The July 3 Weekly Market Report

Interior build-out is underway at Tracks Lounge’s second location near 180th & Q, featuring custom millwork, pendant lighting and a racing-themed mural, according to Slate Architecture. Exterior updates include a new patio and horse silhouettes.

Church’s Texas Chicken is building a second metro area location at 2310 North 90th Street, where a former Godfather’s Pizza was recently demolished. The building is enclosed but much work remains to be done. When it opens later this year, the restaurant will operate in a 1,700 sq. ft., free-standing building with a drive-thru. Church’s currently has a location at 4042 North 168th Street.

Dave’s Cakes of Omaha has expanded into the adjacent bay at 14234 U Street just off Millard Avenue. The space, formerly home to Local Makers Collective, sits next to the bakery’s original location, which opened in 2022.

The Wandering Page, a women-owned bookstore and coffee shop, opened June 30 at 3925 Farnam Street in the Blackstone District. The “literary café” serves pastries from The Grand Patisserie. It is near Coneflower Creamery and Archetype Coffee.

The Reading Room will open its doors on July 7 at 1505 Farnam Street in the former Omaha Lounge space downtown. It will be Omaha’s first reading lounge, combining a comfortable space with access to a full bar, coffee, tea and small food items. Hours will be 12 noon to 9 p.m.

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet opened its first Nebraska location this week at 6516 North 73rd Plaza, in the former Big Lot’s store in Sorensen Park Plaza. Ollie’s is a retailer of closeout merchandise and excess inventory and has more than 574 locations.

Cedric Fichepain, a local restaurant entrepreneur, has launched Omaha Sourdough Company, a bakery venture that delivers “health-forward sourdough bread right to your doorstep through a monthly subscription model.” The company currently ships to 18 states surrounding Omaha and plans to go national by the end of the year. Fichepain owns Le Petit Paris, a French bakery in Pepperwood Village near 156th & West Dodge Road.

Melissa Stephens, founder of The Cordial Cherry chocolate shop, has launched Ele Chocolates, a brand delivering probiotic wellness through dark chocolate bites. Each bite is “crafted with real functional ingredients to support gut health.” Ele Chocolates is sold via monthly subscription and shipped directly to customers in 48 states. Locally, the product can be found at The Cordial Cherry at 16939 Wright Plaza in the Shops of Legacy.

The Blackstone District is showcasing local businesses with Brunch in Blackstone Saturday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests can visit participating locations to sample brunch bites and cocktails and vote for their favorite. Samples will range from $4 to $6. Participating businesses include: Blackstone Social; Bob & Willies; Corkscrew; Cottonwood (Orleans Room); Crescent Moon; Cunningham’s; Early Bird; First Round; Kamp; Mula; Scriptown Brewing; and 37 West Farnam Apartments.

El Vallarta Mexican Restaurant has closed its location at 12405 West Center Road in Westwood Plaza near 123rd & West Center Road. Locations in La Vista, Gretna and Blair remain open.

Del Monte Foods, the grocery store staple known for canned fruits, vegetables, College Inn broths and Joyba teas, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Founded in 1886, the California company says it will remain open during the process.

The “Restaurant & Retail Updates” section is sponsored by Anderson Convenience Market, featuring Quality AMOCO Fuels and serving Omaha since 1952, and proud to announce the return of Quality Amoco Fuels. Look for changes this Summer at Anderson Convenience Market – 8 Omaha area locations!

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The Orléans Room is a Timeless Echo of Elegance

The Orléans Room is part of the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, formerly The Blackstone Hotel. The building was renovated in 2020 in a $75 million project that brought its historic features back to life. The Blackstone operated as a hotel for decades before being converted into office space in the late 20th century. It wasn’t until the renovation that the building was returned to its original purpose as a hotel.

