Grow Omaha Show discussion

[Brad]

Grow Omaha June 21st 2008 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

MAIN TOPIC: As part of a two-state metropolitan area, Omaha residents must keep up with happenings on the Iowa side of the Missouri River. That's why Grow Omaha turns its sights to the east this week to focus on growth and development in Council Bluffs. Join us as we interview Mayor Tom Hanafan.

As Council Bluffs has added new businesses over the past 20 years, one thing has been constant: the leadership of Mayor Tom Hanafan. Since he was first elected in 1988, Mayor Hanafan has been pushing the city forward with impressive results. A Council Bluffs native, Mayor Hanafan graduated from the University of South Dakota. Before becoming mayor, he served for several years on the city council. In 1999, he was inducted into the Iowa Municipalities Hall of Fame.

BONUS TOPIC: At the end of the show, we'll talk with Tony Lange, Marketing Director for the Shops of Legacy near 168th & West Center Road. Lange will tell us about Legacy's new amphitheatre and its first major event.

[Brad]

Grow Omaha June 28th 2008 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

MAIN TOPIC: A great deal of development activity is taking place at the Westroads, Nebraska's largest enclosed regional shopping mall. Construction is underway on a multi-screen cinema complex, and new retailers like Delia's, Abercrombie and Forever 21 have joined the line up. Tune in Saturday morning and hear our interview with Jim Sadler, General Manager of Westroads Mall.

BONUS TOPIC I: Novozymes, a Danish company, announced earlier this week that it will build an almost $100 million manufacturing plant on the "Biorefinery Campus" south of Blair. Toward the beginning of this week's show, we'll talk to Novozymes executive Peder Nielsen to learn how the company decided to locate in the Omaha metro area.

BONUS TOPIC II: The annual Street of Dreams takes place July 12th through 27th in the Cottonwood Creek subdivision. To discuss this event, we'll chat with residential developer Curt Hofer at the end of this week's show.

[Coyote]

Grow Omaha: July 5th

MAIN TOPIC: Although it was only established in 2007, the Downtown Omaha Business Improvement District has already made progress in its efforts to make our Central Business District safer, nicer- looking and more enjoyable.

We're going to discuss this organization and find out how it plans to make downtown "cleaner, greener and safer." Our guest will be Shelley Kiel, executive director of the Omaha Downtown Improvement District Association.

BONUS TOPIC: In today's knowledge-based economy, manufacturing is still a critical component of Omaha's economic success. Be sure to listen at the end of this week's show as we interview Dwayne Probyn, executive director of the Nebraska Advanced Manufacturing Coalition, about the new "Manufacturing Dream Team."

[Coyote]

Grow Omaha: July 12

MAIN TOPIC: Sarpy County is Nebraska's third largest and fastest growing county. It is also home to a few of the state's fastest growing cities: Gretna, Papillion and La Vista. To learn more about the growth and development in this booming suburban area, we will interview Toby Churchill, executive director of the Sarpy County Economic Development Corporation.

BONUS TOPIC: At the end of this week's show, we're going to talk about construction progress on the Children's Hospital Specialty Pediatric Center at 84th and Dodge Street. Our guest will be Vanessa Walls, vice president of ambulatory services at Children's Hospital.

[Brad]

Grow Omaha July 19, 2008 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

MAIN TOPIC: Women outnumber men, live longer and are responsible for 83% of all consumer purchases. It is therefore good business for companies to understand gender differences when it comes to marketing. An Omaha advertising agency, Ervin & Smith, has developed quite a reputation for gender marketing and has established "SheHive," a special division that provides consulting, research, strategy and campaign planning for companies looking to connect with female consumers.

To talk about the unique and fascinating facets of gender marketing we have invited two Ervin & Smith executives to join us in the studio: Sharon Carleton, president and Heidi Mausbach, director of client services.

