About
Mission
North Omaha Visitors Center
The North Omaha Visitor Center showcases North Omaha rich history culture and character through inclusive programing, driving economic development and fostering community pride for the benefit of all. At the heart of the Center is a commitment to collaboration.
Vision
North Omaha Visitors Center
To position North Omaha as a premier cultural and historical tourism destination that empowers local businesses, educates visitors and strengthens community pride.
leadership
A lifelong Omahan known for his civil rights activism, political leadership, and education work. He’s an author, nonprofit founder, and university lecturer focused on Black civic engagement, history, and social change through community and political action.
Veta Jeffery
Executive Director of Operations & Projects
Originally from St. Louis, is a seasoned leader in finance, government, and business strategy. Her career spans roles in banking, state-level economic development, and community engagement, where she’s focused on empowerment, opportunity, and public-private partnerships.
Vince Lindenmeyer
Executive Director of Technology & Innovation
A retired U.S. Army Colonel, now leads as an educator and leadership consultant. With a Ph.D. in Education and global military experience, he teaches organizational behavior and guides others in transforming institutions through strategic learning and empowerment.
Avalona Kelly
Director of Scheduling
Based in Omaha, Nebraska, Avalona is a community-minded professional originally from Omaha. A graduate of Omaha Central High School, she's building her beautiful family with her husband, Terrence Kelly II, and is active in city networks, outreach, and civic engagement.
Acknowledgements
Blair Freeman
Jeffery Consultants
Stable Gray
Beacon 4sight Group
Holland Basham Architects
Nebraska Department of Economic Development
The Sign Dr
Omaha Public Power District
Omaha Economic Development Corporation
North 24th Street, Business Improvement District
VRL & Associates
Economic & Cultural Impact
The North Omaha Visitor’s Center will drive economic activity by increasing tourism-related spending, supporting local businesses, and creating employment opportunities. Additionally, it will serve as a cultural touchstone, ensuring North Omaha’s history is celebrated and shared.
North Omaha’s tourism industry remains an untapped economic resource. Cities that have developed cultural tourism hubs in underserved areas have seen significant economic benefits that extend across the entire city, fostering broader economic growth and community revitilization. Examples include, Tulsa’s Greenwood Rising Center and Mephis’ Beale Street Historic District, which have generated sustainable revenue streams for Black-owned businesses. Omaha’s tourism industry generates $3 Billion annually, yet little of that revenue reaches historically Black communities like North Omaha. Heritage tourism is a $171 billion industry nationwide, with 71% of U.S. travelers experessing interest in cultural tourism experiences.
Projected Impact
North Omaha Visitors Center
- Tourism | Charter Revenue: $750,000 + annually, first full year
- Job Creation: 11+ direct employment opportunities
- Business Support: 50+ local businesses engaged in tourism programming
- Educational Outreach: 2,000+ students engaged in cultural programming annually
- Community Economic Impact: $2,250,000