Strictly Business Magazine - July 2021 by Strictly Business - Lincoln & Omaha, Nebraska

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LINCOLN • JULY 2021 TM

Paige Zutavern President/Founder

Dillon Crawford Art Director

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE! • PLANNED LIFE CHANGES • RESIDENTIAL REMODELING • SUPPORTING NONPROFITS CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • EL POTRO • FARMERS UNION MIDWEST AGENCY • REGA ENGINEERING GROUP • TALENT PLUS

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Hannah Hundley Editor/Operations

SCOTT BURKLE

TOM FULLER

JAMIN THOMAS

TYLER KLOTZ

MATT UNDERWOOD

GRACIA KREMER

North Risk Partners

Kingery Construction

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JULY 2021 Strictly Business

Growingfor forNebraska Nebraska Growing TheBank City Bank & Trust Mortgage atBank City Bank continues The City & Trust Mortgage TeamTeam at City continues to grow, and offers now offers a diverse of products loan products to grow, and now a diverse rangerange of loan including VA, NIFA, Housing, and Conventional. including FHA, FHA, VA, NIFA, RuralRural Housing, and Conventional. We have decision-making a support who works We have local local decision-making and aand support teamteam who works directly with our you,customers, our customers, and your or family. directly with you, and your teamteam or family. Our underwriting and closing departments are local, also local, allowing Our underwriting and closing departments are also allowing forBank City Bank & Trust to offer fast, solid approvals youtrust. can trust. for City & Trust to offer fast, solid approvals you can all, Trust is inname. our name. AfterAfter all, Trust is in our PineMain LakeBank Main Bank Pine Lake

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Check Out Our New Website! It's been a long time coming, but we have finally launched our new website! Same address, different look. While our previous site got the job done, we saw a lot of areas that could use improvement. The two biggest goals for the new website were to offer a better mobile view and a more user-friendly navigation set up. As you've probably noticed, our magazine is jam-packed with awesome news and stories. This gives us the fun challenge of presenting it in a clean and readable way, both in print and online. We're pretty proud of our print layout, but with people also accessing our content on their desktops, tablets, and mobile phones, we knew it was time for a facelift. One of the most significant and necessary changes was organizing our navigation into two menus—a general menu and an editorial menu. In our general menu, you'll be linked to our About Us page to get to know the team, you'll find information about advertising in the magazine, you'll be able to check out upcoming community events on our event calendar, and you'll also find links for submitting your news, subscribing to receive your own free copy of the magazine, viewing past issues, and checking out testimonials from our amazing clients! Our editorial menu is where users can access content from the magazine. The new website offers more subcategories to get users where they want to go faster. For example, we run a lot of special features throughout the year such as Supporting Nonprofits, Joining Organizations, Employing Lincoln, and Women-Owned Businesses. Now, you can find these all as sub-heads within our editorial navigation. The new website also links to all our social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. We're really excited to give our readers a better online experience when they visit our website. We are committed to being #PrintProudDigitalSmart!

PAIGE ZUTAVERN - President (402) 730-0096 | Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

I want to extend a big thank you to Maly Marketing for their execution on our new websites (Lincoln and Omaha). Steve Maly and his team, especially Christine and Dan, were great to work with. They remained patient with us throughout the process as our small-but-mighty team had to shift our attention back and forth from busy deadline schedules, but we got it done! In the coming months, we will continue to work on refining the copy on all our web pages and keeping our event calendar up to date. Our goal is to be a hub for the major business and organization happenings in Lincoln! I'm very proud of my wonderful staff for how they continue to step up and overcome obstacles as they come. It seems like every day there is something new! As many of you probably already know, our talented writer Diane Gumaer moved to McCook, NE with her husband for his job. During her year at Strictly Business, she formed great relationships with the team and our clients. We are very grateful to have had Diane on board and wish her all the best in her next chapter! Stay tuned for an announcement on who we have brought on to fill her shoes. My current team consists of Hannah Hundley, Dillon Crawford, Meg Crawford, and our four new interns: Katie Koso, Grace Kane, Cassie Kahrer, and Quynn Kennedy. Hannah is our editor and director of operations. Hannah has been at Strictly Business for about three and a half years. She wears many hats for the company! In addition to running my inbox and calendar, she also contributes to writing efforts and working closely with our Art Director Dillon to lay out the magazine. Being the social butterfly she is, Hannah's favorite part of

Better for Lincoln businesses and better you!

CONTENTS NEWS 4 Business 27 Personnel

41 Nonprofit 51 Health

SPOTLIGHTS 26 El Potro

56 Farmers Union Midwest Agency 58 REGA Engineering Group 60 Talent Plus

FEATURE STORIES 62 Planned Life Changes 65 Residential Remodeling 72 Supporting Nonprofits 4 Strictly Business JULY 2021

ASK THE EXPERT 19 ComPro Insurance COLUMNS 20 Star City Six 55 57 59 61

Strictly Business Upcoming Events Lincoln Independent Business Association Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Downtown Lincoln Association

Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505 P 402.466.3330 • F 402.466.3476 STRICTLY BUSINESS is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submission, including letters, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to our unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially or creatively, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. Nothing may be printed in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. The publication of any advertisement in STRICTLY BUSINESS is not an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised.

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the job is planning events such as our Friends4Lunch and Friends4Drinks networking socials, along with team bonding and client appreciation outings! Dillon is creeping up on a year with the company. We are very blessed to have Dillon's easy-going attitude in the office, plus he creates great ads and client spotlights in the magazine. Dillon is now officially married to our social media guru, Meg. (They actually got married the weekend after this issue went to the printer—so a big congratulations to them!) Meg is a very skilled graphic designer. She has done a fantastic job of giving our social media platforms a vibrant, cohesive look. She is also responsible for scheduling out posts for our major editorial pieces and our clients with the social media add-on. Lastly, I'm thrilled to have some awesome new interns this year. Katie and Grace have joined the team as writing interns, assisting with press releases, client spotlights, restaurant exposes, sourcing, and proofing. Cassie and Quynn work more closely with me as sales interns. They make lead lists to call on, and then they try to set up meetings for me. They also assist with keeping the event calendar on our website updated. You might see them out with me at a networking event! Speaking of events, I'm so happy to see more community-wide events take place. Weddings are on, sports are on, concerts are on—this is great news for our local businesses! As our businesses are starting to flourish again, so are our nonprofits. In this issue, we have our Supporting Nonprofits feature where you'll find pages full of the wonderful organizations in Lincoln. If you're looking for ways to give back or get more involved in something greater than yourself, I guarantee you'll find one that grabs your attention. Nebraska’s nonprofit sector provides about 10% of private sector jobs in our state. When we pitch in to help nonprofits, we’re helping our communities and neighbors and keeping a culture of humanity, art, and philanthropy alive. Thank you to the nonprofits in this month's feature that chose to partner with Strictly Business to allow us to share their mission with all our readers! A couple more things to look forward to: In August, we are planning on doing another Employing Lincoln feature. This is something we started last year and it's gained a lot of momentum, so much so that we've decided to make it a quarterly thing instead of just biannual. Please reach out to us if you want to be listed among the great places in Lincoln to work. A consistent message we are hearing from businesses is that they are hiring, and everyone is fighting for good talent. We can help you stand out. Strictly Business will also be putting together a first-ever Building Lincoln feature. We're calling out to all engineers, architects, contractors, designers, etc.—basically any business that is contributing to Lincoln's growing landscape. As always, thank you readers and clients for your ongoing supporting. Don't hesitate to reach out to me if you're interested in partnering with Strictly Business to promote your business or organization!

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor/Operations Hannah Hundley – Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Dillon Crawford – Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern – Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern – SZutavern@Yahoo.com

28 Years! In addition to the exciting launch of our redesigned website, this month is also our anniversary month and we are celebrating 28 amazing years. Looking back at the history of Strictly Business, the magazine actually began as a monthly coupon book lead up by Shayne Zutavern and his colleague Mike Branigan. They eventually saw the need for a business publication in the local marketplace. After overwhelming support and positive feedback from the community, Shayne decided to shift the focus towards creating “Lincoln’s Business News & Marketing Magazine" and, in July of 1993, the first issue of Strictly Business was introduced. Paige Zutavern joined the leadership efforts shortly after and took on the title of sales manager. This role allowed her to fulfill her natural ability to form connections and build relationships while promoting something she felt passionately about. It was her dream job. Together, Paige and Shayne have taken Strictly Business to great heights, and they still run and remain actively involved in the company today. Just like the business community in Lincoln, the magazine's distribution list has grown and changed over the years. We started out direct-mailing to 6,600 businesses in Lincoln, and now Strictly Business goes out to over 10,000 businesses. We also generate a large online reach with over 152,000 page views a year. Not to mention, our sister publication in Omaha, which launched in 2007, is distributed to over 15,000 businesses and generates over 251,000 pages views per year. We've made big strides in the past couple of years to up our social media game as well, including rolling out a new social media add-on for clients and hiring a part-time social media strategist. We’d like to thank our audience for their continued support, not only of Strictly Business itself but of the businesses we feature. After 28 years, we still stand firm on the belief that “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know...AND WHO KNOWS YOU!” We’re grateful for the opportunity to not only promote local businesses, but to give a deeper look into those businesses and the people who run them. A huge thank you goes to our clients who trust us with their marketing dollars, especially the ones that have been with us for many years! We have a few of clients that have been advertising for over 20 years and over 50 clients who have been with us for 10+ years. We’d like to give a special shout out to Rick Krueger, who has been advertising with Strictly Business since the magazine’s first issue. We're very proud of our history and excited for the future!

Hannah

Dillon

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JULY 2021 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS Zeng Granite to Host Re-Opening of Newly Expanded and Remodeled Showroom

Neemann & Sons Celebrates 40 Years

Zeng Granite will be hosting a grand re-opening of their expanded and remodeled showroom on Friday, July 30 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Zeng remains at the same location—3035 N 35th St.—but the facility just got bigger and better as the expansion took their square footage from 220 to 4,000! The event will include snacks, drinks, parking lot games, tours, and more. Then, on July 31, Zeng will be open to the public for special Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be discount pricing on remnants and in-stock granite. Hotdogs and soda will be provided for all who choose to attend. In the new showroom, they will have over 50 different quartz and granite slabs on display. Zeng has also added a new conference room/learning center, as education is one of the company's core values. In addition, the expansion included building more offices for Zeng's ever-growing staff. Zeng Granite is owned by Tim Zeng, who has built an exceptional reputation in and around Lincoln over the past 20 years. Tim and his team assist customers through the remodel or building process, from color choice to edge finish, integrating countertops with current décor to enhance kitchens, bathrooms, and offices. Raw slabs are purchased from quality wholesalers in Nebraska and all over the world, giving access to hundreds of colors of granite and quartz. For more information about Zeng Granite or the upcoming July event, visit their website at zenggranite.com.

Neemann & Sons, a family-owned and operated roofing company, is celebrating 40 years in business this year! They offer high quality products and are committed to delivering the highest level of customer satisfaction in each and every project.

Terry & Chris Neemann began their residential roofing business in 1981 as a part-time business. As the business continued to grow, they were able to quit their full-time jobs to focus on growing their company. They decided to add siding and gutters to the business and open a store front with a showroom so that customers could stop by to pick out colors and look at different products. Neemann & Sons now offers commercial/flat roofing, windows, insulation, and Halo Lighting. Their three sons, Travis, Trevor, and Trent all work in the business along with several dedicated employees with many years of experience. Neemann & Sons is built on three core values to offer the best services possible for their clients and the community: honesty, hard work, and 100% satisfaction. Being a family owned business, Neemann & Sons focuses on establishing trust by reviewing clients’ specific needs, expectations, concerns, and requirements. They are located at 1121 High St., STE B. with office hours Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about Neemann & Sons, visit their website at www.neemannandsons.com or contact them directly by phone or email at (402) 423-4853 / info@neemannandsons.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS JetSplash to Open Sixth Location JetSplash, a locally owned and operated car washing business that currently has five Lincoln locations, will be opening their sixth location at 16th and Pine Lake this month. The new location will make it even more convenient for membership holders around town. JetSplash is dedicated to speed, sustainability, and satisfaction. They use a three-step, five-minute process that includes hand-prep, wash, and hand-dry. The staff performs a quick power wash before sending your car into the tunnel, and then proceeds with a hand-dry and inspection to ensure the finished product meets JetSplash’s high standards of cleanliness. Customers are then invited to use free selfserve vacuums and air and mat cleaners if they please. This hands-on approach shows just how dedicated JetSplash is to making sure each and every customer is satisfied with their service. Born in 2003, JetSplash has been helping Lincoln shine with speedy, spotless car washes. They are a non franchised, local business that proudly employs over 150 hard workers. JetSplash utilizes the latest, energy-efficient equipment and only uses products that are eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable. JetSplash takes pride in their community and strives to give back through donations and fundraising opportunities. For more information, visit jetplash.com.

Immanuel Communities Takes Ownership of Lifespace's Deerfield and Grand Lodge Immanuel Communities and Lifespace Communities, both not-for-profit owners and operators of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), reached a mutual agreement to transfer ownership and management of Lifespace’s Des Moines- and Lincoln-based campuses— Deerfield and Grand Lodge—into Immanuel’s family of retirement living communities. Lifespace and Immanuel are committed to providing transparency, exceptional service and support to their residents, team members, and communities as part of a smooth transition. Lifespace’s Deerfield and Grand Lodge at the Preserve communities will officially join the Immanuel family in Q3 of 2021. The Deerfield and the Grand Lodge campuses will add a combined 349 apartments with a care level mix of independent living, assisted living, memory care, residential care, and skilled-nursing and long-term care to Immanuel’s portfolio of continuing care retirement communities. Deerfield and Grand Lodge at the Preserve are strong fits for Immanuel as it continues to strengthen its Midwest presence in Iowa and Nebraska. The opportunity to welcome Deerfield and Grand Lodge into its family augments Immanuel’s regional focus in Nebraska and Iowa while extending more opportunities to serve team members and residents in these regions. Immanuel owns and operates 16, 55+ active living, independent living, assisted living, and long-term care retirement communities on nine campuses; three Immanuel Pathways PACE® Centers in Iowa and Neb.; the Immanuel Community Foundation which supports residents, participants and employees; and the Immanuel Vision Foundation that extends financial support to nonprofit, charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that share purposes in alignment with Immanuel's service centered mission. Learn more at Immanuel.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

ComPro Celebrates 30 Years of Success in Health Insurance This is a special year for ComPro as they celebrate 30 years of hard work and dedication to helping clients in the health insurance business. What’s the secret to their success? ComPro’s core values of perseverance, putting clients first, and expertise in the field helped make 30 successful years possible, but it's the caring, fun-loving, experience-filled staff who have made the company flourish. The Operations Team makes their clients feel welcome and well-serviced, and the agents bring an individual touch to each client, finding a health plan that best fits their needs and solving any issues they may encounter along the way. ComPro’s highly-trained and people-oriented team is motivated by serving others, and the team works so well together. Teamwork is how they get things done. In fact, they are at their very best when they are relying on each other. At the core of why the ComPro team has such a strong bond is that they genuinely enjoy working together while having fun along the way. ComPro Insurance, founded by Brian and Chris McPike, is located at 1040 N Cotner Blvd. The office is open Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about Compro, visit their website at comproins. com or call (402) 488-5100 to congratulate the family on 30 years!

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BUSINESS NEWS Relentless Merch Joins Forces with Uprise Design, will Operate Under Relentless

Lozier Corporation Launches New Hiring Incentive for Employees

Relentless Merch recently merged with Uprise Design and will continue to operate under the Relentless Merch name. Uprise was founded in 2010 by two University of Nebraska - Lincoln graduates, Kyle Jensen and Alex James. Both graduated with graphic design degrees. They had a passion Pictured (L-R): Matthew for art and design, so Uprise became the outlet to express Richardson, Kyle Jensen, Alex James, Nathan Richardson their creativity. After years of partnership with Matt Richardson, owner of Relentless Merch, the companies decided to join forces. Their values and visions aligned, so it made sense to bring the operation all under one roof to offer customers better service and inventory of apparel and promo items.

Lozier Corporation is excited to announce their new hiring initiatives, increasing production hourly wages by $1 - $3 per hour, plus an additional $1,000 bonus after 90 days of employment. They are looking to hire more than 100 employees to work in their Omaha manufacturing plants and distribution center. Many of the positions require no manufacturing experience. There are a variety of available positions at Lozier. Production/ warehouse workers earn up to $20.93/hour, welders of machine operator specialists earn up to $25.01/hour, and maintenance and tool and die technicians earn up to $30.75/hour. Those interested in any of these positions can apply online at lifeatlozier.com. Lozier is committed to supporting employee growth and development in a safe and healthy work environment. Lozier Corporation is the leading manufacturer of store fixtures. Family owned and operated, Lozier has been an industry leader in quality products and service since their beginnings in 1956. They are a dynamic company with cutting edge technology, serving the nation’s largest retailers. For those interested in learning more about Lozier, visit lifeatlozier.com.

Relentless Merch is a screen printing company born in a garage in Nebraska. Relentless got its start by creating quality merch for amazing clients. Made by musicians and artists alike, they’re relentless in finding the perfect design and merchandise for your tour, corporate event, fundraiser, and everything in-between! For more information visit their website at www.relentlessmerch.com or email Matt at Howdy@relentlessmerch.com.

Kinetic Business Provides Customers with Proactive Monitoring SCC Holds Groundbreaking for Student and Academic Support Project on Lincoln Campus Southeast Comm unity College’s Lincoln Campus is undergoing a $30-million facelift that will change the look and feel of the campus. A groundbreaking ceremony was held April 28 on the Lincoln Campus at 8800 O St. The Student and Academic Support renovation started in March. Around 80,000 square feet of the main building will be completely renovated, while 25,672 square feet of new construction will be added. It’s scheduled to be complete in April 2023. Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture is the architect for the project, and Boyd Jones is the Contractor. Both are Omaha-based businesses. “Externally, it will provide a welcoming and transparent ‘front door’ that is modern, yet timeless,” said Bev Cummins, vice president for student affairs and Lincoln Campus director. “It will be a classy, welcoming and transparent space that will create a cohesive connection between support services and students.” Departments/areas impacted by the renovation and addition include advising, adult education/English as a second language, instructional design/virtual learning, information technology, library resource center, student activities center, student enrollment and accounts, student success center, safety/security, campus office, student development and engagement, testing center, tutoring and transitions center, and the veteran’s connect center. For more information about Southeast Community College and the renovation, please contact Stu Osterthun at (402) 323-3401 / sosterthun@southeast.edu or visit southeast.edu. 8 Strictly Business JULY 2021

Kinetic Business provides customers with proactive monitoring that quic kly ve r i f i e s a n a t t a c k a n d rapidly begins mitigation. With auto-mitigation, you’ll be well-equipped to handle short “hit-and-run” attacks that can wreak havoc on your network. Security breaches have a negative impact on your customer base and their loyalty to your business. Virtual private networks are essential to not only your protection, but your customers’. Distributed Denial of Services (DDoS) attacks are disruptive and can easily make your internet circuit unavailable, potentially putting you in non-compliance with industry regulations. With a DDoS service provider like Kinetic by Windstream, you can monitor, detect, validate, and mitigate attacks before an outage or related damage occurs. Recent cyber attacks have disrupted lives everywhere. From the U.S. oil pipeline attack in May to June's cyber attack on the world’s largest meat processing company, attackers are targeting businesses large and small. In the last year, cybercrime attacks have taken center stage causing over $1 billion in losses. Security solutions are especially important, as many are embracing e-commerce and contactless payment options. No matter the size of your business you are not free of potential cybersecurity threats, especially during the digital transformation many businesses and even schools continue to navigate. With Kinetic’s DDoS Mitigation Service, customers benefit from access to a secure service portal for visibility into real-time alerts, traffic data, and mitigation activity. Kinetic by Windstream has been building a network to better serve Lincoln residents and businesses for years. For more tips on finding the right business solutions, tune into the Connecting Business Podcast to hear business experts discuss real solutions in a post COVID-19 environment. Follow @GoKineticBiz on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or go online to GoKinetic.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Lutz to Host Webinar on Effectively Working Remotely July 28 On July 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Lutz will host a free online webinar on how to effectively work remotely. Presenters include Stephanie Hand and Chris Bouchard. The pandemic taught the world how to work from home, and many businesses have learned to adapt and enjoy this new working style. Hand and Bouchard will offer tips for businesses that are looking to adopt remote work policies to ensure employees, employers, and the organization continue to operate effectively going forward as the pandemic continues to weaken. Some of the key takeaways from the webinar will be considerations for adopting an effective remote work policy, tools for efficient off-site communication, and tips to keep employees engaged and focused at home. Business owners, human resources, and key decision makers should consider attending the webinar if they wish to continue successful remote work practices for their business. Lutz is the business solutions firm for those seeking a partner to help energize and heighten financial and organizational success. Their team was born and raised in Nebraska and are experienced in simplifying complexities and providing accounting, wealth management, recruiting, M&A, and technology services. They embrace each individual business to find the best solutions that will help them thrive. Find more information about Lutz or the upcoming webinar on their website at www.lutz.us.

Kingery Construction Selected as Contractor to Build Robinson Elementary Kingery Construction Co. is excited to announce that their firm has been awarded the contract to build Robinson Elementary in Lincoln near 102nd and Holdrege Streets. A groundbreaking event was held on May 23. The guest of honor was Ada Robinson, the sc hool's namesake, who taught at Clinton Elementary School for 37 years. The new school, funded by the voter-approved 2020 Bond Issue, is set to open in fall 2022.

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"Having the opportunity to provide exceptional spaces for the students of Lincoln is an honor," said Rod Berens, president of Kingery Construction. "We look forward to partnering with LPS to create the best environment for fostering the education of future leaders in our community." Over the past 97 years, Kingery Construction Co. has had the honor to provide construction services for a wide variety of owners in education, medical and research facilities, faith based, commercial, governmental, industrial and financial facilities. They strive to build legacies for every owner through the construction process, which is far more than building a structure—it’s about building relationships with clients and partners. To learn more, visit kccobuilders.com or contact Rod at (402) 465-4400 / rodb@kccobuilders.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS SCORE Lincoln to Hold Small Business Workshop on August 14 SCORE Lincoln, the local c hapter of the nation’s largest network of expert business mentors, will be offering the “What’s Involved in Starting a Small Business” workshop on August 14 from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the SCC Entrepreneurship Center, 285 S 68th St. Place. The workshop covers different topics essential for any small business to start and to grow. Topics include business plans, traditional and digital marketing, general recordkeeping, an overview of legal structures, general types of financing, and what a lender will want to know, plus business insurance considerations. The full day only costs $49 and includes a boxed lunch. The workshop is offered in cooperation with the Small Business Administration and the SCORE Lincoln Chapter. SCORE is a nonprofit organization and partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground and achieve their business goals, SCORE has provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs since 1964. Some of the services offered by SCORE include mentoring, webinars and courses on demand, a library of online resources, and various local events. Also—Save the date! Tuesday, September 14 will be the 1st Annual Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Conference. A full day dedicated to women business owners. For more information about SCORE or upcoming workshops and events, visit www.lincoln.score.org or call (402) 437-2409.

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LIVE HEALTHY…LIVE HYDRATED… Blush Bridal to Showcase Private Collection, Sweet Nothings at Under The Stars Event B l u s h B r i d a l i s exc i t e d t o announce the launch of their own private bridal gown collection designed exclusively for Blush Brides—Sweet Nothings—at their first summer event of the year. Emmy Gorman, owner of Blush Bridal, fi nally made her lifelong dream of having her own bridal collection a reality this year. Sweet Nothings will offer hand-selected gowns by trained stylists and managers to best fit each bride’s desires. These are exclusively designed gowns that brides won’t be able to find anywhere else, giving them the opportunity to customize their wedding day look. Sweet Nothings will be launched at Blush Bridal’s Under The Stars event on July 22 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Robber’s Cave. This celebration will feature a fashion show to highlight the Sweet Nothings line, and will also include a VIP lounge, signature cocktails, delicious food, photo wall, DJ, and a dance floor! Blush Bridal opened in 2012 and has provided Lincoln with the most customizable bridal shopping experience. With 40% of their inventory being exclusively plus size and customizing 80% of the gowns they sell, their service is unmatched. Blush prides themselves on offering the best bridal gown experience in Nebraska. To learn more about the Under The Stars event, visit blushbridalne.com/events/ under-the-stars-with-blush-bridal. For more information about Blush, visit their website at www.blushbridalne.com or call (402) 261-5615. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS Date Announced for Annual NAWIC Golf Outing, August 24 at Indian Creek The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) are partnering again this year for their annual golf outing on Tuesday, August 24 at Indian Creek Golf Course, registration starting at 10:30 a.m. It will be followed by a dinner recognizing scholarship recipients. Proceeds raised from this event will benefit trade related college scholarships, apprenticeship training, and industry activities supported by NAWIC. This event is open to the construction public, and has sold out the past four years, don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this construction industry golf event! National Association of Women in Construction is an international organization of women working in and around the construction industry. Its core purpose is to enhance the success of women in the industry through education, networking, and leadership opportunities. The Midwest Region has over 530 members. Learn more about NAWIC at www.nawicomaha.com or contact Nanci Borg at (402) 802-3031 / nborg@ur.com. To register or get sponsorship information for the golf outing, go to birdease.com/ nawiccfma2021 or contact Jody DuRee at (402) 616-5472 / jodyd@standardac.com.

Wolfe Electric Co., Inc. Redesigns Website Wolfe Electric Co., Inc. is excited to announce the launc h of their redesigned website (www.wolfeelectric.com). They wanted to make the new website easier to navigate, more interactive, and userfriendly. Their goal with this new website is to provide visitors an easier way to learn about Wolfe Electric's services and to browse information based on their needs. The new website gives better access to their list of services, job portfolio, careers, who they are, a look at the office team, news, customer feedback, and how to contact them for your Electrical Contracting needs and goals. Among the new features, the site contains integrated buttons for both internal and external customers. Wolfe Electric will be constantly updating their news content with helpful information, company announcements, customer successes, and videos on their career page, in addition to an employee login. Wolfe Electric Co., Inc. would like to thank their staff who contributed the time and energy to this redesign and their web partner, JM ONLINE, who worked on the design to meet their goals and expectations. Please check Wolfe Electric out at www. wolfeelectric.com.

