talent: Tim Guthrie, Renee Ledesma Hoover, Wanda Ewing, Rebecca Herskovitz and Ying Zhu.

SEE MORE Facebook.com/Benson-Mural-Project

TA R G E T I N G G R O W T H

ERIC FRANCIS

TA R G E T I N G G R O W T H | YO U R C H A M B E R AT W O R K

LEADERSHIP OMAHA’S LASTING IMPACT

A LY S S A S C H U K A R

MAHA MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Maha Music Festival drew a record 5,100 fans – and Grammy Award-winning rockers, The Flaming Lips, – to Omaha’s Stinson Park in August 2013. The Festival’s humble genesis can be traced back to Leadership Omaha Class 22 almost 10 years ago. Participant Tre Brashear wondered aloud why Omaha didn’t have a non-profit, community-focused music festival. Classmate Mike App heard his pitch, and a few years later enlisted Brashear, Tyler Owen and Mike Toohey to help organize the first festival. Almost 2,000 people attended in 2009 along Omaha’s riverfront. Since then, the event has steadily grown its audience, moved to a bigger venue and attracted more mainstream bands. The founding four men now have at their

TA R G E T I N G G R O W T H | YO U R C H A M B E R AT W O R K

disposal an army of volunteers, including an accountant, grant writers, marketing professionals, merchandise managers and a street team. They’d like to expand the one-day festival to include additional days. “We want it to continue. Bumbershoot (a music and arts festival in Seattle) is 40 years old, and that’s where we want Maha to be,” said Brashear. The founders also said that they’ll eventually have to hand off control of the festival to another group. At 46 years old, Brashear and App joke that they might not always be “cool” enough to run an indie rock festival. LEARN MORE MahaMusicFestival.com

LEADERSHIP OMAHA’S LASTING IMPACT

BILL SITZMANN

STRIKE OUT HUNGER

A small group of Leadership Omaha Class 29 participants started Strike Out Hunger in the summer of 2007 as a friendly competition among a few downtown Omaha businesses during the NCAA Men’s College World Series. Six years later, it has grown into one of Omaha’s most successful food drives and a major league blessing for the Food Bank for the Heartland. The effort generates several thousands of dollars in funds and several thousands of pounds of food every year. “Donors are so generous during the holiday season,” said Food Bank for the Heartland board member Tara Stingley, an Omaha attorney who was a member of Leadership Omaha Class 33. But people tend to forget about the Food

Bank during the summer, which is a critical time for addressing hunger, she said. Kids aren’t in school, and thus, they may not have a reliable food source. “It doesn’t have to be that way, and that’s what Strike Out Hunger seeks to address,” Stingley said. Strike Out Hunger 2013 ran from June 1 through June 28 during the College World Series. Twenty companies participated, donating 19,701 pounds of food and more than $58,000 in funds, which is the equivalent of nearly 192,000 meals. LEARN MORE OmahaFoodBank.org

TA R G E T I N G G R O W T H | YO U R C H A M B E R AT W O R K

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EM ERG I N G TA L E N T

Young Professionals:

EMBRACED &

CULTIVATED

They offer fresh ideas and perspectives, provide a steady stream of energy and never cease to think big. It’s no wonder that organizations throughout Greater Omaha are so dedicated to embracing and cultivating the young professional (YP) workforce. R E B E C C A S . G R AT Z

Chamber programs such as the Greater Omaha Young Professionals and the Council of Companies work in concert with the YP efforts among individual companies and institutions from Union Pacific to Union Bank, and Hayneedle to HDR, Inc. “Young professionals, in my mind, are the heart of HDR,” said Nigel McPherson, Jr., the company’s senior performance consultant. “The energy and enthusiasm they bring help us to be a more engaging and collaborative company.” A global architectural, engineering and consulting firm, Omaha-based HDR supports its YPs through career development programs, internal YP summits and an extensive “onboarding” orientation process. “The purpose of this onboarding program is to acclimate the employee to our company. It’s to let them know not only what to expect, but also what they should do if they really want to be a successful employee,” said McPherson.

The 90-day program, devised in Omaha and launched six years ago, is now utilized company-wide in HDR offices around the world. Each new hire receives an informationintensive “HDR passport,” a peer sponsor and access to an online virtual office – all designed to answer questions and to ensure a smooth transition. After completing the onboarding process, newcomers can choose to continue with formal mentoring for up to 12 months. “That employee has had someone in their corner advocating for them over a 15-month period,” said McPherson. Further underscoring its commitment to YP development, HDR is one of more than two dozen companies that currently comprise the Council of Companies, which is an offshoot of the Chamber’s Greater Omaha Young Professionals organization. Formed in 2008, the Council of Companies serves as a “support group” for local companies to form and sustain internal YP, emerging leader or

new employee resource groups. “With the Chamber’s new Prosper Omaha economic development fundraising campaign, they want to grow, retain and recruit the workforce of the future, as well as create, attract and develop new talent pools,” said Emilee Harvey, Council of Companies chair. “By Omaha businesses working to attract and retain young professionals, it is aligned with the Chamber’s mission. We want Omaha to become a destination city – not only for young professionals – but for companies, too.” A representative from each Council company attends a bimonthly meeting to help provide assistance to other YP groups. “At each meeting, we have a round table of discussion topics that helps companies get ideas for events, overcome obstacles or even promote a social, volunteer, development or networking event they may be hosting,” said Harvey.

E M E R G I N G TA L E N T

Honoring an

ICON UNION PACIFIC On the move for 150 years, a transportation titan was applauded at the YP Summit for a different kind of forward progress. Omaha-based Union Pacific received 2013’s YP Choice Award, which is an honor recognizing organizations that excel in attracting, retaining and developing young professionals. Roy Schroer, Union Pacific’s vice president of human resources, said the company’s young professionals play a critical role in its success by “offering fresh ideas and perspectives, providing endless energy and never ceasing to think big.” Union Pacific, in turn, develops and retains

its young professionals with a broad, multifaceted approach. “We recognize that one program doesn’t fit all, so we have developed a variety of formal and informal initiatives, including training, networking and professional development opportunities for employees to enhance and learn new skills,” Schroer said. UMB Bank sponsored the 2013 YP Choice Award. Joel Falk, UMB Bank president for the Omaha region, said young professionals are an important component to a thriving Omaha community and a vibrant business landscape. “UMB Bank believes it is important to attract and retain young professionals in the community, as well as honor their hard work, innovation and community involvement,” he said. Young professionals nominate dozens of companies for the YP Choice Award every year. The list of finalists for 2013 included ConAgra Foods, Mutual of Omaha, Phenomblue and TD Ameritrade.

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E M E R G I N G TA L E N T

THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (YP) SUMMIT 2013 The YP Summit is presented by the Greater Omaha Young Professionals, a Greater Omaha Chamber program. The Summit is focused on personal and professional development, leadership, community and civic responsibility and inclusivity through breakout sessions, speakers and activities.

Featuring a

LEGEND BRYNN ANDERSON

The Grammy Award-winner was clearly in his element as he belted out a collection of his soulful hits: “Save Room,” “Green Light,” “Ordinary People” and a re-invention of Bruce Springsteen’s classic, “Dancing in the Dark.” John Legend’s performance at CenturyLink Center Omaha in February was worthy of its ovation – but it was not your typical concert. Instead, it was the performer/philanthropist’s smooth send-off after delivering an inspiring keynote address at the 2013 Young Professionals (YP) Summit. “We are all citizens,” he told the crowd of 1,500. “We are all members of this country and members of a community, and we all have a stake in what happens here.” Most recognized as a vocalist with three top 10 albums, Legend is also known for his Show Me Campaign for education reform at

home and abroad. He said that today’s young professionals are well-suited to have a positive and dramatic impact. “Investing in educating children today will strengthen our communities, will strengthen our workforce and will, undoubtedly, create a better world for us to live in. But it’s not going to happen unless people like you – people who are intelligent, people who have resources, people who are effective in their jobs every day – take some of those resources and apply them to your community.” He was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2013. Prior to that, he won the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Humanitarian award in 2010.

JUSTIN DEMBOWSKI @JustinDembowski Private concert with multi Grammy award winner @johnlegend no big deal just another #ypsummit @omahayp haha

LAMARR WOMBLE @Passion4L #Passion and #Education over-riding themes of the #ypsummit #ypsummit2013

SARAH LAKE @SarahLake @EdisonCreative Love the #YPSummit video!!! Great job!!!

LAURA MIZAUR @LauraMizaur Attending the #YPSummit gives me a chance to see what it’s like to be a student in my own classroom. One of my favorite days of the year!

E M E R G I N G TA L E N T

LONNIE MICHAELS Jr. AGE 32

BILL SITZMANN

» Database Marketing Program Manager, Mutual of Omaha

What do you like best about living in Omaha?

» Chairman, 2013 Young Professionals (YP) Summit

“I love that our city has transitioned from a place of exodus to a desirable city with a thriving young professional scene.”

» Native Omahan

Why is it so important that Omaha businesses work to attract and retain young professionals? “The economic viability of our city depends on it. Attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled contributors who are talented, innovative and diverse makes good business sense.” What prompted you to chair the 2013 Young Professionals Summit? “While serving on the Chamber’s Young Professionals board, I became a YP Summit volunteer. Experiencing the support that the YP Summit receives from the YP board, volunteers and the Chamber made my decision to lead an easy choice. I remained focused on the vision, while surrounded by a gifted team of dreamers and passionate leaders. The magic of Omaha is that when you ask for help, people will come through for 62

E M E R G I N G TA L E N T

you. The spirit of collaboration and a desire for good outcomes exists, even outside of the workplace.” Singer John Legend gave a great keynote address at the YP Summit. What advice would you give to your fellow young professionals who are looking to engage in and make a positive impact on the community? “Commit to an organization that aligns with your purpose and get involved. After you gain experience, focus on being the catalyst for change within your network. If you can motivate your circle of influence to follow your lead, you’ve developed a built-in network of supporters.” Where do you see yourself in five years? “I see myself working to improve opportunities for our young people. The needs to raise a generation toward future success are great. I could’ve relocated to be near mountains or oceans, but Omaha is home. I’m very happy, and I hope to raise my family here.”

KATIE UNDERWOOD AGE 31

CHRIS MACHIAN

» Engineer, Olsson Associates » Member, Omaha Public School Board; elected May 2013 » Chair, Greater Omaha Young Professionals board, 2011 » Member, Greater Omaha Chamber Board of Directors, 2011 » Omaha resident for almost 10 years

What do you like best about living in Omaha? “The things I like best about Omaha are the diversity of neighborhoods, the entrepreneurial spirit and the community investment. I love that small businesses thrive here. I have three coffee shops within walking distance of my house, and they are all busy. There is a lot of pride in our core neighborhoods, and that is so important for a growing city.” What inspired you to run for the Omaha Public School Board? “I come from a family of educators, and I feel very strongly about the success of our urban core. Public schools are vitally important to that success. My husband and I do not have kids yet, but I hope to help build a top-notch district to serve them when we do.” What advice would you give to the fellow young professional who is looking to engage in and make a positive impact on his or her community? “I would encourage them to get involved with groups that reflect their passions. Don’t be involved in something just to be involved.

Make sure that it comes from a genuine place. Otherwise, you are doing a disservice to yourself and the organization.” Why is it so important that Omaha businesses work to attract and retain young professionals? “I truly believe that a business will not reach its potential without engaged young professionals. Young professionals bring energy, community involvement and focus on more than simply doing a job. Young professionals will also probably push the norm a bit. They will ask difficult questions that will ultimately make the business a better place to work, and it will be more successful.” Where do you see yourself in five years? “I hope that I am still serving the community in some capacity because I know I can’t be happy if I’m not involved in something in which I’m making a difference. Perhaps I will be in my second term for the OPS board. I do know that my husband and I don’t see us leaving Omaha. I’m excited to be involved in the city’s development from a civil engineer’s perspective, as well as through being an involved community advocate.”

E M E R G I N G TA L E N T

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Strengthening bonds

BETWEEN KIDS, GRANDPARENTS Don’t be fooled by their quirky appearance; the Blogglebeans crew is quite skilled at building bridges over the information superhighway. This is an impressive feat for a blue bear, a teal squirrel, a brown monkey and a purple and yellow dog. CO U RT ESY O F B LO G G L E B E A N S

Omaha startup Blogglebeans was founded by four moms and a grandpa who understand that nobody loves your kids as much as you do – except maybe Grandma and Grandpa. The interactive Blogglebeans website and app encourage grandparents and kids to play, share – and bond – by sending messages and animated gifts to each other. They also can play games featuring Blogglebeans characters. “We recognized that there was an opportunity to connect kids and grandparents in order to maintain this very important bond using a medium that both users are comfortable with: technology,” said Sara Hanlon, CEO of Blogglebeans. Hanlon is an expert on online safety for kids, and is the mother of 4-year-old twin girls.

The idea for Blogglebeans sprang from research by Brigham Young University that showed that children who have involved grandparents are more social and do better in school. It took about a year-and-a-half to develop the Blogglebeans brand, code, characters and story lines. Blogglebeans founders – Hanlon, Doug Smith, Sharon Carleton, Betsy Perez and Heidi Mausbach – work for Ervin & Smith, an advertising agency based in Omaha. They have used resources at hand to build their interactive product. The site launched in July 2012. “Our grandparent members say that they like using a site that was designed specifically for them to share something special just with their

grandkids,” Hanlon said. “They enjoy getting messages and gifts because it’s a reminder that their grandchildren love them and are thinking about them.” Parents feel good about allowing their kids to engage with their grandparents without having to coordinate schedules. Kids love having the freedom to connect with their grandparents no matter where they are since they can access Blogglebeans from a tablet or smartphone. They play the games and view the gifts over and over, but what they really love is the messaging center. It gives kids a chance to tell their stories in their own voice by sharing the silly stuff along with the important details of their lives, said Hanlon.

CENTER OF NEW IDEAS

EyeVerify Kansas City Develops biometrics software for mobile phone identity protection. The technology uses smartphone cameras to match blood vessels in the eyes in place of a password for secure mobile payments and services.

Bulu Box Lincoln Distributor of hundreds of health, nutrition and weight-loss product samples in try-beforeyou-buy program.

Corvida Medical

Green Dot

Coralville, Iowa Makes proprietary medical devices for safer, more efficient, user-friendly preparation, delivery and disposal of hazardous pharmaceuticals. Collaborates with leading U.S. cancer centers, including the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Angaza Palo Alto, Calif. Supplier of payas-you-go solar technology to offthe-grid families in Africa.

CytoPherx Inc. Ann Arbor, Mich. Developing life-saving therapies for ICU patients suffering from multiple organ failures.

Cottonwood Falls, Kan. Manufactures Terratek bioplastics, a family of biodegradable materials.

Flywheel Omaha Hosts WordPress websites for Web designers, freelancers and creative agencies around the world.

Leap2 Kansas City Combines Web information with social media context in a unique search platform.

Vendorin Omaha Accelerates the transition to electronic payments for midsized and large companies.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Growing Citiesâ&#x20AC;? KEY Invested independently Invested as part of the Nebraska Angels Founded

CENTER OF NEW IDEAS

Omaha Promotes urban farming through a Nebraska-produced documentary; partners with sustainable farming organizations for a national healthy foods campaign.

Travefy Lincoln Develops trip-planning software for groups. Determine best trip, collaborate on details, book reservations, manage expenses.

Tethon 3D Constitution Medical Investors Boston Developed Bloodhound Integrated Hematology system for blood analysis. Acquired by The Roche Group in 2013.

Omaha Develops new materials and instrumentation to advance additive manufacturing techniques with ceramic materials.

Heartland Pathology Omaha Provided cancer-screening services to 30,000 patients annually throughout the United States before being sold in 2011.

Terra Biologics St. Louis Developed a commercial process that uses naturally occurring microorganisms for soil restoration.

Invests in companies independently and as members of the Nebraska Angels, the state’s most formal group of angel investors.

SkyVu Entertainment Omaha Ranked Top 50 Mobile Game Developers by PocketGamer, 2012. Has grown from two employees in a Bellevue, Neb, basement to more than 40 employees in an advanced games and animation studio in the heart of Omaha.

Linseed Capital Angel (Investors) Among Us Omaha power couple Jim and Karen Linder, entrepreneurs and angel investors, founded Linseed Capital so they could invest in outstanding people who have created companies that solve significant problems, serve customers and/or improve the lives of others. “It’s not just for the sake of making money, but to put these returns to good work in building new business or philanthropy. We also hope that entrepreneurs in whom we invest can in turn succeed and give back to the community,” said Karen. With its substantial portfolio of investments, Linseed’s impact has rippled around the world. “New startup businesses funded by angel M Rail investing are a powerful force to strengthen Nebraska’s economy,” said Jim. “This happens Lincoln through diversification, making existing Provides real-time companies stronger and creating opportunities measurement system for young Nebraskans. As much as we respect for determining Silicon Valley, New York and Boston, local railroad track investors want our children to have opportunities integrity. in Nebraska.”

CoMc Omaha Created innovative, patented floating tile system called SnapStone.

Nitride Solutions

Volunteer Spot

Wichita Produces aluminum nitride templates of larger size and higher purity than previously possible using proprietary processes.

Austin Offers free online signup and scheduling apps for event participants and volunteers.

