The November 13th Weekly Market Report

Nicole Buntgen, Contributing Writer

A building permit application was filed on November 3 for Don & Millie’s at 18110 Wright Street, one of Zio’s Pizzeria’s current locations, suggesting the burger chain plans to take over the pizza space. Neither business has confirmed a timeline. Zio’s was founded in 1985 and has three other Omaha locations. Don & Millie’s is an employee-owned regional chain with several Omaha-area locations.

Con Azúcar Café is planning another Omaha location. The California-based coffee chain will open early next year in a 2,000 sq. ft. space at Stockyards Plaza near 33rd & L Street. The local franchisees also own Omaha’s Isla del Mar restaurants and are in the process of opening La Chime, an ice cream shop also in Stockyards Plaza. Con Azúcar Café has existing locations in the Old Market and inside Isla del Mar at 2502 South 133rd Plaza.

Clase Código Cocina & Tequila opened last Saturday at 3350 South 143rd Plaza near Oak View Mall. The former Applebee’s building has been completely renovated into an upscale Mexican restaurant. Some of the finer touches include handcrafted cocktails and tableside guacamole service. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday – Thursday. The restaurant stays open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Renovations are underway inside the former Jones Bros. Cupcakes space at 2121 South 67th Street in Aksarben Village. According to City of Omaha building permit information, the new tenant will be a breakfast restaurant known as Breakfast Club Omaha.

A ribbon cutting is scheduled for December 15 to celebrate 7 Brew Coffee’s new drive-thru at 18236 Evans Street near 182nd & West Maple Road. The Arkansas-based chain is opening its first Omaha location, joining existing Nebraska shops in Fremont, Lincoln, Grand Island, Norfolk, Kearney, North Platte and York.

A building permit to renovate an existing building was filed this week for Elleon, a wine and cocktail lounge in historic Dundee. According to the permit, renovating the 900 sq. ft. space at 4915 Underwood Avenue will cost $200,000. The owners of A Foreign Taste are behind this business.

Church’s Texas Chicken has opened a second Omaha location at 2310 North 90th Street, where a former Godfather’s Pizza building once stood. Church’s operates an existing location at 4042 North 168th Street.

The Coventry neighborhood northwest of 204th & Harrison Street is getting a Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers. According to a building permit, the 3,000 sq. ft., free-standing restaurant will have a drive-thru. This location will be the Wichita-based chain’s seventh in the Omaha metro.

Africa on a Plate will hold a grand opening on November 15 at 301 South 16th Street in the former Panda House space. The restaurant serves East African dishes like okra, sambusa (samosas), and mullah kombo (peanut butter soup), as well as West African dishes like fufu and pepper soup.

Golf Galaxy plans to open a store at 12204 K Plaza in the former Buy Buy Baby space at L Street Marketplace. Interior build-out is now underway inside the 25,000 sq. ft. space between Ross Dress for Less and World Market. Golf Galaxy is a retail store with indoor golf practice space. Its current location is in the Oak View Mall area at 3425 Oak View Drive.

After five years in business, Copal Mexican Cuisine will close its Omaha location at 3623 North 129th Street on November 30. The family-owned Mexican restaurant has a Lincoln location at 4747 Pioneers Boulevard, which remains open.

Learn more about Anderson Convenience market at www.Anderson1952.com

Boys Town Announces $300 Million Research Hospital Expansion

Boys Town announced yesterday that it will expand its national research hospital northeast of 144th and Pacific Street. The healthcare facility will add 254,000 sq. ft. to the current hospital with increased research and clinic space.

The addition will consist of two, 4-story wings that will jut out from the southwest and southeast corners of the existing 1-story building. The expanded facility will allow for 131,000 sq. ft. of additional hospital space for acute care, imaging and inpatient rooms as well as 123,000 sq. ft. of dedicated research labs and clinics. Plans also call for an on-site café.

“This new addition to the hospital will bring our researchers and practicing physicians closer together under one roof,” said Rod Kempkes, Boys Town CEO. “This will continue to improve on our quality of care for patients in our community and help us to continue to make strides in pediatric research.”

The Boys Town National Research Hospital was founded in 1977. Fundraising efforts were kicked off with a transformational donation from the Ryan Family Foundation. The $300 million expansion will start immediately and is scheduled to open in 2027.

The new facility is needed to house expanded medical facilities, growing staff and increased number of patients. Boys Town needs more beds, more surgical suites and additional research space.

“The hospital’s research is unique because we focus on improving the lives of children with hearing, language and behavioral health problems by working directly with their families and care providers,” said Dr. Jason Bruce, Boys Town Healthcare Executive Vice-President.