BONUS TOPIC: Many Grow Omaha listeners are involved in family businesses. It's a big deal when one generation takes over for an older one. That's why we're going to offer a special discussion on family business succession planning at the end of this week's show. Our guest will be someone who has experienced it first hand - Daron Smith, president of Better Business Equipment of Omaha.

[Brad]

Grow Omaha July 26, 2008 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

MAIN TOPIC: It's time for one of our most popular Grow Omaha 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. Omaha's economy is strong -- businesses are expanding and buildings are under construction. There is much to discuss, so listen to Grow Omaha this Saturday to hear about the current state of Omaha's growth and development from Omaha's chief economic developer.

[Admin]

Grow Omaha: August 2nd

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

MAIN TOPIC: In a global, knowledge-based economy, cities like Omaha must constantly attract new talent from other places. That's why we're going to talk about recruiting out-of-state workers to Omaha this week on Grow Omaha. Our guest will be Mitch Arnold, president of Preferred Partners. Mitch recruits professionals to Omaha companies from around the nation. Contrary to what you might believe, many of the candidates he contacts are quite intrigued by Omaha. Tune in Saturday morning for an interesting conversation!

BONUS TOPIC: We all know that the Cox Classic is going on this weekend at Champions Run Country Club, but have you ever stopped to consider the economic impact of Nebraska's most prestigious annual golf tournament? It's very impressive. Tune in at the end of this week's show as board president Jerry Pont explains the impact this event has on Omaha's economy.

MORE DISCUSSION TOPICS: Throughout the show, we'll have some economic development news updates, and we'll give away another free admission to the 2008 Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Small Business Conference.

[Brad]

Jeff Beals is up for Omaha's Best Dressed:

http://www.strictlybusinessomaha.com/cl ... ght.aspx?1

[Brad]

Grow Omaha August 9, 2008 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

FIRST TOPIC: You may have heard the advertisements on local radio - Sarpy County is positioning itself as a tourism destination. To talk about Sarpy's efforts to bring in out-of-town dollars, we'll interview Linda Revis, executive director of the Sarpy County Tourism Office.

SECOND TOPIC: "The Role of Security and Surveillance in Economic Development" - Our guests will be Henry Vargas and Jason Ferris of V3 Technology.

MORE DISCUSSION TOPICS: Throughout the show, Trenton and Jeff will address a wide variety of economic development topics, so don't miss a minute of this week's show!

[Coyote]

Grow Omaha: August 16th

At the beginning of this week's show, we'll interview Rick Ness, a successful financial planner who moved his business from the Reno, Nevada area to Omaha in order to a part of the healthy vibrant economy here in the Big O.

In the second half of this week's show, we're going to discuss growth and development in the Ralston area.  This Omaha suburb is geographically pinned in but that hasn't stopped the city of 6,300 people from actively growing its economy.  Our guest will be Marlene Hansen, president of the Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce.

At the end of show, Trenton and Jeff will bring you up to speed with the many economic development news items of the past week.

[Brad]

Now.... AWARD WINNING Grow Omaha

Grow Omaha is now an award-winning radio show!  
Omaha's only economic development radio show receives industry award  We are pleased to announce that Grow Omaha received the Silver Award for "Service to Business, Industry, Government or Education" for radio in the 2008 Nebraska Broadcasters Association Awards of Excellence sponsored by the Robert H. Storz Foundation and the Nebraska Army National Guard.  Grow Omaha has been on the air for more than four-and-a-half years.  Co-hosts Jeff Beals and Trenton Magid are grateful to their loyal listeners, their many expert guests and their partners at News Radio 1110 KFAB - all of whom helped make this recognition possible.

[Coyote]

Grow Omaha: August 23rd

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

LIVE FROM VILLAGE POINTE: Grow Omaha will broadcast live from the farmers market at Village Pointe near 168th and West Dodge. It's part of "KFAB's Endless Summer Blast at Village Pointe."