CENTER OF NEW IDEAS

“Our goal is to become the global standard for lightweight structural design software so that more and more companies can benefit from less material waste and fuel consumption. In order to accomplish this faster, we are investing in strategic partnerships that can help us quickly scale our user base and facilitate the integration of our software into well-established product development processes.” – Leandro Castro, co-founder, MultiMech Research and Development, LLC

MultiMech

LOCALLY SUPPORTED

Globally engaged.

Leandro Castro and Dr. Flavio Souza, co-founders of Omaha-based MultiMech Research and Development, LLC, grew up in the same city in Brazil – Fortaleza. That’s one commonality they discovered while attending grad school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. They also both share a passion for entrepreneurship, software and engineering; have complementary technical skill sets; and are fascinated with helping engineers create products that are lighter, yet stronger. LEANDRO CASTRO JAMES R. BURNETT

As a result, they are looking ahead to a very promising future. “We decided to create a software package that would allow engineers to virtually build and test composite materials and structures, which in turn decreases physical testing needs and reduces costs and time-to-market,” said Castro. The company’s computer-aided engineering (CAE) software was adapted quickly, and MultiMech, launched in August 2010, now has clients across multiple 68

CENTER OF NEW IDEAS

countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia. The founders said the evolution from vision to reality relied on “amazing” state and local support. “At the very beginning during the market research and initial development phase, help from the Nebraska Business Development Center was essential, especially through programs such as the Virtual Business Accelerator. The Greater Omaha Chamber has consistently helped us make strategic connections locally and regionally, which is

invaluable,” said Castro. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Small Business Administration have also been fundamental to MultiMech’s success through programs such as the Nebraska Innovation Fund and the State Trade and Export Promotion, he added. “More recently, the expansion of the prestigious Pipeline Fellowship into Nebraska has been helping us keep our company growing really fast.”

Encouraging

IT INNOVATION The University of Nebraska at Omaha is energizing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs with higherlevel, higher learning. UNO’s IT innovation degree, now in its third full year, was a first-of-its-kind in the country. It is a program of study that allows students to marry an affinity for information technology with any existing undergraduate program on campus, including management, marketing, graphic design – or anything else. During the culminating course, students develop an IT product or service, document its technical and market feasibility and create a prototype. “I love the amount of freedom it gives you, and the chance to build something with your hands,” said student Jon Burlingham. He and classmate Taylor Korensky founded Activate Innovation,

UNO Program Is In a Class of Its Own

under which they developed an app that scans bar codes to find allergens in packaged food products. “Not bad for two 19-year-old college kids,” said Burlingham. The educator who developed the degree, Jerry Wagner, said it’s ideal for students like Burlingham and Korensky who want to become entrepreneurs or intrapreneurs (an employee who uses entrepreneurial skills within an established organization). IT innovation is one of three degrees offered at UNO’s School of Interdisciplinary Informatics. Founded in 2010, the school’s mission is to educate and innovate related to information technology in health care, business, cybersecurity, government and other disciplines. R E B E C C A S . G R AT Z

CENTER OF NEW IDEAS

Failing

FORWARD Failure and redemption. From Cinderella to Rocky Balboa, the theme has long resonated in literature and film. This year, the Greater Omaha Chamber, in partnership with KANEKO, launched a speaker series featuring real-life stories of stumbling and succeeding. Each of the three initial Failing Forward Conversations featured a national keynote speaker; a local speaker sharing his or her tales about failure, redemption and lessons learned; and an academic speaker, who delved into the psychology, sociology and science of failure. Anne Trumble, founder and director of Emerging Terrain, an Omaha-based non-profit research and design collaborative, spoke at the first Failing Forward Conversations. “Our failings throughout our project work have been some of the best catalysts for creativity,” she said. “Our team is often fueled by the challenge of navigating the circumstances of failure.”

CENTER OF NEW IDEAS

Speaker Series Affirms the Value of Mistakes Dusty Reynolds, the Chamber’s director of entrepreneurship and innovation, hopes that Failing Forward Conversations will serve as a catalyst for more open, honest dialogue about the value of failure. “A community that accepts and endorses failure as a necessary component of success is a community that fosters an environment of creativity and innovation,” he said. Reynolds’ own experience as an entrepreneur has been a blend of highs and lows, gratifying hits and ambitious misses: Hit: D&T Shirtified, a custom screen printing shop based out of Fremont, Neb. Miss: Sababu Conscious Clothing, a socially conscious clothing company based out of Mali, West Africa “We recently shut down Sababu. The government of Mali became unstable, and because of that, trade agreements were withdrawn and the supply chain was a

nightmare,” Reynolds said. Undeterred, Reynolds co-founded RaceNote in 2013. The motorsports technology company has built a platform for teams to better manage their programs. Reynolds said he is personally inspired by others’ “failing forward” stories, including that of his friend, Kelly Loneman. “Kelly has been a bit of a boomerang in that he started a successful company, and his second venture was a complete flop. He learned a lot from this and considers those learnings to be a competitive advantage. He rebounded and launched a new company, Image Market, which is extremely successful,” Reynolds said. “I’m hoping I follow the same path as Kelly.”

Burlington Station

REVIVED Historic Landmark Will Help Keep Omaha Informed L E O A D A LY

Omaha’s Burlington Station, once bustling with cross-continental rail passengers, has been vacant, sagging and mostly unused for more than 40 years. Today, it is coming back to life as the new home to KETV. Hearst Television announced plans in June 2013 to purchase the historic depot at 10th and Pacific Streets, renovate it and move in by the summer of 2015. The television station has been located at 2665 Douglas St. for 50 years. Station officials, looking for a larger, updated facility, considered

several sites. They were attracted by the chance to bring a historic building back to life, while gaining more operating space. The project represents a multimillion-dollar investment in Omaha, according to Ariel Roblin, president and general manager of KETV. “We looked at all kinds of options, but this one really made sense to us because it exemplifies what we do. Bringing back an old building to something beautiful and used and

honored is important to us.” KETV’s plan calls for restoring the building’s exterior to its historic appearance, and installing the newest technology inside. The news operation will be on the building’s first floor, with administration, advertising and other departments on the second floor. Leo A Daly Co. is the architect for the renovation. The contractor is Broadcast Building Co. of Jacksonville, Fla., which specializes in broadcast projects.

Renze Display:

EVOLVING SINCE 1895 If you live in Greater Omaha, you’ve seen the company’s work – guaranteed. It is everywhere: On buildings, in buildings (from floor to ceiling), on street signs and on the vehicles traveling beneath them. It’s at sporting events, retail promotions and charity functions. Renze Display is one of the region’s leading providers of exhibits and displays, branded environments and event and large-format graphics. “For many of our clients, we are a one-stop graphics shop,” said Mike Compton, Renze’s executive vice president. “We specialize in the unique and the challenging, as well as high quality and fast delivery.” Renze’s roster of local clientele ranges from small to global: For Jones Bros. Cupcakes,

interior graphics; for Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholders meeting, wayfinding and theme-related signage; and for TD Ameritrade’s new headquarters building, custom-printed wallpaper and window film for several floors. “We do interior and event-related graphics for ConAgra, Union Pacific, Mutual of Omaha and many other great local companies, including the Greater Omaha Chamber and the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau,” said Compton. “While the majority of our work is in the Midwest, we do work all over, including events in Germany.” Thriving on client-serving creativity, it also boasts amazing longevity. Gus Renze founded the business in 1895. “We started out building floats for the Ak-Sar-Ben parades, and then

branched out in the 1930s and 1940s into various types of signage, traveling exhibits, point-of-purchase and screen-printing,” said Doug Buchanan, president. Through the years, Renze has continued to diversify, change and thrive with the times. In 1967, it was one of the first in the Midwest to introduce automatic screen-printing presses. In 1972, it began engineering lighter, more portable trade show displays. The company currently carries one of the widest selections in the Midwest. Digital technology, cutting-edge designs and modern woodworking techniques are the benchmarks of today’s Renze – without sacrificing a 118-year-old penchant for Old World craftsmanship and old-fashioned customer service.

CENTER OF NEW IDEAS

Ballantyne Strong:

EVOLVING IN FAST-FORWARD

CO U RT ESY O F BA L L A N T Y N E ST RO N G

Five years before the world met a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins on the printed page, Robert Scott Ballantyne founded Ballantyne Strong, Inc. in Omaha. Almost eight decades later – in a testament to the company’s staying power – their stories intertwined. Known historically for making movie projectors, Ballantyne Strong has fast-forwarded to a future in digital cinema equipment, screens and services. Late last year, the company played a starring role in realizing movie director Peter Jackson’s vision for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” the big screen adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1937 classic. To increase sharpness and give the illusion of real life, the film was shown in select theaters at an unprecedented projection speed of 48 frames per second – twice as many as the industry standard. Technicians from Ballantyne Strong, along with Jackson, traveled the country testing and upgrading projection equipment in more than 150 theaters. Chris Stark, senior vice president and COO, said the new technology is just the beginning of what the company’s projectors will be able to handle in the future, including 60 frames per second. Ballantyne Strong, which maintains its headquarters and a state-of-the-art network operations center in Omaha, is ready. “We’ve shifted from being heavy manufacturing into being a technology company.” Yet another division of the company deals with powerful illumination. Strong Entertainment Lighting designed and is producing the highpowered LED lights for New York City’s One World Trade Center (pictured). The twin beams will be visible in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut when the building opens in 2014. Strong Entertainment Lighting also produced the beacon atop the pyramid-shaped Luxor hotel and casino in Las Vegas. It provided lighting for NASA’s space shuttle program and Pleasure Island at Walt Disney World as well.

Universal Information Services:

105 YEARS EVOLVING It opened in Omaha in 1908 as a press clipping service. It was a way for local politicians to keep abreast of the issues, and for local corporations to see how they were being portrayed in newspapers. More than 100 years later, that company has evolved into Universal Information Services, a multifaceted news monitoring and media analysis service for print, broadcast, Web and social media. “Our company has always been very needsbased,” said Vice President Todd Murphy.

CENTER OF NEW IDEAS

That platform was the impetus for Universal’s expansion into broadcast monitoring in the early 1980s. “We had three very large top-loading VCRs spread out in our living room with orange extension cords going everywhere,” recalled Murphy, who runs the company with his father, Jim. Initially, Universal’s broadcast monitoring was limited to local television news stations in Omaha and the city’s main talk radio stations, KFAB and KKAR. The company, which employs about 30 people, now tracks TV in

all 210 broadcast markets and more than 250 radio stations nationwide. When the Internet exploded in popularity, Universal’s natural evolution continued with a tracking service that delivered morning reports of hits over a 24-hour period. That initial service has developed into a key business intelligence report for C-level executives around the world. Today, Universal monitors online presence across corporate websites, online news sources, social media sites and blogs.

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CENTER OF NEW IDEAS

I NT ER N AT I O N A L PRES ENCE

I N T E R N AT I O N A L P R E S E N C E

KENT SIEVERS

Nebraska ‘Obvious’ Choice

FOR DANES

They were tasked with learning more about U.S. business, and how to attract industry and spur innovation back home. Naturally, members of Denmark’s Parliament and the Royal Danish Embassy chose a destination that exemplifies growth and job creation. KENT SIEVERS

“It was obvious that we should go to Nebraska,” said Eva Kjer Hansen, Parliament member and chairwoman of the 29-member European Affairs Committee. The delegation visited the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area in March 2013, drawn by our strong economic and business climate and more: Danes and Danish companies have established roots and found long-standing business success here. Mogens Bay, Valmont Industries chairman and CEO, was born in Denmark. Bruce Lauritzen, chairman of First National of Nebraska, is the grandson of Danish immigrants and is the honorary royal Danish consul in Nebraska. Denmark-based Novozymes has a major enzyme production plant just north of Omaha in Blair. And the Danish Crown owns the Plumrose USA packaged meat products plant in Council Bluffs next door to Omaha. The Danish delegation toured both

production facilities. “It’s very nice to see globalization in progress,” said Jens Joel, Parliament and European Affairs Committee member. Novozymes is the largest supplier of enzymes to the ethanol industry in the United States, with about 60 percent of the market share. The decision to locate in Blair was tied, in large part, to the area’s proximity to high corn-producing regions and Nebraska’s low utility rates. The Blair plant represents a $200 million investment and creation of 114 permanent jobs in the community of about 8,000 people, said Paula Hazlewood, executive director of the Gateway Development Corp., the economic development agency serving the Blair area. Marisa Ring, the Chamber’s manager of international business development, said, “With the success of Novozymes, we have continued to focus our efforts on exploring bilateral business opportunities in the

Danish market. This delegation’s visit shows a demonstrated interest in Omaha and Nebraska by Danish companies and individuals, and it provides an opportunity to further enhance the business relationship between our parts of the world.” In conjunction with the visit, Danish and Nebraska officials discussed the Nebraska Advantage Act, which is a business investment incentive program; public and private support for development projects; job training opportunities; and how governments can encourage entrepreneurial activity. Hansen said they plan to keep an open line of communication with Nebraska leaders so they can continue to learn from each other. She also hopes for more discussion in Denmark about what they see as successes in Nebraska’s business community. “We like to get inspired by the way you do things,” she said.

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T H E A S S O C I AT E D P R E S S

Buffett Lures Chinese to

BRK WEEKEND How powerful is the presence of Omaha billionaire Warren Buffett? Strong enough to draw a crowd from 7,600 miles away. Fifty-six Chinese executives, most from the City of Shenzhen, traveled to Omaha in May 2013 for the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting – and to learn more about the city and Nebraska.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L P R E S E N C E

Shenzhen, in China’s southeastern Guangdong province, is a metropolitan area of more than 10 million people, and it is considered to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Located just north of Hong Kong, Shenzhen was China’s first and most successful Special Economic Zone, opening that nation’s path to increased international trade. The city’s business activity includes a busy container shipping port and a major financial center, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The Omaha visit came on the heels of an 11-day, March 2013 Chamber and Nebraska Department of Economic Development trip to China that was designed to strengthen relationships and promote Omaha and Nebraska abroad. To complement these efforts, the Chamber invited Chinese clients to visit Greater Omaha and experience the region for themselves.

“More and more, Chinese companies are interested in the U.S. market,” said Marisa Ring, the Chamber’s manager of international business development. “When clients come to Omaha, they are always impressed.” China represents Nebraska’s fourth-largest trading partner and one of its fastest-growing markets, having more than doubled over the past five years. Trading increased 36 percent in 2011 alone. Combined exports totaled more than $380 million last year, up from nearly $279 million in 2010. Though enthralled with Berkshire festivities (Buffett has something of a rock star reputation in China), the Chinese executives did find time to tour our city, visit local companies and attend a one-day forum focused on business opportunities in Greater Omaha. More than 50 individuals from Nebraska companies and organizations participated in the forum.

LOCAL ROOTS WITH A GLOBAL REACH Werner Enterprises, a premier transportation and logistics company, provides coverage across the globe, including North America, Asia, Europe, South America, Africa and Australia â&#x20AC;Ś but we will always proudly call Omaha home. And while we have global offices worldwide, the Company maintains its global headquarters locally, where our roots grow deep. Werner also is dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint to create a greener environment for future generations. So no matter how far and wide we deliver, our team of committed transportation experts will get it home safely.

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CCM130261.0514

Dr. Mike & Jessica Feilmeier

Focusing on Others

AROUND THE

GLOBE

“The rewards are indescribable, but it’s worth trying.” So said Dr. Michael Feilmeier, ophthalmologist and medical director of the International Division of Ophthalmology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His work – along with his team’s and his wife’s work – is changing lives in dramatic ways by preventing and curing needless blindness in the developing world.

CO U RT ESY O F T H E F E I L M E I E R S

ERIC FRANCIS

I N T E R N AT I O N A L P R E S E N C E

Dr. Feilmeier was first exposed to the “miracle of cataract surgery” in a remote village of Phaplu, Nepal, in 2005. A fourth-year UNMC medical student at the time, he saw hundreds of patients regain sight who, otherwise, would have continued living in darkness. “Witnessing the psychological and physical impacts of such a simple procedure was life-changing. Knowing I could directly or indirectly impact thousands of people in the same way over the course of my career was tremendously inspiring,” he said. Through the years, Dr. Feilmeier has provided eye care and has trained eye surgeons in Haiti, India, Nepal, Ghana, Ethiopia and the Dominican Republic.

His wife, Jessica Feilmeier, partners in the outreach by serving as the development director of the International Division of Opthalmology. She has witnessed her share of the impact directly. “Seeing the moment when the eye patch is removed – the patient’s eye flickers open and he or she recognizes their loved ones, many of whom they haven’t seen in years. It’s the best part for Mike and me,” she said. Dr. Feilmeier and members of his team typically make two trips a year – one to Haiti and one to Ghana or Ethiopia. “I come home with a refreshed outlook and perspective on life in general, allowing me to refocus on what is really important,” he said.

