StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com
Omaha • August 2022 TM
A
Growing Omaha Footprint
Jon Dittenber
Senior vice president chief lending officer
Kristi Thornton
• Buying a Home • Wedding Planning • Employing Omaha
Client Spotlights
• Stretch Zone Legacy • AR Solutions • FireGuard, Inc. • CenterSphere
RIVER CITY SIX
In This Issue
Senior vice president Retail market manager
Josafina Loza Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations
ROyce Drake BELFOR Property Restoration
Brittney Rexius Rexius Nutrition
Drew Strohmeyer McGregor Interests, Inc.
Ben Schmitt Farris Engineering
Heidi O’Connell Harmony Med Spa
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client spotlight
Now ChaNgiNg the Lives of NebraskaNs, oNe stretCh at a time
New
to the Omaha market, Stretch Zone is thrilled to bring their expertise in practitioner-assisted stretching to residents of the local area. With locations across the country, Stretch Zone has shared their own ideology of “the stretch” to anyone and everyone looking to become their healthiest version, prevent injuries, and improve recovery and performance on the daily. Since 2009, professional athletes have gone to Stretch Zone to incorporate the franchise’s systems and equipment within their training. However, you don’t have to be a sports star to use Stretch Zone’s services! Stretch Zone was designed to help anyone looking to improve their mobility through enhanced circulation and the creation of a more ideal resting muscle tone. Stretch Zone’s team of practitioners are certified in personal training, licensed therapeutic massage, or accredited body work, and additionally take part in a 40-hour certification class to learn the different ways to mobilize your body and help you feel your best. Utilizing Stretch Zone’s patented equipment, their practitioners follow specific methods and protocols to properly position, stabilize, isolate, and manipulate muscles using powerful principles of neuromuscular behavior. The Stretch Zone Method guarantees to help you:
“
Stretch Zone iS aweSome. I have been going for about a month. I am coming off major knee surgery and my leg muscles weakened. Working with Marie, Ellen and Aspen has not only strengthened my leg muscles but also helped increase my flexibility. I have always wanted to take the time to stretch but I never did. This forces me to do my stretching and I am seeing great results!!
“
– rick
Very impressed with this business!! The workers are very friendly and knowledgeable. They really ‘listen’ to where you need them to concentrate and have helped me
become more flexible. – anne
feeL Lighter aNd youNger reLieve stiffNess aNd soreNess eNhaNCe athLetiC performaNCe iNCrease aNd maiNtaiN raNge of motioN eNhaNCe physiCaL aNd athLetiC skiLLs
Book a free 30 minute stretch trial at www.stretchzone.com! (402) 885-8805 | 16920 Wright Plaza #PrintProudDigitalSmart
AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business
1
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
PAIGE ZUTAVERN - Omaha/Lincoln - President (402) 730-0096 | Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com
Staying Proud and Getting Smarter At Strictly Business, we adopted a little mantra a while ago—”Print Proud, Digital Smart”—and it kind of became our personal hashtag. It’s even at the bottom of every page in the magazine! I looked back at my president’s letter from September of 2018 when I was first introduced to this motto. It reminded me of why the meaning behind “Print Proud, Digital Smart” became so important to me and the magazine as a whole. As Strictly Business continues to stay proud of our strong print-media roots (many thanks to our amazing and loyal client base!) and we keep getting smarter in the digital-media realm, I felt like it was a good time to reinforce this sentiment and talk about how it’s still at the forefront of our values today as a local business magazine. In my 2018 article, I pulled a lot of great information from a Freeport Press blog post by David Pilcher titled Calling a Truce Between Print and Digital. Rereading this definitely took me back to a place in time where I was still fully embracing the way the two formats could work well together without competing against each other. In the blog post, David brings in a quote from Samir “Mr. Magazine” Husni: “There is absolutely no reason that [print and digital] can’t live side by side…At the end of the day, it is audience first, not digital or print first.” This really resonates with me. As David noted, “When you understand how your audience interacts with your content, then you can begin to carve out a print and digital relationship that meets their needs – and yours. Print and digital aren’t at war – they are both valid tools and can work beautifully side by side.” Four years later since highlighting this message, I can honestly say that Strictly Business has ran with the “Print Proud, Digital Smart” attitude and kept our audience/clients as our top priority. In addition to growing and strengthening our physical distribution each month, our presence online and on social media has been taken to new heights. Last year, we revamped our websites to give visitors a more user-friendly experience and optimize the mobile view. Equally
significant, we dedicate t i m e e a c h m o n t h t o “Four years later since highlighting publishing articles online and link them to our clients’ this message, I can honestly say websites for their SEO that Strictly Business has ran with benefit. The numbers speak the ‘Print Proud, Digital Smart’ for themselves! Our clients’ posts have made over attitude and kept our audience/ 6.73 million impressions clients as our top priority.” in Google search results over the past year with 51,300+ clicks. We also share all major editorials on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages for our clients. With social media, I’m sure many people feel that their feeds are crowded with content, but to reinvent the classic “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” saying...you’ll receive 0% of brand awareness from the content you don’t share. This is what Strictly Business is here to help you with! Furthermore, we recently launched a new IN THE ISSUE email blast to break down each issue of Strictly Business in a clean, concise, and easy-to-digest digital format. This gives our readers more accessibility to the magazine and adds more value to our advertisers. All of these efforts to stay powerful online only enhance our print presence in the local marketplace. Strictly Business lives out how print and digital go hand-in-hand. We are also cheerleaders for the many amazing ad agencies and digital marketing companies here in Omaha. Talking about our progress and success over the years makes me extremely grateful for our advertisers who have trusted Strictly Business to tell their story, our readers who see the value in our magazine, my awesome team that works diligently to deliver the highest quality to our clients and readers, my supportive family and friends, and God for the health and desire to keep doing what I love. Let Strictly Business help you lock in your status as The Expert in your industry, utilizing print, the internet, and social media. Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330.
CONTENTS NEWS
4 Business 23 Personnel
28 Nonprofit 34 Health
SPOTLIGHTS 1 15 22 27
Stretch Zone Legacy AR Solutions FireGuard, Inc. CenterSphere
FEATURE STORIES 37 Buying a Home 41 Wedding Planning 44 Employing Omaha
Hannah
Derek
Devyn
PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor/Operations Hannah Hundley - Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Derek Nosbisch - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Writer Devyn Sanderson - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern - SZutavern@yahoo.com 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. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2022 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505
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ABOUT THE COVER
A Growing Omaha Footprint
Fueled by Small-Town Values West Gate Bank Expands with New Branch at 177th and West Maple For more than 50 years, West Gate Bank has been focused on providing personal service that customers expect from a familyowned community bank. What started as seven locations in Lincoln grew to include three locations in Omaha, and now they are getting ready to open their fourth Omaha branch at 177th and West Maple. “The addition of our Maple branch at 177th and Maple Street gives us a dynamic presence to serve the fast-growing area of northwest Omaha and Elkhorn,” said Carl Sjulin, president and CEO of West Gate Bank. The 7,000-square-foot branch is expected to open later this month. The location will include a full-service retail branch and drive-thru with Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs), as well as commercial lending, mortgage lending, and business banking solutions. Leading the team in Omaha is Kristi Thornton, senior vice president and retail market manager, and Jon Dittenber, senior vice president and chief lending officer.
Both Thornton and Dittenber relocated to Omaha when West Gate Bank acquired its three locations in 2018. The two exemplify their leadership through collaboration and teamwork. As West Gate Bank continues to grow in Omaha with the opening of the West Maple branch and the ongoing additions of dedicated team members, they remain committed to their small-town values. This means forming meaningful relationships with their customers—helping individuals reach their financial goals and rooting for the success of the local businesses and organizations they serve—and they follow through on their promises with integrity. West Gate Bank and its 220+ employees are proud to serve the Omaha and Lincoln communities in numerous ways that only a locally-owned bank can. The bank is represented on over 100 local nonprofit boards, charities, and other philanthropic activities. Their commitment to leadership and giving back to the community has earned West Gate Bank a number of awards, including the Federal Home Loan Bank Community Leader Award and the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award.
Learn more at WestGate.Bank
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www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business
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Business News Stories Coffee Co. Expands with Fourth New Location in Gretna
Nebraska Shakespeare Unveils New Branding Produced by Clark Creative
Stories Coffee Co. is excited to announce their expansion into West Omaha with a new location in Gretna. The popular local roastery and coffeehouse is opening at 10520 S 204th St., off of Hwy 6 and Lincoln Rd. Owners Dan and Brooke Loutzenhiser are so grateful for the way the Omaha community continues to embrace Stories Coffee, allowing them to serve more people and make a greater impact. “We are so excited to become a part of the Gretna community,” said Dan. “We can’t wait for our spacious coffee shop to be a destination for business meetings, first dates, study sessions, or even a quick hello through our drive-thru!” Today, Stories Coffee has four locations across Omaha with the addition of the Gretna location. You will also find their delicious, locally roasted coffee at 114th and Davenport, Lifegate Church at 15555 W Dodge Rd., and Lula B’s Breakfast, Brunch & Bar at 902 Dodge St. In addition to serving its own hand-roasted coffee, Stories Coffee Co. also boasts a delicious cafe menu with its own selection of craft beer and wine to sip on. A portion of their profits is donated to local nonprofits that are doing good work in Omaha. Learn more at storiescoffeecompany. com. Upcoming specials and events, such as live music, are posted on the Facebook page (@storiescoffeecompany).
Nebraska Shakespeare is proud to announce that Clark Creative of Omaha has completed the rebranding of the organization. “With a modern design that echoes the history of Shakespeare while creating a ‘future-forward’ look that will define and shape the image of the company for the future, Clark Creative truly captured Nebraska Shakespeare!” said Executive Director Brett A. Bernardini. Nebraska Shakespeare’s new logo incorporates a circle for unity, the use of overlapping “N” and “S” for the intersection of Nebraska and Shakespeare, a contemporary font for “Nebraska” and a more historical font for “Shakespeare”. The entirety is surrounded by little markings that represent a chair at the table for everyone, as well as the tag line of ONE STAGE FOR ALL. “We are deeply grateful to Melanie, Daryl, and Danny for their exceptional work, the care and thoughtfulness they brought to the process, and their sustaining support to ensure that we are clear with branding throughout our work,” said Bernardini. “All of us at Nebraska Shakespeare are deeply grateful to them!” Nebraska Shakespeare seeks “To explore what it means to be human through the creative spirit of William Shakespeare while creating a Nebraska of belonging through bold, authentic, artistic storytelling.” Learn more at nebraskashakespeare.com.
McGill Law, McGill Mediation Celebrate Opening of Office in Bellevue
Cox Employees to Award Over $94K to Area Nonprofits
In late June, McGill Law and McGill Mediation held a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of their new location in Bellevue. This office is their third location, and McGill Law and McGill Mediation are now serving three Nebraska cities – Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue – as well as the surrounding communities, including Iowa. Although the new location will meet and serve McGill Law clients, this office will act as the main location of McGill Mediation. McGill Mediation assists families and individuals that are in conflict over a divorce, will, trust, guardianship, or conservatorship, providing a peaceful path to resolution through mediation and collaboration, preserving the family relationship. McGill Law was created in 2011 by Jodie Haferbier McGill to serve families in a much bigger way than only focusing on their legal issues. McGill Law’s focus is on their clients’ well-being and their family’s future successes. McGill Law concentrates on respectful, empowered divorces and adoptions. Jodie later founded McGill Mediation in order to expand the use of mediation to problem solve in Nebraska. To learn more, visit www.McGillLawyers.com / www.McGillMediation.com, call (402) 548-5418, or email info@ McGillLawyers.com / info@McGillMediation.com. 4 Strictly Business AUGUST 2022
Cox Charities is to award over $94,000 to greater Omaha area nonprofits in the month of August through its Community Investment grant program. The Cox Charities program, which is fully funded and decided on by local employees, is dedicated to making a positive impact in the areas of youth, education, social issues, and the arts. The Community Investment program is designed to assist 501 (c)(3) organizations with outstanding programs that benefit Nebraska and Iowa service areas. “Through Cox Charities, our employees are excited to be able to give back to the communities where we live, work, and serve,” said Kim Rowell, market vice president for Cox Omaha. “Their generosity is allowing us to support 14 nonprofits in the area with grants up to $7,500, and that is something we are very proud of.” This year’s Omaha-area community grant recipients are: Catholic Charities; Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands; First Responders Foundation; Foster Love, Inc.; Bags of Fun Omaha; Heartland Hope Mission; Made New Makerspace; Nebraska Diaper Bank; Nebraska Methodist Hospital Foundation; Papillion La Vista Schools Foundation; Partnership 4 Kids; Project Pink’d, Inc.; The Blue Bucket Project; WhyArts, Inc. Cox Charities was founded in Omaha in 2014 to engage employees and strengthen community programs and education experiences in the area. The 2022 Education grant applications will be open September 1 to October 1 and grants up to $2,500 will be awarded. For more information about the Cox Charities program, visit www.coxcharitiescentral.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Business News The Wedding Barn Now Accepting Reservations for 2023 Wedding Season The Wedding Barn, a brand new event hall located in Palmyra, NE, is pleased to announce that it is now taking deposits told hold 2023 wedding dates. 2023 bookings are available from April 1 through August 31. The Wedding Barn is an ideal venue for smaller, intimate weddings of up to 80 people. It’s conveniently located just 10 minutes from Lincoln and is right off the highway, so there are no gravel roads to worry about. They offer a variety of rental options, including two-day rental options that are available with weekday or Friday rentals. Their booking options include a four-hour event package, a 12-hour wedding and reception package, or a 12-hour full-day package that includes limousine transportation for the wedding party and on-site photography. With a beautiful natural setting, and indoor and outdoor options for both ceremonies and receptions, this cozy, small barn is a one-of-a-kind backdrop for memories that will last a lifetime! To learn more about The Wedding Barn, contact Kelly Jensen at (402) 314-0037 / Kelly@weddingbarn402.com or visit weddingbarn402.com.
Google supports ABC Nebraska nad South Dakota Chapter with $150K Training Fund Google will support the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Nebraska and South Dakota Chapter by contributing $150,000 to support preapprenticeship training. The training focuses on underrepresented groups in the skilled trades to prepare them for work in the construction industry. ABC and its partners plan to launch a ten-week training and employment program in both Lincoln and Omaha that will focus on unemployed or under-employed workers, students in their senior year of high school, and recent graduates looking to enter the construction field. The Construction 101 Certification Program will include engagement from local construction leaders through classroom presentations, job shadow experiences, and career fairs. The program will introduce trainees to the foundational skills needed to get a job in the construction industry, and provide skilled workers in an industry amid record demand for employees. The program will include transportation to a training center, childcare, and meals, and the partnership will cover the costs of tuition and books for participating students. Participants will get a $300 stipend upon completion of the program, as well as insight into career opportunities, including networking opportunities and access to entry-level positions. These funds are part of a larger effort to connect more Americans to quality training and jobs. This year, Google is contributing $1.2 million toward education and pre-apprenticeship training programs for construction and skilled trades in five states where it operates data centers. For more information about Associated Builders and Contractors Nebraska and South Dakota Chapter, call the Omaha location at (402) 344-4258, the State/Lincoln location at (402) 477-4451, or visit www.abcnebraska.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Huffman Engineering, Inc. Celebrates 35 Years in Business in 2022 Huffman Engineering, Inc. (HEI) is celebrating 35 years in business, providing exceptional engineering impact throughout the Midwest and beyond. The full-service engineering firm specializing in systems integration is proud to have served the Nebraska community since 1987 and extended its reach into surrounding states, including adding an office in Denver, CO. “We are humbled by the many individuals who have contributed to the success of Huffman Engineering, Inc. over our 35 years in business,” shared Wendy Huffman, CEO/CFO. “When we began, we could not have imagined we would be the firm we are today. We are extremely grateful for all of those people who believed in us, worked with us, and supported us in difficult times. This is not the end of the journey by any means. It is more like a stop at an oasis on the journey when we can contemplate the road we have taken and then look on to even more exciting years to come.” “We are grateful to the people who stood with us in difficulty, thankful for all who have provided guidance, and so appreciate those who have trusted us with their effort and families,” said Howard Huffman, President/COO. “Running a business is a marathon – not a sprint – and we have followed the roads our customers asked us to walk with them and gone further than we could have imagined.” As HEI celebrates this milestone, they are also proud to be celebrating CFE Media Group’s naming Huffman Engineering Inc. the 2022 Control Systems Integrator of the Year. Learn more about this award at controleng.com/articles/ huffman-engineering-is-system-integrator-of-the-year-2022. It is fitting as HEI celebrates 35 years of successful engineering to be inducted into the System Integrator Hall of Fame. Huffman Engineering, Inc. has over three decades of experience with a proven track record of delivering large-scale system integration projects with industrial customers and municipalities as an electrical control systems integrator and electrical engineering firm with offices in Lincoln and Englewood, CO. HEI specializes in start to finish engineering projects in pharmaceuticals, water/ wastewater/, food and beverage, electrical utilities, and manufacturing. Their system integration expertise extends to highly regulated industries requiring clients to meet stringent regulatory requirements. Huffman Engineering can design and build robust and reliable automation systems to meet the expectations of the CDPHE, FDA, USDA, and EPA. Learn more at huffmaneng.com. AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business 5
Business News Clearwater Counseling, PC Announces New Omaha Office on 120th and Pacific St.