Boys Town leads the charge in neuroscience research along with research in language and learning and cochlear implant programs, according to a press release. Boys Town has grown the pediatric neurology department by significantly increasing the number of pediatric neurologists on staff and investing in research equipment and technology to better serve more patients with complex neurological disorders. Another important area is Boys Town’s behavioral health research. Researchers work to understand the nature of problems children and families face and identify the most effective ways to help them.

The Hospital’s Residential Treatment Center has provided support, life skills and medical care to thousands of youth over the past 30 years. The Boys Town Hospital has served more than 60,000 children a year, delivering pediatric care and advanced specialty care.

This section is sponsored by NAI NP Dodge, the commercial real estate division of NP Dodge, Omaha’s largest full-service real estate company. Founded in 1855, NP Dodge is the longest running real estate firm in America.

Isaiah Ang, Contributing Writer

The Omaha City Council last week approved zoning changes necessary to build the $40 million Little Bohemia project. Clarity Development plans to build and renovate 10 buildings on various lots near 13th & Williams Streets. The project will add 154 apartment units and several commercial spaces.

Arch Icon, a real estate development company, is building Millard Landing, a senior affordable housing project at 12656 Weir Street. The site is in old Millard just north of Oaks Lane & West Center Road. The $13.5 million, 3-story building will have 50 units. The site was previously home to a small church building.

Construction of the future Streetcar system’s Vehicle Maintenance Facility has gone vertical. Steel beams are going up on the facility, which is located on part of Lot A south of the CHI Health Center Omaha and west of the Kiewit Luminarium.

Lloyd Companies, a real estate developer from Sioux Falls, S.D., has expanded into the Omaha market. The company is building Cherry Creek Village, a 700-unit, multifamily complex at 10451 Liam Court. That’s southwest of Interstate 680 & Blair High Road. The property features studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with two- and three-bedroom townhomes. Amenities include a golf simulator, outdoor pool, fitness room and party room. Construction is underway, and one building is already open.

The City of Omaha, Woodbury Corporation and MCL Construction last week hosted a public forum to provide updates about the $860 million Crossroads project. Drilling pilings for building foundations is expected to begin this fall. The developer may alter the order in which the project is completed to accommodate several prospective tenants that were “unexpected surprises.” A representative from Woodbury said he hoped to have a decision about the eyesore marquee sign at 72nd & Dodge Street by the end of the year.

The NOVA Apartments building will be ready for tenants in early 2026, according to leasing agents. Located at 1001 North 12th Street in Millwork Commons, NOVA has 13,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail space. The southernmost bay is already leased to Rally Cap Brewing Company, a sports bar from Baton Rouge, La. The remaining commercial space is still available. The 5-story, 84,582 sq. ft. building has 78 apartment units on the second through fifth floors.

Legal Family Services, a dedicated provider of family support, is holding a ribbon cutting today for its new offices and facility at 11329 P Street, Suite 105. The organization bridges “critical gaps in social services for youth in Omaha” by emphasizing personal responsibility and long-term stability.

Hoppe Development’s major residential rehabilitation project including and surrounding the Chambers Court apartments in North Omaha will soon move forward with construction of the first phase. According to building permits, the historic Strehlow Terrace Apartment Complex will undergo extensive renovations, including exterior masonry repairs to masonry, updated bathrooms and kitchens, and interior repairs throughout.

Strehlow Terrace was built in 1905 as a high-end apartment complex. Consisting of five buildings, the complex will contain 70 affordable housing units when finished.

This first phase is part of a wider project in the area around 18th & Burdette Street. Hoppe Development also plans to build several residential buildings including large family buildings and rowhouse style apartments across several developable sites. In total, the project consists of 200 mixed-income housing units and brings $54 million in investment to the area.

Grow Omaha Snippets are brought to you by Baird Holm LLP, the Exclusive Legal Partner of Grow Omaha. Baird Holm’s dedicated team of real estate lawyers has extensive experience in all aspects of real estate law, including purchases, sales, construction, zoning and land use, leasing, and dispute resolution. Click HERE for more information.

Baird Holm LLP has opened an office in downtown Lincoln at 301 South 13th Street. Headquartered in Omaha’s WoodmenLife Tower, Baird Holm is Nebraska’s oldest and largest continuously operating law firm. The office will provide the same legal services as the Omaha headquarters, including estate planning, corporate law, labor and employment, healthcare and real estate.