ANDRES TORRES Impacting the World

FROM OMAHA As a civil engineer with Valmont Industries, Andres Torresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work impacts the world. The steel structures that he designs support transmission and distribution lines, highway and sports lighting and traffic signals across the globe. His work impacts the world outside of Valmont as well. Torres volunteers for Engineers Without Borders (EWB), a national non-profit that supports community-driven programs in developing countries. While traveling abroad for Valmont, he saw the problems in some of these countries firsthand. A lack of drinkable water and electricity were among them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I learned there was an EWB chapter in Nebraska, I thought it could be a great opportunity to help others who live in less fortunate circumstances,â&#x20AC;? he said. He added that EWB Nebraskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solar

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power and water purification projects are having an â&#x20AC;&#x153;enormous impactâ&#x20AC;? in Uganda and Madagascar. A native of Colombia, Torres came to Omaha in 2001 to study English. Four years later, he received a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In addition to his volunteer work with EWB Nebraska, he donates time and expertise to his adoptive community. He frequently visits high schools and middle schools and participates in career fairs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I talk with students about my career as a civil engineer and the importance of pursuing a higher education degree, especially in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)-related fields,â&#x20AC;? he explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is very rewarding to be able to inspire young people and encourage them to attend college.â&#x20AC;? In 2012, the American Society of Civil Engineers Central Region named Torres its Outstanding Younger Member in community services. Humbled by the recognition, he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel, for me, that receiving the award comes with a responsibility to continue being involved in the community.â&#x20AC;?

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L P R E S E N C E

O PERAT I N G AT F UL L POWER

M AT T M I L L E R

Gov. Dave Heineman, center, congratulates Mark Faulkner, president of Vireo Resources, as he opens a new production facility in Plattsmouth in September 2012.

No County Lines, No City

LIMITS

The Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership erases boundaries and works to create jobs and encourage capital investment in the metropolitan area for the benefit of all.

LEARN MORE SelectGreaterOmaha.com

O P E R AT I N G AT F U L L P O W E R

In 2013, the four-county Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership welcomed a new collaborator – the Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC). It joins the Greater Omaha Chamber, the Sarpy County Economic Development Corporation, Washington County’s Gateway Development Corporation and the Cass County Nebraska Economic Development Council. Co-located in the Greater Omaha Chamber office building, the five Partnership organizations work closely with each other, local governments and public and private organizations to drive growth of the region’s strong and diverse economy. The GFDC enriches the overall function of the Partnership by offering more available sites and buildings, more convenience for Partnership clients and more resources for the Partnership itself, said David G. Brown, Chamber president and CEO.

One-Stop Source The Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership is a one-stop source for information on business, investment and employment in a fivecounty area. Powered by a staff with more than 200 years of combined economic development experience, the Partnership provides: » Building and site selection services » Small business startup and existing business assistance, guidance and referrals

» Minority business development » Job training assistance, talent development » Entrepreneurial development and networking » Demographic, workforce and community data » International investment assistance » Military mission attraction, retention and expansion assistance; defense contractor support

Prosper Omaha:

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL In February 2013, the Greater Omaha Chamber made it official with the launch of a bold, five-year initiative called Prosper Omaha. The ultimate goal is a new era of prosperity in Greater Omaha – not just for some, but for all. Like GO! and Target Omaha before that, Prosper Omaha continues a tradition of focused economic development activity that companies, foundations and individuals have been investing in for nearly 20 years. Prosper Omaha’s goals include 300 landed projects, 12,000 jobs created and $3 billion in capital investment. Between 2014 and 2018, this new $23 million campaign aims to drive growth of the region’s strong and diverse economy and to create opportunities for all by:

» Continuing to increase business and jobs in

the region, but with a more aggressive and focused effort. » Taking a determined approach to building Omaha’s worldwide brand and image. » Improving the competitiveness of the Nebraska and Greater Omaha business climates. » Creating a dynamic talent development strategy that satisfies a diverse employer base. The Chamber’s record of success speaks well of its ability to execute. In 2004, the Chamber launched the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership (GO!), the current funding program for all of the Chamber’s economic development activities. In less than a decade, the Partnership has

driven economic growth for the region by successfully landing 426 projects representing 23,830 jobs and nearly $4.3 billion in capital investment (as of the end of the second quarter of 2013). “Through Prosper Omaha, we’re going to build on that past success, accelerate future growth of the regional economy and leverage the expertise of Chamber personnel. We’re confident the end result will be a metropolitan region bustling with new investment, where residents – community-wide – prosper with access to opportunity and quality, wellpaying jobs,” said David G. Brown, Chamber president and CEO. For every $1 invested in Prosper Omaha, the Chamber expects a return of $652 in direct capital investment and $121 in direct wages.

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O P E R AT I N G AT F U L L P O W E R

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I-80 corridor:

PAVED WITH

POTENTIAL

O P E R AT I N G AT F U L L P O W E R

The I-80 corridor – the quickest route between Omaha and Lincoln – is shifting toward a future of enhanced commercial development. The 50-mile corridor has for years proven attractive to industrial, research, retail, manufacturing and warehousing enterprises that benefit from the ability to draw a workforce and customer base from both metropolitan areas. The opening in November 2013 of an outlet mall with 65 luxury retailers underscores the value of the corridor in the retail segment. The outlets at Nebraska Crossing sprang up on the site of a demolished, similarly named outlet center that opened in 1993, but had declined and was declared blighted in 2011. That paved the way for the $122 million project to qualify for tax-increment financing, including up to $57 million in city incentives. Major brands in the 350,000-square-foot mall include Coach, Kate Spade, Banana

Republic, Adidas, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor Loft, Nike, Under Armour and White House | Black Market. About eight weeks before the mall’s grand opening, local jewelry and gifts retailer Borsheims announced that it would be bringing its brand to the outlet. The Berkshire Hathaway-owned retailer is operating under the banner Borsheims Boutique in a 5,500-square-foot space next to the Coach store. The shopping center is a collaboration between Omaha majority owner Century Development and Arizona-based OTB Destination LLC. It was designed by Avant Architects, and is being built by Kiewit Building Group, both of Omaha. By mid-September, only five storefronts remained available out of the initial 65, and expansion was already being discussed. The mall is located at the intersection of I-80 and U.S. Highways 6 and 31 near Gretna.

Insert shovel.

BREAK GROUND. BUILD TO SUIT. Public-private partnerships are expanding an already strong inventory of shovel-ready sites. KURT A. KEELER

Companies looking for an industrial site or a warehouse site will find a number of choices among Greater Omaha’s partner counties. “We have a lot of good site options right now for businesses of all sizes,” said Mark Norman, senior director of business attraction/ retention for the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership. The five-county inventory includes standalone sites and business park environments, some with the potential for rail to bring product in or out. Public-private collaborations are helping the Partnership further expand its shovel-ready inventory. A prime example is the $8.7 million,

69-acre Ames-Locust Industrial Park being developed in North Omaha. “The City of Omaha has committed infrastructure dollars, and the Chamber, through the Omaha Development Foundation, is contributing money for acquisition,” said Norman. “Through the collaboration of the local lending community, we’ve developed a consortium of banks to help finance site development. We also received a grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. This would be too expensive for any one individual party, but when you bring people and groups together it’s a doable project.”

The Partnership aims to have marketable lots in the Ames-Locust Industrial Park in 2014. Also next year, the Partnership plans to intensify an aggressive effort to develop even larger industrial shovel-ready sites in each of its partner counties. “We want to have a multitude of choices for incoming industry – from urban and suburban environment opportunities to outlying rural opportunities,” said Norman. “The more ‘product’ we can offer these companies, the better chance we have of seeing them locate in the metropolitan area.”

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Legislative

UPDATE The Greater Omaha Chamber has an overarching goal to enhance the economy by improving the state’s business climate in order to promote investment and job creation. Its public policy team works closely with the Nebraska Legislature, year after year, to achieve it. During the 90-day biennial budget-setting session in 2013, senators approved six key measures to improve an already vibrant metro area economy.

CHRIS MACHIAN

TA X I M PR OV E M EN T

ECONOMIC DE VE LOPM E NT

Two of the approved bills, LB 308 and LB 573, apply directly to the state’s tax structure. “LB 308 is a vital element in assisting the development of new startups, and it will help existing businesses recover more fully from a down year,” said Joseph Young, Chamber public policy director. The bill is two-pronged. It abolishes Nebraska’s alternative minimum tax, representing both a tax savings and a welcome tax code simplification. It also extends the state’s income tax operating loss carryforward to 20 years, putting Nebraska in line with federal policy and a majority of other states. Another business climate improvement bill, LB 573, addresses a federal ruling that prevents participation in the one-time capital gains exclusion for employees of businesses who have Employee Stock Ownership Plans. “This builds on Nebraska’s long-standing policy of encouraging employee investment and ownership in their careers, promoting the creation of new businesses in the state and keeping Nebraskans in Nebraska when they retire,” explained Tim Stuart, the Chamber’s legislative counsel.

Senators continued to update the state’s premier economic development program, the Nebraska Advantage Act. LB 34 streamlines the act, with clarification of eligibility definitions and provisions for an expedited application approval timeline. LB 104 amends the act to provide tax incentives for renewable energy projects.

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CO M M U NITY A ND W O RKFORC E DE VE LOPME NT Two more bills that received unanimous support among senators will help address the metro area’s workforce needs and improve the community’s quality of life. Both will also provide economic development boosts. “The Chamber considers workforce development among its top priorities, and boosting the number of college graduates is essential in that effort,” said Young. To that end, the Legislature approved LB 296, which increases the amount of tax-deductible contributions allowed to the state’s college savings plan. LB 97, which authorizes the establishment of a municipal land bank, provides a key component to the Chamber’s and other entities’ efforts to return thousands of abandoned metro properties to productive use.

“The Chamber’s public policy team joins with our members, Chamber leadership and so many others in working with not only state legislative and executive officials, including Gov. Dave Heineman, but with local government as well – city councils, county boards, school boards and others – to build upon all that has been accomplished in making metro Omaha a vibrant place to do business, work and live.” — Tim Stuart, Greater Omaha Chamber legislative counsel

A Powerful Combo:

RELIABLE AND AFFORDABLE

UTILITIES

Abundant and reliable sources of energy, together with an enviable, all-encompassing transportation network, power-forward progress in and help attract new business to Greater Omaha. KENT SIEVERS

ELE CT R I C PO WER PO IN T S : • Nebraska is the only public power state in the nation. • All electrical utilities are non-profit and customer-owned. • An abundance and reliability of electricity, water and natural gas contribute to industrial power rates that are about 20 percent below the national average and 15 percent below the regional average. Power considerations are a critical decision factor as companies – from data centers to manufacturers – decide where to make their home. That scores in Greater Omaha’s favor. Without compromising quality, service or availability, businesses and residents in the

area benefit significantly from utility costs that are well below the national average. • In 2012, Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) residential customers paid an average of 10.12 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), compared to the national average of 11.88 cents per kWh. • OPPD retail customers paid an average of 7.94 cents per kWh in 2012, compared to the national average of 9.87 cents per kWh. OPPD is the 12th-largest publicly owned electric system in the U.S. based on customers served. Natural gas, turbines, nuclear power, landfill methane, coal, fuel oil and wind – OPPD draws on the full spectrum. Effectively. It has maintained an Average Service

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Availability Index of 99.987 percent or higher for the past 10 years. Since OPPD is a “net seller” of electricity, earnings are returned to customers in the forms of rate stability and system improvements. The Greater Omaha Chamber and economic development organizations in Omaha work closely with OPPD to provide packages that are beneficial to new businesses. The Chamber has similar partnerships with Greater Omaha’s two natural gas utilities: publicly owned Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) and Black Hills Energy, a subsidiary of the Black Hills Corporation.

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Cornhusker State Industries O P E R AT I N G AT F U L L P O W E R

BRAD J. WILLIAMS

Ease of

Transportation Pick your mode of travel – road, rail, air or river – and Omaha’s central location as a transportation hub allows companies to move their goods around the country and the world quickly and efficiently.

R O AD Located at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 29, Greater Omaha is a crossroads for regional and national commerce. A strategically planned interstate system eases morning and evening commutes, and has helped reduce the amount of time that employees spend behind the wheel. In fact, Greater Omaha has an average one-way commute of only 19.8 minutes. The interstates put businesses within a day’s drive or less of customers and suppliers in Kansas City, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Denver, Chicago, the Canadian border and deep into Texas – and within two days’ drive of nearly all of the continental United States. It’s one reason why Werner Enterprises and Crete Carrier Corp., two of the largest carriers in the nation, call Nebraska home. R AI L Nurtured by the railroad, Greater Omaha remains a leading rail center for Omaha-based Union Pacific, the nation’s largest railroad company, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and Canadian National Railway. Union Pacific’s operations link 23 states across the country to serve more than 25,000 businesses. Among its largest customers are steamship lines, vehicle manufacturers, agricultural companies, utilities, intermodal companies and chemical manufacturers.

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A IR Approximately 4.1 million passengers and 90 million pounds of cargo utilized Omaha’s Eppley Airfield in 2012. Located minutes from downtown, this major commercial airport offers the capacity for continued growth in the future to meet increasing demands. All told, Greater Omaha is serviced by two general aviation facilities, 20 jet service air carriers and seven airfreight carriers with direct service to 18 cities. RIVE R Barges hauling everything from grain products to fertilizers, steel and newsprint work the Missouri River in March through November. They churn upstream to the head of shipping at Sioux City, Iowa, and downstream to New Orleans via the Mississippi River at St. Louis. FORE IGN TRA DE Z O NE NO . 1 9 Within minutes of the airport, rail yards and interstates is Foreign Trade Zone No. 19 (FTZ), which has 250,000 square feet of warehouse space on 17 acres of securityfenced land. The FTZ is under the supervision of the U.S. Customs department. Businesses defer duty payments on foreign goods stored there until the time they enter U.S. trading channels. The Zone has facilities for repackaging, assembling, manufacturing, repairing and testing.

Meeting the Region’s

TELECOM NEEDS Omaha has for years enjoyed leading-edge communications lines connecting it to the world, thanks in part to the Cold War-born needs of an Omaha-area headquarters for the Strategic Air Command and its successor, the United States Strategic Command. When the technology boom called for more speed and capacity, Omaha lit up as a crossroads of fiber optic networks. Today, Cox and CenturyLink are the metro area’s leading providers of phone, Internet and data services. Both are focused on serving their customers with speed – up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), that is.

Cox : Pa rt of the Oma ha Community For M ore T ha n 30 Ye a rs “At Cox, we are laser-focused on the voice of the customer so we can provide life’s most important connections,” said Robert Woodard, market vice president, Omaha. Six million customers strong, Cox has grown into the nation’s thirdlargest cable and broadband company. To meet the metro’s appetite for speed, it currently supplies ultra-fast 1 Gb+ service to several businesses in Greater Omaha and Council Bluffs, and it is able to blanket the entire area with service velocities of 150 megabytes per second. With global IP traffic expected to reach 43 exabytes (one billion gigabytes) per month over the next four to five years, Cox continuously monitors its network to ensure that it is ready to meet demand. The company has invested $16 billion in infrastructure upgrades to deliver even better voice, data and video solutions. “This provides connectivity for businesses to facilitate transactions across the country, and creates a strong infrastructure for government, education and commerce,” said Derrick

Hill, vice president of Cox Business. Despite the fact that it is the thirdlargest cable TV company in the U.S., Cox strives to connect with customers and the community at a local level. “No matter how advanced its technology becomes, Cox employees believe that the strongest connections are those made within the community,” said Gail Graeve, a Cox public affairs director. Over the years, Cox has contributed tens of millions of dollars in cash and in-kind donations to local organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs, Urban League and Big Brothers Big Sisters. With more than 1,000 employees serving the Omaha area, Cox also takes pride in giving back through volunteerism. “Cox believes making a real difference in the community is about the decisions that are made each and every day; about giving time and resources to programs and organizations that make our community a stronger place to live; and about connecting with customers to provide the tools needed to connect with friends and family,” Graeve said.

C ent ur y L i n k : P i l o t P r o je ct Ra i s e s Ci ty ’s Hi g h- Te ch Pro file Communications and data services provider CenturyLink launched a pilot project in May 2013 that further enhances Greater Omaha’s high-tech resume. The project delivers those ultra-fast Internet speeds – up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) – to 48,000 eligible homes and businesses in the metro. Danny Pate, CenturyLink’s vice president and general manager for Nebraska, said the high-speed enhancement, like low-cost power and relative protection from natural disasters, is another selling point for Omaha among high-tech companies. “We’re trying to create entrepreneurs,” he said. “We are helping to raise the visibility of the technical capabilities of Omaha and how much it can drive new

business here.” “This enhances the Chamber’s national and international business, entrepreneurial and talent attraction efforts in Greater Omaha,” said David G. Brown, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “A significant portion of our high-growth companies are high-tech or Web-enabled technology companies. As one of a few select cities in the country to have active 1 Gbps service, this is a distinguishing quality-of-life factor for locating here.” Omaha’s Mastercraft Building, which houses startup companies in north downtown Omaha, cheered the scheduled arrival of CenturyLink’s 1-gig service in late September. Mastercraft tenant MindMixer provides an online platform

for community and political engagement. It was among the companies lobbying for the upgrade, which makes it easier to exchange large data files, participate in video conferences and utilize complex Web designs. “You don’t realize how unbelievable it is to have that kind of fast bandwidth until you have it,” said Nick Bowden, MindMixer co-founder. He agreed that being one of the fastest broadband cities in America is an important recruiting tool that could further cement Omaha as a hub for startups. “Our company can use this as a reference point for just how far the tech community has come in Omaha,” he said.

