Omaha Chamber CEO Talks Growth Strategy

Heath Mello discusses Omaha Competes initiative and LB1165 to boost jobs and investment.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:41pm

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Heath Mello, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, joins a local business podcast to discuss the city's economic competitiveness efforts, including the Omaha Competes initiative and proposed legislation LB1165 aimed at retaining and expanding existing employers while attracting new businesses to the state.

Why it matters

As Omaha competes with other cities for jobs, talent, and investment, the Chamber's initiatives and legislative proposals are critical to the region's economic future and ability to grow both homegrown companies and attract outside investment.

The details

The discussion centers on the Chamber's Omaha Competes initiative and the proposed LB1165 / Grow the Good Life Act, which supporters see as a way to help Nebraska retain and expand existing employers while also attracting new businesses to the state. The segment also explores the balance between growing homegrown companies and recruiting outside investment, along with how industrial opportunities and major employers fit into the broader picture of Omaha's economic future.

  • The interview was recorded on March 28, 2026.

The players

Heath Mello

The president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, leading the city's economic competitiveness efforts.

Grow Omaha

A local business podcast that hosted the interview with Heath Mello.

LB1165 / Grow the Good Life Act

Proposed legislation aimed at retaining and expanding existing employers while attracting new businesses to Nebraska.

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What they’re saying

“As Omaha competes with other cities for jobs, talent, and investment, the Chamber's initiatives and legislative proposals are critical to the region's economic future and ability to grow both homegrown companies and attract outside investment.”

— Heath Mello, President and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber

What’s next

The Nebraska legislature is expected to consider LB1165 in the upcoming session, which could have significant implications for Omaha's economic development efforts.

The takeaway

Omaha is taking a proactive, multi-pronged approach to boosting its economic competitiveness, focusing on both supporting existing businesses and attracting new investment through initiatives like Omaha Competes and proposed legislation like LB1165.