Date: August 18, 2005

Presenter: Ned Holmes

Affiliation: Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce

The speaker was Ned Holmes, Military Affairs and Information Technology at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce - www.omahachamber.org. Mr. Holmes was appointed to the recently created position to coordinate the Chamber's efforts with the defense contractors serving Offutt AFB. Omaha has seen a significant population and economic growth in the past few years with the increase in technology infrastructure at the base. One added benefit - the major contractors need to have participation from small business firms to complete some project requirements. Mr. Holmes reviewed present and future activities and how local technology firms may be able to participate.

Also presenting from the Chamber was Phil Phillips - a long time supporter of the ITC. Mr. Phillips provided an overview of recent Chamber economic development activities and new business incentives.