A banker, a convention center manager, a real estate couple and cousins behind the “Omaha Steaks” brand are entering the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Business Hall of Fame.
The 2025 inductees represent the “highest caliber of entrepreneurial leadership, civic dedication and transformative impact” on Nebraska’s largest city, according to a chamber statement.
They are: Roger Dixon, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA); Todd and Mary Heistand, owners of NuStyle Development Corp.; Chris Murphy, executive chair of First Westroads Bank, and Bruce and Todd Simon of Omaha Steaks.
The vision, dedication and service of each of the hall-of-famers has had a profound influence on their city, said Heath Mello, Omaha Chamber president and CEO.
“Each of these honorees exemplifies what it means to have pride in your community and commit yourself to make a difference,” said Mello.
The Omaha Business Hall of Fame started in 1993 as part of the chamber’s centennial celebration and has continued. This year’s honorees are to be formally inducted at an Aug. 20 gala at the Holland Performing Arts Center.
Proceeds help support the chamber’s foundation and efforts to develop the next generation of local business professionals, the chamber said. Inductees become part of the permanent exhibit at the Durham Museum.
Honorees
Joining MECA in 2000, Roger Dixon’s goal was to build Omaha’s premier arena and convention center, according to a chamber statement. In addition to the CHI Health convention center, which is being expanded, Dixon has led operations at the Charles Schwab Field and The RiverFront tri-park system. He has announced his retirement at the end of 2025.
High school sweethearts Todd and Mary Heistand own the longstanding NuStyle, whose team has reshaped Omaha’s urban core housing landscape via conversion of old buildings including the Duo (former Central Park Plaza), the Atlas (Creighton University Medical Center) and? the Breakers (a power plant).
Chris and wife Betsy purchased First Westroads in 1990, and for 17 years it has received the highest rating from Bauer Financial. Chris Murphy currently is on the Creighton University board of directors and has served in leadership roles of entities including the chamber, Children’s Hospital and foundation, Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben.
Bruce Simon was a fifth-generation family owner of Omaha Steaks, where he served as president and CEO until his passing in 2021. He was active on boards of numerous organizations including the Omaha Performing Arts Society, Boys and Girls Clubs and American Meat Institute. He and Todd are cousins.
Todd Simon, a fifth-generation owner of Omaha Steaks, joined Omaha steaks about 40 years ago and currently serves as board chair. He has served on several boards, including Omaha Community Foundation and Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. He and wife Betiana were named Humanitarians of the Year by Inclusive Communities.
