Influential Thought Leader Encourages Ambition at Economic Outlook Luncheon

They came to CenturyLink Center Omaha as guests at the Greater Omaha Chamber’s annual Economic Outlook Luncheon. They left as “futurists-in-training.” More than 800 people – a record crowd – attended the future-focused gathering on November 17th. This year’s theme? “Omaha 2035: The Next Big Things.”

Before keynote speaker Rebecca Ryan, a futurist, economist and one of America’s most influential leaders took the stage, David G. Brown, Chamber president and CEO, also issued an inspiring challenge as Omaha looks toward the next big things.

In keeping with Economic Outlook Luncheon tradition, Brown shared results from this year’s Economic Outlook Survey. Responses indicate:

2015 was a slightly more positive year for businesses in the area, as indicated by their increased levels of employment and sales volume as in 2014. Despite increased demand, businesses were conservative with their capital investments.

As is typical, Omaha businesses are more optimistic about growth in Omaha in 2016, than they are for the State of Nebraska or the nation.

For 2016, 36 percent of surveyed businesses plan to increase capital investment, 41 percent will increase their number of employees and 60 percent anticipate increased sales.

Complete survey results can be found at www.omahachamber.org (click on “The Chamber” tab and then select “2016 Economic Outlook”).