History that's worth repeating

Created in 1893 for a common cause, the Omaha Commercial Club was initially formed to fight discriminatory railroad freight rates – crucial to economic development in the region. Ultimately successful, it was the first in a long history of efforts designed:

“to work for the common good in all matters touching the general welfare of the city of Omaha; to secure the location of manufactories and other business enterprises in the city; to promote commercial progress and increase trades and industries; to acquire and disseminate valuable commercial and economical information…”

Since that time, the organization’s efforts have reflected the historical events of our region, our country and even the world – focusing on how they affect the community. The “Panic of 1893,” which made Nebraska part of the nationwide depression, resulted in its first efforts to spread goodwill for Omaha business interests through trade excursions throughout Nebraska and to surrounding states.

The Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition of 1898 drew more than 2.5 million visitors to its vast cultural, agricultural and industrial presentation and helped pull the city and state out of the depression.

By 1918, the Omaha Commercial Club decided to follow the lead of most leading groups affiliated with the national Chamber of Commerce. The name was changed to the Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

As the organization’s successes grew, so did its involvement in other issues impacting the community at large, such as, river navigation and commerce, political reform, natural disasters, immigration, world wars, periods of prosperity, booms and busts, social unrest, local, state and national elections.

Then, just as it is now, the Chamber has continued to cultivate public-private partnerships to the benefit of the community. In the 1920s, it supported the effort to pass bond issues for a river parkway and new school facilities. In the 1930s, it teamed with Omaha business leaders to launch a campaign to turn the tide of pessimism – promoting local consumer spending and even offering enthusiastic support to government programs, whose involvement it had previously opposed.

After years of efforts by the Chamber and private leaders, bringing an aviation plant to Omaha would pay off. In the 1940s, a bomber plant was built at Fort Crook and another bomb-loading plant at Wahoo.

As our community has grown, so too has the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. By the 1960s, the Chamber would undergo dramatic changes itself – abandoning the “standing committee structure” in favor of “project teams.” Seven operating councils would direct the teams to deal with specific issues. And the Chamber’s Profile publication, which was retired in 2005, would spread the word about these changes and the other efforts and success of the Chamber.

Today, the Chamber offers representation to businesses both large and small. In fact, approximately two-thirds of the Omaha metropolitan workforce is represented through Chamber membership. And a majority of chamber members are businesses with 10 or fewer employees.

Now, like then, Omaha increasingly finds itself in the public eye, garnering national attention for its achievements and the opportunities it offers – from business and career growth, to the quality of life, to cultural and artistic endeavors.

From a debarkation point to westward expansion and settlements, Omaha has become a destination location for local, national and global businesses and corporations. And at its core remains a reliance on the time, talents and enthusiasm of local leaders, business owners and professionals who are as committed to the future of our city, surrounding communities and the state at large as the original 25 business men who decided to form the organization that would one day become – the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.