LimeLight Expressions Named 2022 Wedding Planner of the Year by CorporateLiveWire
Clearwater Counseling, PC in Omaha is excited to announce its new office space located at 12127 Pacific St. The larger space will allow the business to continue its rapid growth. The move will take place on August 1. “We opened our Omaha location in 2019 and three years later we are now in a space that is four times the size of our previous office to accommodate our growing practice and be able to welcome new therapists,” Kayla Leddy, CEO/co-owner, said. “This space allows us to offer even more services to our community. The last three years have had challenges and successes, but we are always working towards the goal of providing much needed mental health services to the community. Myself, my business partner Nikki, and the entire team at Clearwater Counseling are thankful for the support of our family, friends, past and current patients, community agencies, and each other as we continue to follow our dream.” Clearwater Counseling, PC is a private practice offering mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults in the Grand Island and Omaha areas. Clearwater Counseling works to treat mental health diagnoses through personalized and compassionate counseling practices that promote growth, development, and well-being to further enhance quality of life. 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.
LimeLight Expressions is excited to announce that they have been named the 2022 Wedding Planner of the Year by CorporateLiveWire at their annual Innovation & Excellence Awards. The Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards 2022 celebrates the success and achievements of firms and individuals that have taken an innovative approach to demonstrate exceptional business performance. With more categories and an even greater international spectrum, these awards honor those who stand out as consistently showing best practice in every aspect of their work. The Corporate LiveWire platform provides business professionals and individuals in the corporate sector with information on the latest news and developments from around the globe. To learn more, visit corporatelivewire.com. LimeLight Expressions is a full-service event planning company for occasions of any size. They started the business in 2007 to do one thing…help people. Their mission is to assist people all over the United States in having the most incredible experiences with their friends, family, and clientele. LimeLight Expressions is truly a one-stop shop. They’ll handle everything for you, from design work with their amazing graphic designers, through the event planning stage with their team of professionals. From setup to tear down and everything in between, they handle the entire process. LimeLight Expressions offers the convenience of offering one place for all your event design needs, saving you both time and money. Visit limelightexpressions.com to learn more.
Heartland Women’s Network Monthly Luncheon Set for August 16 Heartland Women’s Network (HWN) is pleased to announce that their monthly luncheon set for Tuesday, August 16 will feature guest speaker Debbie Wagers, a certified child life specialist (CCLS) and child life supervisor at Boys Town National Research Hospital. The meeting will take place at the College of Saint Mary. While monthly luncheons are open to non-members, there are many benefits that come with being a member of HWN, including: • Networking opportunities • The opportunity to be featured as the Member Spotlight at a monthly meeting, on HWN’s website, and on social media • Member-only profiles on HWN’s Facebook group • Opportunities to support HWN’s local charity, which this year is the Ronald McDonald House Omaha “Working together makes each of us more powerful, resilient, and self-sufficient,” said Sandy Gordon, director of HWN. “While we may have different professional and personal goals, we all share certain challenges. HWN will serve as your advocate and will help you with career development, difficult transitions, and success strategies.” Heartland Women’s Network (HWN) connects women from all walks of life – including business professionals, business owners, primary caregivers, nonprofit leaders, and college students – with each other. It provides the structure women in the Heartland need to grow professionally and personally. Visit www.heartlandwomensnetwork. com for more information on the organization, to become a member, and/or to register for the August 16 luncheon. You can also find them on social media or email membership@heartlandwomensnetwork.com. 6 Strictly Business AUGUST 2022
Certified Power Solutions Acquires Skarda Equipment Company Certified Power Solutions has announced the acquisition of Skarda Equipment Company—a fluid power distributor serving all major industries across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. Through this acquisition, Certified Power will expand its geographic reach and strengthen offerings and capabilities in industrial and mobile fluid power applications. Skarda Equipment Company is known for its systems solutions and problem solving for electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic applications, customized inventory programs, and offers value added services, including custom assemblies and control solutions. The company is also a system integrator that designs custom solutions for industrial electrical applications through its affiliate company, Controlled Motion Dynamics, Inc.—which is also part of the acquisition by Certified Power. Skarda Equipment Company will be retaining its company name and locations, operating as a division of Certified Power Solutions. For more than 50 years, Certified Power Solutions (CPS) has worked to move the fluid power industry forward with system integrations, solutions, and support. Certified Power is a premier value-added hydraulics and electronic controls supplier, specializing in the design, integration, and assembly of fluid power systems. For more information, contact Certified Power Solutions at (763) 493-9380 or via email at cps-mn@certifiedpower.com and visit them online at www. certifiedpowersolutions.com. Skarda Equipment Co, Inc. is a family-owned distributor of fluid power and motion control components servicing Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Since 1969, Skarda Equipment has been serving the Midwest with components, systems, and solutions for industrial automation. Skarda is headquartered in Omaha. For more information, please visit www.skarda.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Business News Control Depot Moves to New Location to Better Serve Customers
NAI NP Dodge Publishes Omaha Market Report for Q2, 2022
Control Depot is excited to announce that they have relocated just a couple blocks away from their previous location to 10703 J St., STE 200 in Omaha! They officially opened their new store to the public on July 25. They would also like the public to know that their phone numbers, email addresses, website address, and social media accounts will all remain the same. Control Depot is excited to offer customers a state of the art training center at the new location, as well as all of the new building automation products that your customers need to keep buildings running efficiently. Control Depot will continue to provide the same great service that customers have known since 2006. Control Depot is a locally owned and operated building automation controls distributor that provides innovative cost-effective solutions and designs across the entire spectrum of building types in both the commercial and residential markets in the Midwest area. They sell affordable building control and automation systems that make your buildings smarter and more efficient by providing essential instrumentation and control. These systems work to save energy, lower operational costs, and enable safe and productive environments. Their goal is to build strong and lasting relationships with their customers by providing value and experience that is unparalleled in the industry. Visit www.controldepotinc.com for more information, or contact sales@ controldepotinc.com / (402) 934-0078 with any questions.
NAI NP Dodge has shared an Omaha Market Report for Q2 of 2022. This report is based on CoStar data, which takes into account 47.3 million square feet of office space in the Omaha market. There is 439,000 square feet of office space under construction at this time, up from last quarter. In addition, of the 64 million square feet of retail space that considered for this report, 340,000 square feet is under construction, which is up from the end of the prior quarter. Retail landlords and tenants continue to show creativity and versatility, filling space, in some cases, with non-traditional uses. The industrial sector continues to be the shining star. The total market size is 103 million square feet. More than 1.9 million square feet of industrial space is under construction right now, which is not quite as much as the banner first quarter. The City of Omaha approved redevelopment agreements for the $600 million Mutual of Omaha skyscraper and the $306 million urban streetcar. Conceptual designs were released for a $120 million central library planned for 72nd and Dodge Street. Plans were announced for Eppley Airport’s $600 million terminal expansion which will start next year. Ground was broken on the Tower District, a 73-acre, mixed-use development at 84th and Highway 370 in Papillion. Ground was broken on nine-story building in the Blackstone District. Grading has started on Black Elk Development’s 156,000-square-feet warehouse east at 138th and Highway 370. Developers announced the $35 million Dizzy Mule, a mixed-use project bounded by Nicholas, 12th, Izard and 13th Streets. It will have 172 apartments and 18,000 square feet of commercial space. NAI NP Dodge is the commercial real estate division of NP Dodge, Omaha’s largest full-service real estate company. Read more on www.nainpdodge.com.
SEAchange Obtains B Corporation Certification S E A c h a n ge, a b u s i n e s s consulting and philanthropic advising firm, announced in April it has become a Certified B Corporation, making it the sixth organization in Nebraska to earn this certification. The certification process, administered by the nonprofit organization, B Lab, signals SEAchange has met the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. SEAchange is also a registered Benefit Corporation through the State of Nebraska and a member of “1% for the Planet” having committed to contributing 1% of its annual revenue to environmental causes. “We are excited to join this international community of leaders using business as a force for good,” said Kyle Cartwright, SEAchange cofounder and COO. “We feel fortunate to live and work in a community with so many other purpose-driven businesses. We are just one of many.” “It is time for Nebraska to be recognized for what it is, the PurposeDriven Capitol of America,” added Graham Pansing Brooks, SEAchange co-founder and CEO. “Highlighting Nebraska’s impactful businesses is critical for workforce development and creating a stronger, more vibrant future economy.” SEAchange consulted two other Nebraska businesses through the B Corp Certification process, KidGlov and Econic. SEAchange will undergo a re-certification process every three years and produce an annual report to maintain its B Corp status. SEAc hange supports the implementation of data-driven strategies to improve clients’ corporate mission alignment through philanthropy, community impact programs, stakeholder engagement, and/or environmental stewardship practices. For more information, visit SEAchangeLTD.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Reserve Your Tickets to Greater Omaha Chamber Omaha Business Hall of Fame Gala There is still time to reserve your ticket to the Omaha Business Hall of Fame Gala, presented by the Greater Omaha Chamber Foundation. The event will be held Wednesday, August 17 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Hors d’oeuvres dinner and cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony at 7:30 p.m. and a dessert reception at 9 p.m. Single tickets are available with member and non-member price options, and a members-only four-ticket package is also available. Reservations are due by Wednesday, August 10. To view full event details and this year’s honorees, or to purchase tickets, visit OmahaChamber.org/ BHOF. If interested in a virtual ticket option, contact events@ OmahaChamber.org for more details. Initiated in 1993 as part of the Greater Omaha Chamber’s centennial anniversary, Omaha-area business luminaries are recognized annually for their incredible legacies and commitment to their business, industry, and community. Honorees are inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame at a brilliant gala supporting the next generation of Omaha professionals. Achievements are then showcased in a permanent exhibit at The Durham Museum. The mission of the Greater Omaha Chamber is to champion a thriving business community and a prosperous region through visionary leadership and collaboration. The organization is made up of over 3,000 members working to make Omaha a vibrant place to do business, work, and live. To learn more, visit www.omahachamber.org. AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business 7
Business News Redeemed Computers & Electronics Offers Discounted Tech Items for Back to School
Big Omaha Fitness Presents Corporate Packages to Improve Company Wellness
Redeemed Computers & Electronics would like to share with parents and teachers that back to school shopping can be made easy when purchasing refurbished electronics from their retail store. Although summer vacation is still in full swing, many parents and teachers are preparing their shopping lists for back to school items. Shopping for even one child can turn into a pricey endeavor, which is why Redeemed Computers & Electronics is encouraging the community to buy refurbished this upcoming semester. The refurbished electronic retail store has a wide selection of restored laptops, tablets, computer accessories, and more to assist students’ return to the classroom. With weekly deals and discounts, parents and teachers can shop at ease and save big. Redeemed Computers & Electronics is operated and owned by the Omaha-based nonprofit Cross Training Center. The nonprofit’s mission is to equip unemployed and undereducated adults through vocational training and job experience so they can attain employment and become financially successful. Redeemed Computers assists that mission by providing vocational training in computer refurbishment and retail sales. Every dollar spent on refurbished products benefits the Center’s program and the lives of those involved in it. To learn more, contact Store Manager Neil Dillon at (402) 590-2100 Ext. 005 / neil@crosstc. com or visit www.redeemedcomputers.com / crosstc.com.
Big Omaha Fitness is offering corporate pricing to business owners when they sign up four or more employees for their Big Omaha Fitness program! If you sign up, you will receive a reduced rate of $50 per person, per month. This package is a great way to improve employee benefits, expand the company’s wellness offerings, and boost company morale. To take advantage of this offer or to learn more, email start@bigomahafitness.com. Other programs offered by Big Omaha Fitness include Go Far Nutritional Lifestyles, which provides a sustainable approach to nutrition in the kitchen that translates to weight loss, gains in the gym, and whole-life transformation; CrossFit Omaha, which features highintensity workouts with maximum variety and real results; as well as the classic Big O Fitness, which is great for anyone who wants a full and fierce workout in 45 minutes or less. Locally owned and family-operated by CrossFit legend Stacie Tovar, Big Omaha Fitness is Omaha’s only custom-built functional fitness facility featuring an expanded lineup of group fitness classes and nutrition coaching. You’ll find a community of passionate people and fitness programs that fit any lifestyle — whether you want to live, train, or compete. To learn more about Big Omaha Fitness, visit bigomahafitness.com.
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Business News Omaha Fashion Week Announces Designer Lineups for Fall 2022 Season
Heritage OnCare Hospice Receives CHAP Accreditation
Omaha Fashion Week has announced the designer lineup for the upcoming Fall 2022 Season, August 25-27, at the Omaha Design Center! With the theme for the week being Magis, which means “Excellence for the Greater Good”, the following designer lineup is ready to showcase their collections focused on sustainable practices, community collaboration, and grandeur.
Community Health Accreditation Partner, Inc., (CHAP) announced that Heritage OnCare Hospice has been awarded CHAP Accreditation under the CHAP Hospice Standards of Excellence. CHAP Accreditation demonstrates that Heritage OnCare Hospice meets the industry’s highest nationally recognized standards. The rigorous evaluation by CHAP focuses on structure and function, quality of services and products, human and financial resources, and long-term viability. Simply stated, adherence to CHAP’s standards leads to better quality care. “By achieving CHAP Accreditation, Heritage OnCare Hospice has shown a commitment to excellence,” said Nathan DeGodt, CHAP president and CEO. “We are excited to begin our partnership with Heritage OnCare Hospice by offering support in its commitment to providing quality care and continuous improvement.” “Heritage OnCare is pleased to be one of the few providers accredited by CHAP,” stated Nate Underwood, president and founder of Heritage OnCare. “With trust as one of our core values, this accreditation reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive compassionate support for our patients and their families.” Heritage OnCare Hospice provides a variety of hospice services to patients and their families in Omaha and surrounding areas employing a multidisciplinary team of caregivers in partnership with the patient’s personal physician. The team includes nurses, social workers, spiritual care coordinators, and specialists in several different types of therapies selected specifically to meet each patient’s needs. For additional information, visit www.heritageoncare.com or call (402) 578-0789.
AUDERE: TO BOLDLY SHINE LIKE GOLD - Emerging + Featured Designers - Thursday, August 25 • Headliner: Omaha Fashion Camp • A L T E R E D STATE | Andrew Hale • Apathie Studio | Blake Swanson • AR-t, By Max Jon | Maximillian Suiter • Carl’s Bad Designs | Carlea Badolian • Duane Topping • elle glo apparel | Lauren Glowacki • Feltersforte | Debra Koesters • Judy Bales Design • KingDom Culture | Isabelle Muziva • MAANG by Yasi Fayal • PASSIONATE LION | Tamara Kurtenbach • Samuel Macke • Still A Lady | Yolanda Harris • The House of Lavender | Kate Francis VIVERE: TO LIVE AGAIN - Emerging Designers - Friday, August 26 • Headliner: Lauren Bander • Anaí V | Ana Holt • Britney Spangenberg • Designs by Rey | ReyAnna Moore • Elsi Marie | Elsi Grabau • Eww Feelingz | Keyonna Jeter • Xposed | Grant Sullivan • MPOWER | Michelle Morris • Sommer | Le’Mario Somerville • House of Jadè | Sydney and Pamela Vinson • Wearing It | River Beck • Headliner: Dan Richters SPLENDERE: ALL GRAND, MAGNIFICENT, AND BRILLIANT THINGS - Featured Designers - Saturday, August 27 • Headliner: Nuevintage | Terri Buckner • Annette Sunshine Designs • Casarez | Amanda Casarez • Duane Topping • Hannah Caroline Couture | Hannah Nodskov • Potapenko + Yanchenko | Olha Potapenko • Potion23 | Victoria Cates • Regal Status | Princess Elliott Hopkins • Roger Figueroa • Vivi Design Studio | Claire Thomas-Morgan • Headliner: Buf Reynolds To reserve your seat at Omaha Fashion Week’s Fall 2022 Season, visit omahafashionweek.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Omaha Empowerment Breakfast Set for August 5, Features Speaker James Kernan Omaha Empowerment Breakfast is pleased to announce that the upcoming breakfast on Friday, August 5 will feature James Kernan, author of the 36 Month Millionaire coaching program and recently published books Leadership Essentials for Successful Executives and Business Tips. His presentation will focus on “Creating Success by Overcoming Adversity”. Frequent speaker for TechSelect, CompTIA, XChange, Convergence, Robin Robins Bootcamp, HTG, Mastermind Peer Groups, SMB Nation, SMB TechFest, and Microsoft IAMCP events, James has been recognized and written up as an extraordinary “example of success” in industry publications such as CRN, Business Solutions, VAR Business, CRM Today, and Inc. Magazine. CRN Magazine said that James is “a rising star executive to watch.” When you review his 25+ year track record of creating dazzling leaps in sales, profits, and growth for IT companies, you don’t need to wonder why. His sales teams have sold over one billion dollars in technology goods and services over his career. For the past 15 years, James has served as a principal consultant for Kernan Consulting and provides coaching, advising, and mentoring programs to entrepreneurs and leaders. Kernan Consulting offers one on one coaching, CEO peer groups, M&A consulting, and online training programs. The Omaha Empowerment Breakfast is a non-membership networking event held monthly on the first Friday with great speakers, great food, and endless connections. People attending can showcase their business by being a three-minute speaker or being an event sponsor. To learn more or register for the upcoming breakfast, visit omahaempowermentbreakfast.org. AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business 9
Business News Pinnacle Bank Championship, Korn Ferry Tour August 8-14 at Indian Creek Golf Course
Glamour Girl Boutique Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Mark Grand Opening
Pinnacle Bank is pleased to announce that the Pinnacle Bank Championship, presented by Aetna, is to run Monday, August 8 through Sunday, August 14. The Championship is a part of the Korn Ferry Tour, a developmental tour for the PGA TOUR that features professional golfers who have either not yet reached the PGA TOUR, or who have done so but could not maintain enough points to stay at that level.
