Local Leaders
Networking Reception
February 23 | 6–8 p.m.
Henry Doorly Zoo Scott Aquarium
Launch Forum
February 24 | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Embassy Suites La Vista
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Networking Reception
February 23 | 6–8 p.m.
Henry Doorly Zoo Scott Aquarium
Remarks starting at 6:30 p.m.
Launch Forum
Embassy Suites La Vista Conference Center
February 24th
Breakfast, Networking & Check-In: 7:30 a.m.– 8:15 a.m.
Forum Begins: 8:30 a.m.
Lunch & Keynote: 12:00 p.m.– 1:00 p.m.
About the Event
The Go Big Future Launch Forum is the inaugural showcase of the Nebraska Chamber Foundation’s Signature Local Leaders Series, setting the tone for a yearlong exploration of Nebraska’s future through three defining themes: diversified energy, workforce, and technology innovation. This event serves as both a celebration and a call to action, blending data and storytelling to reveal how Nebraska can seize its role as a leader on the national stage while honoring the state’s legacy of resilience and powerful leadership.
This event will affirm that by aligning innovation, community vitality, and long-term investment, Nebraska can assert its competitive edge nationally. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how affordable energy, technology innovations, and workforce intersect to define Nebraska’s competitive advantage—and will be empowered to become champions of this transformative vision for Nebraska’s success.
Go Big Future Launch Forum will begin with a networking reception on the evening of February 23rd from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Henry Doorly Zoo Scott Aquarium. The event will include hors d’oeuvres and cocktails along with brief remarks from Omaha Mayor John Ewing & Valentine Mayor Kyle Arganbright.
The Forum will take place the following day at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A breakfast will be included before the event and lunch will be included at the end.
More information will be provided prior to the event.
About the Event
The Go Big Future Launch Forum is the inaugural showcase of the Nebraska Chamber Foundation’s Signature Local Leaders Series, setting the tone for a yearlong exploration of Nebraska’s future through three defining themes: diversified energy, workforce, and technology innovation. This event serves as both a celebration and a call to action, blending data and storytelling to reveal how Nebraska can seize its role as a leader on the national stage while honoring the state’s legacy of resilience and powerful leadership.
This event will affirm that by aligning innovation, community vitality, and long-term investment, Nebraska can assert its competitive edge nationally. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how affordable energy, technology innovations, and workforce intersect to define Nebraska’s competitive advantage—and will be empowered to become champions of this transformative vision for Nebraska’s success.
Go Big Future Launch Forum will begin with a networking reception on the evening of February 23rd from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Henry Doorly Zoo Scott Aquarium. The event will include hors d’oeuvres and cocktails along with brief remarks from Omaha Mayor John Ewing & Valentine Mayor Kyle Arganbright.
The Forum will take place the following day at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A breakfast will be included before the event and lunch will be included at the end.
More information will be provided prior to the event.
Full Event Details
Networking Reception
February 23 | 6–8 p.m.
Henry Doorly Zoo Scott Aquarium
Remarks starting at 6:30 p.m.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with complimentary parking available throughout the Zoo. Guests should enter through the main Zoo entrance, where event signage will guide you to the Scott Aquarium.
For arrival, guests coming from S 13th Street should turn onto Bert Murphy Ave S and continue straight onto Werner Drive, which provides access to all parking areas. The closest parking to the main entrance is located in the circled lots at 3699 S 10th St and 1000–1224 Bert Murphy Ave.
Launch Forum
Embassy Suites La Vista Conference Center
February 24th
Breakfast, Networking & Check-In: 7:30 a.m.– 8:15 a.m.
Forum Begins: 8:30 a.m.
Lunch & Keynote: 12:00 p.m.– 1:00 p.m.
Please arrive between 7:30 and 8:15 a.m. to check in and enjoy a buffet breakfast and network. To ensure ample time to check in and find your seat, guests should arrive no later than 8:15 a.m. before the 8:30 a.m. forum starts.
Complimentary parking is available throughout the conference center grounds. Parking will need to be validated through the directions below:
1. Click the link here. Enter your phone number and verify it using the code texted to your device.
2. Proceed with 1 of the 2 following options:
- Yes, I’m a hotel guest with a reservation
- Enter your full name and checkout date
- No, I’m just here for the day
- Enter the amount of time you will be parked
- Enter the amount of time you will be parked
3. Enter your vehicle’s information.
4. At the bottom of the payment screen, click ‘Enter a validation code’ and enter this validation code: NCF
5. Then click ‘Skip this step’
6. You will receive a text message confirming your parking session has begun. Click the link in the text message to view or extend your parking session.
Forum Agenda
7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. | Check-In & Breakfast |
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Welcome Message Tera Norris Go Big Future Brent Comstock Why A Long Term Strategy Matters Lance Fritz Owen Palm What The Foundation (+ Other) Data Tells Us Hunter Traynor The Challenge of Silos & Alignment KC Belitz Heath Mello |
10:00 a.m – 10:20 a.m. | Networking Break |
10:20 a.m. – 11:55 a.m. | Workforce Dana Bradford Energy Josh Moenning Tim McAreavey Technology & Innovation Dan Hoffman Sarah Pillen Emily Allen |
11:55 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. | Lunch & Keynote Speaker Matt Williams |
1:00 p.m. | Forum Concludes |
Speakers

Brent Comstock
CEO and Founder
BCom

Owen Palm
President and CEO
21st Century Holdings

Lance Fritz
Former CEO
Union Pacific

Hunter Traynor
Executive Vice President - Legislation & Policy
NE Chamber of Commerce & Industry

K.C. Belitz
Former Nebraska Economic Development Director

Heath Mello
President and CEO
Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce

Dana Bradford
CEO
C3 Brands

Josh Moenning
New Power Nebraska,
Former Mayor of Norfolk

Tim McAreavey
Vice President Customer Service & Public Affairs
Omaha Public Power District

Sarah Pillen
Pillen Family Farms,
DNA Swine Genetics

Emily Allen
Executive Director
Tech Nebraska

Dan Hoffman
CEO
Invest Nebraska

Matt Williams
Chairman
Flatwater Bank
Former Nebraska State Senator


