Omaha, Neb., May 5, 2021 – The Greater Omaha Chamber today applauded the announcement of Omaha as a “key pilot site” chosen to enhance, develop and expand catastrophic disease-response services of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS).
Led by the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Nebraska Medicine, the pilot is part of the Med Center’s ongoing “Project NExT” initiative, a project designed to “propel the medical center campus and the state of Nebraska to even higher levels of clinical care, education and research,” according to a 2019 independent economic impact analysis executed by Tripp Umbach.
Project NeXT, a public-private partnership expected to add nearly $2 billion to the local economy by 2030, is also on track to catalyze 8,700 permanent jobs statewide.
Today’s “pilot site” designation was praised by David G. Brown, president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber, who issued the following statement:
“This is an extraordinary first in care and collaboration for the State of Nebraska, area stakeholders, community partners and, especially, UNMC. Our community leaders have worked countless hours to secure funding, develop initiatives and grow the strategic choices that led to today’s announcement. Many, many hands worked together to shape the public-private partnership that set Omaha apart in securing this important project – an enduring initiative that will enhance the bio-preparedness of the world.
“Once the project is fully operational, we estimate Project NExT will add more than $1.3 billion to the Nebraska economy annually. As the project unfolds, we expect the initiative to support approximately 32,955 construction jobs. This is a remarkable project, with a remarkable impact. It is an incredible milestone in our collective, aspirational journey toward Greater Omaha 2040, when we expect Omaha to be recognized as one of the greatest, most culturally diverse, prosperous regions in the world.”
About the Greater Omaha Chamber Economic Development Partnership
The Greater Omaha Chamber Economic Development Partnership (https://www.omahachamber.org/economic-development/) represents a seven-county area from two states (Nebraska and Iowa) that includes Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Otoe, Pottawattamie, Sarpy and Washington Counties.
About Greater Omaha
Greater Omaha is a No. 1 ranked up-and-coming-tech hotspot, a “top 10 best place to live on a $60,000 salary” and was named America’s No. 2 Best Small City by Resonance Consultancy. The region is a top-five “most remarkable waterfronts in the U.S.” and is home to more than 30 communities and nearly 1 million people.
About the Greater Omaha Chamber
The mission of the Greater Omaha Chamber is to champion a thriving business community and a prosperous region through visionary leadership and collaboration.