Discounted Tickets to Global Leadership Summit Available for Center Sphere Members

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Among the many perks Center Sphere members are able to enjoy, The Network is offering their membership discounted tickets to the 4th Annual Global Leadership Summit (GLS), which will be held at site locations August 5–6. This world-class learning opportunity is chockfull of takeaway value to improve business, personal life, and family and community impact. Center Sphere members can purchase a discounted ticket before July 13 for $119, which is a discount of nearly $100 from the face rate. For more information about the 2021 GLS agenda, faculty, site locations, and registration, visit globalleadership.org/global-leadership-summit. At Center Sphere, relationships are at the heart of everything they do. They are an established group of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. Take advantage of joining The Network where they provide local support for businesses through trusted, proven, and profitable relationship building. There’s no better time to start planting those seeds and watch your business grow. One of the biggest differences of Center Sphere is the opportunity to have an independent membership. They realize that not every person or career allows for a weekly chapter meeting. That’s why Center Sphere offers an independent membership, allowing members total access to The Network without a weekly commitment. This option is particularly great for those members who represent a niche market where there isn’t a lot of industry overlap in chapters, the service industry, and simply those who want to avoid another weekly meeting. For further information about Center Sphere, visit www. CenterSphere.com or connect with Center Sphere at Info@ CenterSphere.com / (402) 650-5380. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS

Exclusively at

Arnie’s Pet Food Store

New Real Estate Brokerage, Giving Realty Now Serving Lincoln Market Giving Realty is Lincoln's newest real estate brokerage focused on residential sales. Serving Lincoln, Omaha, and beyond, Giving Realty is owned by Josie Tidball, REALTOR; Miriah Zajic, Broker; Matt Kirkland, REALTOR. As a boutique realty company, they strive to be "less like a big-box store and more like a corner bakery." They don't refer to their clients as “leads” and they don’t count success by transactions and deals. People and relationships are their main focus, and they really care about the community. This is why 10% of all commissions are donated to a local nonprofit of the client’s choice.

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Giving Realty is a locally owned brokerage focused on serving real estate buyers and sellers. They aim to leverage their profession as a vehicle to make an impact in the local community. To learn more, visit www.giving-realty.com or contact (402) 8027779 / hello@giving-realty.com.

Berry Law Teamed Up with 88 Tactical to Host Memorial Day Celebration On May 29, Berry Law and 88 Tactical teamed up to host a Memorial Day event for the public. The event featured live m usic with the Dillon Gaige Band, food vendors, a keg truck, a silent auction, and a remembrance ceremony. The ceremony included the Roughriders, a color guard, a Missing Man table, and a special guest from TAPs (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), a nonprofi t that provides an array of programs, comfort, and resources to the families of all fallen heroes. A portion of all event proceeds were donated to TAPs at the end of the evening. “We are starting a new tradition in Nebraska to honor our fallen service members with an annual event featuring a unique tribute to their lives and service. While we support Veterans every day at our law practice, we wanted to host a dedicated ceremony for those who can’t be here with us,” said Berry Law CEO, John Berry, Jr. Berry Law was founded in 1965 by legendary attorney John S. Berry, Sr. With over 250 years of combined legal experience and 300 years of combined military service, the team at Berry Law is well equipped to handle the most serious legal needs. Originally focused on criminal defense work, the firm has expanded to offer a full suite of legal services. Beyond criminal defense, Berry Law’s trial attorneys also represent individual needs with personal injury claims, business formation, management and litigation, real estate litigation, elder law, and other civil litigation. Their Veterans Disability practice has represented Veterans in all 50 states and is part of their core commitment to the nation’s servicemembers. If you would like more information, please contact Emily Schweitzer at (402) 466-8444 / marketing@jsberrylaw.com or go online to jsberrylaw.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

...and more

From Nebraska Gift Shop to Participate in New Haymarket “Spirits” Tour From Nebraska Gift Shop, where the James Arthur Vineyards Tasting Room is located, will participate in a new tour by the Lincoln Historical Ghost Quest— the Haymarket "Spirits" Tour. This fun adventure will combine ghost stories with local wine, beers, and cocktails. In addition to the James Arthur Vineyards Tasting Room, the other three Haymarket businesses on the tour include Alchemy, White Elm Brewing Company, and Kinkaider Brewing Company with treats from The Rabbit Hole Bakery and Ivanna Cone. During this hour and a half interactive walking tour, participants will be told historical stories about the Haymarket, including those of the ghosts which haunt the downtown area. Tours will be available on Thursday and Friday evenings until the end of October and begin at 6:30 p.m. The tour can also be booked for special occasions throughout the week for groups of at least six people and booked at least three weeks in advance. The tour is only available for individuals 21 years of age or older. Tickets for the tour are $50.00 and include all drinks and tips for the establishment. More information and tickets can be found by going to lincolnhistoricalghostquest.org. Located in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket, From Nebraska Gift Shop is the prime location for the best gourmet Nebraska food baskets, gifts, and souvenirs. Their tasting room features wine from Nebraska’s largest winery James Arthur Vineyards and Curveball Ciders. To learn more, visit www.fromne.com. JULY 2021 Strictly Business 13

BUSINESS NEWS Women in Sales & Business to Host Next Meeting on July 14

Usher Custom Cabinets Launches Brand New Website

The next Women in Sales & Business (WISB) monthly meeting will be held Wednesday, July 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meeting will be hosted at Venue Restaurant & Lounge in the Lancaster/Nebraska room located at 4111 Pioneer Woods Dr., STE 100. WISB will first hold their regular business meeting, followed a presentation and opportunities for members and guests to network together. Guests are welcome and current members are encouraged to attend with a guest. The cost to attend in-person is $16 for members with lunch, $10 without lunch, and FREE for first-time guests. All women attending should be prepared to make a brief introduction of themselves and their business. Please register on the Women in Sales & Business Facebook page.

On May 4, Usher Custom Cabinets officially launched their first-ever website after being in business for more than 50 years! The website offers a sleek and user-friendly interface that centers around Usher’s portfolio of previous designs and projects. List of services and contact information can also be found on the brand new website. Owner Neal Chloupek looks forward to appealing to more potential clients as a result of their new and improved online presence. Usher Custom Cabinets offers residential new-build and remodeling services for kitchens, bathrooms, and more. They design, build, and install all of the cabinets they produce. Since they are a small, local team, they are able to focus on each customers' unique wants and needs, delivering a customized final product. Usher uses 3D renderings and virtual walk-thrus so that they can really hone in on what the client needs. Visit Usher’s brand new website at www.ushercustomcabinets.com or get in touch with the team at ushercabinets@gmail.com / (402) 466-8749.

Women in Sales & Business began meeting in 1987 to offer business women in Lincoln the opportunity to network within an all-female setting. Today, their goal is to encourage and develop creative leadership in women. They are dedicated to promoting our growth through the accumulation and sharing of knowledge and are always looking for new members to join the group! Learn more online at wisblincoln.org or contact Megan Gibbs at (402) 488-4564.

Omaha Fashion Week Announces Fall 2021 Season Themed GLITCHED, August 23-29

Strictly Business JULY 2021

Omaha Fashion Week is returning to the runway August 23-29 at the Omaha Design Center for another season of fashion and glamour! They have an inspiring lineup of designers ready to showcase their collections on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway. Over three nights of showcases, seven headliners and 30 designers will present collections focused on sustainability and innovation. Doors open each evening at 6 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. The first showcase is on Thursday, August 26. The designer lineup includes: elle glo apparel - Lauren Glowacki; För Världen - Gretchen Nelson; HART. - Lauren Hansen; Jenn Robbins; Jiayu Li; Lauren Bander; Lucid Luxe - Kristen Clark; Makaylee Gayed; MINA Charmaine Miranda; Vivi Design Studio - Claire Thomas Morgan; Wild + Wonder Collective - Melissa Boldt. Designer lineup for the Friday, August 27, showcase includes: Amanda Casarez; Anaí V - Ana Holt; christianMICHAEL - Christian Shuster; Erin Smith - Gracie Key; Jeanne Nuage - Jennifer Tierney; Kinsey Anne Designs - McKinsey Dooley; liv by Oliva Wagner; MAANG by Yasi Fayal. Designer lineup for the Saturday, August 28, VIP FINALE includes: Carsen Monaco; Chessna von Abstrakt - Cessna Abstrakt; Erin Kelly; Hidalgo - Hannah Hidalgo; HMJstyle - Hannah Jensen; Judy Bales Design; Nuevintage - Terri Jen Buckner; Only By Faith - Marie Nelson; Potapenko & Yanchenko - Olha Potapenko; Samuel Macke. After taking a season off to reboot during the pandemic, Omaha Fashion Week is more ready than ever to return to the runway! The transition from the digital world to in-person events led to this season’s theme GLITCHED. Encompassing both technology and community, we experience a back and forth feeling between the two worlds that we live in. One thing is certain, the designers are feeling a flair for reckless abandon, and the people are loving it. These collections pack a punch! You will not want to miss the innovation hitting the runway this season of Omaha Fashion Week. To purchase tickets, visit omahafashionweek.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Heartland International Announces Upcoming Roofing System Trainings Heartland International, Inc. invites current and aspiring roofing contractors to learn more about the Conklin Roofing Systems at the upcoming Metal Roofing System Training and Advanced Roofing Systems Training seminars taking place in Kansas City, MO. The one-day Metal Roofing System Training on August 19 will not only cover the application process of a Conklin MR® System, but also provides an overview on how to get started as a Conklin contractor and strategies for making sales calls, quoting a roof, presenting proposals, and working with building owners. In addition, a three-day Advanced Roofing Systems Training, September 15-17, will provide a more in-depth coverage of Conklin Roofing Systems and give contractors a chance to participate in a hands-on construction of the systems, utilizing industry-standard tools and materials. Attendees of this training must have completed the oneday Metal Roofing System Training program as a pre qualification for this advanced three-day program. For more information about Heartland International, Inc. and upcoming trainings, please visit thesecureroof.com. Contact President Dennis Nun at (402) 430-7727 / DennisLNun@gmail.com with any questions.

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gener8tor and NMotion Announce Five Nebraska Startups Selected for gBETA Lincoln Nationally ranked startup accelerator gener8tor and NMotion have announced the five companies participating in its gBETA Lincoln Summer 2021 program. This will be the fourth gBETA program offered in Lincoln, open to all Nebraska-based companies. Corral Technologies, Job Share Connect, Plug Sports, Sub Guru, and VIZN Stats stood out of the over 52 applicants throughout Nebraska and represent a wide variety of industries and verticals including FinTech, InsureTech, AgTech, and HealthTech. gBETA Lincoln is a free, seven-week accelerator that works with startups for no fees and no equity. Each gBETA program is capped at five companies to ensure meaningful engagement and access to network and resources. Participants receive intensive individualized coaching and access to gener8tor’s national network of mentors, customers, corporate partners and investors. The program is designed to help startups gain early customer traction on their product or idea, and establish metrics that can make them competitive applicants for full-time, equity-based accelerators or seed investment. gBETA Lincoln’s Summer 2021 cohort kicked off on June 3 and will work with the gener8tor and NMotion team over the course of seven weeks to meet mentors, gain customer traction and pitch to investors. There will be an opportunity for the community to join and hear directly from the companies during gBETA Lincoln Pitch Night on July 28, which will highlight each of the five companies. This will be an opportunity for the public to listen and learn more about the startups and network with the founders and other community members. For more information and to RSVP, visit www. gbetastartups.com/lincoln/pitch-night. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Transworld Announces New Owner of Big Daddy’s Pizza, Eddie Carrera Transworld Business Advisors has announced a new owner for Big Daddy’s Pizza, Eddie Carrera! Carrera brings with him vast restaurant and pizza experience and is excited to move forward as Big Daddy’s new owner. As a “big” man and father of six, Carrera fits the role as the new Big Daddy. He has some changes planned for the restaurant, such as extending the hours to 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday – Thursday, and 11 a.m. – 3 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays. Big Daddy’s is an award-winning, specialty pizza delivery restaurant with delicious menu options such as the Double Decker Pizza, Daddy’s Shrimp Pizza, the Coronary Pizza, Bubba Breadsticks, and more! Transworld Business Advisors has specialized in the sale of businesses and commercial real estate for over 40 years. Today, they are a global network of brokers offering a turnkey solution for those that want to build a solid business and future for themselves while maintaining a balanced quality of life. If you have considered selling your business or you are interested in buying a business, call MJ Cassner at (402) 499-8339 or visit the Transworld website www.tworld.com. JULY 2021 Strictly Business 15

BUSINESS NEWS HBAL’s Annual Golf Tournament Benefits Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation

Rise Stronger Group to Hold Women’s Faith Event on August 21

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln and the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation held their annual golf tournament on Friday, June 4. There was 220 golfers who played in the event this year at Highlands Golf Course. Cattle Bank & Trust was this year’s winning team with a score of 55.

Rise Stronger Group will be holding a Women’s Faith Event hosted by Stephanie Johnson to equip and empower women to live victoriously in equip the called the calling given to them by God, in times such as these! A Women’s Faith Event The event will take place on August 21 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites Hotel inToday the Register heart of downtown. The cost is $59 per seat and includes a Rise is Limited! Stronger t-shirt for every guest. This exciting Women’sSpace Faith Event will www.RiseStrongerGroup.com fill attendees with inspiration and conviction to step into the purpose that is unique to each individual. The event will feature guest speakers Sarah Krause and Carmen Schwab, as well as musical guest VOTA. Stephanie Johnson Stephanie invites women to join in this faith-inspired event to rise stronger, together. Those interested in registering for the event can do so on the Rise Stronger website.

Pictured (L-R): Dave Thibault,

The Lincoln Home Builders Care Scott Delgado, James Hamlette, and Jereme Montgomery. Foundation was established in 2009 as a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization dedicated to the future of the home building industry in Lancaster County. The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation’s mission is to support the educational and charitable activities of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln. The Foundation strives to support the community by contributing to community service projects focused on housing, as well as providing scholarships for students pursuing a career related to the building industry and providing funding for other industry related educational programs. Since 2010, the Foundation has distributed over $250,000 through our Residential and Interior Design contests, “If I Could Build a House” art contest, scholarship program, and donations to other charitable organizations. The Foundation also benefited local families through Habitat for Humanity Blitz Builds and the annual Santa Cop Project. To learn more, visit www.HBAL.org.

I would be honored to have you join me in this spirit-filled day designed to equip and empower you to live VICTORIOUSLY in the calling given to you by God, in times such as these!

This exciting Women’s Faith Event will fill you with inspiration and conviction to step into the purpose that is uniquely yours! Let’s RISE STRONGER… together! See you there!

Speaker Guest Speaker Musicalbe Guest empowered Rise Stronger is a place whereGuest people can in body, mind, and spirit to win the mental, physical, and spiritual battles that we face on earth, in order to boldly seek God with grace. The community values the strength isVOTA takes Carmen to persevere Sarah Krause Schwab with personal growth and faith in orderwww.RiseStrongerGroup.com to stand tall with purpose. Those interested in learning more about Rise Stronger can visit www.RiseStrongerGroup.com or contact Stephanie Johnson at stephaniesjohnson1022@gmail.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Empire Netting & Fence Unveils New Website with User-Friendly Navigation Empire Netting & Fence recently unveiled a fabulous new website that is cleaner and easier to navigate than before. The clean and cohesive layout nicely showcases Empire’s portfolio of past projects, as well as provides a new user-friendly sidebar navigation making it easy to view services, affiliates, testimonials, and more. Empire specializes in the supplying and installation of commercial netting projects across the USA. Founded in 2009 by Matt Warner, Empire has grown to become the go-to company for sports, golf, and bird netting. Whether it is baseball, softball, soccer, or golf; indoor or outdoor; little league or major league; Empire provides services for all.

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Based in Waverly, Empire Netting & Fence also does residential and commercial fence installations as well as staining wood fences and decks. In addition to their installation services, they can provide customers with windscreen, safety padding, and banners. What has made Empire stand out above others is their ability to deliver a great product, with great customer service at a reasonable cost. For more information, visit www.empire-fence. com or call (402) 682-7658.

BancWise Realty Hosted A Summer Kick-Off Event for Garden View at Vintage Heights On June 16, the Garden View Community and Jayson Becker of BancWise Realty hosted a summer kick-off event for Garden View South at Vintage Heights neighborhood, off of 93rd and Old Cheney. This free event allowed attendees who are looking to purchase a home in the near future Pictured (L-R): Doug Kroeker, to learn how they can save Jayson Becker, Marty Fortney. money on their dream house by reserving a lot in advance. Jayson was joined by builders Marty Fortney with Live Well Designs and Doug Kroeker with Kroeker-Gubser Development LLC. Garden View at Vintage Heights is an urban style, affordability focused neighborhood with an eco-friendly footprint. They offer community gardens, acres of open green space, and stocked ponds for fishing at the North Development (35th and Superior), so that residents can have a sense of community and truly feel at home. Founded in 1997, BancWise Realty has assisted thousands of clients and developed one of the most efficient and effective processes in helping consumers buy and sell homes. Their Lincoln Real Estate Specialists’ experience, knowledge and problem solving experience are second to none. Jayson Becker is known for his personal touch and creating a warm and welcoming home buying or selling experience for local families. For more information about the event or questions about buying or selling a home, contact Jayson at (402) 610-1013 / jbecker@bancwise. com or visit bancwise.com/agent/jayson-becker. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Your Role as a Supervisor July 29, 2021 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center, 301 S. 68th St. Place, Lincoln - $229

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Strictly Business JULY 2021

BUSINESS NEWS New Mexican Restaurant El Potro Now Open in Lincoln Lincoln newest Mexican restaurant, El Potro, recently took over the former Pizza Hut building at the intersection of 10th and Calvert Streets. The space had been vacant for over two years, and is now serving up delicious Mexican cuisine to locals. The establishment is owned by two local families with over 40 years of combined experience in the restaurant industry. El Potro’s extensive menu has a variety of mouthwatering Mexican dishes at reasonable prices. They offer Mexico originals, specialty dishes, fajitas, burritos and enchiladas, salads and soups, and a unique Gulf of Mexico section for shrimp and crab lovers. On Tuesdays customers can dine in at El Potro for all you can eat tacos for only $8.99. Their recently obtained liquor license also means that customers can now enjoy a margarita with their meal! El Potro has already received many rave reviews not only for their food, but for their exceptional and quick customer service. They are open Tuesday–Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about this exciting new addition to Lincoln's list of eateries, visit the Facebook page or contact El Potro directly at (531) 289-1012.

Top Spot Cleaning & Solutions Too Introduces a New Superior Air Filtration System Top Spot Cleaning & Solutions Too's air management division now offers you a solution for quality air management for hundreds of dollars instead of the thousands people spend to replace or install in-line electrostatic systems. Top Spot is excited to introduce Sanders Filters, HVAC air filters with capture rates far exceeding the EPA and ASHRAE indoor air quality guidelines (8-10 MERV). Sanders Filters are rated at 16 MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value), which safely secure facilities and school systems. These high-efficiency particulate containment air filters remove 94% or greater of submicron particulates or more in a single pass, with filtration efficiencies at 0.3 microns. This innovative material represents the simplest, most cost-effective method to achieve HEPA or near HEPA indoor air quality for the first time. The current filters that are used in almost all residential and commercial systems are exclusively used to protect the coil of the HVAC system, providing purely a mechanical function. These filters do little to nothing to protect from the sub-micron pathogens that can travel through the HVAC system, possibly infecting people who would never come into contact. Most commercial and residential air filters are rated as a MERV 8 maximum. Even air filters rated MERV 10 are not rated for submicron air filtration which is the size of COVID-19, influenza, colds, measles, viruses, etc. A MERV level 13 air filter which is being discussed as a new minimum standard has only a submicron filtration efficiency rating of less than 50%. This is why Sanders Filters reign superior. The European Union has even classified the filters as a Class II medical device. Top Spot Cleaning & Solutions Too offers two different types of immediate sub-micron air filtration solutions, in addition to their permanent HVAC Total Protection System (TPS). The filters can be installed in most existing HVAC systems without modification or utilized on-demand as a portable submicron Air Mover System (AMS) for any sized room, hall, gymnasium, or arena. They also provide subsequent testing for surfaces and IAQ to assure indoor hygienic results are achieved, resulting in a safer environment for employees, staff, and visitors. For more information visit www.topspotcleaning.com or call (402) 570-4307. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS AOI Corporation Offers Small Businesses the Ease of Online Ordering Nebraska small businesses will benefit from the ease of ordering office furnishings online. AOI has partnered with Herman Miller Professional to make getting furniture for your business a whole lot easier. This new partnership allows customers to receive personalized discounts when buying for businesses, plan projects, request quotes, order and re-order in a quick, efficient manner. AOI is excited about this new shopping opportunity for their customers that will make sourcing, planning, and ordering Herman Miller products streamlined and simple. This will aid small businesses that prefer online shopping. AOI Corporation works with clients, from small startups to Fortune 500 corporations to offer solutions for the built environment through their construction, furniture, and pre-manufactured construction groups. AOI strives to provide an excellent customer service experience. Their holistic approach allows products and services to be available individually or combined. For more information about AOI or their new online ordering option, visit their website at www.aoicorp.com or scan the QR code with your phone!

Krueger Welcomes Corn Coast Brewing Company to Yankee Hill Business Center Kr ueger Development is thrilled to welcome a new Lincoln business, Corn Coast Brewing Company, into their Yankee Hill Business Center, 1433 Dahlberg Dr., STE A. Corn Coast started as a crazy idea in 2010 when t h r e e c o l l e ge f r i e n d s — D a n Wa l ke m ey e r, W i l l Walter, and Ben (still on active duty)—began talking about turning a passion for homebrewing into a full-time business. The two met at UNL while participating in the NROTC unit and went on to serve in the Navy and Marine Corps. Lincoln has always been a "home base" for the guys during those years on active duty, so they knew when they decided to open a brewery, they were going to do it in Lincoln. The name Corn Coast began as a joke as they were scattered around the country—west coast, east coast, and gulf coast. When returning home for the holidays, they would endearingly refer to home as the "corn coast" which eventually just became part of their lexicon. To learn more about the new Lincoln brewery, visit www.corncoastbrewing.com or email info@corncoastbrewing.com. For more than 30 years, the family-owned and operated Krueger Development has contributed to Lincoln’s commercial and residential marketplace by developing communities, retail centers, and multifamily residences. For leasing information at Yankee Hill or other south Lincoln commercial spaces, contact Allison Santana with Krueger Development at (402) 423-7377 / asantana@kruegerdevelopment.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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402.904.6648 501 West A Street, Lincoln NE 68522 asiantastethairestaurant.com JULY 2021 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS LHRMA to Begin In-Person Meetings Starting July

Airgas North Central Recognized Among Nebraska’s Safest Companies by NSC

The Lincoln Human Resources Management Association (LHRMA) is excited to announce that they will be resuming in person meetings starting July, and will continue to offer virtual monthly meetings as well. They are looking forward to seeing everyone in person, and will keep safety as a priority, but hope that members join them as they roll into the back half of the year with giveaways and promotions paired with their world-class education programs. LHRMA holds meetings on the second Tuesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. The July meeting on the 13th will be held at the DelRay Ballroom. The slated program covers "Benefit Trends – Are Your Benefits & Compensation Competitive in a Post-COVID World?" Please register by July 12. The mission of the Lincoln Human Resources Management Association is to provide for the interchange of ideas, experiences, and methods concerning the relationships between management and employees, and to provide professional ethics and acquaintanceship among those involved in professional human resource management. For more information regarding becoming a member, visit www.lincolnhr.org or contact Amber Dingwell at marketing.sm@lincolnhr.org.

Airgas, an Air Liquide company, was recognized by the Nebraska Chapter of the National Safety Council (NSC) as one of Nebraska’s safest companies. The Nebraska’s Safest Companies Award was established to recognize companies who make safety a priority and hold exceptional safety records based on industry and size. Airgas was among 114 employers to receive this award for unwavering dedication to outstanding safety programs and implementation of safety initiatives. The winners were virtually honored during the annual Celebration of Safety hosted by the National Safety Council – Nebraska Chapter on May 19.

Strictly Business JULY 2021

President of Airgas North Central Region Denton Thompson stated, “Our top priority and core value is ensuring our associates return home safely to their families each and every day, and it is ALL of our responsibility to ensure that. We are extremely proud to be recognized for the work our teams have put in, and for support of our continuous commitment to safety.” Airgas is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products; one of the largest U.S. suppliers of ammonia products and chemicals. They safely and reliably provide products, services, and expertise through more than 18,000 associates, over 1,400 locations, robust e-business platform, and Airgas Total Access telesales channel. For more information, visit airgas.com.

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ASK THE EXPERT: COMPRO (402) 488-5100 www.comproins.com

by Brian McPike President/Agent

ComPro Celebrates 30 Years

ComPro is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. How did ComPro get its start? It’s one of those stories that literally began with a phone book and a desk in the corner. Chris and I moved to Lincoln in 1986, primarily due to a job offer for Chris. I had begun my insurance career in Missouri and was eager to get started in Lincoln as a health insurance specialist but did not know anyone in the area. My strategy was to meet with managers of larger agencies that worked in the life insurance or property and casualty insurance lines to see if they would consider adding health insurance to their portfolio. Jack Campbell, a great man and General Agent for the Mass Mutual Life Insurance agency, offered me the opportunity to become the health insurance specialist for Mass Mutual in 1987. This was a thriving agency with a solid reputation. My job was to offer my help to the Mass Mutual life insurance agents when there was an interest in health insurance for their clients. Jack showed me a very small room with four desks in it and said that I could use one of them along with the phone and phone book that came with it. The business was very slow-going at first. It took time for me to build relationships with the agents at Mass Mutual that could refer business to me. I had to prove that I was going to stick around and be successful. Patience, persistence, and excellent work paid off. My book of business began to grow. In 1991, Jack offered to incorporate with me and so Compensation Programs, Inc. (dba ComPro) began! As I gained continuous experience and my reputation became more well known, I started to receive referrals from a growing number of agents and was successfully cultivating my own list of clients.