The Blackstone was built in 1915 by Bankers Realty Investment Company. The Orléans Room opened in 1920 after hotelier Charles Schimmel purchased the hotel. Schimmel wanted an elevated dining experience, and The Orléans Room became the hotel’s fine-dining flagship. It would go on to win Holiday Magazine’s prestigious Award for Excellence for 16 consecutive years. The award selected top American restaurants known for exceptional dining quality.

Today’s Orléans Room blends 1920’s glamour with a touch of speakeasy swagger. The lighting is moody with globe chandeliers, tufted booths and warm-toned walls. It’s the kind of place Ernest Hemingway might duck into between chapters and bar fights. It’s the kind of place where date nights and drinks with friends both feel right at home.

During renovation, the original mosaic tile floor was discovered beneath layers of carpet. Restored to its original beauty, the tile gleams beneath your feet—a literal foundation of history.

I’ve wanted to visit The Orléans Room for some time, if only to try The Original Reuben. Omahans likely know that the popular sandwich was invented at the Blackstone.

There is some debate about the Reuben’s origins. According to The Orléans Menu, the Reuben was invented in 1925 at the Blackstone Hotel during a weekly poker game led by Reuben Kulakofsky, a local grocer. Chef Bernard Schimmel developed a toasted sandwich with layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. It was such a hit that it became a part of the hotel’s regular menu.

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Millard Public Schools Announces Millard Activity Center

Millard Public Schools Foundation, in partnership with Millard Public Schools, has announced the groundbreaking of the Millard Activity Center, a project designed “to ignite opportunity, inspire excellence and serve as a cornerstone for the entire Millard community.”

The 85,000 sq. ft. center will be situated on 40 acres next to Keith Lutz Horizon High School at 5300 George B. Lake Parkway, just a few blocks west of 204th & Q Street. It will be one of the largest community-focused projects in the foundation’s history. Construction begins this summer and is expected to be completed by fall 2026.

The facility is being designed by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture and BCDM Architects. Sampson Construction is the general contractor.

“There are so many unique aspects of Millard that make it a special place to call home,” said Dr. John Schwartz, Superintendent of Millard Public Schools. “We have great schools, terrific families and a strong partnership with the Millard Public Schools Foundation. Through their hard work and the generous donors in our community, we will have a new state-of-the-art facility that is like none other in our area. As soon as people walk through the door, they will realize how special this facility is, and the incredible value it will provide to our young people and families in our community. We are thankful to the foundation and everyone who has come together to make this possible,”

The project is made possible entirely through private funding without the use of tax dollars. Inside this dynamic center, students and families will experience:

• 54,000 sq. ft. of hardwood court space for basketball and volleyball (six full-size courts).
• A custom-designed innovation lab for hands-on exploration in robotics, coding and invention.
• A state-of-the-art esports lounge for competitive gaming and digital skill-building.
• Multipurpose classrooms to host enrichment clubs and summer programs.
• A sports performance training gym built to improve skills, enhance confidence and foster leadership.
• An indoor synthetic turf area — nearly 5,000 sq. ft. — for year-round athletic development.
• An outdoor adventure course that supports physical challenge and resilience.
• A scenic cross-country course winding through nearly 40 acres of natural space.

Millard Public Schools Foundation has selected SportsMan Solutions to lead pre-operational setup and sponsorship efforts for the Millard Activity Center. SportsMan’s work in securing local and regional tenants is projected to drive more than 400,000 annual visitors, from sports teams and summer campers to families, educators and alumni.

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Isaiah Ang, Contributing Writer

Another hotel will go vertical soon in Council Bluffs’ Mid-America Center Entertainment District. The city council approved a commercial development plan for a 2.24-acre undeveloped site next to Quaker Steak & Lube. The developer plans to build an Echo Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham. The 4-story hotel will have 124 rooms and around 50,000 sq. ft. finished. Construction will likely begin this year and be completed in 14-16 months.

