OMAHA, Neb., May 29, 2019 – The Greater Omaha Chamber today announced 180 regional investors have committed $26 million of the five-year, $32-million Prosper Omaha 2.0 campaign goal to date, funds designed to accelerate regional advancement, stimulate income and GDP growth and retain and attract talent.
The announcement follows the Chamber’s May 23 investors’ meeting, where more than 100 investors were updated on the Prosper Omaha 1.0 campaign results, an initiative that launched in 2014, closed in 2018, produced nearly 300 landed projects, grew $4.2 billion in capital investment and created more than 13,000 jobs – thanks to $25.9 million in support from 300 investors.
Highlights
Designed to propel the region into multiple “best-of-the best” categories, Prosper Omaha 2.0 will engage data-driven insights, community input and future-planning to address goals in Business Growth, People and Place.
- Prosper Omaha 2.0 Business Growth Goals
- $3 billion in new investment
- $500 million in new payroll
- 10,000 new jobs
- 250 new tech startups
- 250 new REACH contracts, and more than $10 million in revenue, for small and emerging construction businesses
- 100+ Kitchen Council community-engagement opportunities
- Prosper Omaha 2.0 People Goals
- 100 companies engaged in diversity and inclusion initiatives through CODE pledge commitment, an initiative designed to increase opportunities and equity for underrepresented populations
- 100,000 career experiences for area middle and high school students
- 10,000 new, trained tech talent workers
- 10,000 under-employed retrained for higher-skill, higher-wage jobs
- Prosper Omaha 2.0 Place Goals
- $1 billion investment in urban core
- Modern transit system funded and under construction
- Additional inspiring and engaging public places under development
Over the five-year life of the campaign, Prosper Omaha 2.0 will lead 300 economic development projects in a six-county metro characterized by strong assets, vibrant and connected downtowns throughout the region, a thriving arts community and an elevated global standing.
CEO Perspective
“A more prosperous future is within our reach, but it’s going to take real collaboration and a shared commitment. Once again, our community partners have stepped forward whole-heartedly,” said David G. Brown, president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber. “We couldn’t be more grateful for their investment, their trust and most of all, their incredible dedication to our region. The destination is worth it – a Greater Omaha recognized as one of the most inspirational places in the country.”
Tim Burke, president and chief executive officer, Omaha Public Power District and chairman, Prosper Omaha 2.0 campaign, echoed Brown’s remarks, “We are passionate about exceeding the expectations of our customer-owners daily – and participating in the region’s economic growth through Prosper 2.0 is just one of the ways we listen and seek to understand our community. That level of engagement and collaboration helps make this region such an exciting and supportive place to raise families and grow organizations. We are better together, and we are proud of and grateful for the $26 million area organizations have already committed to Prosper 2.0, creating an opportunity to power our collective progress.”
Fundraising for the catalytic endeavor will continue throughout the year, and furthers a Chamber tradition of focused, economic development activity that companies, foundations and individuals have been investing in for 25 years.
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. This is accomplished by advocating for a strong business climate, creating opportunities for member visibility and business connections, pursuing investment and jobs for the region, strengthening leaders and the community and enhancing the region’s brand and image.
About Greater Omaha
Greater Omaha is a No. 1 ranked up-and-coming-tech hotspot and Time magazine’s 2017 No. 3 Most Up-and-Coming City in America. Recognized as a 2019 top-20 economic boomtown by GoBanking, Omaha is also the 2019 No. 8 best midsize city in America for college graduates, according to OnlineDegrees.com. Originator of the Midwest’s “We Don’t Coast” movement, and named America’s No. 2 Best Small City, Greater Omaha is home to more than 30 communities and nearly 1 million people, with a youthful population (median age is 34.5), low cost of living and steady economic growth that outpaces the nation. Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha, Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc. and Union Pacific – all Fortune 500 companies – call Greater Omaha “home.”
About the Greater Omaha Chamber Economic Development Partnership
The Greater Omaha Chamber Economic Development Partnership represents a six-county area that includes the Greater Omaha Chamber (Douglas County), Cass County Nebraska Economic Development Council, Gateway Development Corporation (Washington County), Sarpy County Economic Development Corporation, Greater Fremont Development Council (Dodge County) and Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation (Pottawattamie County). This regionalized partnership operates as a “one-stop shop,” driving growth and championing collaboration.
CONTACT:
Jill Bruckner
Communications/PR Manager
Greater Omaha Chamber
402-978-7920
jbruckner@omahachamber.org