The National Conference of Firemen and Oilers and Union Pacific Railroad have reached an historic agreement that will ensure job security for hundreds of railroaders as Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern pursue creating America’s first coast-to-coast railroad. The agreement commits to NCFO members who are employed at the time of the merger having a job for the length of their careers after the proposed merger subject to the usual requirements for continued employment.

HDR has been selected by the City of St. Louis Board of Public Service to provide professional design services for site work, roadway, bridge and civil infrastructure, a new parking garage, and a Ground Transportation Center at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

Werner Enterprises, Inc. has been recognized by VIQTORY as a Military Friendly Employer and Military Spouse Friendly Employer, marking the company’s fourth consecutive year in the Top 10 in these award categories. In the category for companies with $1 billion to $5 billion in annual revenue, Werner was ranked No. 3 on the Top 10 Military Friendly Employer list and No. 2 on the Top 10 Military Friendly Spouse Employer list.

Mead Lumber has opened a fully operational lumber yard and building materials store in Sioux Falls, S.D. It’s the Omaha-based company’s 54th location across nine states. The store complements Mead’s existing Sioux Falls operations: Component Manufacturing Company, which produces trusses, wall panels and floor systems, and Reaves Buildings, which designs and builds engineered metal buildings.

BEYOND All Stars, a competitive cheer facility, has submitted plans and is seeking approval for a second La Vista site on the northeast corner of 117th & Cary Street. The project calls for an initial 15,000 sq. ft. facility expandable to more than 23,000 sq. ft. The existing location is at 10925 Harrison Street.

DPC Development, a privately held commercial real estate firm from Colorado, recently sold a 40,500 sq. ft. building on 4.91 acres at 8951 South 126th Street for $5.2 million to a private equity firm, according to Trenton Magid and John Meyer of NAI NP Dodge, who represented the buyer. Originally built in 1998, the property previously sold for $3.4 million in 2021.

Omaha Public Power District hauled a 225-megawatt combustion turbine this past weekend from a Gretna rail siding to its Turtle Creek power station at 168th & Fairview Road in Sarpy County. The natural gas turbine will help OPPD meet increasing energy demands. The 35-foot-long turbine weighs 560,000 pounds – equivalent to a Boeing 787 airplane at maximum capacity. It was built over the course of 20 months in Berlin, Germany, and traveled by barge to Houston and then by rail to Gretna, arriving last week.

Christmas is getting pricey. The National Retail Federation expects Americans will spend more than $1 trillion this holiday season, according to The Hustle. U.S. consumers will spend an average of $890.49 each between November and December, representing a 4 percent year-over-year increase and the second-highest amount on record since tracking began in 2002.

Grow Omaha Business News is brought to you by Thompson, Dreessen & Dorner, Inc. (TD2). Since 1967, TD2 has partnered with municipalities, developers, architects and builders to shape the places where people live, work and connect. TD2 provides comprehensive services in civil, structural and geotechnical engineering as well as land surveying, materials testing and construction observation — all with a focus on client service and community impact. Discover how TD2 is engineering Omaha’s future HERE.

United Way of the Midlands, Omaha Mayor John Ewing and other community partners announced late last week that they had raised more than $100,000 to support families facing uncertainty around SNAP benefits. Funds raised are now being distributed to four trusted partners: Heartland Hope Mission; Heart Ministry Center; Whispering Roots; and Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue

CenterPointe’s Campus for Hope will start offering Intensive Outpatient Programming in Omaha on December 1st. IOP helps individuals recovering from alcohol or drug addiction with evidence-based, individualized care. The organization will host three group sessions each week, covering addiction education, coping skills, sober supports and more. Weekly one-on-one therapy is also included.

Warren Buffett made another sizable donation this week to four family foundations: The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, The Sherwood Foundation, The Howard G. Buffett Foundation and NoVo Foundation. The donations were made from 2.7 million B shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock, which amounts to about $1.3 billion.

Omaha Children’s Museum announced last week that it is pausing the capital campaign that would have funded a new building at 8th & Douglas Street. The museum will remain at its current location at 500 South 20th Street. Board president Dana Washington said the museum would revisit expansion plans “when the time is right.” The museum announced in October 2024 that it would build a 4-story, state-of-the-art facility on the north side of Heartland of America Park designed by internationally renowned architecture firm Snøhetta. It was scheduled to open in 2027.

The Omaha Lancers are teaming up with Outlook Enrichment on Sunday, November 16, to host an ice skating event for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, along with their sighted friends and family. Adults, teens and youth of all skill levels are invited to lace up their skates and take to the ice for an inclusive and memorable experience.

