Nebraska Community Foundation Takes Home “Friend of Tourism” Award

Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF; www.nebcommfound.org) was recently honored at the Nebraska Tourism Commission’s conference in Nebraska City. Both NCF and Omaha World-Herald were co-presented with the Friend of Tourism award, which is given to a person, business, organization, or media outlet that is not directly involved in the tourism industry but has been very supportive of local, regional, and statewide efforts to promote and develop tourism.

Omaha World-Herald and NCF were recognized for their collaborative storytelling effort, better known as The Better Half, a collection of articles co-conceived and co-produced by writers representing both organizations. From March – November 2017, Omaha World-Herald columnists (and married couple) Sarah Baker Hansen and Matthew Hansen traveled the state to share with each other (and their readers) the little-known people, unexpected stops and memorable foods that make Nebraska unique. At the conclusion of the series, the Hansens’ articles were bound and published in a book titled “The Better Half: Nebraska’s Hidden Treasures.”

Nebraska Community Foundation was a collaborative partner and co-producer of The Better Half series, furnishing dynamic story angles and crafting complementary articles that featured some of Greater Nebraska’s most extraordinary communities and ambitious people who are working behind the scenes to build and better their communities.

The Better Half was and continues to be a tremendous success, not only for Omaha World-Herald and Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF; www.nebcommfound.org), but for the dozens of businesses, communities and tourist destinations featured in the series. Millions of people across the state, throughout the country, and around the world were exposed to and read about rural Nebraska; and communities, businesses and attractions throughout Greater Nebraska have reported an increase in visitors and interest in their places as a direct result of the series.