The Omaha metropolitan area is once again getting accolades for growing and nurturing business on the Silicon Prairie.
This time, the recognition comes from Site Selection magazine, which named Omaha-Council Bluffs the number one area among similarly-sized regions for new and expanded corporate facilities.
Site Selection is a national publication geared toward CEOs and other decision-makers evaluating geographical areas to expand or relocate.
Here is Site Selection’s top-ten list among areas with populations between 200,000 and 1 million:
1. Omaha-Council Bluffs
2. Greensboro-High Point, N.C.
3. Three-way tie: Toledo, Ohio; Charleston-N. Charleston, S.C.; and Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, S.C.
6. Baton Rouge, La.
7. Akron, Ohio
8. Dayton, Ohio
9. Lincoln
10. Des Moines-W. Des Moines
This is the third year in a row Omaha and Council Bluffs have gotten the recognition and the fourth time overall.
The magazine cited an already robust tech presence in Omaha-Council Bluffs, and listed several high-growth business and civic projects that show the area’s commitment to economic development:
Facebook – Construction of a new data center in Papillion
Costco – Construction of a new poultry processing facility in Fremont resulting in $550M capital investment and 800 new jobs
Veramaris – A joint venture between Evonik and DSM resulting in a $200 million capital investment and 12 new and 130 retained jobs in Blair
Evolva – Long-term collaboration agreement with Cargill estimated at $60 million for the production and commercialization of a new Stevia sweetener and other products at Blair’s biocampus
Big Ox Energy – A Wisconsin-based byproduct waste recycling provider planning to invest $60 million in a new 70,000-square-foot facility in Blair that is expected to create at least 45 jobs
West Broadway Redevelopment – West Broadway Reconstruction project aiming to improve the first impression for those crossing the Missouri River and entering Council Bluffs
River’s Edge – A Council Bluffs pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use design plan endeavoring to revitalize and invigorate the area by creating a newfound sense of place and community
“This victory belongs to everyone. We’re cheering thanks to the strength of our six-county Economic Development Partnership. It’s a powerful collaboration – one that compels us to achieve daily excellence in the way we know best: together,” said David G. Brown, president and CEO, the Greater Omaha Chamber, in a media release. “This type of intentional, inventive teamwork means we do more than support the region’s interests, we invent the most inclusive, innovative future we can envision. We’re grateful to be part of a community where great teams make incredible things happen.”
READ MORE: Site Selection magazine article