The August 28th Weekly Market Report

Nicole Buntgen, Contributing Writer

A groundbreaking ceremony took place last week for Kyoto Sushi & Hibachi, a Japanese steakhouse planned for 18118 Evans Street. The 1.3-acre site is southwest of 180th & West Maple Road. The 7,000 sq. ft. restaurant will occupy part of a 12,558 sq. ft. retail building expected to be complete sometime next year. Kyoto’s owners are Michael and Amy Chen, who also own Osaka Steakhouse & Sushi Bar at 12746 Westport Parkway in La Vista.

Big Grove Brewery’s taphouse in the Catalyst building has delayed opening after the Nebraska Liquor Commission denied its craft brewer’s license, an exemption typically reserved for local breweries. Regulators said the denial came because Big Grove already manufactures alcohol and tried to use a separate entity to qualify. The Iowa-based brewery is now seeking a liquor manufacturer’s license, which would allow it to open but limit offerings to its own beer.

Panda Express plans to open a location near 204th & N Street. The chain filed for a building permit at 4815 South 205 Street. The building will be approximately 2,700 sq. ft. and include a drive-thru.

La Vista-based Kros Strain Brewing Company has partnered with Nebraska Athletics to launch Cornhusker Crusher, “the official beer of the Huskers.” The wheat ale with a light citrus flavor will be available year-round at the brewery’s La Vista and downtown Omaha taprooms and at Memorial Stadium during football games.

Crews installed signage earlier this week at a future Hawaiian Bros Island Grill restaurant, which is going into the former Boston Market building at 704 North 114th Street in Miracle Hills. Hawaiian Bros’ first Nebraska location opened a year and a half ago near Interstate 80 & Highway 370 in Gretna. The Kansas City-based restaurant chain has 65 locations in 12 states.

Shoeman’s Liquor & More plans to open soon in the Blackstone District inside the recently completed 37 West Farnam Building. The space is just west of Revival House along the south side of Farnam Street. The wine, beer and spirits store will be locally owned by Chad Shoeman, who also has the Red Lion Lounge a block to the west. Interior build-out is underway.

Steel has gone vertical on an 8,100 sq. ft. retail building at 20462 R Street. The .89-acre site is southwest of 204th & Q Street. Godfather’s Pizza will occupy 2,690 sq. ft. of the future building when it is completed next spring. The building has space for two additional retail or restaurant tenants.

Los Concuños MexicanFood, a food truck, debuted on August 24 at 9630 Ida Street in the Tractor Supply Co. parking lot. The truck serves tacos, tortas, burritos, sopes, super fries, super nachos and menudo on weekends.

The Still, a longtime wine and spirits store in Lincoln, is expanding to west Omaha. Located at 204th & V Street in the Coventry development, the store opened today – August 28. Both the store and the recently completed building are owned by Omaha-based Gottsch Enterprises.

Buffalo Wild Wings will celebrate the grand re-opening of its sports bar restaurant at 4287 South 144th Street tomorrow – August 29. The remodeled restaurant includes replaced fixtures and flooring, open seating areas and stadium-like A/V technologies with wall-to-wall LED modular screens.

After more than 10 years in business, Bad Seed Coffee & Supply will close its shops at 5015 Dodge Street and 2452 Harney Street on September 13 or while supplies last. The business cited financial challenges from opening a second location, construction near its first site and personal difficulties as reasons for the closure.

Cracker Barrel announced on August 26 it will return to its former logo, less than one week after unveiling a simplified text-only design. The reversal follows backlash accusing the chain of “erasing its Southern heritage” and a stock drop of more than 10 percent. Cracker Barrel has two Omaha-area locations in Papillion and Council Bluffs.

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

Herbe Sainte Serves Up Cajun Soul and Big Easy Spirit in Omaha

Herbe Sainte opened in Aksarben Village in 2016, a project Justin Halbert had been working on with his brother Taylor and uncle Ron Samuelson. Noddle Cos., owner of the building at 67th & Frances Street, had been holding a prime corner bay for just the right restaurant tenant. When Halbert and his group walked through, the idea took shape. Initially, the plan was to focus heavily on cocktails and light food. Over time, guests embraced the food so much the concept evolved into a full Cajun-Creole restaurant.