Did you know Omaha’s Sister Cities across the world are managed by the nonprofit Omaha Sister Cities Association? This year, the organization made an agreement with Jamestown, Accra, Ghana to become Omaha’s ninth sister city. This month, the Omaha Sister Cities Association is raising funds to support local student outreach activities.

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What’s in Store for Residential Housing?

By Jill Anderson

Looking back one year ago, lead analysts and economists were predicting mortgage interest rates to decline and the housing market to thrive. What else could they say as the previous 12 months brought heightened interest rates and increased home values, which pushed some buyers to the sidelines. In fact, the mantra became “Survive until ’25.”

But affordability challenges, coupled with sellers unwilling to give up their low mortgage rates and economic uncertainty made the vision of a quick turnaround much more of a dream than reality.

As of mid-September, with 30-year mortgage rates at 6.26 percent, it required 30 percent of the median household income to make the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home, down from more than 32 percent early this summer and a peak of more than 35 percent in late 2023. (Source: Intercontinental Exchange)

More homeowners are deciding it’s worth moving even if it means giving up a lower mortgage rate. Life doesn’t stand still—people get new jobs, grow their families, downsize after retirement or simply want to live in a different neighborhood.

Those needs are starting to outweigh the financial benefit of clinging to a rock-bottom mortgage rate. (Chen Zhao)

There are positive signs that the housing market is starting to move ahead again. Mortgage rates are lower than they have been in the last couple of years, and more homeowners are putting their houses on the market, giving buyers more options.

Whatever your reason is for wanting to move, you owe it to yourself to get the information you need in order to make an educated decision. Let’s chat!

Grow Omaha Residential is developed and sponsored by Jill Anderson, President Residential Sales, NP Dodge Real Estate 402.255.5099 or jill.anderson@npdodge.com.

We’re not just real estate. We’re NP Dodge.

Cole Young, Contributing Writer

The Omaha Supernovas are providing fans the opportunity to design their own half-season ticket package. Fans can choose seven of the team’s 14 home matches, and choose different seats for each match. Tickets start at just $11 per match and plans can be designed here.

LOVB Nebraska announced its schedule for the 2026 pro season last week, and this year, the club will have an established home venue for the whole season. Baxter Arena will host nine of the team’s 10 home matches this season. The lone home match away from Baxter Arena will bring professional volleyball outside Omaha for the very first time in the state’s history, when the club will face Salt Lake at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island. LOVB Nebraska will begin its season with a 2025 Finals rematch at LOVB Austin on Wednesday, January 7..

Creighton men’s soccer was eliminated from Big East Tournament contention last week, falling 1-0 to No. 19 Akron while playing for the Midwest Division title. After Providence’s 2-2 draw with No. 11 Georgetown, the Friars earned the fourth and final spot in the tournament. Creighton ended its 2025 campaign 8-4-4 overall and 4-2-2 in Big East play.

Four Bluejays earned All-Big East honors for their roles on this year’s squad, the conference announced on Wednesday. Miguel Arilla earned All-Big East First Team, Matthew Reed was named to the conference’s Second Team, and Omar Ramadan and Andrija Savic each earned a spot on the Third Team.

Omaha Hockey was swept by No. 8 North Dakota over the weekend, falling to 4-4 on the season and 2-2 in NCHC play. The Mavericks’ schedule does not get any easier going forward. They will travel north this weekend to face No. 3 Minnesota-Duluth in a weekend series. The two games will be Omaha’s ninth and 10th straight against ranked opponents. Omaha has not faced an unranked opponent this season.

Omaha men’s soccer forward Maguire Perkins, a sophomore from Gretna, was named to the All-Summit League Honorable Mention Team, the league announced Saturday. In 16 starts this season, Perkins recorded three goals and one assist. Perkins was the only Maverick to earn All-Summit League honors this season.

Once again, Creighton Volleyball seniors Annalea Maeder and Ava Martin have earned Big East Setter and Offensive Player of the Week honors respectively. Maeder averaged a league-high 10.29 assists in wins over Villanova and Georgetown for her sixth Big East Setter of the Week honor this season. Martin averaged a league-leading 5.14 kills per set over the two matches. This is her fifth Big East Offensive Player of the Week award this season, and ninth in her career.

Creighton will head east for its final two regular season matches this weekend. The Bluejays travel to Queens to face St. John’s at 6 p.m. on Friday before heading across Manhattan for a match against Seton Hall at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Friday’s match will be streamed live on ESPN+. A subscription is required to watch.