MAIN TOPIC: In the past few years, numerous international companies have established thriving operations in the Omaha area. We need to perpetuate this trend so that Omaha's economy will continue to thrive in the global marketplace. That's why we're going to discuss "International Trade Development" this week on Grow Omaha. Our guests will be Marisa Ring, Manager of International Business Development at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Joe Chapuran, International Development Manager at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

BONUS TOPIC: At the end of the show, we'll introduce you to Darrell Auld, who moved to Omaha from Seattle to open the Twisted Cork Bistro, a new restaurant located at 107th and Pacific Street.

[Coyote]

Grow Omaha: August 30th

MAIN TOPIC: If you know anything about the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA), you probably think of transportation planning. That's certainly a big part of what the organization does, but MAPA is also responsible for developing a regional comprehensive economic development strategy for the greater Omaha area. Tune in this Saturday for an interesting economic development discussion with MAPA's executive director Paul Mullen.

BONUS TOPIC: At the end of this weekend's show, we'll discuss "An Alternative to Tearing Down Condemned Houses" with real estate expert Paul Vojchehoski. Don't miss a minute!

[Brad]

No Grow Omaha on 9/6/2008

To make way for Nebraska vs. San Jose State football coverage, Grow Omaha will be off the air this Saturday. But don't worry -- we are working on a slate of fascinating guests for future shows.
Throughout the Husker football season, Grow Omaha will be canceled anytime kickoff is scheduled at 1 p.m. or earlier. We'll typically hear about kickoff times one to two weeks in advance. We do know that Grow Omaha will be on the air both Saturday Sept. 13th and the 20th. Of course, you can keep up on economic development issues by visiting the Grow Omaha forum at http://www.growomaha.com.

[Brad]

Grow Omaha August 9, 2008 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

TOPIC I - "Economic Development Happenings of the Past Two Weeks" - Because Grow Omaha was off last week, Trenton and Jeff have a great deal of Omaha growth-and-development stories to highlight in the first segment of this week's show.

TOPIC II - "Leadership Development" - A prosperous city must continually develop new leaders in order to continue growing. That's why the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce invests so many resources in developing new leaders. Join us for a discussion about leadership in Omaha with Lynda Shafer, the Chamber's manager of leadership and workforce development.

TOPIC III - "Wikinomics" - At the end of this week's show, we'll interview technology expert Anthony Williams, co-author of "Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything." Williams will be coming to Omaha in October to speak at the AIM Institute IT Futures Forum. Tune in Saturday morning!

[Coyote]

Grow Omaha August 9, 2008 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

TOPIC I - "Economic Development Happenings of the Past Two Weeks" - Because Grow Omaha was off last week, Trenton and Jeff have a great deal of Omaha growth-and-development stories to highlight in the first segment of this week's show.

TOPIC II - "Leadership Development" - A prosperous city must continually develop new leaders in order to continue growing. That's why the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce invests so many resources in developing new leaders. Join us for a discussion about leadership in Omaha with Lynda Shafer, the Chamber's manager of leadership and workforce development.

TOPIC III - "Wikinomics" - At the end of this week's show, we'll interview technology expert Anthony Williams, co-author of "Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything." Williams will be coming to Omaha in October to speak at the AIM Institute IT Futures Forum. Tune in Saturday morning!

Ummm... August 9th ??? Well - OK, you just may have meant September 13th ?

[Brad]

oops!

Grow Omaha September 13, 2008 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

TOPIC I - "Economic Development Happenings of the Past Two Weeks" - Because Grow Omaha was off last week, Trenton and Jeff have a great deal of Omaha growth-and-development stories to highlight in the first segment of this week's show.

TOPIC II - "Leadership Development" - A prosperous city must continually develop new leaders in order to continue growing. That's why the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce invests so many resources in developing new leaders. Join us for a discussion about leadership in Omaha with Lynda Shafer, the Chamber's manager of leadership and workforce development.

TOPIC III - "Wikinomics" - At the end of this week's show, we'll interview technology expert Anthony Williams, co-author of "Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything." Williams will be coming to Omaha in October to speak at the AIM Institute IT Futures Forum. Tune in Saturday morning!

