August 20, 2025

Holland Performing Arts Center

Honoring Omaha’s Business
Past and Present.
Igniting its Future.

Every year, we recognize Omaha-area business luminaries for their incredible legacies and commitment to their business, industry and community. Honorees are inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame at a brilliant gala supporting the next generation of Omaha professionals.

Initiated in 1993 as part of the Greater Omaha Chamber’s centennial anniversary, the Omaha Business Hall of Fame event includes an hors d’oeuvres dinner and cocktail hour, induction ceremony and dessert reception. Achievements are then showcased in a permanent exhibit at The Durham Museum.

Past Honorees

See the full list of past Omaha Business Hall of Fame inductees

INDUCTION CEREMONY

August 20, 2025

Holland Performing Arts Center | 1200 Douglas St.

6 PM | Hors d’oeuvres Dinner & Cocktail Hour
7 PM | Induction Ceremony
8:30 PM | Dessert Reception

2025 Honorees

David Garibaldi

Roger A. Dixon

President/Chief Executive Officer
Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority

Roger A. Dixon
Roger Dixon is the President and CEO of the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), which manages the operations of CHI Health Center Omaha and Charles Schwab Field Omaha. He also holds the same titles for MECA Tri-Park Complex, LLC, which operates The RiverFront in downtown Omaha.

Dixon joined MECA in 2000 with the goal of building Omaha’s premier arena and convention center. In his over two decades with MECA, MECA’s facilities regularly host top concerts and coveted sporting events, such as the Men’s College World Series, volleyball and basketball NCAA Championships, and four consecutive Olympic team trials for USA Swimming. Under Dixon’s leadership, MECA was also charged with overseeing the construction and activation of The RiverFront. Comprised of three public parks— Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America, and Lewis and Clark Landing— The RiverFront, hosts dozens of events each month and welcomes millions of people annually. The latest project Dixon is overseeing at MECA is the 90,000 square foot expansion of the CHI Health Center’s convention center, aimed at allowing Omaha to compete for larger conventions.

Dixon has been in the industry for nearly 50 years. Before coming to Omaha, he served in management positions around the country in cities including St. Louis, Philadelphia, Miami, and Louisville, Kentucky. Dixon was also an executive with SMG, which manages several major facilities throughout the country.

Dixon is a 1976 graduate of Southern Illinois University.

David Garibaldi

Todd & Mary Heistand

Owners
NuStyle Development Corporation

Todd & Mary Heistand

High school sweethearts Todd and Mary Heistand were born and raised in the close-knit town of Woodbine, Iowa. After graduation, Todd pursued college at ISU and Mary at DMACC, but soon returned home to help operate Mary’s family farm due to her father’s declining health. When the farm crisis of the early 1980s hit, Todd shifted paths and moved to working in Omaha, launching a full-time career in real estate with a broker’s license and construction—an industry he’d worked in since the seventh grade.

While Todd built his career, Mary dedicated herself to raising their four children—Carrie, Mindy, Matt, and Kassey. In 1988, Todd partnered with his sister, Tammy Barrett, to co-found NuStyle Development, the company originally focused on rehabilitating condemned homes. By 1994, they had expanded into multifamily and historical apartment development, completing their first affordable housing project in Omaha. Tammy stepped away in 2003 to raise her own family, and Mary stepped into an active role at NuStyle, guiding the design, aesthetics, and amenities of their properties while Todd leads development and construction.

Over three decades, Todd and Mary have played a transformative role in reshaping Omaha’s downtown landscape. Their work brings character and charm to once-forgotten buildings, breathing new life into dilapidated and run-down buildings.

Beyond development, they established the Heistand Family Foundation, dedicated to uplifting families and children affected by poverty. Their commitment to community runs deep, and they remain proud residents of Woodbine, Iowa.

When they’re not on a job site, Todd and Mary enjoy traveling—Costa Rica being a favorite destination—boating during their annual family vacation to Table Rock Lake, and riding their Harley through the countryside. Most of all, they cherish time with their 16 grandchildren, whose ages range from Kindergarten to College Freshman. Their growing family keeps their hearts full and their lives joyfully busy.

David Garibaldi

Chris J. Murphy

Executive Chairman
First Westroads Bank

Chris J. Murphy

Chris J. Murphy is Executive Chairman of First Westroads Bank, one of the most successful locally owned banks serving the community since 1967. Chris and Betsy purchased the Bank in 1990.

Under Chris’s leadership, the Bank has received the coveted highest rating from Bauer Financial for the past 17 consecutive years, and its excellence rating for 32 consecutive years. Bauer Financial recognized First Westroads Bank for excelling in capital adequacy, profitability, asset quality, and much more.

The Murphy Family believes strongly in giving back to the community that has long supported their business and values.