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“We have very low power costs. We have great telecommunications fiber running in and out of Omaha. We have a low risk of widespread natural disasters. We don’t have hurricanes. We don’t have earthquakes or large forest fires. We have a great IT workforce in place. And, being in the center of the country provides advantages for a lot of data centers in terms of being able to connect to both coasts.” — Mark Norman, senior director of business attraction/retention, Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership

Data Center Climate Is Right:

Companies Are

‘BYTE-ING’ And they’re opting to locate multimillion-dollar data centers in Greater Omaha.

SCOTT DATA CENTER KENT SIEVERS

Fidelity Investments, one of the world’s largest financial services providers, broke ground on a $200 million state-of-the-art project in Sarpy County in 2012. It boosted a data center population that already included Cabela’s, Yahoo! and CoSentry. “The state is an extremely attractive market for data center expansion,’’ said Steve Scullen, Fidelity’s president of corporate operations. Fidelity was the first firm to benefit from the Nebraska Advantage Act’s Tier 2 Plus-Large Data Center tax programs. Upon completion in 2014, its Sarpy County data center will employ up to 35 people. In 2012, tech titan Google announced plans to pair its $600 million data center in Council Bluffs located on the Iowa side of the

O P E R AT I N G AT F U L L P O W E R

Omaha metropolitan area, with a second $300 million facility. The company touts the area’s “right combination of energy infrastructure, developable land and available workforce.” Travelers announced in September 2013 that it would also build a $200 million data center in Sarpy County. Through its own diligent efforts, the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership is working to add even more companies to the metro’s data center community. “We’re looking at areas we can develop – not only from a greenfield perspective, but also from a renovation perspective – any existing facilities and options that we can convert into data centers,” said Mark Norman of the Greater Omaha Economic

Development Partnership. In June 2013, the Partnership hosted the second annual Nebraska Data Center Day, which showcased Greater Omaha’s data center environment to representatives from relocation companies, enterprise data centers and mission-critical site selection specialists. It included a tour of the nationally recognized Scott Data Center and the Peter Kiewit Institute, a premier technology learning and research facility. Kevin Timmons, CyrusOne’s chief technology officer, served as the event’s keynote speaker. “Over the past few years, Nebraska has earned a reputation as a worldclass location for mission-critical facilities,” he said.

N E I G H B O R S & Pa r t n e R S

Dodge County’s Fremont:

‘The Best of All Worlds’

The City of Fremont, Dodge County’s prosperous and proud anchor, boasts a bright economic future, attractive neighborhoods and quality schools – all while maintaining its relaxed, rural charm. You could say that it offers the best of all worlds. P H OTOS BY KU RT A . K E E L E R

Strategically located less than an hour away from both downtown Omaha and Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln, Fremont enjoys a diverse economic base, with major employers spanning agribusiness, food processing, fabricated metal processing and electronics manufacturing. There are several assisted living facilities, a hospital and an extensive health care community. The Greater Fremont Development Council, the newest member of the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership, is working to attract even more business and investment. Fremont’s bragging rights include an abundant workforce, central location and low tax rates and utility costs. There is also a large amount of publicly owned land zoned for business and light industry at Fremont

Technology Park, Morningside North Business Park and Christensen Business Park. Fremont-based Midland University is one of Nebraska’s premier private colleges. Metropolitan Community College has been serving Fremont since 1986. Fremont’s historic downtown is perfect for strolling, antiquing or unwinding at a local café. For the more active set, the city is home to the world’s second-largest YMCA. The facility features Sidner Ice Arena, the home ice for NU’s Husker hockey team. Earlier this year, the Fremont YMCA received the green light to build a 38,000-square-foot indoor aquatics center, making it the world’s largest YMCA upon completion. Additional opportunities for recreation

include a brand-new, multimillion-dollar baseball/softball complex, the Fremont State Lakes, Fremont Splash Station, 15 neighborhood parks and a trail system. The city attracts crowds to the annual John C. Fremont Days during the second full weekend in July; summer cultural events at the Louis E. May Museum; and outdoor summer concerts at John C. Fremont Park. Fremont’s quality of life is further enhanced by easy access to quality health care. The progressive Fremont Area Medical Center is the city’s second-largest employer, attracting some of the region’s most talented doctors. Fremont is also known as the “Antique Capital of Eastern Nebraska.” N e i g h b o r s & P A R T N ERS

Pinnacle Bank:

Propelling Growth in Fremont The City of Fremont boasts attractive neighborhoods, top-notch schools, progressive medical facilities – and financial allies committed to a thriving future. “We have a very strong, business-friendly banking community. Pinnacle Bank is one of several with an extraordinary example of friendliness and expertise in helping businesses grow,” said Cecilia Harry, executive director of the Greater Fremont Development Council (GFDC). Actively involved in the GFDC and the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, Pinnacle Bank has financed a steady stream of projects. They include: The Fremont Opera House renovation; Fremont Area Medical Center expansions; St. Patrick’s Catholic Church elementary school construction; and the Fremont Family YMCA wellness center and ice arena construction. Fremont native Scott Meister, a bank executive and president of the GFDC board, said that Fremont and Dodge County are in a perfect position to build on their strengths over the next decade. “Our proximity to the metro area, access to transportation and higher education systems are just a few of the attributes that make our area attractive to business leaders looking for a good place to move, start or expand their business.”

P H OTOS BY KU RT A . K E E L E R

N E I G H B O R S & PA RT N E R S

The Dillon Family:

Faith, Philanthropy & Four Wheels Sid Dillon Sr., his wife, Hazel, and their children are widely known in Fremont, Blair – and throughout the region – for their customer-oriented car dealerships and active community involvement. eri c f ran c is

“We are extremely blessed to have the Sid Dillon family as members of our community,” said Fremont Mayor Scott Getzschman. “Their business success can be attributed to strong values throughout all of their companies, with a commitment to honesty, integrity and exceptional customer service.” In February 2013, the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce inducted the family patriarch into its Hall of Fame. Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman praised Dillon as “the American business success story.” He gave high marks for Dillon’s work ethic, integrity and “commitment to this community, our state and the United States of America.” As a young man, Dillon worked for his father in the trucking business before serving in the U.S. Navy from 1953 to 1955. He attended what is now the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and then took a job working for Chrysler Corp. in the 1960s. He acquired the Oldsmobile-Cadillac dealership in Fremont in 1976. Embracing the founding principles of “people, service, pride,” his family now owns dealerships in Fremont, Blair, Lincoln, Wahoo and Crete, as well as a motorsports dealership in Omaha. Sons, Sid Jr. and Blake, and daughters, Cathy Peetz and Lori Sajevic, along with Lori’s husband, John, are all involved in the enterprise. Jennifer Bixby, president of the Fremont City Council, referred to the Dillons as “an

extraordinary family. Their commitment to the Fremont business community, along with their generosity and volunteerism, have paved the way for many of Fremont’s opportunities.” “The Sid Dillon family has been a great community partner and corporate citizen since they opened up their local dealership,” said Rod Storm, city administrator for the City of Blair. In a nod to economic symbiosis, Blake said the dealerships succeed because the people in area communities help them succeed. “We just seem to get really great employees who stay with us for a long time. We have had employees since the 1970s who are still actively involved in the dealerships.” Sid Jr. added, “These are all people who we’ve grown up – and grown older – with who are as important to the stores as we are.” Not only do their employees stick around, but their customers keep coming back, too. Paula Hazlewood, executive director of Washington County’s Gateway Development Corporation, has worked with the management and employees at Sid Dillon in Blair for the past 10 years. “Recent renovations at the Blair facility have allowed them to offer even more services to their customer. They go out of their way to assist their customers, both on the sales and the service side. The staff at the Sid Dillon store in Blair is engaged in the community, and they give back,” said Hazlewood.

In 2008, Sid Sr. was inducted into the AkSar-Ben Court of Honor for his community involvement. Ak-Sar-Ben is one of Omaha’s longest-standing and most prestigious philanthropic organizations. Also in 2008, the family enterprise was named the Fremont Chamber’s Business of the Year. Sid Sr. told the Fremont Tribune, “Our whole family goes by the philosophy of letting God lead your life.” That philosophy has radiated in terms of the family’s philanthropy and volunteer service. “Because you’re part of the community, you feel a sense of commitment to that community,” said Sid Jr. “We’re just doing our small part to help make our lives and other lives around us better. The people we work with and partner with are the same way.” Over the years, Sid Sr. and Hazel, their children and their hundreds of employees have been involved with an extensive list of non-profit organizations. These include Lutheran Family Services, St. Augustine Indian Mission, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Fremont Area Medical Center Foundation, the Blair and Fremont YMCAs, the Boy Scouts of America Goldenrod District, Joseph’s Coat and the Blair Food Pantry. “I was probably blessed more than I should have been,” Sid Sr. recently told the Omaha World-Herald. “When you have, you need to share it.”

N e i g h b o r s & P A R T N ERS

Sarpy County:

Where Do You Start? Fast-growing Sarpy County, just south of Omaha, has quickly developed into a “Where do you start?” community. Do you talk about its booming economy? The significant developments at its county powerhouse, Offutt Air Force Base? The array of year-round attractions that draw hundreds of thousands each year? With multiple routes available, it may be wise to consult the M.A.P.: LANCE CHEUNG

M a j or e m pl o y er s

A ir forc e ba se

Pla c e s of inter est

Sarpy County – Nebraska’s third-largest county – has experienced remarkable economic growth over the past decade, bolstered by an educated labor pool, low cost of living and dedicated efforts of organizations such as the Sarpy County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC). A cooperative venture between the county’s public and private sectors and a member of the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership, SCEDC helps fuel Sarpy County’s and Greater Omaha’s growth through the recruitment and development of commercial and industrial enterprises. “More and more businesses are choosing to locate to Sarpy County, joining an array of the area’s largest employers,” said Toby Churchill, executive director of the SCEDC. These include Offutt Air Force Base, the metro’s secondlargest employer; PayPal; Werner Enterprises; defense contractor Northrop Grumman; Infogroup; and Oriental Trading Company. The county is also home to an expanding data center environment populated by Yahoo!, Cabela’s, CoSentry, Travelers and Fidelity Investments. Combined, they have invested nearly $1 billion into facilities in Sarpy County.

Pumping more than $2 billion annually into the area’s economy, Offutt is home to the 55th Wing (Air Combat Command’s largest wing), and is the headquarters for the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). In fall 2012, USSTRATCOM broke ground on a state-of-the-art headquarters. Estimated to be a $1.1 billion project, the building is slated for completion in September 2016. Gov. Dave Heineman said constructing the new headquarters is critical to preserving world peace and maintaining freedom. Heineman praised military leaders and the Bellevue business community for getting behind the project. “This was a team effort.” The new 915,876-square-foot facility will replace the existing 55-year-old structure that houses the Air Force command, which is responsible for the nation’s nuclear arsenal, global strike and deterrence, military satellites and information warfare.

Sarpy County may be Nebraska’s smallest in terms of square miles (241), but it packs those miles with places of interest and fun. During the fall, thousands migrate to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, a family owned operation that delights in its rural setting. Offered are hayrack rides to the pumpkin field; an ever-expanding list of fun attractions; and a menu of autumn favorites – from kettle corn to candy apples. Other popular Sarpy County attractions include Fontenelle Forest; Papio Fun Park; Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area; Wehrspann Lake/Chalco Hills Recreation Area; Cabela’s; Soaring Wings Vineyard; and Werner Park, the $36 million home of the Omaha Storm Chasers.

N E I G H B O R S & PA RT N E R S

melissa anderson

M A R K D AV I S

F O N t E N E L L E N AT U R E A S S O C I AT I O N

anna reed

JPAC Annex:

So Fallen Heroes Can Rest Its military mission is critical, and is focused on bringing about a different kind of peace – peace of mind for the families of missing U.S. service members. In June 2013, Offutt Air Force Base marked the opening of a $5 million forensics laboratory. The annex of the Hawaii-based Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command CONUS Annex (JCA) conducts global search, recovery and laboratory operations to identify unaccounted-for Americans from past conflicts. “Since World War II, there are almost 90,000 U.S. service members who didn’t come home,” said Thomas Holland, who oversees the Department of Defense lab. “That’s our mission: To find their remains and identify them.” In 2010, Congress directed JPAC to more than double its output from the current 70 to 80 identifications per year to a minimum of 200 per year by 2015. Meeting that demand meant either expansion of the facility in Hawaii or increasing the capacity on the mainland. “Given the demographic that we are hoping to attract and retain – young Ph.Ds – we were interested in a location that offers a good quality of life, a good primary and secondary school system and good property values. We also were looking for a place with excellent colleges and universities since most of our employess have a desire for research and teaching opportunities.” Holland’s friend from Lincoln, whose brother is still missing from the Vietnam War, suggested Greater Omaha. “Within four hours of arriving at Offutt for my site tour, I was convinced that this was the right place for the lab,” recalled Holland. About 50 to 70 professionals are expected to populate the Offutt facility by 2016. While those working at Offutt’s JPAC annex will miss out on easy access to sand and surf, they will be rewarded in a variety of other ways. “Now, instead of leaving our organization for another job and taking their expertise with them, our scientists can simply shift their home base to a locale that better fits their evolving lifestyle,” Holland said.

N e i g h b o r s & P A R T N ERS

KEN BLOCK

Washington County:

Washington County is one of Nebraska’s fastest-growing areas – an expanding community just north of Omaha that has seen a significant spike in population, business investment and high-quality jobs over the past two decades. Ask economic developers what triggered the boom, and you’re likely to receive similar answers.

N E I G H B O R S & PA RT N E R S

JIM FERGUSON

Dynamic, but downto-earth

C O U R T E SY O F F O R T AT K I N S O N

CHRIS MACHIAN

“The attraction of Cargill to Washington County in 1992 started the ball rolling on our industrial growth,” said Paula Hazlewood, executive director of the Gateway Development Corporation. Gateway is the economic development arm for Washington County, and is a member of the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership. Cargill, a global provider of food, agricultural and risk management products, is one of several businesses housed on the 650-acre Blair Biorefinery Campus, the singlelargest industrial investment in the state. Other tenants include Purac America Inc./PGLA-1, NatureWorks LLC, Evonik Industries, UGL Unicco and Novozymes, a Danish biotech company. Novozymes’ $200 million production facility sits on 30 acres of the campus, enabling the company to meet current and future demands for enzymes in the bioethanol industry. Overlooking the Blair Biorefinery Campus is Hayden Place, a 65-acre mixed-use development. Cargill has a presence there as well, with a 30,000-square-foot facility for about 90 employees of its corn purchasing

business unit. Retail tenants include a Walmart Supercenter. “Washington County is a growing and attractive place that offers opportunities for new businesses and new residents alike,” said Roger Christianson, a past Gateway president. “The county is on a path of future growth, and is planning and taking the necessary actions to make certain it is quality growth – growth that provides a great future place to live, work and raise a family.” Blair, the county seat, received welcome news in 2013 of a revival. Three years after the abrupt closure of Dana College, Midland University is powering ahead with plans to bring the campus back to life under the Midland banner. Prominent Omaha real estate developer Frank Krejci purchased the campus and is leasing it to the University. “Dana has a vast community of alumni who are eager to see their campus restored, and we have found visionary leaders in the Blair area who have been true partners in the process,” said Ben Sasse, president of Midland University. “I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have been eager to

contribute their time, talent and resources to the project.” Midland is undertaking an $11 million capital campaign for renovations. It plans to welcome the first class of students to the campus in the fall of 2015 or 2016. It isn’t all work in Washington County, however. Opportunities for outdoor recreation include two nationally protected areas: Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge and DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. The county is home to the Fort Atkinson State Historical Park near the town of Fort Calhoun. Fort Atkinson, occupied by the U.S. Army from 1820 to 1827, was the first military post established west of the Missouri River. “Its preservation, age and research significance have rendered it perhaps the most important Euro-American archeological site in Nebraska,” according to the Nebraska State Historical Society. Every spring Fort Atkinson State Historical Park draws a crowd for its Living History Weekend. Reenactors portray life at an 1820s military post with blacksmiths, soldiers, weavers and fur trappers.

KURT A. KEELER

N e i g h b o r s & P A R T N ERS

K urt A . K eeler

Cass County:

Growing from rural roots We live in a constantly connected, fast-paced world. Go, go, go! Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why destinations like Cass County are so appealing to so many people. Cass County is a rustic respite â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a prime spot to stop and catch your breath. A collection of 15 quaint communities, Cass County boasts an almost 160-year history. It has a laid-back, welcoming vibe, and an easy commute to either Omaha or Lincoln for those who want a rural lifestyle but work in one of the bigger cities.

KURT A. KEELER

N E I G H B O R S & PA RT N E R S

B rynn A nderson

County seat Plattsmouth embraces its rich past – but isn’t stuck in it. Nationally registered historic brick storefronts house today’s Main Street businesses: family run restaurants, antique, jewelry and quilting supply shops and more. “Global companies have settled and grown here,” said John Yochum, executive director of the Cass County Nebraska Economic Development Council. Vireo Resources, known for dozens of over-the-counter pain relief and muscle-building health products, opened in Plattsmouth’s Fourmile Industrial Park in 2009 and expanded in 2012. Fellow resident New Age Manufacturing specializes in the production of precision machine parts, some of which are currently on the International Space Station. Other Cass County success stories include 33-year-old Oxbow Animal Health, a Murdock, Nebraska, operation that makes and ships feed and nutrition products for small animals. Greenwood is the home of widely known Baker’s Candies. The family owned company annually produces more than 20 million of its famous

KURT A. KEELER

CO U RT ESY O F I RO N H O R S E G O L F C LU B

chocolate meltaways – each in a specially colored cellophane wrapper – and ships them around the world. The Baker family’s Cass County roots go back at least five generations. “Being located here, we’re able to maintain a connection to our proud heritage,” said Todd Baker, general manager. “At the same time, we’re smack dab in the middle of the country with easy access to major shipping arteries.” In the chocolate industry, distribution is a major concern, and Baker’s Candies is able to do it all from Cass County, without additional distribution centers. In addition to its roster of notable businesses, Cass County has an array of popular attractions. Major draws like Mahoney State Park, the Strategic Air and Space Museum and the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari are easily accessible from Interstate 80. Iron Horse Golf Club and Quarry Oaks Golf Club both have scenic and challenging courses. Louisville State Recreation Area offers prime camping and outdoor recreation along the Platte River.