Midwest Maintenance Realty, LLC, plans to turn five vacant lots across from Metropolitan Community College’s South Omaha Campus into an apartment building along Q Street. The planning board approved a TIF application for the $25 million QMetro project. Plans call for a 5-story, mixed-use building with 72 market-rate apartments, ranging from studio to 3-bedroom units. Rents will range from $875 to $1,925 per month. The ground floor will have 18,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. Construction is planned to begin next March and conclude by August 2027.

Metropolitan Community College broke ground last week on its future Sarpy County Campus southeast of 144th & Highway 370. The new location will be the college’s fourth full-service campus, serving Nebraska’s fastest-growing county. The Sarpy Campus, which will be the college’s first permanent campus since 1980, is situated within a 15-minute drive of seven high schools and less than a mile from Interstate 80. Surrounded by significant business and industry, the 144-acre campus will be a mixed-use development, blending academic spaces with retail, dining, housing and greenspace.

Exterior glass is now being installed on the east side of Eppley Airfield’s new terminal. Between the terminal modernization/expansion and the front drive canopy project, more than $1 billion in improvements are currently underway at what is the busiest airport in Nebraska and Iowa. At 646,000 sq. ft., the expanded terminal will have nearly double the square footage and will feature centralized security, more restaurants/shops and international arrivals capability. Eppley’s seven airlines served more than 5.2 million passengers in 2024.

Construction is progressing on the 138-foot-tall Mid-American Energy Adventure Tower along the Missouri River just north of the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge. It’s part of the Rivers Edge area of Council Bluffs. The tower will have multiple platforms on different levels taking visitors above the trees to experience the expansive and unique river, woodland and city views. An adventure course will provide challenging outdoor activities, including an outdoor 50′ climbing wall, simulated caving experiences, and a roll-glide ride.

American Baptist Churches USA begins its biennial convention today at CHI Health Center Omaha, bringing nearly a thousand delegates to Omaha from around the world. The event, which continues through Sunday, is usually held in much larger cities, most recently in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It’s the first time the convention has taken place in Omaha, but there was one in Lincoln decades ago. The denomination has 1.3 million members and 5,000 congregations worldwide.

Phillip McClain, founder of the Mensch Group, reported that construction started on his Barkalow Rows project at 42nd Street and Ellison Avenue in North Omaha. The project consists of 14 for-sale, 1,750 sq. ft. townhomes, each with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an attached garage. Each house will cost $265,000 and is reserved for households making within 60 to 120 percent of the area median income.

McClain is also behind a major mixed-used project destined for the North 24th Street corridor. The City Council this week approved his applications for rezoning and designating an Area of Civic Importance for several vacant lots on the northeast corner of 24th & Laird Street. The development will include rowhouses and a mixed-use building with apartments built on top of a food court, corner bank location and four additional ground-floor commercial spaces.

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Burlington Capital, in partnership with Sower Investment Partners and ACCESS Commercial, is now leasing The Arthur, a 329-unit apartment building under development at 4647 Dodge Street. Slated to welcome tenants this September, The Arthur offers studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Property amenities include a resort-style pool, fitness center, co-working spaces and pet spaces. Developers have integrated the historic Pittman veterinary clinic building, which now serves as the property’s leasing office.

Mutual of Omaha has announced the launch of its approved private insurance plan for Paid Family and Medical Leave in Minnesota. This plan offers Minnesota employers an alternative to the state-run program, while ensuring that employees receive the same rights, protections and benefits.

Union Pacific Railroad celebrated its 163rd birthday July 1st in Springfield, Ill., the hometown of its famed founder – President Abraham Lincoln – with its newest commemorative locomotive (No. 1616) that honors Lincoln’s role in laying the foundation for America’s largest railroad. Lincoln founded Omaha-based Union Pacific with the signing of the historic Pacific Railway Act on July 1, 1862, which authorized construction of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad network. The commemorative Lincoln locomotive was recently in Omaha during the College World Series.

The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota to Arkansas, remained above the 50.0 growth neutral threshold for a sixth straight month. The index declined to 50.7 from 51.0 in May. “The Creighton survey continues to record job losses with accompanying higher wholesale inflation. Supply managers remain concerned that rising tariffs will push inflation significantly higher,” said Dr. Ernie Goss, director of Creighton’s Economic Forecasting Group.

