Every year, the Greater Omaha Chamber honors those whose vision, work ethic and dedication to community have made Omaha – Greater Omaha. Honorees are selected from nominations submitted by community members and business leaders.
Five of these outstanding leaders are set to be inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame this year; a class that has shifted the dynamic in areas as varied as food service and finance, construction and real estate development, energy and entrepreneurship. Each will be featured in a permanent exhibit at The Durham Museum.
Lance M. Fritz
Lance M. Fritz served as Union Pacific’s chairman, president, and chief executive officer from 2015 until his retirement in 2023, culminating a distinguished 23-year career with the railroad. Today, he continues to contribute to the company as a special advisor.
Lance began his journey with Union Pacific in July 2000 as vice president and general manager of Energy in the Marketing and Sales Department. His talent and dedication quickly propelled him through the ranks. He held key executive positions in the Operating and Labor Relations departments and eventually served as president and chief operating officer of Union Pacific Railroad. His leadership was instrumental in navigating the company through periods of significant growth and operational challenges, ensuring its position as a leader in the transportation industry.
In Feb. 2024, Lance joined the board of Fiserv, Inc. His expertise in corporate governance and strategic management is a valuable asset to the company.
Lance is a proud graduate of Bucknell University, where he laid the foundation for his career in business. He further honed his skills by earning a master’s degree in management from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. His educational background has been pivotal in his approach to leadership and strategic decision-making.
Lance’s commitment to service extends beyond his professional achievements. He is an active member of several boards, including Nebraska Medicine, the Omaha Zoological Society, the Kiewit Luminarium, Parker-Hannifin Corporation, and The Business Council. His involvement in these organizations reflects his dedication to enhancing community well-being and fostering innovation.
Lance and his wife, Julie, have two children and are deeply committed to their community. They focus on initiatives that support women and children at risk in the Omaha area, demonstrating their commitment to making a positive impact.
Mickey, C.L., & Jim Landen
The Landen family has a storied legacy in the banking industry and their communities. Leading this legacy are Clarence L. “C.L.” Landen, III, and James E. “Jim” Landen, Sr., at the helm of Security National Bank. Founded in 1964 by their father, Clarence L. “Mickey” Landen Jr., the bank serves Omaha, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, and Dallas.
Clarence L. “C.L.” Landen, III, CEO, began his career with the bank in 1980, holding various key positions, including president. He serves on the boards of Methodist Hospital and Nebraska Methodist Health System and is a Westside School Foundation board member. With his wife, Patty, he co-chairs the Heart Ministry Center Holy Smokes fundraiser and is active in the Suburban Rotary of Omaha. C.L. holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Denver.
James E. “Jim” Landen, Sr., executive chairman, started with the bank in 1987, serving as president and CEO. He is deeply involved in the Omaha and Dallas communities, serving as board chair of Clarkson Regional Health Service and on the Executive Board of Southern Methodist University (SMU) Cox School of Business. Jim also serves on the board of Canopy South and the Omaha Salvation Army Advisory Board. He has been involved with the American Bankers Association, Nebraska Bankers Association, Children’s Hospital, and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Jim and his wife, Diny, co-chaired the 2011 United Way of the Midlands campaign and were named Citizens of the Year in 2021.
Clarence Louis “Mickey” Landen, Jr. laid the foundation for the bank’s success. Born in Omaha’s Minne Lusa neighborhood, Mickey served in the Army Air Corps during WWII, earning three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. In 1964, he established Security National Bank. He married Mary Shirley in 1955, and they were known for their quiet philanthropy. Mickey cherished his time at Lake Okoboji, working to preserve the area and creating lasting family memories.
Sid Meridith
Sid Meridith is from Boone, Nebraska, where his parents owned a small general merchandise store. From a young age, he learned the importance of customer satisfaction in a small business. After starting his education in a one-room schoolhouse and finishing high school in St. Edward, Sid earned a Business degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Following graduation, Sid served as a Navy officer for seven years during the Vietnam War. His military experience honed his leadership skills. After his service, Sid settled in Omaha and founded Security Equipment Inc. (SEi) in October 1969.