He currently serves on the Creighton University board of directors and on the University of Notre Dame’s Graduate Studies & Research Advisory Council.

He has served in leadership roles on the boards and executive committees of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Mid-America Council, Children’s Hospital and its Foundation, The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben, and Nebraska Bankers Association, among others.

Several recognitions include the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year, Scouting’s Walter Scott, Jr. Citizen of the Year and the Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights Honorary Chairman.

A graduate of Creighton Prep, Drake University, and the Colorado Graduate School of Banking, Chris and Betsy have two children. Their son, Daniel, is part of the Bank’s senior leadership and board of directors.

With the Bank’s 50th year anniversary, Chris and Betsy created the Murphy Vision Fund from which was made the lead investment in Omaha’s Startup Collaborative. Several of those investments are making significant small business transformations.

Since 2013, Chris and Betsy have also sponsored the Murphy Cup, a joint marketing strategy competition between Creighton and Drake University. The event brings together top marketing seniors from both schools to collaborate on real-world client challenges in a weekend-long competition that emphasizes both teamwork and innovation.

Chris’s dedication to family, community, education, and entrepreneurship reflects his belief that success is best shared—and that strong communities are built through service and vision.

David Garibaldi

Bruce Simon

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Omaha Steaks

Bruce Simon
Bruce Simon was a fifth-generation family owner of Omaha Steaks, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer. Bruce’s career with Omaha Steaks dates back to his childhood, when he accompanied his father to the plant and help assemble boxes to earn extra spending money. Bruce began his full-time Omaha Steaks employment in 1981, upon graduation from the University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School of Finance, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics.

Bruce’s first full-time position post college graduation was as Assistant Plant Manager and from there he went on to hold numerous other positions throughout the company until being named President and Chief Executive Officer in 1994. He held this role until the time of his passing in 2021. Under Bruce’s direction, the company experienced tremendous growth. The brand, Omaha Steaks, has become synonymous with the finest quality beef and the company’s award-winning customer service is unparalleled.

Bruce lived the philosophy of “leading by example.” His decisive leadership and genuine philanthropic commitments were evident in all he did. Bruce was recognized as a strong leader in supporting the cultural arts and health and human service organizations both locally and nationally.

Over the years, Bruce was actively involved on the boards of numerous philanthropic organizations including the Omaha Performing Arts Society, Omaha Symphony, Joslyn Art Museum, and Boys and Girls Clubs.

On a professional level, Bruce was a past member and Chairman of the Executive Board of the Nebraska Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization. He also served on the board of the CEO Organization and was a long-time member of the American Meat Institute and the North American Meat Association. At the time of his passing, Bruce sat on the Friends of Florence (Italy) board where he served as treasurer. He was passionate about Italian Renaissance art and its preservation. He loved all things Italian: clothing, art, wine, history, etc.

Bruce and his wife Stacy have two daughters and one granddaughter.

David Garibaldi

Todd Simon

Chairman and Chief Steak Evangelist
Omaha Steaks

Todd Simon
Todd Simon is a 5th Generation owner of the Omaha Steaks® group of companies, currently serving as Chairman of the Board after almost 4 decades in various roles including Vice-President of Sales & marketing, Chief Marketing Officer and, most recently, Chief Executive Officer.

Todd joined Omaha Steaks 39 years ago after graduating from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He was responsible for developing and implementing Omaha Steaks’ brand strategy and many award-winning marketing programs, as well as the employee development efforts that make Omaha Steaks one of the finest customer service organizations in the USA.

Mr. Simon believes that supporting the community is a critical personal and corporate endeavor. He has had the honor to serve on the Douglas County Visitor Promotion Council since June of 2019, and today as chair of the Committee.

Over the years, Todd continued the Simon family’s legacy of philanthropy and dedication to the community by serving on the Boards of Directors for various arts, civic and human services organizations. Currently, Todd serves as a Trustee of the Omaha Community Foundation, President of the Board of Directors of the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, a Director of the Mid-American Arts Alliance and a Trustee of United States Artists.

He was the recipient of the Humanities Nebraska Sower Award and was named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year by the Nebraska Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He and his wife Betiana were named Humanitarians of the Year by Inclusive Communities. Todd and Betiana have two children.

Ticket Information

Reservations are due by Tuesday, August 12, 2025. No refunds for cancellations will be granted after this date.

Proceeds from this event help support Greater Omaha Chamber Foundation efforts to drive growth of the region’s strong, diverse economy; help attract and retain young professionals and maintain the permanent Omaha Business Hall of Fame exhibit at the Durham Museum.

PAST INDUCTEES

business hall of fame inductees

Digital Ads

Full Page: $1,000
Half Page: $500
Quarter Page: $350

You can purchase the ads through our registration page; no ticket purchase is necessary.