Omaha Storm Chasers coordinator of clubhouse perations Mike Brown has been named the International League’s Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year for 2025, Minor League Baseball announced on Tuesday. Brown is the first clubhouse manager to be recognized with a league award in the 57-year history of the Triple-A Omaha franchise. This was Brown’s seventh year in the role and his 19th with the Storm Chasers.

Omaha Volleyball senior Kali Jurgensmeier, from Wahoo, was named the Summit League Offensive Player of the Week. Jurgensmeier tallied 32 kills across two matches and eclipsed 1,000 career kills. Omaha Volleyball has a pair of upcoming road matches in North Dakota before returning home next Tuesday, Nov. 18, for Senior Night against Kansas City.

Creighton men’s basketball was handed its first loss of the season by Gonzaga on Tuesday, 90-63. Creighton trailed at the half at a respectable 44-38 before missing its first six shots from the field in the second half. The Gonzaga onslaught continued through the remainder of the game. Creighton is back at the CHI Health Center on Friday for a matchup against Maryland-Eastern Shore at 7 p.m.

Creighton women’s basketball also had a rough week, falling 84-50 in the Battle of I-80 against Nebraska on Wednesday. The win was just Nebraska’s second against Creighton out of the last 10 matchups. Creighton will have a week to retool before it hosts Northern Iowa on Thursday, November 20, at D.J. Sokol Arena.

Upcoming Games

• Omaha Volleyball at North Dakota | Thursday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.
• Omaha women’s basketball at BYU | Thursday, Nov. 13 | 8 p.m.
• #12 Creighton Volleyball at St. John’s | Friday, Nov. 14 | 6 p.m.
• #23 Creighton men’s basketball vs. UMES | Friday, Nov. 14 | 7 p.m.
• Omaha Lancers at Lincoln Stars | Friday, Nov. 14 | 7:05 p.m.
• Omaha Hockey at #3 Minnesota-Duluth | Friday, Nov. 14 | 7:07 p.m.
• Omaha women’s basketball at Utah State | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 12 p.m.
• #12 Creighton Volleyball at Seton Hall | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 4 p.m.
• Omaha Lancers vs. Sioux City Musketeers | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 6:05 p.m.
• Omaha Hockey at #3 Minnesota-Duluth | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 6:07 p.m.
• Omaha men’s basketball vs. Southern Utah | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 7 p.m.
• Omaha Volleyball at North Dakota State | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 7 p.m.
• Omaha Volleyball vs. UMKC (Senior Night) | Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 7 p.m.
• Creighton men’s basketball vs. North Dakota | Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 7 p.m.
• Omaha men’s basketball vs. Concordia (Neb.) | Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 7 p.m.

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Rathskeller Bier Haus Building in Midtown

By Patrick Wyman

Surrounded by the developing Edge District, the ever-growing University of Nebraska Medical Center and the expanded Child Saving Institute stands a turn-of-the-century building notable for its elaborate façade of patterned terracotta and brick.

Built by John H. Harte, one of Omaha’s most prominent contractors, the structure reflects the skill and ambition of its creator. The son of German immigrants, John worked on a farm before turning to carpentry and milling—eventually embarking on a career that led to the construction of the original Omaha Public Library, the Brandeis building, one wing of Central High School and the Walnut Hill Pumping Station, among many others.

Strategically located between Dundee and Blackstone, 4524 Farnam Street was constructed along the Omaha Belt Line. It sat on a lot that extended west to 46th Street and north to Douglas. The property included not just this building but also a second brick structure and several sheds. As the home of the Omaha Litholite Stone Company, of which John was president, the site was used to crush stone and mix it with cement so that it could be molded into any shape. The business later became known as the Cement Machinery and Supply Company.

The property remained in the Harte family until 1944, when John’s son and business partner Louis passed away. It’s likely the property was then used as a storage yard and the main building as an office for the contracting company that he took over from his father. At one point, Louis converted the 2,000 sq. ft. upper level into his personal residence.

After a 16-year run operating as a soda fountain and malt machinery business called Al Harmon & Son, the building was converted into a series of bars. The first, 3J’s, operated from the early 1960s through the late 1970s. Once it closed, Dr. Bill Orr purchased the building with the intent of razing it to create parking for his nearby office. Upon discovering that it still had an active liquor license, he instead opened Recovery Room, a bar dedicated to the doctors and nurses who worked at the nearby medical hospital.

