Looking to the future. Resolving to make history. The Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership celebrated the new year by boldly launching a new era in regional economic development. On Jan. 3, 2014, Greater Omaha Chamber leadership joined the governors of Nebraska and Iowa and a host of other local dignitaries in welcoming Advance Southwest Iowa to the Partnership, an addition that expands the coalition into a two-state, regional economic development organization.
“We welcome Advance Southwest Iowa, a new, vital partnership in this increasingly global, competitive landscape,” said David G. Brown, president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber. “This unique, multi-county coalition now allows us to better leverage our region’s many assets and offer our prospective companies and clients a wider range of business, talent and investment options.”
Advance Southwest Iowa is a public-private partnership of the City of Council Bluffs, Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, Iowa West Foundation, Pottawattamie County and the Western Iowa Development Association. As a Partnership member, it will now collaborate with the economic development organizations of Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties.
“The Iowa coalition inquired about joining the Partnership in early 2013 after observing the successes and synergies of communities positively working together as an economic development region,” said Bob Mundt, president and CEO, Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce. “It is my belief that we as the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership can accomplish more – together.”
The governors of both Nebraska and Iowa applauded the formation of this two-state endeavor and underscored the client benefit.
“One of the most exciting parts of this announcement is that the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership will now provide inquiring companies and clients with more choices. The client will determine which options – from location to incentive packages – best meet their needs,” said Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman.
“There is a national trend throughout the U.S. towards building strong, mutually-beneficial regional partnerships,” said Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. “The regional approach gets us in the national game more often and keeps us in the game longer because of the increased alternatives offered to meet client needs.”
A one-stop center for economic development, the expanded, two-state Partnership is now set to implement an intensive, five year regional economic development program that will include:
- Creating, growing and recruiting businesses and jobs in southeast Nebraska-southwest Iowa
- Establishing a well-recognized brand and image for the entire region
- Creating a business climate that is conducive to growth
- Retaining and recruiting the workforce of the region’s future
Advance Southwest Iowa has hired Mike Dellinger as the executive director to carry out the organization’s activities and mission. Dellinger will have an office at the Greater Omaha Chamber to allow for a close working relationship with the entire Partnership team.