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In 2000, I decided to leave the Mass Mutual office and set up a ComPro office. It was a good decision that led to more growth and expanding my staff. My wife, Chris, left her job in broadcasting and joined ComPro with me. I focused on the Employee Benefits lines of business and Chris began building the Individual Health Insurance products. In 2011, ComPro moved to its present location at 1040 N Cotner Blvd. The success that ComPro experienced led to being awarded General Agency contracts with several health insurance companies and the responsibility for supporting many independent agents. The subsequent strategic move was adding Medicare products to ComPro’s lines of business. New agents and support staff continue to be added to our operation. Credit to our success may have started with me at a desk with a phone book, but ComPro has truly prospered because of our tremendous staff and the core values we implement as a team: Integrity, Expertise, Ridiculous Responsiveness, & Work Hard Play Hard. We are grateful for 30 amazing years of helping our clients with their health insurance needs. Cheers to 30 years!

WHERE HOME IS... Sharing a laugh with a loved one.

LOCATIONS The Waterford at Williamsburg Assisted Living The Waterford at College View Assisted Living The Waterford at Wilderness Hills Memory Care

402.480.6950 | www.thewaterford.net #PrintProudDigitalSmart

JULY 2021 Strictly Business

STAR CITY SIX Licensed and Insured Mowing Fertilizing Aerating Over Seeding Yard Clean-up Snow Removal -

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SCOTT

Scott Burkle

VENUE AT HOME Meet Scott Burkle, the executive chef at Venue at Home. Tell us a little about your business. - Venue At Home is your answer for weekly meal preparation. With chef-inspired meals delivered to your door every week, prepared fresh, and ready to heat and eat. Convenience and creativity are our keys to creating this amazing meal program. The price of our meals broken down is less than $6 per serving. You don't have to leave your house, contemplate dinner, spend money on gas, shop, dice, cook, wash dishes, etc. for this meal. Doesn't that sound nice? Our heart’s desire is Great Food, Great People, and Fair Pricing—allowing you to spend more quality time with your family as we do the work for you. We do our best to satisfy the vast number of tasting profiles. Our menu offers a wide variety of options, from grill packs, seasonings, house-made dressings, entrees, sides and starters to desserts, cocktails, wine, beer, and more. How did you get started in the business? - My first job in the industry was making pizzas at Little Caesars. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The biggest challenge has been working for chefs who can be really hard on their cooks, but it makes you better and stronger. What has been your most important achievement professionally? The first time I got the role as a head chef was at Ploughshare Brewing. Tell us a little about your family. - I have a beautiful wife named Sharon and two incredible daughters, Layla and Siena.

Brock Shelton 402.323.8902 bshelton@westgate.bank

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Meeting my wife, hands down. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to relax and enjoy the weather outside while working in my garden. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I make hot sauces at home just for fun.

Mitch Glause 402.853.7321 mglause@westgate.bank

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “The things you own end up owning you.” – Fight Club If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Hilarious. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “We Will Rock You” by Queen.

Lindsey Kirkendall 402.434.7810 lkirkendall@westgate.bank

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Invincibility. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Public speaking. There's not a lot of opportunity for it when you’re in a kitchen. Which talent would you most like to have? - Photographic memory. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Matt Talbot and Community Crops. I'm passionate about making sure everyone has access to good food for themselves and their children. What is your favorite TV show? - Seinfeld. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Gordon Ramsay.

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

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Strictly Business JULY 2021

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 488-8368, Ext. 2; chefscott@yourvenue.net; venueathome.net. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

TOM

Get the Clean You Want

Top Spot Cleaning

Tom Fuller

Soap free carpet & rugs, all styles tile, marble & stone. Concrete plus wood floors. We seal & protect every hard surface.

Meet Tom Fuller, an employee benefits risk advisor at North Risk Partners. Tell us a little about your business. - I am in the insurance business with a focus on developing predictable and cost- effective employee benefit programs for the mid-market employer. North Risk Partners specializes in strategic insurance solutions for businesses and individuals. We are committed to helping clients face risk head-on with right-fit insurance coverage and attention to opportunities for preventing avoidable losses. For businesses, we offer programming and compliance support in the areas of human resources, safety, worksite wellness, and more. How did you get started in the business? - I left the corporate world to create my own enterprise and started a financial planning practice for individuals and business owners. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Like most business owners, launching a successful business that attracts clients and becomes profitable is the upmost entrepreneur challenge. It is very rewarding to have succeeded and have beaten the odds of business survival. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Meeting a business owner who allows me to partner with them and, together, and we generate a return on their investment. Tell us a little about your family. - I am married. Debbie and I have three children, all married with families. We have eight grandchildren. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Becoming an entrepreneur and learning to think like a business owner. With this skill, I can better appreciate and grasp my client’s business goals and consequently, helping them flourish in their marketplace. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - At a young age, I was struck with the beauty of our park system. So when convenient, I love to go RVing in a new local, state, or National Park. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I enjoy the art of smoking meats. Who inspires you? - Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Tiger Woods, and Mike Krzyzewski. Watching athletes/coaches develop excellence and become champions. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - "Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston S. Churchill If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Forgiving. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I love to help other people succeed. I would enjoy training. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Blue Ocean Strategy, Expanded Edition: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne. What is your favorite movie? - The Hunt for Red October starring Sean Connery. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Rick Lanoha, current chief executive officer of Kiewit Corporation. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 905-9067; tom.fuller@northriskpartners.com; northriskpartners.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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JULY 2021 Strictly Business

STAR CITY SIX

JAMIN

irp!

Jamin Thomas

LUXURY LANDSCAPE

WE TAKE CARE OF RODENT PROBLEMS BIG AND SMALL. EXPERTS IN BAT AND RODENT EXCLUSION WORK. GIVE US A CALL TODAY! 14 years experience in Pest Control services and 10+ years in Wildlife Management. batstorats.com | (402)310-0904 | facebook.com/BatstoRats

Communities Two Available Communities! 35th & Superior 93rd & Old Cheney

Several Models available to choose from! It’s good to be home!

To reserve your lot contact Jayson Becker at Bancwise Realty 402-610-1013 | Jbecker@bancwise.com Gardenviewcommunities.com 24

Strictly Business JULY 2021

Meet Jamin Thomas, crew chief at Luxury Landscape. Tell us a little about your business. - Luxury Landscape exists to provide beautiful landscape to Lincoln and the surrounding areas. We deliver unique and luxurious landscapes to customers who want to beautify their yard or property. With 40+ years of experience, you can't go wrong with us! How did you get started in the business? - I started at Luxury Landscape with two years of experience in the landscaping industry. The owners, Ken and Jackie Svoboda, offered me a position where I could use my creativity while working outside. What is the biggest challenge you've faced professionally? - Learning how to be a high-functioning team with differing, creative viewpoints. What has been your most important achievement professionally? Graduating from Moody Bible Institute with a bachelor's in youth ministry. Tell us a little about your family. - My wife of three years and I are expecting our first baby in October. We are surrounded with love and support on both sides of our family. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - When I was younger, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and became a born-again Christ-Follower. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - To go on dates and spend time with my wife, play with our dog Bukki, update our house, and hang out with friends. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don't know? - In Elementary School I won an art contest for the Henry Doorly Zoo. I also like to collect rare coins. Who inspires you? - My father who helped me forge the work ethic I have, and he taught me to love the way I do. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you've ever received? - "Do or do not. There is no try." - Yoda, or, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” - 1 Timothy 4:12. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Kind. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “This is my time” by Lecrae. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Spiderman's . What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? I'm passionate about any youth ministry geared toward spiritual maturity in Christ. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan or the Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series by Rick Riordan. What is your favorite movie? - Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. What is your favorite TV show? - Spectacular Spiderman. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Kasumi Sushi. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Guy Fieri because I respect his love for food. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? luxurylandscape.ne@gmail.com; luxurylandscape-llc.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

TYLER

Tyler Klotz

Life is a journey make it amazing!

HUSKER REHABILITATION AND WELLNESS CENTER Meet Tyler Klotz, physical therapist at Husker Rehabilitation and Wellness Centers. Tell us a little about your business. - Husker Rehab was first started in 1999 and now has grown to five different locations. We now offer two locations in Lincoln, one in Beatrice, one in Fairbury, and another clinic in Nebraska City. We treat a wide variety of patient’s and offer several different services including pre and post-operative rehabilitation, women’s health, sports rehab, back and neck, treatment for vertigo, chronic pain, and general orthopedic care. Treatments incorporate hands-on manual therapy techniques along with functional and postural -based exercises to restore normal and pain-free movement for our patients. How did you get started in the business? - I started out with an athletic training major in college. I did some shadowing with a physical therapist as part of my curriculum and quickly found out I liked working with more of a variety of patients and diagnoses instead of just strictly the athletic population. I decided to get a job as a physical therapy tech in college, where my passion for the profession grew and confirmed that I wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The field of physical therapy is always changing and evolving. Since graduating physical therapy school, the biggest challenge for me has been trying to develop the most effective treatments for my patients and continuing to learn everyday to keep my knowledge and skills up to date. Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Abby and I recently got married last summer and are enjoying the newlywed life. She is also a physical therapist in Lincoln. We first met as physical therapy techs at Husker Rehab back in college. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - My wife and I enjoy being active, going on walks, and doing yard work. I also enjoy getting outdoors hunting and fishing whenever I get the chance.

402-889-3870 Tailoreddreamslimousines.com tailoreddreamslimousines@gmail.com

DARING MINDS THERAPY “We believe healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment, and we cooperatively assist clients in clarifying their goals for treatment.”

Individual, Family, and Couples’ Counseling + Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) + Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Substance Use/Mental Health/Co-Occuring/Trauma Evaluations

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Home of the 5 year/50,000 Mile Parts & Labor Warranty!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I enjoy traveling and seeing new places. A couple of my favorite trips so far have been to South Africa and Alaska. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Driven. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Time travel. Which talent would you most like to have? - The ability to draw well. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Veterinarian. I grew up on an acreage out in the country and always found myself watching the vet when he came out to work on the cattle. What is your favorite movie? - Happy Gilmore. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Sebastian’s Table, Wilderness Ridge, and Press Box.

We offer a FREE loaner vehicle while your vehicle is in for repairs or maintenance!

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Elon Musk. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 261-4739 (Monday-Friday); tklotz@huskerrehab.com; www.huskerrehab.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STOP IN TODAY! 131 Russwood Parkway 402.486.9880 • inmotionautocare.com JULY 2021 Strictly Business

STAR CITY SIX

MATT

Matt Underwood

KINGERY CONSTRUCTION Serving Lincoln for over 70 years!

• collision & frame repair • full paint service • free estimates • affordable & reliable CALL TODAY! 402.474.4818 • 332 South Antelope Valley Parkway

Meet Matt Underwood, director of construction operations at Kingery Construction. Tell us a little about your business. - In 1924, William and Everett Kingery established Kingery Construction Company with limited resources. The company remained in the Kingery family for four generations until 2013 when Rod Berens and Rick Wintermute, both long-term employees, became the leaders and took the company into the future. Our construction process goes "Beyond the Building." We strive to build legacies for every owner through the construction process, which is far more than building a structure, it’s about building relationships with our clients and partners. We create a quality product that stands the test of time and speaks to a community of owners and employees that spend a large portion of their day in the building. During the last 97 years, Kingery Construction Co. has had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of building projects, including education, medical and research, faith-based, commercial, governmental, industrial, and financial. We are honored to have been involved in building several iconic landmarks in Lincoln and the surrounding areas. We have the expertise to manage any type of vertical construction project, even for projects we have not specifically done before. We pride ourselves on being able to adapt to unique project needs. One example of this was our selection to be construction manager for the UNL Breslow Ice Hockey Arena. Very few firms have constructed this type of venue. We are familiar with, and have successfully completed, projects of design/bid/build, design/build, construction manager at risk, and construction manager as agent methods. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - The many years spent continuously at Aspen Valley Hospital building their new facilities and remodeling everything else (in some cases twice). It became more special when two of my children were born in the birthing center I built there. I spent 17 years working on that hospital before returning to Nebraska. Tell us a little about your family. - I’m a Nebraska native, my wife a Texan. I’m happy I was able to convince her to come to the better of the two states. I have four kids from ages 21 to 8 and all of us are in Lincoln. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Certainly the biggest turning points was the decision to come back home to Nebraska in 2020 after 17 years in Colorado.

make selfcare a priority today! Swedish • Deep Tissue • Prenatal • Reflexology • Sugar / Salt Scrubs • Heated Bamboo • Vibration Therapy • Hot Stone • & More!

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - If it’s a September day, then elk hunting in the Rockies. Any other day, spending time with my family doing whatever it is they want to do. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - Before construction, I was in meteorology and was a storm chaser for six years. Who inspires you? - The Good Lord above. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My mom would always say, “Just make sure you enjoy what you do for a living!” If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Present.

self care isn’t selfish! when was the last time you got a massage? 6201 S 58 St., STE A | Lincoln, NE 5elementsne.com | (402) 617-7992 th

Strictly Business JULY 2021

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Flying…so I could carry elk out of the mountains without killing myself. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Financial analyst and advisor. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 465-4400; kccobuilders.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

GRACIA

Gracia Kremer

THE WATERFORD COMMUNITIES Meet Gracia Kremer, the executive director at The Waterford Communities. Tell us a little about your business. - The Waterford Assisted Living and Memory Care is locally owned and operated. We promise that while we can never replace your home, we are going to try to make our communities feel like you never left. At The Waterford, we do everything we can to ensure that you always feel at home.

DAILY TACO SPECIALS? 200+ TEQUILAS? 32 DRAFT BEERS? OH YEAH, WE GOT THAT. 800 Q Street | Lincoln, NE

How did you get started in the business? - I've worked in hospice care for the past five years, through which I developed a strong relationship with the staff and residents at The Waterford. It's an honor to lead this amazing team. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? On the tail of a very trying year, I think most people who work in healthcare can agree that the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the biggest challenges we have faced. The past year has undoubtedly taught us to value human connection. Seeing people so isolated and the impact it had on everyone, especially our aging population, was very heart wrenching. It also inspired us to dig deep, be gritty, and pull together as a team. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - I took a job at a physical therapy office here in Lincoln while I was finishing high school. That is where I found my passion for all things healthcare related. Over the past 18 years of working in the healthcare field, I have had the opportunity to care for individuals in all stages of life. From mother-baby and geriatrics to outpatient physical therapy, I have worked my way up from starting as a nursing assistant, therapy tech, and scheduler. This experience allows me to value my team as I have been in their shoes. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Days off usually involve something related to activities for our kids. I love watching my kids play sports and find confidence in themselves through hard work and dedication to their games. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I won Grand Champion bucket calf at the County Fair when I was in grade school. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The meaning of life is to give your gift away." – David Viscott If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Compassionate. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Multiplying myself! That way I could be at all three of our assisted living and memory care communities at the same time. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - The skillful domination of my fantasy football leagues. (Sorry if this offends a few potential readers...you know who you are!) Which talent would you most like to have? - Singing. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Tandoor is my absolute favorite. I love Indian food! If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 423-0000 / (402) 450-0456; gracia.kremer@thewaterford. net; thewaterford.net. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

LINCOLNFIRSTREALTY.COM

JULY 2021 Strictly Business

RESTAURANT EXPOSE

Delivering Delicious Mexican Favorites at a Convenient Lincoln Location! From creamy, delicious queso all the way to gulf shrimp wrapped in perfectly smoked bacon, El Potro located conveniently on South 10th St. offers a wide variety of your favorite Mexican foods with their extensive menu options and kind, attentive service! When walking into El Potro, we couldn’t help but notice the quaint atmosphere with beautifully detailed chairs and booths, along with a granite bar that stretched across the front of the dining room. The restaurant was set up and decorated perfectly to cater to the smaller space, allowing enough room for families to dine in or couples looking for a date night dinner. After looking over the menu with too many delicious choices to count, we started off our meal with the super appetizer that was the perfect sharing size – however you might have a hard time sharing a platter that’s packed with cheesy quesadillas, crunchy taquitos, and cream cheese stuffed jalapeno poppers! We then tried the Trio Enchiladas that offered the perfect combination of beef, chicken, and cheese enchiladas; each topped with a different sauce. The delicious mix of El Potro’s traditional enchilada sauce, white queso sauce, and green salsa with a bit of a kick is the perfect option for enchilada lovers that enjoy variety and flavor packed goodness. Our jaws dropped when we saw the Fajita Acapulco come out on a sizzling hot plate paired with warm flour and corn tortillas. Gulf shrimp wrapped in smoked bacon with sautéed peppers and onions and topped with queso sauce, does it really get much better than that? The juicy bacon along with the crunch of fresh gulf shrimp made it a unique fajita dinner with a yummy twist. The menu offers multiple options for shrimp lovers from their Gulf of Mexico section, including Enchiladas Acapulco that is deliciously stuffed with shrimp and crab, and a shrimp cocktail served in a jumbo glass and topped with avocado, pico de gallo, and their house cocktail sauce. With a variety of specialty items to choose from, we just had to try the Chimichanga filled with beef and shredded chicken, deep fried to a perfectly golden brown color and then smothered with creamy queso sauce – and it did NOT disappoint! A fan favorite for the table was kindly recommended by our knowledgeable waitress, the Pollo a la Crema. Thinly sliced chicken cooked in authentic cream sauce and topped with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms and served with rice, it’s just as delicious as it sounds. The mouthwatering cream sauce incorporated the mozzarella flavor of the queso and was the perfect amount of spice to enjoy atop the freshly grilled chicken. To satisfy our sweet tooth, we couldn’t help but try a couple options from the desert menu. The Flan was smooth and sweet with the perfect texture, much like that of cheesecake or banana pudding. Lastly, we tried the Sopapillas covered with a delectable layer of cinnamon sugar and served with whipped cream topped with a cherry. El Potro delivers tasty authentic Mexican food, and customers can now enjoy an ice cold margarita with their meal with their recently obtained liquor license! From the many different menu options to choose from, there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy the cheesy goodness of the queso and plates packed full of delicious Mexican flare. And don’t worry, we WILL be returning to try out the margs!

(531) 289-1012 | 3410 S 10th St. 28

Strictly Business JULY 2021

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PERSONNEL NEWS Darin Cielocha Joins Farris Engineering as New Business Development Executive Farris Engineering welcomes Darin Cielocha as new business development executive. With over 27 years of construction industry experience that spans across the U.S. and Canada, Cielocha brings a proven track record to the Farris Engineering team. Cielocha holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Marketing from University of Nebraska – Lincoln. His professional experience includes working for global and Midwest-based companies and has managed accounts/clients that have generated over $25 million in annual revenues.

Simplifying real estate for your business

1530 S. 70th St., Suite 102 | Lincoln, NE 68506 (402) 421-7474 | cathy@guiderockrealty.com

Cathy Kottwitz, CPM

Farris Engineering was founded in Omaha in 1967, and has been an industry leader in Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineering ever since. Farris Engineering has added value expertise with LEED AP+ staff, Fire Protection Engineers, Certified Geothermal Designers, Lighting Designers, and Commissioning Agents on staff. Experience, expertise, and willingness to exceed expectations continue to be the firm’s main motivation for their clients. Farris Engineering has offices in Omaha, Lincoln, and Sidney, NE, as well as in Colorado Springs, CO and Kansas City, MO. To learn more, visit www.farris-usa.com. Darin Cielocha can be contacted at (402) 547-8574 / dcielocha@farris-usa.com.

Clearwater Counseling's Jessica Frenzen Celebrates Two-Year Work Anniversary Jessica Frenzen, PLMHP, PCMSW, a therapist at Clearwater Counseling, PC, is celebrating a two-year work anniversary this month. Since joining the Omaha practice in July 2019, Frenzen has used her clinical experience working with children with past trauma/behavior issues, as well as teens and adults diagnosed with chronic mental health and substance use disorders, to guide and help clients recognize their potential, while identifying strategies that work best for them to breakdown barriers that may be holding them back. Frenzen is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and uses evidence-based techniques to guide her practice. She enjoys getting to know clients and helping them achieve success. Frenzen continually seeks opportunities to gain additional knowledge and expertise. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please don't be afraid to talk about it or reach out for professional help. Clearwater Counseling works with clients in the Grand Island and Omaha area who are struggling with a variety of mental health diagnoses including depression, relationship issues, stress, grief/ loss/trauma, addiction and recovery, co-dependency, anxiety and phobias, parenting problems, sexual abuse and incest, physical abuse and violence, as well as various others. To learn more about staff, services, or resources, visit clearwatercounselingpc. org. To schedule an appointment with Clearwater Counseling, or for more information about mental health services, please call (308) 210-8487 or email info@clearwatercounselingne.org. You can also learn more online at clearwatercounselingpc.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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PERSONNEL NEWS BBB Names Josh Planos the Director of Public Relations and Communications

Kim Lane Joins LIBA Team as Executive Assistant and Event Coordinator

J o s h P l a n o s wa s r e c e n t l y n a m e d the director of public relations and communications for the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Josh received his Bachelor of Jour nalism at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, where he won multiple Big Ten championships in public speaking. Following college, Josh worked at KETV NewsWatch 7, Omaha’s ABC affiliate, for a number of years, before transitioning to roles as the digital media manager and assistant director of communications at the University of Nebraska Foundation and the Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing at Grand Island Public Schools. His professional experiences have been wide-ranging, but nearly all of them were centered around storytelling and relationship building. Josh is looking forward to elevating the Better Business Bureau in any way he can!

New hire Kim Lane has recently joined the Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) team as their new executive assistant and event coordinator. Kim brings with her many years of experience from her previously held positions in Kansas City, MO. Lane was a former personal assistant to the owner and CEO of Vanguard Packaging, where she was also the executive assistant to the COO, CFO, and VP of sales. Her departure from the company came unexpectedly due to COVID-19’s effect on the economy. Prior to this position, Lane was an executive assistant to C-level executives in the oil and gas industry.

The Better Business Bureau has been serving local communities since 1936. The overall mission of the organization is to be a leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information, visit bbb.org/ nebraska or call (800) 649-6814. To contact Josh directly, call (402) 206-8276 or email jplanos@bbbinc.org.

When she’s not working, Lane enjoys spending time with her family and friends and being outdoors. She has two adult children, her son that lives in Kansas City and her daughter and son-in-law that live in Washington State. Lane is originally from Iowa and has been away from the area for 22 years. She’s excited to be closer to home again and near more of her family. As she learns her way around the Lincoln area and meets friendly faces, Lane has been keeping busy in her new positions and looks forward to working with everyone in the LIBA family. LIBA provides leadership and educational opportunities to the business community. For more information on what LIBA is all about, visit liba.org.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President Wendy Birdsall Announces Retirement Wendy Birdsall, president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Lincoln Partnership of Economic Development, announced she will retire on December 31, 2021. Birdsall’s retirement concludes her 30-year career with the Lincoln Chamber. Birdsall’s career with the Lincoln Chamber began in 1991, as she served as director of Lincoln Specialty Care, a cooperative effort of the Lincoln Chamber and Lincoln medical community. She then stepped into the role of vice president and executive director of the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau before serving as interim president for the organization twice in 2004 and 2005. She was named president of the Lincoln Chamber in 2006. Birdsall’s thoughtful leadership positioned the Chamber and the Lincoln business community to create a climate to advance the success of existing Lincoln businesses while developing community resources to support and retain Lincoln’s entrepreneurs and startup companies. She led the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development’s impactful efforts to attract new businesses and jobs, expanding employment opportunities for all Lincolnites and recruiting new talent. Under her watch, the organization also expanded its reach to engage Lincoln’s future, launching Lincoln’s Young Professionals Group—one of the largest in the country. Through the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Birdsall and her team have offered a platform for recognition, celebrating, and applauding the accomplishments of the extraordinary business leaders who call Lincoln home. Request more information through www.lcoc.com.

City Bank & Trust Co. Welcomes Tom Schleich to Board of Directors

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City Bank & Trust Co. is pleased to announce the election of Tom Schleich to its Board of Directors. Mr. Schleich is currently president and CEO of Commercial Investment Properties (CIP). A Lincoln native, Tom graduated from Lincoln East High School, Nebraska Wesleyan University, and the College of Law at University of Nebraska. Tom brings a wealth of experience in real estate along with sound judgement. Mr. Schleich joins current board members Breck Collingsworth, chairman of the Board and founder/president of Resort Lifestyle Communities; Paul Schelstraete, president; Michael Ulrich, chief financial officer and chief lending officer; Susan Chrastil, chief operations officer; and Matthew Maude, Allen J. Mooreland, and Larry A. Davis. “City Bank is a strong financial institution committed to personalized and convenient banking solutions without complications, runaround, or excessive paperwork. At City Bank, we recognize the importance of personal relationships and ensure that is reflected in everything we do,” said Ulrich. Locally owned since 1910, City Bank & Trust is a community bank with six locations, serving the needs of Crete, Lincoln, and southeast Nebraska. The bank and its courteous professionals recognize the importance of personal relationships and is reflected in all that they do. As a full-service banking institution, City Bank is large enough to serve all your personal or commercial banking needs, yet small enough to give you the personal attention you deserve that only a locally-owned, community bank can provide. City Bank & Trust Co., member FDIC, is an equal housing lender and equal opportunity employer. Learn more online at www.citybankandtrust.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Employing Lincoln August 2021 Issue

CALLING ALL LOCAL BUSINESSES! Let people know why your company is a great place to work.

