In The News: Midlands Business Journal

2023 Year in Review, courtesy Midlands Business Journal

A look back on the people, places and events that made an impact on Greater Omaha, Lincoln and Council Bluffs in 2023.

Editor’s note: Reflecting on the past year, it’s no secret that our community is inherently strong. We as people and organizations lift one another up to achieve greater things. Omaha swore in its first female fire chief, many companies moved into improved facilities and major corporations made investments in the business community. While challenges remain with labor shortages and high interest rates, the Midlands business community has much to be proud of in 2023.

Mud Mile Communications Joins Omaha Market

In early 2023, South Dakota-based Mud Mile Communications decided to expand, opening a second location in Omaha’s Blackstone Building. The company has over 100 international awards, including Emmys, Tellys, and W3 honors.

“Omaha was exactly where we knew we needed to be for the next growth opportunity,” said Jolene Loetscher, CEO and co-founder. “It’s a business community that embraces innovation and storytelling. When we expanded with our Omaha office, it allowed us to come back to our roots.”

She shared that the inspiration for the company name is, in fact, from the road in front of her family’s farm.

In September Mud Mile was also announced as one of the top 10 businesses in the Midwest being considered for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Top Small Businesses. In total, 70 businesses were nominated from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Mud Mile focuses on a modular marketing strategy to help companies such as Coca-Cola, Sanford Health, McDonald’s, and, locally, Nebraska Methodist Hospital.

Volunteering their time, Mud Mile created a pro-bono project that highlighted the impact of NMH’s Community Counseling Program. The program provides counseling services to kids in middle school, high school, and alternative programs in Omaha Public Schools.

“The video they produced for us raises awareness about the program and sends a powerful message to donors about the impact it’s having on students and families throughout our community,” said Tracy Madden-McMahon, president and CEO of Methodist Hospital Foundation.