Samuelson was previously co-owner of M’s Pub and the creator behind Vivace, an Italian restaurant that closed in 2015. After the infamous M’s Pub fire of 2016, Samuelson partnered with his nephew to start new concepts, including Herbe Sainte.

The menu is rooted in New Orleans tradition but balanced with creative adaptation. With a smaller kitchen, the menu needed to honor tradition while bending to the location’s constraints. Samuelson’s experience in Cajun and Creole kitchens provides the culinary backbone. Recipes aren’t intended to be carbon copies of New Orleans cuisine, but a reflection of the city’s culture of melding influences.

“When you go to New Orleans, you’re not going to find the same gumbo on every street,” Halbert noted. “It’s always different, and it’s always influenced by the creator of that recipe. And I think that’s where we come in and say, we do things in our own way and that’s okay.”

While Samuelson has his signature on the cuisine, Halbert keeps his focus on the cocktail menu. From the onset, the brothers wanted to lean into New Orleans’ reputation as “the epicenter of cocktail culture.” They attended Tales of the Cocktail, a weeklong expo in New Orleans where cocktail professionals immerse themselves in everything from rum seminars to ice workshops.

This section is brought to you by All Makes and Allsteel. For more than a century, All Makes has remained family-owned and committed to supplying businesses with workplace solutions, specifically furniture and technology. To learn more, visit one of our showrooms in Omaha, Lincoln, Des Moines, Columbus, Kearney, or North Platte.

Omaha Ranks as #20 Most Social City

New research by Compare The Market has revealed the best cities in the world for socializing. Omaha ranks 20th in the United States.

The study analyzed factors such as inclusiveness ratings, the number of meet-up groups and social hubs, and the popularity of friendship apps. “Social hubs” include pubs and coffee shops.

Omaha has 16 meetup events per 100,000 people, which makes the city great for meeting new friends. In Omaha, there are 15 bars and coffee shops per 100,000 people. Omahans make 212.41 online searches for friendship apps, for every 100,000 people.

Minneapolis tops the list as the most social city in the United States, excelling in meet-up group availability and ranking second for friendship app searches. It is also one of the most social cities globally.

After Minneapolis, the rest of the top five included #2 Atlanta, #3 Portland, #4 Las Vegas and #5 Seattle. Other top-20 cities in our region included #10 Denver, #13 Colorado Springs and #18 Milwaukee.

“Moving to a new city can feel daunting, especially when you’re starting from scratch and making new friends seems more like a chore than an exciting opportunity,” said Steven Spicer, executive general manager of health insurance for Compare The Market. “However, building these connections is essential for our well-being. We hope our list of the most sociable cities helps those who love to socialize choose the perfect place to call home.”

For those of you who are new to the Omaha area, you might want to consider the study authors’ advice for improving your social life upon moving to a new area:

Sign up for classes and groups: Join local meetups or classes to connect with people over shared interests and expand your social circle.

Invite contacts for coffee: Invite someone for a coffee to get to know them better or ask for introductions to grow your friend group.

Cut down on screen time and gaming: Swap some screen time for in-person social events to better integrate into your community.

Seek help if you feel anxious: If social anxiety holds you back, seek support from trusted friends or professionals to build confidence.

Don’t turn down invitations: Say yes to more social invitations to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people.

This section is sponsored by RENZE. Click HERE to see countless ways to bring new life into your lobby or offices. For over 130 years, we have been providing our clients with innovative solutions for interior corporate and retail branding, as well as unique exhibits and graphics for tradeshows and events. With leading-edge equipment and quality craftspeople working out of our 90,000 sq. ft. facility, we like helping brands grow. See our recent work HERE.

Isaiah Ang, Contributing Writer

Millard Public Schools Foundation has announced a naming rights partnership with Iowa-based GreenState Credit Union for an activity center under construction near 210th & Q Street. The 85,000 sq. ft., privately funded facility will be known as GreenState Millard Activity Center. Opening is scheduled for fall 2026. GreenState was founded in 1938 and was previously known as University of Iowa Community Credit Union. Its first Nebraska location opened recently at 181st & West Maple Road.

