ABOUT WORKFORCE EXCELLENCE
Greater Omaha ChamberA Commitment to Empowering Talent, Driving Opportunities, Building Omaha’s Future-Ready Workforce
Workforce Excellence embodies the full spectrum of the Greater Omaha Chamber’s workforce development efforts, serving as a cornerstone initiative aimed at enhancing workforce recruitment and retention across the region. This comprehensive strategy leverages a combination of direct programs and strategic employer partnerships to build a robust talent ecosystem. By facilitating horizontal connections—through networks that enable employers to share best practices—and vertical connections—by linking individuals directly to meaningful career opportunities—Workforce Excellence plays a pivotal role in strengthening the regional workforce.
A central focus of this initiative is the activation of untapped talent pipelines. This involves proactively engaging emerging and historically marginalized talent for GOC’s workforce excellence initiatives. By addressing existing gaps between businesses, job seekers, and the broader community, Workforce Excellence not only expands access to opportunity but also enhances the overall resilience and adaptability of Greater Omaha’s workforce.
Through these targeted efforts, Workforce Excellence aims to build a dynamic, representative, and future-ready workforce that can support sustained economic growth and competitiveness in the Greater Omaha region.
Our Vision
Workforce Excellence is our strategic commitment to harnessing talent, creating opportunities, and fostering a representative, future-ready workforce in the Greater Omaha area.
The Workforce Excellence Department is dedicated to building a dynamic, innovative, and sustainable workforce that meets the evolving needs of businesses and communities. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and data-driven solutions, we aim to create pathways for talent development, career advancement, and economic mobility.
Our Vision
Workforce Excellence is our strategic commitment to harnessing talent, creating opportunities, and fostering a representative, future-ready workforce in the Greater Omaha area.
The Workforce Excellence Department is dedicated to building a dynamic, innovative, and sustainable workforce that meets the evolving needs of businesses and communities. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and data-driven solutions, we aim to create pathways for talent development, career advancement, and economic mobility.
Why It Matters
Workforce Excellence is more than just a department—it is a commitment to transforming the way we attract, retain, and develop talent. The future of work requires a proactive approach that bridges the gap between employers, job seekers, and education providers. By prioritizing People, Opportunities, Workforce, Excellence, and Retention (POWER), this department will:
- Create Opportunities – Develop programs that provide individuals access to career opportunities that are representative of workforce needs.
- Strengthen Employer Partnerships – Collaborate with businesses to implement best practices in hiring, training, and retention to enhance workplace culture and productivity.
- Drive Innovation in Workforce Development – Leverage technology, assessments, and research-backed strategies to address workforce challenges and future needs.
- Support Economic Growth – Ensure that our local workforce is prepared for high-demand industries, helping businesses thrive and strengthening the economy.
- Foster Retention & Career Mobility – Equip employees with the skills and leadership development needed to advance within their organizations, reducing turnover and fostering long-term success.
By aligning workforce strategies with business needs and community aspirations, Workforce Excellence will serve as a catalyst for sustainable growth and prosperity.
Workforce Recruitment
Workforce Recruitment is all about attracting new-to-market professionals into key industries that fuel Greater Omaha’s growth. We work closely with area employers to ensure that the region remains a top destination for emerging talent.
Key Initiatives
- The Landing Crew: A dynamic convening of talent recruiters dedicated to sharing insights, best practices, and training on current workforce trends. The Landing Crew plays a pivotal role in refining our recruitment and retention strategies, ensuring that our outreach is both innovative and effective.
- Omaha Talent Connect: This initiative leverages college career expos to highlight the rich opportunities in Omaha. By targeting students in engineering, technology, business, finance and so much more—and reaching out to schools serving historically marginalized populations—Omaha Talent Connect helps bridge the gap between academic achievement and real-world career opportunities.
- Back to Omaha: Through digital outreach and focused engagement with Omaha alumni, Back to Omaha showcases the unique quality of life and vibrant career prospects available in our region, encouraging former residents to return and contribute to our local economy.
Discover how our recruitment efforts create a strong pipeline of skilled professionals ready to drive business success in Greater Omaha.
Workforce Recruitment
Workforce Recruitment is all about attracting new-to-market professionals into key industries that fuel Greater Omaha’s growth. We work closely with area employers to ensure that the region remains a top destination for emerging talent.
Key Initiatives
- The Landing Crew: A dynamic convening of talent recruiters dedicated to sharing insights, best practices, and training on current workforce trends. The Landing Crew plays a pivotal role in refining our recruitment and retention strategies, ensuring that our outreach is both innovative and effective.
- Omaha Talent Connect: This initiative leverages college career expos to highlight the rich opportunities in Omaha. By targeting students in engineering, technology, business, finance and so much more—and reaching out to schools serving historically marginalized populations—Omaha Talent Connect helps bridge the gap between academic achievement and real-world career opportunities.
- Back to Omaha: Through digital outreach and focused engagement with Omaha alumni, Back to Omaha showcases the unique quality of life and vibrant career prospects available in our region, encouraging former residents to return and contribute to our local economy.
Discover how our recruitment efforts create a strong pipeline of skilled professionals ready to drive business success in Greater Omaha.
Workforce Retention & Development
Workforce Retention & Development is dedicated to nurturing the talent already within our community. By working with employers, schools, and workforce programs, we ensure that the professionals we attract continue to thrive and grow in their careers.
Key Initiatives
- Young Professionals: This initiative connects professionals to the community, leadership, and valuable career opportunities through events and networking sessions designed to foster growth and long-term engagement.
- Opportunity Showcase
- College Partnerships: We collaborate with local colleges and universities to connect students with regional employment opportunities.
- Growing Home Program: Focused on graduating high school students, Growing Home offers professional development, career exploration, mentorship, and support to help students transition into postsecondary education and local employment.
- Intro Events: Curated networking events introduce new-to-market professionals to the opportunities available in Omaha, ensuring a smooth integration into the local workforce ecosystem.
Learn more about how our retention and development initiatives are designed to keep talent in Greater Omaha and nurture long-term career success.
Employer Excellence
Employer Excellence is designed to empower local businesses by creating workplaces where talent not only stays but thrives. We help employers adopt best practices, foster vibrant cultures, and prepare for the future of work.
Key Initiatives
Employer Coalition
A collaborative forum where area employers share best practices and develop innovative, collective approaches to workforce development. With a strong emphasis on representation and tapping into untapped talent pipelines, the Employer Coalition drives continuous improvement in workplace strategies.
The Power Conference:
An annual event that provides employers with a platform to exchange insights on workforce development. Featuring the prestigious POWER Awards, this conference celebrates innovation and excellence in building sustainable workforce strategies.
Housing & Childcare Solutions:
Recognizing that supportive workplace policies extend beyond the office, this initiative researches and promotes employer best practices in housing and childcare. The resulting insights are shared at dedicated summits aimed at providing practical solutions for businesses.
Future Ready Workforce:
In partnership with industry and academia, this initiative focuses on emerging trends and the future of work. Through comprehensive research and strategic recommendations, we prepare Omaha’s workforce for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.