In ear ly June, Glamour Girl Boutique celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony held in conjunction with the Greater Omaha Chamber. Owner Kristi Wischnack was joined by her husband Herb and their sons, Brighton and Brenndon. Miss Nebraska USA 2018 Bree Coffey and Mrs Nation of States Grand Global, Donna-Marie Fields were there to help cut the ribbon. In addition to the ceremony, Glamour Girl Boutique offered raffle prizes for everything ranging from t-shirts to a $50 boutique gift certificate. “It took eight weeks of long hours, lots of hard work, tons of construction, dust, paint, wallpaper, ordering, and then returning and ordering again, but Glamour Girl Boutique came to life just as I had envisioned,” shared Kristi. Glamour Girl Boutique offers beautiful prom and pageant dresses as well as outfits for date nights, job interviews, and evenings out apparel. Their brands include Johnathan Kayne, Sugar Kayne, Ashley Lauren, Debbie Carroll Customs, Jovani, Tiffany and Panoply, Rachel Allen, Colors, Portia and Scarlett, and Jim Ball accessories. Glamour Girl is open Tuesday – Friday from 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and by appointment only on Sunday. The store is located at 5338 S 136th St. To learn more, call or text them at (402) 5425511 / (402) 999-4996 or visit glamourgirlpromandpageant.com.
The public can purchase tickets to attend the event. Ticket options include one-day general admission to the grounds or clubhouse, youth tickets, and 94.1 BIG Party Pavilion access for the day (available Thursday – Sunday). The Pinnacle Bank Championship will also be offering a concert series during this year’s event that will feature a stellar lineup of country music rockers. The lineup includes Drew Parker with special guest Tyler Braden on August 11, Ernest with special guests Bailey Zimmerman and Zach Miller on August 12, and a TBA performer with special guest Warren Zeiders on August 13. Tickets for the concerts can be purchased at barnato.bar/events/11948345/ barnato-live-loud-from-the-pbc. To learn more about The Pinnacle Bank Championship or to purchase tickets to attend the tournament, visit thepinnaclebankchampionship.com.
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Business News SERVPRO® of Omaha Southwest Receives CHAIRMAN’S Gold Award Local disaster response and restoration business, SERVPRO, held its 53rd annual convention from July 5-9 at the Hilton Anatole Dallas in Dallas, TX. SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest received the CHAIRMAN’S Gold award at a gala award ceremony. Owners Lathe R. and Nicole L. Toft of SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest joined a group of more than 1,050 franchise owners in attendance. The event also recognized 58 SERVPRO entrepreneurs who surpassed a million dollars in revenue for the first time in the past business year. “At a time when there seemed to be more challenges than solutions, SERVPRO continued to provide expert guidance and service,” said Lathe. “This allowed our team of dedicated remediation specialists to continue to provide reliable, prompt, professional fire and water cleanup and restoration, mold mitigation, and remediation services to home and business owners in our community when they needed our help.” This year’s convention, themed “Building Teams, Achieving Dreams,” was the first time since 2019 that the entire SERVPRO franchise system gathered in person for a week of seminars, training sessions, and a franchise-to-franchise exchange of ideas, inspiration, experience, networking, and team building. For more information about SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest, an award-winning member of SERVPRO’s team of dedicated disaster remediation professionals, please contact Lathe R. Toft at (402) 408-0134 / ltoft@servproomahasw.com or visit www.SERVPRO.com.
Lozafina Launches New Story-Driven Website, Weeklong Giveaways in August Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations is pleased to announce the August 1 launch of its new website, www. lozafina.com. The Omahabased company says the redesign was long overdue and needed to reflect its core mission of connecting brands with people. “We wanted a story-driven website that showcased the incredible talented industry leaders in which we work with,” said Josefina Loza, chief executive officer of Lozafina. “We represent a range of clients, including start-ups, family-owned businesses, and large corporations. It was important for us to be able to share the interesting, relatable narratives of these businesses which help connect brands with their client base.” Lozafina invites visitors to explore its website and the entrepreneurial spirit of its clients through a weeklong celebration of giveaways starting in August. Those who sign up for the company’s newsletter will be entered to win luxury experiences and services. Some of the luxe giveaway packages include a night out on the town, a head-to-toe spa day, a boutique makeover, family and portrait photo sessions, and more. “We wanted to do a special collaboration with Omaha area businesses to engage our audience and help build brand awareness for both Lozafina and the businesses we’re partnering with,” Loza said. Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations deploys communication strategies and specializes in brand development for artists, businesses, nonprofits, and everyday people like you. The company manages media relations for clients such as Fleri, an Ohio-based fintech startup that provides healthcare and financial solutions for immigrant families; K Watson Group - Lead the Herd Solutions, a Midwest-based firm that provides business consulting solutions to corporate, commercial, government, and nonprofit clients; and The International Filter Manufacturing Corporation, a premier North American manufacturer and distributor of automotive and industrial air filters. To learn more about Lozafina, visit the new website at www.lozafina.com or email office@lozafina.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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Fiserv’s New Back2Business Program to Grant $1M to Nebraska Small Businesses Fiserv, Inc., a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology solutions, including the popular Clover® point of sale and business management platform used by hundreds of thousands of small and mid-sized businesses, is lending a helping hand to Nebraska small businesses with the launch of the Fiserv Back2Business program in the state. Back2Business connects diverse small businesses with critical resources, including complimentary small business coaching, leading technology solutions such as Clover, and community partnerships. The program will award approximately $1 million in grants to minority-owned small businesses in Nebraska, with up to $10,000 awarded to individual businesses. Eligible small businesses may apply for a Back2Business grant to assist with payroll, rent or lease payments, technology or equipment purchases, or premise redesign. Merchants must have revenues of less than $1 million annually; be founded prior to January 1, 2021; and have fewer than 11 total employees (including the owner). Applications are now being accepted at aeoworks.org/fiserv. “Small businesses are facing challenges such as rising costs, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, which are forcing many entrepreneurs to adapt to new ways of operating,” said Neil Wilcox, head of corporate social responsibility at Fiserv. “We want to help address these challenges by supporting small businesses in Omaha, Lincoln, and throughout Nebraska, a state more than 5,000 Fiserv associates call home.” On June 17, ahead of Juneteenth weekend, Fiserv launched its Back2Business program in Nebraska with the presentation of grants to three black-owned small business based in North Omaha. Those receiving grants were: • Ashlei Spivey of Best Burger (bestburgeromaha.com), a familyowned-and-operated fast casual dining service specializing in crafting burgers made from locally sourced, fresh ingredients. • Gladys Harrison of Big Mama’s Kitc hen & Catering (bigmamaskitc hen.com), a family-owned-and-operated restaurant and catering business specializing in soul food and traditional American cuisine. • Tim Collins of TC Lifestyle Fit (tcomaha.com), a small business specializing in coaching fitness sessions and programs helping clients transform their bodies and lifestyles. Fiserv has a significant presence in Nebraska, with locations in Omaha and Lincoln. In addition to Nebraska, Fiserv has sponsored the Back2Business program in New York, Milwaukee, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, Oakland, Detroit, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington D.C. To date, Fiserv has presented more than 1,500 grants to small businesses through the program. Learn more at fiserv.com. AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business 11
Business News Six Companies Unveiled for Inaugural Cohort of the NMotion Growth Accelerator
Better Business Bureau Alerts Buyers of Used Car Sale Scam
Following recently announced expansion plans, NMotion powered by gener8tor, unveiled on July 19 the six companies selected for the inaugural cohort of the NMotion Growth Accelerator. In addition to a $100,000 investment, each company will participate in 12 weeks of hands-on concierge programming that connects them to 100 mentors and up 50 early-stage investors. NMotion Growth Accelerator 2022 Cohort: • Hellcat Technologies • HerHeadquarters • Microwash • Noviqu • Tiiga • Particle Space These six companies stood out from the 179 companies who applied and will each receive the $100,000 investment from NMotion through gener8tor’s venture fund and Invest Nebraska. In addition, NMotion will work with these six companies to help grow their revenues, improve their products and services, and pitch investors for the next round of investment. The NMotion Growth Accelerator is one of two investment accelerator programs made possible by $3.7 million in new investments that will start and grow 24 Nebraska startups over the next two years. For more information on the newest NMotion accelerator programs, please visit www.nmotion.co.
With used cars in high demand, the Better Business Bureau is warning the public about scammers targeting individuals looking to buy a used car. The scam claims the vehicle for sale is in another city, but that the seller knows a transport company that will deliver it to you – all you need to do is pay the transport company. Often, a sad story is thrown in to tug on your heartstrings. Once you’ve paid the third-party company, usually by a wire transfer or prepaid debit card, your vehicle won’t be delivered. The sale was a scam, and unfortunately, your money is gone for good. The BBB shared some tips to avoid car sales scams. First, watch out for prices that are too good to be true. Contact the seller by phone as early as possible and ask lots of questions. If you get vague answers, if the seller gets defensive or aggressive, or if they can’t confirm their location or the location of the vehicle, you’re probably dealing with a scammer. You should also always see the vehicle before you buy it, and don’t give in to threats or pressure to purchase the vehicle. Finally, never wire funds for a car – use check or credit card. If you see a car sales scam, report it to the Better Business Bureau at BBB. org/ScamTracker and to the online marketplace where you found it. Subscribe to BBB Scam Alerts for weekly updates about new scams.
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Business News Google Builds Third Omaha-Council Bluffs Area Data Center in Northwest Omaha Google has announced plans to invest over $750 million in Nebraska this year including a new data center in northwest Omaha near State Street and Blair High Road. Alongside Google’s existing data center in Council Bluffs, IA, which it is continuing to invest in this year, and its Papillion data center, the company will have three major facilities in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area. Google also intends to contribute $100,000 to the new Central Public Library project, a transformational addition to the Greater Omaha region. Google creates economic opportunities across the Cornhusker state. In 2019, Google broke ground on a data center in Papillion where more than 120 people work in a variety of full-time and external supplier roles, including computer technicians, engineers, and various food service, maintenance, and security roles. With a $185 million commitment, Google established the Grow with Google Small Business fund and Opportunity Finance Network’s (OFN) grant program funded by Google.org. The fund has delivered low-interest loans to more than 50 community development financial institutions including the Citizens Potawatomi Community Development Corporation and Self-Help Credit Union with services in Nebraska, which in turn provided loans to tens of thousands of underserved small businesses. Google also released its 2021 Economic Impact Report for Nebraska in April, sharing how Google helped provide $40.8 billion of economic activity for tens of thousands of businesses, publishers, and nonprofits in Nebraska who used Google products last year to increase their online presence and connect with the people and communities they serve. To learn more about Google’s economic impact in Nebraska, visit economicimpact.google.com/state/ne.
Sarpy County Board Approves Werner Park Renovations to be MLB Compliant During their meeting on July 19, the Sarpy County Board approved to implement architectural and engineering services from DLR Group Inc. to renovate Werner Park to become compliant with the MLB’s new standards. These requirements are a result of the MLB’s transformation of the minor league system. MLB improvements will include: • Female Staff – Renovation of existing storage rooms into female staff locker rooms. • Weight Room – Expand weight room into existing lounge space and add three new doors for security/privacy. • Home Locker Room – Provide two new lockers and ADA bench. • Laundry Room – Add laundry sink and renovate space to accommodate new/larger washers and dryers including new trench drain and housekeeping pad. • Player’s Lounge – Renovate existing storage room into Player’s Lounge. • Batting Cage – Raise height of existing batting cage tunnels to minimum of 12’ above finish floor. • Batter’s Eye – Extend height of existing batter’s eye to 30’ minimum above field level. Capital improvements will also be made, including a new paved vehicular entrance ramp at the southeast corner of the ballpark, concrete and striping repair at the crosswalk outside Gate 2 west of the ballpark, and carpet replacement in the Storm Chasers administrative offices. Construction is anticipated to begin in October with completion by March 15, 2023. Learn more at dlrgroup.com/work/werner-park. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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Millard Business Association Gears Up for Millard Days August 23 – 28 Millard Business Association (MBA) is excited to announce that the annual Millard Days celebration will be held August 23 – 28 at Andersen Park in Omaha. Once again, Millard Days will be bringing you all your favorite summer events and activities including the carnival, the parade, and the beer garden. The carnival will kick off on Tuesday, August 23 and will be available each day until Sunday, August 28. The beer garden, free shuttle, and live music will begin on Wednesday, August 24; the beer garden and live music will be at the celebration through Saturday, August 27, and the free shuttle will run each day. A parade will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, and Sunday, August 28, will feature horseshoes at 10 a.m. followed by Family Fun & Safety Day beginning at noon. Family Fun & Safety Day will include activities such as face painting, balloon animals, kids tractor pull, and an ice cream social. For the exact time and day of each event, visit millarddays.com/schedule. Platinum Sponsors of Millard Days include Addy’s, Children’s Physicians, and Hy-Vee. Millard Days is more than just a fun time for family and friends— the event also raises money to benefit the Millard community and its people. In the fall of 2005, the Millard Days committee began setting aside funds to create a scholarship opportunity for Millard area high school students. In addition, over $400,000 in grants to community programs have been made over the past five decades. Grants from Millard Days include Boys/Girls State, Millard High School after prom parties, Special Olympics, Special Friends Prom, Civil Air Patrol, and Millard High Schools Scholarships. Prior proceeds have gone to support emergency equipment for the fire department, Millard area parks, Millard Senior Center, Boys Scouts, Millard school and athletic field improvements, and hundreds of other worthy causes. Millard Days began in 1964 when the Millard Jaycees hosted an afternoon barbecue in the park to celebrate a successful charter year. Now, over 50 years later, Millard Days is a full week of activities for families to enjoy. For more information and details about the upcoming festival, visit millarddays.com. The Millard Business Association was established in 2003 and comprises more than 350 area businesses members. Apply for membership at www.MillardBusinessAssociation.org. For more information, contact the MBA Admin at (402) 707-2827 or email info@millardbusinessassociation.org. AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business 13
Business News Elevator Raises $1.7M Seed Round to Bring Co-Warehousing to the Midwest
Save the Date: NBA’s 2022 Women in Banking Conference October 19-20
Elevator, a co-warehousing startup, announced its seed round of $1.7 million to launch its first location. Participants of the raise include Black Dog Ventures, Nelnet, and the Nebraska Angels. Elevator raised capital to renovate their space, develop logistical capabilities, and grow its team. Elevator was co-founded by Shannon and Emiliano Lerda. Elevator is a modern concept in warehousing that combines the best parts of co-working with warehousing to serve entrepreneurs that sell physical goods. The company offers warehousing space, private offices, and flex storage on month-to-month memberships and also provides logistics support to its members. Members have access to daily carrier pick-ups, on-demand labor, warehouse equipment, expert mentorship, educational programming, photo studio, and a thriving community of entrepreneurs. The round of funding is the second major milestone for Elevator, which recently secured a building in downtown Omaha with 56,000 square feet. Space is being parceled into 75 warehouse units ranging in size from 80 to 1,300 square feet, 17 office spaces, and also includes a training room, kitchen and break room, conference room, and photo studio. Located in Omaha’s Old Market District, the company’s first location attracts entrepreneurs and e-commerce businesses seeking a collaborative working environment. Elevator offers micro-warehouse units, private offices, logistics support, and community for entrepreneurs with physical goods. Learn more at elevatorspaces.com.
The Nebraska Bankers Association (NBA) would like you to save the date for the 2022 Women in Banking Conference, slated for Wednesday, October 19, and Thursday, October 20. The conference is taking place at the Embassy Suites Hotel Omaha, 555 S 10th St., and will begin at 8:30 a.m. on October 19 and will conclude the next day at noon. Event sponsors include Nebraska Bankers Insurance and Services Company (NBISCO) as a Platinum Sponsor, Bell Bank as a Gold Sponsor, Schools of Banking as a Bronze Sponsor, and Graduate School of Banking at Colorado as a Bronze Sponsor for refreshment breaks. To register for the event or learn more, visit web.nebankers.org/events. Founded in 1890, the Nebraska Bankers Association is the voice of Nebraska’s $77.9 billion banking industry, which comprises small, regional, and large banks that together employ more than 15,000 people and safeguard nearly $67.1 billion in deposits. Through the association, bankers explore issues that affect the banking industry’s day-to-day and long-range outlook. Membership in the NBA signifies a bank’s commitment to the principles of banking and the belief that much can be accomplished by working together. The NBA welcomes associate members who provide a service or product to Nebraska financial institutions. Learn more at nebankers.org.
