Archive

Show #297 - December 26, 2009
First, we interview Small Business Association of the Midlands board president Michael Mitiliier about how this organization makes Omaha a more prosperous place for entrepreneurs. Then, we analyze Nebraska's recent population gains with David Drozd of the UNO Center for Public Affairs Research.
Show #296 - December 19, 2009
We talk first about local philanthropy with two experts from the Omaha Community Foundation: Sara Boyd, vice president, and Patrick McNamara, director of philanthropic services. Then, we learn about KVC Behavioral HealthCare, Inc. with Sandra Gasca, president of Nebraska operations.
Show #295 - December 12, 2009
Trenton and Jeff talk first with Bellevue University President Mary Hawkins about a new five-story structure that will serve a variety of educational and administrative purposes at the growing university. Then, we interview real estate agent Jim Vokal of Coldwell Banker Commercial World Group about the Omaha office market, focusing on whether office tenants are renting new space and what parts of the city are most desirable for office real estate.
Show #294 - December 5, 2009
At the beginning of the program, we talk with Dennis Wellendorf and John Gustafson of the Midlands Venture Forum. Second, we have an interview with Ross Robb and Ben Proctor, where we get a construction progress update on the second tower at Riverfront Place. At the end of the show, we're joined by Nick Strawhecker, owner of the brand-new Dante Pizzeria Napoletana in Legacy Village near 168th & West Center.
Show #293 - November 21, 2009
As the largest city in a very windy state, Omaha has much to gain as wind becomes a more common source of energy. Wel analyze Nebraska's potential as a wind-energy producing state in our interview with attorneys Jon Blumenthal and David Levy of Baird Holm LLP. Both are members of that firm's Real Estate & Renewable Energy practice group. Then, we talk about a new live/work development on Omaha's near north side. Our guest is Ed Cochran, Executive Director of the North Omaha Development Project.
Show #292 - November 14, 2009
We start this week with Abby Jordan and Becky App from eCreamery, an Omaha company that creates custom-made ice cream from a small store in downtown Dundee and ships it packed in dry ice to customers nationwide. Then, Dr. Tom Hejkal, chairman of UNMC's ophthalmology and visual sciences department, joins us to talk about the $30 million Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute set to open in 2012. Finally, a chat with Scott Hazelrigg, executive director of NorthStar, about the company"s plans to build a permanent Outward Bound center in North Omaha.
Show #291 - November 7, 2009
Our first guest is Kim Hodges, owner of Pump It Up of Omaha. Next, we discuss a project of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce to direct growth and investment in South Omaha for the next 20 years. Our guest is Doug Bisson, an urban planner with Omaha-based HDR. Finally, Steve Foster shares the unique story behind Grandma Foster's Smooth & Spicy BBQ Sauce" - winner of the "Best Sauce on the Planet" award at this year's American Royal Barbeque Competition in Kansas City.
Show #290 - October 17, 2009
First, we will discuss the construction getting ready to start at 80th & Dodge on a 102-room Staybridge Suites Hotel. We'll also interview a representative from Midas Hospitality, the new hotel's management group. Then, we have a fascinating interview with Zac Triemert, owner of the new Sólas Distillery. We will finish up the program with The Kroc Center's Molly Skold who will bring us up to speed on The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.
Show #289 - October 10, 2009
At the beginning of the show, we'll talk to Rhod McNee, owners of two future Omaha locations of a new national burger chain. Then, a special seminar is planned to help get people involved in franchising or thinking about going into it with guest Winsley Durand from the Greater Omaha Chamber or Commerce. We'll finish up this week's show with an interview about energy tax credits with Dan Travaille of USA Insulation.
Show #288 - October 3, 2009
This week, we talk to Steve Roarty of SignIt about the Best of Sarpy County Expo. Next we join Chamber's Bridget Lynch to talk about about the three major benefits fo chamber membership and how members can grow their businesses, hold down costs and build for the future. Then we finish this week's show with a fascinating interview with Zac Triemert, owner of the new Solas Distillery.
