Archive

Show #332 August 28, 2010
First we talk about the effectiveness of the Saddlebrook joint-use facility with Bob Mabrey, architect with BCDM and Mark Suing, principal of Saddlebrook Elementary School. Then, we get a construction update from Richie Pohlad of Pohlad Custom Homes. And to wrap things up this week, John Luce of Coldwell Banker Commercial World Group discusses how commercial construction has changed in the past two years.
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Show #331 August 21, 2010
Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle and City Finance Director Pam Spaccarotella join Trenton and Jeff to discuss how the budget issues could affect economic development. Then, at the end of the program, we talk to author Cy Wakeman about predicting a company's success by measuring employee engagement.
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Show #330 August 14, 2010
Grow Omaha is live at Loft 610 restaurant in Midtown Crossing at Turner Park. We're joined by guest co-host Molly Skold, director of marketing for Midtown Crossing, as well as Krystal Fleming, owner of Three Dog Bakery; Ken Cook, president of East Campus Realty; and a couple surprise retailers.
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Show #329 August 7, 2010
Omaha Royals general manager Martie Cordaro lets us know how the stadium project is coming along. Becki Jelinek and Alice Roberts are working to start Omaha's first Montessori High School. And developer Jeff Rensch talks about a new development near downtown Plattsmouth.
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Show #328 July 31, 2010
Brooke Ossenkop from the Hilton Omaha Hotel promotes the upcoming "North Downtown Day." Then, Ed Cochran, executive director of the North Omaha Development Project, fills us in on some of the great developments there. Finally, Dr. Tom Rosenquist, vice chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, talks about the record $115 million in research funding received last fiscal year.
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Show #327 July 24, 2010
J.P. Hansen, author of "The Bliss List," talks with us about the job market. Next, Metro Community College's Stacey Ocander, dean of health and public service, and Israel Mattox, student, discuss .a new job training program. Also, Ralph Marasco from the M Group and Kent Grisham of Peter Kiewit Building Group tell us about the work they're doing with Habitat for Humanity.
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Show #326 July 17, 2010
We start with Bret Cain, owner of the new Omaha location of Red Mango. Then, Josh Weiss, an auditor at Lutz & Company, addresses the state of the construction industry. Finally, Mark Davis, CEO of EMSI shares with us why his business not only decided to remain in Omaha, but also lease a newer, more modern facility. .
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Show #325 July 10, 2010
At the beginning of this week's show, we learn about the Omaha Sports Commission with Harold Cliff and Bob Freeman. Next, local entrepreneur Larry Kavich, chairman of All Makes Office Equipment Company, stops in. Finally, Tre Brashear and Mike Toohey preview the MAHA Music Festival.
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Show #324 July 3, 2010
What is "coworking"? Megan Hunt, owner of Princess Lasertron and founder of CAMP, enlightens us. Also, Rayna Ford, director of sales and marketing for "Ingredient," tells us about the latest trendy, upscale business to open in Midtown Crossing.
Show #323 June 26, 2010
It's a listener phone call free-for-all, as well as our quarterly discussion with Lou Chiganos, administrator of the GrowOmaha.com discussion forum.
Show #322 June 19, 2010
Marisa Ring, the Greater Omaha Chamber's manager of international business development, talks about the local Chinese expansion. Then, we introduce you Wendy Townley, author of the recently released book, "Nerdy Thirty." Finally, DJ's Dougout president Darwin Hanssen discusses his plans to open a new location downtown.
Show #321 June 12, 2010
DiVentures Scuba and Swim Center, possibly the largest and most innovative scuba diving facility in the United States, is opening June 19th near 120th and I Street -- we talk with one of the owners, Dean Hollis. Also, Beverly Hills, California-based StockCross Financial Services is opening Saturday next to Harry & David at Village Pointe -- so we iinterview James Cunningham and find out why StockCross chose Omaha.
Show #320 June 5, 2010
We learn about Plattsmouth's "Main Street Corridor Improvement" plan from city administrator Erv Portis and Charles Jones, executive director of the Main Street Association. We discover how entertainment and recreation businesses faring in today's economy from Shawn Williams of Bounce U. And get educated on Papillion Sanitation's new recycling program by Erica Johnson, division sales manager for Waste Connections, Inc.
Show #319 May 29, 2010
Marty Carmody, CEO of the new Bellevue Medical Center stops in. Next, we talk business security with Steve Johnson of Barone Security. Finally, the all-digital, multi-screen AkSarBen Cinema is under construction, as Bill Barstow, owner of Mainstreet Theatres, tells us.
Show #318 May 22, 2010
David Brown, president & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce makes his quarterly visit to the KFAB studio. And finish with major development happenings of the week.
Show #317 May 15, 2010
Bob Torson of Robert Torson Architects gives his perspective on Omaha's built environment. Then, in advance of the annual Downtown Living Tour, we discuss the condo market and lifestyle available in downtown Omaha with Ben Proctor of Riverfront Place.
Show #316 May 8, 2010
Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale joins us to talk about international business and explain the important services his office provides to Nebraska businesses. Later, Brent Pohlman, marketing director for Omaha-based Midwest Laboratories, shares some fascinating aspects of his company. Also, Jeff Slobotski of Silicon Prairie News, provides details about an upcoming high-tech conference.
Show #315 May 1, 2010
This week, we learn more about Omaha's role in cyberspace security while talking to Linda Lovgren, chair of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce's military group and Elizabeth Durham-Ruiz from the Global Innovation Strategy Center. Also, Greg Brigham from Nebraska Title Company gives us a perspective on today's challenging real estate market from the title insurance industry standpoint. Finally, Lou Lamberty from Olsson Associates joins us to explain what would be done if the sewer bond issue is approved.