Three Cheers became the next occupant, during which time Cutchall Management purchased the building and moved its headquarters into the former living space on the second floor. Cutchall continued to operate the bar and added volleyball courts in the back. Three Cheers was followed by a stock market–themed bar called The Exchange. A fire in 2000 caused extensive damage to the second floor and roof, resulting in the bar’s closure.

Its next chapter came in 2001 with the opening of the beloved coffee shop Caffeine Dreams. One of the few places in town that roasted its own beans, the shop also doubled as an art gallery, allowing local artists to display their work. During this time, the volleyball courts were replaced with a landscaped patio.

After Caffeine Dreams closed in 2018, Rathskeller Bier Haus opened in its place. It featured a German-style biergarten with a unique atmosphere, extensive beer selection and a replica section of the Berlin Wall covered in graffiti. When Rathskeller closed in 2023, there were fears that the building would be razed as UNMC looked to expand its campus to the west of Saddle Creek.

Preservationists, including Preserve Omaha, mobilized to save the building that was featured in the 1977 landmark book Omaha City Architecture for its Sullivanesque style—an architectural approach inspired by Chicago architect Louis Sullivan. UNMC later announced that it had no plans to demolish the building and emphasized that it would be preserved and integrated into the design for the Edge District. That announcement combined with the completion of the construction work that surrounded the building led to the reopening of Rathskeller under new ownership earlier this year.

The Union for Contemporary Art will host its last Family Night on November 14th, from 5 to 7 p.m. These events have been hosted monthly at the Union since June 20th. The event is open to the public, inviting all to participate in various art activities such as painting, sculpting, crafting and more. No registration is required.

BFF Omaha is hosting a one-time event, “Under the Big Top Ball & Art Auction” on Friday, November 14, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the BFF Gallery and Mercer Masonic Lodge on 5903 Maple Street. The event features more than 75 artists, live music, performances and a coronation for the 2026 BFF Royalty, along with free food and drinks. Admission is free for BFF Omaha members and $45 for non-members.

The Joslyn Art Museum will open a new exhibit: “Dripping Earth” by Cannupa Hanska Luger on November 15th. This immersive exhibit invites visitors to envision a future where land, identity and culture are reclaimed and transformed. Using his inspiration drawn from his ancestral connection to the Northern Plains, there are newly created ceramics, video, prints and monumental sculptures to explore. This exhibit will be available to view from November 15th, 2025 until March 8th, 2026 – visit Joslyn.org for more details.

The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is rolling out “Zoolightful,” an all-new holiday experience and light spectacle, November 19th through January 11th. The zoo will feature larger-than-life animal lanterns, immersive light trails, a Reindeer and a Game Zone for kids. Guest can dine in the Gingerbread village. Members save 25 percent when booking general admission and private igloos, which feature comfy seating and full food and bar service.

The Durham Museum announced the date for their annual tree-lighting ceremony. On Friday, November 28th at 4 p.m., a giant tree will be lit as part of the holiday display “Christmas at Union Station” presented by FBNO, to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season. The rest of the evening will involve family activities, a meet-up with Santa, cookies, music and more holiday cheer to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Omaha Performing Arts obtained a major tech upgrade for the Holland Performing Arts Center, to celebrate the venue’s 20th anniversary. The Hollard underwent a major lighting and backstage renovation to modernize the experience for performances using Ayrton lighting solutions, designed and integrated by their longtime partner Theatrical Media Services (TMS). The previous lighting rig was beginning to show its age, and TMS knew to create an updated system that can operate silently and effectively, while still honoring the venue’s acoustic and aesthetic.

TMS took into account the venue’s warmth and wood tones to deliver dynamic effects without relying on atmospheric tricks. Using a Zonda 9 FX system, they installed 18 fixtures overhead, along with two additional units on the floor, while also keeping the original control system, MA Lighting grandMA3 compact XT. Future performances at the Holland Center will be more vertically captivating thanks to this renovation.

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

When providing feedback to your people, be specific. If you’re too generic, you end up being demotivational. Communicate things of value that the person can use to improve. Feedback is never a one-and-done deal. Good leaders follow up and provide useful feedback on a regular basis.

The people you lead evaluate your leadership skills based on your level of discipline in your work, according to the TeamBuilding blog. You can show discipline by completing tasks on time, keeping appointments and wrapping up meetings promptly. A leader who wants to be a valuable role model for his or her followers must practice self-control and professional discipline.

Business Travel – You might want to avoid airlines that treat passengers like an afterthought. Using data from 2024 and early 2025, including metrics on everything from on-time performance to baggage handling to how often airlines bump passengers against their will, MSN ranked all major U.S. airlines. The worst of the worst is Frontier, but several other airlines earned a spot on the wall of shame. Here are MSN’s five WORST airlines: 1. Frontier; 2. Spirit; 3. American; 4. Allegiant; and 5. Hawaiian.

