Meet “2015 Vision Group”

There's been a lot of talk lately about the “2015 Vision Group”.  They hope to complete 10 major projects around the city by the year 2015.  But who are these people? 

The 2015 visioning group is made up business leaders and they say the future can be bright for Lincoln with the help of strong leadership and public support.  

Tom smith is CEO of Smith Hayes Financial Services Corporation and is also a member of the 2015 visioning group.

The group recently announced their vision to have 10 major projects completed in the city by 2015.   

The 2015 group was spearheaded by Tom Henning, CEO of Security Assurity Group.  He and several other core people brought together the 12 original members through social and professional gatherings.   

They felt their was a lack of private sector leadership and the city was stalling on major developments that need to happen in order for the city to grow. 

The group first made news late last month, when they recommended that state fair be combined with the Lancaster Event Center.  Smith says the group feels keeping the state fair where it is now is too expensive to keep up and moving it will enable a bigger facility and more growth.

 But on Friday the state fair board voted to keep the fair at State Fair Park. In the end, both are only recommendations, and only the state legislature can make the final decision.  

The 2015 group feels their recommendations have the potential to benefit the city's economy and stability for future generations. Smith says it's shouldn't be an impossible task.  The 2015 group held their first meeting only 90 days ago.  

 Now there are a total of 70 members and the invitation to join is open to anyone.  

2015 Visioning Group:
Roger Severin, chairman and CEO, Olsson Associates
Brad Korell, chief financial officer, Olsson Associates
Wendy Birdsall, president, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
Tom Smith, CEO, Smith Hayes Financial Services Corp
Jim Abel, chairman, Nebco
Tonn Ostergard, president and CE, Crete Carrier Corp
Mike Dunlap, chairman and co-CEO, Nelnet
Tom Henning, president and CEO, Security Assurity Group
Marc LeBaron, chairman and CEO, Lincoln Plating
Lawrence Arth, chairman and CEO, Unifi Mutal Holding Co.
Terry Fairfield, president, University of Nebraska Foundation
Kent Seacrest, attorney