KURT A. KEELER

Between Nehawka and Weeping Water, Slattery Vintage Estates Vineyard & Tasting Room pairs Nebraska-made wines with a beautiful setting. “It’s great being just outside both Lincoln and Omaha,” said owner Barb Slattery. “We have the advantage of having a scenic valley that draws folks out to spend time at a destination that is worth the drive.” In addition to tastings, the vineyard, which Slattery opened with her husband, Mike, seven years ago, hosts weddings, class reunions, concerts and glamour camping, or “glamping,” with bungalow tents for extra comfort. A few miles southeast of the vineyard is the Wostrel family’s Union Orchard. Open year-round, the orchard beckons visitors with festivals and a country store featuring fresh fruit and vegetables, baked items and country staples such as apple butter and pumpkin butter. Established in 1895, the orchard is currently being redeveloped with 10,000 apple trees scheduled to be planted in 2013.

KURT A. KEELER

N e i g h b o r s & P A R T N ERS

WHERE WE LIVE | NEIGHBORHOODS

M A R K D AV I S

The Otepka Family:

TWEAKING THE DREAM The breaking point for Cris and Noelle Otepka came with the second pregnancy. Their two-bedroom apartment in Washington, D.C., was already too cramped with 1-year-old Isabella running around. Plus at $2,600 a month, it was too expensive.

WHERE WE LIVE | NEIGHBORHOODS

The 30-somethings faced the same conundrum their friends from Boston to Seattle confronted when they realized that you can’t have both the “great American” city life and raise children in it. At least not very easily. Not if you want quality schools, green space and the ability to hoist your stroller onto a city bus without incurring the wrath of other riders. Definitely not if you want to own a home. So the Otepkas packed up and moved, first to a Virginia suburb, which wasn’t that much cheaper. And then to Omaha, which was a lot cheaper. Cris, a linguist, found a contract job at Offutt Air Force Base and, in May 2011, moved his family into a 2,100-square-foot frame-stucco house on Happy Hollow Boulevard in Midtown Omaha. It is a homecoming for the Creighton Prep grad who grew up in the Dundee neighborhood nearby. Francis or “Frankie,” 1½, was born two months later. More than two years into their stay, the Otepkas said they agree with a recent national

ranking that put Omaha at the top of a list of cities that are – surprise – family friendly. The Movoto survey defined family friendly according to how the nation’s 50 most populous cities stacked up on cost of living, public schools, park space, homeownership, crimes per capita, unemployment and commute time. Cris and Noelle did love Washington. But, when they realized the life they wanted wasn’t feasible there, Omaha came through with a linguist job that paid enough in a place where they could afford a house with a yard and still get their urban fix. They took some heat from their D.C. friends who couldn’t keep Omaha and Oklahoma straight. But, they also got a lot of love from everyone back home, including other ex-pats who have returned. There is plenty to do. There are good eats. There are built-in babysitters (Grandma and Grandpa). And, for two busy little children, there is something Omaha has in spades: space.

One Metropolitan Area,

SO MANY ‘PERSONALITIES’

Introverted, extroverted, buttoned-down, laid-back ... It’s amazing how many different personalities can exist in the roots of one family tree. Greater Omaha is a lot like that. It’s a vibrant mix of communities, each with its own personality, comprising one metropolitan area. As with all “families,” the natural diversity is balanced by commonalities. In this case, these commonalities are stable housing prices, high-quality schools and a cost of living that is well below the national average.

KURT A. KEELER

H I ST O R I C Omaha’s Field Club neighborhood is situated in Midtown, and is included on the National Register of Historic Places. With roots in the late 1800s, it remains a proud, popular community and the location of numerous well-preserved, historically significant homes. Adjacent to the south is the Hanscom Park neighborhood. This vintage community features its own complement of beautiful historic homes; tree-lined streets (some of which are still the original hand-paved brick); and the distinction of being the birthplace of U.S. President Gerald Ford.

WHERE WE LIVE | NEIGHBORHOODS

CO U RT ESY O F N U ST Y L E

UR B AN

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oung professionals and empty-nesters are among those flocking to Omaha’s urban core. They’re finding an abundance of housing options there – from condominiums and lofts to row houses and town house developments. An apartment surge has also taken hold in downtown Omaha. Among those fueling it? The 25-year-old NuStyle Development Corporation owned by husband and wife duo Todd and Mary Heistand. NuStyle specializes in converting old buildings into stylish urban residences. Its portfolio includes The Bank, 206 S. 19th St. with 106 apartment units and 13,000 square feet of commercial space, and The TipTop at 15th and Cuming Streets with 105 units. NuStyle is currently undertaking its largest project yet, a $41 million conversion of a downtown icon that has been vacant for nearly two decades. Slated for completion in 2015, the former Northwestern Bell headquarters at 19th and Dodge Streets is being transformed into The Wire. It will have 290 one- and two-bedroom units spanning 12 floors.

WHERE WE LIVE | NEIGHBORHOODS

The project comes as NuStyle finishes the 117-unit Slate complex just across Dodge Street at 1815 Capitol Ave. That $13 million conversion of the former Black Hills Energy Building followed the conversion of NuStyle’s Highline, a 194-unit complex a few blocks to the west at the former Northern Natural Gas headquarters at 2223 Dodge St. The Highline features iconic-sounding layouts like “The Sinatra,” “The Marlon” and “The Marilyn.” A KSA RBE N VILLAG E

ksarben Village, another one of Greater Omaha’s grand developments, is a $300 million mixed-use community built on property that was, in a former life, the Aksarben Racetrack and Coliseum. Aksarben Village is flourishing in midtown Omaha today with two upscale apartment buildings – the Broadmoor and Pinhook Flats. There is also a multiplex movie theater, a varied restaurant lineup (from DJ’s Dugout to Mai Thai and Ponzu Sushi & Grill), a nightspot (LIV Lounge) and a sweet spot (Jones Bros. Cupcakes).

KURT A. KEELER

M I D TOW N C R O SSI N G

with national names, including Crave, Cantina Laredo and Black Oak Grill. Exciting community events are another Midtown Crossing hallmark – from its “Miracle on Farnam” holiday window displays, to Jazz on the Green and the End of Summer Concert Series. Both outdoor music events take full advantage of the dramatic new Pavilion in Turner Park and its permanent stage.

S UBU RBA N

The development also features a fitness club, “a paint and sip” art experience called Village Canvas and Cabernet and a park/ amphitheater for outdoor events, including Omaha Beer Fest, a weekly farmers market and the popular Saturdays @ Stinson summer concert series.

$325 million dollar catalyst for revival, Midtown Crossing is committed to “bringing the town back to midtown.” Its ultra-contemporary apartments and luxury condominiums are a short drive from downtown Omaha, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University – and a short walk from the development’s exciting blend of restaurants and retail. Local institutions such as Brix (with its extensive outdoor patio), Wohlner’s Neighborhood Grocery & Deli and The Afternoon share the development’s 1 million total square feet

ewer homes (from starter to spacious), green space and easy access to grocery stores, restaurants and recreation: Those are the hallmarks of Omaha’s many suburbs. One of the fastest-growing suburbs is located on the western edge of Sarpy County. Gretna, which is nestled quietly between Omaha and Lincoln, offers booming housing developments with lots available for new construction. Close to

Interstate 80 and minutes from southwest Omaha, Gretna also boasts the new outlet mall at Nebraska Crossing, “a high-tech, fully wired” shopping experience. RU RA L

hose needing a little extra space – and a taste of country living – can head south from Omaha to the rolling hills of Cass County (or any other neighboring county, for that matter), which is one of the largest and earliest-settled counties in the state. Acreages abound with horse stables and wildlife – and a convenient proximity to both Omaha and Lincoln, one of the county’s key amenities. The quaint county seat city of Plattsmouth, one of 15 Cass County communities, deftly mingles the past and present, which is exemplified on its recently renovated Main Street. Historic buildings house an assortment of present-day shops, unique, local restaurants and bed-andbreakfast inns.

WHERE WE LIVE | NEIGHBORHOODS

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i ns pi r e d to l e a rn

Franklin Elementary Principal Decua Jean-Baptiste B r y n n AN d e r s o n

Our Schools:

NURTURING OUR GREATEST

RESOURCE

Greater Omaha has a strong system of public and private schools, with more than 300 facilities spanning nine counties. Magnet schools, college prep curriculums, test scores, teacher recognition programs, academic honors and achievements in sports and other extracurricular activities are examples of the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wide-ranging commitment to nurturing young minds. learn more OmahaChamber.org inspired to learn

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Mark Evans:

Vision, energy and a passion for education He had been working toward this moment his entire career – each professional experience layering on the other to form a resume that would resonate with the Omaha Public School Board. kent sievers

Wichita native Mark Evans officially began work in July 2013 as the superintendent of Omaha Public Schools, Nebraska’s largest school district. Just as he’s done before, he said he’s ready to unleash the components necessary for success: Vision, energy – and a passion for impacting young lives. “I was blessed as a student by some caring teachers and coaches, and I think that’s part of my passion,” said Evans. A first-generation college graduate in his family, Evans spent the past eight years leading Andover Public Schools. The nationally recognized district of about 5,400 students is located outside Wichita, Kan. Prior to that, he spent 20 years – including 17 years as an administrator – working in the Wichita Public Schools. That district’s enrollment and demographics mirror those of OPS. “That’s part of what makes me feel more confident in our ability to work together. I’ve been here before in a 50,000-student district, spending 20 years of my life there. I’ve worked in high-poverty schools as a teacher and as a principal. I’ve worked with students who needed an extra hand up,” he explained. Evans said he planned to spend much of his first year on strategic planning and meeting with parents, students and community leaders

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to define priorities and the overall direction OPS should go in the next three to five years. “We need that alignment and focus,” he said. Five years from now, he would like to have statistical evidence that OPS has improved in multiple areas. Those areas could include student achievement and how safe students feel in their schools. “That’s how I measure success – that we’ve had progress,” said Evans. Justin Wayne, president of the Omaha Public School Board, said the new superintendent has all the right skills to lead the district into the future. “He is a man of integrity. I know in five years under his leadership, OPS will be the model school district for the entire country,” said Wayne. The board first approached Evans about the job in September 2012 – but he did not jump at the opportunity initially. Did he really want to leave the fast-growing, high-performing Andover Public School District? But then he studied Omaha and OPS and discovered his answer. “The more I’ve learned about the district, the more I know that this is a community that wants this district to have success. I’ve never seen an urban district that has this level

of community support,” explained Evans. He added, “If you believe that you can be a catalyst working with the school board to make a difference, shouldn’t you do it?” Evans and his wife, Stacey (who grew up in Lincoln, Neb.), have two grown children: A son who lives in Louisville, Ky., and a daughter who lives in Minneapolis. Married for more than 30 years, the couple arrived in Omaha in late June, their Miniature Schnauzer in tow. They settled into Omaha’s historic Dundee neighborhood. “It’s a very, very nice area … We’ve really enjoyed it so far,” said Evans. Among the early highlights of their time in Omaha: Strolling to neighborhood eatery Marks Bistro and soaking up a warm July evening – and a bit of well-deserved downtime – out on the patio.

“That’s how I measure

success — progress.” that we’ve had

— Mark Evans, OPS superintendent

SERVING THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF ALL LEARNERS www.westside66.org

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Brownell-Talbot School:

a proud, 150-year-old Mary Kerr is part of an Omaha tradition. So is her daughter … and mother … and aunt … and grandmother. They are among the world’s 3,000 alumni of Brownell-Talbot School, the only preschool-through-grade-12 independent college prep school in Nebraska. It is celebrating its sesquicentennial this year.

“The long-standing appeal of BrownellTalbot is the class size and the inability of any child to fall through the cracks. … The faculty is accessible and nurturing and cares greatly for each child as an individual,” said Kerr, class of 1967, the school’s first co-ed graduating class. A visionary Episcopal bishop founded the school – initially called Brownell Hall – in 1863 to serve the daughters of pioneers. (Boys joined the student population in 1952.) “The commitment to educating young women a century before the culminating events of the Civil Rights and Women’s Rights Movements demonstrates our dedication to the principles of equality, justice and education,” said Dr. Sylvia Rodríguez Vargas, head of school. Today, Brownell-Talbot’s continued emphasis on equity and inclusion remain central to its mission of educating boys and girls of diverse ethnicities and religions. 106

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B ILL SIT Z MANN

tradition

MARY Marshall KERR, SARAH JOHNSTON MARSHALL, Emily FRENCH Kerr

“The appreciation, understanding and collaborative spirit that emerges when living and working with people from many traditions creates a vibrant and inclusive community,” said Rodríguez Vargas. “It also creates a community that best prepares students for the world in which they will live and work. These children learn passionately, think critically, act responsibly and lead with integrity.” She said the school’s 150th anniversary is a unique time to reflect upon the many ways that Brownell-Talbot, its alumni and former students have positively influenced Omaha, the state of Nebraska, the U.S. and the world. Among Brownell Talbot’s most widely known alums: • Edith Abbott, a renowned economist, social worker, educator and author, class of 1893 • John Watson, chess International Master and author, class of 1969 • Virginia Kassel, award-winning television

producer and writer, class of 1950 • Jay Karnes, actor, class of 1982 Former students also include Alexander Payne, Academy Award-winning screenwriter and director; Andy Roddick, retired professional tennis player and former No. 1 in the world; actress Jaime King; and Chris Ware, award-winning graphic novelist. “The excellent education received at Brownell-Talbot School has provided several generations with strong core values, an enriching academic foundation and preparation for college and life,” said Rodríguez Vargas. Legacy family member Kerr can attest to that. As part of the school’s history, she has high hopes for its future. “I hope that BrownellTalbot will continue to look for ways to prepare students for the ever-changing future, and instill a sense of giving back to the community.”

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Project SEARCH

Developing the Workforce. Offering Hope.

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children 6 weeks through 6th grade.

Call C l l today d to arrange a tour!! 402-393-1311 www.MontessoriLoveToLearn.com A tradition of excellence since 1967. 108

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A hotel brand that thrives on offering comfort and convenience is also offering hope to young adults who have significant disabilities. Embassy Suites hotels in La Vista and Lincoln partnered with the Papillion-La Vista and Lincoln Public School systems to launch two Project SEARCH program sites in 2012. A unique workforce development program, Project SEARCH helps students who have intellectual and developmental disabilities transition from school to the workplace by immersing them in real-life work situations. The La Vista and Lincoln Embassy Suites sites graduated a total of 17 student interns in May 2013. Mike Basch, a Hy-Vee store director, attended the ceremony in La Vista. “Becca was one of the students who spoke about her experience with Project SEARCH,” Basch recalled. “I was really impressed with how personable she was and her ability to speak in front of a large crowd. We approached Becca after the ceremony and invited her in for an interview. She has been working for us since June 2013, and she has been an outstanding employee.” Becca is not alone. Seventy-five percent of the local participants gained immediate employment after graduation. “If you met the students on the skills assessment day, and then met them during their third job rotation seven months later, the change in the level of confidence, self-esteem, pride and happiness would not be believed,” said David Scott, director of sales for Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista. Individual stories speak to the program’s transformative potential. Take Becky, who was quiet, shy and struggling in the public school setting. Her Embassy Suites experience developed her confidence to the point where she could take public transportation to work. There, she greets guests in the hotel’s complimentary breakfast area and works in the restaurant. Another participant, Kat, found it challenging to learn from books. She excelled in the hands-on environment of the hotel so much so, said Scott, that guests and team members alike were unaware of any learning disability. Project SEARCH students begin every school day at either the La Vista or Lincoln hotel for classroom and job skills instruction. They work an average of five hours per day at the hotel for three 10-week rotations, gaining hands-on experience in several departments. Staff members serve as volunteer mentors. During the 2013-14 school year, Embassy Suites hopes to bring on at least 21 students in La Vista and Lincoln. A new site, Embassy Suites Omaha-Downtown/Old Market, added six students in the fall of 2013. In July 2014, Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista will host the 8th Annual International Project SEARCH Conference. It will attract more than 500 participants from 230+ Project SEARCH sites in 40 states and four countries.

