How Nebraska Can Compete: See the Findings From Nebraska Forward
Last week, the Aksarben Foundation brought together Nebraska leaders to explore the state’s economic landscape and future opportunities. During Nebraska Forward: Shaping Nebraska’s Growth with Data, Insight & Direction, leaders and experts explored the data behind Nebraska’s economic future. Through presentations directly from experts behind the data and discussion among leaders, the Nebraska Forward event […]
The loss of people and jobs to other states slows Nebraska’s economic growth.
Aksarben Foundation releases report it commissioned by DCI Consulting Group OMAHA, Nebraska, September 4, 2025 — The Aksarben Foundation, a statewide Nebraska business organization for over 100 years, has released a report prepared by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a national expert in economic development marketing and strategy. The data shows that the competition for people […]
Aksarben’s Most Honored Citizen 2023 – Dr. Jeffrey Gold
Dr. Jeffrey Gold has accomplished big things in a short amount of time having arrived in Nebraska just over a decade ago. He is a nationally recognized leader and a tireless advocate for transforming higher education, academic medicine, and health care delivery. In June of this year, he was tapped as the ninth President of […]
Most Honored Citizens 2022– Dawn and Sid Dinsdale
After 128 years, the Aksarben Ball may still be a bit of a mystery to some. “Admittedly,” lifelong Nebraskan, Sid Dinsdale commented, “I never understood Aksarben until I was involved. Once you are involved, you get it.” And the Dinsdale family has most certainly “got it” in their nearly three decades of involvement. At the […]
Most Honored Citizens 2021 – Holly and Tonn Ostergaard
When Tonn Ostergard got the call informing him that he and wife, Holly, were to be honored as Aksarben’s Most Honored Citizens, a mixture of emotions came to the surface. “My first thought was ‘We aren’t that old, are we?’ and then I’d have to say we were both just very humbled and a little bit […]
Most Honored Citizens 2019 – Amy Haddad and Steve Martin
“It really did catch us totally by surprise.” That’s how Amy Haddad and Steve Martin characterized their reaction to the news that they had been selected as Aksarben’s Most Honored Citizens for 2019. Though they were taken aback by the honor, the fact that it’s based on community service and philanthropy makes this couple a […]
Most Honored Citizens 2018 – Cindy and Mogens Bay
The 122nd Aksarben Ball ushered in change. An update in production format coincided with a pivot in foundation platform. From king and queen to Citizens of the Year and Aksarben’s Workforce Development Initiative, it was an exciting year of change for the Foundation. First to receive Aksarben’s new high honor, Cindy and Mogens Bay were chosen in large […]