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Aaron Newell founded AR Solutions in 2005 after working in the collection industry since 1996. The company was created under the value of integrity: “If you have integrity, nothing else matters; if you do not have integrity, nothing else matters.” AR Solutions works with all types of companies that have accounts receivable issues. They also have a specialized Healthcare division that is HIPAA compliant and understands the ebbs and flow of medical billing and insurance processing. They will partner with you and your staff to:
Accelerate cash flow Transform accounts receivable backlog into cash Sliding scale pricing based on accounts receivable aging Lower operational expenses and increase efficiencies Reduce write-offs Maintain positive consumer relations
AR Solutions’ collection process is just as important as how they collect. Their specialists approach their work as skillful sales people and are trained and certified to remain professional, ethical, confident, and firm – even in the most difficult situations – to get payment in full on the initial contact. Their company policy dictates that everyone is treated with respect and dignity while also approaching collections in a firm and persuasive manner.
Extend billing office capabilities
Testimonial
“We have been working with AR solutions for over 10 years and the service is great. More importantly they get results. Over the years we have developed an internal accounts receivable team but as we scale we need a robust reliable AR partner and AR Solutions is that partner for us. The CEO Aaron Newell is a great guy who has developed a team with accountability and reliability. They return my calls the same day and provide advice to us on all AR matter, even the ones we handle in-house.” – John Berry
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“If we don’t collect, we don’t eat.” Schedule a free, no obligation consultation to find out if you qualify for this unique program by calling (402) 817-3929.
arsolutionsinc.com AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business
15
JOSAFINA
Josafina Loza
Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations
CORE SERVICES
FACILITY ASSESSMENTS Helping clients evaluate existing facilities, listening to their needs, and developing plans to meet their vision is what we do best.
BRINGING YOUR BUILDINGS TO LIFE
54 YEARS
50+
EMPLOYEES
+ 34K PROJECTS
42 STATES
FARRIS-USA.COM 402.330.5900 OMAHA
16
LINCOLN
SIDNEY
COLORADO SPRINGS
Strictly Business AUGUST 2022
KANSAS CITY
Meet Josafina Loza, founder and CEO of Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations Firm. Tell us a little about your business. - Lozafina is an Omaha-based marketing and public relations firm that deploys communication strategies and specializes in brand development for artists, businesses, nonprofits, and everyday people like you. We pride ourselves in being able to connect brands with people. How did you get started in the business? - I gained a lot of experience as a multi-skilled communication professional and journalist while covering regional and national entertainment, local community news, local government, higher education, and healthcare. What has been your most important achievement professionally? Success is turning my vision of Lozafina into a thriving woman-owned, minority-owned business and making other people’s dreams a reality. I want the freedom to build my business and my life in the way I want to, and that motivates me every day. Tell us a little about your family. - I have two amazing daughters, ages 14 and 11, who are my biggest supporters. Being a single mother is tough but everything I do, I do it for them. We have two adorable Shih Tzu-Bichon mixed teddy bear dogs who love to snuggle and bark. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Age 40, when I started a business that I believed would drastically change how brands connect with people as we move forward in a post-pandemic, digital world. Who inspires you? - People. They fascinate me. I absolutely relish in the time I get to spend getting to know someone – be that a longtime friend or a stranger I met a few minutes ago. I have this uncanny ability to spark a conversation with just about anyone. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man!” – Jay-Z If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Gregarious. I’m a social being but most importantly, I genuinely care for others. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Motivational speaker. I’m a communicator by trade. I did a wonderful job proving my first-grade teacher wrong that you truly can make a profession out of being a “chatter box” as noted in my report card. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I serve as vice president of marketing and public relations for the Midlands African Chamber, a leader in economic equity and business development in black and brown communities. I also give mentorship and guidance to young aspiring journalists as the publication manager of The Gateway, which is UNO’s official independent student-run newspaper. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. What is your favorite movie? - Selena, a film about the life and career of Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla Pérez. I listened to Selena y Los Dinos cassette tapes every single day throughout middle school. I remember being pulled into the music room with other young Latinas after Selena’s death because the principal and music teacher wanted to make sure we knew what happened and that we were going to be alright. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Madam C.J. Walker. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - jlozafina@gmail.com; www.lozafina.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Royce
Royce Drake
BElfor Property Restoration Meet Royce Drake, sales and marketing manager at BELFOR Property Restoration. Tell us a little about your business. BELFOR Property Restoration is a general contracting firm that provides emergency services to preserve residential, commercial, Three words our clients love to see. industrial, educational, agricultural, and religious properties—pretty Isn’t it time you start seeing them? much any structure that has sustained damages from fire, wind, water, etc. In addition to structures, BELFOR offers many specialized CALL TODAY. 402-817-3929 • ARSOLUTIONSINC.COM restoration services for personal belongings, business documents, and equipment. Our history dates back to 1946. Customer satisfaction and safety are our top priorities. How did you get started in the business? - I was successful in sales and a head hunter contacted me about working in the industry. I thought it would be a great challenge. I’ve been at it ever since. Rent a water softener or “Improve the quality of your life by letting us improve the reverse osmosis system for What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Taking quality of your water. Our low-pressure sales experience YOU SAVE is why 9 out of 10 people who talk to us...work with us.” on the restoration business at a time when it was a failing franchise * Jeff White, Aqua Systems that had not made a profit in three years. We pushed through a lot of setbacks, which only made the company stronger in the end. month What has been your most important achievement professionally? First 3 months @ $4.95/mo. with installation cost of $149; after - Taking that same company from worst to first within one year’s time. introductory period, rental is $23/mo. We ranked No. 1 out of 1,300 other franchises. Shop and compare at What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your ilovemywater.com iLoveMyWater.com life? - Dropping out of college to help the family business and then TEMS returning years later to finish my degree. WAT E R S OF N E R S · DRINKING SYS T E What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I am an inventor. Who inspires you? - Kids with special needs and World War veterans from any era. 2020AquaSystems_3_68x2_41.indd 1 3/19/20 10:58 AM What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - I admire the words of Theodore Roosevelt in his “Citizenship in a Republic” speech (1910). If you are not familiar with “The Man in the Arena”, I highly encourage you to look it up. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Positive. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Runnin’ Down a Dream” kay.stockcreative@gmail.com by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. (402) 499 9415 If you could have a super power, what would it be? - A healing touch. www.kaystockdesign.com Which talent would you most like to have? - Hit a hole-in-one every time. Let’s Create your Perfect Palette. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Coaching basketball. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - The Special Olympics. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? Metahuman: Unleashing Your Infinite Potential by Deepak Chopra. What is your favorite movie? - The Shawshank Redemption. What is your favorite TV show? - It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Julio’s. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Richard Branson, a British entrepreneur who founded the Virgin Group, which today controls more than 400 companies in various fields. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 802-0451; royce.drake@us.belfor.com; belfor.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business 17
Water Shouldn’t Be Hard
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402-235-5867
INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO
Brittney
Brittney Rexius
Rexius Nutrition
KEEP YOUR HOME THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE.
ALL YEAR LONG.
HEATING
COOLING
REPAIR GIVE US A CALL! 402-932-0649 HEATINGAIROMAHA.COM 18
Strictly Business AUGUST 2022
Meet Brittney Rexius, CFO and co-owner of Rexius Nutrition, Iron Heaven Gym, VHI-Fit, and the Omaha Protein Popcorn Company. Tell us a little about your businesses. - All of our businesses revolve around becoming a better version of yourself and taking your health into your own hands by offering the highest quality of supplements, vitamins, snacks, and gym equipment. How did you get started in the business? - My husband Tim started Rexius Nutrition prior to us meeting. When we started dating, it was a perfect match, and combined we were able to turn our dreams into reality while working together to create companies that we could both stand behind with the highest level of integrity. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Leaving the corporate world and going off into the entrepreneur life without a safety net or guarantee of anything working out. What has been your most important achievement professionally? Seeing things that have been years in the making come to fruition and hearing success stories from customers of our businesses. Tell us a little about your family. - We are a blended family of yours, mine, and ours. We have six amazing kids ranging from 22 years old to our youngest at age 3. Our house is always vibrant and loud, but it is the most beautiful chaos. Our kids have grown up helping in the businesses, and it’s the greatest feeling to have your kids involved and love to be involved in your family business. Our family is strong in faith, and God is at the center of our home and everything we do! What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Years ago, I dealt with addiction. My biggest turning point would be the day that I decided to get clean and turn my life around. Here, 19 years later, I am living a clean life that I would have never thought possible. Who inspires you? - My husband. I grew up in a small-business family, so I was use to the grind that comes with it, but my husband never ceases to amazing me with his drive and knowledge. Everyday he inspires me to have faith and be fearless. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.” If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Determined. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I always wanted to be a firefighter. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I love to be involved in any organization that helps teen moms, as I was one at 18, and recovering addicts. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Well, the last book I read was on potty training a very defiant boy! Other than that, I love to read motivation books. I recently read Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven. What is your favorite movie? - All-time favorite from childhood is Beaches. What is your favorite local restaurant? - M’s Pub. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Jesus, just to sit in His presence! If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? brittney@rexiusnutrition.com; www.rexiusnutrition.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Drew
Drew Strohmeyer
McGregor Interests, inc. Meet Drew Strohmeyer, vice president at McGregor Interests, Inc. Tell us a little about your business. At McGregor Interests, I oversee lease administration, tenant and owner relations, construction supervision, real estate tax protests, annual budgeting and reconciliations, and a variety of many other hats. It’s one of the things I like most about working at a smaller company—I get to see many different sides of the business and rarely have one day that was the same as before. How did you get started in the business? - I got started in residential real estate in college, mainly flipping and renting single family homes. I got my real estate license in Nebraska. I then transitioned into commercial real estate, where I got my license in Kansas and Missouri and later earned my CPM designation. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The transition from residential to commercial real estate was a huge shift in thinking and experience. Commercial real estate is linked to almost every industry. I needed to learn about real estate law, contract law, lending and finance, construction and construction plan review, insurance, relationship-building, income valuation, tax protest strategy, and lots of math I never thought I would need to use. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Earning my CPM (Certified Property Manager) designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management. It took a few years of classes and it finished with a week-long class in Denver that ended with a two-day exam. Let’s just say, I was glad to pass on my first attempt! Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Brandi and I met in college and have been together for 17 years. We have a 7-year-old son named Dean and a new addition expected in October. We are very excited to meet the little one. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? When my wife and I separated. It put a lot of things into perspective. To have someone as patient as her lose her patience said a lot. This made me reflect on the things I put my energy towards and which of those were most important. I came out of it realizing my wife and family were far more deserving of my time and energy than anything else in my life. You get it right on the home front, and the rest will fall into place. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Golf. If I have more than one day off, it would be family UTV trips. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I don’t know if it’s interesting, but I am a green technology nerd. I geek out over solar, wind, earth homes, no-till farming, and off-grid living. The technology and alternate views are fascinating to me. Who inspires you? - My son Dean. He is a sponge and is always eager to learn and ask questions. He is always listening and is so kindhearted. I try to be more like him every day, some days with more success than others. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Trust, but verify.” If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Honest. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Wilding by Isabella Tree. I’ve also been reading The Economist, which is a weekly magazine subscription. What is your favorite movie? - 300. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Tavern 180. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 334-2123; drew@miicre.com; mcgregorint.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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101 n 38th ave, omaha, ne 68131 midtownmedicalgroup.com (402) 558-1440 tsullivan@midtownmedicalgroup.com
AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business
19
Ben
Ben Schmitt
Local Loans for Your Greatest Goals Whether you are building a new home or purchasing an existing one, West Gate Bank can help you to finance the home of your dreams.
Ready to get started? Contact a Lender Today!
Michael Bittner 402.758.8730 mbittner@westgate.bank NMLS# 408474 Residential Construction Lending
Steve Kucirek
US Navy Veteran 402.292.1948 skucirek@westgate.bank NMLS# 1734948 Mortgage Lending Team
Guthrie Steen 402.758.8727 gsteen@westgate.bank NMLS# 400111 Mortgage Lending Team
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westgate.bank | 402.434.3456 20
Strictly Business AUGUST 2022
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Farris Engineering Meet Ben Schmitt, vice president, mechanical engineer, and Sidney office manager at Farris Engineering. Tell us a little about your business. - At Farris, our essence is “Bringing Your Buildings to Life,” and that is what we do through our designs. The mechanical and electrical systems that we design are the cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems that distribute air, fluids, and electricity through the building. We have the opportunity and privilege to collaborate with other design team members and facility owners and view each interaction as an opportunity to broaden our knowledge and awareness. Farris Engineering was founded in 1967 and is a 100% employee-owned company with offices in Omaha, Lincoln, and Sidney, NE; and Kansas City and Colorado Springs. Our engineering services include mechanical, electrical, plumbing, technology, and life safety systems. While we work on many types of projects, our core work is centered around healthcare, higher education, K-12 education, and industrial facilities. How did you get started in the business? - I have been a tinkerer and intrigued by building things since I was 4 years old and spent a lot of time in my grandpa’s workshop, which led me to pursue a degree in engineering. While in college, I had the opportunity to intern in the facilities management departments of UNMC and the Omaha VA hospital, which completely foreshadowed my desire to focus a majority of my career in healthcare engineering. Tell us a little about your family. - My incredibly patient and tolerant wife Bryanne is an occupational therapist. We have been married for 10 years and we have a 6-year-old daughter, Liviana (Livi), and a son, Milo, that is nearly 2. They are BUSY! What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - In 2013, I was given an opportunity to relocate from Omaha and start a branch office of an engineering firm in my hometown of Sidney, NE. While the move enabled us to be closer to family, the greatest opportunity came on the business side of the transition. Starting the office from scratch was an intense experience but the on-the-job development of business acumen and learning what it takes to run a profitable office was also an incredible opportunity, especially since I was under the age of 30 at the time. Out of necessity, my role has expanded far beyond engineering and has helped me learn the ropes in business development and management of clients, projects, personnel, and finances—all key components for the success of a business. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I have a bit of an “issue” with cars. To sustain my mental health, I always “need” to have a project car—or at least that’s what I tell my wife. I always think I’m going to keep the finished project forever, but a new project is usually lying in wait as I finish the previous one. I am currently working on a significant mechanical upgrade to a 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback that I originally restored while in high school. Other previous restoration and build projects include a 1972 Ford F-250, 1984 Toyota Land Cruiser, 1992 Toyota Land Cruiser, and a 1996 Lexus LX450. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Determined. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - The Beatles were a staple in our household growing up and have had such an impact and influence on the entire music industry since the 1960s. It would be stellar to share a beer with Paul McCartney. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (308) 203-2222; bschmitt@farris-usa.com; www.farris-usa.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Heidi
Heidi O’Connell
Harmony Med Spa Meet Heidi O’Connell, APRN at Harmony Med Spa. Tell us a little about your business. Harmony Med Spa is an amazing place where everyone is welcome and encouraged to be their best self. It is comfortable for those who have been to med spas many times and for people who this is their first experience.
Your FREE stretch awaits... 1-on-1 assisted stretching natural pain relief regain your natural range of motion 402.885.8805 StretchZone.com Shops of Legacy 16920 Wright Plz
How did you get started in the business? - Working in a hospital for the last few years, we saw firsthand many people, including ourselves, forget to make themselves a priority and to focus on their own health. We wanted a place where it was ok make yourself a priority and take care of yourself. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Balancing work and family life has been my biggest challenge. I have been in school getting my MSN then my MBA all while having two girls and a husband. I often would put work, my kids, and my husband all before taking care of myself. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Opening Harmony has always been a dream. I wanted a med spa where I felt like I wasn’t even going to work every day and that when people come in, they feel like just staying all day. Tell us a little about your family. - I have two daughters, Katie (15) and Mary (12). I have an amazing supportive husband Matt, and we just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. I also have two dogs and my daughter has a bearded dragon and a chinchilla—so my house is literally a zoo. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Going back to school over and over again. Whether it was going to nursing school, Nurse Practitioner school, or getting my master’s degree in business administration, every time I went back to school I was investing in myself. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - On my days off, I love spending time with my kids and my husband. I enjoy running, yoga, reading, and sitting by the pool or just on the patio in the sun. I love seeing live music, theater, and comedy shows, as well. Who inspires you? - I’m inspired by people who take some risks to reach their dreams. 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? - “What a Wonderful World” by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Time travel would be pretty great. Which talent would you most like to have? - I really wish I could sing, but I seriously cannot!
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Investing Opportunities With McGregor Interests Invest in local commercial real estate as a passive limited partner! Semi annual distributions Minimum investments range from $25,000-100,000 Anticipated stabilized returns in excess of 9%
Join the investor group at www.mcgregorint.com and get started reviewing investments!
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I always tell my husband that I am going to go to law school one day. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Yoshitomo in Benson. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - RBG. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 915-6659; yourbestself@harmonymedspa.net; harmonymedspa.net. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Investments are available for accredited investors only, defined as a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income in excess of $200,000
AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business
21
client spotlight
The Same Great Service, Now With Even More Support!
