Omaha, Nebraska
Nestled along the Missouri River in the middle of the country, Omaha is a fresh, dynamic city, merging the best of Midwestern hospitality with the energy of a big city. Omaha, Nebraska has a strong and vibrant business community and is home to five Fortune 500 companies. In 2008, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine named Omaha the nation’s third best city to live, work and play - making it an excellent moving destination.
History:
In 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed by the riverbanks that would later become the city of Omaha. That same area was settled by Fort Lisa, Fort Atkinson and Cabanne's Trading Post. The Mormons also built a town called Cutler's Park in the area in 1846. With the founding of the city in 1854, the Omaha Claim Club was formed to provide vigilante justice for claim jumpers and others who infringed on the land. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were a variety of ethnic and immigrant neighborhoods in the city, including Little Italy and Little Bohemia. At the time, gambling, drinking and prostitution were widespread and controlled by Omaha's political boss. In 1898, the city played host to the Trans-Mississippi Exposition, a celebration of agricultural and industrial growth throughout the Midwest. More than 2,000,000 visitors attended the event. Omaha has a rich cultural background. Cultural highlights include the Joslyn Art Museum, the Durham Western Heritage Museum, the Holland Performing Arts Center and the Omaha Community Playhouse. The city boasts headquarters for such companies as Berkshire Hathaway and Conagra, and is listed as a “Top 10 High Tech Haven” by Newsweek in 2001. Music in Omaha has always been important to the city, with North Omaha's music scene being historically important and in modern times, the "Omaha Sound" defining an important trend across the nation.
Economy:
There are more than 20,500 businesses located in the metropolitan statistical area, with total employment approaching 375,000. The city is home to five Fortune 500 companies including ConAgra, Peter Kiewit Sons, Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific and Mutual of Omaha. More than 30 other Fortune 500 companies have manufacturing plants in the metropolitan area. The headquarters of about 30 insurance companies call Omaha home. More than half of the two dozen telemarketing, direct response and reservation centers operating in Omaha also have their corporate headquarters located in the metropolitan area. Many other large firms have their headquarters in Omaha, including Lozier Corporation, First Data Corp, ITI Marketing Services, Omaha Steaks International and Godfather's Pizza, Inc. The Omaha economy is well diversified, with no industry sector accounting for more than a third of total employment. Omaha's highest concentration of employment is in trade, transportation and utilities with strong showings in education and health services as well as professional and business services.
Tourism:
For family fun, spend the day at the Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo where you can swing through the world’s largest indoor rainforest, indoor desert dome and nocturnal exhibit, the longest underwater zigzag tunnel and more. The Holland Center for the Performing Arts is an acoustical wonder, the perfect place to listen to the Omaha Symphony, and the historic Orpheum Theater provides a stage for local and Broadway productions. For shopping, the city provides indoor and outdoor malls, quaint shopping centers and unique boutiques. At night, Omaha nightlife offers variety, such as Irish and Micro Brew Pubs, Dance Clubs, live Jazz and Rock bands. Watch the game at one of the many sports bars or listen to the distinct Omaha sound at one of the Indie Rock Clubs. Home to the NCAA College World Series, Omaha Royals AAA baseball and Omaha Beef arena football, a tour stop for both the PGA and ProRodeo circuit Omaha offers something for every sports fan.
Colleges/Universities:
• University of Nebraska
• College of St Mary
• Creighton University
• Nebraska Methodist College
Interesting Facts:
• Omaha is the home of legendary billionaire investor Warren Buffett.
• For more than 50 years, Omaha has been home to the NCAA College World Series.
• Omaha Steaks, the nation’s largest marketer of steaks and other frozen gourmet foods, is located in the city.
Helpful Links:
• Omaha Real Estate
• Omaha Storage Facility
• Omaha Dental Offices
• Omaha Insurance
• Omaha Moving Companies