Omaha Public Schoolsâ&#x20AC;Ś Doing Great Things for Great Young People

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WELCOME TO OUR CAMPUS! (Otherwise known as Omaha)

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CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY:

A COMMUNITY WHERE YOU CAN

ENGAGE, GROW Extraordinary opportunities await at Creighton University. “Students come here for purposeful, powerful reasons,” said Mary Chase, associate vice president for enrollment management. “They come here to do something that means something. To discover their true potential. To create new possibilities. And to make a difference in a world that needs it more than ever.” A Creighton education gives students an edge – to reach their educational, life and career goals, she said. Consider: • Creighton’s graduation and retention rates are 15 percent higher than the national average for four-year institutions. • Students can choose from more than 3,000 internship opportunities annually. • More than 96 percent of students are working or in graduate

school within a year of graduation. • Creighton is a perennial top-ranked Midwestern regional university by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1878, Creighton is one of 28 Jesuit universities in the United States. “Our tradition is educational excellence,” Chase said. “Our focus is on offering students more. More opportunities for undergraduate research. More possibilities for leadership development. More one-on-one interactions with faculty.” In short, Creighton University’s 4,200 undergraduate and 3,500 professional and graduate students find that Creighton is designed for their success, according to Chase. “Creighton is more than classrooms and labs, courses and textbooks. We’re a community. A community of scholars … of healers … of scientists and researchers … of learners … and bold dreamers,” she said. “We also are a community in dialogue – with each other and the world. We engage some of the biggest issues of our time, and challenge our students to think critically and creatively.” Creighton’s nine colleges and schools provide opportunities for interdisciplinary learning – in arts and sciences, business, health sciences and law. And when it comes to athletics, Creighton – a proud new member of the Big East conference – competes at the Division I level in six men’s and eight women’s sports.

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Ben Sasse:

ForwardThinking Toward a Better Future j a m e s r . bu r n e t t

Dr. Ben Sasse became one of the youngest chief executives in American higher education when, at age 37, he assumed leadership of Midland University. That was in 2010. His accomplishments since then have been swift – and significant: Record enrollment growth for three straight years; the addition of nine varsity athletic teams; the launch of a four-year graduation guarantee; and the recent acquisition of the former Dana College campus in Blair, Neb. Benjamin Sasse, Ph.D. » 15th president of Midland University in Fremont, Neb. » Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health & Human Services » Husband, father of three

Dramatic growth and a four-year graduation guarantee: “With what it costs to attend college today, I think more students and their parents are starting to evaluate the investment that they’re making. Our promise to support and guide students to graduation in four years has resonated with kids who want to get on with life instead of spending five or six years getting a bachelor’s degree. And that has been embraced by parents who are footing the bill.” Proudest accomplishments so far: “I am proud that we have built a culture centered on doing what’s right for our students. Although research is important, professors at Midland are focused overwhelmingly on the needs of their students. They work late; they pour sweat and tears into helping shape our students’ futures.

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Our coaches and counselors know what’s going on in our students’ lives, and they are engaging kids before distractions become obstacles to their success.” A lease with the former Dana College campus: “There is a chance to build something really special there that will touch Nebraskans for generations to come. I get excited just thinking about it.” The future of Midland University: “We are serving students better today than we did five years ago, and we will be serving them far better five years from now. By combining the efficiencies of technology and the personal support network that’s only available in an intimate residential setting, Midland is teaching students more effectively and efficiently at the same time.”

Metropolitan Community College: Empowering YOU to succeed Make the smart choice. MCC offers one of the most affordable options for secondary education in the state. Get the skills, education and training to succeed from experienced faculty who are here to meet your needs. credit/noncredit dual enrollment business and industry training online degree programs

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CHOOSE THE UNIVERSITY THAT MEETS YOU WHERE YOU ARE.

At Bellevue University, you’ll be able to take that next step into a variety of opportunities. Take advantage of all Bellevue University has to offer including: Flexxive® Learning — Designed so you can progress at your own pace while still getting the support you need to be successful.

Center for Entrepreneurship and Market Capitalism — Serving entrepreneurs from the greater metropolitan area and beyond.

START YOUR SOMEDAY AT BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY

Military Veteran Services Center — Providing resources and assistance to all current military and veteran students.

For more information, call or click:

402-293-2000 | 800-756-7920 OneStop@bellevue.edu bellevue.edu

A non-profit university, Bellevue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools • www.ncahlc.org • 800-621-7440 • Bellevue University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disabilityin the educational programs and activities it operates. Bellevue University, 1000 Galvin Road South, Bellevue, Nebraska 68005. - 3727 0813

TODAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STUDENTS ARE BUSY. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working adults

At Bellevue University, students gain a rich learning experience through an innovative curriculum and a faculty that takes pride in focusing on the student. Bellevue University is the largest private university in Nebraska Â?Â?Â?Â?Â?Â? Â nearly 60 career-relevant undergraduate and graduate degrees designed to engage students and prepare them to thrive in a Â? Â Â only Ph.D. in Human Capital Management. Â Â&#x20AC; Â&#x201A; Â&#x192; Â Â university for military veterans. The publication also ranked the University in the top ten nationally for online teaching and student engagement.

THREE RECENT INITIATIVES EXEMPLIFY THE UNIVERSITYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION:

The University opened the Center for Entrepreneurship and Market Capitalism. The Center embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of the

University and acts as a catalyst for economic growth balancing personal liberty and initiative, civic responsibility, and market-based business solutions to foster entrepreneurs, leaders, and successful businesses. The Center, in concert with established entrepreneurial support programs and leaders, serves entrepreneurs from the greater metropolitan area and beyond.

The University recently launched FlexxiveÂŽ

students additional savings by having all required readings available online, meaning students will not have to purchase books. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Earning a college degree has never been more important than it is right now,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Mary B. Hawkins, President of Bellevue University. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the next 10 years, nearly half of all new jobs will require a level of education beyond a high school degree. and accessible alternative to those looking to further their education in order to compete in the job market of the future.â&#x20AC;?

The University recently opened its new Military Veteran Services Center. The Center provides resources and assistance to all current military and veteran students. The Center helps military students deal with issues related to their service and helps them understand that they are not alone. The center also houses the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Student Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Organization, the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bellevue Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedication to military students dates back to Base,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Hawkins. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today, nearly 40 percent of our students Â from veterans who know how to help other veterans reach their educational and personal goals.â&#x20AC;? Overall, Bellevue Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique, student-centered approach to learning gives adult students the foundation they need to feel Â? Â

that Â&#x201E; Â&#x192; Â Â? Â&#x192; University continues to lead the nation in addressing many problems facing higher educationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including the rising cost of college, increasing student debt and lack of readiness of graduates to apply their skills in the workplace.

Â lower cost compared with existing traditional and online programs. Â&#x201E; take more than 12 semester hours per term, allowing students to

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“Can I get help paying for health insurance?” Starting in 2014, many Americans will qualify for financial help that could lower monthly health insurance costs. For a free guide to the new health care law, go online or call us. You’ll get straight answers from a Nebraska neighbor. And the simple question, “How can we help?”

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CARING COMMUNITY

CHRIS MACHIAN

Dr. Harold Maurer:

AN AWE-INSPIRING LEGACY WITH

MORE TO COME Dr. Maurer led the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) to explosive growth during his 15 years as chancellor. In June 2013, he stepped down to assume a new position with the University – a fundraising role that will allow him to enhance an already expansive legacy.

Dr. Maurer’s achievements at UNMC – so far – include leading the merger of University Hospital and Clarkson Hospital to form the Nebraska Health System. Now known as The Nebraska Medical Center, the institution has reached new heights of excellence in education, research and clinical care. Dr. Maurer also combined more than 70 physician practice groups into one comprehensive faculty practice plan known as UNMC Physicians. Upon becoming chancellor in 1998, Dr. Maurer set aggressive goals for research, repositioning UNMC from a regional center to a national center of excellence. His research achievements include: • Tripling UNMC’s external research funding, with research dollars now at more than $90 million annually. • Developing programs in regenerative medicine, nanomedicine, drug delivery and bioterrorism preparedness, among others. • Leading fundraising for the Durham

Research Centers I and II. Dr. Maurer said he hoped that he’d be remembered for building research at UNMC. “I also am very proud of our many accomplishments in education, clinical care and community outreach.” In addition to the Durham Research Centers, several other new facilities were constructed at UNMC during Dr. Maurer’s tenure. These include the Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education, the Center for Nursing Science, the Ruth and Bill Scott Student Plaza and the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health. “The UNMC campus has been transformed – not only with remarkable new facilities for teaching and research – but through an unwavering commitment to a culture of excellence,” said J.B. Milliken, president of the University of Nebraska. “He set goals that some believed to be unattainable, and then together with a very talented faculty and staff, surpassed them.” CARING COMMUNITY

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Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center:

AN UNPRECEDENTED

PROJECT & PARTNERSHIP

Dr. Harold Maurer’s legacy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is still being forged. Retired from leading the institution, he’s now leading fundraising for a project that he said will transform it. The $370 million Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center campus is the largest project in the history of UNMC, and the state’s largest public-private partnership. CO U RT ESY O F U N M C

The Center features three areas dedicated to cancer: The 98-laboratory Suzanne and Walter Scott Cancer Research Tower; the 108-bed CL Werner Cancer Hospital; and a multidisciplinary outpatient center. The late Fred Buffett, an Omaha native and first cousin to Warren Buffett, lost his battle with kidney cancer in 1997. A major gift from his wife’s foundation made the Center possible. “The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center places Nebraska firmly at the leading edge of cancer care, research and education,” said J.B. Milliken, president of the University of Nebraska. “This will allow us to attract the best and brightest faculty and students, and build on our significant strengths in cancer research to serve the people of Nebraska and the nation.” The Center is the cornerstone of a

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project that also includes plans for updated ambulatory (outpatient) services at UNMC. In all, the project will provide 4,657 new jobs to the metro area, infusing $537 million annually into the economy. Already, public support totaling $90 million has been pledged by the State of Nebraska, the City of Omaha and Douglas County. Private donors also have shown great support. “The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is another example of the tremendous public-private partnerships from which many worthwhile Nebraska projects have benefited,” said Mike Yanney, chair of the UNMC committee for Campaign for Nebraska, the University of Nebraska Foundation’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. Construction is expected to be complete in 2016.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING “It will solidify Omaha’s reputation as one of the nation’s leading centers for patient care and medical research.” — Walter Scott Jr., chairman emeritus, Peter Kiewit Sons’, Inc.

“The comprehensive cancer center will support the education and close interactions of physicians, trainees and cancer researchers to work on cancer treatments for the future.” — Julie M. Vose, M.D., chief, UNMC Division of Oncology and Hematology S O U R C E : F R E DA N D PA M E L A B U F F E T TC A N C E R C E N T E R .C O M

Methodist makes Omaha healthier.

Dr. Dittrick and Jeff, RN Surgery

Methodist’s impact on the health and well-being of families reaches far and wide. Regionally, we perform more surgeries and offer the only medical campus dedicated to women. But our impact goes beyond medical expertise. Because Methodist is where innovation meets compassion, working together to advance health and save lives. That’s the meaning of care. bestcare.org

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Methodist Health System:

ANSWERING A CALL TO

SAVE LIVES It was 4 a.m. on a Sunday. Kelly Barkmeier was being rushed to Methodist Women’s Hospital because of bleeding that wouldn’t stop – two months before her April 23rd maternity due date. C O U R T E S Y O F M E T H O D I S T H E A LT H S Y S T E M

“The staff talked us through every possible scenario, reassuring us that the operating room and neo-natal intensive care unit were on standby,” Barkmeier recalled. Soon, she was in the operating room with her husband, Wayne, gowned and gloved beside her, ready to welcome their daughter via C-section. “The moment of Hannah’s birth was so happy. We felt so blessed,” Barkmeier said. But then she began to hemorrhage.

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As the neonatal care team prepared to take Hannah to the NICU, the medical team turned its attention to Barkmeier’s life. Her condition had turned to critical. Dr. Andrew Robertson, medical director of the Methodist Perinatal Center, was the team leader that day in the OR. “We have dealt with complications like this before, and we will again,” he said. “It is something we train, drill and plan for. We have the best obstetrical care in the state.”

Barkmeier bounced back quickly. When she awoke from surgery, she signaled for a pen and paper to write questions, make plans and organize the family household from her hospital bed. Members of the surgical team later stopped by to offer their good wishes. “Many tears were shed and hugs were given,” as Barkmeier thanked them for saving not one, but two lives on a very scary day.

Alegent Creighton Health:

‘GOD PUT ME IN THEIR HANDS‘ The crash was violent; the pain unbearable. A semitrailer truck had just run a red light, T-boning the driver’s side of Traci Wickham’s minivan. The impact crushed her pelvis and caused massive internal injuries. “I was very, very scared,” Wickham recalled. “But I didn’t think it was that bad until they told me, ‘You’re going on the helicopter.’” C O U R T E S Y O F A L E G E N T C R E I G H T O N H E A LT H

A pharmaceutical rep, Wickham was driving from Columbus to Grand Island at the time of the collision. Rushed to a hospital in Columbus, she was loaded onto the LifeNet helicopter for the 30-minute flight to Alegent Creighton University Medical Center (CUMC) in Omaha. Although she doesn’t remember arriving at CUMC, she does recall what happened next in the emergency room. “It was a huge team effort,” she said with tears in her eyes. “They were 100 percent in it. I am so glad I was there. God put me in their hands.” From the trauma bay, Wickham was quickly moved to the operating room where doctors focused on her most urgent injuries. Pradeep Pallati, M.D., was the trauma surgeon on-call that day. “It was one of the worst traumas I’ve seen,” he said. The team spent about six hours stabilizing Wickham and controlling her heavy bleeding. “It was life-threatening. We had to act fast,” Dr. Pallati smiled. “It was gratifying to me to be able to save her.”

Justin Siebler, M.D., an orthopaedic traumatologist, followed with a second surgery. “Her hip socket was broken, and the left side of her pelvis was disconnected from her spine,” he explained. He inserted a traction pin to temporarily keep her hip socket stable. Another surgery – about 10 hours long – followed. “Dr. Siebler was great at explaining it all,” Wickham said. “He was just very blunt as to how serious it was.” He used four plates, 15 screws and one large bolt to reattach part of her pelvis. After a few days of recovery at CUMC, Wickham moved to another Alegent Creighton Health facility in Omaha: Immanuel Rehabilitation Center. “That got me up and moving. It got me out of bed. It really moved me along.” It wasn’t until she returned home from rehab that it really sank in as to just how close she had been to dying. “I bled out,” she said, “but I had prayers from so many people –

people all over. Honestly, if I hadn’t had those and my faith, I don’t know how I would have made it through.” Her long recovery continues. Wickham goes to physical therapy four to five days a week in Columbus, and then returns to Omaha for follow-up appointments with the Immanuel Rehabilitation Center staff and her CUMC doctors. Today, Wickham can dress herself and stand up. But she is still very sore. She has trouble sleeping, and she needs a wheelchair or walker to get around. “I’m going to walk,” she said with determination. Her flexibility and endurance are slowly returning, and she’s getting her spunk back. One doctor told her that it could be 18 months before her life is back to normal. That, said Wickham, is debatable. “I’m going to fight him on that! I want to be out of this wheelchair. I can’t sit around all the time or I’ll go crazy!”

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SCOTT DOBRY

Meet the doctor behind ‘remarkable’ transplants at Children’s

Making history,

PLANNING FOR THE

FUTURE

Dr. Mohanad Shukry started 2013 in a whirlwind: Moving to Omaha. Taking over as chief of pediatric anesthesiology at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. Making hospital history – twice.

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In late February, less than a month into his new job, Dr. Shukry helped plan for and served at the very first delivery at Children’s Fetal Care Center in affiliation with Alegent Creighton Health. The infant had been diagnosed prenatally with a combination of complex heart defects. Delivery in the Fetal Care Center allowed, if necessary, rapid cardiac intervention. “The delivery was very well-executed. Every team member did what they rehearsed and what we planned,” Dr. Shukry said. Less than a month after that, Lainey Wilkinson was born in the Fetal Care Center, also with a defective heart. Two weeks later, on April 8, she became the first child to receive a heart transplant at Children’s. Dr. Shukry, once again, was there in the operating room. “You cannot escape the emotion – the happiness knowing that a family and a baby are going to enjoy this heart forever, while also considering the generosity of the family who decided to donate the heart. It’s really quite remarkable,” he said. Dr. Shukry settled in Omaha in February. His family joined him from Oklahoma in March. He and his wife, Annette, have two children, 9-year-old Lina and Omar, who celebrated his 6th birthday in May. Dr. Shukry said his family quickly embraced their new community. “The kids love the programs and the activities at school. They’re enjoying it a lot.” He loves that Omaha is a “low-hassle

city. The people are down-to-earth; they are very pleasant to be around. The educational system also attracted us. We’re all about public schools.” The path that led Dr. Shukry to Omaha is a story in and of itself. He was born in the Mediterranean port city of Latakia, Syria, in the early 1970s, the middle child in a family of eight. His father was in the military, and the family moved quite a bit. “People fall in two categories: You’re either a tree or a bird. Some people like to have roots in one place. Birds just move from one place to another. I like to describe myself as a bird. I have the freedom to go and nest anywhere,” he said. In 1998, he migrated to America, drawn by our more advanced health care system and our freedoms. His arrival in Omaha was preceded by professional stints in Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma. As Children’s chief of pediatric anesthesiology – one of the youngest in the nation in this role – Dr. Shukry oversees all anesthesia-, sedation- and pain management-related activities in the hospital. He also has an active role in ensuring across-the-board patient safety. Now a part of Children’s history, he is helping to plan for the future. “There are always going to be challenges,” he said. “But the focus for me is on the future – on becoming a medical center that is known throughout the country. That’s where I feel the excitement.”