The tower crane being used to assemble the future Mutual of Omaha headquarters building has reached its maximum height of approximately 780 feet. Crews extended the tower over the weekend. The building’s shear tower core should reach its maximum height next month. The skyscraper will eventually be 677 feet tall, making it the tallest building in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and the Dakotas. Completion is planned for the late 2026.

Les Schwab Tire Center plans to open its first Omaha-area location at 121 Scott Road in Papillion’s Tower District, just north of 84th & Highway 370. According to a Papillion city building permit, the 2-story building will have seven service bays. Based in Bend, Ore., Les Schwab Tire has nearly 600 stores in 15 states mostly in the western part of the country. The only existing Nebraska store is in North Platte.

QAT Global is relocating its downtown office from the twin towers of Central Park Plaza to the Capitol District. According to a building permit, QAT Global is planning to remodel space at 1100 Capitol Avenue, an office building with ground floor retail. Current office tenants include Deloitte and Private Wealth Asset Management. QAT Global is a locally grown IT company with international offices in Costa Rica and Brazil. It provides custom software development and IT staffing services.

Cobalt Credit Union plans to build a branch bank in the Iron Bluff development southwest of 204th & F Street. The future branch will be located at 4103 South 205 Street. According to the building permit, the building will be 2,200 sq. ft. with an external service lane.

RentCafe expects another robust year of apartment construction with more than 500,000 new units anticipated to open nationwide by year’s end. Over the past 10 years, apartment openings averaged 439,000 per year, with a crest of 640,000 openings in 2024. RentCafe also tracked year-over-year increases in apartment openings. Notably, Omaha has the 7th highest year-over-year increase in openings expected in 2025 compared to 2024. Omaha’s expected 3,335 new openings in 2025 is 79% more than openings in 2024.

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.

Berkshire Hathaway increased its stake in trading house Mitsubishi Corp., taking it to more than 10 percent, according to the Wall Street Journal. Mitsubishi Corp. said Thursday that National Indemnity, a wholly owned unit of Berkshire Hathaway, acquired additional shares of the Japanese company to raise its voting rights to 10.2 percent from 9.7 percent. Berkshire began buying shares of Mitsubishi and four other Japanese trading companies in July 2019.

Union Pacific Railroad has added 15 new Focus Sites across eight states to its network, with 12 of those sites located on short line railroads that will provide businesses ease of access to the railroad’s premier 32,000-mile rail network. Focus Sites are large-scale development sites suited for custom-built warehouses or industrial facilities. These sites are railroad hubs where Union Pacific can concentrate resources.

Upside Same-Day Dental Crowns has opened at 7016 Grover Street just north of 72nd & Interstate 80. The practice provides same-day crowns, veneers, inlays/onlays, implant crowns and bridges—all made through advanced digital imaging and in-house milling. Upside does not offer cleanings or routine dental care, instead focusing solely on restorative procedures.

G1fted Barbershop plans to open September 2nd in Oakview Mall. Locally owned by Wellson Yusif, the 1,300 sq. ft. barbershop will be located next to mall’s foodcourt near JCPenney. G1fted will be open seven days a week.

Centris Federal Credit Union will hold a ribbon cutting Wednesday, September 17 at 8:15 a.m. for its latest location at 6572 Ames Avenue. This branch office is on the site of a former restaurant which was demolished. Centris has 14 offices in the Omaha metro area as well as Grand Island and North Platte, Neb.

Green Plains Inc. has entered into an asset purchase agreement with POET to sell its Rives, Tennessee-based ethanol plant for $190 million. Proceeds from the sale will be utilized to retire the junior mezzanine debt due in 2026 and enhance liquidity. The transaction is anticipated to close during the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals.

