About

History

Midtown Business Association began as the MedCenter Merchants Association, which first met in August of 1980. The original members – a small group of merchants – were encouraged to join by Clarkson Hospital and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The purpose at that time was to spruce up the neighborhood from Park Avenue to 52nd Street, and Leavenworth Street to Cuming Street.

The first order of business was to urge companies within that area to improve the appearance of their property. Plaques were given to those who did improve their property. This award continues today with the Neighborhood Improvement Awards.

The organization is now known as the Midtown Business Association. It has grown to include 180 members, four officers, and an executive committee of eight members. The Midtown area has grown into Midtown Crossing, the Blackstone area, the Leavenworth area, and many more growing neighborhood areas. The organization continues to advocate for a healthy Midtown business community.

See our membership page for more information on membership benefits and application.

Bonnie Jacobs

President – Sidney Gnann

Sidney Gnann is director of operations for The RiverFront park in downtown Omaha. He first became invested in the midtown area as executive director of the Joslyn Castle and has continued to work on the board of the MBA helping the midtown community thrive and prosper.
 

 

Shelley Goergen

Vice President – Shelley Goergen

The owner of Fastest Labs of East Omaha, Shelley Goergen credits her continued success in sales on strong relationships with clients and educational selling. She opened the first franchise of Tan World in 1997 and sold her territory in 2005. She also has experience in the world of dental/medical sales and hotel group meeting sales. Shelley volunteers with Completely KIDS’ Weekend Food Prep & Pack, as well as for the Greater Omaha Volunteer Team of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R. Rescue).

Treasurer – Steve Ranum

Steve Ranum is a real estate and business attorney at Croker Huck Law Firm. He works with clients in a wide range of litigation and transactional matters, including business formations, commercial real estate transactions, and commercial and real estate litigation. Croker Huck Law Firm has been an active member of Midtown Business Association and is committed to the development of its business community.

 

Secretary – Karen Burbach

Karen Burbach is director of communications and engagement in Strategic Communications at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. UNMC was among the founding members of the MedCenter Merchants Association, which later became the Midtown Business Association. Together, UNMC and the MBA have played important roles in developing a healthy and vibrant midtown. 

Midtown Business Association

2024 Board:

Sidney Gnann – President (MECA)

Shelley Goergen – Vice President (Fastest Labs)

Karen Burbach – Secretary (UNMC)

Steve Ranum – Treasurer (Croker, Huck, Kasher, DeWitt, Anderson & Gonderinger)

Carol Samway (Oak Investments)

Jon Sinkiewicz (Pando PEO)

Michele Shearer (Retired)

Tony Thomas (formerly with Farnam House Brewing)

Board members, Midtown Business Association

Active Past Presidents:

Bonnie Jacobs (Security National Bank)

Leah Jipp (Mutual of Omaha)

Paul Swanson (Enterprise Media Group)

Chris Kilroy (Edward Jones)

Val McPherson (Allied Reality Inc.)

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