Brief History
Omaha Builders Exchange is a 127-year-old non-profit organization in continuous service to the Nebraska and western Iowa construction industry since 1889. OBE is owned and managed by its members. We serve hundreds of businesses and firms as members, representing all trades and construction-related professions.
After more than 25 years of outsourcing the job to an independent contractor, our Board of Directors resumed direct management of the OBE Plan Room on July 1, 2016.
The OBE Plan Room is the only physical plan room service in the area. And now, with the NEW OBE Online Planroom, our members get the best of both worlds, digital plans online and full size prints in our Plan Room! Architects, design professionals and project owners who distribute their plans to OBE experience broad exposure to bidders, potentially lowering the cost of their projects.
Community & Industry Service
Scholarships Supporting Construction Education are available to students who study construction-related fields including our members’ employees and their family members who plan to study construction related programs at area colleges and universities. With the support of its members over the past 22 years, Omaha Builders Exchange has provided 63 individual student scholarships and institutional grants in support of construction education totaling nearly $100,000. The organizations include Omaha Public Schools, Southeast Community College, Metropolitan Community College and the Construction Specification Institute. Dues from OBE members help local students and programs dedicated to the construction trades and sciences, and strengthen our local construction industry.
Social & Networking Events
Our members like to have fun and get to know each other. From the annual picnic at the ballpark, to the Al Ludwig Memorial Golf Tournament, our Member gatherings help us stay in touch, keep up on local industry happenings and make connections that can bring in more projects. Many members also look forward to the annual Holiday gathering, a time to reflect on the past year and plan for more progress in the New Year.
Plan Room Manager
Lisa Shockey has staffed the OBE Planroom for nearly 10 years now, most of that time working for our former contract manager. As of July 1, 2016 Lisa became an employee of Omaha Builders Exchange, Inc. Her many years working with our members and meeting their needs make her especially suited to play such an important role in our organization. Please thank Lisa for all she does to help make OBE such a great non-profit association.
Officers and Board of Directors
Annually, our Members elect their Board of Directors. The OBE Board of Directors is designed to represent all industry trades. Our current seats include Building Supplies; Plumbing, HVAC; Roofing, Waterproofing & Exterior Sheet Metal; Structural Metals; General Contractor; Lumber; Concrete & Masonry, Painting, Decorating & Interior Finishing; Electrical; Plan Room User; Architect; and two At-Large Seats. The OBE Officers are members of the Board of Directors and are elected annually by the Board.
View current OBE Officers and Members of the Board of Directors here.
Photo: Philip Swinburn