B2B Magazine – October/November 2023

From the Editor: Hall of Famers

Omaha has gained national recognition in recent years as a hub for business startups and innovators, as well as earning a high ranking of cities with great work-life balance, opportunities for franchise growth, labor productivity, and many other facets of business life. Much of the groundwork for creating such a healthy business environment was laid by Omaha business owners and leaders in decades prior. Five of those leaders were recognized by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 23 at the Chamber’s 30th Annual Omaha Business Hall of Fame Gala. The evening celebrated new Hall of Fame inductees Mary Ann O’Brien, founder and CEO of OBI Creative; Ron Carson, founder and CEO of Carson Group; Beverly Kracher, Ph.D., Creighton University professor and founder of Business Ethics Alliance; Greg Cutchall, restauranteur/franchisor (posthumously); and David Karnes, former president and CEO of The Fairmont Group and Counsel to Kutak Rock LLP (posthumously). We applaud these professionals for their business success, as well as what they’ve given back to our community.

Foreign consuls, both appointed and honorary, also serve a great purpose in supporting Omaha’s business community. Beyond providing their constituents support and legal services, their duties include helping to build relationships with foreign countries, increasing foreign trade and investment, promoting entrepreneurship and tourism, and more. Read about their role in Omaha in this issue of B2B.

It truly takes the dedication of a host of people to keep Omaha atop the list of the best places to live and do business in America. We are very fortunate to have so many committed to helping Omaha become the best version of itself and creating a community so many are proud to call home.

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