F
ireGuard, Inc. eliminates the need to contact multiple companies by offering complete life-safety solutions. They feature a wide range of fire safety products and services, including fire door inspections, fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, restaurant systems, special hazard systems, and exit/emergency lighting systems. In addition to these products, FireGuard also offers fire extinguisher training. Keep your employees safe by preparing them with hands-on training to provide the knowledge and confidence needed to move quickly and decisively in the event of a fire. The training experience is customized for your workplace. With options of Live Burn or BullEx simulated fire extinguisher training, your team will experience unlocking and discharging an extinguisher to put out a live fire or digital fire simulation. In May, FireGuard was acquired by Getz Fire Equipment Company of Peoria, IL. They have been recognized as a leader in the fire protection industry since 1957 when Melvin Getz first opened the doors with determination and enthusiasm. Getz Fire Equipment sells only the highest quality products and provides excellent service. They work with residential, commercial, and industrial clients – anyone who is in need of fire protection and/or hood and duct high-pressure cleaning. Now working together with Getz Fire Equipment’s 65 years of quality and excellence, you can expect to receive even more support from the same great employees of FireGuard.
Locals Love FireGuard: “I truly enjoy working with the FireGuard team. I am a property manager and I like that they are responsive, affordable and knowledgeable about a variety of issues relating to fire/life safety. The technicians are friendly and prompt and their office support staff are top notch.” – Stephanie C. “We recently brought on FireGuard for our facility inspection services and I am truly impressed. You have employees you should be proud of who promptly answer my calls and questions. Your technicians have been thorough, pleasant and professional. I am excited to have a company that knows the difference between a quality job and a finished job. Thank you for providing excellent service across the board.” – Nick J.
24/7 Emergency Service fireguardusa.com | (402) 592-1999 22
Strictly Business AUGUST 2022
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Personnel News Nebraska Safety Council Announces New Executive Director John M. Lefler, Jr.
Michelle Leiting Celebrates Four Years at Midland Insurance Agency in June
The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) welcomes their new executive director, John M. Lefler, Jr. John brings over 20 years of experience with a broad background in management, marketing, and sales. He most recently served as the chief operating officer with The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland. “I am excited and humbled for this opportunity with the Nebraska Safety Council and WorkWell,” said John. “For over 60 years, the NESC has provided education and services to empower Nebraskans to live safe and healthy lives. Whether in the office, production floor, off-site, or behind the wheel, the team at NESC is committed to organizations of all sizes and industries across Nebraska.” “The board is excited for the new leadership John brings,” shared Paul Barta, president of the board at NESC. “John’s background brings a lot of opportunity for new ideas, growth of the organization, and for services provided to our members and the general public. The board is very optimistic that John will take NESC forward in an exciting and dynamic direction. Further, NESC is grateful for the previous leadership under former executive director, Lisa Henning, whose leadership throughout the pandemic was commendable and not an easy task.” Learn more about the Nebraska Safety Council or sign up for a membership at nesafetycouncil.org or call (402) 483-2511.
In June, Michelle Leiting celebrated her four year anniversary as an independent insurance agent with Midland Insurance Agency. At Midland Insurance, Michelle works with clients to find the best insurance policy that fits their individual needs. Earlier this year, the agency manager that had been overseeing the office in Elkhorn announced his retirement which, in turn, left Michelle with full operation of the location. Michelle has been in the local area for around nine years. Prior to working at Midland Insurance, Michelle spent time with many different companies in the insurance world, including Burns & Wilcox in Salt Lake City, UT; AJ Gallagher & Co. in Sioux City, IA; and Holmes Murphy in Omaha. She enjoys spending her free time with her two daughters, Bailee, 15, and Alexa, 16. To get in touch with Michelle, contact her at (402) 630-3505 / michelle@midlandinsagency.com. Midland Insurance Agency is a local independent agency with locations in Elkhorn, Wausa, and Bloomfield, NE. They are a locally-owned Trusted Choice agency handling personal and business insurance. They represent a variety of carriers, giving you choices and flexibility to build a plan that fits your needs. Midland Insurance is pleased to have recently added Grundy Insurance to their lineup, offering insurance options for high-end homes and vehicles. The Elkhorn office is located at 1918 N 203rd St. To learn more about Midland Insurance, visit midlandinsagency.com or call them at (402) 934-1075.
CINCF Announces New Board Members and Officers for 2022-2024 The Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges Foundation (CINCF) has announced the appointment of new members to its Board of Directors, along with Board officers for 2022-2024. New additions to the Board of Directors include Dr. Andreia Nebel, vice president of academic affairs at Clarkson College, and Bryan Shank, vice president at Union Bank & Trust. CINC Foundation Board officers are chair, Greg Hohl (president, Wahoo State Bank); vice chair, Dr. Darrin Good (president, Nebraska Wesleyan University); secretary, Jody Horner (president, Midland University); and treasurer, Steve Ritzman (president, SR Consulting). “We are very pleased to have these talented individuals guiding Nebraska’s independent college foundation,” said Treva Haugaard, CINCF’s executive director. “Their experience and business expertise will further enhance the educational opportunities available for students attending Nebraska’s private higher education institutions.” The CINC Foundation’s 13 member colleges and universities include Bellevue University, Bryan College of Health Sciences, Clarkson College, College of Saint Mary, Concordia University, Creighton University, Doane University, Hastings College, Midland University, Nebraska Methodist College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Union College, and York University. The Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to making excellent higher education opportunities accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and communities. CINCF supports the missions of its 13 member institutions and promotes the high quality and affordability of member colleges to prospective students and their families. Learn more at www.cincfoundation.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
American Heart Association Announces Marvin and Linder as Go Red for Women Leaders The American Heart Association is pleased to announce Melissa Marvin and Karen Linder as the two powerhouses leading the Go Red for Women charge. Go Red for Women, nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Methodist, is the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative to end heart disease and stroke in women. Go Red for Women is working in communities around the world to help women understand that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat and Melissa Marvin that they should take action to lower their risk. Marvin serves as senior vice president, chief experience officer for Banyan Medical Systems. Over her lifetime, she has built a long resume of leadership service with more than 30 nonprofit and educational organizations ranging in variety of human service and arts groups in the metro area and across Nebraska. She will chair the Go Red for Women Expo on Tuesday, October 18. Linder serves as executive chairwoman at Tethon 3D and a partner of Linseed Capital, Karen Linder LLC, and she will be bringing her passion to Circle of Red. The Circle is a society of passionate individuals who are in the fight against heart disease and stroke in women to win. The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. To learn more about Go Red for Women, please contact Lindsey Vande Hoef at Lindsey.VandeHoef@heart.org or visit heart.org. AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business 23
Personnel News
WE WORK. WE GROW. WE LIVE. WE CONTRIBUTE.
Thank you to these businesses who recently joined the Chamber and invested in the community Ace Pipe Cleaning, Inc
Mind & Body Wellness Center
AnswerPro, LLC
One Heart Project
Assignon & Reveiz
Pedego Electric Bikes - West Omaha
Athens Robotic Hair Restoration
The Subscription Trade Association (SUBTA) Cube Awards announced Jennifer Lea of Entry Envy as the Best New Subscription of 2022. SUBTA is the world’s largest event dedicated to direct-to-consumer subscriptions. The Subscription Summit is first and only conference devoted exclusively to those who work in or alongside the subscription box industry. This year’s winners of the most prestigious awards in subscription include Hunt A Killer, The New York Times, and Netflix. Founded by Jennifer Lea in Omaha in October 2021 to help others create a welcoming entry with simplicity and convenience while identifying their home for guests and delivery drivers, Entry Envy custom signs and subscription refill kits provide quick, convenient holiday, and seasonal décor. Entry Envy’s custom exterior signs with house numbers or monograms are perfect for free-standing homes; the personalized lightweight interior signs are ideal for doors on apartments, dorms, and assisted living centers. Entry Envy is a beautiful, minimalistic way to uniquely identify your home, welcome guests, increase curb appeal, and recognize the passage of time. Thoughtful. Easy. Done. Learn more at www.entry-envy.com.
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Bluffs Logistics, LLC
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Richelieu America, LTD
Chase Bank - Papillion Club Car Wash - 193rd & Gold Educare of Omaha, Inc
SEAchange.LTD Steelcase Stretchlab Elkhorn
Float District
The Nebraska Center for Workforce Development and Education
Gross Welch Marks Clare, PC, LLO Hansen Accounting
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HoopRank
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Imperial Apparel and Customs Jacobs
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402-346-5000 24
Omaha Entrepreneur Jennifer Lea of Entry Envy Wins National New Best Subscription Award
Strictly Business AUGUST 2022
Keisha Thomas of North End Teleservices Named to Heartland Workforce Solutions Board North End Teleservices, LLC (NET) announced Keisha Thomas, director of human resources, employee and community relations, was appointed to the Heartland Workforce Solutions board of directors in Omaha. Heartland Workforce Solutions is an American Job Center and a nonprofit workforce resource serving Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties. Thomas feels that NET’s mission is a “perfect fit” for what she and the Heartland Workforce Solutions’ board hope to accomplish for the region. Thomas, who says Omaha has characteristically low unemployment, added unemployment rates in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones), such as where NET is located, remain higher than Omaha’s overall unemployment rate. “NET is changing the employment landscape,” Thomas said. “We equip people to lead. We understand who people are and see everyone as individuals. We know the successful strategy of the organization is reliant upon the success of each person.” Thomas has been part of NET since the company’s founding by Carmen Tapio, CEO, North End Teleservices, LLC, nearly seven years ago. NET is in the top 2% of employers nationwide, based on number of employees, according the U.S. Census Bureau. “One of my greatest pleasures is helping every member of our NET family discover their unique capabilities,” Thomas said. “We accomplish this by building incredibly diverse teams – connecting people with different skills and interests – and helping them stretch to reach their goals.” North End Teleservices, LLC is a global leader in business process outsourcing. To learn more, visit www.northendteleservices.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Personnel News Elder Law Announces New Veterans Disability Law Division, Brings on Cameron Kroeger Elder Law of Omaha is pleased to announce the expansion of its law firm with the addition of a new Veterans Disability law division. Catherine N. Swiniarski, founding partner of Elder Law of Omaha, is pleased to announce that experienced Veterans Disability law attorney, Cameron Kroeger, has joined the firm to head up that division. Mr. Kroeger will guide his clients through the difficult maze of Veterans Disability claims to ensure that veterans and their spouses receive the benefits they are entitled to. Mr. Kroeger grew up in Grand Island and earned his law degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln – College of Law. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Kroeger served in the United States Air Force as a military linguist, with service in Iraq, Kuwait, and Germany. After the Air Force, Mr. Kroeger worked as a civilian for the Army for several years before returning to his home state to attend law school. Mr. Kroeger comes from a large regional firm specializing in Veterans Disability law. Mr. Kroeger currently lives with his wife and young child in Lincoln. The couple plans to relocate to Omaha soon. In addition to Veterans Disability law, Elder Law of Omaha specializes in Elder Law including Estate and Trust Planning, Special Needs Trusts, Adult Guardianships and Conservatorships, Medicaid Asset Preservation and Long-Term Care Planning, Veterans Disability Compensation and Pension, and Veterans Aid and Attendance. Learn more or set up a free 30-minute consultation by calling (402) 614-6400 or visiting ElderLawOmaha.com.
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National Association of Women in Construction Announces 2022-2023 Election Results
Center Sphere Welcomes Ashley Hinze as Director of Membership
Last month, the National A s s o c i a t i o n o f Wo m e n i n Construction (NAWIC) Greater Omaha Chapter #116 completed its annual election process. Ballots were distributed to members and a quorum was achieved. Each elected position received the required simple majority vote. The new officers for the 2022-2023 year are as follows: • President – Jennifer Harris • Vice President – Lori Ruzicka • Recording Secretary – Bobbi Jo Lang • Corresponding Secretary – Lexie Ruiz • Treasurer – Jenna Beyer • Board of Directors – Lisa Beresiwsky, Jen Cowher, Jasmyn Flowers, Brianna Ouedraogo, Cathy Sorrell National Association of Women in Construction Greater Omaha Chapter #116 is based in Omaha and encompasses Lincoln, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding areas. The chapter was chartered in 1965 and currently has over 80 members. Their membership includes women who work for companies that do business primarily in the construction industry. Meetings for the Greater Omaha chapter are on the second Thursday of each month in varied locations and are open to the public. To learn more about NAWIC Chapter #116, please visit www. nawicomaha.com. Reach out to their new Chapter President Jennifer Harris at (402) 618-1991 / jennifer.harris@jedunn.com or NAWIC media contact Lexie Ruiz (402) 339-6700 / lexier@standardac.com with any additional questions. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Center Sphere is excited to welcome their new director of membership, Ashley Hinze. Ashley has been a Center Sphere member for over six years and instrumental in launching their Network Navigator program and helping members navigate The Network. Ashley is a great fit in her new role and will be working with members to grow their network and reach their goals. She shared that she is excited about her new position and is looking forward to connecting and building strong relationships with current and new members that are interested in building their network. “Ashley is an amazing person with a giving heart for helping others...a true servant’s heart,” shared CEO and Co-Founder Brett Boyer. “We are excited to welcome her to our team.” Ashley enjoys time with her husband Eric and their two daughters. She loves being with her family and traveling to the lake in the summer, as well as partaking in her passion for health and wellness. To get in touch with Ashley, call (402) 690-4434 or email her at Ashley@CenterSphere.com. Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. Their next network-wide Coffee & Connections is set for Thursday, August 11, and will be hosted by Pat Mueller of Sandler Training Center. The event will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at 10711 O St. For more information about Center Sphere, visit www. CenterSphere.com or connect with Omaha Market President Martina Niemeyer at Martina@CenterSphere.com / (402) 536-0289. AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business 25
Personnel News Burns & McDonnell Announce the Addition of Midyett, Thor, and Aldana
Strictly Business Welcomes Abby Gonzales as Marketing/Magazine Intern
Burns & McDonnell is pleased to welcome three new employees to their Omaha office! Patrick Midyett joins the team as a construction project manager for water projects at Burns & McDonnell. In this role, he will be supporting engineering, estimating, and operations with all aspects of project acquisition and execution. Patrick brings to the company 20 years of construction experience, primarily in the municipal and industrial water/ wastewater market on projects throughout Patrick Midyett the Midwest. Originally from St. Louis, MO, Patrick first moved to Omaha in 2005, where he met his wife, Katie. Together they have a sports-loving 9-year-old daughter, Anna. Patrick’s hobbies include attending his daughter’s golf, soccer, and basketball events, as well as hunting or anything else outdoors. Jessica Thor will be working in the Transportation group as an assistant civil engineer. Within this role, she will assist Jessica Thor with the preparation and design processes of various transportation projects around Nebraska. Some of Jessica’s tasks include preparing documents for projects, fabricating designs on software, and organizing project information. The Lino Lakes, MN native graduated this past spring from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and recently moved to the Omaha area with her husband. In her free time, Jessica loves to cook, play board games, and spend time with her husband Adam J. Aldana and friends. Adam J. Aldana has been with Burns & McDonnell since 2016, though he is a new addition to the Omaha office. In Omaha, he will work with the Aviation & Federal group as a mechanical engineer. Adam specializes in the design of high-performance mechanical and plumbing systems for complex facilities, including aircraft hangars, laboratories, and operational centers for the Department of Defense. His responsibilities include the analysis of building thermal loads, modeling building energy use, performing life-cycle cost studies, researching code and standard compliance issues, and the design of HVAC and plumbing systems. Having lived in Kansas City for the last six years, the Nebraska City native recently moved back to Nebraska along with his wife, Lauren, and son, Jude. Adam obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nebraska, an MBA from Rockhurst University, and a Professional Engineer license in Kansas. Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 10,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, and more to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, they offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 60 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn more at burnsmcd.com.
Strictly Business recently welcomed a new addition to the team with the on boarding of Abby Gonzales as a marketing/ magazine intern. Abby’s role is very versatile. She has taken over the majority of social media creation and scheduling. In addition, Abby is taking on writing responsibilities, assisting with formatting press releases and client spotlights. She is also eager to take on various projects as they come up. Abby was born in Aurora, CO. She is currently a senior at Nebraska Wesleyan University, majoring in psychology with a minor in communication studies. She is also part of the Women’s Swim Team at Nebraska Wesleyan and a member of the Academic Honors List. Abby enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, reading, and working out in her spare time. When given the opportunity, she likes traveling and getting out of her comfort zone. She recently spent two weeks in Ireland studying abroad this summer! Strictly Business has been a reliable news source and effective advertising tool in Lincoln for 29 years and in Omaha for 16 years. To learn more, visit strictly-business.com / strictlybusinessomaha. com. To contact Abby, call the office at (402) 466-3330.
