Former Secretary of Defense to Serve as Greater Omaha Chamber’s Annual Meeting Keynote

Chuck Hagel, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, will deliver the keynote address at the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Annual Meeting, a celebration of high honors, collaborative achievements and confronted challenges. The 2016 gathering – with its bold “Second to None” theme – will be held on February 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at CenturyLink Center Omaha.

David G. Brown, Chamber president and CEO, will share the Chamber’s 2015 highlights, preview plans for 2016 and welcome keynote speaker Hagel. A business success before heading to Capitol Hill, Hagel served two terms in the U.S. Senate and two years as U.S. Secretary of Defense (2013-2015) – the only Vietnam veteran and the first enlisted combat veteran to hold the post. Hagel will weave his assessment of current threats and emerging opportunities into an empowering keynote Q&A conversation – “Leading in Uncertain Times.”

In keeping with Annual Meeting tradition, the following awards will also be presented:

• Chairman’s Award of Excellence recognizing an individual who has produced exceptional Chamber membership sales and retention results.

• Headliner of the Year Award recognizing an individual or organization that has improved the Omaha area by contributing to its national visibility in a positive way.

• Volunteer of the Year Award recognizing individuals who have given beyond expectation in the leadership of important Chamber initiatives.

The Annual Meeting Luncheon sponsors are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, McGrath North, Mutual of Omaha and Wells Fargo. For more information, visit OmahaChamber.org.