2023 Nebraska Business Hall of Fame

Brown Acceptance
Mildred Brown (not pictured), owner, publisher and editor of the Omaha Star, the nation’s longest operating Black-owned newspaper run by a woman, was inducted posthumously into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame on February 2. Preston Love Jr., employed in his youth by Mildred Brown and the Omaha Star newspaper, accepted the award on behalf of her family and paper. From left: Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska; Love.​

Clifton & Miller Acceptance
Gallup leaders Jim Clifton (left), chairman, and Jane Miller (center), former president and COO, of Omaha were inducted into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame at a NE Chamber banquet on February 2. Started in Nebraska, Gallup now operates worldwide providing much of the data leaders use to make informed decisions and build thriving talent-driven businesses. From left: Clifton; Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska; Miller; Kathy Farrell, Dean of UNL College of Business; Bryan Slone, NE Chamber President​

Holzfaster Acceptance
The Ralph and Beverly Holzfaster family (center), active in agribusiness and community development in the Paxton area, was inducted in the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame on February 2 before a crowd of 500 business and state leaders. From left: Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska; Beverly Holzfaster; Ralph Holzfaster; Bryan Slone, NE Chamber President; Kathy Farrell, Dean of UNL College of Business​

Messineo Acceptance
Anthony “Tony” Messineo Jr., (center left) owner of Valentino’s based in Lincoln, was inducted into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame at a NE Chamber banquet on February 2. The franchise currently employs 500 people at 40 locations across the state. From left: Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska; Messineo; Bryan Slone, NE Chamber President; Carmen Messineo; Kathy Farrell, Dean of UNL College of Business​

Tegtmeier Family Acceptance
Doug Tegtmeier (center left) accepted the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame award on behalf of his late father, Wilfred “Dick” Tegtmeier (not pictured), founder of Encore Mfg. Co. in Beatrice. Dick Tegtmeier is recognized for helping Beatrice become the unofficial lawnmower capital of the world. From left: Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska; Doug Tegtmeier; Kathy Farrell, Dean of UNL College of Business; Bryan Slone, NE Chamber President​

​WHAT:  Nebraska business leaders were inducted into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame at a recognition banquet on February 2. The Nebraska Business Hall of Fame was established in 1992 by the NE Chamber and UNL College of Business. Nominations are solicited annually from the business community, business associations and academia.
 
HONOREES:       
Mildred “Millie” Brown, Omaha Star (posthumous)
Jim Clifton & Jane Miller, Gallup of Omaha
Ralph & Beverly Holzfaster Family, Agribusiness / Community Development of Paxton
Anthony “Tony” Messineo, Jr., Valentino’s of Lincoln
Wilfred “Dick” Tegtmeier, Encore Mfg. Co. of Beatrice (posthumous)

Biographies
 
VIDEO LINKS:    Videos provided below feature the video presentation at the banquet, as well as footage of the award presentation and acceptance remarks. Please contact Holley Salmi if a different format is needed.
 
Brown: https://youtu.be/CsJFhTZJgUM 
Clifton & Miller: https://youtu.be/sfm1cFCW1Ew
Holzfasters: https://youtu.be/jPUjg9LHuWs
Messineo: https://youtu.be/OzM4DnqASUo&t   
Tegtmeier: https://youtu.be/bmzVVsRFoEo
 
The NE Chamber is the largest, statewide business association, proudly serving its members since 1912. It is where members of the business community gather to help make Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business. Focused on delivering economic and workforce growth and a competitive business climate, members also gain a network of experienced, connected business leaders across the state. Learn more at nechamber.com.