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Christian Record Services Announces 2022 Anne Lowe Scholarship Recipients Christian Record Services, Inc. is pleased to announce the five collegiate recipients of the Anne Lowe Scholarship for the 2022-23 school year. “Our sc holarship committee was impressed with each of our applicants this year and we are thrilled to award scholarships to five outstanding individuals,” said Diane Thurber, president of the 123-year-old organization. “Through the ongoing generosity of donors, we are able to support the education of each of the selected recipients of the Anne Lowe Scholarship.” The Anne Lowe Scholarship is awarded to college students and is based on academic achievement, citizenship which is supported through reference letters, and verification of blindness. The scholarship is distributed in two parts during the school year. Tom Lowe established the scholarship in 1989 in the memory of his wife Anne, who loved education and the mission of Christian Record Services. For more information on each of these outstanding students, please visit christianrecord.org/member-services/scholarship. Christian Record Services, Inc. is an international ministry to people who are blind. The nonprofit was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Lincoln. To learn more, visit www.ChristianRecord. org, call (402) 488-0981, or connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn (@CRSBfriends). #PrintProudDigitalSmart
CLient Spotlight
T
he vision of Center Sphere is to be a catalyst for growth for individuals, businesses, and nonprofits within their communities. Center Sphere is committed to authenticity, consistency, and innovation, and they deliver the best possible experience to their members and those they serve. The business professionals that make up the network of Center Sphere strive to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. To honor their members, Center Sphere recently recognized outstanding individuals of 2021 with the Sphere of Excellence Awards. These award winners are nominated by their area leaders and awarded by corporate based on activity and support of The Network in their specific communities.
2021 Sphere of Excellence Awards
2021 Sphere of Excellence Omaha Members Andrea Maleki
Dave Lakin
Nicole Johnson
Ashley Hinze
Dave Swearingen
Raina Garcia
Beth Settles
Eric Schnakenberg
Regi Powell
Bette Case
Erin Koesters
Robert Lopez
Blake Martin
Felicia Weaver
Rochelle Eigsti
Brandi Ballan
Gabriel Ruiz
Ryan McCoy
Brenda Patton
Jay Haning
Ryan Steffen
Brent Blythe
Jeremy Wilhelm
Shelley Noecker
Brianna Berg
Julie Sanford
Susan Corpuz
Calen Griffin
Julie Wyssman
Theresa McClatchey
Chris Bober
Kristen Kratochvil
Travis Payne
Chris Brown
Lacey Sukstorf
Warren Whitted
Christal McCoy
Lisa Ritter
Will Cummings
Christopher Slater
Michelle Kaiser
Congratulations to these 2021 recipients! Thank you for all you do for the community and for representing Center Sphere.
#PrintProudDigitalSmart
Business of the Year BB Roofing
Entrepreneur of the Year Alex Pearson
Rookie of the Year Josh Passler
Person of the Year Steve Schmidt
CenterSphere.com (402) 650-5380 AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business
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NonProfit News 2022 JDRF One Walk Returns In-Person on October 2 at Mahoney State Park
MICAH House Seeks Community Support through In-Kind Donation Drives
JDRF is hosting this year’s in-person One Walk event on Sunday, October 2 at Mahoney State Park. Walk with over 5,000 people to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D). The festivities start at 11:30 a.m., with the walk to follow at 1 p.m. One Walk aims to raise awareness for T1D and to fundraise to accelerate T1D research breakthroughs to cure, treat, and prevent T1D and its complications. T1D is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly. It has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. If you have T1D, your pancreas stops producing insulin—a hormone essential to turning food into energy. This means you must constantly monitor your blood-sugar level, inject or infuse insulin from a pump, and carefully monitor your eating and activity every single day. By joining the JDRF One Walk, you’ll be part of the lasting footprint JDRF will make for the T1D community now and for generations to come. Register for the One Walk today at walk.jdrf.org/omaha. Questions about this event can be directed to Chris Dunn, associate executive director, at (402) 214-0638 / cdunn@jdrf.org. JDRF’s mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. For more information, please visit jdrf. org/nebraskaiowa or follow JDRF on Twitter (@JDRFNEIA).
The donation of Instant Impact items, or in-kind donations, slows down during the summer, and as a result MICAH House is experiencing a shortage of pantry non-perishables and meat, in addition to other essential items. They rely on the generosity of the local community for these items to allow them to continue to serve their clients. Just like a home, MICAH House clients need all the basic items to live comfortably during this challenging time of their lives. Food, shelter, clothing, and personal care items are essential. Once a client has a needed item, it becomes their property and continues on with them to their new home. This includes clothing, towels, washcloths, toiletries, hair brushes, blankets, and much more. If you or your business would like to support MICAH House by hosting an in-kind drive, they encourage you to reach out to them today. Drive ideas include pantry items, toilet paper, diapers, or hygiene items. You can also donate items by dropping them off Monday through Friday, 1 – 5 p.m. at the garage door on the east side of their building at 1415 Avenue J in Council Bluffs. If you have any questions or would like to host a drive please contact Marketing and Community Development Specialist Jenny Andersen at jandersen@themicahhouse.org / (712) 323-4416 Ext. 2101. To learn more about MICAH House, visit themicahhouse.org.
Lutheran Family Services Celebrates 130 Years of Public Service with New Brand Since 1892, Lutheran Family Services (LFS) has served children and families across Nebraska. What began as a small orphanage has grown to provide dozens of programs serving thousands of people each year. As LFS celebrates 130 years of public service, they have announced a new name and a new look. “We are excited to announce that Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska is now Lutheran Family Services,” said Chris Tonniges, president and CEO of LFS. “Dropping the ‘of Nebraska’ may seem like a small change, but it prepares us for where we are now, and where we want to be in the future.” The new LFS brand features a crossroads logo and a vibrant purple and orange design. “Our logo includes imagery of a Christian fish and interwoven paths crossing to form a blanket of community support,” said Tonniges. “The purple represents every individual’s innate human value, and the orange signifies us serving as lights in our communities.” LFS has 19 locations across Nebraska and into Iowa and Kansas, providing 46 services and programs that support individual, family, and community needs. “We have been serving in Nebraska for 130 years, but as we’ve grown beyond Nebraska’s borders, we needed a name to match the impact we already have,” said Tonniges. “Our tagline, ‘for the well-being of all people,’ highlights how we care for all people in the communities we are called to serve.” For more information on Lutheran Family Services, visit the LFS website at onelfs.org or lfsneb.org. 28 Strictly Business AUGUST 2022
RISE Program Graduates in the Community Receive Free Do Space Tech Packs RISE and Do Space have come together to form a partnership in which RISE graduates receive free Tech Packs from Do Space as a means to support digital equity in Omaha. The Tech Pack program distributes laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, free internet, computer training, and one-on-one technology tutoring – a substantial need for those coming out of incarceration. “One of the key goals at Do Space and a reason why the Tech Pack program was created is to bridge the digital divide in Omaha,” says Angela McGraw, director of Do Space. “This is a big step toward getting more free access to technology into the community for people who need it most.” Do Space, a technology library, provides free access to the latest software, devices, and internet in addition to programs focused on making the community future-ready. “Do Space has provided RISE graduates an opportunity to improve computer skills by obtaining a laptop through means we are unable to ourselves,” shared a RISE graduate. “It’s great to utilize the Do Space facility through participation of their courses and correspondence needed to maintain the laptop over the next year. A computer and internet is important in this day and age to function in society, and I am thankful for the partnership that Do Space and RISE have created.” RISE is the largest nonprofit in Nebraska focused on habilitative programming in prisons and reentry support. RISE has served over 540 incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, and families impacted by the criminal justice system. Learn more at seeusrise.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
NonProfit News Heartland Hope Mission to Host “Imagine a World” Fundraising Dinner October 6
Duet Seeks Classroom Items as Part of Their Back to School Donation Campaign
Heartland Hope Mission is hosting its annual fundraising dinner “Imagine a World” on Thursday, October 6 at 6 p.m. The evening begins with the Golden Ticket Silent Auction and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a mouth-watering BBQ dinner reception and heartfelt presentation. Explore your inner child with Heartland Hope Mission as they Imagine a World where no one goes to bed hungry. You can help families in need by sponsoring a table. Table sponsorships start at $1,000. Individual tickets are $100. This annual fundraiser helps provide a week’s supply of groceries and supportive services to nearly 50,000 people in the Greater Omaha Community. Recently, Heartland Hope Mission has seen close to a 50% increase in clients seeking services due to families struggling with inflation. Purchase tickets and learn more at heartlandhopemission.org/dinner. Heartland Hope Mission operates one of the largest food pantries in the state, but they are More Than a Pantry since they help families work toward self-sufficiency. They primarily serve working poor families and those facing a crisis by providing a week’s supply of food, as well as clothing, diapers, job resources, and community referrals. Like and follow Heartland Hope Mission on Facebook or follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay up to date on all the important work they are doing in the community. Learn more at HeartlandHopeMission.org.
Duet is excited to announce that they are running their Back to School Donation C a m p a i g n , a n d t h ey would love help from the comm unity as kids are getting ready to go back to school. While you are filling up your shopping cart, grab some of the best classroom item deals you see and drop them off at any Duet location. Some of their top picks include regular, colored, sparkly, and scented pens, colored pencils, construction paper, markers, dry-erase markers, journals, composition notebooks, backpacks, and lunch containers. Questions about Duet’s Back to School Donation Campaign can be directed to Marcy.Browning@duetne.org. Duet offers a range of services to support, nurture, and guide Nebraskan children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities toward lives of independence. They work closely with individuals and their families to offer customized, loving care that caters to their unique needs. The Back to School Donation Campaign is only one example of how Duet is making a difference. To learn more about Duet’s mission to Develop, Unite, Empower, Together, visit www.duetne.org or call (402) 444-6500.
The Salvation Army’s Backpack Drive Now Underway through August 7 The Salvation Ar my 7 Can Help Kids Back to School Backpack program, organized by The Salvation Army of Omaha, is here to help metro-area families afford the cost of new school supplies for their children in the midst of grocery and gas prices soaring to record levels. Donations of new school supplies can be dropped off now through Sunday, August 7 at select Methodist Health System Urgent Care, Metro Credit Union, Cubby’s, and Salvation Army locations. Visit salarmyomaha.org for a complete list of collection locations. Donations can also be dropped off all day on Wednesday, August 3, at a special collection event held at Methodist Women’s Hospital. Items needed include backpacks, spiral notebooks, erasers, glue, crayons, colored pencils, folders, pens, pencils, hand sanitizer, tissues, and rulers. Monetary donations that will be used to purchase new school supplies can be made at salarmybacktoschool.org. Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed to school-age children from 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 3 p.m. on Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13 at The Salvation Army North Corps and The Salvation Army Kroc Center, as well as from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on August 13 at Westroads Mall in the parking lot north of JCPenney. Children need to be present with families to receive a backpack and school supplies. For more information about The Salvation Army of Omaha, visit www.salarmyomaha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
CASA for Douglas County to Host 2nd Annual CASA Classic Golf Tournament August 22 Court Appointed Special A d vo c a t e s ( C A S A ) fo r Douglas County invites the Omaha community to sign up for their 2nd Annual CASA Classic Golf Tournament presented by Union Pacific at Oak Hills Club on August 22. Individuals and businesses are invited to make a difference in the life of a Golfers from last year’s CASA Classic child in foster care by hosting included (L-R) Ethan Cox, Blake Minden, a foursome or sponsoring Lily Breukelman, and Natalie Campbell. the event. Registration for foursomes is $1,000, which includes green fees, golf cart, lunch and dinner, open bar, and a gift. Sponsorship information and foursome registration can be found at casaomaha.org/casaclassic.html. Those interested in becoming a sponsor can contact casaclassic@ casaomaha.org to ensure the sponsorship level is available. For 24 years, CASA volunteers have provided an individualized voice and advocated for interventions and services that improve outcomes of well-being, safety, and permanency for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. The funds raised during CASA Classic will ensure that more children in foster care in the Omaha area will have the dedicated advocacy of a CASA Volunteer. Court Appointed Special Advocates for Douglas County is a nonprofit organization that trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of victims of child abuse, neglect, and severe domestic conflict. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to be a voice for these children in court and in the community. The desired result is that children be placed in safe, loving homes where they can thrive. Learn more at casaomaha.org. AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business 29
NonProfit News Eagle Scout Jacob Schrock Holds Pajama Drive to Benefit Release Care Closet
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Release is pleased to announce an exciting update to the Release Care Closet that comes as thanks to Eagle Scout Jacob Schrock. In June, Jacob completed his project, Sweet Dreams Pajama Drive, and exceeded his goals! He delivered new shelving, 284 pairs of brand new PJs, and 64 fleece-tie blankets for children in foster care. The Release Care Closet was started over a year ago to serve Release’s foster parents and aid children just entering care. Many times, when a child enters foster care, they may not have any clothing, PJs, toys or school supplies. Developing the closet was a way to meet these needs. The Care Closet is open to all children who are currently in foster care with Release or any other Omaha area agency. Release works with youth and families that are involved in the juvenile justice or child welfare/foster care system. They employ a multi-disciplined approach using therapists, social workers, chaplains, mentors, and foster care parents. They follow nationally recognized best practices and offer trauma-informed services to all their clients. Release is locally known in the field for working with clients that have exhausted all other options or are denied by other agencies. Their number one desire is to see youth and families in Omaha become safe, together, healthy, and free. To learn more, contact Janece Ferris at (402) 525-6470 / janece@releaseinc.org or visit releaseinc.org.
Donate to the JE Foundation’s 2022 Spirit of Courage Celebrity Weekend If you can’t make it to the Jennie Edmundson (JE) Foundation’s 2022 Spirit of Courage Celebrity Weekend Golf Tournament and Gala set for Saturday, August 6, you can still make a difference by donating to the fund. Each year, the JE Foundation hosts the Spirit of Courage Celebrity Weekend to celebrate and honor four individuals who join them and share their stories of courage during their battles with cancer. This year, the JE Foundation is excited to announce four amazing individuals who will be recognized at their 2022 event: Donna Elliff, Deb Potter, Jake Powers, and Kevin Rutland. They will also recognize and honor all of their past recipients as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary. As the JE Foundation raises funds for the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Spirit of Courage Cancer Charitable Patient Care Fund, they reflect back on the number of patients and families they have been able to help and support over the past 20 years. The funds raised have allowed their patients to continue their treatments they may have otherwise stopped due to limited or no insurance. Through the generosity and support of donors, the Cancer Charitable Patient Care Fund is available to assist these patients by paying for medications, treatments, and deductibles as well as everyday living expenses such as groceries, rent, and gas. To help support the Jennie Edmundson Foundation’s event through online auction bidding items or donate to “Fund A Need”, please go to one. bidpal.net/spiritofcourage2022. Visit www.jehfoundation.org and click on Spirit of Courage to learn more about how you can make a difference. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
NonProfit News Wine121 Presents Casino Night on August 13 to Raise Money for Bags of Fun
Open Door Mission Set to Unveil Renovations at Timberlake Outreach Center in August
Wine121 is excited to present a Casino Night on Saturday, August 13 beginning at 6 p.m. Wine121 is located at 12100 W Center Rd., STE 905. Proceeds from the event will benefit Bags of Fun, a local nonprofit that brings joy, laughter, and relief to children fighting a life-threatening disease or condition. At the event, attendees will enjoy games including craps, blackjack, and roulette; win great prizes; indulge in tasty, heavy hors d’oeuvres; and select from a complimentary drink menu. Tickets are priced at $100 and they include a $200 chip buy-in, food, and drinks. Wine121 is more than an upscale wine bar that offers a full spectrum of fine whiskies and wines to meet your expectations. By glass, bottle, or case they provide an extensive variety to satisfy your unique tastes. In addition to pouring drinks, Wine121 also pours their heart into the community by giving back to local organizations that do good. Connect online at wine121omaha.com. Bags of Fun believes in the Power of Play to bring a welcome distraction during times of difficulty. To learn more about the nonprofit, visit bagsoffun.org. To reserve a ticket to the Casino Night, call/text Tom at (402) 880- 5348 or email Tom@wine121.com.
Open Door Mission’s Timber lake Outreach Center at 2107 E Locust St. has been undergoing renovations since April, and will be ready to open back up in mid to late August. A va r i e t y o f r e n o va t i o n s we r e performed during this time. The floor tile was removed and the entire floor was polished, shelving is being set up in a new and improved design with ample space for volunteers, lighting is being converted to LED, and the interior will receive a new coat of paint. Also in the works are a new exit sliding door, two rollup doors, and a cart coral. All of these improvements will make it a better shopping experience for the community who can come once a month for food pantry, clothing, diapers, and household items. Open Door Mission’s Council Bluffs Outreach Center at 1612 Avenue D is open for food pantry and other items Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 4p.m. for those needing it while the Timberlake Outreach Center is closed. Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission that meets the needs of individuals and families while inspiring HOPE for lasting change. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 917 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women, and children, serves over 4,747 nutritious meals, and provides homelessness preventative resources to more than 1,000 people living in poverty. To learn more, contact Amy Harvey at (402) 829-1511 / aharvey@ opendoormission.org or visit www.opendoormission.org.