Show #314 April 24, 2010
Doug Bisson of HDR and Karen Mavropoulos of the South Omaha Development Project talk about the big changes they have planned. Dan Pittman, Sarpy County Assessor, helps us better understand how our taxes are calculated. And we highlight the Business Ethics Alliance with Dr. Beverly Kracher
Show #313 April 17, 2010
The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce is about to unveil a landmark plan that will help direct growth and investment in historic South Omaha. We discuss it with Karen Mavropoulos of the South Omaha Development Project and Jamie Grayson-Berglund from Destination Midtown. Then, we talk about a number of items related to Metro Community College's growth with President Randy Schmaizl.
Show #312 April 10, 2010
We talk first with Mike Pate, president & CEO of United Republic Bank, about the difficulties entrepreneurs and real estate developers are experiencing as they seek financing for new businesses and projects. Then, Royals General Manager Martie Cordaro tells us about the future of Omaha's professional baseball club. Lastly, Jeff and Trenton will analyze the major development happenings of the week.
Show #311 - April 3, 2010
First we talk with Marisa Ring from the Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Joe Chapuran from NE Dept. of Economic Development about Easyway International Freight Company, a Shaanix, China-based firm on why they chose La Vista for their U.S. Office. Next, we talk with Brian Gilbreath of Merrillcorp about an Omaha chapter for the Association for Corporate Growth. Lastly, we finish off with major development happenings of the week.
Show #310 - March 27, 2010
We start this week's show talking with David Drodz of the UNO Center for Public Affairs Research regarding the 2010 Census and "Population Demographics." Secondly, we talk with Joe Gudenrath of the Downtown Improvment District about replacing worn-out benches and using them as a form of public art. At the end of the show, we'll talk with Papillion Mayor David Black and Steve Pella, VP of Black Hills Energy about their new office building in Papillion.
Show #309 - March 22, 2010
Dave Vankat from the AIM Institute will join us at the beginning of this week's show to talk about the InfoTec conference planned for mid April. Next, we talk with Ryan Blumkin from Coldwell Banker about property taxes. He will discuss ways that might save you money. As always, we'll analyze the major development happenings of the week.
Show #308 - March 13, 2010
We start with an Entepreneur Profile and interview Jennifer O'Dell, part of the sister-entrepreneur team of two local boutique stores in town. Next we talk with Bill Swanson, executive director of UNO's Executive MBA program designed for working professionals. Lastly, we discuss the employment outlook with Mitch Arnold, president of Preferred Partners, an Omaha-based recruiting firm. As always, we end with the latest development news of the week.
Show #307 - March 6, 2010
Our first topic of the day is "More Recognition for Papillion." We talk with Mayor David Black about Papillion's latest press. Secondly, we interview Ron Kennedy of Terrecom about the future of manufacturing in America. At the end of the program, we'll talk to Scott McCaig, owner of Capital School of Hairstyling and Aesthetics about the school's new location. And, finish with the latest economic development happenings of the week.
Show #306 - February 27, 2010
Our main topic this week is "What Omahans are thinking about Omaha." We speak with Lou Chiganos, administrator of the GrowOmaha.com discussion forum and accept listener calls during the show. We conclude with the latest economic development happenings of the week.
Show #305 - February 20, 2010
We talk with Jason Pfaff, campus director for University of Phoenix, about their expansion of a second location in Papillion. Next, we discuss the Young Professionals Summit with Omaha Chamber of Commerce members Sarah Johnson and Mark Pohl. And discuss Omaha as a young professional destination. We finish with the latest economic development news of the week.
Show #304 - February 13, 2010
We start the show talking to Dave Dreiling, owner of GTM Sportswear, a new business in town. Then, discuss "Commerical Property Management" with Beverly Ellis, vice president of property management with Coldwell Banker Commerical World Group. And, finish with "Record Small Business Administration Lending" and economic development news of the week.
Show #303 - February 6, 2010
First, we have an Economic Development Discussion with David Brown, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Then discuss the Superbowl Food Drive with Rotary Int'l. district governor Rich Rowland. We finish with one of the most exciting continuing education programs to come to Omaha, titled Professional Development. As always, we analyze the latest economic news of the week.
Show #302 - January 28, 2010
Trenton and Jeff talk this week with Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle.
Show #301 - January 23, 2010
First, we get an update from Ed Cochran of the North Omaha Development Project in advance of a major community meeting. Then, Martie Cordaro, general manager of the Omaha Royals, talks to us about construction progress on the Sarpy County stadium. Finally, State Senator Rich Pahls joins us to discuss some of the legislation in this year's Unicameral session that would affect Omaha's growth
and development.
Show #300 - January 16, 2010
We first analyze the commercial real estate investment market with Ryan Blumkin, a real estate investment specialist at Coldwell Banker Commercial World Group. Then, we focus on a bill recently introduced in the Nebraska legislature, which calls for the consolidation of counties.
Show #299 - January 9, 2010
We talk about Eppley first with two representatives from the Omaha Airport Authority: Steve Coufal, executive director, and Dave Roth, director of engineering and planning. Then, we interview Phil Phillips, director of business retention at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.
Show #298 - January 2, 2010
Trenton and Jeff begin the new year with a review of the past year's major economic development stories and their predictions for the coming year. Then, the "G.O. Boys" look at the factors over the past decade that has made Omaha a tourism and convention "destination." Finally, an update from Joanne Bemis, Director of Development for the Salvation Army, on how the bell-ringing campaign
turned out.

An archive of older shows is at this link