Little patient,

BIG DISTINCTION Every smile. Every coo. Every flash of those beautiful blue eyes. A miracle. Little Lainey Wilkinson secured a place for herself in the history of Omaha’s Children’s Hospital & Medical Center – just a month after her own story began.

ERIC FRANCIS

You could say that it all happened – in a heartbeat. Born with a combination of irreparable congenital heart defects, Lainey became Children’s first heart transplant patient on April 8, 2013. It was less than a month after the hospital received interim approval to begin a pediatric heart transplantation program, and only nine days after Lainey was listed on the national heart transplant waiting list. “You don’t know how excited and how happy you can be until you have that moment when someone tells you that your child’s life is going to be saved,” said Jessica Wilkinson, the child’s mother. Dr. James Hammel, clinical service chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Children’s, led Lainey’s transplant team. “It is very unusual for a newborn to have such a complicated heart disease that a transplant is required before there’s even an attempt at reconstruction,” said Dr. Hammel. “This was really an extraordinary situation.”

He described it as a “storybook case” for Children’s, the ideal set of circumstances. It started with Jessica’s delivery – a scheduled cesarean section in the Fetal Care Center at Children’s in affiliation with Alegent Creighton Health. For the transplant, Lainey was in the operating room for about nine hours. The procedure itself – from incision to closure – took about five hours, including two hours on a heart-lung bypass machine. Lainey, whose family lives in neighboring Council Bluffs, Iowa, went home from the hospital in May. She is on an array of medications designed to keep her body from rejecting her new heart. Frequent checkups and physical therapy are part of her routine. “One of the beauties of a neonatal heart is that it does grow as Lainey grows,” said Dr. Robert Spicer, Children’s clinical service chief of cardiology. “We would anticipate, with control of her medications and regular follow-

ups, that we have decades and decades of a good life ahead.” Developmentally, Lainey’s mom said that her littlest one (Lainey has a 3-year-old big brother, Keygan) is right on track, and that everything is going well at home. Jessica and her husband, Jeff, hope that their daughter’s life will be as close to normal as possible. They said the support they’ve received from the hospital, the community – and beyond – has been phenomenal. “It seems like everyone cares for her, even if they don’t know her,” Jessica said of her daughter. “Coming home, people would stop us and say, ‘Oh my gosh, I saw her on the news; I hope she’s doing well.’ So many people have written to us. She’s literally had prayers from around the world, from people we know and people we don’t. It has been amazing.”

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Boys Town National Research Hospital:

CELEBRATING A MAJOR MILESTONE IN HEARING For Natalie Brauer, it was a devastating thought: Her daughter would never be able to hear her voice or that of her husband. Chloe was born in 2011 with bilateral hearing loss, the result of a genetic mutation. “The dream that you have for your child is broken,” said Natalie, recalling how she felt upon receiving the news.

C O U R T E SY O F B OYS T O W N N AT I O N A L R E S E A R C H H O S P I TA L

Enter the Cochlear Implant Team at Boys Town National Research Hospital. For Chloe’s first birthday, they gave her the ultimate gift – the gift of hearing. Chloe received her first cochlear implant on August 1, 2012; her second, 20 days later. The second implant, activated on August 29, marked a major milestone for the hospital. It was its 500th cochlear implant – and a major breakthrough for Chloe. Just five days after her first birthday, she could hear from both ears. The Cochlear Implant Center at Boys Town National Research Hospital has been helping children and adults who have severe or profound hearing loss for more than two decades. Its team of ear, nose and throat physicians, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, clinicians and counselors work together to determine if a cochlear implant would offer the best outcome for the patient. Then they tailor the best medical care and rehabilitation services available to each patient. “Chloe was an ideal candidate,” said Rodney

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Lusk, M.D., director of the Boys Town Ear, Nose & Throat Institute and co-director of the Cochlear Implant Center. “She was identified early, implanted early and has great family support.” As a service for patient families, the hospital’s Cochlear Implant Team offers live audio and visual webcasting of the cochlear implant activation/programming session so that family and friends – anywhere in the world – can witness the first time when a patient hears sound. Chloe’s parents’ family and friends back home in Beatrice, Nebraska, were able to watch as Chloe responded to her first sounds. “I would say that there wasn’t as much of an ‘a ha’ moment, but we knew and saw that she was responding to the sounds. Her time in the booth was probably when we saw it the most, as she would turn her head and wave to whatever light and character seemed to be ‘talking’ to her,” Natalie wrote on her “Chloe’s Journey” blog at misschloejean.blogspot.com. Now a year later, 2-year-old Chloe has a

vocabulary that is exceeding her audiologist’s expectations. She has gone from babbling to putting together two- and three-word sentences, which is typical auditory development for hearing 2-year-olds. “It’s been a pretty big year,” said Brian Brauer. “She says countless words. It’s amazing to think that not very long ago this was not possible.” “Chloe enjoys her cochlear implants,” Natalie added. “She wants them on at all times. The smile on her face is priceless, so to me we made the right decision.” Chloe and her family will make the fourhour round trip to Omaha many more times for follow-up visits with her multidisciplinary team of physicians, audiologists, speech pathologists, researchers and earlyintervention educators at the hospital’s Cochlear Implant Center. The Brauer family is already working toward mainstream preschool and kindergarten for Chloe. “My dream has come true,” said Natalie.

WHY THE HEART OF AMERICA ATTRACTS THE BEST MINDS IN THE WORLD. The University of Nebraska Medical Center ranks No. 6 nationally in primary care education. Four other UNMC programs are also ranked, and our outreach efforts continue to lead the way toward better health care in rural areas. Yet, we accept the challenge that more must be done. It is this relentless pursuit of excellence in education, research and care that draws people – faculty, physicians, staff, students and patients alike – to us from across the country and around the world. UNMC. Breakthroughs for life.®

unmc.edu CARING COMMUNITY

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Peg Stessman

StrategicHealthSolutions, LLC:

A SMALL BUSINESS

GROWING FAST The health care industry is navigating a time of dramatic change and a fair bit of uncertainty. But for one Omaha company the vital signs are strong.

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Adrian Stessman, left, and Ashley Stessman.

JAMES R. BURNETT

StrategicHealthSolutions, LLC, contracts with the federal government to improve the quality, efficiency and value of health care. It was recently named one of Inc. 500’s “Top 5,000 Small Businesses.” “This is very exciting – some recognition for being a company that’s growing and growing fast,” said Peg Stessman, founder and CEO. Strategic works predominantly with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG). As part of its multi-pronged service portfolio – and Medicare’s fight against fraud, waste and abuse – Strategic reviews claims submitted by health care providers to ensure that they are appropriate for Medicare reimbursement. Staffers also “identify improperly paid claims that the Medicare administrative contractors recoup,” said Stessman. Strategic is headquartered in Omaha, with a satellite office in Maryland. Earlier this year, it shifted the Omaha operation to a larger space – TD Ameritrade’s former corporate office – in order to consolidate its local staff and accommodate dramatic growth plans. Stessman is joined in the operation by her twin daughters. Adrian is a research analyst, and Ashley is in the company’s marketing and communications division. A small business for now, the company’s employment count mid-year stood at 160. Stessman said she plans to hire an additional 100 positions by early 2014. “One of the great joys I get is being able to create jobs,” said Stessman, a 24-year resident of Omaha “We have a labor pool that is more economically priced than what it would cost if all of my staff resided in Maryland,” she said. “We have ready, eager individuals who have a good work ethic and are willing to work hard.” That, said Stessman, is the secret to small business success: Hard work – and “a little bit of luck.” Being perfectly positioned in a changing health care environment doesn’t hurt either.

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ERIC FRANCIS

OneWorld Community Health Centers:

‘EXPANDING AS FAST AS WE CAN’ Andrea Skolkin, CEO of Omaha’s OneWorld Community Health Centers, is on a mission: “We don’t want a person in this community to worry about where to turn for quality, affordable health care. And we are expanding as fast as we can.” OneWorld’s progress in 2013 proved just that. The non-profit health care provider opened two new buildings in South Omaha, creating a campus anchored by its headquarters and main clinic at the Livestock Exchange Building. The new campus houses a state-of-the-art women’s health center; a wellness center that includes an urgent care clinic; administrative space; and 32 apartments for low-income seniors. “The two new buildings will enable an additional 12,000 people to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they have a doctor and a place to call their health care 128

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home,” said Skolkin, CEO since 2004. OneWorld relied on $9 million from the federal Affordable Care Act, as well as lowincome housing tax credits, local grants and community donors to cover the $14 million in construction costs. “As a result of this expansion, we are adding 100 jobs – including both professional and support positions,” Skolkin said. All told, OneWorld’s reach includes: • The expanded Livestock Exchange Building campus in South Omaha • OneWorld West near 120th and I Streets (opened in early 2013) • Cass Family Medicine in Plattsmouth • School-based health centers at Omaha public elementary schools: Indian Hill, Spring Lake and Liberty. The newest health center at Bryan High School opened in August in

partnership with Building Healthy Futures, a community-based collaborative focused on improving access to health care for children in poverty. • The Learning Community Center, which in partnership with Omaha’s Learning Community, assists with English language and computer skills and parenting education. “We want to transform and empower families to lead healthy and productive lives,” said Skolkin. Beginning with a handful of patients in 1970, OneWorld today cares for 25,000 primarily low-income and uninsured patients. It is projected that the number will grow to 35,000 by 2016. “It is awesome to know that we are making such a big difference in the lives of individuals and the health of the community,” she said.

Charles Drew Health Center

THIRTY YEARS OF GROWING & WELLNESS Opened to address a gradual decline in medical services in North Omaha, the Charles Drew Health Center (CDHC) is celebrating 30 years of growth and wellness in 2013. Its humble beginnings at one location providing basic medical services to lowincome residents has given way to quiet, steady expansion. Four locations now serve the health needs of the North and northeast Omaha communities, providing one-stop medical, dental and behavioral health care for the entire family. But the Center’s reach extends well beyond those walls. CDHC is a key community partner with Building Healthy Futures, a collaborative effort aimed at ensuring quality health care for Omaha’s less fortunate children. As part of the initiative, the Center now provides onsite medical services at several school-based health centers in North Omaha at Belvedere Elementary, Kellom Elementary, King Science

Magnet Middle School and Northwest Magnet High School. Funded by Building Bright Futures, a nonprofit coalition of business, civic and political leaders dedicated to improving academic performance, each of the Omaha schoolbased health centers is located within schools that have high poverty rates. This helps to alleviate barriers to quality health care such as transportation, proximity, cost, language and cultural competency. “In recent years, our community has made great strides in expanding access to health care to our children and their families by forming valuable collaborations between school and community stakeholders,” said Dr. Richard Brown, CEO for Charles Drew Health Center. CDHC’s outreach also expanded in 2013 to include clinics in four Omaha Housing Authority public housing towers. The Center received a $477,887 grant from the federal

Affordable Care Act to provide primary care at Crown Tower, Evans Tower, Florence Tower and Jackson Tower. Over the years, the Center’s service offerings have also broadened to include social service programs. These include Fathers for a Lifetime, Baby Beginnings perinatal care and Omaha Healthy Start, an infant mortality reduction initiative. CDHC’s services are offered on a sliding-fee scale determined by family size and income. To help combat rising health care costs, the Center encourages patients to become partners in their health care by focusing on prevention and maintenance. Who was Dr. Charles Drew? An African-American physician and pioneer for the preservation of blood, he created the model for blood and plasma storage that is used by the American Red Cross today.

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The Salvation Army Kroc Center:

A ‘THIRD PLACE’ FOR THOUSANDS For thousands in the community, it has become their “third place” over the last three years. There’s home; there’s work or school; and then there’s the Salvation Army’s $30 million Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. The massive state-of-the-art facility formally opened to the public in 2010. The design makes full use of its 122,000+ square feet, incorporating an athletic complex with two gyms, an indoor turf field and fitness center; an aquatics center with both a recreational indoor water park and a competitive pool (combined, they hold 210,000 gallons of water); a computer lab and study center; classrooms for education and the arts; a chapel for worship; and a 600-seat assembly hall for the performing arts and conferences.

Outside the Kroc Center, recreational fields and a Festival Plaza sit on almost 390,000 square feet of green space. “Our purpose statement says it best: At the Salvation Army Kroc Center, people are inspired to discover their God-given talents and to develop their potential through artistic, educational, physical and spiritual experiences,” said Jennifer Bull, marketing director. Omaha’s Kroc Center was the first to open in the central United States, second only in size to the original Kroc Center in San Diego, California. A gift of $60 million from the estate of the late Joan Kroc, wife of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, was presented to each center and evenly divided between construction costs and an endowment for operating costs.

JEFF BEIERMANN

RavelUnravel:

EXPLORING OMAHA’S RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL TAPESTRY They appear online in video after video – a mix of hundreds of people sharing their experiences, confronting stereotypes and otherwise showcasing the diverse design of Greater Omaha’s religious and spiritual tapestry. “I definitely identify myself as a follower of Jesus Christ, a Christian,” says one participant. “Being Jewish is my lifestyle; I’ve practiced it ever since I was born,” states another. This is RavelUnravel, a multimedia exploration of the religious and spiritual identities that make up the community and world. It was launched in May 2012 by Omahabased Project Interfaith. “RavelUnravel has been a charmed experience,” said Beth Katz, Project Interfaith founder and executive director. “When we initially started, we hoped to get 100 videos.” The response, as it turned out, overwhelmed

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the expectations. By the end of the initial interview phase in March 2011, 35 camcorderwielding volunteers – ranging in age from 20 to 80 years old – had videotaped an astounding 720 interviews. They are all based on the same set of questions: • What is your religious or spiritual identity, and why do you identify as such? • What is a stereotype that impacts you based on your religious or spiritual identity? • How welcoming is our community toward your religious or spiritual path? “It is an incredibly rich cross-section of individuals,” said Katz. “This project is very revealing, not just about the diversity that’s present in our world, but also the diversity that’s present in Omaha.” The project is not limited to local residents. Anyone can upload videos to the site (assuming that they abide by content guidelines).

Project Interfaith also encourages participation in comment forums, video sharing through social media and creation of off-shoot video campaigns through RavelUnravel.com. The campaigns can be tailored for communities, organizations, schools and social networks using a set of questions and a discussion guide for campaign participants. In addition, the organization has developed college, high school and middle school curricula that ties into the RavelUnravel themes of identity and stereotyping. “We feel like we’re just at the beginning of where this can go. We think this has the potential to really transform the way people think and talk about religious and spiritual identity,” said Katz. “We hope it will be iconic.” SEE MORE ravelunravel.com

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Creighton University Bluejays, “Cancer Pink Out” night at CenturyLink Center, February 2013.

November 12, 2012 — Another Slam Dunk for Omaha

PLAY-BY-PLAY

SPORTS

HOTBED

The NCAA gives Omaha the nod once again, naming it a preliminary-round site for the Division I men’s basketball tournament in March 2015. The CenturyLink Center will host second- and third-round games. Omaha most recently hosted the NCAA men’s tournament games in 2008 and 2012. March 19, 2013 — Invitation Accepted Omaha’s Creighton University announces plans to move from its longtime home in the Missouri Valley Conference to join the Big East, effective July 1, 2013. CU’s president, the Rev. Timothy Lannon, describes the pairing as a “match made in heaven” because it will elevate the school’s national profile, and enhance student and faculty recruiting and boost philanthropic efforts. “We see an opportunity for greatness. This is our moment.”

Omaha’s high-powered, multifaceted sports scene was a hotbed of activity in 2013 with big announcements, major events and national headlines. April 20, 2013 — High-Level, Intense Here’s a highlights reel from one of Competition — and a Lot of Fun the country’s great sports towns!

Omaha welcomes the International Omaha, a major equestrian jumping competition, back to the CenturyLink Center. One-hundred fifty professional and amateur riders and their horses from throughout North and South America and Europe compete in the two-day event for the second year in a row. April 26, 2013 — Making a Big Splash Omaha learns that it will host the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials for a third consecutive time in

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M A R K D AV I S

2016. Omaha was one of three cities in the running to host the largest swim meet in the United States. Attendance here was more than 100,000 in 2008 and 2012. World-class swimmers who excel in Omaha in July of 2016 will represent the United States at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a month later. May 22, 2013 — The Games Begin Special Olympics Nebraska welcomes more than 1,500 athletes to the 2013 Summer Games, a mix of 19 different sports, including aquatics, basketball and gymnastics. “Changing lives through the power of sport,” the Games take place at Creighton University, Northwest High School and other Omaha venues. June 15, 2013 — 63 and Going Strong Synonymous with Omaha, the NCAA Men’s College World Series opens play for its 63rd year in the Big O! and draws a total of 341,483 fans, making it the most attended CWS in history. July 8, 2013 — Serious Tee Time for Seniors The U.S. Senior Open brings its first-ever Omaha play to the historic Omaha Country Club. Golf legends Fred Couples, Hale Irwin, Mark Calcavecchia and Mark O’Meara are among those teeing up. The event – won by Kenny Perry – draws television audiences in more than 50 countries, generates record revenue and has the second-largest attendance (157,126) since the event’s inception in 1980.

