The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce focuses on economic development and member services plus public policy. Alec Gorynski, senior vice president of economic development said, “We are Omaha’s chief salespeople. chief marketers, cheerleaders – We will take that title as well.”
He serves as head of The Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership, made up of eight counties in Iowa and Nebraska including 25 collaborating professionals.
“In 2024, we landed projects that generated $172 million in capital investment and over 500 jobs,” Gorynski said. “They reflected new-to-market jobs and expansions of new companies. That data includes $25 million in new annual payroll for the region, a substantial boon to the economy.”
At the Chamber’s 2025 annual meeting, Mayor Jean Stothert said, “I love working with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. We have a good working relationship. The Chamber is focused on economic development and job growth. They want our existing businesses to grow and thrive and do what they can to bring new businesses in and to find a site for those businesses.”
One of the many roles the chamber plays is assisting existing businesses and organizations new to the area with site selection. Geographic areas represented include Washington to Otoe County, Fremont, Blair, Omaha and Council Bluffs to name a few.
Gorynski explained that the eight-county unified partnership works as a powerful collaborative effort. In cases where two counties are being considered, representatives from each county meet with the prospective business together, talking about county economic development benefits, their site’s financial incentives, and the value each location offers.
Big companies face decisions as to whether they want to relocate, while small business owners grapple with whether to expand or sell their organization. As part of the economic development process, communities develop a package of their strengths, along with discussing solutions to the challenges that hinder company growth.
The Chamber identifies companies and reaches out about of locating in the Omaha area, putting prospects onto the radar screen.
Gorynski considers the Omaha area to have a vibrant urban environment and a more tranquil rural area, with a dense downtown atmosphere. Site selection considerations include workforce development, a central theme in the chamber’s new strategic plan, utility needs, infrastructure and the quality of life for employees.
In summary fashion, economic development is packaging information and putting the pieces of the economy together to help companies decide to grow or develop in the greater Omaha community. Workforce needs, developing programs to attract and retain professionals, educational partnerships and the challenges of business growth are considered.
Gorynski also explained that locations are placed under option and prepared shovel ready. Site consultants come to the chamber to see what land is available.
The 2025 economic development plan showcased at the Chamber’s annual meeting includes conducting outreach to industry and site selection consultants to proactively make a case for Omaha. Site selection involves looking at the number of acres needed, the proximity to transportation infrastructure for example railroads, highways, electrical and gas utilities.
Tax climates and business incentives influence companies to come to Nebraska or locate within the greater Omaha area. Workforce development needs centered on labor force skill sets are important topics related to making a case for business expansion or relocation.
In recent years, the chamber has worked with data centers to assist companies trying identify locations. More recently, they helped an existing international plastic injection firm that developed a new product line to explore expansion opportunities. The Chamber identified a site in Washington county including accessing financial incentives. There are many current projects in the pipeline including manufacturing and biomanufacturing sites under consideration.
Gorynski has been with the Chamber since August 2024, bringing a prior history in local leadership of community development and philanthropy.
Photo above: Alec Gorynski, senior vice president of economic development, Greater Omaha Chamber. Photo courtesy of Greater Omaha Chamber