Metropolitan Community College’s Business Development Center this week recognized 13 small business owners who completed the first cohort of the Cox Small Business Leadership Academy. The eight-week, intensive program was developed in collaboration with the Greater Omaha Chamber and Cox Communications to help small business suppliers “strengthen their leadership, refine operations and gain strategic tools for long-term growth and sustainability.”

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Warren Buffett is donating $6 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway stock to five foundations, including the NoVo and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations as well as three family foundations: the Susan Thompson Buffett, Howard G. Buffett, and Sherwood foundations. This brings Buffett’s total donation amount to $60 billion, since he began giving away portions of his fortune in 2006. In 2010, the Oracle of Omaha pledged to give more than 99 percent of his wealth to philanthropic causes during his lifetime or at his death.

The Nebraska Humane Society is now partnering with human food pantries to distribute pet food more efficiently and effectively throughout the Omaha metro. The NHS will continue to offer pet supplies through its own supply pantry and will provide food as needed to prevent surrendering pets. These new partnerships provide options for people to acquire free pet food in their own neighborhoods.

The Amputee Wellness Alliance of the Midlands is hosting its annual Blade 5K race on July 12 at the College of St. Mary. The event challenges participants to run, walk or roll in order to raise funds for amputees to receive equipment that enables them to live active lives.

At the end of June, Partnership 4 Kids kicked off an initiative to find 40 new “book buddies,” or volunteers, who visit local elementary schools to read to students. P4K operates the program at each of its Title 1 elementary school partners: Franklin, Fontenelle, Gifford Park, Belle Ryan and Sherman.

The Omaha Municipal Land Bank, which supports sustainable and thriving communities by transforming neglected properties into community assets, is currently accepting applications for its ambassador program, which is designed to deepen and expand the bench of community members who support, learn from and provide insights to the land bank. Applications are open through Friday, July 18. A minimum of one participant from each of Omaha’s seven city council districts will be selected.

In the first six months of 2025, Spark CDI has loaned more than $3.5 million in flexible capital to increase housing options in north Omaha. These projects include:

• 4 modular homes with Housing Growth Partners at 25th & Corby Street
• 5 modular homes with DeepeDish Development at 16th & Willis Street
• 2 small aging ready homes with Partners for Livable Omaha at 58th & Corby Street
• 2 traditionally constructed homes with Dons Property at 32nd & Charles Street, and Brooks Builders near 40th & Hamilton Street
• 1 complete home renovation with Marquez Company at 20th & Fowler Avenue

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The 2025 NBA Draft concluded last Thursday night, and six players with ties to Omaha have new cities to call home.

Ryan Kalkbrenner became the sixth Creighton basketball player to be selected in the NBA Draft since 2014, when the Charlotte Hornets selected him in the second round, No. 34 overall. Kalkbrenner is one of the greatest Bluejays ever, ranking second in program history in points, rebounds, blocks, field goals made and field-goal percentage. He is one of only two players in Big East history to be named Defensive Player of the Year four times, joining Patrick Ewing.

Jamiya Neal will be joining Kalkbrenner in Charlotte, as the Hornets signed him to a Summer League contract after the NBA Draft concluded. Neal averaged 12.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game in his lone season with Creighton and will look to earn a more permanent spot in the NBA with his play in the NBA Summer League.

Steven Ashworth signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Indiana Pacers after going undrafted. An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, non-guaranteed minimum deal. It is generally used by teams to add to their Summer League and G League rosters. Ashworth will play for the Pacers in the NBA Summer League and then most likely the Noblesville Boom in the G League.

John Tonje, formerly of Omaha Central High School, was selected in the second round, No. 53 overall by the Utah Jazz. Tonje began his college career at Colorado State University before transferring to Missouri and finally Wisconsin, where he was a unanimous First Team All-Big Ten selection. Tonje is just the fourth Badger since 2015 to be selected in the NBA Draft.