Show #287 - September 26, 2009
This week, we discuss our quarterly economic develoment discussion with David Brown, president & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.
Show #286 - September 19, 2009
At the beginning of this week's performance we'll interview Pat Williams who will speak at Buy the Big O! Show about "Achieving Peak Performance". Next we will discuss Land Planning and Development with Jason Thiellen of E&A Consulting Group and lastly, analyze the latest economic development news.
Show #285 - September 5, 2009
First, it's time for our wide-ranging, quarterly discussion with Lou Chiganos, site administrator of the GrowOmaha.com discussion board. Then, a discussion on "DiVentures", the largest and most innovative scuba diving facility in the United States followed by an interview of one of the owners, Dean Hollis.
Show #284 - August 29, 2009
This week we'll learn about the Chamber's New Plaza at 13th and Howard. Then discuss the Commercial Lending Environment with our guests from Union Bank, Mike Phelps and Ryan Wade. And Jim Nagengast, President of Securities America will join us for the end of our program.
Show #283 - August 22, 2009
First, we'll talk to Bridget Lynch from the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce about the upcoming "Chamber Chat Live". Then, we'll talk with an executive from California-based Panda Express, a fast-causal restaurant new to the area. In the second half of the program, we'll talk to Ken West and Mike Kros of DLR Group about their company's new office building at AkSarBen and wrap things up with Omaha author April Kelly about her new book.
Show #282 - August 15, 2009
We start with "Omaha Company Expands" - Savings Sidekick Publishing, a coupon book company started in Omaha that is going nationwide. Then, discuss Cunningham Lake Renovations with Steve Scarpello and end the show with "Senior Living for the Middle Class". Sam Reeder of Calamar discusses Woodbridge Senior Village.
Show #281 - August 8, 2009
This week we discuss the Commercial Lending Environment with Omaha State Bank Vice President. Then, we discuss the Groundbreaking for Omaha Royals Stadium with Sarpy County Administrator.
Show #280 - August 1, 2009
First, we assess the economic impact of the Cox Classic with Chad Mardesen, tournament director. Then, an analysis of Omaha's population with David Drozd from the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Show #279 - July 25, 2009
This week we focus on Land Development with civil engineer Jeff Lake of Olsson Associates then discuss the Great Times of Sarpy County with Toby Churchill, executive director of the Sarpy County Economic Development Corp. and follow up with recent economic development news.
Show #278 - July 18, 2009
We start this week with an update on residential real estate sales, talking with NP Dodge's Herb Freeman. Then, we interview Acting Mayor David Black about all the nice recognition Papillion has been getting lately.
Show #277 - July 11, 2009
We talk first with Jeff Dolezal, an architect with RDG Planning & Design, about building design and construction. Then, we discuss how and why data breaches occur, how to avoid them, who the thieves are and what they are after with Bill Dixon, director of enterprise security services at Continuum Worldwide.
(listen to the entire program)
Show #276 - July 4, 2009
We start this week talking business retention and expansion with Dr. Phil Phillips, the expert in this realm from the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Then, having just wrapped up the CWS and other high-visibility sporting events, we talk about the local financial impact with Roger Dixon, president & CEO of Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA).
(listen to the entire program)
Show #275 - June 27, 2009
Rod Moseman, vice president of economic development at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, talks about all the great publicity the city has been getting lately. Then, Nick Dizona, vice president of Real Property Appraisals, PC, talks land development in Omaha. Finally, Dr. Susanne Trimbath, CEO and Chief Economist for STP Advisory Services, chats with us about why she recently moved her company from L.A. to Omaha. [Due to a technical issue, the last few minutes of our interview with Dr. Trimbath has been cut off. KFAB regrets this, and apologizes for the error.]
Show #274 - June 20, 2009
We start this week with Lou Chiganos, site administrator of the GrowOmaha.com discussion board. Next, the story of Anthony Searcy, a businessman from Florida who now recruits other Floridians to the Big O. Finally, some details about the outdoor mural covering the east wall of the Energy Systems building near 13th & Webster. We talk with a representative from the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts.