Baird Holm has been named a Legal Client Service Trailblazer by BTI Consulting Group’s Client Service A-Team 2025 report. The Legal Client Service Trailblazers list recognizes 55 law firms of all sizes from across the United States for “their ability to adapt to the new reality of an era marked by legal complexity, volatility, and skyrocketing client demands by mastering ways to provide elite client service, particularly in times of chaos.”

Mutual of Omaha released findings from its Protection Index Report, a proprietary research study, which revealed that U.S. financial confidence continues to drop. Only 23 percent of Americans currently feel financially protected, down from 24 percent in 2023. Seventeen percent feel their protection is threatened, up from 13 percent just two years ago. Gen Zers feel good about the future, but Boomers are more hesitant.

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.

Since the severe storm hit on August 9, Heartland Hope Mission has been in Blair, assisting families that were affected. Nearly 20 families have been identified that will need long-term disaster case management assistance. Heartland Hope Mission’s West Omaha location is serving as a Disaster Response Center to provide essential support to storm victims.

Preserve Omaha is hosting its next conference on September 20 at Yates Illuminates. The event will feature hands-on preservation demonstrations, expert talks, a behind-the-scenes Ford Conservation Center tour and a happy hour.

On Tuesday, the Omaha City Council approved a plan to disburse money from Keno profits to four Omaha food banks. Each of the following nonprofit pantries will be receiving $37,500: Food Bank for the Heartland; Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue; Together, Inc.; and Heart Ministry Center.

This week, 166 people completed a 50-mile march in Papillion to raise money and awareness for veterans. This year alone, the march raised $750,000 for the 50 Mile March Foundation, which assists veterans facing mental health challenges and homelessness.

It’s Time to Join a Higher Level of Business Banking! Frontier Bank Concierge banking services are designed for businesses that deserve expertise, efficiency and a partner that moves as fast as they do. We don’t just manage your finances; we help you master them. Our team of experts works with you to tailor a strategy that supports your growing business. From seamless cash flow solutions, to fraud protection and timely financial insights, it all starts with understanding your business and what it takes to make it run!

Cole Young, Contributing Writer

Last Thursday night, Millard West, Millard South and Millard North played a round robin outdoors on the turf at Buell Stadium in the Battle at Buell. The event was the first of its kind for metro high schools and was inspired by Nebraska volleyball’s event at Memorial Stadium two years ago. Nearly 4,000 people attended the event.

For the second week in a row, Omaha Storm Chasers infielder Harold Castro has been named the International League Player of the Week. During Omaha’s road series against Columbus, Castro batted 14-for-25 (.560) with three home runs and a staggering 14 RBI. This week, the Storm Chasers are hosting the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. Tonight, the club is hosting Pride Night. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.

The Omaha Supernovas announced last week that they have signed former Nebraska volleyball middle blocker Leyla Blackwell. The San Diego native returns to Nebraska after being drafted 26th overall by her hometown team, the San Diego Mojo, last year. Blackwell started eight matches in her rookie season and brings a wealth of experience to the new-look Supernovas. Omaha has made 13 different signings during Major League Volleyball’s free agency period.

Creighton volleyball was swept by No. 2 Penn State in the AVCA First Serve on Saturday in head coach Brian Rosen’s first match. After nearly a week off, the Bluejays begin play in the Opening Spike Classic, where their schedule will not lighten up. Tomorrow night, they face No. 5 Texas at 8:30 p.m. On Sunday, they take on No. 14 Kansas at 3:30 p.m. in the first of two matchups with the Jayhawks in the nonconference. Both matches will be played in Madison, Wis. and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.

Creighton softball will host its third annual Hit-A-Thon fundraiser on Thursday, September 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Creighton softball complex. The Hit-A-Thon raises money for improvements like equipment upgrades and increased travel budgets. Each player gets pledges from community members and will have 10 swings to hit the ball as far as possible. Their farthest hit ball is then multiplied by the amount of each pledge. The event is free to the public. To make a pledge, email Coach Wood at kristawood@creighton.edu, and you will be matched with a player.

Union Omaha defeated USL League One newcomers AV Alta FC, 2-0. The Owls avenged a July 5 loss and climbed to eighth place in league standings with their third win in five matches. Omaha will be back in action next Saturday, September 6.