In the August 2021 issue of Strictly Business, we will run our quarterly “Employing Lincoln” feature to highlight great places to work in Lincoln. This is a special opportunity for companies to get their name and branding in front of all our readers by sharing their mission statement, talking about their team culture, and highlighting employment opportunities.

Strictly Business is direct mailed to over 10,000 businesses every month! With a 2–4 month shelf life and a pass-along readership, it’s estimated that 1 copy of the magazine could reach up to 5 people. Editorial features are published on our website as well. We are proud to have a strong online presence.

Feature Includes: Company logo & 150-word write-up

To participate, contact: (402) 466-3330 | Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com 32

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PERSONNEL NEWS

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PILLAR Restaurant Group Promotes Sydney Long to Marketing Associate Sydney Long has been promoted to marketing associate at PILLAR Restaurant Group. Sydney works hard to maintain a powerful social media presence for PILLAR's restaurant concepts and is always willing to help out with any projects being worked on. The Lincoln native is a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln with a degree in hospitality, restaurant, and tourism management. PILLAR is proud to have Sydney as a member of the team. PILLAR Restaurant Group is a company that consists of fi ve main concepts: Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs, Venue Restaurant & Lounge, Piedmont Bistro by Venue, Cactus Modern Mexican & Cantina by Venue, and Venue Catering & Events with the Jasmine Room by Venue and the Scottish Rite Ballroom by Venue. Locally owned, these restaurants are each unique in their own way of providing a high level of hospitality, quality food, and genuine relationships within the community. To learn more, go online to www.prgnebraska.com.

JDRF Welcomes New Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Board Members J D R F, t h e l e a d i n g global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, announced the appointment of new Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Board members and said farewell to those retiring. “We are excited to welcome our new Board members to the JDRF Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Board of Directors,” said Laci Naber, Executive Director. “Our Board members provide volunteer guidance to the Chapter and play a vital role in executing fundraising, leadership, and advocacy activities.” “We also thank our outgoing Board members, because of their passion and dedication our Chapter has been able to support our T1D community through outreach and funding life-changing research. They have made a lasting impact on our mission,” said Naber. New JDRF Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Board Members: Jennifer Allred; Jeremy Gipe, Hy-Vee; Jim Lehman, Hy-Vee; Shanda Ross, Nebraska Medicine; Jill Rotella, Source Medical Staffing; Mac Rundle, Bruce Furniture; Brian Schenk, Dormie Network; Amy Sharpe, Advisors Excel. Outgoing JDRF Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Board Members: Brandon Bender, Rod Burns, Leigh Cheloha, Tim Fleming, Mike Fischer, John Jerkovich, Tally Mertes, Lee Terry, Steve Shirmang. JDRF's mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2 billion in research funding since their inception. They are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. They collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa, follow on Twitter (@JDRFNEIA), or call (402) 397-2873. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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PERSONNEL NEWS True North Technologies Brings on Emma Bauerle as Executive Assistant True North Technologies, a Lincoln-based business launched by Renee Sobotka, recently brought Emma Bauerle onto the team as executive assistant. Due to her background in multiple industries, Emma sometimes refers to herself as a “Jill of all trades.” She grew up on a farm in Imperial, NE, where she gained core values like grit and honesty, and developed the confidence to be a self-starter. Emma then attended Nebraska Wesleyan University and received a music degree with a focus in business communications, and her goal is to create a lifestyle of continuous learning. Outside of her work life, Emma is enthusiastic about traveling and spending time outdoors. She invests her free time in family and fitness and loves using music and cooking as creative outlets. Emma has a unique combination of strengths and passions to help True North Technologies grow as a company. She demonstrates a high level of work intensity, resourcefulness, and communication skill, which helps her adapt to fill the needs of her clients. It’s important to Emma that clients feel valued and confident that the True North team will create positive experiences with a long-lasting impact on the success of their business. True North Technologies makes technology simple with website and mobile app development, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), branding, and social media marketing. Learn more online at www. go-tnt.com or call (402) 420-5101.

LPED Presents Inaugural Pat Haverty Memorial Award to Rob Hanson The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED) is proud to announce the winner of this year’s first annual Pat Haverty Memorial Award—Rob Hanson, co-founder and CEO of Monolith Materials. The award was presented at LPED’s virtual Economic Development Breakfast on May 27, which featured keynote speaker Cameron Smith, president and co-founder of Kodiak Cakes. “Rob’s commitment to operate an environmentally responsible business, in addition to creating and maintaining jobs within our state has had a huge impact on both our workforce and our economy, having an economic impact exceeding $46 million,” said Wendy Birdsall, president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development. Under Haverty’s leadership, LPED acquired millions of dollars in investments to drive Lincoln’s economic growth, resulting in numerous awards for Lincoln that recognized site development and number of total projects. He was also a huge supporter of the entrepreneurial community in Lincoln and was instrumental in the initial partnership with the University of Nebraska that funded the NMotion Accelerator, as well as the continued funding and support of the program as it exists today. Each year, this impactful award will be presented at LPED’s Economic Development Breakfast for exemplifying the highest level of innovation, integrity, and leadership in their drive to grow the economic development of Lincoln. Learn more at www.selectlincoln.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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PERSONNEL NEWS Majda Hadzic Named Chase’s Market Director of Banking for Nebraska Kingery Construction Co. has built a wide variety of projects for educational, medical and religious spaces as well as commercial, governmental, industrial and private owners. We are honored to have constructed several iconic landmarks and developed relationships with owners and architects that span decades. Kingery Construction Co. has the expertise to manage any project. We have successfully completed projects of Design/Bid/Build, Design/ Build, Construction Manager at Risk and Construction Manager as Agent methods, Tenant Improvements and Commercial Remodels. Below are a couple of our recent renovation projects. wayne county courthouse

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Chase has named veteran banker Majda Hadzic as its market director of banking in Nebraska and Iowa where she will oversee the bank’s continued retail expansion, bringing jobs and economic growth to the region. Most recently, Hadzic was a district manager for Wells Fargo in Des Moines and led a team of managers, bankers, and tellers. A graduate of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, Majda earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology. Majda also brings a history of community involvement to her role. Majda and her team have joined the Midlands African Chamber, Inc., and she sits on the board of CultureALL (a provider of cultural programming in central Iowa). She also is a member of the United Way business services segment. Majda’s personal story has shaped her into the leader she is today. When she was young, her family fled from their home in war-torn Bosnia, seeking safety in several different countries before moving to the United States. JPMorgan Chase currently serves almost 300,000 consumer customers and 14,200 business customers in Nebraska. For more information, go to chase.com.

NESC Announces the Promotions of Four Key Employees The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) recently acknowledged the promotions of four key employees in the organization. Valerie Haschke has been promoted to director of operations. She has been with NESC since 2015 and served in various capacities. Karen Rehm joined NESC in 2020 and recently went from road safety project coordinator to wellness services manager. She has more than 18 years of experience in developing engaging programs and looks forward to this new Valerie Haschke role. Saige Walker (not pictured) took on the role of traffic manager at the beginning of this year after previously holding the positions of office support assistant and later as the traffic coordinator. She's been with NESC since 2019. Syd Horken (not pictured) has officially transitioned into the role of safety coordinator. She joined NESC in 2020 and previously served as an office support assistant. "Without the dedication of our employees, we would not have been able to survive Karen Rehm and thrive this last year. The year 2020 offered new opportunities of growth for our team and for that, I am very thankful,” said Lisa Henning, executive director of NESC. The Mission of the Nebraska Safety Council is to provide education and leadership to empower Nebraskans to live safe and healthy. They offer comprehensive programs, training courses, events, and services that are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel, and on the job. To learn more or to sign up for a membership today, visit nesafetycouncil.org, call (402) 483-2511, or email nesc@nesafetycouncil.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS

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Lincoln Community Foundation Announces Retirement of President Barbara Bartle The Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) announced Barbara Bartle will retire at year’s end. Barbara was named president of the Lincoln Community Foundation in 2010. Under her leadership, LCF has grown substantially, initiating significant programs which have increased philanthropy in the community while creating new partnerships with government, business, nonprofits, and neighborhoods. Barbara’s notable career spans 48 years of fundraising, program development, community engagement, and teaching.

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For more than 65 years, the mission of LCF has been to provide leadership and resources to help build a great city. A few of the many accomplishments under Barbara’s leadership the past 11 years include: • The number of donor funds more than quadrupled • Assets grew from $62 million to $175 million • Annual grants to the community grew from $4 million to more than $21 million • Give To Lincoln Day raised more than $40 million for hundreds of nonprofits • Lincoln Littles Giving Day raised more than $2.4 million to help children from lower-income families with early childhood education • Lincoln COVID-19 Response Fund raised more than $1.2 million to assist 66 nonprofits serving the most vulnerable populations • First Community Land Trust in Nebraska was established in Lincoln to address affordable housing • From Veterans initiatives to Lincoln Vital Signs and Prosper Lincoln, there have been multiple community building efforts to guide Lincoln’s vision toward a stronger, more diverse, and more innovative community. Barbara’s leadership, through her impact on the many organizations she has served, has been recognized with numerous awards. Some of those include the Association of Fundraising Professionals Nebraska Chapter Fundraising Hall of Fame, Lincoln Journal Star’s Inspire Awards’ Woman of the Year, Spirit of United Way Award, and the Grace Abbott Award honoring her advocacy for children and families in Nebraska. “We have been so fortunate to have Barbara Bartle at the helm of Lincoln Community Foundation for the past 11 years,” said Foundation Board Chair, Kim M. Robak. “She immediately set out to form the best staff, surrounding herself with talented, hardworking professionals. Barbara quickly connected with community foundations across the country, gathering great ideas and bringing them home. Her incredible passion and energy to raise funds and unite people together for causes that benefit Lincoln will leave a lasting legacy”. A search for Barbara’s successor is underway. The Board of Directors of Lincoln Community Foundation (www.lcf.org) is partnering with Kittleman and Associates, a national search firm focused on nonprofit CEO recruitment. Individuals wishing to learn more or apply should visit www.kittlemansearch.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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DLA President Todd Ogden Selected to Join International Emerging Leadership Group Todd Ogden, Downtown Lincoln Association's president and CEO, has been selected to join the International Downtown Association (IDA) 2021 Emerging Leader Fellowship. IDA selected 30 of the industry’s brightest professionals for the 2021 Emerging Leader Fellowship (ELF) program. These senior staff members hail from 27 cities around North America. Alumni of the IDA Emerging Leader Fellowship program, launched in 2016, are fast becoming sought-after leaders for the future of city building worldwide. The Emerging Leader Fellowship is a week-long experiential program bringing together a cohort of IDA professionals from within the urban district management industry. The fellows learn essential leadership and place management skills and gain practical tools in the areas of place-based economic development, the live-work-play experience, and public-private partnerships. This program typically takes place each June in New York City. Due to the impacts of the pandemic, this year’s cohort will receive their intensive instruction delivered by IDA partners at Coro New York Leadership Center over a virtual platform. The group will meet in-person in the spring of 2022 where they will continue their learning with professionals from several business improvement district organizations across the city providing technical in-the-field training. To learn more, visit downtown.org. Founded in 1967, the Downtown Lincoln Association was originally established as a merchants’ association by downtown retailers who recognized the need for an organization to serve downtown’s unique needs. DLA has since evolved to a multi-faceted organization supporting a wide range of programs and activities including maintenance, economic development, and advocacy. Go to downtownlincoln.org for more information. JULY 2021 Strictly Business 37

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PERSONNEL NEWS Joshua Jackson of EXIT Realty Professionals in Lincoln Receives International Honor Joshua Jackson of EXIT Realty Professionals will be awarded the Bronze Award by EXIT Realty Corp. International. The recognition will be awarded at the EXIT Realty Corp. International Virtual Award Event in October 2021. The Bronze Award is given to top producers who have closed more than 25 sides of a transaction within the Annual Award period (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021). “Josh works hard and this award is welldeserved,” said Terry Lindstrom, broker/ owner of EXIT Realty Professionals. “He’s done a tremendous job building his clientele and getting referrals.” EXIT Realty has very high standards for award recipients," Tami Bonnell, CEO of EXIT Realty Corp. International, said. "Regardless of the economy, we are increasing the number of our award winners and moving up to the next level every year. We are truly proud of our EXIT associates." "EXIT Realty is experiencing phenomenal momentum across the continent and we're proud that these professionals are a part of it. In fact, this last year we presented over 30 percent more production awards in the U.S. than last year," Steve Morris, founder and chairman of EXIT Realty Corp. International said. "Everything we do at EXIT reinforces our belief in the value of homeownership in the communities we serve." EXIT Realty Professionals is located at 8320 Northwoods Dr., STE 500. For more information, call (402) 466-8181 or visit exitrp.com.

The Bridge Behavioral Health Welcomes New Board Members The Bridge Behavioral Health is welcoming seven new board members starting in July. This dynamic group includes: Dave Der mann, Bryan Health; George Dungan, Lancaster County Public Defender; Dr. Claire Haag, Pioneer Greens Dentistry; Cathy Kottwitz, Guiderock Commercial Realty, LLC; John Laflin, Pinnacle Bank; Kayla Meyer, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce; and Mario Racicot, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln. They are joining the already robust board: Chris Jackson (president), retired UNL; Rico Zavala (president-elect), CEDARS; Megan Witherspoon (past president), Mod Wattage Electric, LLC; Matt Spethman (secretary), Nelnet; Pat Hunter-Pirtle (treasurer), LPS; and Todd Duncan, OPPD. A very special thank you to Joe Nigro, Lancaster County Public Defender, who has completed his six years of service to The Bridge board of directors in June. His dedication to the organization is much appreciated! The Bridge Behavioral Health has served as an essential part of the Lincoln community’s safety net since 1984, connecting people suffering from addiction and related mental-health issues with support and treatment. The Bridge provides caring substance use, trauma, and mental-health treatment services. The individuals seeking safe passage from addiction to sober living find it at The Bridge through a variety of support and treatment options, including medically supervised detoxification, substance use and mental health respite, residential treatment, and a variety of recovery support services. To learn more, visit thebridgenebraska.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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PERSONNEL NEWS Robert Darrah of Legacy Retirement Named Board President of AHF

Class Intercom Announces New President, International Expansion

Robert Darrah, director of dining services at Legacy Retirement Communities, will serve as president-elect of the Board of Directors for the Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF). His term as presidentelect begins on January 1, 2022; his term as president will begin on January 1, 2023. Darrah has been serving on the Board of Directors for the past 10 years. He is a longtime supporter of the Association and advocate for senior living communities and the dining experiences they offer.

Class Intercom, a leading provider in social media management for schools, has announced that Dr. Jill Johnson has signed on as president, as the company undergoes international expansion. Johnson is making a shift from high school administration to EdTech leadership to help schools globally advance their social media practices and encompass studentled social content creation.

“When I originally became involved with AHF, I was only one of two members representing Senior Dining. Over the years, I’ve helped drive the culture to bring Senior Dining to the forefront with AHF. I consider this a tremendous honor being recognized and selected by my peers,” said Darrah, who has served as the director of dining services for Legacy Retirement Communities for the past 22 years. Legacy Retirement Communities continues to provide Lincoln with award-winning elegance, superior care, and countless reasons to live an enriched life. Independent living and assisted living is offered at three locations: The Legacy at 5600 Pioneers Blvd.; Legacy Terrace at 5700 Fremont St.; and Legacy Estates at 7200 Van Dorn St. Memory care is offered exclusively at Legacy Arbors at 3777 N 58th St. Learn more at LegacyRetirement.com.

Johnson’s appointment comes during Class Intercom’s recent partnership with International Education Solutions (IES) to extend its student driven social media tools to schools internationally. The expansion of Class Intercom services helps to solve a global educational issue, creating collaborative, valuable, and secure social media content. Johnson brings more than 30 years of education experience to Class Intercom. Most recently, she successfully implemented a student social media content creation programs as assistant vice principal at Seward High School in Seward, Neb., utilizing Class Intercom. In addition, she recently completed her doctoral dissertation on the value of student-led social media. Founded in 2017, Class Intercom was the fi rst social media management tool established exclusively to support individual schools and districts in creating collaborative social media content through the engagement of students and staff. To learn more, visit www.classintercom.com.

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Leadership Harbor Welcomes Dax Howland, Jody Fayman, and David Staenberg to Team Leadership Harbor recently welcomes three new team members—Dax Howland, Jody Fayman, and David Staenberg. Dax is a youth facilitator with The John Maxwell Team. As a speaker and trainer in Leadership Harbor's Youth Lane, his "WHY" is to speak life into other kids. He is driven to empower others to know that their moments matter and that they have what it takes to be great. As a student and six time martial arts World Champion, Dax has grown a platform to inspire and encourage everyone who meets him. As a Young Leader he is finding ways to engage every moment to start a world-changing movement in all of us. Dax is excited to bring his passion, energy and new training to the table to add value to youth and those adults quietly listening from the back of the room. Jody is a mother and grandmother. She became a widow a number of years ago and being debt free allowed her to focus on raising her children. Jody was a multi-levelmarketer for 16 years. During that time, she learned a lot about business finance and how to grow as a leader. Knowing that 78% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, Jody became a Certified Financial Coach helping people find financial peace and take control of their finances.

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David is a leadership and pain coach with The John Maxwell Team. He specializes in connecting people and growing influence. His experience as an ordained chaplain and veteran, degrees in drug/alcohol counseling and addiction studies, and a David Staenberg masters in human relations uniquely position him to work with people from all walks of life. With an ever-present smile on his face and positive outlook, David's passion for life is to help others work through their physical and emotional pain to grow and become the best versions of themselves. Leadership Harbor helps people develop the skills to be more relational and influential in their personal, business, and faith lives. They offer individual, group, and business coaching, training, and speaker support. For more information visit leadershipharbor.com.

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You! At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local professionals for their significant awards, promotions, achievements, and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Lincoln community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com, or submit your news online via www.strictly-business.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS Community Action Head Start Needs Help to Provide Clean Clothes to Classrooms Community Action Head Start is currently looking for assistance helping kids who, due to accidents, spills, outside play, or other reasons their clothes may get dirty, need a change of clothes while at school. Head Start students attend school for seven hours each weekday, and the program likes to keep a supply of extra clothes for changes when needed. Currently, this supply is running low. Can you help Community Action Head Start restock their extra clothes closet?

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Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties provides high-quality early childhood education services through its Head Start programs to 421 babies, toddlers, and preschoolers and their families. Community support is vital to the program operations, and right now, you have a chance to contribute to those efforts. To learn more about Community Action Head Start, or access the link to the Amazon wish list, visit www.communityactionatwork.org. To coordinate a drop-off donation, contact Sam Bates at (402) 8759320 or sbates@communityactionatwork.org.

NAM's Nebraska Nonprofit Conference to Energize After Challenging Year The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM), a state association that has more than 700 nonprofit members in Nebraska and southwest Iowa, will host its fourth annual Nebraska Nonprofit Conference virtually this year on Wednesday, August 4. The Nebraska Nonprofit Conference, normally held in central Nebraska, will offer webinars and networking sessions to energize nonprofit executives, employees, board members, and volunteers following a challenging year. The conference will explore trends, best practices, and issues affecting the nonprofit sector and provide actionable takeaways to support the missions of nonprofits. “It has been a difficult year for all nonprofits. The Nebraska Nonprofit Conference will bring together their collective strength, leadership, and resilience, so the nonprofit sector can emerge stronger than ever,” said NAM CEO Anne Hindery. The Nebraska Nonprofit Conference is hosted by the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands in partnership with the Hamilton Community Foundation, Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, Kearney Area Community Foundation, Peter Kiewit Foundation, and DA Davidson. Nonprofit Association of the Midlands strengthens the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa. NAM is recognized as the State Association for Nebraska by the National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits. To learn more about the organization or register for the event, go to www.nonprofitam.org/events. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Friendship Home Opens Registration for 19th Annual Safe Quarters On Sunday, October 3, over a t h o u s a n d Fr i e n d s h i p H o m e volunteers will head out to Lincoln and surrounding neighborhoods for the 19th annual Safe Quarters. The goal of the event is to knock on every household door, in Lincoln and surrounding area communities, to collect financial contributions for victims of domestic violence and raise awareness of the life-saving services Friendship Home provides. Safe Quarters is Friendship Home’s largest annual fundraiser. In 2019, over $100,000 was raised, as a result, Friendship Home was able to save and change the lives of over 1,500 victims of domestic violence. Teams of volunteers are needed to walk Lincoln neighborhoods. A team generally consists of 8–15 members, all ages are encouraged to participate. Volunteers will receive t-shirts and collection buckets for the drive. You can help provide “safe quarters” to someone in crisis. Funds collected during Safe Quarters go towards Friendship Home’s mission to provide safe, confidential shelter, crisis services, and ongoing support for families who have experience domestic violence and are rebuilding their lives. To access safe emergency shelter and services, call Friendship Home’s helpline at (402) 437-9302. To learn more about services or register a volunteer team, go to www.friendshiphome.org. For questions and/or more information about Safe Quarters, contact Dani at danib@friendshiphome.org or (402) 434-0167. JULY 2021 Strictly Business 43

NONPROFIT NEWS Goodwill Releases 2020 Annual Report Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. recently released their 2020 Annual Report. For 89 years, they have been strengthening the Lincoln community by providing services for individuals who face barriers to employment. In 2020, those services were needed more than ever. Goodwill remained committed to the health and safety of donors, shoppers, employees, and program participants. Even when retail locations were closed, their Job Connection Center continued to deliver core mission services and programs through online and virtual platforms. Employment Specialists guided community members, as well as Goodwill’s own employees, through unemployment filings, job search, and other resources. Goodwill continued recycling efforts through donation drives, unattended donation bins and their home pick up program, diverting over 2.2 million pounds of materials from the landfill. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, meaningful partnerships within the community were made to help people get much-needed resources. For example, Goodwill donated over 900 tote bags to Lincoln Public Schools for students to prepare for remote learning. They also donated cotton materials to volunteers in the community that were sewing masks for frontline workers. Most importantly, Goodwill served more than 2,000 Southeast Nebraskans with employment-related services. To read more about Goodwill’s impact, financials, and other information, access their full Annual Report on www.lincolngoodwilll.org.

Angels Among Us to Host 2nd Annual YP Event: Birds & Beer Angels Among Us is hosting their 2nd Annual Birds & Beer fundraiser on July 15, and this year it will be warehouse style! The young professionals craft beer and chicken tasting event will take place at Patriot Services at 505 Crown Point Ave. from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Beer vendors include Infusion, Kros Strain, Jukes Ale Works, Site-1 Brewing, Johnnie Byrd Brewing, Brickway Brewery & Distillery, and Upstream Brewing. Food vendors include Skyybox, Clancy’s, Caddyshack, Geno’s, Best Bison, Hilton Downtown, and more! This low-ticket priced event of only $40 includes all-you-cansample beer and food, a pint glass to take home, and an event t-shirt designed by Soul & Swag. The event will include fun games, a warehouse style party, and networking among other young professionals in the Omaha community. Angels Among Us is grateful to current event sponsors: Patriot Services, Fusion Medical Staffing, Faith Technologies, Interstates, Buildertrend, and NFM. Safe rides home are provided by Hauptman O’Brien. Angels Among Us is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide financial and emotional support to any family whose child is battling pediatric cancer living in or being treated in the state of Nebraska. Learn more about ways to make an impact and get involved in Angels Among Us’ mission please contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org. Tickets and additional information are available at www.myangelsamongus.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Christian Record Services Celebrates the First Anniversary of PhoneFaith Christian Record Services, Inc. announces the first anniversary of the addition of PhoneFaith as part of its outreach ministry to the blind community. Daily PhoneFaith dial-in presentations offer opportunities to inform and encourage, through mental health and wellness sessions, social meet-and-greet interactions, Bible games, and prayer. Last summer, as businesses, schools, and churches remained closed due to the spread of COVID-19, Christian Record welcomed PhoneFaith to combat loneliness and isolation—common among some blind individuals—which has been exacerbated because of closures and cancelations across the country. “It is heart-warming to observe the value of PhoneFaith to participants as they engage with others who experience a similar journey. We are grateful, with God’s guidance, to offer a way for the people we serve to connect, engage, and grow,” says Diane Thurber, President of Christian Record Services, Inc. Each year, Christian Record Services, Inc. (aka Christian Record Services for the Blind) impacts thousands of lives through services provided to them without cost. For more information, including a sample PhoneFaith program, please visit www.PhoneFaith.org.

