League and credit union leaders met with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s CEO Heath Mello on November 9th. Mello was named CEO in July to lead the organization and its focus on growing economic development in the eight-county region. Prior to being named CEO, Mello served as Vice President for External Affairs of the University of Nebraska and he served eight years in the Nebraska Legislature where he chaired the Appropriations Committee.
The visit was organized by the League to connect the Chamber with area credit union leaders who are on the economy’s frontline serving thousands of credit union members with financial products and services. Mello reiterated that the Omaha Chamber’s north star is growing economic development, and that the organization has a multi-faceted approach through business community partnerships, legislative and regulatory advocacy, and outreach to bring jobs and investment to the region. The group discussed workforce challenges including remote work, hiring and retaining employees, as well as a shortfall in available housing. The group also discussed the increasing challenge of finding available and affordable childcare for employees or prospective employees. Mello indicated that the Omaha Chamber is committed to working with the business community and government leaders to address these challenges to ensure a vibrant economy throughout the State.
Back row: Steve Swanstrom, Centris FCU, Scott Stevens, Mutual 1st Federal, Frank Wilber, Liberty First CU
Front row: Mary Johnson, Omaha Police FCU, Beth Glover, Four Points FCU, Scott Sullivan, NCUL, Robin Larsen, Cobalt FCU, Dillon Ehman, Liberty First CU, Brandon Luetkenhaus, NCUL.
