2026 Business Hall Of Fame Inductees – David G. Brown
David G. Brown David G. Brown was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. One of six children, he distinguished himself in academics and athletics, earning admission to Dartmouth College. After graduation, he returned to Michigan and began a career in economic development, first in Monroe and then in Flint. He later returned to Monroe […]
2026 Business Hall Of Fame Inductees – Steve Menzies
Steve Menzies For Steve Menzies, there is an easy commerce between his leadership in the corporate world and his dedicated philanthropy. A lifelong, self-made serial entrepreneur, Steve began his career in a ten-by-ten office shortly after graduating from Columbia University with an engineering degree in Mathematics. His commercial achievements include the creation of Applied […]
2026 Business Hall Of Fame Inductees – The Honorable Jean Stothert
The Honorable Jean Stothert Mayor Jean Stothert has served the citizens of Omaha in elected office for 27 years, but her record of public service was instilled at a young age by her parents. After graduating from nursing school, she worked as a critical care nurse and head nurse of cardiovascular surgery at St. […]
2026 Business Hall Of Fame Inductees – G. Richard Russell and Carol Madson Russell
G. Richard Russell and Carol Madson Russell G. Richard Russell and Carol Madson Russell have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to business leadership, volunteerism, and community involvement in Omaha. Rick Russell was born in Yankton, South Dakota, and moved with his parents, George F. and Marjorie H. Russell, to Millard, Nebraska, where George founded Millard […]
2026 Business Hall Of Fame Inductees – Derek J. Leathers
Derek J. Leathers Derek J. Leathers is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Werner Enterprises, serving as Chairman since May 2021 and CEO since May 2016. He was Vice Chairman in 2020-21 and President from 2011 to January 2024. Throughout his tenure at Werner, he has held integral roles in many facets […]
2026 Business Excellence Award Winners
The Greater Omaha Chamber, in partnership with Premier Bank, is proud to recognize businesses making meaningful contributions to our community. Honorees are celebrated across key categories including civic engagement, culture, innovation, philanthropy, and the distinguished Business of the Year award. Their efforts continue to strengthen Greater Omaha as a dynamic place to live, work, and […]
Leadership and Service Honored at the 2026 Annual Meeting
Throughout 2025, Chamber members continued to show a strong commitment to strengthening the fabric of our community. We are proud to recognize local business leaders, volunteers and organizations who exemplify the spirit of collaboration and service that defines the Greater Omaha business community through three distinguished awards: Chair’s Dedicated Service Award Bestowed upon an individual […]
2025 Business Hall Of Fame Inductees – Todd & Mary Heistand
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 […]
2025 Business Hall Of Fame Inductees – Bruce & Todd Simon
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 […]
2025 Business Hall Of Fame Inductees – Roger A. Dixon
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 […]