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach Sees Increased Need in Summer Months Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is experiencing an increase in the number of guests coming in for meals and outreach services such as showers and laundry. Due to a combination of factors, summer is typically Matt Talbot’s busiest time of the year. Families are stretched thinner, facing increased costs of child care with school out of session. People who have been staying with friends and family may be asked to move on now that the winter months have passed, leading them to camp outside or sleep in their cars. Landlords reluctant to evict during the cold winter months may be more inclined to take action now that warmer weather has arrived. Prepared, nutritious daily meals are offered free of charge. Meals can be eaten in the dining room on trays or provided in “to-go” containers and taken off site. In addition, guests can access other outreach services such as substance use evaluations and other basic and emergency needs. “For those in our community without a home and regular access to water, summer is really tough,” said Susanne Blue, Executive Director. “Matt Talbot is here to provide a cool shelter during the day as well as meals, water, and other outreach services to help keep people safe, healthy, and hopeful for better days.” During this busy season, donations of sunscreen, bug spray, water, cooling towels, and bike locks are needed. Donations can be brought directly to the community kitchen and outreach center at 2121 N 27th St. during business hours Monday through Friday. For information about Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach or holding a drive at your workplace, please contact Victoria O’Neil at victoria. oneil@mtko.org / (402) 477-4116. Learn more at mtko.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Nineteen Students Return to Greater Nebraska for NCF Hometown Internships Nineteen college s t u d e n t s a r r i ve d i n their Greater Nebraska h o m e t ow n s i n M ay to both fur ther the community-building work of local Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) affiliated funds and strengthen their connections to the places that raised them—perhaps inspiring them to one day return and make their own future in Greater Nebraska. NCF expanded its Hometown Interns program for 2021 following the success of 2020’s group of 13 interns. The expansion offers more opportunities for ambitious young Nebraskans to return to their hometowns and further the mission of their local NCF affiliated fund. This program helps young people feel more connected to their hometowns, hone job relevant skills and network with adults and job creators in the area. Importantly, it’s allowing them to envision a bright future right in the comfort of their own hometown. The 2020 class of interns brought a multitude of skills to their communities, assisting with promoting local arts, sharing success stories, mapping community assets and much more. Hometown Interns will be working with local volunteer leaders on a variety of projects customized to the community they live in and the interests and skill sets of the interns. While the specific tasks and projects will vary from one Hometown Internship to another, NCF will provide numerous opportunities for interns to connect with one another throughout the summer to give them space to learn from each other, share ideas and foster appreciation for their hometowns while contributing to community development efforts at the local and statewide level. The 2021 NCF Hometown Interns are: Amber Cherney, Cuba, KS; Dakota Cherney, Chester; Megan Collins, Hebron; Hayley Denner, Diller; Emily Erickson, Albion; Katie Hawk, Ewing; Cheyanna Jacobe, Deshler; Cheyenne Knehans, Red Cloud; Luke Kramer, Rosalie; Paige Kniep, Deshler; James Mockry, McCook; Emily Morrow, O’Neill; Rachel Orth, Ogallala; Luke Partsch, Nebraska City; Connor Rosfeld, Callaway; Kelli Schoch, Columbus; Jocelyn Shipman, Guide Rock; Miranda Shreves, Johnson; and Austin Truex, Norfolk. Nebraska Community Foundation's Hometown Intern program partners include University of Nebraska Extension; Nebraska Honors; the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication program; and the Center for Civic Engagement. To learn more, visit www.nebcommfound.org. JULY 2021 Strictly Business 45

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NONPROFIT NEWS Family Service Lincoln Celebrates 130 Years of Commitment to Families in the Community This year, Family Service Lincoln is proud to be celebrating 130 years of commitment to the city of Lincoln and its surrounding areas. As they cherish the organization’s rich history, they continue to look forward to the future and the ways in which they can better help families thrive. On March 18, 1891, members of the Lincoln community gathered to create a plan for the future of the city’s various charities. It was at this meeting that “Lincoln Charity Organization Society” was founded. A constitution was established to “secure the greatest possible efficiency on the part of the charitable agencies of the city” and to “obtain prompt and suitable relief for all deserving applicants.” This first charitable organization of Lincoln would later become “Social Welfare Society” in 1917 before finally settling on the name “Family Service Association of Lincoln” in 1945. After that, the rest is history. Over the years, Family Service Lincoln has evolved in many ways to meet the needs of those who need it most in the community. For more information regarding services, visit familyservicelincoln.org or reach the team at (402) 441-7949 / contact@familyservicelincoln.org.

TeamMates Announces that Mentoring Report Shows Need for Diverse, Male Volunteers The Lincoln Youth Mentoring Coalition, made up of 26 organizations across the city, has released its State of Mentoring Report. The report is the first of its kind for Lincoln and Lancaster County, and it was made possible by a Community Health Endowment grant written by Lincoln TeamMates. The report was generated by the coalition after conducting surveys, collecting data, and acquiring feedback from stakeholders to “map” the mentoring happening in the community.

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Findings indicate that while over 2,300 youth currently have a mentor, 926 mentors are needed for students currently waiting. Moreover, there is a particular need for mentors of color and male volunteers. Currently, 51% of mentored youth identify as a person of color, compared to 12% of the mentor population. The coalition was formed in June 2020 through a collaboration of TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln, Big Brothers Big Sisters, City Impact, CASA, and LPS Federal Programs. The group grew to 26 organizations that currently conduct or are considering conducting youth mentoring programming, as well as organizations that support these agencies. Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird endorsed the call for mentors, having recently joined the Mayors for Mentoring national initiative through a nomination by the coalition. “This is something we ostensibly do for children but really make a positive impact on us adults as well,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird. “I’m so excited to see how our community responds to this call for service.” For more information on Lincoln TeamMates, please visit LincolnTeamMates.org or call (402) 436-1990. The State of Mentoring 2021 report can be downloaded at bit.ly/3hvM5kH. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS People’s City Mission Helps 18-Year-Old Man Through Safe Place Program

Sponsorship Slots Still Available for Aiding Angels' 13th Annual Golfing for a Reason

Recently, an 18-yearold young man came t o Pe o p l e ’ s C i t y Mission because of an estrangement with his father, and he was helped through the Mission's Safe Place program. His parents were contacted and gave the okay for him to stay at the shelter. While in Safe Place, he saved money through his job and a case worker at the Mission helped him with a housing plan. She also connected him with CenterPointe and CEDARS. These organizations work with youth ages 18-24 to help transition as successfully as possible into adulthood. The young man was able to find stable housing and has not needed to return to the Mission. When you support People’s City Mission, you are helping youth like this young man find the safe place and guidance they need!

Aiding Angels Foundation has announced that there are still open spots for teams and sponsors for the tournament on Saturday, August 21. Set for a 1 p.m. shotgun start at Highlands Golf Course, the tournament promises a full day of fun and includes men’s, women’s, and couple’s flights. Proceeds from Golfing for a Reason will benefit Aiding Angels in providing free professional house cleaning services to improve the lives of women, men, and children in the community who are dealing with cancer, so they can focus on treatment and healing and their families can focus on them!

People’s City Mission is leading a team effort to help youth in crisis in Lincoln. Have you ever noticed the yellow diamond shaped signs around town that say Safe Place? Every location that displays those signs is part of a network to help youth in crisis. They are places where any youth in the city can go if they need help, for any reason. When they do go to one of these Safe Places, the Mission is contacted. They help them with their immediate needs and reconcile them with their families when possible. The shelter has rooms set aside for them if they need to stay a while. They also connect them with other local agencies. To learn more about how to support the Mission, visit pcmlincoln.org.

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Sponsorship levels available include Flag Sponsor, Dinner Sponsor, In Memory Hole Sponsor, Hole Sponsor, and Cart Sponsor. There is also a Friend of Aiding Angels sponsorship, at which any dollar amount is appreciated. Aiding Angels is a local, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing free, professional house cleaning to the cancer heroes in our community during one of the most stressful times of their lives. A clean home and environment contributes to the welfare and recovery of patients. For more information or to request further sponsorship information, contact Brenda at brenda@maid-to-please.com / (402) 730-6244. Learn more about the nonprofit at aidingangels.com.

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NONPROFIT NEWS CBMC Golf Classic to Feature Rod Handley as Luncheon Speaker

Tickets and Tables on Sale for 2021 Party in the Garden Benefitting Domesti-PUPS

The 20th Annual CBMC Lincoln Golf Classic and luncheon is set for Monday, July 26 at Wilderness Ridge Golf Course. This year’s event is a special 20th anniversary celebration of the Golf Classic. CBMC is excited to have Rod Handley as the luncheon speaker. Handley is founder and president of “Character that Counts” and speaks nationwide about character, integrity and accountability. He has published over 30 books including "Character that Counts: Who's Counting Yours?" Handley has previously served with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), including 11 years as COO/CFO. He has spoken at hundreds of chapel services for collegiate, NFL, NBA, and MLB teams and served as team chaplain for the Seattle SuperSonics and then the Kansas City Royals. A popular retreat and banquet speaker, Handley averages about 250 speaking engagements each year. A limited number of luncheon-only tickets are available. Early golf registration for a discounted team or individual price is available through July 6. CBMC Lincoln is part of a global ministry that encourages men toward spiritual development, personal integrity, principled leadership, and a desire to impact others. For further information, connect with them on Facebook (@cbmclincolnne), visit Lincoln.cbmc.com, or call (402) 540-1093. For more info about the Golf Classic, to register or buy a luncheon ticket, or become a sponsor or donor of a silent auction item, go to Lincoln.cbmc.com/golf-classic.

Strictly Business will host the 9th annual Party in the Garden Fundraiser o n Fr i d ay, S e p t e m b e r 10, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Attendees will enjoy free food and drinks, a live and silent auction, the chance to buy plants from Earl May, and live music throughout the evening, all in a beautiful outdoor atmosphere. Early bird individual tickets are $40 per person; after August 1, they will be $50 per person. Sponsorship tables are available as well for 10tops (Gold Sponsor - $1,500), 8-tops (Silver Sponsor - $1,000), and 6-tops (Bronze Sponsor - $500). Proceeds from this event will go towards supporting the mission of Domesti-PUPS, a local nonprofit that provides therapy dogs, service dogs for persons with disabilities, and trained rescue dogs. The costs to acquire, maintain, and place these highly skilled canines is quite high— veterinary costs alone are over $2,500 a month as Domesti-PUPS has over 40 dogs in their care at any given time. These dogs receive quality care and require extensive testing to ensure they are healthy enough to do their future jobs. Purchase your ticket today on the Domesti-PUPS website at domestipups.org. Go to the Facebook event page for more information. If you have questions about table sponsor benefits or donating food and auction items to this event, please contact (402) 466-3330 / editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com.

“I made the right choice for my parents AND for me!” Nancy, Daughter of CountryHouse resident Nancy’s parents recently moved into CountryHouse and right away she appreciated the homelike atmosphere and welcoming community. If she has any questions or her parents need accommodations, Nancy knows she can count on the expert staff. “I feel comfortable and at ease knowing that the staff is caring for my folks with fun, helpfulness, compassion, understanding and expertise.” Discover care exclusively designed for those with Alzheimer’s or other typesof dementia. Schedule a tour of one of our CountryHouse Lincoln communities!

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NONPROFIT NEWS Board Break-a-thon to Raise Money for Leadership Harbor's CALM Workshop

Date Set for 25th Annual Catholic Social Services Memorial Golf Classic & Auction

Leadership Harbor invites the community to support Longoria's Tactical Martial Arts’ annual Board Breaka-thon, whic h raises awareness and funds for Leadership Harbor’s CALM Suicide & Bullying Prevention Workshop. Longoria's started this event a couple of years ago after losing a student of their own to suicide. This year's event will be on Saturday, August 7. Students from Longoria's can register for the Board Break-a-thon and then seek family, friends, or co-workers to sponsor them. Each student will break 10 boards. Anyone can participate by sponsoring a specific Longoria's student if they know one or by making a general donation. Leadership Harbor recommends at least $10, as that's $1 per board. The team at Leadership Harbor believes the protocol found in their CALM Suicide & Bullying Prevention Workshop can be life saving when used at the right time. CALM is an opportunity for anyone, at any age, in anyplace (schools, faith communities, businesses, and organizations) to learn some key steps in helping themselves or someone they know when faced with tough situations surrounding suicide and/or bullying. Every day is a day when remaining calm can come in handy, even more so when it’s around the topic of suicide and bullying prevention. For more information or to support the Board Break-a-thon, visit www. leadershipharbor.com/calm.

On Friday, August 6, Hillcrest Country Club in Lincoln will host the 25th annual Catholic Social Services Memorial Golf Classic & Auction, a major fundraiser for the programs of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. This year's event will be held in memory of Jack Hoenig and Marilynn Clyne Hoenig. Together, Jack and Marilynn volunteered for many organizations including the Catholic Social Services Lincoln Food Pantry, where they prepared sacks of food for clients for many years. Last year, 36 teams played in the morning flight and 36 teams played in the afternoon flight for a total of 288 golfers participating. The silent auction portion of the event takes place online which allows folks from anywhere to bid on items. Through the generosity of golfers, bidders, and sponsors, last year’s event raised a net amount of over $111,000 for the programs and services of CSS. Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska is the charitable arm of the Diocese of Lincoln, serving all people regardless of faith in the southern third of Nebraska. Their services cover 24,000 square miles offering charitable assistance through the food pantry and emergency services, refugee resettlement and immigration help, clothing and thrift stores, family and individual counseling services, St. Gianna Women’s Homes, and emergency housing. For sponsorship information for the 25th annual Catholic Social Services Memorial Golf Class & Auction, visit csshope.org/golf2021 or call (402) 430-5626.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Cause Collective Releases New Monthly Newsletter to Cover Nonprofits in Lincoln

Lulu’s on N Recognizes Volunteers and Community Partners

Cause Collective has created a new e-newsletter titled IN COMMON to cover news on nonprofits in the Lincoln area. The newsletter is free and released on the first of every month, and it’s a great opportunity for consumers to take a deeper look at the great work that nonprofits do in Lincoln and how they can help. IN COMMON shares information on what nonprofits in Lincoln are up to and how people can help by means of volunteering, attending fundraisers, and learning more about nonprofit careers. Those interested in signing up to receive the newsletter should visit the website and click ‘community newsletter’ in the upper right corner.

LuLu’s on N and their nonprofit partner, Loaves and Fishes, would like to thank their wonderful volunteers and community partners that help them serve neighbors in need. St Paul United Methodist Church provides space three times per week for LuLu’s on N's community meals and grocery distribution, and they also provide a dedicated pool of volunteer who assist with the meals. St Mark's United Methodist Women provide homebaked cookies and other items on a monthly basis. In addition, David Staenberg of Staenberg Marketing gives his time and resources to keep LuLu’s on N supplied with needed items.

Cause Collective is a local nonprofit membership agency that strengthens other nonprofits to better serve the community through collaboration, education, and advocacy. They strive to connect the community to nonprofit members so they can participate in civic engagement to strengthen the community as a whole. For more information about Cause Collective or IN COMMON, visit www. causecollectivelincoln.org. Any further questions about the newsletter can be directed to Executive Director Jason Varga at (402) 4414399 / director@causecollectivelincoln.org.

The Arc of Lincoln will Host a Dance for The Ability Experience Participants on July 14 The Arc of Lincoln has teamed up with the Star City Lions Club to host a dance for the 26 men on the Journey of Hope 2021 Team who are stopping in Lincoln on July 14 as a part of The Ability Experience, which consists of over 100 men bicycling across the country to help change the way society views people with disabilities. Community members are also welcome to attend the dance, which will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 4530 A St., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Anyone who likes to have fun while supporting people with special needs is welcome, with a $2 donation if possible. The Star City Lions Club will provide a nice dinner before the dance for the men, and then the club will also provides hot dogs, chips, and water to the community members who join the festivities. There will also be an amazing DJ through Complete Weddings + Events who knows how to keep the party moving.

The organization took part in three main events in the month of June; trivia night, Craft Axe Throwing, and Pack 30 Craft and Vendor Fair, and provided food and goodies as part of their community meal program. They also recently partnered with Willow + Sage offering 10% of their proceeds towards furthering LuLu’s mission, and frequently provide free meals to those in need. Loaves and Fishes is a nonprofit that strives to walk alongside downtown Lincoln’s homeless population, offering them food, support, and basic hygiene items. LuLu’s on N is a walk-up restaurant and full-service caterer in downtown Lincoln. LuLu’s can take care of all of your holiday baking needs for you, in addition to providing catering for groups of anywhere from two to three people up to 200. Every purchase you make directly supports their mission of feeding the hungry in our community. To place an order, call (531) 500-5579 or email lulusonnst@gmail.com. Learn more at www.lulusonn.com.

CASA Offers Training for New Volunteer Advocates to Support Children in Need CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) for Lancaster County is offering training for new volunteer advocates. New volunteer training is a 30-hour curriculum presented through a combination of online and in-class learning. In-class sessions are held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings at the CASA office, located at 1141 H St. in Lincoln (volunteers are asked to wear masks due to the size of the facility). The next new volunteer training for 2021 begins August 3 and runs weekly through September 7.

The Ability Experience (abilityexperience.org) is held annually to test the participants' limits, spread awareness, and celebrate the abilities of all people. With three routes kicking off on the West Coast, teams spend the summer crossing the country over a combined 12,000 miles with an arrival at the Capitol Lawn in Washington DC to mark the end of a life-changing event. Along the way, the team spreads the message of disability awareness through local media and makes stops at partner organizations.

CASA is looking for caring adult volunteers who are interested in working to provide a voice for children in juvenile court. CASA volunteers gather information about the children’s circumstances and write reports to the judge giving them more information and providing recommendations for needed services and next steps. CASA recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused, neglected, truant, and ungovernable children who are in juvenile court. In 2020, 116 community members volunteered as advocates, providing advocacy services to 280 children in Lancaster County—a 20% increase over 2019. CASA volunteers make sure the children’s needs are met while they are in the system, and assist in moving cases forward so that children do not linger needlessly in foster care.

The mission of the Arc of Lincoln is to encourage and provide opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential. For more information, visit advocacypartnership.org or contact Michelle Johnson at (402) 421-8866 or advocacypartnership.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

CASA for Lancaster County is a volunteer-driven local organization of caring people who want to “Change a Child’s Story”. For more information about becoming a volunteer advocate with CASA for Lancaster County, visit www.casa4lancaster.org or contact Dawn Rockey at (402) 474-5161 / drockey@casa4lancaster.org. JULY 2021 Strictly Business 51

f o t r a p a u o y s ’ y r Are n e H n h o ! J ? s b u the l C p i h s r e Memb Plumbing Membership Club Security Whole Home Plumbing Systems Inspected by Professionals Check bathroom plumbing systems, toilets, showers, drains, sinks Add on options to meet your needs Check kitchen plumbing systems, disposal, and faucet Check outside systems, hose bibs, sprinkler including water heater, sump pump, softener, drinking water system, washing machine hoses

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HEALTH NEWS Ribbon Cutting Marks One-Year Anniversary of Dermatology Associates of Lincoln

Access Family Medicine Celebrates Five Years of Providing Direct Primary Care

Dermatology Associates of Lincoln celebrated one year in business with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on June 3. The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Dermatology Associates staff, local healthcare providers, and business leaders were in attendance. Dermatology Associates of Lincoln are grateful to their wonderful staff and their families for the support they provided during its first year in business.

July 16 will mark five years since the opening of Access Family Medicine; Nebraska’s first Direct Primary Care clinic. Since their grand opening back in 2016, Access Family Medicine has grown to serve over 1,500 patients and over 40 companies. Direct Primary Care is a membership-based health care model, dedicated to making patients feel included in their health goals. Access Family Medicine was founded by Dr. Todd Johnson who has been in practice for over 18 years. He is joined by Krystal Jackson, PA-C as the two primary physicians at Access Family Medicine. They provide high quality health care at an affordable cost, and their success over the past five years has proven that they continue to provide exceptional care to every patient that walks through their doors.

Dermatology Associates of Lincoln’s mission is to provide superior dermatologic services rooted in family values and mutual respect, to create an unforgettable patient experience that seamlessly combines evidence-based medicine, compassion, and open communication. They are proud to be a first-rate medical practice where patients send their friends and family and employees are proud to work. Dermatology Associates of Lincoln, located at 6969 South St., is a pinnacle practice that promotes exceptional, patient-centered care and is committed to enriching the local community as well as the lives of its employees and their families. For more information regarding services, visit www.lnkderm.com or call (402) 413-7460.

At Access Family Medicine, they believe that one-on-one interaction is a key factor in providing excellent health care. They strive to create the most individualized care imaginable that is uniquely centered on each patient’s personal needs. Helping patients prevent, diagnose, and treat health issues with affordable solutions is what sets Access Family Medicine apart from their competitors. For more information about Access Family Medicine and the benefits and services they provide, visit accessfamilymedicine.com. Further questions can be answered by phone or email at (402) 858-1510 / info@accessdpc.com.

American Red Cross Celebrates 140 Years I n M ay, t h e American Red Cross marked 140 years of preventing and alleviating human s u f f e r i n g. I t a l l began on May 21, 1881, when founder Clara Barton established the organization in Washington, D.C. Her leadership laid the groundwork for future generations to transform the Red Cross into a leading relief organization. Today, people continue to come together in innovative ways to serve and give hope during life’s emergencies. This commitment has always been at the heart of the Red Cross. The Red Cross mission is made possible by the generosity of donors and volunteers, who comprise more than 90% of the organization’s workforce. Volunteers, donors and partners unite from all backgrounds to help everyone in need, whether they’re coping with disasters, medical emergencies or the sacrifices of military life. Throughout its history, Red Cross volunteers have stepped up to adapt in the face of change—with a shared goal of delivering aid quickly and helping families become more resilient. Did you know: • The Red Cross has responded to 3 million U.S. disasters since 1881. • The Red Cross supplies nearly 40% of the nation’s blood. • The Red Cross has supported service members in every U.S. conflict since the Spanish-American War. • In the early 1900s, Red Cross First Aid trains traveled nationwide teaching lifesaving skills. Visit redcross.org/RedCross140 to learn more. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

JULY 2021 Strictly Business

HEALTH NEWS HopeSpoke Cautions Public on Increasing Mental Health Needs Post Pandemic

Hillcrest Caring Companions Brings In-Home Non-Medical Services to Elderly in Lincoln

Even as Covid cases decline, vaccination rates rise, and the community opens up a ga i n , H o p e S p o ke warns families that they may actually see an increased need for mental health services. There can be increased anxiety as people return to pre-pandemic activities. Illness and loss in a family, disruption in schedules and routines, and economic stress all can take a toll. Children who experienced anxiety and depression even before the pandemic may have seen symptoms increase over the past year, while others who may never have sought mental health services may now be in need. “Research tells us there is often a longer-term impact on mental health after the fact in situations like the pandemic,” says Katie McLeese Stephenson, MSW, executive director of HopeSpoke. “Extended mental health needs can be expected after the pandemic, and the best thing we can do is to reach out for help for ourselves and our loved ones.” When families need help, HopeSpoke is here with an array of expert mental and behavioral health services for children, youth, and individuals across the lifespan. HopeSpoke provides outpatient counseling services both in-person or via telehealth, so they can best meet your needs For more information about HopeSpoke’s mental health services, visit www.hopespoke.org or call (402) 475-7666.

Par t of the Hillcrest Health Services family, Hillcrest Caring Companions has joined the continuum in Lincoln and is now offering in-home non-medical ser vices for aging adults and individuals under the Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver Program. Tim Martens serves as the administrator of the service. A highquality, respected provider in the Omaha market, Hillcrest Caring Companions took First Place for In-Home Non-Medical Care in the 2020 Best of Omaha™ contest. Hillcrest understands the importance of remaining in your home, and the supportive services are designed with this in mind. The experienced team can provide assistance around-the-clock or for short periods with activities of daily living—including companion services like socialization or light housekeeping, personal care services like bathing or dressing and specialized services to address Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, and more. With expanding services into Lincoln, Hillcrest Caring Companions is also looking to grow the caregiving team. For more information about Hillcrest’s in-home personal care services, visit hillcresthealth. com or call (402) 682-6599.

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HEALTH NEWS Live Hydration Spa Lenox Square Set to Open in July, Currently Offering At-Home Deals Live Hydration Spa Lenox Square is currently working on building their interior space to open later this month. This new spa to the Lincoln area will be located in the Lenox Square Shopping Center at 7121 Pioneers Blvd., STE 120. Even though the Spa hasn’t officially opened yet, they are currently offering different services to interested customers. These “at-home deals” include $10 off IV services to new customers and waiving the $125 travel fee for their mobile services. This means that the spa will come to you! New members will also receive member pricing and a free vitamin B12 injection. Be sure to enjoy these special services to see what Live Hydration Spa has in store! At Live Hydration Spa, promoting better health by means of hydration to enhance the immune system, reduce fatigue, and treat other chronic conditions is what they are all about. They do this through a special IV Therapy that is proven to be one of the most effective ways to improve overall wellness. IV nutrition is beneficial in preventing illness and improving symptoms of those suffering with pre-existing conditions. The Spa also offers other services including Botox, vitamin injections, Lipolean injections, ionic detoxification foot baths, and lab testing. For further information about Live Hydration Spa and their services, visit livehydrationspa.com or call the new Lincoln location at (402) 413-2042.

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy Celebrates Expansion with Ribbon Cutting Nebraska LTC Pharmacy officially celebrated its recent expansion in Lincoln with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce on June 12. They completed an expansion into the next-door space in mid-April to meet the demands of patients’ needs. Owner and Pharmacist Shannon Schultz-Hammerschmidt said the growing demand for more attention to the medication process and to patients, in general, led to their speedy growth. The Lincoln office is located at 3901 Normal Blvd., STE 203. A Fairbury native, Shannon founded LTC Pharmacy in 2011 when she recognized a need in the community for a pharmacy that did more than just count pills and slap on labels. She wanted to make a difference. With a single phone call to the pharmacy, that difference will be clear: No automated systems and no punching in prescription numbers, just great personal care. The folks at Nebraska LTC Pharmacy set themselves apart from big-box chain stores by providing a small-town level of customer service while providing the highest level of care for their patients. They provide free delivery, both in Lincoln and Omaha, ship medications if they are outside of their delivery areas, provide in-home consultations and medication reconciliations; and offer free-adherence packaging that has been proven to increase medication adherence up to 90% to help you achieve your health goals. For more information, visit neltcpharmacy.com or call the Lincoln office at (402) 328-0231. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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JULY 2021 Strictly Business

Commercial & Industrial Remodeling Tenant Improvements New Construction Services Additions Office Remodels 402-858-5155 | info@brownbrothers1.com 56

Strictly Business JULY 2021

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STRICTLY BUSINESS UPCOMING EVENTS Last Month Recap

Last month's networking lunch was really exciting because many of us got to try a restaurant for the first time—Asian Taste Thai Restaurant! Located off of S Folsom and West A Streets, Asian Taste had a lot to offer us on their menu. From the appetizers, we tried the Fish Cakes, Spring Rolls, and many people enjoyed the Crab Rangoon. There was also a great selection of main dishes, including Fried Rice, Stir Fried, Noodles, Curries, Soups, and Salads. They also offer Hibachi! In addition, there is a whole sushi menu to choose from. Our group was impressed with how authentic everything looked and tasted. Many of us mentioned returning soon or getting take out!

