Formed in 1924, the Omaha Executives Association (OEA) celebrated their 100th anniversary on May 10. A networking group of business owners and executives, the OEA strives to “increase the sales of goods and services of its members through the exchange of business information, networking, and leads…the members share a common objective of improving sales, enhancing quality of service, and maintaining a market presence in the community.” With weekly meetings of company owners and decision-makers and a new president every six months, Omaha Executives Association shows no signs of slowing down.
“These are business people who promote other business people,” said Barbara Kadrlik of the Kadsen Corporation, a member of the organization and chairperson of the 100th anniversary celebration event. “It’s a very serious organization; you can’t just join, you have to be sponsored in.” With one representative per business classification, the OEA meets every Thursday at the Field Club of Omaha to discuss business. “I look forward to the meetings every week,” Kadrlik shared. “Each member gets to stand up and speak about their business—we make sure everyone is recognized.
“We’re also growing with a lot more women,” Kadrlik continued. “I’m a big proponent of supporting women in business.”
Lynne Mancuso, executive director for the OEA, is passionate about the organization’s resilience and dedication of its members. “It’s impressive to me that we’re not a monthly association; we meet weekly. For a weekly meeting to be happening for the last 100 years means a lot,” she said. “I like to think of it more as a service group—our members take care of each other.”
Even in uncertain times, the OEA has survived. “We met every week during COVID,” said Kadrlik, “but in-person is the way you get to know people. It’s a great cross-section of people—laborers, lawyers, bankers, all different walks of life—and I’m proud to be a member of an organization that’s lasted 100 years.”
Not only are networking connections formed, but friendships are developed among the current 88 members of OEA. “It’s a fantastic group; they’re wonderful people,” Mancuso said. “These people are all business owners, and they still take time out of their work days to attend the meetings every week. I’m very honored to be a part of this group and the be able to serve these members. The OEA has really helped make Omaha what is today.”
The phrase, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” rings true within the OEA. “We have 88 members right now,” said Mancuso. “That’s 88 business connections; there’s always a benefit out of the meetings.”
“It has been a blessing to be in this group, and my business has grown exponentially because of it,” Kadrlik reflected. “We’re like-minded people, and we have fun!”
To learn more, visit omahaexec.com.
This article originally appeared in the June/July 2024 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