[Coyote]

Grow Omaha: Sept. 20th

TOPIC I - "Brand World 2008" - Grow Omaha is proud to serve as an official sponsor of one of Omaha's premier marketing conferneces: Brand World '08, which takes place October 10th at Hilton Omaha Hotel. Produced by the American Marketing Association's Omaha chapter, Brand World is a marketer's dream. It's a half-day event with content focusing specifically on marketing strategy and branding. Expert speakers are coming from around the nation to provide attendees with real-world, results- oriented case studies. To learn more about this impressive conference and the distinguished speakers who will be presenting at it, we have invited Omaha AMA president Corrie Oberdin to join us at the beginning of this week's show.

TOPIC II - "What They're Talking About Online" - It's time for our wide-ranging, quarterly discussion with Lou Chiganos, site administrator of the GrowOmaha.com discussion board. Lou will share what's currently on the discussion docket. This is your chance to get up-to-speed with all the big growth-and- development topics in the Omaha metro.

TOPIC III - "ACI's New Headquarters" - Just as it was about to open, ACI's brand new headquarters sustained significant tornado damage earlier this summer. Repairs were made and now the building is ready to go. Tune in to learn about this state-of-the-art office building located southwest of 204th and Q streets, and find out why ACI left its former Old Mill headquarters for a new building in Omaha's far southwest corner.

[Coyote]

What was up with this episode? No ACI.
Lou takes over and does 75% of the program.
Trenton is on drugs. Balloon rides - free advertisement?
Datsun? Last time I heard that was in the 3rd grade.

[Omaha Cowboy]

What was up with this episode? No ACI.
Lou takes over and does 75% of the program.

From what I understand, the ACI person slated to be interviewed for the show, was unavailable..

Hence, yours truly had an extra segment..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

[Coyote]

Grow Omaha: September 27th

TOPIC I - "A New Distribution Center" - At the beginning of this week's show, we'll interview Chad Ford, vice president of business development for Ford Storage and Moving about his company's new 121,000 sq. ft. warehouse in southwest Omaha.

TOPIC II - "Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership" - After a very successful first phase, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce is launching Phase Two of the GO! Program. The Chamber's Patti McAtee will join us in the middle of this week's show to tell us all about it.

TOPIC III - "National Archives Exhibit" - Omaha is one of only six cities to host "Eyewitness: American Originals from the National Archives." It's a traveling exhibit on display at the Durham Museum. Mick Hale, director of education at the Durham will join us at the end of the show to tell us about this amazing exhibit.

[Admin]

Grow Omaha: Oct 11th

TOPIC I - "The Buy the Big O Show" - The region's largest business-to-business trade show takes place this Wednesday. Produced by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Big O Show brings thousands of metro area professionals together for a day of networking, learning and enjoyment. To get us ready for this year's Big O Show, we'll interview the Chamber's Tracey Fricke, Director of Special Events, at the beginning of the show.

TOPIC II - "The Unique Aspects of Entrepreneurship in Omaha" - A local business consultant will discuss what it's like to start a business in Omaha compared to other cities. He'll also talk to us about starting or growing a business during a tough economy and why a business needs to focus on "value-added" services and products in a time when customers are feeling anxious. Join us for an enlightening discussion with Chris Blanton, owner of Sterling Group, LLC.

TOPIC III - "A New Headquarters for PayFlex" - PayFlex Systems USA just announced the opening of its new national headquarters in the Old Mill area of Omaha. This facility will house nearly 200 employees, including 65 new positions added in 2008. The company has even brought back 35 jobs that previously had been outsourced to India. PayFlex has emerged as a leading national benefit administration company working with many Fortune 500 companies. To discuss this new facility, we'll interview Chief Marketing Officer Rob Butler at the end of this weekend's show.