Chucky Hepburn, a former Omaha Metro basketball standout at Bellevue West High School, agreed to a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors after going undrafted. A two-way contract pays a player based on the league they are playing in, whether that’s the NBA or a G League affiliate. Hepburn played his first three seasons at Wisconsin before transferring to Louisville for his senior season. In his lone season with the Cardinals, Hepburn became the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was a First Team All-ACC selection.

Hunter Sallis, hailing from Millard North High School, went undrafted but quickly signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Sallis spent two seasons at Gonzaga before transferring to Wake Forest to finish his college career. In his two seasons at Wake Forest, he became the 10th player in program history to earn multiple First Team All-ACC honors. Sallis’ 18.3 points per game last season ranked fifth among all ACC players.

Former Bluejay Trey Alexander was informed on Friday that he wouldn’t be extended a qualifying offer by the Denver Nuggets, making him an undrafted free agent. Alexander was playing on a two-way contract for the Nuggets last season, averaging just 4.9 minutes per game over 24 appearances in NBA games. He was the G League Rookie of the Year, averaging 25.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game in 30 appearances with the Grand Rapids Gold.

Union Omaha fell to San Antonio FC Saturday, 1-0, in USL Cup play. The Owls’ next match is Saturday, July 5 at 10 p.m. against AV Alta FC. All USL League One matches can be streamed on ESPN+.

Major League Baseball announced rosters for the 2025 All-Star Futures Game, and Omaha Storm Chasers catcher Carter Jensen will represent the Kansas City Royals. Jensen is currently ranked as the No. 80 prospect in baseball, No. 10 catching prospect and No. 3 in the Royals organization. Jensen was drafted No. 78 overall by the Royals in the 2021 MLB draft out of high school and just completed his first week at the Triple-A level after being promoted from Double-A on June 23.

Creighton volleyball will begin its 2025 regular-season in the AVCA First Serve against defending national champion Penn State. While the match was announced in February, the match time and broadcast information were finalized on Monday. Creighton and Penn State will face off at Pinnacle Bank Arena at 4 p.m. on August 23. Fans who cannot make the trip to Lincoln can watch the game on Fox Sports 1.

Creighton basketball will compete in the Players Era Men’s Championship in Las Vegas for the second year in a row and will begin the tournament against a pair of Big 12 Conference powerhouses. Creighton will play Baylor at 1 p.m. on Monday, November 24 and Iowa State on November 25 at 1:30 p.m. A third game will be played either November 26 or 27, depending on the seed each team earns after the first two games.

Isaac Collins, a former Creighton baseball star and current Milwaukee Brewer, had a career-best, three-hit game Wednesday that included a solo home run in the eighth inning. Collins, drafted in the ninth round of the 2019 MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies, made his MLB debut in September of 2024 with the Brewers. This season, he’s batting .268 with five home runs and 20 RBIs.

The Omaha Storm Chasers host the Iowa Cubs in game three of this week’s series, tied 1-1, tonight at 7:08 p.m. They will play tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. with Independence Day fireworks following the game.

Upcoming Games
• Union Omaha at AV Alta FC | Saturday, July 5 | 10 p.m.
• Omaha Storm Chasers vs. Iowa Cubs | July 1 – July 6 | 7:08 p.m. Tonight

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Omaha Performing Arts has added three events to the performance calendar:

Heaven Hill Bourbon and BBQ, a special dining event, will be offered in Zinc at the Holland Center on Saturday, July 12 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person and are on sale through opentable.com.

Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! comes to the Orpheum Theater on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $39.50 and are now on sale through ticketomaha.com.

KNOCKOUT TOUR: VIOLET VS GOTTMIK comes to Steelhouse Omaha on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $53.35 and are on sale now through steelhouseomaha.com. This event is for ages 18 and up.

