Omaha's CHI Health Center Expansion Progresses
The $200 million expansion of the CHI Health Center in Omaha has reached a major construction milestone. The project is adding new convention space designed to attract larger events and highlights the ongoing demand for project managers with strong organizational and business skills.
- The expansion will add 90,000 square feet of convention space and 25 new meeting rooms, bringing the venue's total to 41. This project is part of a wider boom in Omaha, which includes a $950 million airport modernization, a $600 million Mutual of Omaha tower, and a $421 million downtown streetcar, with completion dates for these projects expected between 2026 and 2028. - For business majors targeting construction management, key transferable skills include financial management, strategic planning, organizational leadership, and communication. Emphasizing experience in budgeting, contract management, and resource allocation during interviews can bridge the gap left by a lack of direct construction experience. - Entry-level roles for business graduates often carry titles like "Project Coordinator," "Assistant Project Manager," or "Project Engineer," and typically require a bachelor's degree. These positions focus on supporting senior managers by tracking project milestones, monitoring budgets, and facilitating communication between the field and office. - The construction industry in 2026 is increasingly focused on technology, with a major shift toward digital-first, data-driven project delivery. Key trends include the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual construction and digital twins to reduce rework, and a growing use of prefabrication and modular construction to improve efficiency. - Major general contractors in the Omaha area include Kiewit Corporation, McCarthy Building Companies, MCL Construction, and Lueder Construction. Kiewit, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Omaha, is one of the largest contractors in the world. - Foundational B2B sales in construction involves identifying key decision-makers, who can range from project owners and general contractors to architects and procurement managers. A successful strategy focuses on offering solutions to specific problems—like cost control, scheduling, or safety—rather than just listing product features. - To break into the field without direct experience, it is recommended to seek internships, shadow a project manager for a day, or even take an entry-level labor position to get a foot in the door. Proactively learning industry software, such as scheduling or CAD programs, and earning a certification like the Project Management Professional (PMP) can also significantly strengthen a resume.
