Folks,
It appears that Autumn has just arrived and thanks to your good work, our momentum shows no signs of slowing. We have continued to aggressively pursue regional expansion projects, recruit new employers to the market and catalyze companies through a variety of start-up initiatives – and worry about the competitiveness of the region all at the same time!
Case-in-point: The REACH program will soon be rolling out the ContractorFIT program to help provide capability information regarding small and emerging businesses in the construction field. Kitchen Council is looking ahead to its new space at the PACE facility in Council Bluffs; and, The Startup Collaborative continues to hone their focus on providing capital to tech start-ups.
In the talent space, in addition to our Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity and Equity (CODE) work, (remarkable conference by the way!), we are partnering with businesses in Lincoln and Omaha to attract tech talent to the region through the OPTiN oma/lnk program. Plus, we are continuing to formalize the process of developing internship and apprenticeship programs through the Intern Omaha program, a pilot internship effort implemented through our cooperative partnerships and education committee.
Our Public Policy efforts remain focused on passage of LB720 to replace the Nebraska Advantage Act, which is set to sunset at the end of 2020; while tax reform continues as a priority (we’re committed to meeting the competitive targets outlined in Blueprint Nebraska).
We can’t forget our transportation work through the ConnectGO effort. Transportation needs don’t stop at city/county/state boundaries, so neither should planning efforts. ConnectGO provides an opportunity for transportation decisions to be made in a coordinated manner across the metro.
In short, we are accomplishing much. We are preparing for next year. And, we are grateful for your partnership as we collaborate on issues, opportunities and aspirations – allowing us to move Greater Omaha closer to the exciting goals identified in Greater Omaha 2040.
We are here for you.
Thank you for your continued collaboration and confidence. Let me know if I can be helpful.
Regards,
David G. Brown
President and CEO
Greater Omaha Chamber