1,200+ attend Rebuilding the Village Conference featuring Eric Thomas
OMAHA, Neb. – June 11, 2024 – On Friday, June 7, more than 1,200 attendees walked through the doors of the CHI Health Center Omaha & Hilton Omaha Downtown to listen to captivating speakers during the 17th Annual Rebuilding the Village Conference and Luncheon. Hosted by the Empowerment Network, the event also featured the Revive Omaha Black Business Expo, as well as a powerful and energizing speech delivered by keynote speaker Eric Thomas, Ph.D., a New York Times best-selling author, educator and motivational guru.
“Think Big and Take Action! The Rebuilding the Village Conference was a tremendous success, bringing together local and national leaders, visionaries and community members who are committed to making a tangible difference,” said Willie Barney, CEO and founder, Empowerment Network. “We were able to convene over 1,200 participants including 600 youth from our Step-Up Omaha program. This conference is more than an event; it’s a movement that empowers teamwork to revitalize our communities. Together, we are forging a path towards sustainable growth and collective prosperity.”
Timothy Christian, Board Chair, Empowerment Network and CEO Night Fox Entertainment, Eric Thomas ET and Willie Barney, CEO and Founder, Empowerment Network. Photo Credit Nehemiah Barney
The Rebuilding the Village Conference and Luncheon brought together community leaders, activists, entrepreneurs and stakeholders to address critical issues facing underserved communities. With a strong focus on professional and community development, this year’s conference was centered around career advancement, DEI, entrepreneurship, leadership development and wealth building. Sessions were designed to enhance collaboration and strengthen the economic impact in Omaha and beyond.
As keynote speaker, Thomas talked about the importance of inclusive leadership strategies, purpose with emphasis on working collectively. “As a leader, you have to stop ambushing, as a leader, you have to stop doing the one-on-one, as the leader, you have to stop being in isolation,” said Thomas. “You’ve got to understand why [purpose] is so significant; it’s so significant because whoever you are, whatever assignment you’re on, you have to fulfill that assignment. You are better when you move together.”
Supported in part by the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, a program of The Obama Foundation, the Empowerment Network is dedicated to building safe and thriving communities through economic, educational and social success. Programs like Omaha 360 and Step-Up Omaha exemplify these efforts. My Brother’s Keeper Alliance promotes supportive communities for boys and young men of color, ensuring they feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunity.
With representation from New Orleans, Kansas City, Lansing, Tulsa, Pittsburgh, Memphis, St. Louis and other national cities, attendees came far and wide to network, build community and grow professionally and personally during this year’s conference.
This year’s agenda also included special sessions just for Step-Up youth which aligns with the mission of My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. Breakout sessions focused on driving change, community investment and connecting students with their gifts and strengths.
“There’s always more work ahead, but we have seen a measurable impact through our collective work and collaboration with hundreds of organizations and the engagement of thousands,” said Barney. “Step-Up students are graduating from high school, going to college and entering the workforce. Graduates of Legacy Wealth are buying homes, launching and scaling businesses, saving and investing. Alumni of Redefine the Game are receiving promotions, advancing their careers and moving into leadership. We are launching the next round of these cohorts and two others focused on fund development and leadership.”
In the coming months, the Empowerment Network is working with partners to launch the next phase of transformation this summer – pathway to careers, wealth and ownership. Additional growth opportunities including:
- Connecting 200 more youth per year to the Step-Up youth employment and entrepreneurship programs, to grow to 1,000 students per summer within three years
- Expanding STEAM programming including drones, robotics, music production, entrepreneurship and culinary.
- Launching Skill Up! and EmPower Up! for hundreds of North Omaha adult residents to increase wages by providing wrap around and certified educational services
- Investing in small businesses, entrepreneurship, tourism and job creation
- Expanding efforts to reduce gun violence by an additional 50%
- Assisting 250 organizations, small businesses, neighborhoods and churches with capacity-building
As an effort to invest back into Omaha’s Black-owned businesses, the conference featured entrepreneurs during the Black Business Expo, in addition to three breakout sessions specifically for small business owners.
More than 20 panel discussions and interactive workshops led by industry experts and community leaders were also held.
“We greatly appreciate all the attendees, sponsors, speakers, volunteers and all engaged. We encourage you to support small businesses and stay engaged,” said Barney.
To learn more about the Rebuilding the Village Conference visit https://www.rtvomaha.com/. To stay connected with the Empowerment Network and learn about upcoming events, visit https://empoweromaha.com/. Follow Empowerment Network on Facebook at Facebook.com/EmpowermentNetwork.
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About the Empowerment Network
The Empowerment Network is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing economic, social, and civic progress within Omaha’s African American community, North Omaha and the region. Through collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives, the Empowerment Network strives to create opportunities for empowerment and transformation in every zip code and neighborhood in Omaha and beyond.
Community Features
Thinking Big & Bold; $14 Million Development in North Omaha
By Co-Publisher, Willie D. Barney, July 2026
How a 12-year vision, bold partners, and persistence helped bring a $14 million job creation project to North Omaha.