Film Streams is celebrating Heartland Pride weekend with a special showing of the 1995 classic comedy “To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar” on July 10 at 6:30 p.m. The showing will take place at the downtown Ruth Sokolof Theater location and will include a panel discussion afterwards to discuss the film’s 30-year legacy.

KANEKO is hosting “Beyond The Finishing Point,” on July 10 at 6:00 p.m., a reception and artist talk offering an intimate evening to explore one of the most unique artistic collaborations you’ll ever encounter. Join in for wine and light refreshments as renowned artist Jun Kaneko shares the captivating story behind his two-year creative partnership with three-year-old Ana Citrin.

North Omaha Music and Arts has announced its fourth annual NOMAFEST, a music festival benefit, happening on August 9 at Midtown Crossing’s Turner Park, and August 10 at the NOMA building. Artists include national and Grammy-nominated talent Eric Gales, Ghost-Note, Lakecia Benjamin, Heidi Martin and Dana Murray & Manifesto.

Spaw Collective is a local, woman-owned dog grooming salon opening in 2025. We prioritize safety and comfort, offering traditional grooming services along with fun, safe coloring options. Our shop features a curated retail area with products from local artisans, supporting the community. Committed to quality and care, we aim to create a positive environment where pets feel loved and owners trust us with their furry babies. Spaw Collective is located at 5094 South 108th Street.

Did you know Nebraska Medicine, in partnership with Noddle Companies, is building a 3-story, 125,000 sq. ft. health center near 192nd & Highway 370 in Gretna?

Did you know the Omaha metro area has more than 46,000 businesses?

Did you know one of the most important industries in Omaha’s early 20th Century history was “jobbing,” which is a term for warehousing and distribution? It’s what the Old Market district was before it became the Old Market.

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Late Nights at the Zoo (21+ Event) recurring weekly on Thursdays through August: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is opening its doors this summer for adults only on Thursday nights. No kids; all fun! Sips, bites and wild sights select Thursday nights all summer long. 21+ only.

Independence Days Celebration happening July 3rd – 5th: Celebrate Independence Day in style with three days of exciting events at The Granary! Kick things off July 3rd with a fun-filled afternoon and evening, featuring an amateur pie-baking contest, live music, food from local fundraisers and a spectacular fireworks show. On July 4th, enjoy a parade, foam party and Live Music by ‘Used Cars’ for all ages. We’re wrapping up the weekend July 5th with an all-ages concert by The Damones. It’s a weekend packed with food, music and celebration that you won’t want to miss!

The RiverFront Fourth of July Celebration happening on July 4th: All are welcome to The RiverFront Fourth of July Celebration featuring the Omaha Symphony! This fun, festive and family-friendly evening in downtown Omaha returns to the Gene Leahy Mall. The concert will feature the Omaha Symphony, along with other performers to be announced. The evening will culminate with The RiverFront’s spectacular fireworks presentation synchronized with live music. Come early to secure your spot on the lawn beginning at 3 p.m.

Light the Darkness: Walk for Hope happening on July 7th: Join others for the 8th annual Light of Darkness: Walk for Hope! This event is dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Together, everyone can shine a light on hope and break the stigma surrounding mental health. There will be food trucks, pop-up shops, raffle prizes, live music and more fun for you to enjoy. Reserve your tickets now!

Yoga in The Park recurring weekly on Sundays through July 27th: Yoga in the Park offers a weekly outdoor yoga session, sponsored by Methodist Health System and led by certified yoga instructors from Genesis Health Clubs. Yoga styles and instructors will vary from week to week. All skill levels welcome, including beginners!

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Former Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz has been named chair of the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors effective July 1. Fritz has been a member of the Nebraska Medicine Board since 2016 and succeeds Dr. James Linder, who announced earlier this year his planned departure as health system CEO after June 30. Linder will remain as a special advisor to the Board. Fritz led Union Pacific Railroad from 2015 to 2023. He was inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame in 2024. Dr. Michael Ash began his tenure as Nebraska Medicine CEO on July 1.

Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest has promoted Troy Deats to vice president of operations – preconstruction, Steve Hernandes to vice president of information technology, Dan Cahalan to vice president of operations – Omaha and Lindsay Selig to vice president of human resources. The company has hired Roger Hamilton as vice president of operations – low voltage.

Child Saving Institute recently added two behavioral health therapists: Lisa Abbott and Jamie Smith.

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

Managers Matter – Sixty-nine percent of salespeople who exceed their annual quota rated their sales manager as being “excellent” or at least “above average,” according to Harvard Business Review.

AI Resume Builder surveyed 7,884 U.S. adults and found that 10 percent of job seekers have lied on their resumes – typically about dates of employment, experience and responsibilities. Gen Zers and men are more likely to lie than their counterparts. Of those who lied, 76 percent received a job offer, and 81 percent of them said the lie helped them get their new job.

New research suggests that taking a quick, deep nap may help lead to a “eureka” moment, according to Smithsonian magazine. The deeper you can sleep in those 20 minutes, the more effective you’ll be upon waking.

SALES

In-person networking can be an effective prospecting tool, if you do it with a goal in mind. Too many sales pros go to an event and only socialize. In order to covert socializing into networking, plant this three-tiered goal in your mind before you enter the venue where networking will take place:

Goal #1
“I will get a direct opportunity”

This could be a new client or a purchase offer. While Goal #1 is ideal, it unfortunately doesn’t happen at most networking events.

Goal #2
“I will get a solid lead on a direct opportunity”

This is almost as good as the first goal, because it moves you closer to what you really want. This goal should happen at every networking event you attend. If it doesn’t, you’re not meeting enough people, not staying there long enough or not asking enough questions.

Goal #3
“I will meet new people and learn valuable information”

This is the minimum goal you should achieve more than once at each networking event you attend.

WISDOM

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” – Plato

The normal half time segment of a televised football game begins with the sideline reporter accosting the loosing coach with a mic: “You’re losing by 49 points. What do you need to change in the second half?” The answer is obvious to everyone except the reporter: Score more points.

We are about to enter the second half of the 2025 stock market, so now is a good time to reflect on how you did in the first half and what you need to do in the second half to make your retirement account a winner.

Let’s start with the headwinds Mr. Market faced when the year began. On January 20th, we inaugurated Donald J. Trump as the 47th U.S. President. Within hours, Mr. Market went into a hissy fit over Elon Musk and his DOGE schtick. He trashed Tesla stock as revenge for Musk’s involvement in Trump’s scorched earth agenda. And then turned around and glowed with optimism thinking that Musk’s efforts would lower the deficit.

The next, and perhaps biggest, schlimazel was Trump’s tariff war. Every Democrat and academic economist who could get their hands on a microphone began bloviating that the “proposed” tariffs put us on a warp-speed trajectory to catastrophic inflation and recession.

Then Trump decided to pour more gas on the fire and attempted to bomb Iran back to the Stone Age. That kerfuffle lasted only 12 hours and currently all parties are sitting around the table shuffling the cards.

At first blush, the tail winds are few and far between – the major one being that the experts don’t have a clue. In spite of all the hand-wringing and gnashing of teeth about tariffs and government spending, inflation continues to decline, slowly bringing interest rates down with it.

Before returning to the field to begin the second half, let’s review the score. The Dow was up 1.94 percent, the S&P up 4.33 percent and the Nasdaq 6.73 percent. If we remain on this trajectory, we should end the year around the historic norms. The relationship among the three primary indexes remains as expected. The NASDAQ is taking the lead, followed by the S&P, with the Dow, as always, pulling up the rear.

So, the next question is how did you and your retirement account do during the first half? If your answer is, “I don’t know,” shame on you. If you had placed your dollars in an effective and efficient index fund, Mr. Market rewarded you with a nice payday. If not, the Wall Street mavens went home smiling. It’s your money, and its care and feeding is up to you!

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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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