Show #273 - June 13, 2009
We start this week with Martie Cordaro, vice president and general manager of the Omaha Royals, about the triple-A team's planned, 6,000- seat stadium near Papillion. Then, Hilton general manager Robert Watson about the hotel's five-year anniversary. Finally, Dr. Jennifer Moss from Bellevue University's Human Capital Lab, talks "workforce development."
Show #272 - June 6, 2009
This week is our quarterly economic development discussion with David Brown, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, one of the top chambers in the United States.
Show #271 - May 30, 2009
Doug Bisson from HDR talks to us about downtown Omaha's first master plan in 30 years. Then, we discuss "Home Builders' Blitz 2009" with Amanda Jedlicka, executive director of Habitat for Humanity and Dave Vogtman, Vice President of Hearthstone Homes. Finally, we talk about starting a new bank with Pat Corrigan, president & CEO and Mark Ellerbeck, executive vice president of Access Bank.
Show #270 - May 23, 2009
We start off this week examining growth and development in Cass County with two representatives of the new Cass County Economic Development Corporation: John Yochum, executive director and Roger Wehrbein, board chairman. In the second half of the show, we have a discussion with Omaha attorney Tom Ackley from the Koley Jessen law firm. Tom's legal practice focuses on real estate, banking and finance. He is well versed in Nebraska's economic development tools, and he's a member of the Bellevue Planning Commission.
Show #269 - May 16, 2009
Che Thompson, of Omaha Healthy Alliance, talks to us about the "Get The Lead Out" Assistance program. We also interview Marissa Ring with the Omaha Chamber regarding the recent economic development tour of Asia and investment and business opportunities in the Greater Omaha Area. Lastly, we talk to Jonathan McIntosh with SnapStone about moving manufacturing from Mexico to Omaha.
Show #268 - May 9, 2009
City Councilman Jim Suttle joins us this week. Just like we did last week with his competitor in the mayor's race, we focus exclusively on economic development. We want to know everything these candidates plan to do to make Omaha bigger, more vibrant and more economically prosperous.
Show #267 - May 2, 2009
As the City of Omaha mayoral election approaches, it's time for the candidates to pay a visit to Grow Omaha. This week we are joined by former Omaha mayor and U.S. Congressman Hal Daub. Next week, we'll have City Councilman Jim Suttle.
Show #266 - April 25, 2009
First, Jesse Calabretto, owner of Calabretto Building Group, stops in to update us on building projects and the latest trends in the construction industry. Then, developer Syl Orsi tells us about his exciting new development on South 10th Street in Little Italy. Finally, we talk with Becky McCarville and Shannon Gubbels, organizers of "Great Strides: A Walk to Cure Cystic Fibrosis."
Show #265 - April 18, 2009
We speak with HR expert Cy Wakeman about "How to achieve Job Security & Add Value at Work". We also discuss Plattsmouth Growth & Development and their economy with Mayor Paul Lambert. Lastly, we discuss Omaha's economic development news of the week.
Show #264 - April 11, 2009
We start this week with two subjects related to the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, first talking with Duane Siebler about the Cyberspace Symposium, then talking with Jim Butler and Cheryl Anderson about the Chamber's annual membership drive. Next, Leon Milobar and Mike Niehaus from the Small Business Administration's Omaha office tell us about good news for businesses looking for financing. Finally, we're joined by Robert Krause and Shawn Swaney, owners of KSI Construction.
Show #263 - April 4, 2009
We discuss the challenges of the housing market with a successful builder of upscale houses, Todd Gaver of Gaver Custom Homes. Also, with the onset of April Showers, we talk about the flooding implications of Omaha's built environment.
Show #262 - March 28, 2009
We talk first with Fred Reikowsky, General Manager of the future Novozymes biorefinery campus near Blair. Then, our guest is Christian Christensen of Bluestone Development, who is creating "22 Floors" near 13th and Webster. Finally, the 20th annual Commercial Real Estate Workshop takes place April 17th, and we talk about it with Jerry Slusky, founder and chairman.