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Another event we hosted was Friends4Drinks at The Kindler in downtown Lincoln. It was a little rainy so we didn't get to enjoy their beautiful outdoor patio as much as we would have like to—however there was still good coverage and it's hard to complain about being inside with a lobby like The Kindler's. It's a very classy spot to grab cocktails and delicious appetizers. The bartenders are always friendly and make the experience even better. We enjoyed seeing new and familiar faces join us for this after-hour networking opportunity!

UPCOMING: Friends4Lunch at El Potro on July 13, 11:30 a.m. We've got another new restaurant on the lineup for this month! El Potro is Lincoln's newest Mexican eatery located off of 10th and Calvert Streets in the former Pizza Hut building. They offer a variety of mouthwatering dishes, such as Mexico originals, specialty dishes, fajitas, burritos and enchiladas, salads and soups, and a unique Gulf of Mexico section for shrimp and crab lovers. On Tuesdays customers can dine in at El Potro for all you can eat tacos for only $8.99! We're so excited to gather with friends, clients, and colleagues for this authentic Mexican experience. El Potro is open Tuesday–Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. To view the menu ahead of time, check out their Facebook page or reference the Restaurant Expose on page 26 for our recommendations! RSVP is encouraged for these events. Please let the Strictly Business team know if you plan to attend by calling (402) 466-3330, emailing editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com, or marking yourself as “Going” on the Facebook event pages. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Nebraska 24/7 Helpline—Call 1-833-238-6837 National/Nebraska 24/7 Helpline— 1-800-522-4700 JULY 2021 Strictly Business

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Protecting What Matters Most At Farmers Union Midwest Agency (FUMA), protecting where you work, where you live, what you own, and the ones you love is the top priority. FUMA provides insurance protection to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Through their agents, agency partners, and The Farmers Union Organization, FUMA strives to provide strong relationships with agents and customers to exceed expectations and demonstrate the highest level of customer service. FUMA provides personalized protection and quality services to their agents, customers, and Farmers Union members. While striving to be the premier purveyor of insurance in the Midwest, Farmers Union Midwest Agency utilizes market partners, agents, and the stability of their own company to protect and serve customers to promote better, safer communities.

Farmers Union Midwest Agency offers a number of insurance services: •

Home & Auto Insurance – homes, detached structures on property, personal possessions, various automobile packages

•

Umbrella Insurance – high limit protection in excess of the

•

Farm Insurance – home, farm or ranch buildings,

•

Motorcycle/ATV/RV/Watercraft Insurance – protects all the

•

Business Insurance – commercial establishments from

machinery, livestock, commercial exposures, irrigation systems, seasonal homes

retail to wholesale, manufacturing and oﬃces

•

Life & Health Insurance – helps beneﬁciaries maintain standard of living after policyholder dies, policies pay beneﬁts to insure who becomes ill or injured

•

Annuities – provide yourself with a safe growth method for

•

limits of the primary policies and additional liability coverages

“toys” that one collects and enjoys with friends and family

Crop Insurance – multi-peril and crop-hail are the two most common options

• Group Benefits - There are a variety of group health insurance

options available, including specialty plans, like vision, dental, disability, life, vision and supplemental health plans that are helpful for the health and welfare of employees and their families

retirement and a guaranteed income once you do retire

Local ﬁnancial services specialists Jennifer Larabee, Kevin Harrington, and Mark Kavan are proud to work for a company that truly cares about protecting customers and their belongings. They strive to provide exceptional services and protection to local families in the Lincoln metro.

“We want to make sure our clients are taken care of!” The team at Farmers Union Midwest Agency are proud to be a part of Farmers Union Midwest Agency. With multiple different policies and coverage options, FUMA is a company that customers can trust to protect their families and belongings they value the most. With their personalized approach for each and every customer, FUMA provides individualized services from professional agents that can tailor a package to suit each customer’s needs.

Jennifer Larabee

Jennifer@fumaﬁnancial.com 402-560-0047

Kevin Harrington

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Mark Kavan

mkavan@fumainsurance.com 402-421-1921

402-483-1045| www.fumainsurance.com 58

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LINCOLN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION by Bud Synhorst, President

(402) 466-3419 • www.liba.org

Taxes and Budgeting Above the doors of the Nebraska State Capitol is a quote, “The salvation of the state is watchfulness in the citizen.” I am reminded of this quote time and again, not only when I enter the Nebraska State Capitol, but also when it comes to the time of year for political subdivisions to plan their budgets. When I mention political subdivisions, I am referring to those entities which make use of our local sales and property tax dollars we pay, such as our city, county, school district, natural resource district, and others. Over the course of the next few months, we will hear political subdivisions refer to the property tax levy. I am always cautious because of increases in property valuation, which is the basis for property tax assessments. Recently I have heard elected officials refer to the change in property valuations in Lancaster County increasing by between ten and eleven percent. When the value of residential or commercial property increases, our property tax increases even when the tax levy remains the same. As these political subdivisions release their proposed budgets and go through the budgeting process, we as citizens must remain watchful! Leaving the property tax levy the same does not mean the property taxes paid on residential and commercial property will remain the same. We have heard the taxing entities say they did not raise our taxes, just because they did not raise the levy. However, valuations and levy rates are like a hand in a glove: they go together. If valuations increase by ten-percent, but the levy is not lowered by ten-percent, you are paying more in taxes. Remember, while the valuations increase and the levy remains at the same level, property taxes paid by residents and business owners will increase. Over the past few years there has been much publicity surrounding the Legislature adding money to the property tax credit relief fund. Check your property tax statement and look at the amount of increase in the property taxes being paid. The property tax credit relief fund essentially is decreasing the total amount of the increase in taxes because of valuations. When political subdivisions release their budgets, we will inevitably see budget increases of varying amounts.

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The watchfulness of the citizen will be important to make sure we are contacting our elected officials to encourage them to hold the line on the budgets this year. Over the past year, many businesses in our community have encountered unprecedented circumstances beyond their control which have adversely hurt their business and employees. Now residential and commercial property owners will be facing a double digit increase in valuation (based on the estimated average) while trying to recover from a difficult year financially. LIBA will scrutinize the budgets of these taxing entities on your behalf and let you know which budgets our analysis shows are out of line. Elected officials will then need to hear YOUR voice to let them know they need to take a sharper pencil to their budget to lower the windfall of taxes you will have to pay. The citizens of Lincoln and Lancaster County must provide extra “watchfulness” and be ready to provide their comments on the changes in property taxes during this difficult time. Make sure to check the schedule for each of our political subdivisions and find the times when public comment opportunities are available. Follow LIBA for more updates and prepare to be watchful. LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining, please call LIBA at (402) 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses. We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.

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JULY 2021 Strictly Business

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Local Engineering Group Dedicated to Customer Satisfaction Midwest based REGA Engineering Group is a strong valued and employee owned consulting firm that was built by utilizing current technology, client interaction, and professional development. They strive to provide quality civil engineering and surveying solutions in a responsive, reliable, and well thought out manner while following accepted design standards and regulations to their clients and the community. Clients can trust REGA’s accessibility, flexibility, diversification, and attention to personal detail to ensure they are getting exactly what they asked for. REGA Engineering Group offers a variety of services all of which are completed by experienced and trusted professionals. Civil Engineering - Multifamily housing, residential subdivisions, site development/grading, recreational facilities, pedestrian/recreational trail design, roadway plans, profiles and design, parking lot design, parking arrangements for on-grade/structural configurations, storm and sanitary sewer analysis/design, storm sewer drainage studies, detention facilities, water system design, soil erosion controls Surveying - Private/commercial/governmental subdivisions, facility construction layout, roads, utilities Planning - Subdividing land, engineering/constructing roads and utilities, finding sufficient utilities, cost analysis Construction Observation - Critical service for every project, best defense against problems during and after construction

Landscape Architecture - Landscape design, site planning, stormwater management, erosion control, environmental restoration, parks, recreation and urban planning, visual resource management, green inf rastructure planning and provision, and private estate/residence landscape master planning and design Investigative Engineering - Extends to clients in all areas of insurance, loss, and loss mitigation; the Investigative Engineers Association (I-ENG-A) utilizes the strength of the integrated practices of Investigation, Precise Documentation of Findings and Observations, Analysis, Concise and Conclusive Reporting, and Expert Testimony

“REGA has provided our firm with surveying

Located at 601 Old Cheney Rd., REGA Engineering Group services in a professional manner. Their provides engineering services to communities in and around focus on quality and dedication to customer the Midwest. They are licensed in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, satisfaction makes them a valuable addition Missouri, North Dakota, Colorado, Oklahoma, South Dakota, to any team or project.” Wisconsin, Arkansas, Wyoming, New Mexico, Minnesota, – Jim W. and Texas. REGA has completed multiple premiere projects within the local community, including the Husker Courtyard, Husker Village, Lincoln Grand Cinema, Memorial Stadium Turf Replacement, Madonna Proactive, Nebraska Heart Institute, Tractor Supply Company, FedEx, HyVee, the Veteran Affairs Regional Office, Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, Starbucks Coffee, and Scooters Coffee. Their continued success has allowed clients to see and trust their locally done work, showing the many different solutions REGA has completed just in the Lincoln area. Their wide range of services and dedication to customer relationships and satisfaction are offered to successfully fulfill engineering needs across their licensed regions.

“REGA works as a collaborative and proactive team member, making them an invaluable asset to our Commercial Development projects. They are very responsive and provide professional design services that meet and/ or exceed our needs.” – Bob C.

Bob Devaney Sports Center Addition, Lincoln

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For further information about REGA and their services, visit their website at www.regaengineering.com or call (402) 484-7342. 60

Strictly Business JULY 2021

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LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE by Wendy Birdsall, President

(402) 436-2350 • www.lcoc.com

Reviewing the 2021 Legislative Session The 2021 Legislative Session at the Unicameral is in the books, with this year’s 90-day session concluding after day 84 on May 27. The legislature completed the main task of the session—enacting a $9.7B two-year state budget—and also tackled several other big issues over the course of the past five months. The Lincoln Chamber was pleased to see several important issues enacted in this year’s session. Overall, senators enacted important legislation related to social security tax relief, tax relief for military retirement income, minor revisions to the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, statewide broadband expansion, “cliff effect” fixes for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and childcare assistance for needy families. In total, an estimated $1.7B in property tax relief will be delivered over the next biennium. We extend a special thanks to Diane Temme Stinton, CEO of TMCO in Lincoln and Lincoln Chamber Board member, for her testimony on behalf of herself, the Lincoln Chamber and State Chamber in support of LB 531, which is directed at promoting quality childcare and early childhood education programs in Nebraska via a nonrefundable income tax credit for qualifying contributions. The Chamber worked with numerous entities including veterans groups, state senators and others to advocate for the passage of LB 387, which would exempt 100 percent of military retiree benefits from state income tax. We extend a special thank you to Captain Todd Heyne (US Navy Retired), now with ALLO Communications, for testifying for the Chamber as well as local Valvoline Instant Oil Change owner and airline pilot, Chris Stokes, testified on his own behalf at the legislative bill hearing. Both are members of and key contributors to our Military Affairs Committee. The $1.9T American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) signed by President Biden on March 11, will provide more than $1.5B in assistance to the State of Nebraska through various tax provisions, direct aid to individuals, current program enhancements directed to stabilizing small business and event venues and direct programmatic assistance to schools and local governments. The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Greater Omaha Chamber and Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry public policy and economic development staff have been working since before passage of ARPA on a list of recovery and relief proposals similar to those developed for the federal CARES Act assistance. Some of the legislation the Lincoln Chamber has supported this session, including Senator Anna Wishart’s LB 598, Small Business Stabilization Grant Program Act; Senator Adam Morfeld’s LB 272, Apprenticeship Training Program Tax Credit and LB 629, Grants for Entities Affected by Event Cancellations; and Senator Eliot Bostar’s LB 391, Customized Job Training Cash Fund, could possibly be further enhanced with funds from ARPA. It is likely that affordable housing efforts, like those being undertaken by the South of Downtown Community Development Organization and others across Lincoln and across the state, should be boosted with ARPA funds. Airport infrastructure capital investments also should be considered. Redrawing of legislative and other statewide political boundaries is to be determined later this year, likely in a mid-to-late September special session. This issue has already been contentious and shown both a political and rural/urban split that will make it very difficult to find consensus.

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The Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. For more information, contact Derek Feyerherm at dfeyerherm@lincoln.org.

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JULY 2021 Strictly Business

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Talent Plus Celebrates the Seasonal FlowerFall Installation in Its Atrium Talent Plus colleague and First Impressions Lead Michael Trutna has designed “FlowerFall,” an installation currently gracing Talent Plus’ 40-foot-high atrium. Ideated and created by Trutna, this involved over 250 hours designing and hand building each paper ﬂower with extreme attention to detail and more than 25 hours in its assembly. His spring-inspired art has added new life and beauty to the building’s gallery-like entrance space.

first flowers were cut entirely by hand—around two hundred blooms—and then Trutna used a CriCut machine. Each flower is assembled and fashioned from stacking two or three cut pieces on top of each other to achieve a layered effect—none of the petal sets are from a single piece.

Trutna likes the idea of having something in the Talent Plus atrium people can experience. “Something that draws people to the space “I always felt our atrium would be a great space for large- to gather and linger, rather than being an area that’s merely passed scale art works on a continuing basis. We just started to through. I hope to draw more people to the atrium, through returnconceptualize a connection with artists whose work would be to-the-office events or morning or afternoon coffee breaks, to a good match for the space and those efforts were placed on encourage more socializing in the space.” hold due to COVID-19. While we had quieter time in the office In thinking about the challenge the space offers, Trutna adds, with an optional return to the corporate office in June 2020, I “It’s important to have that special spark of interest which could attempt a dry run for an atrium installation,” says Trutna. draws you to that new adventure, that new activity, that new “I had been thinking about something to do in the spring and task, that new hobby. When that spark is present, though the found a few artists who have done interesting things with task or activity might feel somewhat daunting, it's such a great cut flowers. One in particular—Rebecca Louise Law—does energy to draw from. That spark can make you challenge amazing large-scale installations working only with flowers yourself to take that step, that leap and try something new. and thin copper wire. It sent me in a direction of working Once I conceptualize a larger project into a series of tasks or not with cut flowers, but paper flowers. I wanted to highlight action items, nothing overwhelms me—neither the planned flowers native to the areas found in Nebraska: grasslands, items nor the unexpected elements.” sandhills and wooded areas surrounding the Missouri river valley. I researched native and nonnative varieties to find an Talent Plus, located off of 70th and Pioneers Blvd, is the premier human capital and talent management consulting eclectic combination of flowers.” partner. As experts at each critical inflection across the talent All the flowers are Trutna’s own patterns—an interpretation lifecycle, their solutions scientifically assess, select, onboard, of the blooms. “I wanted detail in each flower, but not literal develop, coach, engage, and retail the right people with the realism, since cardstock used for most of the blooms wouldn’t right talents to grow and gain a profound and sustained allow realism that can be achieved by using crepe paper.” The competitive advantage over their industry peers.

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Single Barrel Moves in with The Graduate Single Barrel, downtown Lincoln’s downhome steak joint, and whiskey bar, has officially moved—just a few blocks away. Formerly at the corner of 10th and P streets, Single Barrel has joined forces with The Graduate at 141 N 9th street and is now the official hotel restaurant, offering event catering and breakfast, too. “We’re just a block away, and we have the same great menu that our customers have come to love, and it will stay that way,” Single Barrel owner Heath Macomber said. Single Barrel opened in downtown Lincoln in 2011 and quickly became a favorite spot for Husker fans before and after football games, offering slow-smoked Nebraska BBQ, drinks, and live music. After a period of closed doors due to COVID-19, Single Barrel helped The Graduate reopen in August 2020 by catering banquet events. Soon, the relationship led to discussing options for something more permanent. Single Barrel has brought their own flavor into the space formerly occupied by John J’s Tiki Bar. Macomber said he hopes to bring in live music and special events like Bingo Night to the Graduate space once again.

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An area in the restaurant is also being reserved to bring back the virtual Top Golf Swing Suites. The biggest addition, Macomber said, is breakfast food. The restaurant is excited to offer a morning menu for hotel guests as well as the public from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. In the future, they’re hoping to expand the hours for the weekend brunch crowd. “We have a few new items on the regular menu, but the steaks and barbeque that we’re known for will stay the same,” he said. “We’re still going to carry a wide selection of bourbon and whiskey, and that’ll be the focus of the bar.”

Leadership simulcast COMING TO LINCOLN, NE Friday, October 8, 2021 | Location announced at a later date Live2Lead is designed to deliver the very best leadership content to inspire and motivate you and your team. Plus, connect with other leaders in your community and expand your business network with relationships that produce tangible results.

& ED T MYLET Partnership opportunities and tables (6 tickets) available. Early bird ticket special available JULY/AUGUST, only $99 ! Founded in 1967, the Downtown Lincoln Association provides services and champions initiatives for maintaining and enhancing our vibrant downtown. Our vision is to create an energetic downtown environment where we live, learn, work, invest and play. DLA has evolved into a multi-faceted organization supporting a wide range of programs and activities including maintenance, economic development and advocacy. For a complete listing of downtown businesses, events and residences visit downtownlincoln.org. ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownlincoln.

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Live2Lead is being presented to the Lincoln area by Leadership Harbor, Certified John Maxwell Team Members.

JULY 2021 Strictly Business

Life Changes Life is full of decisions—some come at us at a moment's notice while others take time and require a lot of careful thought and consideration. The latter is what we want to spend some time talking about here. Events like getting married, having a baby, buying a house or vehicle, planning for retirement, changing career paths— these big purchases and big moves call for big support systems. Maybe that outlet of support comes from a friend or family member in your life, but it's also smart to involve a professional. Managing finances and being insured are too important to overlook. This is why you should have an accountant or financial advisor and a trusted insurance representative in your corner. We spoke with some of these professionals to get their advice on the topic. The first professional we talked to in the community was Craig Willeke of Willeke Financial Group, LLC.

"When you have a big life change coming up, job change, marriage, baby, etc. It is important to prepare as much as you can ahead of time," said Craig. "You should also factor in contingencies, for if things don’t go quite to plan." Craig provided us with a few tips to help prepare: • Try to imagine all the different possible outcomes and how you would respond. If you play out good as well as bad Craig Willeke scenarios ahead of time, you will only have Willeke Financial Group, LLC to carry out the plans that you made, not come up with a new plan in a crisis. • Be ready to ask these good questions when: 1. Changing jobs: is the pay comparable? What does the benefit package look like? What if you the new job isn’t a good fit? How does the commute change? Etc. 2. Getting married: what happens if we go over budget? What if the venue falls through? How will bad weather be handled? Etc. 3. Having a baby: How are we going to handle sleep deprivation? What will work look like? Will there be less income due to maternity/paternity leave? "Hopefully you get the point," Craig said. "The more contingencies you plan for, the more ready you will be when one comes up. Like I tell my clients. We all fall down, but if we have a cushion (plan) to land on, it won’t hurt quite so bad."

LIFE IS COMPLICATED ENOUGH BUT YOUR FINANCIAL LIFE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE. WE ARE

Planning ahead really is the way to go. For example, you don't wait to start thinking about retirement when it's time to retire. Retirement is something you want to be preparing for throughout your entire career. Do you have a retirement plan in place?

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This educational, third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Craig Willeke Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. Craig is also a Financial Advisor with Eagle Strategies LLC, A Registered Investment Advisor and a New York Life co.

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If not, Edward Jones offers many types of retirement accounts and can help you understand the differences, so you can choose what makes the most sense for your financial goals and investing strategy. Local Financial Advisor Bethany Arnold pointed out that a change a person might need to plan for in their life is switching employers.

Bethany Arnold Edward Jones

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"Leaving an employer can be a big decision when it comes to how it will affect your 401(k), but you have options and it's important to understand them," said Bethany. "If you've retired or changed jobs, you may have questions about whether to roll over your employer's 401(k) retirement plan. According to Bethany, there are typically four options for retirement plan assets: Option 1: Leave the money in your former employer’s 401(k) plan Option 2: Move the money to your new employer’s 401(k) plan Option 3: Roll over the money to a Traditional or Roth IRA Option 4: Cash out the 401(k) account, which is subject to tax consequences "Leaving your money where it is or moving it to your new employer’s 401(k) may be an option, depending on the terms of the plan," said Bethany. "Rolling over your 401(k) to a Traditional or Roth IRA is also an option." According to Bethany, there are many benefits to having an IRA. These include: • Ability to add money—You should be able to add money to your IRA as long as you meet certain income requirements. This allows you to consolidate your retirement and other accounts, which may make it easier to monitor your investments and simplify account information at tax time. • Investment choices—Traditional and Roth IRAs typically have a broader range of investment options than employer plans, but you may not have access to the same investments that are in your plan. • Available services—Through our face-to-face approach to serving clients, your Edward Jones financial advisor can help you identify and implement strategies to help you reach your financial goals. • Fees and expenses—Edward Jones IRA fees generally include an annual account fee, investment-related expenses and termination fees. For the current fee schedule, see IRA Schedule of Fees. • Penalty-free distributions—Generally, you can take money from an IRA without tax penalties at age 59½. • Required minimum distributions—Generally, you must take minimum distributions from a traditional IRA beginning at age 72. "As for cashing out, it's not what I'd recommend because it means those funds will not be there when you need them in retirement," said Bethany. "In addition, cashing out your 401(k) generally means you'll have to pay taxes on the withdrawal, and there's typically an additional 10% tax penalty if you're younger than 59½, unless you left your employer in the calendar year you turned 55 or older. If you have stock/securities of your former employer that have increased in value from your original investment, you may be able to receive special tax treatment on these securities. This is referred to as net unrealized appreciation (NUA). If you roll the employer stock into a traditional or Roth IRA or move it to your new employer’s plan, the ability to use the NUA strategy is lost. NUA rules are complex. If you're considering NUA, I suggest consulting with a tax professional prior to making any decisions on distributions from your existing plan." We happen to know some tax professionals! We talked to Austin Zimmerman, team accountant at SP Group, P.C. for some more insight. According to Austin, when it comes to switching jobs, getting married, having a baby, moving to a new home, etc. the most important thing to remember is that most major life decisions should be made with the long term in mind.

Austin Zimmerman SP Group, P.C.

"As an individual, it’s easy to think emotionally and only evaluate the factors that are right in front of you," Austin said. "However, a financial consultant can help you take a birds-eye view

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Bethany A Arnold, Financial Advisor 8135 S. 15th St., Suite B | Lincoln, NE (402) 421-7418

of your situation, and use their experience to help you plan ahead for potential problems. From a tax perspective, a professional can help you ask the right questions to make sure that you have everything covered. A new job can bring changes to your income and withholding levels, so SP Group can run projections under multiple scenarios to ensure that you’re maximizing your cash flow potential, while also being in good shape come tax time. Likewise, getting married or welcoming a new little one can alter your eligibility for various deductions and credits, and present new tax planning considerations. The key is to think proactively so that you’re aware of all of the possibilities in front of you." Since retirement is a major life-changing event, he gave us some insight on how to plan and understand your options. "Retirement can be scary or exciting depending on how well you have planned and understand your options," said Austin. "Our clients are often concerned about how their income and tax situation will look once they stop working. By working in conjunction with the client and their network of advisors, we can develop a long-term strategy to help maximize earnings and reduce taxes. The tax laws are always changing, so working with a professional who is constantly monitoring your situation is sure to create value over time." On that note, Austin encourages people to work with a professional when it comes to their finances as opposed to trying to do it themselves. "As simple as it sounds, the phrase 'you don’t know what you don’t know' is highly applicable when it comes to making major life changes," said Austin. "A planned life change can come with a myriad of short and long-term consequences that you may or may not be considering due to inexperience. An experienced network of trusted advisors who have seen these situations countless times can guide you through the process, make you aware of the potential pitfalls, and plan ahead before you make the leap." SP Group prides itself on having multiple touch points with their clients, and placing additional emphasis on the planning process. They strive to take a proactive approach to manage unintended consequences and help the client meet their goals. "The important thing to keep in mind is that a decision made with the short term in mind could have negative long-term consequences, so we involve our client’s team of trusted advisors in all major decisions to ensure that we are taking a well-rounded approach to their planning process, and truly putting them on the best path to success," said Austin. Perhaps one of the biggest changes in life that involve taking some major steps is getting married and starting a family. It's not about just moving in with someone and starting to share your income and expense. Marriage isn't required for that to happen—any two people can choose to pool their money together and make those decisions as a pair. It's the legal nature of a marriage that changes things like your tax structure. You and your partner should be on the same page about assets, liabilities, credit scores, savings, debt, etc. This might involve financial responsibilities you have from a previous marriage or immediate/extended family. Marriage can also have financial benefits, JULY 2021 Strictly Business 65

which is why it's important to understand how to file your taxes as a couple. If you don't feel confident in this arena, partner with a trusted accountant. If there is a significant income discrepancy between you and your partner, it's probably smart to work with a lawyer on a prenuptial agreement. These tasks may be difficult or uncomfortable, but they exist to offer protection and security in the long run.