As his business grew, Sid purchased his first office building in West Omaha in the late 1970s. By the mid-1980s, he opened a UL-listed 24/7 monitoring center, propelling SEi’s growth. Today, SEi has offices in Lincoln, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Kansas City, with over 220 employees and a fleet of service vehicles. The company serves over 18,000 customers across 44 states, including many of Omaha’s top companies, financial institutions, universities, schools, hospitals and churches.
Sid remains active in the business but has handed day-to-day operations to his son, Mike, who has been with SEi for over 30 years. The third generation of the Meridith family is also getting involved, ensuring SEi’s legacy continues.
Sid and his wife, Sara, are deeply involved in the Omaha community. They stay active with their family and work with organizations like the American Legion, Nebraska Community Foundation, Autism Action Partnership, and the Boys & Girls Clubs. They are also involved with Nebraska Wesleyan University and are lifetime members of Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever, reflecting Sid’s passion for wildlife conservation.
Sid Meridith’s life is a testament to his dedication to business, community service, and family. His legacy of integrity, resilience, and community involvement continues to inspire those who know him.
Constance Ryan
Constance Ryan’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and community impact. Armed with a medical technology degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Connie embarked on a remarkable career that would lead her to the pinnacle of success.
In 1982, Connie made a bold decision to join the family business, Streck, Inc., igniting a spark of entrepreneurial spirit that would define her future. Over the years, she immersed herself in the dynamic world of medical technology, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence. In 1992, Connie ascended to the role of president, propelling Streck into a new era of growth and innovation. By 2013, her visionary leadership had elevated her to the position of CEO, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.
Under Connie’s guidance, Streck experienced an extraordinary evolution, marked by consistent and steady growth. Through strategic acquisitions and the introduction of 45 groundbreaking products, Streck cemented its position as a leader in the medical technology sector. In fiscal 2023 alone, the company achieved record-breaking revenue exceeding $225 million, a testament to Connie’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication.
In a bold move indicative of her strategic prowess, Connie orchestrated the successful sale of Streck to Madison Industries, marking a new chapter in the company’s storied history.
Beyond her remarkable achievements in the business world, Connie is a passionate advocate for community empowerment and social change. Her philanthropic endeavors are as diverse as they are impactful. From serving as a Habitat Omaha Board Member and co-founding the transformative Women Build: Belvedere-Miller Park Project, to her current roles on the Luminarium Board, Omaha Symphony Board, and iEXCEL Advisory Board, Connie’s commitment to driving positive change knows no bounds.
As a member of esteemed organizations such as YPO Gold and the Chief Executives Organization, Connie continues to inspire and empower leaders around the world.
Joan H. Squires
Joan H. Squires is the President of Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa), an organization she started over 20 years ago. Today, O-pa is the largest arts organization in Nebraska, managing the Orpheum Theater, Holland Performing Arts Center, Steelhouse Omaha, and the upcoming Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, set to open in early 2026. O-pa showcases a diverse range of performances, from touring Broadway shows to dance, jazz, popular music, and family shows. Additionally, O-pa is deeply committed to education and community engagement, reaching over 550,000 people annually and generating an impressive $61 million economic impact each year.
Joan is a voting member for Broadway’s Tony Awards and serves as an ex-officio member of the Broadway League Executive Committee and Board of Governors. She also co-chairs the national Jimmy Awards Advisory Committee. Her influence extends nationally through her past presidency of the Performing Arts Centers Consortium and her active involvement in various professional organizations.
Her leadership and dedication to the arts have earned her numerous accolades. Joan has received the Governor’s Arts Award and was named to the Ak-Sar-Ben Court of Honor for her contributions to the arts. Musical America recognized her as one of their 30 “Movers and Shapers.” She has also been honored with the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management from the Broadway League, named “Midlander of the Year” by the Omaha World-Herald, and recognized as “Woman of Distinction” by the Midlands Business Journal.
In addition to her professional achievements, Joan serves as a trustee for Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania and the Greater Omaha Chamber and is a past director of Nebraska Cures.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Joan holds master’s degrees in both Music and Business Administration from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Lebanon Valley College. She and her husband, Dan Hamann, reside in Omaha.