The ad sizing is as indicated below. Final ad designs must be submitted to Events@OmahaChamber.org in a high resolution PDF format without crops and no bleeds.

All ad designs and sales are due August 5, 2025.

If you have questions, please email Events@OmahaChamber.org.

Sponsors

This event is made possible by the generous contributions of our presenting sponsors. We appreciate their support.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

KPMG
KPMG is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, providing innovative business solutions and audit, tax, and advisory services to many of the world’s largest and most prestigious organizations. KPMG is widely recognized for being a great place to work, building a rewarding career and supporting inclusion and diversity and lifelong learning programs. Our people share a sense of purpose in the work we do, and a strong commitment to our core values of doing what is right, providing excellent service, respecting each other and supporting our local community. Our professionals in Omaha and Lincoln provide global support, industry insights, and the quality service our clients expect and deserve by working together with the right team of professionals who live and serve in our mutual community.

Learn more at www.kpmg.com/us

US Bank

U.S. Bancorp, with approximately 70,000 employees and $587 billion in assets as of March 31, 2022, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. In Nebraska, there are 34 U.S. Bank offices in 10 cities. Of those, 17 are located in the Omaha metro area. The Minneapolis-based company serves millions of customers locally, nationally, and globally through a diversified mix of businesses: Consumer and Business Banking; Payment Services; Corporate & Commercial Banking; and Wealth Management and Investment Services. The company has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, social responsibility, and customer service, including being named one of the 2022 World’s Most Ethical Companies and Fortune’s most admired superregional bank.

Learn more at www.usbank.com/about

Fraser Stryker

Fraser Stryker PC LLO provides comprehensive legal solutions to clients in the Midwest and throughout the country. Whether our clients need strategic legal guidance or formidable litigation representation, our pragmatic approach and collaborative working style ensuring that each client receives customized legal representation. Our full range of legal services includes business law, litigation, employment law, technology, employee benefits, government and regulatory, energy, estate planning, nonprofit law, and more.

Discover all that Fraser Stryker has to offer by visiting www.fraserstryker.com

RECEPTION SPONSOR

Bridges Trust
Bridges Trust

Bridges Trust, established in 1945, is a leading wealth management firm based in Omaha, Nebraska. With a team of 80 professionals overseeing assets exceeding $10 billion for a diverse clientele with varying needs and affluent backgrounds, including managing $2.6 billion for non-profit entities. As the state’s first registered investment advisor, Bridges Trust remains privately owned, specializing in built to suit services providing trust, investment management, family office, philanthropic consulting and strategic planning services for a growing client base.
Committed to delivering lasting value across generations, Bridges Trust maintains a legacy of trust and excellence both in the financial sector and within the community. Dedicated to supporting the community it serves, Bridges Trust actively contributes to over 50 organizations each year through donations and sponsorships.

Explore more at www.bridgestrust.com and connect of LinkedIn for updates.

NOMINATIONS

Nominations are closed for the 2025 Business Hall of Fame Gala.

The Greater Omaha Chamber annually inducts civic and business leaders whose accomplishments are both outstanding and historically significant. There is no set number of inductees that will be selected in any year.

  • Preserve the role of individual business achievement in Greater Omaha’s history through a permanent Omaha Business Hall of Fame.
  • Recognize individuals who have contributed to the business history of the Greater Omaha area in some significant manner, either through sustained superior accomplishment or through a specific important achievement.
  • Foster recognition by the general public of the importance of business and free enterprise to the development, future growth and overall quality of life in Greater Omaha.
  • Contribute to the overall business image of Greater Omaha.
  • Professionals and persons from large and small businesses who have made an outstanding contribution to the free enterprise system will be considered. The individual may be the founder or someone who contributed significantly to company development and may be active, retired or deceased. Civic and/or philanthropic activities are relevant but not the primary factor in selection.
  • The volunteer selection committee seeks individuals representing ethnic diversity who have demonstrated exceptional business leadership within their community.
  • The laureates may or may not currently hold the position in which they achieved major success and for which they are being honored.
  • Nominees must have resided in the Greater Omaha metropolitan area during their contribution to the community but do not need to currently reside there.
  • There is no set number of inductees that will be selected in any year.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Photo and Video Release:
By registering and participating in this event, you consent to the recording of your likeness, image, and/or voice and authorize the Greater Omaha Chamber to use photographs, video, and audio recordings containing your likeness, image, and/or voice in any medium for any purpose.

The Omaha Business Hall of Fame exhibit at The Durham Museum honors visionary leaders who have shaped our region’s economy. Through photos, stories, and artifacts, it celebrates their legacy of innovation and determination—offering inspiration to future generations. Proceeds from tonight’s Gala help ensure this meaningful display remains a permanent tribute.