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An important step to take when getting married and starting your family is getting life insurance, which is something you can even proactively do before marriage is on the table. We talked to someone who knows a thing or two about life insurance— Jennifer Larabee with Farmers Union Midwest Agency. "Your life insurance policy is only as good as you make it," said Jennifer. "If you don’t take time to review and update your life Jennifer Larabee insurance on a regular basis and especially after significant life changes, you might end Farmers Union Midwest Agency up with a policy that doesn’t meet you and your loved one’s needs. When reviewing your policy regularly, make sure that your policy benefits and beneficiaries are the way you need them to be. You can keep your policy tailored to meet your needs. Farmers Union Midwest Agency offers life insurance to both businesses in the form of group benefits as well as coverage for individuals outside of work. We also have guarantee issue policies available with no exams and limited health questions." Life insurance is pretty crucial to have when you become a parent because you’re now financially responsible for another person’s well-being, and that responsibility doesn’t end when you pass away. Think about your family and how dependent they are on your income. Would they be able to support themselves? What would your child’s future look like without your financial support? Stay-at-home parents should have life insurance too. This parent provides valuable support even if they're not paid for it. If something happened and they couldn't provide this support anymore, their spouse or partner would likely need to pay for daycare services. They also may need to hire someone to help around the house with cooking and cleaning as well. Life insurance can help cover those expenses. In addition to life insurance, Farmers Union Midwest Agency provides home and auto insurance, in addition to boat insurance, group employee benefits, dental and vision, director’s and officer’s insurance, farm insurance, motorcycle insurance, property rental insurance, umbrella insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance. "Homeowners policies cover most property or liability perils—such as fire or theft or hail and or windstorm—to which the homeowner is exposed," said Jennifer. "Coverage includes the home, detached structures on the property, as well as personal possessions in the structures. Standard homeowners insurance DOES NOT cover flood damage; a separate policy can be purchased for that peril. Your local Farmers Union Midwest Agency professional agent can tailor a package to fit your needs." Jennifer also noted that automobile insurance is the most purchased insurance in the United States and is required in most states, including Nebraska, to be able to license your vehicle.

Jennifer Larabee

Jennifer@fumafinancial.com Kevin Harrington Mark Kavan 402-560-0047 kevin@fumafinancial.com mkavan@fumainsurance.com 402-253-6926 402-421-1921

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"Different coverages can be purchased based on your individual needs," said Jennifer. "Some common coverages available are: bodily injury/property damage liability, medical expense or pip, uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage, comprehensive, collision, emergency road service or towing, rental reimbursement, accidental death, and lease/loan gap coverage. Our Farmers Union Midwest Agency team is happy to help you tailor a package to fit your needs." As Benjamin Franklin famously said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Don't jump into big decisions and purchases without properly planning for them and all they involve. Protect yourself and the people you love. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

residential remodeling The housing market is pretty wild for sellers and buyers right now. According to Redfin, in May 2021, Lincoln home prices were up 7.6% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $237K. On average, homes in Lincoln sell after five days on the market compared to 11 days last year. Many families are choosing to sell because there is an opportunity to turn a major profit from what they originally purchased their home at. Others are holding on to their homes and continuing to watch the home values increase. This extra equity is why home remodeling projects are extra popular right now. With such a competitive market, the nice houses are going to be fought over and people are going to pay more than maybe they are actually worth. We wanted to talk to a few financial institutions about home equity loans for residential remodeling projects, as well as the designers and contractors themselves. What are the trends? What advice do they have for our readers who are taking on a remodeling project in their home for the first time? What adds the most value to home? Let's see what the experts had to say!

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Breaking It Down First you have to know what is available to you. Noelle Jacquot, Senior Mortgage Sales Manager for FNBO, breaks it down for us. “When it comes to funding a remodeling project, most banks have several different options to meet your needs,” said Noelle. “At FNBO, we provide Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit, as well as Home Improvement Loans. The difference between the Home Equity Loan and Line Noelle Jacquot of Credit is that the loan has a fixed term FNBO and payments. The line of credit allows the consumer to reuse the principal balance that they’ve paid back (like a credit card). Both products use the current equity in your home as collateral for the loan.” “While money is still inexpensive to borrow, some options may come with a variable rate, so it’s important that the consumer understand all the terms being presented to them,” said Noelle.

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Home Equity Loans For smaller remodel, or home improvements, Lincoln Federal Savings Bank (Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.) offers Home Equity loans and HELOCs (home equity line of credit). Both products offer fixed or variable rate options and would not require that the first mortgage is paid off. Lincoln Federal Home Equity Loan proceeds are paid out in a lump sum and repaid over 10 to 15 years with the payments starting right away. Home Equity #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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loans are best suited to pay for home improvement projects if the improvements you are making are pretty straight forward and can be done quickly, for example, new roof, windows, or deck. "Our HELOCs (home equity lines of credits) are available with a five-year draw period and a 15-year repayment period," said Ben Huber, consumer loan officer at Lincoln Federal Savings Bank. "The rate can be fixed or variable during the draw period and is adjustable during the repayment period. During the draw period, borrowers make interest-only payments based only on what is borrowed on the line. The line of credit provides flexibility if the project is going to take longer to complete or if the costs are going to accrue over a period of time."

Ben Huber Lincoln Federal Savings Bank

According to Ben, a Lincoln Federal construction loan is probably the better option for more significant projects. This is an interestonly loan, and the loan proceeds are advanced through draws. After completion, the construction loan is usually paid from an equity loan or from a refinance of the mortgage. These options enable the customer to utilize the equity in their home to increase its value. In terms of current market trends, Ben noted that purchase prices have been increasing with houses being listed and sold very quickly, so some homeowners are realizing that their best option is to stay in their current home and make home improvements. With rising home values, homeowners have the potential to use this new equity to update the interior or exterior of their current property.

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"For people wanting buy a home, with so many offers being made, sellers are expecting to see offers that are not contingent upon the sale of the buyer’s house and that buyers are 'prequalified' for a mortgage loan," said Ben. "Lincoln Federal does have products for these situations. A Bridge loan utilizes the equity in the buyer’s current home to be used for the down payment on the new home. The Bridge loan is paid from the sale of the buyer’s current home. Lincoln Federal provides a free prequalification. Just contact any of our mortgage lenders."

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Ultimately, Ben confirmed that now is a great time to make these updates and to utilize the additional home equity.

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In addition, Ben shared that Kitchen remodels and basement finishes are typically the types of improvements that add the most value to a home, and adding livable square footage.

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"Many homeowners have refinanced their first mortgage with historically low mortgage rates in the last year or so," said Ben. "A second mortgage is one way to take advantage of this situation without affecting the interest rate on their first mortgage."

"Deck additions and flooring updates can also help with the appeal and value of the home," said Ben. New exterior siding and window replacement can help with the upkeep and also add and renew the value to the home. Remodeling your home adds enjoyment to your current residence while boosting the home's value without the hassle of moving into a new home. When homeowners are considering a refinance in the future, an appraiser will take these renovations into account when estimating their home's new value." When asked what his one last piece of advice to customers considering a remodel would that be, Ben said: "A higher home value means you'll have more equity and a lower loan-to-value ratio for your next refinance or when you sell your house, not to mention the satisfaction that comes from the renovations. My last advice would be, while some projects may be done as DYI (do it yourself), most projects should be done by a professional." #PrintProudDigitalSmart

We couldn't agree more! It can be tempting to try to do something yourself to save money, but what often happens is the project doesn't get done right and time and money ends up getting wasted. So, it's time to meet the professionals who can do the job right the first time! Seeing Is Believing

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We talked to Kayla Stock, owner of KayStock Design, about why it can be so worth it to work with someone who knows what they're doing. "As an interior designer, I encourage all my clients to explore their own design taste," said Kayla. "There are so many things that can be done to improve a home or commercial space, and so many different styles. If the thought of that is overwhelming, hiring a design professional can be very helpful. It's all about visualizing a design before executing it. No one wants to spend a bunch of money on something they think will look good once completed, just to Kayla Stock find out it's not what they actually want. KayStock Design A professional can offer guidance when picking out colors, flooring, furniture, you name it. We know what to look out for such as how lighting effects a room and what will comfortably fit in a space."

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Kayla is constantly looking for new products, materials, and other design features to ensure that her company provides forwardthinking design that is modern and unique. She also use 3D software and hand-rendering skills to explore custom designs with her clients. "For one of my most recent projects, I'm working with a client who bought an office space in an old industrial building," said Kayla. "We are turning it into a modern tech company office with the use of polished concrete floors, custom walnut design features, and bold black accents," said Kayla. "I really love bold design concepts—bold colors, patterns, woodwork, etc. Things that are eye-catching and make a statement." A Professional Touch

Kristina Hill HomeShield Roofing & Exteriors

"Doing remodeling projects can seem daunting, selecting a reputable, local contractor will help take away some of that headac he," Kristina Hill of HomeShield Roofing & Exteriors. "At HomeShield, we try to make the process as easy (and fun!) as possible. We love taking your vision and creating your dream home. We will help check with your neighborhood associations to ensure that the changes you're looking to make fall within the parameters they have set out."

HomeShield Roofing & Exteriors can handle any exterior remodeling projects. They specialize in roofing, siding, windows, gutters, and stone. "Recently, we have been seeing a lot more homeowners adding stone to the exterior of their home," said Kristina. "According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value report for remodeling, by adding stone veneer to the exterior of their homes, homeowners recoup 97% of the job project costs when reselling. It's an easy way to boost curb appeal and with so many different options to choose from, you can really change the look of your home." "Another fun remodeling project to update your home, is changing the siding," said Kristina. "We can do combinations of vertical #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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and horizontal, accent shake shingle siding to add character, and even pair your siding with some different stone choices to really make an impact. The options are endless. Plus, if you're anything like me, sometimes I need to visualize things before making big decisions. We offer an option to see a 3D model image of your home and can play around with different design and color options to help you visualize what your home will look like before work ever begins. We can easily help you visualize what your house will look like with a more modern, minimal look or a traditional, earth-tone feel. We encourage you to drive around and snap pictures of houses that catch your eye so that we can help recreate something unique to your styles and tastes." If it's your first time taking on a remodeling project in your home, you'll benefit from some words from the wise. Here is what Kristina offered up for advice.

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"I'd suggest taking a few minutes and making a list," said Kristina. "On your list, include groups of items that are toppriority, ones that are a like-to-have, and then a list that are dream items. This will help you set your budget and have realistic expectations. We'd also suggest having a budget and being completely upfront with your contractor about what you are hoping to spend. That way, we can guide you to products that will help achieve the look you are going for without breaking the bank." "For first-time remodelers, I'd also say to be prepared for some longer material delays," Kristina added. "Right now, we are seeing certain materials take longer to get in than others. If you are on a tight deadline, be sure to make that known right way. Your contractor should be upfront with you if that timeframe is doable and help set realistic expectations."

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"As far as 2021 trends go, we are seeing a lot more homeowners switch from the traditional weather wood roofs to the darker grays and black," said Kristina. "We're also seeing more homeowners switch from their vinyl siding to the more durable James Hardie or LP SmartSide that offer a huge variety of color options, textures, and accent options." First Impressions For 40 years, Neemann & Sons has been remodeling the exterior of homes around eastern Nebraska. We talked to Patrick Lowe, siding project manager for Neemann & Sons, about how their company stands out in the residential remodeling sector. "Our work spans from roofing, siding, gutters, windows, Halo Lighting, and all the different varieties within those subjects," said Patrick. "As a company Patrick Lowe and our years of experience from our Neemann & Sons project managers to our foremen, this gives us the ability to install basic products to even the most extensive products. Daily, we have crews installing asphalt shingles to DaVinci Shingles, vinyl siding to James Hardie cement board siding, standard seamless gutters to commercial seamless gutters, wood soffit and fascia to aluminum soffit and fascia, and Halo Lighting. We are a preferred installer for several shingle brands and a gold standard installer for James Hardie. Our specialty as a company is being able to do virtually anything exterior on your home while only having to work with one contractor to complete your dream." Something that has kept Neemann & Sons unique for 40 years is how simple they have made the process. "Any exterior project for homeowners can be a difficult and #PrintProudDigitalSmart

confusing time because it is a whole new language for them," said Patrick. "Neemann & Sons has always kept their project managers in the front line to be available when the phone rings to answer every and all questions. Neemann & Sons does not believe in growing fast while leaving customer service behind. Our focus as a company is to do the basics every day, doing them well and doing them every day. To sum up what makes us unique as a company is to say that we are Neemann & Sons, a family business that has been here for 40 years and plan on being here for many more years." We asked Patrick what his advice would be to people who are considering improving, redesigning, adding on, etc. to their home but have never done projects like these before. "No matter the extent of your project, changing any aspect of your home can be (especially as a first timer) confusing and sometimes sticker shock," said Patrick. "The confusion will occur due to the different 'language' that is used during a construction process. We have learned that the customers who ask more questions tend to have a better and easier process. Neemann & Sons have learned to bridge this by having a foreman or a project manager on the job. The second thing anyone should expect when asking for an estimate on a project is to understand the sticker shock. Many homeowners will collect multiple estimates from several companies, which is a smart thing to do, to find what each company offers. Some will only focus on the dollar amount and many times the homeowner will get exactly what they paid for. Please keep in mind that while you think those higher prices are expensive, imagine having to pay for a project twice since it was not done correctly the first time!" According to Patrick, one of the greatest trends he is seeing is homeowners choosing products that will require less upkeep on their homes.

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"For the roof, they are choosing Class 4 Impact Resistant shingles that hold up better to hail and other weather and insurance companies will give premium discounts," said Patrick. "For gutters, they are choosing to upgrade to the larger size as well as adding gutter covers. For siding, they are choosing to upgrade from vinyl to James Hardie cement board siding. All these upgrades are coming at a higher cost; however, they understand that what they are putting on their home is something that is to last." "Neemann & Sons also sells continuous Halo Lighting that allows homeowners to have multiple different styles and color designs," Patrick added. "Halo Lights allow the homeowner to spruce up their home for the holidays or to even add simple accent lighting for all other days." Kitchens & Bathrooms We know that kitchen and bathroom remodels are the money makers. We spend a lot of time in those rooms of the home, so they are where we want to feel the most comfortable and happy with the design. They are also what buyers are looking at the most. Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference in these rooms. For example, old counter tops can really date a space. By giving counter tops a facelift, you give your kitchen or bathroom a whole new look.

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Zeng Granite offers excellent customer service and communication for anyone desiring to remodel their kitchen or bathroom. They have over 20 years experience working with residential units and homes. Their inventory is updated once every business day. They have full slabs and remnants to select from. Zeng offers both granite and quartz countertops, which will each provide you with years of low-maintenance beauty and a high level of utility. “A natural stone, such as granite, has a larger degree of variation and movement in its patterning— resulting in a completely unique and organic look for each countertop.” said Tim Zeng, #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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owner of Zeng Granite. “Engineered stone, such as quartz, allows for a wider range of colors, and has better pattern consistency. Quartz is sealed during the manufacturing, and is just a bit easier to clean and maintain.” If you go online to the Zeng Granite website, you can scroll through their wide inventory of natural and engineered stones. You can actually call or email them to receive a quote and put a “Hold” on Tim Zeng any of the items you see. They will hold Zeng Granite your selection for up to two business days. Remnants are sold as a special reduced price. All remnants are sold “As Is” and “First Come, First Sold”. There is also a more complete inventory at Zeng Granite's Lincoln location, 3035 N 35th St. Another element in kitchens and bathrooms that can be updated and give the space a whole new look and feel is the cabinets. We asked a local expert what cabinet trends are hot right now.

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"White cabinets are always on the top of the list for trends," said Jason Krueger, owner of Kitchen Tune-Up in Lincoln. "Some light grays are creeping into the arena, as well. Two-tone is popular too. I've had clients do white on top and gray on bottom or white cabinets and gray island. The other thing that we are doing a lot of lately is more kitchen organization instillations such as roll-out drawers, rollout trash cans, lazy Susans, and other things that help folks age in place and make the kitchen more user-friendly for the older homeowner."

What makes Kitchen Tune-Up unique is their speed, affordability, and quality. They can typically do a kitchen or bath update in 1-5 days. "No one else offers some of the services that we do," said Jason. "All the way from a one-day Tune-Up to a full remodel. We can just spend a day to do a wood restoration and help your kitchen look better, or help you sell a house. Once we start a project, we finish it before we move on to the next one. You won't have to wait on us and live with a torn up house for months." "There are lots of little details that people usually don’t think of when trying to do a remodel," said Jason. "We try and take care of all of that and help manage the whole thing if our client wants us to. Coordinating all of the moving parts can be daunting to a first timer. We try and take that stress away when we do our projects." And Beyond! Another local company that provides unique cabinet solutions is Usher Custom Cabinets. With 40 years of experience, Usher has built a reputation for excellence in cabinetry and craftsmanship. In addition to their superior kitchen and bathroom remodeling work, they can also go beyond those rooms where storage and sleek design are need. "Whether you are dreaming of shoes and coats neatly put away or a custom library to hold hundreds of books, we are here for you with custom cabinet solutions for every space," said Owner Neal Chloupek Usher Custom Cabinets Neal Chloupek. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Past projects the Usher Custom Cabinets has completed include libraries, home theatres, bars, pantries, fireplaces and mantles, entertainment centers, display cases, curios, gun cabinets, and more. They can present 3D rendering and virtual walk-thrus so that they can give their clients an accurate look at the remodel plans. What About Your Garage Door? It might be a feature of our home we don’t think about right away when making a wishlist of improvements, but garage doors can actually take up a lot of the front of a home depending on where they are located on the house. If you’re wanting to boost your curb appeal a bit, ask yourself how attractive your garage door is. Companies like Overhead Door of Lincoln offer gorgeous garage doors for residential properties. Here are some types to choose from: Modern Aluminum—Sleek and sophisticated, Overhead Door’s Aluminum and Glass Garage Doors offer a unique look for contemporary homes. Courtyard Collection—Designed with the beauty of traditional carriage house doors, these insulated steel doors enhance the look of any home. Signature® Carriage—Featuring expert Amish craftsmanship, these detailed carriage house doors feature the look of the swing-open doors with the functionality of sectional garage doors Carriage House Collection—With high-design, ther mal performance and the durability you need, these doors combine elegance and strength. Hopefully, after hearing from the experts, you feel a lot better heading in to your next remodeling project! We all want our house to feel like a home, and this happens through great construction and design efforts—and they don't have to break the bank. You can work with local companies to turn your existing space into something off of your Pinterest board. JULY 2021 Strictly Business

NONPROFITS Founded in 1932, Catholic Social Services (CSS) of Southern Nebraska (www.cssisus.org) is the charitable arm of the Diocese of Lincoln, serving all individuals regardless of faith in the southern third of Nebraska. Their services cover 24,000 square miles and touch the lives of nearly 30,000 people annually. Catholic Social Services provides food pantry services, emergency services—which include rent and utility assistance, disaster relief, refugee, and immigration services—St. Gianna Women’s Homes (a program for women and their children escaping violence and domestic abuse), and a Clinical/Family Counseling program which provides psychological services. Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska has offices in Lincoln, Auburn, Hastings, and Imperial. To volunteer, donate, or connect with CSS in bringing Hope in the Good Life, visit www.cssisus.org or call (402) 474-1600.

With a dedicated and united front of staff and volunteers who help the homeless and near homeless find possibilities when things seem impossible, the vision of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is to defeat hunger and homelessness and restore hope! Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, Matt Talbot is an inviting hunger relief and outreach center for those in need. In a typical year, Matt Talbot provides more than 100,000 nutritious meals to the hungry in Lincoln and nearly 40,000 outreach and homeless prevention services to the working poor and homeless such as housing, case management, drug and alcohol evaluations, RentWise classes, diversion, nutrition counseling, and help with obtaining vital identification documents. Most importantly, Matt Talbot provides beyond basic needs to embolden people to have hope. Matt Talbot has maintained a 4-star Charity Navigator ranking for seven consecutive years, received the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award for the nonprofit sector in 2013, and was recently recognized for transparency with a Gold Seal on their GuideStarNonprofit Profile. Contact Susanne Blue, CMSW, executive director of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, at (402) 477-4116 / susanne.blue@mtko.org, or learn more online at www.mtko.org. 74 Strictly Business JULY 2021

People’s City Mission is Lincoln’s homeless shelter. Started in 1907, the Mission has helped over a million people over the last 100 plus years. It is much more than an emergency shelter. It feeds men, women, and children three homemade meals a day; helps individuals and families find permanent housing; works with guests to reintegrate back into the workforce, and provides a two-year men’s transitional housing program. The Help Center gives away free donated housewares, food, and clothing. The Free Clinic serves the homeless and the working poor with dental and mental health. The Mission is growing in its needs, helping over 30,000 individuals every year. It relies on the public for nearly all of the funds that come in. Like Pastor Tom always says, “If we all give a little, we can change a lot!” God bless you for giving, praying and volunteering. Learn more online at pcmlincoln.org.

Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska (DSAF) recognizes that every person with Down syndrome is an individual who has a unique purpose and set of abilities. For 25 years, DSAF has provided a positive vision for the future for individuals with Down syndrome and those who share in their lives, through networking, advocacy, and support, including: Parents First Call—Offers support, education and recommendations to new parents upon receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome. Medical Outreach—Provides training and accurate information regarding Down syndrome to local medical offices. Age-Based ‘Stars’ Enrichment Groups—events for members, families & friends to participate in fun, inclusive activities in our community Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk—A heartwarming all-ages experience for families, friends, and supporters of individuals with Down syndrome. The annual walk is DSAF’s biggest awareness and fundraising event! DSAF is more than just an association, it is a place of belonging and hope. Get involved. Visit dsafnebraska.org or call (402) 421-1338 to learn more. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Angels Among Us is celebrating 15 years of impact in 2021! Angels Among Us provides financial assistance to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply. Once approved, families are provided with $500 a month for the length of their entire treatment plan, up to three years, to help them stay financially stable during treatment. Funds are paid directly to the creditor, which ensures that funds are used for their intended purpose. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, a family’s life as they know it comes to an abrupt halt. Unfortunately, their monthly expenses do not. Since 2006, Angels Among Us has assisted over 510 families with nearly $3 million in support. There are angels among us. Will you be one? Gifts of any amount are welcome and encouraged. There is strength in numbers. There is also hope, help, and monetary relief. For more information, contact Angels Among Us at (402) 934-0999 or visit the website at www. myangelsamongus.org.

Hundreds of children and youth in Lancaster County are victims of abuse and neglect. Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASA for Lancaster County is local no-profit that recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused, neglected, truant, or ungovernable children in Juvenile Court. CASA volunteers get to know the children and all of the circumstances and issues surrounding the family. They gather information and report their findings and recommendations directly to the judge. CASA volunteer advocates provide a voice for children in court, expedite permanency, share with the judge the needs and wishes of the children and ensure that children have safe permanent homes. Help us “Change a Child’s Story” by becoming a CASA volunteer or by donating today! To volunteer, donate, or for more information, please contact CASA for Lancaster County at (402) 474-5161 or www.casa4lancaster. org. Follow on Facebook (@CASA4LancasterCo) and on Twitter (@ CASALancasterCo).

Since 1952, The Arc of Lincoln has been a resource for parents, schools, agencies, and individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to promote and protect their rights and interests, while enriching the quality of their lives. They believe that all people deserve opportunities and to be contributors and influencers in their communities. One of the programs offered currently is The Arc Expeditions program, which offers individuals the opportunity to travel across the country with friends and volunteers for socializing opportunities and making of some very special life long memories. Arc of Lincoln also provides a trained Inclusive Education Lay Advocate to families who need support at IEP/ISP meetings, in addition to HUD Housing units that are managed through two DD Service providers here in Lincoln. The Arc of Lincoln continues to offer several different educational and social programs for all ages through a United Way grant since 1995. Current needs include advocacy and monetary donations for the most vulnerable in our communities. Questions can be directed to Michelle Johnson, executive director, at (402) 421-8866 / director@arclincoln.org or go online to www.advocacypartnership.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Lincoln’s foundation, Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF), works with donors who all share a fondness for this community and want it to be successful forever. The mission of LCF is to provide leadership and resources to help build a great city. Their role as an organization is to help donors accomplish their philanthropic goals, support nonprofit organizations that improve our quality of life, and foster community collaboration to address challenges and opportunities. Since 1955, LCF has been privileged to be part of many wonderful legacies by matching community needs with the passions of their donors. They serve as a faithful steward for many types of philanthropic gifts and help donors create lasting legacies of giving. The foundation has distributed more than $168 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of thousands of residents. Find out more online at www.lcf.org or by calling (402) 474-2345. JOINING A LOCAL NONPROFIT BOARD. IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK. Lincoln has many wonderful people who would make great board members, but may not be sure where to start looking. If this describes you, Cause Collective can help! Cause Collective is a local nonprofit membership agency with 130 nonprofit members. They work to strengthen nonprofits through collaboration, education, and advocacy. They also help their members connect good community volunteers willing to serve on their boards. Cause Collective has a new web page with a listing of nonprofits that are looking for new board members. You can find this page at www.causecollectivelincoln.org and click on ‘Community Outreach’ and then ‘Board Match.’ When you and a nonprofit find a good fit for each other, you will enjoy your experience and, in turn, strengthen the nonprofit to better serve the community. Visit the website or call (402) 4414399 for more information. Incorporated in 2002, the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) started with the goal of helping nonprofits help their communities. CEO Anne Hindery has led the organization since 2008. “We serve and strengthen more than 700 nonprofit members of all sizes and missions in Nebraska and western Iowa. By connecting organizations with information, education, advocacy, and collaboration, we help our members representing health and human services, the arts, education and other areas make an impact in the communities they serve,” Hindery said. NAM’s signature Guidelines and Principles Program (nonprofitam. org/GuidelinesandPrinciples) provides legal compliance and best practices information in 12 major areas of nonprofit management: communication, evaluation, financial management, fundraising, governance, human resources, information technology, planning, public policy and advocacy, strategic alliances, transparency and accountability, and volunteer management. The National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits, recognizes NAM as the state association for Nebraska. Learn more about NAM at www.nonprofitam.org or call (402) 557-5800. JULY 2021 Strictly Business 75

Vision Maker Media (VMM) is the premier source of public media by and about Native Americans since 1976. Our mission is empowering and engaging Native people to share stories. We envision a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate. We work with VMM funded producers to develop, produce and distribute programs for all public media. VMM supports training to increase the number of American Indians and Alaska Natives producing public broadcasting programs. A key strategy for this work is in partnerships with Tribal nations, Indian organizations and Native communities. Reaching the national public and a global market is the ultimate goal for the dissemination of Native public media that shares Native perspectives with the world. Vision Maker Media is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), For more information visit visionmakermedia.org.