[Admin]

Grow Omaha - October 18th:

Grow Omaha Update  - No Show This Weekend
To make way for Nebraska vs. Iowa State football coverage, Grow Omaha will be off the air this Saturday. But don't worry -- we are working on a slate of fascinating guests for future shows.

[Brad]

Grow Omaha November 1, 2008

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

We're back after a two-week layoff. After so much time off the air, we have a backlog of interview topics. Therefore, this week is a rare four-topic show.

At the beginning of the program, we'll talk to La Vista Mayor Doug Kindig about the 300,000 square foot Yahoo! data center opening near 108th and Giles. After that, we'll interview Jeremy Devine, Vice President of Dallas-based Rave Theatres about his company's new 14-screen cinema complex opening in the Westroads Mall.

After the 8:30 news, we'll talk about the Werner Institute for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution at Creighton University with executive director Arthur Pearlstein. Finally, we'll wrap up the show with a discussion of the upcoming "Best of Sarpy Expo" with Jane Nielsen, president of the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce.

[Brad]

Grow Omaha November 8, 2008 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

Grow Omaha will air for only a half hour this Saturday to make way for Nebraska vs. Kansas pregame football coverage on KFAB. In that short period of time, we'll catch you up with all the Omaha business happenings of the past week and bring you two interesting interviews. Be sure to tune in this week between 8 and 8:30 a.m.

At the beginning of the program, we'll talk about former Mexican president Vicente Fox's upcoming visit to Omaha. Our guest will be Marisa Ring, manager of international business development at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

Later in the program, we'll talk about the marketing and advertising industry in Omaha. Our guest will be Rusty Stanley, president of LDMI, an Omaha-based direct response marketing agency offering a full range of media, creative and web-development services.

[Brad]

Grow Omaha November 22, 2008 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

MAIN TOPIC - It's time for one of our most popular Grow Omaha 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. Compared to the rest of the nation, Omaha's economy is strong -- businesses are expanding and buildings are under construction. There is much to discuss, so listen to Grow Omaha this Saturday to hear about the current state of Omaha's growth and development from Omaha's chief economic developer.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS OF THE WEEK - At the beginning of the program, Trenton and Jeff will analyze the major Omaha business stories of the past week. Don't miss a minute of this week's show!

BONUS TOPIC - At the end of the show, we'll talk about a new video that captures the entire construction process of the $22 Million Missouri River Pedestrian Bridge.

[Admin]

Grow Omaha: November 29

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS OF THE WEEK - At the beginning of the program, Trenton and Jeff will analyze the major Omaha business stories of the past week. Don't miss a minute of this week's show!

BUSINESS ADVICE IN TOUGH TIMES - Now more than ever, new entrepreneurs as well as experienced professionals can use the advice of seasoned business leaders. During this week's show, we'll interview Bob Balzerick, a leader in the Omaha office of Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE).

DOWNTOWN STUDY - The Omaha City Council approved a $350,000 study that could lead to a downtown master development plan and a streetcar system. To tell us all about it, we'll be joined by Councilman Jim Vokal at the end of this week's program.

[Brad]

Grow Omaha December 6, 2008 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

TOPIC I - To start off this week's busy show, we'll talk to Rob Williams, a volunteer with National Sales Network, a new program of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce designed to help Omaha companies do sales work outside our immediate region.

TOPIC II - PHILANTHROPY IN OMAHA - Omaha is known as a generous city. That spirit of philanthropy along with strong public-private partnerships has allowed Omaha to build impressive structures and develop effective programs that benefit the public good. In this season of giving, Grow Omaha will take time this week to explore philanthropy in Omaha. To do that, we will be joined by two experts from the Omaha Community Foundation: Sara Boyd, vice president, and Patrick McNamara, director of philanthropic services.

TOPIC III - The Holiday season is a great time for tourism. In fact, many people would be surprised of the tremendous number of holiday and winter events taking place in Omaha this season. At the end of this week's show, we'll discuss holiday tourism with Deb Ward, director of marketing and public relations at the Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau.