In the world of Creighton soccer, both the men’s and women’s teams will hit the road this weekend. The Lady Jays play Western Michigan at 3 p.m. today before traveling to Durham, N.C., to face Duke on Sunday at 4 p.m. The men’s team plays Michigan tomorrow at 6 p.m. before returning home Monday for its home opener against Tulsa at 6 p.m.

Omaha volleyball begins its 2025 campaign this weekend against Milwaukee. Tomorrow night’s match will begin at 7 p.m. at Baxter Arena. On Saturday, the two teams will face off again at 3 p.m.

Caniglia Field will be busy this Sunday, with Omaha soccer holding a men’s and women’s doubleheader at home. The Maverick men are up first against Utah Valley at 5 p.m. Following that match, the women will host Nebraska at 7:30 p.m.

Upcoming Games

• Creighton women’s soccer at Western Michigan | Today, August 28 | 3 p.m.
• Omaha Storm Chasers vs. Lehigh Valley | August 26 – 31 | 6:35 p.m. Tonight
• Creighton men’s soccer at Michigan | Friday, August 29 | 6 p.m.
• Omaha volleyball vs. Milwaukee | Friday, August 29 | 7 p.m.
• #12 Creighton volleyball vs. #5 Texas | Friday, August 29 | 8:30 p.m.
• Omaha volleyball vs. Milwaukee | Saturday, August 30 | 3 p.m.
• #12 Creighton volleyball vs. #14 Kansas | Sunday, August 31 | 3:30 p.m.
• Creighton women’s soccer at Duke | Sunday, August 31 | 4 p.m.
• Omaha men’s soccer vs. Utah Valley | Sunday, August 31 | 5 p.m.
• Omaha women’s soccer vs. Nebraska | Sunday, August 31 | 7:30 p.m.
• Creighton men’s soccer vs. Tulsa | Monday, September 1 | 6 p.m.
• Omaha women’s soccer at Drake | Wednesday, September 3 | 5 p.m.
• Omaha men’s soccer at Drake | Wednesday, September 3 | 7:30 p.m.

Don’t know much about title insurance? That’s ok, we do and we’re here to help! TCN offers title insurance, settlement and 1031 exchange services for all property types and we absolutely love what we do. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned developer, a real estate agent, a lender, an attorney, or anyone with a real estate need, we’ve got you covered. Our team boasts more years of industry experience than we’d care to admit and we’d love to put it to good use on your next real estate transaction. Reach out any time. We’re only a click or call away and we would love to work with you!

The Omaha Community Playhouse’s production of the electrifying rock ‘n’ roll classic Grease, is opening Friday, September 12 and running through October 12, 2025 in the Hawks Mainstage Theatre. The beloved musical, which inspired the iconic movie, has been captivating audiences worldwide since its Broadway debut in 1972.

This is the first time Grease has been staged by the Omaha Community Playhouse and the first production for Vincent Orduña in his role as Artistic Director of the theatre.

Tickets for Film Streams’ Feature 9 event go on sale this Friday, August 29th, for Film Streams members. Get your tickets and get excited for an incredible event, featuring filmmaker Spike Lee! FYI, Spike Lee’s film Highest 2 Lowest is moving to the Dundee Micro on Friday, and they’ll have it for just one more week.

The public is invited to explore “Additions,” the current exhibit at the Metropolitan Community College Gallery of Art and Design, located on the Elkhorn Valley Campus.

“Additions,” featuring Omaha artists Thomas McLaughlin and Benjamin Wills, explores how two distinct artistic approaches can merge to create something entirely new. The exhibit is free and open to the public Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., now through Thursday, Oct. 2. It will conclude with a gallery talk and closing reception on Oct. 2 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will feature both artists.

The 13th Annual LOVAM Jazz Festival returns Saturday, August 30th, to Turner Park in Midtown Crossing, starting at 4 p.m. with FREE admission for all. The lineup features jazz legends Jazz Funk Soul (Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson Jr. and Everett Harp), chart-topping bassist Julian Vaughn and the electrifying duo Four80East for an unforgettable evening of world-class music and community celebration.