A recent Harvard University report found that A’s account for about 60 percent of all grades, compared with 25 percent two decades ago, according to the Wall Street Journal. Some 80 percent of grades awarded at Yale in 2023 were A’s or A-minuses.

SALES

Reverse-Engineered Network – Use social selling to generate cold-call leads. In The LinkedIn Edge, sales expert Jeb Blount recommends you start by engaging with content from ideal prospects on LinkedIn. Pay attention to the people who like, comment on, and share the content of industry influencers. This “reverse-engineered” list of engaged prospects is a goldmine for cold calling due to a developed familiarity.

Sales Stat – In 2007, it took 3.68 cold-call attempts to reach a B2B decision maker. Now it takes between eight and 20 depending on who you ask or what research study you read.

Failing to get a different perspective is one of the negotiating mistakes that can kill a deal, according to sales expert Kelley Robertson. It can be a good idea to talk with a business partner, boss, colleague or trusted advisor to get a different perspective before negotiating a final decision.

WISDOM

“In one of the oldest jokes about the Soviet Union, a worker says, ‘We pretend to work, and they pretend to pay us.’” – Yascha Mounk, political scientist

Building Omaha is a partnership between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) & the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Together, we provide the highest level of trained electricians for residential, low-voltage, or commercial construction projects. Visit buildingomaha.org to learn more. Earn while you learn and apply for our Apprenticeship Program by clicking HERE!

Did you know that 36 percent of the people who visit Omaha are coming because of a meeting or convention? Twenty-five percent come to visit friends and family.

Did you know that Omaha Public Power District serves a population of 915,000 in 13 counties, across 5,000 square miles, which is nearly half of Nebraska’s total population?

Did you know the Bob Kerrey Bridge, connecting Omaha to Council Bluffs over the Missouri River, is more than 3,000 feet long?

This section is sponsored by Lockbox Storage, an affiliate of Omaha-based McGregor Interests Inc. We provide storage solutions for all of your storage needs. Our facilities have full-time managers and bright lighting to provide superior security for your belongings. In addition to space for rent, we also provide packing supplies, protection plans and locks along with complimentary handcarts and dollies. Visit LockBox Storage and let us help you with all your storage needs.

Midtown Merry Market happening November 16th: Join others for festivities and drinks for the annual Midtown Merry Market! Shop 30 local makers and vendors – hand-poured candles and soaps, hand-lettered signs and products, coffees and teas, trendy clothing and much more. The event also marks the start of Turner Park’s annual “Season of Lights” with dozens of trees and thousands of lights glowing at dusk each evening through the season. You won’t want to miss this spectacle!

Lunch & Learn: Nebraska Resources for Small Businesses & Startups happening November 19th: Join others for November’s Lunch & Learn featuring Alyssa Cave, director of entrepreneurship at the Nebraska Startup Academy. Alyssa will walk through practical resources available to Nebraska’s small businesses and startups — from local funding opportunities to statewide support networks. You’ll get an inside look at the Nebraska Startup Academy platform, hear success stories from Nebraska founders and have time for live Q&A. Whether you’re an entrepreneur just starting out or a small business owner ready to scale, this session will give you a clear roadmap for leveraging Nebraska’s ecosystem to your advantage!

Sunday Funday at Cham Pang Lanes recurring weekly on Sundays: Make the most of your weekend with Sunday Funday at Cham Pang Lanes — the perfect mix of friendly competition, great drinks and laid-back fun. Enjoy all-day happy hour specials while you and your crew hit the lanes for just $5 per hour, per person. Whether you’re out to show off your strike skills or simply soak in the upbeat atmosphere, Cham Pang Lanes offers the ideal blend of entertainment and relaxation. With tasty bites, refreshing cocktails and the steady rhythm of rolling pins, it’s your go-to Sunday escape.

AfterGlow PIckleball recurring weekly on Saturdays: Every Saturday night through December 6, the courts transform for AfterGlow Pickleball, a blacklight-fueled, neon-powered pickleball party at Smash Park La Vista. Players are encouraged to wear their brightest colors as the lights go down and the glow kicks in. The event runs from 9 p.m. until close on the indoor courts, with reservations available at $29 per hour, per court. A paid reservation is required to play, so grab your crew and glow big or go home!