R YA N S O D E R L I N

Jack Hoffman:

THE BEST MOMENT The best story to come out of Nebraska in 2013 wasn’t about business or politics. It was about a boy who stole the hearts of Husker fans, the state and the nation. It was about a Nebraska football star who knows what’s really important. SEE MORE teamjackfoundation.org

It was one of those transcendent moments in sports – the usual “hut, hut, hike” giving way to hope, healing and pure humanity. At the Huskers’ annual spring scrimmage – final play, fourth-and-1 – a plucky walk-on takes the hand-off from quarterback Taylor Martinez and heads 69 yards downfield. The crowd of 60,000 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln goes wild; both sidelines clear as the entire team follows Jack Hoffman into the end zone. “Hoffman scoring for the red team!” the stadium announcer thunders. Jack Hoffman. Age 7. A brain cancer patient from Atkinson, Neb. “Just like that, it turned into one of the coolest things any Nebraska fan has ever seen,” Nebraska fullback CJ Zimmerer told ESPN. And, it was one of the coolest things college football fans across the country have ever seen. Jack’s touchdown was not only nominated for an ESPN ESPY Award – Best Moment category – it won. Jack accepted the award in July 2013 on stage with his dad. He later posed for pictures with some of sports’ biggest names, including

BRYNN ANDERSON

ESPN anchor Stuart Scott and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. Jack is used to a certain amount of celebrity. His jaunt has been viewed more than 8.2 million times on YouTube. He has met President Obama, and his likeness appears on an Upper Deck trading card. Jack was even the subject of an Omaha World-Herald editorial cartoon (inspired by the photo above) captioned, “The true meaning of Husker football: Heart, Soul, Hope, Inspiration.” Former star Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead befriended the 7-year-old last year. Burkhead served as the captain of the support network known as Team Jack and arranged for the football play of Jack’s lifetime. “He’s been a big part of my life. I feel like he’s the younger brother I never had,” Burkhead told ESPN. “Rex Burkhead is my best friend,” said Jack, “and I like it when he wears my wristband on game days. The thing I like the most about Rex is that he cares about me. I felt like I was a real Husker, and I was excited when Coach Pelini gave me the game ball after the run.” Jack summed up his transcendent 69yard run with three simple words: “It was awesome!” H A R D AT P L AY

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Omaha Performing Arts Presents

Extraordinary Arts & Entertainment at Affordable Prices

Larry the Cable Guy with Reno Collier

November 15, 2013 | Orpheum Theater

Sid the Science Kid Live! January 30, 2014 | Orpheum Theater

ELF THE MUSICAL

ELVIS LIVES

November 19-24, 2013 | Orpheum Theater

The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event

Swan Lake

Itzhak Perlman in Recital

January 11, 2014 | Orpheum Theater

featuring Moscow Festival Ballet

Rohan de Silva, piano

April 30, 2014 | Orpheum Theater

May 3, 2014 | Holland Center

Experience extraordinary performances at the majestic Orpheum Theater and modern Holland Performing Arts Center for as little as $15 for many shows. Whether you want to laugh out loud at Larry the Cable Guy or be inspired by the Grammy®-winning violinist Itzhak Perlman, Omaha Performing Arts’ season of world-class shows offers something for all tastes. There’s a seat waiting for you—at an affordable price.

Tickets range from $15-140 | TicketOmaha.com | 402.345.0606 134

H A R D AT P L AY

All productions, performers, prices, dates and times are subject to change.

SEE & D0

All work and no play?

NOT IN GREATER

OMAHA!

You don’t have to search long to find plenty of entertainment options in Greater Omaha, with many being free and family focused.

S U M M E R A RTS FEST IVAL The Summer Arts Festival has been a premier (and free) destination for arts and entertainment in Greater Omaha since 1975. Highlights of the 2013 festival included 140 of the nation’s finest visual artists, two stages of continuous musical performances and a hands-on children’s fair. KENT SIEVERS

S HAK E S PE A R E O N T H E G R EEN The words of the bard have been coming alive in Omaha’s Elmwood Park for more than 25 years. The 2013 season featured summer evening performances of “Twelfth Night” and “Titus Andronicus.” S U M M E R CO N CERT SER I ES Midtown Crossing unveiled its iconic Pavilion at Turner Park in 2013 for its perennial favorites, Jazz on the Green and the End of Summer Concert Series. Similarly, the amphitheater at Aksarben Village hosts Saturdays @ Stinson, while west Omaha’s Village Pointe’s stage is home to Vibes at Village Pointe in the summer.

KENT SIEVERS

SEE & DO

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KENT SIEVERS

T O M HAN A FAN RI V ER ’S E D GE PA R K The City of Council Bluffs, in partnership with the Iowa West Foundation, celebrated the beginning of summer 2013 by opening its new riverfront park. Spanning 85 acres for recreation and entertainment, it is located at Iowa’s foot of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. A three-week-long grand opening celebration called Loessfest included concerts, outdoor movies and a community arts festival. C I N C O D E M AY O South Omaha’s Latino community has been hosting a vibrant Cinco de Mayo festival since 1985. Energized by plenty of community spirit, the annual celebration now spans five days. It features a carnival and grand parade, delicious food and lively music.

I CE S KATING RINKS Every winter, we take advantage of our colder weather by celebrating the simple things – like strapping on ice skates and doing a few laps. ConAgra Foods opens a temporary rink on its downtown campus during the holidays. The University of Nebraska Medical Center also has a rink, encouraging outdoor wintertime fun. VI LLA GE POINTE W I N E FE STIVA L A good time for a good cause, the Village Pointe Wine Festival offers guests the chance to sample from more than 150 wines and savor food from Village Pointe restaurants. A portion of the proceeds benefits Food Bank for the Heartland.

A LY S S A S C H U K A R

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BOB KE RRE Y PE DE STRIA N BRIDG E Spanning 3,000 feet, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge to link two states. Stroll or bike from Omaha to Council Bluffs 60 feet over the Missouri River. At night, lights outline the deck, cables and pylons. It’s a sight to see! TA STE OF OMA HA Now 16 years old, Taste of Omaha is a lively, three-day community celebration at Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing. Although food is the focal point, the event has grown into a showcase of entertainment. Catch island rhythm music, emerging country music and British Invasion music all in one day. You can even ride a zipline and join a flamenco dance if you’re up to the challenge.

JAMES R. BURNETT

Whether it is day or night, inside or out, Joslyn has so much to offer. FREE GENERAL ADMISSION SCULPTURE GARDENS THURSDAYS: Open ‘til 8 pm!

explore AT

NOW

JOSLYN ART MUSEUM in Omaha has served as a premier center for visual art since opening in 1931. Joslyn’s collection features work from antiquity to the present, with an emphasis on nineteenth- and twentieth-century European and American art. HOURS: Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., 10 am–4 pm; Thurs., 10 am–8 pm; Sun., noon–4 pm. Closed Mondays and major holidays.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2013—JANUARY 5, 2014

JUNE 7—SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

LEGACY: THE EMILY FISHER LANDAU COLLECTION Organized by the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York This exhibition features a selection of paintings, sculptures, and works on paper from a historic gift pledged to the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2012 by the preeminent collector Emily Fisher Landau. Legacy represents the primary ideas and movements that have preoccupied artists in the U.S. since the 1960s: relevance of painting in the aftermath of Minimalism, challenges to traditional representation, gender and racial politics, the embattled cultural landscape, and personal narrative.

YELLOWSTONE AND THE WEST: THE CHROMOLITHOGRAPHS OF THOMAS MORAN In 1876, Louis Prang published a portfolio of fifteen chromolithographs after watercolors by the renowned painter Thomas Moran. Released to coincide with the nation’s centennial, this was the first illustrated publication about the West to be printed in color, helping to transform our understanding of the region from an alien wilderness to an integral part of our national identity.

OCTOBER 4, 2014—JANUARY 11, 2015 FEBRUARY 8—MAY 11, 2014 POSEIDON AND THE SEA: MYTH, CULT, AND DAILY LIFE Organized by the Tampa Museum of Art The realm of Poseidon encompassed virtually every aspect of life in the ancient Mediterranean world, from mythology and cult to daily activities. With power over the sea as well as natural phenomena from floods to earthquakes, references to Poseidon appear in depictions ranging from the battle between the Olympian gods and the monstrous race of giants to votive offerings and drinking vessels.

ANDY WARHOL IN LIVING COLOR: CONTEMPORARY PRINTS FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF JORDAN D. SCHNITZER AND HIS FAMILY FOUNDATION Andy Warhol depicted the world with the volume turned up. Employing a seemingly endless palette of brilliant color, he challenged how we understand popular culture, politics, and consumer society. Andy Warhol in Living Color examines how color impacts both subject and viewer, creating a dialogue between Warhol and nineteen contemporary artists who all use color to shape how we understand images. This exhibition will have a ticket fee. Free for members & ages 17 and younger.

This exhibition will have a ticket fee. Free for members & ages 17 and younger.

2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE | (402) 342-3300 | www.joslyn.org

SEE & DO

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R YA N S O D E R L I N

O M AHA’S HE N RY D O O R LY Z O O AN D AQU A R I UM Omaha’s top attraction continues to roar. The zoo topped itself in 2012, welcoming a record 1,719,925 visitors. This past year brought five lion cubs, the continuation of $33 million in main entrance upgrades and new accolades. Family Fun magazine, TripAdvisor and the Huffington Post all said Omaha has the best zoo in the nation, while travel website touropia.com ranked it the world’s largest zoo by combining geographic size (130 acres)

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with number of species (17,000 animals of 962 species). Omaha has the largest cat complex in North America, the world’s largest indoor desert and the largest geodesic dome. It also boasts an aquarium, an indoor rainforest, a Madagascar exhibit, a gorilla complex, and a butterfly and insect pavilion. Zoo Director and CEO Dennis Pate said the high rankings result from a positive visitor experience that people report to various websites. “Some people come here not knowing what to expect, and they leave loving it, ” he said.

“It’s easy to get around, we have some iconic exhibits and every turn of the corner surpasses expectations. Hang on to your hat, because it’s only going to get better.” Situated within the recently expanded parking area is Johnny Rosenblatt’s Infield at the Zoo, a little league-sized field located on part of the Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium site. The stadium was home to the NCAA Men’s College World Series from 1950 until 2011, when the event moved to TD Ameritrade Park. “The Blatt” was demolished in 2012.

Joslyn Art Museum:

FREE. FOR ALL. Omaha’s pink marble masterwork, Joslyn Art Museum, initiated a bold, new change in the spring of 2013: free general admission. Philanthropist Sarah Joslyn, who gave the museum to the people of Omaha more than 80 years ago, always envisioned it as a free attraction – and it was free during the first half of the institution’s history. “Joslyn is a key component in Omaha’s quality of place,” said Jack Becker, executive director and CEO. “Free admission reflects our commitment to an inclusive future at the cultural core of our city.” The move was possible, in part, by a grant from philanthropist Susie Buffett’s Sherwood Foundation. Other notable museums in Greater Omaha include The Durham Museum in an exquisitely restored

Art Deco train station near the Old Market. More than a railroad museum, it celebrates the history of the region and offers a broad range of traveling exhibits through the Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress. Love’s Jazz & Arts Center in North Omaha preserves and promotes African-American art and jazz. El Museo Latino in South Omaha is one of only 11 Latino art and history museums in the United States. The Strategic Air & Space Museum between Omaha and Lincoln is dedicated to the preservation of historic aircraft and artifacts from the Strategic Air Command. The May Museum in Fremont and the Bertrand Museum at DeSoto Bend Wildlife Area in Washington County are both historically significant.

M AT T M I L L E R

It’s good business to back the arts. A vibrant cultural scene is key to Omaha’s reputation among cosmopolitan, tech-savvy professionals. As the region’s only professional dance company, we’re proud to lend our backing.

balletnebraska.org

SEE & DO

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Omaha Children’s Museum

PLAY. EXPLORE.

CONNECT.

The Omaha Children’s Museum in downtown Omaha is a place where youngsters can explore their future adult selves. “Children have multiple opportunities to see, experience and try on a future role,” said Executive Director Lindy Hoyer. The museum is ranked in the top 15 percent of children’s museums nationally for its interactive exhibits that teach as well as entertain. In September 2013, the museum dedicated

LIVE THEATER

CHRIS MACHIAN

a 9,000-square-foot community green space called the Grass Patch. “The neighborhood kids found it,” Hoyer said of the former site of a rundown building. The kids used the lot for impromptu soccer or baseball games. “But they scattered whenever we came out of the building.” So museum workers created signs inviting neighborhood kids to play games in the grass or use the newly added play equipment. “This is for everyone, not just museum members,” Hoyer said of the Grass Patch.

Enriching & Engaging, Season After Season

Directors Susie Baer Collins and Carl Beck brought the highly anticipated “Les Misérables” to the Omaha Community Playhouse stage in September 2013. The iconic musical, which the Playhouse has sought to stage for 30 years, drew 350-plus auditioners. Guest actor Timothy Shew starred as Jean Valjean, as he did on Broadway. In summer 2014, the Playhouse will bid adieu to Beck and Collins (pictured), who have handled the lion’s share of directing duties at the Playhouse since the mid-1990s.

Widely admired for their craft, they helped put the Playhouse on the map as the nation’s largest community theater. The critically acclaimed Blue Barn Theatre breaks ground in spring 2014 in the Old Market, one of the metro area’s first theaters in decades to be built solely for live local theater. Other intimate theaters include the Shelterbelt Theatre, SNAP! Productions, Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre Company and the John Beasley Theater & Workshop, a cultural anchor in South Omaha.

ONE MUSEUM. SO MANY POSSIBILITIES. Come explore Omaha’s history, discover something new in the world-class temporary exhibits and remember the past through special collections and programs. The Durham Museum is proud to be an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and partner with the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Field Museum.

Visit DurhamMuseum.org for more information on exhibits, hours, and admission. 801 South 10th Street | Omaha, Nebraska 68108 | 402-444-5071 | DurhamMuseum.org

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Holland Performing Arts Center & The Orpheum Theater:

HIGHLY ACCLAIMED

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

KENT SIEVERS

hey are known for showcasing some of the world’s finest performers. But recently, Omaha’s acclaimed Holland Performing Arts Center and majestic Orpheum Theater have been in the spotlight. Pollstar, a trade publication, ranked the Orpheum 12th among the world’s top 100 theater venues for ticket sales in 2013, while Venues Today selected the Holland as a “top stop” in 2012. Omaha Performing Arts (OPA) manages both facilities, bringing to Omaha world-class performers and productions. OPA’s 2013-2014 season includes the Broadway tours of “War Horse” and “The Book of

Mormon” at the Orpheum. The Holland Center hosts violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, blues artist Taj Mahal with South African singersongwriter Vusi Mahlasela, and jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Pianist André Watts plays Beethoven’s “Emperor Concerto” with the Omaha Symphony at the Holland Center. The symphony also will perform around the high-flying acrobatics of Cirque de la Symphonie. Opera Omaha brings endearing staples like “Carmen” to the Orpheum stage, but also breaks boundaries with “Agrippina,” a new production of Handel’s dark comedy created by up-and-coming director James Darrah.

OPERA OMAHA 2013 -14 SE ASON

CARMEN

AGRIPPINA

CINDERELLA

Friday, November 1, 2013, 7:30PM Sunday, November 3, 2013, 2:00PM Orpheum Theater

Friday, February 14, 2014, 7:30PM Sunday, February 16, 2014, 2:00PM Orpheum Theater

Friday, April 25, 2014, 7:30PM Sunday, April 27, 2014, 2:00PM Orpheum Theater

by Georges Bizet

TICKETS AS LOW AS $19

by George Frideric Handel

by Gioachino Rossini

operaomaha.org

SEE & DO

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Payne’s Movie:

‘NEBRASKA’

Ballet Nebraska:

FILM PROJECT

POWERFUL & RIGHT

‘EN POINTE’ CO U RT ESY O F BA L L E T N E B RAS K A

oth at home and on tour, Ballet Nebraska is devoted to enriching Nebraska and Iowa communities through professional dance performances, educational programs and community outreach. It is the only arts organization of its kind in the region. “The thing our audiences love most about ballet is its variety. It’s elegantly classical, dazzlingly athletic and a visually rich way to tell an exciting story,” said Erika Overturff, founder and artistic director. Ballet Nebraska’s talented professional dancers hail from around the United States and abroad. The company’s 2012-2013 season

included performances of “Snow White,” “The Nutcracker” and “Momentum.” Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo inspired Overturff to choreograph “Party Animals” as her contribution to “Momentum.” The ballet features a parade of animals from the African savanna. “They each have such interesting characteristics that I couldn’t help seeing them as personalities. When I started listening to ’60s music, it all came together.” In 2014, Ballet Nebraska will debut its Encore Series, which is an informal and intimate combination of fresh programming and artist Q&As in casual settings.

Oscar-winning director and screenwriter Alexander Payne’s sixth film, "Nebraska," debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2013 with a best-actor award for Bruce Dern. The black and white road picture was shot mostly in and around Norfolk in northeast Nebraska and included Nebraskans in speaking roles. “Nebraska” was set to open only in Omaha, Los Angeles and New York the weekend of Nov. 22, 2013. Payne planned to be in his hometown of Omaha for the premiere at Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater. Dern and his co-star, Will Forte, were scheduled to attend the premiere at the nonprofit arthouse movie theater.

SEPT. 20–OCT. 27

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FEB. 7–MARCH 16

MAY 9–JUNE 8

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