Join PACE INTERACTIVE: Spellbound – Magic of the Arts – an evening of wonder and wizardry, on August 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wander the halls of the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center and experience spell binding performances, captivating visual art and flavorful culinary creations. This one-of-a-kind open house invites guests to celebrate the arts and the magic of community.

The Polish Heritage Society of Nebraska, Inc., and the Polish Home Omaha are holding a free concert on Wednesday, September 3, at the Belvedere Hall in Papillion. The concert celebrates Frédéric Chopin’s lesser-known art songs, revealing his deep connection to Polish poetry, folk idioms and heartfelt lyricism beyond the piano. Alongside these rarely heard vocal gems, the program offers a few beloved solo piano works that will make surprise appearances throughout the evening.

The featured vocalist is soprano Ania Helwing accompanied on piano by Dr. Damon Stevens, director of opera at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. This performance is part of their Midwest tour to present the complete songs of Frédéric Chopin (in Polish). The Belvedere Hall is located at 201 East First Street in downtown Papillion. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and the concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. A free-will offering will be appreciated. Refreshments (including Polish adult beverages) will be available for purchase.

Did you know the “pink hair curler” was created at Omaha’s Tip-Top Products?

Did you know the University of Nebraska system consists of four campuses and that two of them – UNMC and UNO – are located in Omaha?

Did you know the CHI Health Center Omaha has an arena capacity of 18,975 for certain types of events? The venue’s grand ballroom can accommodate nearly 2,700.

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.

Leashes at Laurtizen recurring weekly on Mondays: Dogs love going on an adventure. Make your next night out with your four-legged friend an evening garden stroll during Leashes at Lauritzen. These events are enjoyable nights for dogs to walk the trails, meet other dogs, take photos among the flowers and foliage, and meet other dog lovers. Water will be available at stations throughout the garden.

La Calavera Catrina recurring daily through November 8th: Discover the rich history and iconography of La Catrina, one of the most recognizable figures of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), through eight larger-than-life skeleton sculptures by Los Angeles artist Ricardo Soltero. An elegant female skeleton and an icon of Mexican heritage, La Catrina approaches death not through sadness, but as a colorful celebration of life. See these colorful and joyful works, with accompanying signage in both English and Spanish!

Night Market happening August 29th: As the sun sets and the warm evening breeze rolls in, Omaha’s original Night Market sets the stage for unforgettable summer nights in scenic Turner Park. Highlights include: A bustling hub of more than 40 local vendors, boutiques and makers, live music and entertainment, outdoor games and activities, including a life-size coloring book, cornhole, Giant Connect 4 and more!

Afro Fest Omaha happening on August 31st: Afro Fest Omaha is the Midwest’s largest celebration of African and Afro cultures, drawing thousands of visitors over Labor Day weekend. Guests can explore the Children’s and Educational Village, enjoy whiskey tastings and food education in the VIP Experience, and shop authentic clothing, crafts and cuisine in the African Market and Food Row. The festival also features electrifying performances blending traditional rhythms and modern Afrobeat, alongside community partners and small businesses in the Connectors Area!

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!

NP Dodge Real Estate has welcomed new residential sales associates including Mark Ogle, Michael Heller and Yi Sun.

The Greater Omaha Chamber has inducted the latest members of its Omaha Business Hall of Fame. They are Roger A. Dixon, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority; Todd & Mary Heistand, owners of NuStyle Development Corporation; Chris Murphy, executive chairman of First Westroads Bank; and the Simon Family of Omaha Steaks, including the late Bruce Simon, former President & CEO and Todd Simon, chairman & Chief Steak Evangelist.

The Omaha Area Board of REALTORS 140th Installation and Awards Banquet was held Thursday, August 21st. NP Dodge Real Estate’s Herb Freeman received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his incredible career of professionalism, service, and impact on the real estate industry. Jill Anderson, president of residential sales, was installed as the 2026 president-elect. Nicole Riddle, Sarpy County office managing broker, was appointed to the 2026 board of directors.