A quick story about thinking big and bold. I realized this week that I never shared this behind-the-scenes piece I wrote a few months ago, when OEDC and CHI formally announced a $14 million job creation project that will bring 100 jobs to North Omaha. For me, this project is more than a building, more than a headline, and more than a ribbon cutting. It is a reminder of what can happen when we cast a vision, stay persistent, and believe that our community deserves solutions at scale.
North Omaha has always had talent, faith, creativity, entrepreneurs, families, leaders, and people ready to work. What we have not always had is the level of investment, access, and opportunity needed to match that talent. That is why this announcement matters. It shows what is possible when institutions listen, community leaders push, and partners are bold enough to stay at the table even when the work gets hard.
The Question That Opened the Door
Twelve years ago, I was in a meeting with Ann Schumacher, Pete Festersen, and Kevin Nokels, former vice president at CHI Health. We were discussing partnerships between the Empowerment Network and CHI Health to address needs in the community. Most of the conversation focused on health, which was important and needed. But I kept coming back to another part of community health: jobs, careers, and wages.
We talked initially about Step-Up and filling existing positions. Then Kevin leaned over and said something that stuck with me: “Why don’t you ask us to do something really BIG?”
WOW. I loved it. We were in the early days of creating the Transformation 2025 plan, and we were talking about taking solutions to scale. Kevin opened the door to do exactly that.
From an Idea to a Community Vision
After taking some time to think and pray about it, I called Kevin and said, “What if CHI could help with job creation by bringing one of their business units to North Omaha? What if that move could help address unemployment and create opportunities for entrepreneurs to do business?”
Kevin said, “Now you are talking.”
That was the beginning of a long journey. I asked Vicki Quaites-Ferris, our VP of Operations, to join me, and we started meeting with Kevin and members of his team to figure out ways to make it happen. As the idea gained momentum, we knew we needed a developer. I reached out to Michael Maroney because we had been working together for years on other initiatives. Michael joined in and made a commitment for OEDC to use its expertise and experience to help bring the vision to reality.
The Long Road to Fruition
We went through all kinds of plans, strategies, designs, and proposals. We looked at dozens of locations and buildings throughout North Omaha. We had one in the historic 24th and Lake area that was almost there, but we could not get it across the finish line. We looked at North 30th, Ames, 16th Street, and other locations.
There were barriers. Challenges. Changes in leadership. Then the pandemic hit, causing even more delays. If you have ever been part of real community development work, you know it rarely moves in a straight line. It takes vision, patience, faith, relationships, and a lot of people who refuse to give up.
Through it all, Michael Maroney and Pete Festersen kept pushing forward. I have not been as involved the last four years, other than working with State Senators to help get state funds approved through LB531. But Michael, Pete, OEDC staff, CHI leaders, elected officials, funders, and many others stayed with it and finally brought it to fruition.
A Win Bigger Than One Project
Now, North Omaha will see a $14 million project that is expected to generate more than 100 jobs with competitive wages and benefits. It will also double CHI’s capacity to serve meals across the region. That is impact. That is investment. That is what happens when a community-centered idea is given room to grow into something transformational.
I think it is important to say this plainly: Black communities deserve more than programs that manage poverty. We deserve investments that create ownership, jobs, careers, contracts, business opportunities, and generational impact. We deserve partners who do not just come to the community for meetings, but who are willing to bring real projects, real dollars, and real opportunity.
The Lesson: Ask Big, Stay Bold
This project reminds me why we have to keep thinking big. Sometimes the first idea is not big enough. Sometimes the first location does not work. Sometimes the timeline stretches far beyond what we expected. But when the vision is rooted in community and the partners remain committed, the outcome can still be powerful.
I am incredibly encouraged to see what is possible when we think big, cast a bold vision, and work with partners who are willing to stick with it even when it gets hard. Congratulations to OEDC and CHI Health. This is a big win for North Omaha, for the city, and for the region.
Coming Events
March 7th: State of Black Business Summit – Omaha
State of Black Business: Omaha
The next Revive Black Business Summit and Business Exchange for 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, March 7th!
Hosted by Willie and Yolanda Barney, the State of Black Business in Omaha will focus on:
- Data and Trends regarding Black Businesses and Entrepreneurs in Omaha
- The State of Finance and Banking for Black Businesses
- Opportunities in Growth Industries
- Strengths, Challenges and Needs
- Resources and Opportunities
- 2026 Calendar for Summits, Business Exchanges, Workshops and Tours
The Revive Black Business Network is committed to working together to double the number of Black Businesses with Employees in Omaha. Building Wealth and Community by Creating Profits and Advancing Careers.
