Previous Events
- February 9, 2010 | Omaha
- We Still Hold These Truths: An Evening With Matt Spalding
The Omaha Committee for Heritage had an evening with Heritage expert and author, Matt Spalding.
- November 5, 2009 | Omaha
- Bankrupting Our Children's Future: Why Entitlement Reform Is Essential
Heritage's Nicola Moore and Ryan Messmore spoke on the topic "Bankrupting our Children's Future: Why Entitlement Reform is Essential".
- July 16, 2009 | Omaha
- 33 Minutes: Protecting America in the New Missile Age
The Omaha Commitee for Heritage hosted a screening of Heritage's first documentary film 33 Minutes: Protecting America in the New Missile Age.
Heritage in the News in Omaha
- Heritage re farm income and cap and trade in Omaha World-Herald — June 15, 2009
- Utt on shovel-ready job creation in Des Moines Register — March 23, 2009
- DeMint event on stimulus excerpted for pro-con in Kansas City Star — February 9, 2009
- Lieberman on Gas Tax Hikes in Kansas City Star — January 15, 2009
- Riedl Estimates Potential Unemployment in Des Moines Register Editorial — January 14, 2009
- Surge, sacrifices have set the stage for hope in Iraq - The Des Moines Register — March 17, 2008
About the Committee
The mission of the Omaha Committee for Heritage is to extend the influence of conservative ideas and principles in Omaha, and to support Heritage’s mission and vision for America.
Community Committee Members are leaders in the Omaha metro area and supporters of The Heritage Foundation. At the invitation of Heritage’s President, Ed Feulner, these members are asked to undertake two key responsibilities:
- Plant a permanent flag for Heritage in their areas by focusing on the following:
- Membership Expansion
- Programs and Events
- Legislative Outreach
- Media Outreach
- Youth Outreach
- Lead Heritage's fundraising efforts in their areas.
About the Chairs
Berniece and Bill Grewcock are Honorary Chairmen of the Omaha Committee for Heritage.
Mary Jo and Phil Thielen are the Chairmen of the Omaha Committee for Heritage. The Thielens are native Midwesterners, though they have lived throughout the United States and Canada. In their semi-retirement, they operate a general contracting company that keeps them busy between trips and attending many college sporting events.
After 30 years with Peter Kiewit Sons Construction, Mary Jo and Phil returned to Omaha in 1996, and Phil retired from Kiewit in 1998. Mary Jo, who worked in the public accounting field, retired in 1997.
They first joined the Heritage Foundation in 1995 and became members of the President’s Club in 2001. “Coming to President Club meetings fills my cup and gives me renewed hope for our country,” Mary Jo said. “Listening to the mainstream press can be pretty disheartening.” They are excited to chair the Omaha Committee and are excited to spread Heritage’s message throughout Nebraska and Iowa.

