B2B is a work of pleasure for me. I enjoy getting to know business and community leaders through each issue.

One feature article in this edition holds special meaning for me. The Face on the Barroom Floor is a celebration of Omahans, held quarterly at the Omaha Press Club. I attended many of these dinners, and enjoyed them all.

This event is going through changes. Longtime committee chair Tom O’Connor has retired from his job in public relations at the UNMC and the Face on the Barroom Floor committee, turning the reins over to Roger Humphries. 

At the same time, the Faces will now be drawn by Wayne Sealy. The Faces were drawn by my friend Jim Horan, and he created special works of art for each person honored. He and his wife—my friend Judy—often spent time talking to these Faces on the Barroom Floor about what they enjoyed, what makes them happy as well as what makes them successful. 

Here at Omaha Publications, one Face on the Barroom Floor holds special meaning for us. In September 2013, the OPC roasted our own Todd Lemke. I was working for the Omaha World-Herald at the time, but I was on the greeting committee that year, and as vice president, I gave a welcome speech to the large crowd in attendance. The guests included many business leaders and friends as well as most of the Omaha Magazine staff. 

Todd has a great attitude about this city, he truly believes in community and he believes that where we live is the “best.” That’s why we started the Best of Omaha brand that has evolved into the Best of B2B showcased here in the first 30 pages of this issue.

I hope you all enjoy the warm weather, and this edition of B2B.

This letter was printed in the April/May 2020 edition of B2B Magazine.