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.

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

New research shows that self-efficacy, the belief in one’s ability to succeed, is critical to well-being, according to Neuroscience News. The strongest link to living a flourishing life is a combination between your sense of purpose and confidence in your abilities. As a leader, you want to nurture self-efficacy among your people through mentorship, challenges and opportunities for mastery

Ghost Jobs – An advocacy group has formed to encourage the U.S. Congress to pass the Truth in Job Advertising and Accountability Act. The purpose is to eliminate “ghost jobs,” according to CNBC. Some 17 percent of jobs posted so far this year are for fake – companies never intend to fill them.

Working Parents – The median cost of sending one child to daycare for five years is about $44,000 across the United States, according to the Wall Street Journal. There are 26 U.S. counties where the cost exceeds $100,000. In both Douglas and Sarpy counties, it’s $63,782. It’s only $43,191 in Pottawattamie County.

SALES

Self-awareness is crucial in the sales world, but real growth comes from ongoing feedback, says sales expert Sarah Greer. Here’s how you can implement a “feedback loop:” 1. Record and review your sales calls to spot areas for improvement; 2. Use coaching tools to analyze your speech, energy and engagement levels; 3. Ask top-performing colleagues for feedback and offer your insights in return; 4. Role-play tough sales conversations.

How do you get busy prospects to talk to you? One way is to offer your professional expertise for free. We get prospects to talk to us by trading free value for their precious time. “Don’t hold back because you think a prospect should pay for your advice,” says sales expert Kendra Lee. By willingly and freely helping them now, you help them realize how nice it would be to have you as a vendor someday.

WISDOM

“Rudeness is a weak man’s imitation of strength.” – Eric Hoffer

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!

My wife tells people I’m a one trick pony. She thinks this is a put down. I view it as a compliment: At least I have one trick.

So, for the third week in a row, I want to talk about President Trump’s executive order directing the Department of Labor to allow alternative assets in 401(k) plans. His definition of alternative assets is private equity, cryptocurrency and real estate.

And as I pointed out last week, I think Trump’s motive for the executive order came from his Wall Street cronies who are salivating over the $12 trillion American workers are hording in their 401(k) plans. It also comes as no surprise that these new investment vehicles come with lofty fees, because Trump’s executive order carved out an exemption for these assets from the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision mandating that employers include reasonably priced funds in their 410(k) menus.

Don’t get sucked into the hype that these new products are best thing since sliced bread. I believe that investing is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. There may be those for whom these new alternative assets are an appropriate addition, but others should avoid them like the plague. The devil is in the details. Any new investment product vehicle that 401(k) plan participants can have access to will have to be some derivative of a derivative. Not the REAL THING!

Cryptocurrency is a generic term like Kleenex and Xerox machine. I did a Google search, and there’s a plethora of investment vehicles that could be placed under this umbrella. But when I took a look at their performance, several things stand out. Number one – they are extremely volatile. Number two – there’s a ginormous difference in their returns. For example, over the past five years, Bitcoin has had a return of 800 percent, while it’s cousin, Coinbase, declined 21 percent over the same time period.

One of the justifications that Trump offered for including private equity in 401(k) plans is their superior performance? The proof is in the pudding. Some of the best investment professionals in the industry manage endowments of the big Ivy League schools. About eight years ago, they felt overloaded in stocks and started moving into the private equity arena. The early years were successful, but recently Princeton and Yale sold off a majority of their private equity holdings at double-digit discounts below their offering price. Whoops?

The roll-out date for these new assets is yet to be established. My best guess is that it won’t take long for before you begin receiving “once-in-a-lifetime” offers on them. My advice to you is to trust everybody, but cut the cards.

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.

Support the Grow “O” Mission

Don’t keep this newsletter to yourself. Forward it to your friends, clients and co-workers. You want to know the real reason we produce this report? It’s to remind Omahans about the vibrant, prosperous and growing city they call home. The more Omaha residents believe in their city, the more successful we’ll all be. Spread the news!

Know of someone else who wants to receive this newsletter? Have them send their name and email address to news@growomaha.com!