Project Harmony Shares Tips for Handling Back to School Anxiety in Children Project Harmony understands that back-to-school time can bring a fresh wave of anxiety to children, especially when it’s one of those transition years - Kindergarten to First Grade; Elementary to Middle Sc hool; or Middle School to High School. Parents need the tools to help children through what are sometimes called “developmentally salient anxieties” - the common worries and anxieties that accompany each major growth stage. Here are some tips from Project Harmony: • Start changing summer routines a week or two before the first day of school. • Take advantage of back to school events that bring children into the school before it starts. Schedule a tour of the new school or a time to meet the new teacher in advance. • Take advantage of your time together in the car or at bedtime to listen to your child’s concerns, questions, or worries. • Problem-solving your child’s concerns together gives you the opportunity to coach your child on how to cope with (and interpret) both real and imagined scary situations. You will also be giving your child the tools he or she needs to cope with an unexpected situation that might arise. Remember that worry is contagious. We can amplify or de-escalate a child’s anxiety, depending on our own internal reaction. Here’s a quick, enjoyable exercise for both parents and children called “Just Breathe”: youtube.com/watch?v=RVA2N6tX2cg. To learn more about Project Harmony, visit www.ProjectHarmony.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
FAMILY, Inc. Receives Funding of $72,000 from United Way of the Midlands FAMILY, Inc. is pleased to announce it was recently a wa r d e d $ 7 2 , 0 0 0 i n funding from United Way of the Midlands to support southwest Iowa communities. Thanks to the generosity of the United Way donors, parents of children under age 3 will continue to receive family support services in their home, individualized to the unique needs of each child, and FAMILY, Inc.’s Mobile Wellness Unit will serve the community with health screening services for pregnant women and children primarily residing in rural areas of Pottawattamie and Mills Counties. Additionally, Raise Me to Read will infuse literacy across Council Bluffs through collective impact to ensure more children are reading at grade level by 3rd grade. With the help of this grant, FAMILY, Inc. will realize at least a 10% increase in referrals for service via the Mobile Wellness Unit for women, children, and adolescents from rural areas and/or those who identify as Hispanic. It is anticipated that 500 individuals will receive preventative services and supports over the course of the program year. Through in-home family support services, 75 children will be screened for developmental progress and participating families will demonstrate a connection with at least one community resource. The number of 3rd grade children reading at grade level will increase by 12% through the literacy support of Raise Me to Read. FAMILY, Inc. is a human services organization with a mission to engage and educate our community, inspiring a healthy future through literacy, family, and public health services. Learn more at familyia.org. AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business 31
NonProfit News Do Space to Host Volunteer Open House September 7
Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy Presents 2022 Drive to Ride Fun Run
Do Space invites local community members to attend their volunteer open house event on Wednesday, September 7. This event is an opportunity for interested individuals to learn more about volunteer opportunities at Do Space. Do you love technology and giving back to your community? As a Do Space volunteer, you work one-on-one with patrons, explore new technology, and build up your skills, all while having fun. If you’re interested, stop by the volunteer open house at Do Space, located at 7205 Dodge St., anytime between 4 – 6 p.m. on September 7 to meet up with current volunteers and staff to learn more about the program and feel out their amazing environment before applying. Do Space is a technology library providing free access to the latest software, devices, and ultra-fast internet to the Omaha community. The one-of-a-kind concept creates a digital workshop and an innovation playground filled with new opportunities to learn, grow, explore, and create through programs and events. To learn more, contact them at (402) 819-4022 / hello@dospace.org or visit dospace.org.
Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) asks you to save the date for this year’s Drive to Ride Fun Run happening Saturday, October 15 at the HETRA Barn, 10130 222nd St. in Gretna. Beginning at 8 a.m., participants can walk or run either a 2K or 5K route. This in-person event will kick off the 2022 Drive to Ride Campaign, where 100% of the funds raised will go directly towards their Participant Sponsorship Fund. Drive to Ride is an online fundraising campaign, led by families who come to HETRA for services. From October through December, these amazing families help raise funds in honor of their participant to help build HETRA’s Participant Sponsorship Fund. In 2022, HETRA experienced a 72% increase in requests for financial assistance from participant families. HETRA works year-round to ensure that their programs are affordable for all participants, regardless of their financial situation. Drive to Ride and the incredible families they serve helps HETRA meet this goal. Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy’s mission is to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally of adults and children of all ability levels through equine-assisted activities. To learn more, contact Kalynn Sortino at (402) 359-8830 / hetra@ hetra.org or visit hetra.org.
Women’s Fund of Southwest Iowa Receives State-Level Volunteer Recognition T h e Wo m e n’s F u n d o f Southwest Iowa Steering Committee, an initiative of the Community Foundation for Wester n Iowa, was recognized by the State of Iowa for its outstanding commitment and service. The committee accepted the volunteer award on June 21 at a ceremony where more Members of the Women’s Fund than 100 individuals and steering committee at the inaugural groups were honored by Impact for Women Summit in October Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. 2021. L-R: Jerry Banks, Inez Summy, Donna Dostal (president and CEO of In 2018, after purposeful the Community Foundation), Nancy planning and a collaborative Schulze, Alison Johnson, Kate Cutler, needs-assessment within the Lucy Hough, Lana White, Judy Davis. communities that make up southwest Iowa, the Community Foundation created the Women’s Fund of Southwest Iowa – an endowed Fund to support nonprofit organizations with a goal to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of women and their families. The ongoing work to lead the strategy, provide community-based insights, and fund development is managed by a steering committee of 16 devoted individuals who are committed to bringing awareness to critical needs in southwest Iowa where poverty, lack of childcare, and issues around women’s safety and health are at a stage of crisis. Members include Kim Armstrong, Jerry Banks, Connie Casson, Kate Cutler, Heather Davis, Judy Davis, Donna Dostal, Michelle Franks, Heidi Hough, Lucy Hough, Ashley Jankowski, Alison Johnson, Suzanne Kotula, Darlene Pilling, Nancy Schulze, Inez Summy, Lana White, and Janet Whitson. The Community Foundation for Western Iowa and its Board are thankful for the efforts the Women’s Fund of Southwest Iowa Steering Committee puts forth each and every day and are proud to share that the Fund to-date has awarded nearly $125,000 in grant dollars across southwest Iowa. Learn more at www.givewesterniowa.org. 32 Strictly Business AUGUST 2022
NAM Announces Keynote Speakers for 16th Annual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) is pleased to announce that the Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands conference on Thursday, November 10 will feature a keynote presentation by Sean Thomas-Breitfeld and Frances Kunreuther of the Building Movement Project. They will share their updated report, Trading Glass Ceilings for Glass Cliffs, which focuses on the experiences and challenges of nonprofit leaders of color who have attained the top positions in their organizations. The 16th annual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands will take place at Embassy Suites in La Vista and will connect approximately 300 nonprofit executives, employees, board members, and volunteers from Nebraska and Iowa. This year, the conference theme is Moments to Movements. The past two years have proven that nonprofits know how to respond quickly to the issues of the moment and do what needs to be done to help the people and communities they serve survive and thrive. This conference will explore how nonprofit leaders can take these moments of individual and collective energy and momentum and turn them into long-lasting movements. While this year’s Summit is returning to an in-person format, a hybrid option will also be available for virtual attendees. For more information and registration, visit www. nonprofitam.org/events; register by October 1 for reduced rates. Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is a state association that represents more than 750 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and southwest Iowa. To learn more contact Abby at abby@ nonprofitam.org or visit nonprofitam.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
NonProfit News Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska to Host Annual Omaha Golf Outing August 22
Center Sphere Top Golf Event to Benefit Angels Among Us and Bags of Fun
Lutheran Family Services (LFS) of Nebraska is excited to invite you to their Third Annual Omaha Golf Outing at The Players Club on Monday, August 22. Check in will begin at 10 a.m. and shotgun will start at 11 a.m. You can join in the fun by putting together a four-person team or by being a sponsor! Sponsorship packages include 18 holes with cart, lunch, snack, and premium gift bag for all players. There will also be raffle tickets for first-class prizes available to purchase at the event: one for $20, five for $80, or 10 for $100. Even if you don’t participate in the golf tournament, you can still participate in the raffle by purchasing tickets online. All event proceeds will support programs and services at LFS, an amazing community nonprofit providing safety, hope, and well-being for all people. Register a team, view raffles items, or sign up to sponsor the event at LFSneb.org/OmahaGolf22. Current Corporate Impact Sponsors of the 2022 golf outing include Northwestern Mutual, Valmont, FNBO, Bluestem Health, Lockwood Development, and Union Bank & Trust. The mission of Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska is to express God’s love for all people by providing quality human care services that build and strengthen individual, family, and community life. Programs are available in Children Services, Behavioral Health, and Community Services. For more information, please call (402) 978-5646 or visit www.lfsneb.org.
Center Sphere groups, 29-Friday Breakfast Club and 52-Leads and Libations, are collaborating to host a Top Golf event to support their nonprofit members, Angels Among Us and Bags of Fun. The event will take place on Friday, September 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. Angels Among Us’ (myangelsamongus.org) mission is to provide financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer living in or being treated in Nebraska, and Bags of Fun’s (bagsoffunomaha.com) mission is to deliver a bag of fun to every sick child whose health and happiness is both compromised and threatened. Corporate team slots are available for $800 and will include Top Golf play for one team of six players, food and one drink ticket per player, logo signage at bay, social media recognition, and a tax deductible in the amount of $350. A friend team slot will be $600 and will include Top Golf play for one team of six players, food and one drink ticket per player, and tax deductible in the amount of $150. There are presenting and food sponsor opportunities available as well. Learn more and register for the event at bagsoffunomaha.org/events/top-golf-2022.
NCF’s Hometown Internships Inspire Young Nebraskans to Return Home
United Way of the Midlands Awards $80K to Stephen Center
University of NebraskaLincoln student Paige Kniep didn’t know she wanted to return home until completing her Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) Hometown Internship in 2021—now she plans to build a life in Deshler. Kniep, who served as Deshler Community Fund’s Hometown Intern in 2021, said the experience was among many factors that inspired her to make the choice to return to Thayer County after college and start a business in her hometown. Kniep is one of six college students returning to the program this year. This summer’s group of Hometown Interns is the largest yet with 23 students serving in paid internships in 16 communities throughout the state including Bennet, Diller, Wayne, Keith County, Cuming County, Hebron, Deshler, Columbus, McCook, Crofton, Norfolk, Butler County, Red Cloud, Chester, Howells, and Nemaha County. Interns will forge new connections and strengthen existing bonds as they work on community-building projects. Hometown Interns work with local NCF affiliated funds on a variety of projects tailored to their community and the interests and skillsets of the interns. While the specific tasks and projects will vary from one Hometown Internship to another, NCF provides numerous opportunities for interns to connect 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. Get to know this year’s Hometown Interns at nebcommfound.org/ news/category/hometown-interns. For information about Nebraska Community Foundation, visit NebraskaHometown.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Stephen Center is pleased to announce it was recently awarded an $80,000 grant from United Way of the Midlands. Thanks to the generosity of United Way donors, Stephen Center will continue meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges by providing case management to help them achieve their goals. Stephen Center provides emergency shelter to an average of 73 people every day. These individuals often need help to navigate their way to housing stability. Stephen Center case managers assist clients to set goals, plan, and execute steps to achieve success. With the help of this grant, Stephen Center clients will have the support to increase housing stability, increase treatment completion rates, increase measurable income, and increase goal achievement toward self-sufficiency and stabilization. In 2021, case management support helped 77% of individuals who exited Stephen Center’s emergency shelter programs move to positive housing destinations. “At Stephen Center, we hope that program participants never stop dreaming,” Stephen Center Executive Director Michael Wehling said. “Our job is to help the homeless achieve housing, the addicted achieve sobriety, the sick achieve wellness, and the fearful achieve strength.” Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center serves the homeless, addicted, and those in poverty. The campus includes a homeless emergency shelter, inpatient/outpatient co-occurring treatment, and permanent supportive housing for disabled and low-income individuals. In 2021, Stephen Center provided services to 1,197 men, women, and children and offered over 210,000 meals to people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Learn more at stephencenter.org. AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business 33
Health News UNMC Researchers’ Computer Models Show Value in Diagnosing Dementia
Child Saving Institute to Expand Mental Health Services with ARPA Funds
UNMC researchers, along with national and international leaders, recently published a study on identifying dementia through deep learning computer models. The study, “Multimodal deep learning for Alzheimer’s disease dementia assessment,” published in the highly recognized Nature Communications journal, looked at persons with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and non-AD dementias and ways to improve the diagnosis. The team from the UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences included Daniel Murman, MD, Arun Swaminathan, MD, Olga Taraschenko, MD, PhD, and former colleague Sachin Kedar, MD, MBBS. The group, using routinely collected clinical information such as MRI scans, demographics, medical history, functional assessments, and neuropsychological tests, developed deep learning models on various classification tasks. The interpretability methods using artificial intelligence modeling showed high accuracy in disease-specific patterns of degenerative c hanges throughout the brain that closely correspond to neuropathological lesions at autopsy. Drs. Swaminathan, Murman, and Taraschenko were among the clinicians who reviewed and validated neuropsychological assessments, patients’ histories, and their imaging studies that were compared to the machine learning models developed in the study. The project was supported by grants from the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the Lewy Body Dementia Association, the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health. For more information about UNMC, visit www.unmc.edu.
Child Saving Institute (CSI) is planning to expand their mental health services to take care of more children and families seeking services in the Omaha c o m m u n i t y. T h e A m e r i c a n Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has made a generous donation and plan to improve accessibility to Omaha’s mental health services. Before the pandemic, many children required healthcare for their mental health. Post-pandemic demand is significantly higher and the support for kids remains low. In response, CSI plans to use their ARPA funding to increase their recruitment and retention of mental health practitioners for children and adolescents. They will be receiving close to $300,000 over the next two years to allow them to accomplish this goal. Child Saving Institute realizes that mental health is equally as important as physical health for people of any age. They understand that to come together and move forward as a community, we have to be able to take care of each other. For 130 years, CSI has been “Responding to the cry of a child” and meeting the changing needs of metro area children. They are dedicated to the prevention, intervention, and healing of child abuse, neglect, and trauma. To learn more about CSI and the programs and services offered, please visit www.childsaving. org or follow CSI on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Epilepsy Foundation Trains 200 Nurses in Seizure Recognition and Response The Epilepsy Foundation is pleased to announce that all schools throughout the state will be significantly more Seizure Safe this fall thanks to Seizure Re c o g n i t i o n a n d Re s p o n s e training at the Nebraska School Nurses Conference in June. Two hundred nurses from across the state completed the training and were provided with a toolkit to take back to their districts. As the school year kicks off, all school personnel will be trained to recognize and respond to seizure activity and students with known seizure disorders will have a seizure action plan in the hands of all staff members they interact with throughout the day. With one out of every 26 people having a seizure in their lifetime, roughly one student out of every classroom will be directly impacted by this training. The training is free to school personnel and the public alike. Please visit learn.epilepsy.com to find a course and help the Epilepsy Foundation promote a Seizure Safe Nebraska! The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. For more than five decades, the Epilepsy Foundation and their network of nearly 50 partners have helped to connect people to treatment, support, and resources; fund innovative research and the training of specialists; and educate the public about epilepsy and seizure first aid. Learn more by contacting Engagement Coordinator Gloria Flores-Madrigal at (402) 715-9396 / nebraska@efa.org or by visiting epilepsy.com. 34 Strictly Business AUGUST 2022
CenterPointe Spreads Word of Change to the National Suicide Hotline Number, 988 CenterPointe, in their effort to serve individuals with mental health issues, is spreading the word that the National Suicide Hotline has been c hanged to 988. This simple threedigit dialing code has been designated as the new number to route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This dialing code became available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16. This change is predicted to bring in a significant amount of calls and texts to a system specifically designed to provide care as fast and effectively as possible in every area. The new number has also allowed for an increased awareness of the importance and urgency of mental health. If you are in need of mental-health or substance-abuse services or know somebody who is, CenterPointe’s crisis line will continue to have local 24/7 service at (402) 475-6695 and walk-in services available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for youths, adults, and families. The quick-fix you might think is the only way out—suicide, drug use, or something else—will only make it worse. Anyone can experience a crisis. You are not alone. CenterPointe provides treatment, rehabilitation, housing, and crisis services. Their goal is to address mental-health and addictionrecovery needs. The individuals they serve are nearly all low or no income. For more information, visit centerpointe.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
HEALTH News Darland Breaks Ground on 28,700-SquareFoot CHI Health Clinic in Elkhorn
American Red Cross Shares Information for Heat Wave Safety
Darland recently broke ground on a new CHI Health Clinic in Elkhorn. The 28,700-square-foot building will be Darland’s third healthcare project with Denver-based real estate developer, NexCore Group. Construction began in May and is expected to be completed in summer 2023. Located near 205th and Main Streets, the clinic will offer primary care, physical therapy, behavioral health services and specialty care, as well as imaging services, a laboratory, and a retail pharmacy. In addition, it will provide space for visiting specialists, and the 3.62-acre site will provide parking for 177 vehicles. “The state of healthcare is better in Nebraska and Western Iowa because of the commitment and investment CHI Health/CommonSpirit has made to this region. We are privileged to be a part of that commitment,” said Todd Varney, chief development officer and managing partner of NexCore Group. CHI Health representatives spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony noting that the clinic would help extend CHI’s reach and mission to provide accessible healthcare. “I’m so excited that we are putting a tangible mark on the way that we care for our patients,” remarked Keith Jankuski, CHI Health Clinic president and COO. Darland is driven by the mission to deliver a higher standard of construction services including sophisticated project delivery systems, exacting cost planning, customized management, and owner-first focus. Learn more at darland.com.
