Last week our community was dealt a blow. And it hurt.
This decision will move a corporate headquarters and leave 1,000 of our family members, friends and neighbors without the jobs they had counted on.
We know challenges lay ahead and we are ready to face them – head on.
This is an opportunity for our community to shine. This is an opportunity to keep our talent and our neighbors here, for our business community to step up and find openings for those displaced and grow our community – together.
Creating a stronger, more vibrant Omaha.
One of our greatest challenges in growing has been our low unemployment rate. This is an opportunity for companies in this region to access a labor pool of talented, experienced, skilled employees who are right here.
The day after the announcement, the Greater Omaha Chamber brought together 12 area businesses committed to retaining displaced employees. Among just these companies, more than 600 positions need to be filled. More companies are contacting us every day about accessing this pool of workers.
WeDontCoast.com/jobs has been created to gather contact information for those seeking employment and connect them to job opportunities. In addition, a multi-faceted talent retention strategy backed by area businesses will soon deploy.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the drama, let’s not lose sight of the facts.
- ConAgra will still have a significant presence here with 1,200 workers and will remain a top 50 employer, continuing their philanthropic presence.
- We have a very strong and diverse economy known for steady growth.
- We are home to four Fortune 500 companies and five Fortune 1000 companies – a feat for any city.
- Fortune named Omaha the #2 Best City to Find a Job in 2015.
- Time.com/Money named Omaha the Best Big City in the Midwest in 2015.
- Over the past 10 years, our economic development efforts have resulted in $5.5. billion in capital investment and more than 29,000 jobs.
We appreciate all of our top rankings, but we don’t need them to tell us – we already know this is a great place to live. Our community is fired up because we are so passionate about this place.
Now’s the chance to put that fire into positive action – no standing still. No coasting allowed. We chose to live here and many of the affected people – our friends, family and neighbors – will choose to stay. They don’t have to leave to find a great job.
Let’s be advocates for the 1,200 employees remaining in our community and for those who’ve been displaced.
Companies looking to be connected with displaced workers, submit your information at http://bit.ly/WereInThisTogether.
If you’ve been affected by layoffs, sign up at WeDontCoast.com/jobs.
We’re in this together.
Regards,
David G. Brown
President & CEO Greater Omaha Chamber