Since 1978, Friendship Home has helped victims of domestic violence find physical and emotional safety by offering possibilities to help change their lives when things are at their worst. Friendship Home’s current facilities have expanded shelter options including transitional housing and single-family shelters. Friendship Home offers emergency shelter in a communal shelter setting, apartments for families, and transitional living for families who need more time to rebuild their lives—free from violence. Friendship Home continues to empower everyone who comes through their doors to achieve safety, independence, and freedom from domestic violence. Friendship Home is Lancaster County’s only safe, confidential emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. Services include emergency and transitional shelter, as well as supportive services, through safety planning, crisis intervention, support groups, and mental health counseling. To access safe shelter and services, call (402) 437-9302. Learn more about Friendship Home online at friendshiphome.org.

Another Chance Inc in Martell, NE is an animal rescue/sanctuary that is 100% donation funded and no one gets a paycheck. Gie Hartzog-Bunn is the volunteer director of the nonprofit. Forty-nine years ago, Gie's dad brought a horse home. Starved and severely beaten; she wasn’t expected to live and so the journey began. The deep anger Gie felt knowing people hurt animals has never left her. She told her dad that she was going to save animals when she grew up. He replied, “It’s an important job and you will always be busy." Another Chance is the result of a lifelong love of animals and anger at abuse. The organization takes any animal they have room for; mostly the ones no one believes can be saved. This is life at Another Chance; the life these animals deserve. Humans have let them down repeatedly. They deserve to know that they are safe. They deserve Another Chance. Donations are accepted on Facebook (@anotherchanceinc). More information can be found online at www.anotherchanceincne.com or call (402) 202-3866. 76 Strictly Business JULY 2021

One of Lincoln’s largest nonprofit organizations focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility is the YMCA of Lincoln. The Y has served the community for 150 years—promoting positive values through programs that build spirit, mind, and body for all. Today, the Y serves the community with facilities in all quadrants of Lincoln through programs including swim lessons, YMCA Youth Sports, YMCA Camp Kitaki, after school programs, disease management, and more. While the names and program offerings have changed over the past 150 years, the cause remains the same—strengthening the community. As one of the country’s most storied nonprofits, the Y knows that lasting personal and social change comes about when everyone works together. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with their neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. For more information on the YMCA of Lincoln, visit YMCALincoln.org.

When children are removed from their home and placed into foster care, they don’t bring anything with them. The mission of The Foster Care Closet of Nebraska is to help restore dignity to children entering foster care. We provide 24/7 opportunity for children. As they remain in the care of their caseworker, we work in the background to meet their physical needs. Instead of waiting in a cubicle, conference room or hallway at DHHS, hungry, and maybe in need of a shower and clean clothing, children are able to get cleaned up, dress in new clothes they pick out for themselves (all children shop for five NEW outfits of clothing, including undergarments, socks, shoes, a jacket), and eat a meal as they wait in a comfortable space for their placement. This service allows them to enter their new foster home with dignity, fed, clean, and clothed. To learn more about The Foster Care Closet of Nebraska, visit fostercarecloset.org.

“Kids need hope, now more than ever,” says TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln (LincolnTeamMates. org) Coordinator Jim Bennett. “TeamMates’ work centers around youth, and as our mission says, we aim to positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through mentoring.” TeamMates of Lincoln, the flagship chapter of the regional mentoring program co-founded by Tom and Nancy Osborne in 1991, annually supports approximately 1,500 mentors matched with students in grades 3–12. Mentors meet one-to-one with mentees once a week at their student’s school. Matches often play games, shoot hoops, read together, or complete community service or craft projects. The most important aspect of the meeting is building a meaningful relationship. “Mentors are not parents or peers, but caring adult friends who don’t have to be perfect or know all the answers,“ says Mentor Support Specialist, Stacey Blizek. “TeamMates are cheerleaders, sounding boards, and developers.” If you would like to experience the power of mentoring, please call the TeamMates office at (402) 436-1990 or go online to LincolnTeamMates.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Aiding Angels (www.aidingangels. com) is a local, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing FREE, professional housecleaning to the cancer heroes in our community during one of the most stressful times of their lives. A clean home and environment contributes to the welfare and recovery of patients.

The American Heart Association (www.heart.org/Lincoln) is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives— devoted to saving people from two of the nation’s top killers, heart disease (No. 1) and stroke (No. 5).

Brenda Schwery, local business owner of Maid To Please, has provided free home cleaning services for years through another foundation where women with cancer are the only recipients. In response to an overwhelming number of requests from not only women, but also men and children, Brenda founded Aiding Angels. Now, the void is filled and the much-needed help is extended to everyone— men, women, and children regardless of financial status—going through cancer treatment or hospice due to cancer.

Powered by millions of volunteers, global and local collaborators, their goal is to equitably increase worldwide healthy life expectancy from 64 to at least 67 years by 2030. Through events right here in Lincoln like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women, and Heart Ball, the American Heart Association is making an impact. For more information, visit www.heart.org/Lincoln.

For more information on Aiding Angels, please visit www.aidingangels. com or contact Brenda at (402) 434-2472.

For almost 90 years, Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc (lincolngoodwill.org) has been strengthening the Lincoln community by providing services for individuals who face barriers to employment and by offering residents an outlet for recycling unused household items and clothing. The sale of donated items in Goodwill’s retail stores remains the largest source of funding for its programs and services. Goodwill recognizes that services provided by peer agencies prepare people served by Goodwill to better succeed in Goodwill’s employment programs. It is with this understanding that Goodwill provides funding to colleague agencies to help with their own programs that align with Goodwill’s mission of keeping willing workers employed and community resources maximized. To learn more, visit lincolngoodwill.org.

"My family's well-being is better off after finding HopeSpoke and shaking the negative stigma around mental health." - parent of a HopeSpoke client HopeSpoke inspires healthy futures for children and families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health care. Emotional issues and trauma are hard for anyone to overcome, especially for kids. When things feel hopeless, HopeSpoke can help. HopeSpoke provides mental health services for individuals and families across the lifespan, including: • Crisis and residential services • Extended day treatment • Outpatient counseling • School-based therapy Outpatient counseling is available in person or via telehealth to best fit each individual’s needs.

The Bridge Behavioral Health (thebridgenebraska.org) is a nationally accredited substance use treatment center. Their mission to help men and women with limited financial resources heal the wound of substance use and become productive, contributing citizens. Since 1984, The Bridge Behavioral Health has served as an essential part of the community’s safety net, connecting people with addiction and related mental health issues with support and treatment. The Bridge Behavioral Health offers a continuum of services including Civil Protective Custody, medically-monitored withdrawal, substance use and mental health respite, residential treatment, and recovery support services. For more information or to help The Bridge Behavioral Health provide a safe passage from addiction to sober living, contact Brianna Georgeson at bgeorgeson@thebridgenebraska.org.

We a r Ye l l ow N eb ra s k a provides service, support, and community for Nebraska’s cancer survivors. Their purpose, from the very beginning, is to bring together people passionate about cycling, celebrating life, and being an advocate in the fight against cancer. Since the organization’s beginning days, Wear Yellow Nebraska has continued to grow and cultivate their mission and vision. In 2012, they launched a free transportation program, which has directed more than $220,000 dollars in providing more than 13,800 cab rides to cancer patients in need.

Caring for children’s mental health since 1949, HopeSpoke continues to provide expert, innovative services to grow a community of happy, hopeful, healthy families.

The Wear Yellow Cab Ride program, Powered by Lyft, is the primary initiative of the organization and is funded by their signature event, the Wear Yellow Ride, Fun Run & Walk. Transportation to and from treatment is essential because patients are often unable to drive themselves, which also leaves them vulnerable to additional medical challenges. Even when patients have family and friends who can help, they are not always available and sometimes they just don’t want to ask for one more thing.

For more information about HopeSpoke’s services, or to make a gift to support mental health for children and families, please visit www. hopespoke.org or call (402) 475-7666. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Wear Yellow Nebraska touches lives in Lincoln, Omaha, and Fremont—help them keep growing! Learn more online at WearYellowNebraska.org. JULY 2021 Strictly Business 77

Loaves and Fishes aims to provide food to the hungry in downtown Lincoln. Through partner Lulu’s on N (https://www.lulusonn. c o m / ) , L o a ve s a n d Fishes provides three free meals per week, snacks and coffee Monday through Friday, and a weekly grocery pantry. They also offer gloves and hats in the winter and hygiene items year-round. You can support their mission in several ways: donate funds through the website at lulusonn.com; donate items such as ZipLoc sandwich bags, coffee creamer, fresh fruit, or snack items; or purchase food from LuLu’s or book them to cater your next event. Every meal that is purchased helps to provide meals for the hungry in our community. Good food doing good!

The Pregnancy Center (www. pregnancycenterpartners.org) is a nonprofit, faith-based organization located in the heart of Lincoln just off O Street. Every month, over 400 young women in our community come to the Pregnancy Center for answers. These women desperately need love and support, and many are afraid and feel like they have no options. The Pregnancy Center offers complete information about every option available to a woman facing an unintended pregnancy. The Pregnancy Center also provides confidential counsel, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, materials support, parenting classes, and character-based relationship education in schools all at no cost to clients or taxpayers. Call the Pregnancy Center at (402) 483-4247 or visit www. pregnancycenterpartners.org for more information.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where a p e r s o n’s p a n c r e a s stops producing insulin, a hormone needed to get energy from food. T1D strikes children and adults suddenly and is unrelated to diet or exercise; at present, there is no cure. JDRF works every day to change this reality. As the largest global funder of T1D research, our mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. You can help make a difference by participating, volunteering, or fundraising. Events: JDRF One Walk – October 10, 2021 JDRF Gala – April 2, 2022 Programs: Advocacy – Advocate for government support of research and policies for affordable and accessible therapies. Support/Networking Groups (virtual until further notice) • JDRF T1D Talk – Connecting the T1D community – individuals and families, 2nd Tuesday of every month • Empower1 – Connecting the adolescent T1D community, 2nd Thursday of every month Give Back at School – School education and fundraising opportunities. Outreach – Resources and events for individuals and families. Ride – Fundraise through cycling for all fitness levels. YLC – Young professionals raising awareness and funds for T1D. Learn more at jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa or (402) 397-2873. 78 Strictly Business JULY 2021

Lincoln Medical Education Partnership (LMEP, www.lmep.com) is a leader in healthcare education, patient care, and behavioral health services through a variety of programs designed to meet community needs. These include the training of Family Medicine resident physicians and the delivery of exemplary patient care through the Lincoln Family Residency Program and the Lincoln Family Medicine Center, exposure to integrative medicine through Lincoln Medical Acupuncture, outpatient mental health and substance use counseling services for adults and children through Stepping Stones, the provision of training and technical assistance to help schools identify and assist students with behavioral health issues through School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP) and the delivery of expert medical care to pediatric patients in Lincoln’s hospitals through Lincoln Pediatric Hospitalists. To learn more about Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, go online to www.lmep.com or call (402) 483-4581. The Mour ning Hope Grief Center companions children, adults and families before and after a death loss. Mourning Hope provides grief support groups, counseling, community education, resources, and referrals. At Mourning Hope, participants have the opportunity to take part in peer-based grief support groups with others who have experienced similar loss. They learn healthy coping skills for dealing with the death of someone significant, and are given the freedom to grieve in their own way and at their own pace. Ultimately, they learn that while grief is terribly hard work, hope and healing are possible, and no one ever has to grieve alone. Mourning Hope’s services are available at absolutely no cost to participants. Receiving no government funding or insurance reimbursement, Mourning Hope relies solely on private donations from individuals, businesses, service clubs, and foundations. Learn more online at mourninghope.org or call (402) 488-8989. The Nebraska Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF of Nebraska) is part of the world’s largest and oldest children’s youth ministry. Established in 1937, the global ministry has reached over 250 million children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are unique in that they focus specifically on elementary children ages 5–12. CEF of Nebraska’s Good News Clubs (GNC) are after school clubs during the school year that primarily meet in local public schools. During the summer, their 5-Day Clubs go where the children are—neighborhoods, homes, and parks. Anyone who is interested in supporting the CEF of Nebraska can join the Harvest Club. In light of the gospel of Luke (chapter 10, verse 2), the Harvest Club is an opportunity to give $10.02 each month to financially support this ministry. In addition, Harvest Club members are encouraged to set their alarm for 10:02 (a.m. or p.m.) to earnestly pray for laborers serving through CEF of Nebraska each day. CEF of Nebraska (cefnebraska.org) brings the gospel of Jesus Christ to children for an opportunity in which to make a life changing decision for Christ in a safe and loving environment. If you would like to know more, please contact Matt Anderson at matta@cefnebraska. org or call (402) 480-5515. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Families Inspiring Families (familiesinspiringfamilies. org) is made up of parents of children and teens diagnosed with behavioral or mental health challenges. Their mission is to walk alongside other parents who find themselves caught in a whirlpool of treatment options, or lack of options, to provide support and advocacy so their child is able to live his or her best life. Their nationally certified peer support specialists have helped parents present their needs and concerns to IEP teams and medication management and treatment professionals, caseworkers, and judges in an effort to acquire all necessary services in order to safely maintain their child in the home. Their services are free and may be accessed by calling them directly at (402) 441-4369 or through the Nebraska Family Helpline at 1-(888) 866-8660. Their service area includes Lincoln and 16 southeastern counties in Nebraska.

Christian Record Services, Inc., located in Lincoln, is a ministry of compassion of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to children and adults who are blind, with nearly 18,000 members throughout the United States and in countries around the world. Our mission is to empower people who are blind to engage their communities and embrace the Blessed Hope. Christian Record Services offers an array of services and programs, including Bible study lessons, books, magazines, and Bibles in audio, braille, and large print from a library of more than 2,000 titles. Members also have the opportunity to deepen social, educational, and spiritual connections through PhoneFaith, scholarships for higher education, and National Camps for Blind Children. These services and programs are free of charge to people who are legally blind, regardless of denomination or church affiliation. For more information, visit www.christianrecord.org, call (402) 4880981, or email info@christianrecord.org. You can also request a card to share with someone who is legally blind at bitly/CRSBshare.

The mission of the Nebraska Safety Council (nesafetycouncil. org) is simple: For more than 60 years, they have provided education and leadership to empower people to live safe and healthy. The Nebraska Safety Council’s comprehensive programs, training courses, events, and services are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel, and off the job. Their unique Worker 360° approach provides integrated risk management to improve overall worker quality of life and positively impact an organization’s bottom line. Members of the Nebraska Safety Council include organizations throughout Nebraska and surrounding areas, across a variety of industries. There is no one-size-fits-all option. Each company’s safety and wellbeing program is customized for their needs and size. Demonstrate your commitment to employee safety and health by becoming a member of the Nebraska Safety Council. You will receive access to training, guidance, and resources to establish or enhance your safety and wellness programs and policies. The Nebraska Safety Council provides leadership and resources for a safe and healthy workplace and community. To reach their team, call (402) 483-2511 or visit nesafetycouncil.org to learn more. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Family Service Lincoln was founded in 1891 as the first charitable organization in Lincoln, NE. The ways in which we have served the community have evolved, but our mission to help families thrive has never changed. Today, our Youth Development program offers before and after school care to over 2,000 students across the city of Lincoln. The Behavioral Health Therapists help school age students learn skills to better resolve conflict and achieve goals in Lincoln and surrounding counties. The staff of our WIC program provide well-child check-ups, breastfeeding counseling, and additional assistance to supplement healthy diets. The Child Care Food Program offers meal reimbursement to child care providers for over 13,000 children across 84 counties in Nebraska. Our Housing and Support Services program partners with families to keep children safe and in the family home, provides rental and utility assistance, and transitions families to permanent housing. Building stronger families is our commitment and passion! To learn more, visit familyservicelincoln.org or call (402) 441-7949.

Through a growing grassroots network of volunteers who hail from every corner or the state, Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF, NebraskaHometown. org) unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln with employees working from hometowns all across the state, Nebraska Community Foundation provides financial management, strategic development, donor education, and training in partnership with 1,500 volunteers serving 270 Nebraska communities. In the last five years, 45,313 contributions were made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $393.1 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330.

Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln (lincolnhabitat.org) has helped families build strength, stability, and selfreliance through affordable homeownership since 1988. Its priority is to work with future homebuyers who would otherwise not be able to achieve homeownership through a traditional mortgage loan. By increasing the number of homeowners throughout Lincoln, Habitat Lincoln is building neighborhoods and strengthening the community. Habitat Lincoln has partnered with more than 180 local families, serving more than 812 men, women, and children through the construction of new single-family homes, as well as simple and critical repair projects. Habitat Lincoln serves families whose income is up to 50% of median for the Lincoln area, with the average AMI being less than 40% over the past 10 years. It partners with first-time homebuyers. Many Habitat families are immigrants or refugees, and all are living in substandard housing—whether it be dilapidated, overcrowded, or cost-burdened. Get involved at lincolnhabitat.org. JULY 2021 Strictly Business 79

The Branc hed Oak Obser vatory (@ BranchedOakObservatory) is a unique astronomical park located conveniently just 20 minutes from downtown Lincoln near Branched Oak Lake Recreation Area. Established in 2015, they offer a unique viewing experience and learning opportunity for young and old alike. The Observatory has a 30-student classroom, visitors center, and two buildings dedicated for viewing the night sky. Whether viewing the sun, the moon, or deep space star clusters and nebula, the Observatory’s staff of volunteers—amateur and professional astronomers alike—help to “Bring the Night Sky Down to Earth.” They hold monthly events called “Star Parties” that are FREE and fun for the whole family. Please follow the Branched Oak Observatory on Facebook (@ BranchedOakObservatory). If you would like more information, please email Matt Anderson at matthew@branchedoakobservatory. com or call (402) 480-5515. Branched Oak Observatory is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. The Malone Community Center (MaloneCenter.org) was founded in 1955 through a reorganization of the Lincoln Urban league. Initially founded during a time in history when civil rights for African Americans were extremely limited, the league founders, both black and white, were determined to improve social and economic conditions and increase understanding between all races. They believed that enhanced understanding between all groups of people would create a better community. For decades, the Malone Center has served neighboring families, youth, seniors, and the Lincoln community through programs and initiatives that extend well beyond the community center to uphold their mission to end multigenerational poverty. Their holistic community programming reflects their commitment to advancing equality through education, health initiatives, community outreach, advocacy, and leadership development. For more information about the Malone Community Center, please visit MaloneCenter.org or call (402) 474-1110. As a nonprofit transitional housing program for homeless women, Fresh Start offers more than just a safe place to live. It’s a goals-based program that empowers women to change their lives by recognizing and overcoming barriers to self-sufficiency. In 2020, Fresh Start served 64 women, 18,990 meals, and 6,330 nights of lodging. Its 24-bed home shelters women for up to one year. Fresh Start connects women with health services, employment resources, and information and referrals geared toward their self-sufficiency. Fresh Start has been in operation since 1991. It houses women without children in their direct care—a population its founders recognized as underserved in Lincoln. It’s a valuable landing place for women facing an array of challenges including escaping abuse, freeing themselves from addiction, or starting over again after incarceration. Donation Needs: Laundry soap, all-purpose spray, and grocery cards Volunteer Needs: Daisy Thrift Shop Clerks Get involved with Fresh Start by visiting their website at FreshStartHome. org or connecting on social media (Facebook.com/FreshStartHomeLincoln; Twitter.com/FreshStartLNK). To donate or volunteer, Contact Audrey at (402) 475-7777 / audreyb@FreshStartHome.org. 80 Strictly Business JULY 2021

Junior Achievement of Lincoln (https://lincoln.ja.org/) is building a successful future for our community, one classroom at a time! This school year, more than 31,000 students in over 100 schools all across Lincoln and Greater Nebraska will be impacted by their messages of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business ethics delivered by a community role model. Together with Junior Achievement let’s inspire this generation to be better prepared for success than any generation in history. Let’s prepare them to take on their destiny with passion and confidence. Let’s equip them to run businesses, lead nations, make discoveries, and change our world. But most of all, let’s give them hope to see what’s possible. For more information on how to invest in Junior Achievement of Lincoln or to learn more about becoming a classroom volunteer, contact Rachel Murray at rmurray@jalincoln.org or (402) 467-1741.

The mission of the American Red Cross (redcross.org) is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters from home fires to major events such as hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes. About 40% of the nation’s blood needed by patients is supplied by the Red Cross. The organization teaches skills such as CPR and First Aid that save lives. Additionally, the Red Cross provides international humanitarian aid and supports military members, veterans, and their families. Every day, the American Red Cross is active in the community, serving those in need. Visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) REDCROSS to support Red Cross efforts by volunteering, donating financially or giving blood.

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it impacts everyone— mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, grandparents, spouses, neighbors, and friends. It is a terrible, heartbreaking disease that interrupts our lives and those we love and care about. The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of nearly 2 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. This past year, the COVID-19 pandemic changed so much about how we fight for a future free from cancer. It prompted us to innovate and find new ways to not only serve patients, but also safely connect with our communities. Thanks to the continued support from our community here in Lincoln and the dedication of communities around the world, the American Cancer Society is able to help so many – those who are battling cancer today, those who may face a diagnosis in the future, and those who may avoid a diagnosis altogether thanks to education, prevention, early detection, and patient programs. Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization and critical to our success at every level. We offer a variety of ways to invest your time and talents. Through local events like Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Real Men Wear Pink, we would like to encourage you to stand with us in our fight for a future free from cancer. If you’re interested in volunteering with us or learning more about our volunteer opportunities, visit cancer.org/volunteer, call (800) 227-2345. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Nebraska Children’s Home Society (NCHS) is a nonprofit organization, established in 1893, that serves children and families throughout Nebraska. The organization puts “children fi rst,” meaning that services are child-centered, focusing on the child’s best interests. Through three core services—adoption, foster care, and family support—NCHS lives strives towards its vision of “a safe and loving family for every child.”

Youth for Christ Lincoln Area is a nondenominational, nonprofit organization reaching youth in the Lincoln community and surrounding areas. We engage youth through three ministries: Campus Life to teens in high schools and middle schools, Juvenile Justice to jailed teens, and Parent Life to pregnant teens. Through regular programming and special events, YFC Lincoln Area works with over 2,400 local youth with the goal of engaging them in a healthy relationship with God. Learn more online at www.yfclincoln.org.

NCHS serves families throughout Nebraska through office locations in Grand Island, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha, and Scottsbluff. NCHS is accredited by the Council on Accreditation, a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Charity. NCHS is a Nonprofit Association of the Midlands – Guidelines and Principles Best Practices Partner and is a GuideStar Gold Level Participant. Learn more at NCHS. org or call (402) 451-0787.

“Poverty limits opportunity. We don’t.” Since 1965, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties (www. communityactionatwork.org) has been empowering people living in poverty to reach economic stability. Community Action provides unique programs and services in four impact areas: Early Childhood Education, Homelessness Prevention, Financial and Family Well-Being, and Hunger Relief and Healthy Food Access. Just some programs include Head Start, which supports children from at-risk backgrounds and their families in building skills for success; Emergency Services, which provides rent, utility, and deposit assistance to those at-risk of experiencing homelessness; and the Gathering Place, which provides free hot, nutritious meals to anyone experiencing hunger in Lincoln. In 2020, Community Action provided 107,854 poverty-fighting services to 17,940 children and adults in Lancaster and Saunders Counties. To connect, call (402) 471-4515 or visit www. communityactionatwork.org.

Businesses and individuals are continuing to navigate a “new normal”. Connection and authentic relationships are more critical than ever. Plus, the need and opportunity to serve and support others is just as important. CBMC Lincoln offers you the opportunity to connect with others and grow personally, professionally and spiritually. CBMC is a ministry to men in the marketplace, encouraging them toward spiritual development, personal integrity, principled leadership, and a desire to impact others. CBMC encourages you in connecting closely with Christ and with others who are growing and discovering how to represent Christ in life and work. CBMC offers one-on-one mentoring, challenging growth groups, leadership development, networking, and events throughout the year. They serve business owners and leaders through Peer Advisory Groups, geared to equip members to lead lives and businesses which honor Christ, and serve the community. Young Professional (YP) groups offer opportunities for men from all areas of the workplace engage with other YP’s as well learn from senior leaders and business owners. To learn how CBMC Lincoln can serve you, please contact CBMC Lincoln at (402) 540-1093 or visit lincoln.cbmc.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

For over 20 years, Domesti-PUPS (www. domesti-pups.org) has been supporting people in our local, regional, and national communities through the assistance of animals. From therapy dogs in the classroom motivating children to pet therapy visitations in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living centers, Domesti-PUPS pet therapy teams bring a bit of brightness through their furry encounters. The organization’s service dog teams provide increased independence when paired with a disabled partner. These highly-skilled canines can turn on lights, provide balance and mobility, retrieve dropped items, bring a bottle of water from a refrigerator, respond to medical emergencies such as a seizure or a diabetic high or low, and open doors both literally and figuratively. Some even provide life-saving measures for their disabled partners. Learn more online at www.domesti-pups.org.

As Nebraska’s industry-leading and award-winning senior care expert, Tabitha empowers people to live joyfully, age gratefully. Nonprofit Tabitha cares for and about seniors across 25 counties offering: resultsdriven rehabilitation, accessible at-home health care, innovative living communities, compassionate hospice care, and Tabitha Meals on Wheels (Lincoln). For all senior care needs, Tabitha is the Answer. Tabitha welcomes civic-minded individuals to donate their time, talent, and treasure to help provide support to Seniors. Find out how you can make a difference in the lives of local veterans, teachers, public servants, and community leaders who need a helping hand. Connect with Tabitha at Tabitha.org or call (402) 486-8520.

DON’T MISS OUT! This is an excellent opportunity for your nonprofit to gain exposure among our readers, as well as for our readers to familiarize themselves with the needs of the various organizations and the valuable work that is going on in our community. If you are a local nonprofit organization that is interested in participating in the next SUPPORTING NONPROFITS feature in Strictly Business’s January 2022 issue, please call (402) 466-3330 or email Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com today!

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