[Admin]

Grow Omaha: Dec 13th

MAIN TOPIC - This week on Grow Omaha, we turn our attention to "Women in Business." We'll discuss the conditions, opportunities and challenges faced by Omaha businesswomen. Our guest will be one of Omaha's best known and respected businesswomen, Deb Bass, president/CEO of Bass & Associates, Inc.

BONUS TOPIC - At the beginning of the show, we'll talk about a brand new organization that will help Omaha become a more vibrant and exciting place. Our guest will be Susan Thomas, executive director of the Omaha Creative Institute.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS - Trenton and Jeff will discuss the major business stories of the past week. Don't miss a minute of this week's show!

[Admin]

Grow Omaha: Dec. 20th

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

Health care is one of Omaha's biggest and most important industries. It's also an industry that has experienced a great deal of expansion over the past few years. That's why we will talk about health care this week on Grow Omaha. Our guests will be Glenn Fosdick, CEO, and Bill Dinsmoor, CFO, of the Nebraska Medical Center.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS - Trenton and Jeff will discuss the major business stories of the past week. Don't miss a minute of this week's show!

[Admin]

Grow Omaha: December 27th

TOPIC I - "North Omaha Development" - Albert Macchietto, a principal with Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture will join us to discuss development in North Downtown as well as a follow-up charette study of three identified development zones in North Omaha: 16th Street Corridor, 24th Street Corridor and 30th and Ames St.

TOPIC II - "City of Omaha Issues" - Omaha City Councilman Jim Vokal will join us to discuss a wide range of issues currently on the City of Omaha's docket including the budget, electronic billboards, the ballpark and more.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS - Trenton and Jeff will discuss the major business stories of the past week. Don't miss a minute of this week's show!

[Brad]

Grow Omaha January 10, 2008 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

In today's challenging economy, buying a business might seem like a strange idea. But that's not necessarily the case if the business is solid and you're a good manager. Be sure to join us this week, as we talk about the many aspects of buying a business in troubled economic times. Our guest will be Gerry Phelan, new owner of Midwest Woodworkers, Inc.

[Brad]

Grow Omaha Jan 17, 2009 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

THE PROPOSED STIMULUS PACKAGE: The incoming administration is interested in a stimulus package that could cost nearly a trillion dollars. What would that mean for the nation's economy? What would it mean for Omaha? To discuss the stimulus package, we will be joined by Congressman Lee Terry in the first half of this week's show.

NEBRASKA HEALTH INFORMATION INITIATIVE: Nebraska is setting a national standard of quality with its new Nebraska Health Information Initiative (NeHII). This crucially important program is a collaborative designed to provide Nebraska a system for the secure exchange and use of health information. During the second half of this week's show, we'll discuss NeHII with Dr. Harris Frankel, president, and Deb Bass, interim executive director.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS: Trenton and Jeff will update you on several Omaha growth-and- development stories. Don't miss a minute of this week's show!

[Brad]

Grow Omaha January 24, 2008 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

TOPIC I - At the beginning of the show, we'll talk about a local retail success story. It will be good news in an era filled with doom and gloom in the national business media. Join us for an interesting conversation with Larry Richling, owner of Hollywood Candy, which has stores in the Old Market and Westroads Mall.

TOPIC II - Children's Hospital is has rebranded itself and is now known as Children's Hospital and Medical Center. We'll talk to President and CEO Gary Perkins about changes at Children's. We'll also get a progress update on Children's massive construction project at 84th and Dodge.

TOPIC III - Construction is progressing on Metropolitan Community College's new Culinary Arts Institute building on the Ft. Omaha campus. At the end of this week's show, we'll get an update from the Institute's director Jim Trebbian.

[Brad]

Grow Omaha Jan 31, 2009 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

TOPIC I - At the beginning of the show, we'll get an update on the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce's North Omaha Development Project, which released its 2009 goals at a public meeting last night. Our guest will be Executive Director Ed Cochran.