Panelists:
- Frank Hayes, CEO and Founder, Hayes and Associates
- Bridget Hadley, Asst. Director of Economic Development, City of Omaha
- Karnetta Rushing, Business Development Officer, Carver Legacy Center
- Gibril Mansaray, Entrepreneurship and Innovations Director, Omaha 100
- Garry Clark, Executive Director, Inland Port Authority
- LaTisha Henry, CEO, Comfort Squad
- Raheem Sanders, CEO and Managing Partner, PPRP Innovations
- Grant McGaugh, CEO, 5 Star BDM
Revive Black Business Summit
State of Black Businesses: Omaha
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Revive Center at 24th and Lake
8:30 am Breakfast, Networking and Business Exchange
9:00 am The State of Black Businesses in Omaha Report
9:30 am Panel: State of Financing and Banking – Access to Credit and Capital
10:00 am BREAK
10:10 am Panel: Opportunities in Growth Industries
10:40 am Interactive Strategic Discussions: Strengths, Challenges, Needs and Opportunities
11:00 am Resources for Black Businesses and Entrepreneurs
The location for the in-person event will be the Revive Center at 24th and Lake.
Breakfast and Networking will start at 8:30 am.
We’ve had a great response with the summits and luncheons with over 400 Black businesses, entrepreneurs and support organizations participating during the past 12 years.
The Brookings Institution highlighted a 95% increase in the number of Black-owned businesses in Omaha with employees from 2017-2022. What can we do to double that number over the next five years by 2030?
The Revive Black Business Network and Business Exchange have helped to establish a strong system in Omaha where business owners are doing more business with each other and are now forming partnerships in Tulsa, New Orleans, Lansing, Atlanta, Kansas City and other national cities. Let’s keep building!
Community Features
Revive Black Business Summit launches new phase of collective economic growth
Building Wealth and Community by Expanding Businesses, Creating Profits and Advancing Careers.
By: Willie D. Barney, Co-owner Revive and Carver Legacy Center
Our first Revive Black Business Summit and Business Exchange for 2026 was held on Saturday, January 10th at the Revive Center Omaha – 24th and Lake, hosted by Willie and Yolanda Barney, focused on working together to double the number of Black Businesses with Employees.
Dreams and Visions are becoming reality. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, seventy Black business owners and entrepreneurs convened at our first Revive Black Business Summit of the year. This event was one of our best yet. Networking. Learning. Sharing. Business Exchange. Inspiration. Resources. Funding.
Yolanda and I have hosted these networking, business exchange and capacity-building events for 12 years. We have been blessed to work with over four hundred Black business owners and entrepreneurs in Omaha and hundreds more across the country.
We set a goal 22 years ago to help support, promote, connect, launch, and grow Black businesses. Saturday’s event at the Revive Center at 24th and Lake shows the incredible things happening in Omaha for Black businesses and the ever-increasing possibilities.
The Brookings Institution highlighted a 95% increase in Black Businesses with employees in Omaha. Our next goal is to help double the number of Black businesses with employees and create over 3,000 more jobs.
On Saturday, we had a number of owners in attendance running multi-million-dollar businesses and others who are at the start-up phase. The sharing of information, contacts and business exchange was real and impactful.
Carmen Tapio, CEO and Founder of North End Teleservices, is a notable example as she launched her business in the face of challenges to access capital even though she came with global experience and had helped others build extraordinarily successful businesses. She overcame those obstacles and now leads the largest Black owned business in the state, creating hundreds of jobs and careers. NET has been recognized as one of the fastest growing businesses in the country.
Tapio highlighted some keys to success: It starts with faith. Form partnerships. Don’t quit. “If it’s in your heart, if it’s in your spirit, don’t quit! There is a pathway there for you. It is not a straight line.”
Raheem Sanders, MPH Sanders, CEO and Managing Partner of PPRP, a national data, research and evaluation firm shared insights on how to grow profits and build community effectively by maximizing AI and data.
Sanders emphasized AI should be used to increase your sales, revenue and profits, not just to save money. “It should make you even more productive. Go from 2-3 proposals in a month to 10-20 proposals.”
Keele Taylor MA,PHR,SHRM-CP Taylor, CEO of HR-Minded with 20 years of experience and a growing national client base provided insights for hiring, onboarding, retention and preparing your business for growth and staying compliant while doing so.
“Onboarding starts from the moment you post your position,” said Taylor. “My job is to help you stay compliant in all areas of HR, not just hiring.”
Candice Price, serial entrepreneur and community builder, co-owner of HomeTeam Auto and several other enterprises, presented strategies to generate multiple streams of income. Growing from an initial investment of $1,750 to co-owning businesses worth millions.
“Partnerships are essential,” said Price. “And, don’t take no for a final answer. Don’t let a no shut you down. There are others out there who will help you.”
Phillip McClain, CEO of the Mensch Group provided an overview of the exciting new projects he is working on to build community through innovations in real estate. He is currently leading a $20 million development in North Omaha and has offices in Chicago and cities.
“I’m excited to bring even more innovative developments and options to North Omaha,” said McClain.
We were also blessed to have numerous resource organizations with us providing funding, training and expertise: Carver Legacy Center, Omaha 100, Nebraska Opportunity Exchange, Hayes & Associates and HR-Minded.
Thank you, Carver Legacy, and HR-Minded for helping to sponsor the event.
Our next Summit is coming up March 7th. Learn more at reviveomaha.com. Omaha is on the move. Come grow with us!
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