This section is sponsored by Eagle Mortgage, a locally owned, full-service mortgage company helping you with Conventional, VA, FHA and USDA loans in both Nebraska and Iowa. Learn how Eagle Mortgage helps people afford the home of their dreams by clicking HERE!

Security Equipment Inc. (SEi) has promoted Mike Meredith from president to Chief Executive Officer. He has been with the company for nearly 32 years. Matt Vellek is now president after serving in the Chief Operating Officer role since 2016.

Insurance industry veteran Brody Merrill will become Chief Financial Officer at Mutual of Omaha effective December 1, according to Chairman and CEO James Blackledge. Merrill recently served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for American National Insurance Company. With more than 24 years of strategic financial leadership across the insurance, technology and asset management industries, he has a strong track record in capital management, risk oversight and optimizing business performance, Blackledge said.

Scoular has appointed Tim Manning as senior vice president, Chief Legal Officer and corporate secretary. Manning also will join Scoular’s senior leadership team. He joined Scoular in 2022 and currently serves as vice president and deputy general counsel. His promotion is effective November 17.

The Omaha Public Library Foundation has named Adrienne Perry as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Wendy Townley, who stepped away after 11 years on the job. Perry has spent the last 21 years at Borsheim’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts, most recently as Chief Revenue Officer and Corporate Secretary.

The Greater Omaha Chamber is a catalyst and connector, advocating for businesses small and large. Learn, share and grow with more than 12,000 professionals from 3,000 member businesses across Greater Omaha. Click HERE to see our latest events.

Sixty years ago, less than 3 percent of the American population owned stock. Today, that number is 65 percent and growing. This explosion in stock ownership is due to the employer sponsored 401(k) retirement program. When it came into being, in the mid-1970s, there were fewer than a 1,000 active plans. Now that number is in excess of 30 million plans with 90 million participants. Over the past 50 years, the compounding impact of stock market returns has grown the 401(k) assets to a total value of $15 trillion.

401(k) plans have a number of unique features that allow participants to grow their tax-deferred salary deductions effectively and efficiently. The majority of the active 401(k) are custodied in one of the three major discount brokers. And they are tax sheltered, which allows 401(k) investors to make trades with zero commissions and no tax consequences.

Participants are required to make their own investment decisions and choose from a menu of mutual funds provided by their plan administrator. This makes the fund menu a critical component of a participants’ investment return because they are their only options. Originally, the menu was prepared by a licensed broker who was compensated by the mutual funds they choose to include on the menu.

In 2014, in a case titled Tibble vs Edison, a worker at a California utility sued their employer alleging that their plan menu only contained “expensive” mutual funds. The Supreme Court ruled that the employers had a fiduciary obligation to ensure that their employees have access to reasonable-cost funds and ordered them to compensate their employees for their losses. It has been almost a decade since that original Supreme Court decision, and after more than 1,000 litigated cases, index funds have become the standard definition of “reasonably priced funds.”

The majority of all settled Tibble vs. Edison cases involved companies of 1,000 or more employees. Ninety-nine percent of American companies are too small to make litigation economically feasible. Thus, it is critical that the owners of small business who sponsor 401(k) plans and their employers educate themselves on what is in their fund menu and to ensure that it meets the needs of their unique group.

Small business owners are busy running their businesses and don’t always see the advantage of making sure that their employees have an appropriate fund menu. Studies have shown, and it really doesn’t take a rocket science to figure out, that satisfied employees are more productive than disgruntled employees.

When owners and works sit on the same side of the table, everybody wins.

Flawless Finish is a locally owned and fully insured janitorial company committed to providing high-quality, affordable cleaning services throughout the Omaha area. We take pride in delivering reliable, professional results tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether it’s a restaurant, office, or any other commercial space, our team works efficiently and thoroughly to maintain a spotless environment without breaking the budget. As a trusted name in the community, we prioritize customer satisfaction, consistent communication, and dependable service you can count on.

Learn more HERE!

Quantum Fiber in Omaha, Nebraska, is super-fast, reliable internet. We did away with data caps, bundles, and pricing gimmicks because you don’t want them. Instead, you get game-changing customer service, transparent pricing, and a powerful app for freedom, simplicity, and control over your internet. Quantum Fiber is what internet service looks like when it’s built for the world of you.

The Grow Omaha radio show broadcasts live every Saturday morning at 9:00, but now you can watch videos of each episode instead of just listening.

Grow Omaha’s brand-new website features video footage shot inside the radio studio during each week’s show!

Videos include News of the Week, Lightning Round, guest interviews, and “Grow Omaha Uncut,” a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during commercial breaks.

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