TOPIC II - Later in the program, we'll talk about economic development in the Bellevue area. Offutt Air Force Base is in contention for new missions and hundreds of jobs, but that is only part of the story in Nebraska's third largest city. Our guest will be Megan Lucas, Executive Director of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce.

TOPIC III - As always, we'll provide commentary on the economic development news stories of the past week. Don't miss a minute of this week's show!

[Brad]

Grow Omaha February 7, 2009 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

TOPIC I - At the beginning of the show, we'll update you on the InfoTec Conference taking place in April at Qwest Center Omaha. Tune in for a discussion with Kandace Miller and Kathleen Berg of the AIM Institute.

TOPIC II - Given the challenging global economy in which Omaha operates, we'll talk about economic indicators in the Big O. Our guest will be Scott Strain, Senior Director of Research at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

TOPIC III - An Omaha-based company is quickly becoming a national chain. At the end of this week's show, we'll interview Don Eckles, founder of Scooter's Coffee.

[Admin]

Grow Omaha: February 14th

TOPIC I - "Retail Overview" - At the beginning of the show, as part of the "Economic Development News of the Week" segment, Jeff and Trenton will examine today's retail real estate market.

TOPIC II - "Advertising Business" - For our main topic, we'll discuss the condition of the advertising business in today's difficult economy. Our guest will be Scott Anderson, President of Anderson Partners, an Omaha- based agency.

TOPIC III - "La Vista Growth Report" - We'll wrap up this week's show with a look at growth and development in one of Nebraska's fastest growing cities. Our guest will be Kim Madrigal, President of the La Vista Area Chamber of Commerce.

[Brad]

Grow Omaha February 21, 2009 Episode

This week on GROW OMAHA:  

For our first topic, we'll discuss the new Bellevue Medical Center under construction along Highway 370 west of the Kennedy Freeway. When it opens, it will be the only full-service hospital in Bellevue, the state's third largest city. Our guest will be Jason Bromm, Director of Corporate Development.

Later in the program, we'll update you on construction progress at the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center scheduled to open this fall in South Omaha. Tune in and learn about this amazing facility and how Omaha is one of the first cities in the country to get a Kroc Center. Our guests will be Molly Skold, Marketing Director and Tom Folk, Operations Director.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS OF THE WEEK: As always, Trenton and Jeff will discuss the major happenings affecting Omaha's growth and development.

[Admin]

Grow Omaha: February 28th

TOPIC I "A New Office in Ak-Sar-Ben Village" - At the beginning of the show we'll talk with Lou Lamberty and Dave Ciaccio of Olsson Associates, the first commercial tenant to move into a new building in Ak- Sar-Ben Village.

TOPIC II "Are Our Cathedrals of Commerce Doomed?" - After the 8:30 news, we'll interview Ellen Dunham -Jones, author of "Retrofitting Suburbia" about redevelopment ideas for America's struggling retail areas.

TOPIC II "2009: Year of the Employer" - At the end of the show, Mitch Arnold, President of Preferred Partners, will talk to us about the shifting dynamics between employers and employees. Don't miss a minute of this week's show!

[Coyote]

Grow Omaha: March 7th, 2009

TOPIC I - "Iowa's Business Climate" - Since a large part of the Omaha metropolitan area is east of the Missouri River, we occasionally like to examine economic conditions in Iowa. That's our first topic this week. Our guest will be Dave Roederer, Executive Director of the Iowa Chamber Alliance.

TOPIC II - "A New Start for Tender Heart Treasures" - After the old Tender Heart Treasures building was sold to Yahoo, Inc., the popular catalog company is getting a brand new start with a new owner and a new location. In the second half of this week's show, we'll talk with Michele "Mimi" Quinn, President & CEO, and Darold Bauer, Vice President, of Tender Heart Treasures and THT Designs.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS OF THE WEEK: As always, Trenton and Jeff will analyze this week's major stories related to Omaha's growth and development. Don't miss a minute of this week's show!