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We foster communities of entrepreneurs and creatives on the Silicon Prairie. We aim to be the source for news on our region's leading entrepreneurs and creatives.
Silicon Prairie News is a blog and event producer founded in Omaha, Nebraska in July 2008. In September 2009, it expanded its primary coverage to include Des Moines, Iowa.
On SiliconPrairieNews.com, you’ll find interviews with entrepreneurs and creatives, reports on startups and established companies and event announcements. We also have Feature posts, such as the Five in Five and Weekly Wrap Up, a job section, a regional blog directory and more.
Offline, we produces events, from periodic Creative Capital Pitch Session to the annual Big Omaha conference, all designed to bring together the region’s entrepreneurs and creatives to explore, meet and engage. Our team also has active roles in Omaha Tweetups, The Omaha Blog Co., BarCamp Omaha and Highlight Midwest.
History
In January 2008, Jeff Slobotski began documenting his travel to other creative communities across the U.S. on his blog, Midwest to Manhattan. It wasn’t long before his focus turned to his home state of Nebraska and the amazing talent he knew was here. Joining up with Dusty Davidson of BrightMix in July 2008, the two launched Silicon Prairie News to highlight entrepreneurs and creatives in their own backyards.
2008
July -- First Event
Sarah Lacy's User Generated Book Tour makes stop in Omaha, marks first time SPN online community gathers offline
September -- Road Trip
Jeff & Dusty begin interviewing individuals in nearby cities, such as Lincoln, Nebraska, and Des Moines, Iowa
2009
February -- Second Event
First Creative Capital Pitch Session
May -- Big Omaha 2009
Inaugural Big Omaha event is held in Omaha, Nebraska at KANEKO
June -- First Employee
Danny Schreiber is hired as managing editor
July -- Contributors Added
Aaron Onken, Adam Templeton and John T. Meyer join growing team of contributors
July -- Happy 1st Birthday!
SPN celebrates its first birthday with a party
August -- Good Afternoon...
Weekly Wrap-up Show debuts
September -- Contributor Added
Geoff Wood of Des Moines joins team of contributors
2010
January -- New Look
Site redesign launched
Team
Jeff Slobotski, Co-Founder, Lead Evangelist/Promoter
Dusty Davidson, Co-Founder & Technical Lead
Danny Schreiber, Managing Editor
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- Aaron Onken, Omaha
- Geoff Wood, Des Moines
- Adam Templeton, Lincoln
- John T. Meyer, Sioux Falls
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BrightMix, Technical & Design + Landlord
SPN and BrightMix, for all intents and purposes, are attached at the hip. It doesn’t help that the SPN office is physically located in the basement of BrightMix and that the SPN folks frequently steal sodas and food from upstairs. The relationship works well though, with BrightMix providing all of the technical know-how and support, as well as design and other services. The entire team at BrightMix has at one point been involved with SPN be it developing the site, the promotional materials, or helping to produce events like Big Omaha or Creative Capital Pitch Sessions. It’s truly a win-win situation for all parties. You can read more about BrightMix at brightmix.com.
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There's too many people to name, you know you are — thanks for being a part of the team at one point or another with a contribution big or small.
Analog the Prairie Dog illustration by Andy Van Engen.