Show #261 - March 21, 2009
TOPIC I - "How to Achieve Greater Job Security & Add Value at Work" - We talk with Sioux City, Iowa-based human resources expert Cy Wakeman about smart moves employees can make in today's challenging economy. TOPIC II - "Beyond Golf" - This is an exciting new business that recently opened in La Vista's Southport Center. Our guest is Kyle O'Mara, owner of Beyond Golf. TOPIC III - "Ex-Prisoners of War Monument" - Omahan Dennis Pavlik was a POW during the Korean War, now working to place a monument to ex-prisoners of war in Omaha's Memorial Park. We talk with him about his quest, and how you can help.
Show #260 - March 14, 2009
This week features our quarterly economic development discussion with David Brown, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, one of the top chambers in the United States.
Show #259 - March 7, 2009
This week we talk with Dave Roederer, Executive Director of the Iowa Chamber Alliance, about economic conditions across the river. Then, we chat with Michele "Mimi" Quinn, President & CEO, and Darold Bauer, Vice President, of Tender Heart Treasures and THT Designs.
Show #258 - February 28, 2009
We talk first with Lou Lamberty and Dave Ciaccio of Olsson Associates, the first commercial tenant to move into a new building in Ak-Sar-Ben Village. Next, an interview Ellen Dunham - Jones, author of "Retrofitting Suburbia" about redevelopment ideas for America's struggling retail areas. Finally, Mitch Arnold, President of Preferred Partners, talks to us about the shifting dynamics between employers and employees.
Show #257 - February 21, 2009
This week we discuss the new Bellevue Medical Center under construction along Highway 370 west of the Kennedy Freeway with Jason Bromm, Director of Corporate Development. Then, we update you on construction progress at the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center scheduled to open this fall in South Omaha. Our guests are Molly Skold, Marketing Director, and Tom Folk, Operations Director.
Show #256 - February 14, 2009
This week we discuss the condition of the advertising business in today's difficult economy with Scott Anderson, President of Anderson Partners, an Omaha-based agency. Then, we look at growth and development in one of Nebraska's fastest growing cities with Kim Madrigal, President of the La Vista Area Chamber of Commerce.
Show #255 - February 7, 2009
At the beginning of the show, Kandace Miller and Kathleen Berg of the AIM Institute update you on the InfoTec Conference taking place in April at the Qwest Center. Then, we talk about economic indicators in the Big O with Scott Strain, Senior Director of Research at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Finally, we interview Don Eckles, founder of Scooter's Coffee.
Show #254 - January 31, 2009
First, an update on the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce's North Omaha Development Project, with Executive Director Ed Cochran. Later in the program, we talk about economic development in the Bellevue area with Megan Lucas, Executive Director of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce.
Show #253 - January 24, 2009
We talk first about a local retail success story: Larry Richling, owner of Hollywood Candy. Next, Children's Hospital is has rebranded itself and is now known as Children's Hospital and Medical Center. We talk to President and CEO Gary Perkins about the changes. Finally, construction is progressing on Metropolitan Community College's new Culinary Arts Institute building on the Ft. Omaha campus. We get an update from the Institute's director, Jim Trebbian.
Show #252 - January 17, 2009
We'll talk with Congressman Lee Terry regarding the Proposed Stimulus Package for our nation. During the second half of the show we will discuss the Nebraska Health Information Initiative with Dr. Harris Frankel and Deb Bass and also bring you the lastest economic development news.
Show #251 - January 10, 2009
We'll talk about the many aspects of buying a business in troubled economic times. Our guest is Gerry Phelan, new owner of Midwest Woodworkers, Inc.
Show #250 - January 3, 2009
At the start of the New Year, Grow Omaha looks back at 2008 and analyzes the major economic development stories of the year. We also share our 2009 predictions for Omaha's growth and development. To help us with our review and predictions, we're joined by Lou Chiganos, site administrator for the GrowOmaha.com discussion forum.

An archive of older shows is at this link