Greater Omaha
Chamber

The Greater Omaha Chamber has announced the 2026 inductees into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame, honoring a distinguished group of leaders whose exceptional achievements have shaped Omaha’s business landscape and enriched its community.  This year’s honorees represent the highest caliber of entrepreneurial leadership, civic dedication, and transformative impact:  The Honorable Jean Stothert, former mayor of Omaha Derek Leathers, chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Werner David G. Brown, former president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber Richard Russell and Carol Madson Russell, chairman of Millard Lumber Inc and civic leaders Steve Menzies, founder of Applied Underwriters, North American Casualty, and United Risk The Omaha Business Hall of Fame was initiated in 1993 as part of the chamber’s centennial celebration and has since become a hallmark event, celebrating business excellence and legacy. The 2026 honorees will be formally inducted at a gala event held August 19 at the...

Governor Jim Pillen has officially proclaimed this week as Nebraska Small Business Week. During recognitions like this we are reminded of a simple truth: small businesses are the foundation of our economy. Across Nebraska, small businesses shape the character of our neighborhoods and drive the momentum of our state. From family-owned restaurants and neighborhood retailers to innovative startups and growing service providers, these businesses represent the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our community. They are where ideas take root, where risks are taken and where opportunity is created every single day. That impact is measurable and deeply felt. Small businesses create a significant share of new jobs, serve as critical suppliers to larger industries and keep investment circulating within our local economy. Just as importantly, they bring life and vibrancy to our commercial corridors, helping to attract talent and create the kind of place people want to live, work and stay. But...

Greater Omaha continues to build momentum as a competitive destination for advanced manufacturing, energy infrastructure, and next-generation industry. Eaton – a global power management company with nearly $25 billion in annual revenue – has announced plans to expand its operations in Bellevue with a new 370,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, a tangible signal of that momentum in action. The more than $30 million investment, driven by rapidly increasing demand tied to advanced manufacturing, represents both a significant economic win today and a strategic positioning for the future. This expansion is expected to bring more than 200 high-quality jobs to the region, building on Eaton’s existing workforce of approximately 175 employees in the area. These are the types of jobs that strengthen families, support communities and contribute to long-term economic growth. At the same time, the project reinforces Greater Omaha’s growing role in advanced manufacturing and the critical...