The summer season is in full swing and the American Red Cross wants to make sure readers are aware of the dangers of heat waves and the heat-related conditions that they can come upon area residents.
Quality Clinical Research Pushes to Diversify Pharmaceutical Studies Quality Clinical Research (QCR)—an Omaha-originated medical researc h company that works with pharmaceutical companies to help develop their devices, medications, and vaccines—is part of the push to diversify pharmaceutical studies. As an industry, QCR understands the need to expand their reach and recruit people from all backgrounds, walks of life, races, and ethnicities. Tricia Harrison, president of QCR, feels strongly that the population who is testing a particular medication should accurately represent the entire population it will serve. “We’re working on diversity because most pharmaceutical studies typically have a white/Caucasian population, and we are trying to work to say ‘okay, let’s see how these medications act on different cultures’ so diversity needs to be there,” said Tricia. “Otherwise, these medications are getting prescribed to people they’ve never been tested on.” QCR hopes to break the stigma about minorities and people of color when it comes to clinical research. It’s become common thinking for individuals in these groups that they aren’t good enough to be in clinical trials, and this is untrue. In fact, their participation is crucial because everyone reacts to medications in different ways. So, until QCR is able to study all ethnic backgrounds, there is no way to get the full scope of results and thoroughly measure the success of a particular medication. At Quality Clinical Research, their efforts to rally a diverse population for clinical trials begins with hiring a diverse staff. In addition, QCR is going out into the community to reach different ethnic groups and educate them on how clinical trials work. There are currently several studies and trials in need of participants. To view these trials or learn about career opportunities with QCR, visit www.qcromaha.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
First, it’s important to understand the language that you may see attached to a weather forecast. Excessive Heat Outlook means you should be aware of excessive heat that will be coming in the next three to seven days. Excessive Heat Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours, and encourages area residents to prepare. Excessive Heat Warning/Advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions, and area residents should take precautions immediately to avoid heat-related illness. During heat waves, people are susceptible to three heat-related conditions. Here’s what they are and how to recognize and respond to them: • Heat cramps are muscle spasms, often in the abdomen, arms, or calves, caused by a large loss of salt and water in the body. Heavy sweating during intense exercise or muscle pain or spasms are signs of heat cramps. In the event of heat cramps, stop physical activity and move to a cool place, drink water or a sports drink, and wait for the cramps to go away before resuming physical activity. Get medical help right away if cramps last longer than one hour. • Heat exhaustion is a severe heat-related illness requiring emergency medical treatment. Signs include heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; and brief fainting (passing out). In the event of heat exhaustion, move the person to a cool place; loosen their clothes; put cool, wet clothes on their body, use misting and fanning, or help them take a cool bath; and have the person sip water. Get medical help right away if vomiting occurs, symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour, or confusion develops. • Heat stroke is the most serious medical condition caused by extreme heat. It requires immediate emergency treatment and can result in death without immediate medical attention. Look for a high body temperature (104°F or higher); hot, red, dry, or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and losing consciousness (passing out). In the event of heat stroke, first call 911 right away. Then, move the person to a cooler place; help lower the person’s temperature with a cool or cold bath, misting, fanning, or applying cool cloths if a bath is not available; and do not give the person anything to drink. To learn more about how to prepare for a heat wave, as well as what to do during and after a heat wave to stay safe, visit redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/typesof-emergencies/heat-wave-safety. The mission of the American Red Cross 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. Visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) RED-CROSS to support Red Cross efforts. AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business 35
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Whether you’re purchasing your very first home or you’re looking for one to retire in, Omaha has a wonderful assortment of homes to choose from all throughout our neighborhoods. Similar to our city’s great variety of homes is the awesome number of local experts that are well-versed in the home buying process. If you want to make sure that the home buying experience is just as great as your future new home itself, we recommend working with the following businesses and professionals! Always Adapting to Market Changes At Centris Federal Credit Union, you can find all types of mortgage financing, including Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, and VA, in addition to several niche programs designed by Centris. These include zero down payment purchase, a first-time homebuyer purchase with as little as $500 financial contribution, and a 100% medical professionals program with eased underwriting requirements for student loans. “The home purchasing market has been steady – although at a lesser rate than in years past. Our market, like many others, has been hampered by a lack of inventory and now rising interest rates. These two factors together will slow the pace of the purchase market even further,” said Vice President, Real Estate Lending Heidi Weeks. “However, we pride ourselves at Centris on being adaptable to the market changes while continuing to help borrowers achieve their mortgage-related goals. We create Heidi Weeks special programs and promotions to aid Centris Federal those who have been searching for that Credit Union perfect home, but now feel shut out of the market. This, along with our credit union philosophies, can make us stand out from the larger box financials.” Heidi advised that when looking to buy a home, it is especially imperative in this market to be prepared to make an offer quickly and confidently. There can be many options in lending to choose from. By talking to your lender early in the process about your goals and going with them through the full pre-approval process, the buyer and seller can be confident that the offer on the table is strong and ready to commit. “We have a limited time Mortgage Rate promotion that is going on now until August 31,” Heidi shared. “Details on this can be found at centrisfcu.org/2022-399-mortgage-rate. We also invite readers to contact any of our mortgage loan specialists to start having the important conversations about planning, preparing, and purchasing their first, next, or forever home!” Finding the Right Policy Take the hassle out of shopping insurance and have an independent agent – like Michelle Leiting with Midland Insurance Agency – find the best rate out there for you. Midland Insurance is an #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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Writing with multiple companies for personal or commercial lines Call 402-934-1075 for more information
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independent agency that has access to several appointed and non-appointed markets. Some of the options they offer are Nationwide, Travelers, and Farmers Mutual, just to name a few. Michelle is able to write most of your personal risks, as well as commercial risks, making them a one-stop-shop for all your insurance needs. “Each homeowners policy needs to be specific to the client,” said Michelle. “For example, does the client have a small business within the home? Does the client Michelle Leiting have enough water back-up coverage Midland Insurance Agency for the square footage of their home? It should never be a cookie cutter policy. Your agent needs to ask the right questions to determine what the best coverage is for their client.” Home buyers should also be asking certain questions when shopping for the right policy. Michelle offered her suggestions: Is this enough coverage to rebuild my house in case of a total loss? Do I have water back-up coverage? Do I have a flat deductible? What is the company’s reputation with claims? “In simple terms, the reason you need to have homeowners insurance is ‘to put your home back as it was prior to the claim’,” said Michelle. “Insurance can be cumbersome and just frustrating for most customers to understand. This is why you need an agent that works for you and has your best interest. Myself, I first point out to my clients how they would be covered in case of a partial or total loss. The next question usually is ‘What do I pay out for that loss?’. At this time I find out how much risk my client is willing to take on, which determines their deductible amount. Customers don’t wish to have to pay for insurance, but in case of a claim, they do want the claim to be covered. A good conversation with the client will reassure them that they have the best coverage to fit their needs.”
Lending – With a Personal Touch Pinnacle Bank offers many different types of mortgage loans that cover almost every borrower, including firsttime homebuyers. These loans include Conventional/Conforming, VA, FHA, USDA RD, and NIFA. The two programs that they offer for first-time homebuyers are NIFA and the FHLB grant program. Brad Joseph, assistant vice president/ mortgage lender, shared with us a few things that people looking to buy a home right now should keep in mind. Brad Joseph “I think a few of the most important things Pinnacle Bank to keep in mind when preparing to buy a home are credit score, funds for closing (down payment, reserves), and the home price range you are comfortable with,” Brad began. “To avoid mortgage insurance on a conventional loan, you must put at least 20% down. There is also an option to pay a onetime upfront mortgage insurance premium to avoid the monthly mortgage insurance if you put less than 20% down. Regarding credit, late payments and revolving credit balances are the two biggest factors of your score. Setting up auto payments is the easiest way to avoid late payments and keeping your revolving credit balances at 30% or below will help your score immensely. The higher your score is, the better rate you get and the lower your payment is. A high score is something to be very proud of and something to strive for. Finally, you do not want to buy too big a home where you are not comfortable with the payment. It is all about balance and your comfort level.” Brad explained more interest rate increases throughout the year are being predicted, though things should eventually ease and rates will head back down to create a great opportunity for buyers. Plus, as Brad pointed out, this will give those that needed to get into a home
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at a time when rates were high the opportunity to refinance at a much lower rate to lower their payment and interest paid overtime. “I think what makes Pinnacle Bank unique is the personal touch you receive from our mortgage lenders,” said Brad. “We are always here for you and, a lot of times, take calls and answer emails well after or before work hours and even on the weekends when a lot of clients are looking at homes and needing a quick pre-approval letter. That is our job and we are very pleased to accommodate whatever is necessary. We also give you our best rate. We have a reputation for having the best rates around and we are very proud of that!” House Shopping Made Fun Whether you’re buying your first home, your dream home, or your tenth investment property, Professional Realty Group of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (PRG) understands how important and big of an investment buying a home is. That’s why they have an army of experts ready to make sure they find the best property for your unique circumstances. “When buying a home, start by making a wish list and setting a budget,” said Ben Bleicher, team lead and realtor. “We can help you choose a lender to get you pre-approved for a loan, and then you’re ready to start house hunting. Search for your dream home on our website: www. prg-ne.com. You can even compare walk scores, school ratings, and neighborhood demographics for different listings.” When you save a search on PRG’s website, any new homes matching your wish list Ben Bleicher criteria will be delivered straight to your PRG of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices inbox the moment they go up for sale. When you find a home you love, your agent will help you submit an offer. PRG’s agents are skilled negotiators that know how to get you the best price and value possible. Once an offer has been accepted, they’ll help you navigate through inspections, appraisals, and closing in a stress-free way. They do all of this at no cost to you, the buyer, as they are compensated by the sellers. Keep the Home Buying Process Local Local community bank West Gate Bank places the interest of their customers and clients first and foremost. As a result, they process, review, underwrite, and service all mortgage home loans locally in Lincoln. With their mortgage team positioned in both Omaha and Lincoln, West Gate Bank is better able to provide top-quality and immediate service to their clients, realtor partners, and business affiliates during every transaction. They offer a variety of home products for interested home buyers, Steve Kucirek including Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA RD, West Gate Bank and NIFA financing. Mortgage Loan Officer Steve Kucirek offered us some advice to share with our readers who are looking to buy a home. “To access all of our first-time homebuyer programs, I would recommend that clients have a credit score of at least 640. This will provide the greatest opportunity and access to just about our entire portfolio of mortgage products,” Steve suggested. “Also, not all homebuyers are required to provide a 20% down payment. In fact, we have several programs that allow a down payment as low as 3%, or 0% down for veteran VA home loans. “As a veteran myself, I specialize in VA home loans and have assisted several dozen military members in purchasing a home (often site-unseen) during a PCS move,” Steve continued. “In fact, I have assisted clients moving to Omaha while they were stationed in Korea, England, Guam, Germany, France, and Australia! As #PrintProudDigitalSmart
a three-time Platinum-level lender with the Nebraska Mortgage Association, I have proven that virtually no challenge is too big to take on. I always value the privilege to serve military veterans and their families in purchasing their new home.” While the home buying frenzy has certainly slowed compared to several months ago, this has provided some additional opportunities for homebuyers to become a bit more selective of the home they purchase. This is something West Gate Bank is honored to help their clients do. “As members of the community, we value the customer experience we provide and are truly privileged to earn the trust of our clients while we work with them while buying their new homes.” Custom Storage Solutions You did it, you found the perfect home – except the storage situation is not what you had hoped it would be. Don’t let this scare you away! ShelfGenie can help you fix your storage problems by providing custom glide-out shelves for new or existing cabinets. These solutions turn everyday frustrations into joy by giving you up to 50% more storage and better accessibility to the items in your cabinets. Whether you need storage solutions in the kitchen, pantry, bathroom, closet, or a creative space, ShelfGenie’s team of professionals can create a custom answer for you. To start the process, a designer from ShelfGenie will visit your home – in-person or virtually – to generate a 3D rendering of your custom solution in real time at no cost or obligation. Once you’ve decided on the solutions you want to implement into your home, a ShelfGenie-certified installer will schedule a field measurement, and a manufacturing team will begin hand-crafting your shelves out of the high-quality, durable materials and finishes you select. Finally, a ShelfGenie installer will return to your home to install your storage solutions, and you’ll be ready to enjoy them by the end of the day. Ready to make the first move on purchasing your future home? You’ve got this! We encourage you to work with these local experts for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Nebraska is gratitude, because each day is a gift. Bank
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by Devyn Sanderson Before diving into wedding and marriage talk, let’s remind ourselves why we’re here in the first place: love. To do this, I’d like to share a quote by Esther Perel. “Love is a vessel that contains both security and adventure, and commitment offers one of the great luxuries of life: time. Marriage is not the end of romance, it is the beginning.” Planning a wedding is such an exciting time, espeically as you do it with that special person who has captured your heart and wants to do forever with you, and you with them. Our hope for any couple planning a wedding is that it is an enjoyable process. Many would call this time of year “wedding season”, a statement that is backed by a quick Google search that produces an average answer of late spring to early fall being the most popular time to have a wedding. However, some may be wondering...does wedding season ever really end? There may be a slow period during the colder months where wedding celebrations aren’t taking place, but if you look behind the scenes, there are many brides, grooms, parents, and other family members; wedding party members; and more who are spending their hours past 5 p.m. or on the weekends going to tastings, trying on dresses or suits, touring venues, or trying to decide if the DIY route is really worth it.
“Our customer service truly enhances the wedding experience,” shared Kimmylea Konsel-Taylor, owner and designer. “We are alongside our client every step of the way to ensure everything goes smoothly. Our planning professionals can be reached at any time if questions arise during the process. Additional face-toface meetings can be arranged to make the client feel more comfortable. We also have a creative design team that can take our client’s vision and ideas to a new level, Konsel-Taylor so the event is originally and uniquely Kimmylea LimeLight Expressions theirs from beginning to end.”
Event Planning LimeLight Expressions is a full service event planning and design company. We’ll handle all your event details from start to finish, customized to your satisfaction. When you’re in the LimeLight, your event promises to be one of a kind and unforgettable.
When I’m not at my desk working on editorial with the awesome Strictly Business team, I’m probably browsing Pinterest and looking for ways to DIY as much as I can for my very own upcoming wedding (yep, I’m definitely one of those brides!). Not everything can be done on your own, though – and it’s so relieving knowing that Omaha has so many wonderful and talented professionals right around the corner that are ready to help you make you and your partner’s dream day become a reality. Here are some of the Strictly Business team’s recommended vendors! Planning Professionals Wouldn’t a one-stop-shop event planning company make planning for a wedding so much easier? Luckily, you can find just that in LimeLight Expressions. Their goal is to make the entire process stress-free – not only for the client, but also for their family and friends. From start to finish, they will handle all your event needs and every detail so that everyone can truly relax and enjoy the event to the fullest. The family-owned and operated business has been offering their services to the area since 2007 and has received over 22 awards in the event planning industry. Their business model is unique because they prioritize building relationships with their clients and establishing trust through consistent communication. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
[If you’re] looking for ONE STOP event planning, this is the BEST COMPANY in OMAHA! Check them out! – Justin V.
Reach out today so we can put YOU in the LimeLight!
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AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business
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have fitness equipment in every guest room so no one will feel like they have to get out of their fitness routine, even during the hustle and bustle of a wedding. You can also count on us for a wide variety of great tasting, good-for-you foods that are freshly prepared and fully customizable. Whether you’re focused on heart healthy or gluten-free noshes, simple and natural choices can be found at Cork & Kale™ Market and Bar in the hotel.” EVEN Hotels in Omaha is located at 2220 Farnam St., just a few blocks away from The Old Market historic district, making it a convenient choice of lodging for downtown venues or guests who are looking to venture out of their rooms in their free time. “We have a lot of very flexible meeting spaces for all sizes of events, as well as suites that can be utilized for smaller groups or gatherings,” Paige explained. “EVEN Hotels understands the convenience that comes with having everything in one location – especially for your out-of-town guests – and that’s why we are happy to work with you to plan and coordinate your events within the hotel.”
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Kimmylea encourages soon-to-be-married couples to establish a budget ahead of time and schedule a consultation with a professional planner early in the process. A budget sets realistic goals on where your vision can take you, and the planner will advise how to get the most out of every dollar. Whether it’s modest or elaborate, an established budget and professional plan can assist in prioritizing event items. “Your wedding should be a reflection of you and your spouse, as well as your vision, rather than of the planner!” Kimmylea said. “A professional planner will keep this in mind while assisting the bride and groom in the creation, vision, and design of their wedding day. An experienced planner creates a stress-free process from the first meeting, to the ceremony, and throughout the reception. As the wedding approaches, keep in mind there are things that cannot be controlled, but a good planner will already have thought of these things and have a backup plan in place. Wedding planners are there to help things go smoothly, put out any fires prior to you even knowing about them, or shift gears in a new direction to make the day unforgettable.” Wedding Wellness EVEN Hotels – Omaha Downtown is where travel and balance meet for a healthy relationship, no matter where you go. They’re a fabulous choice of stay for your guests and wedding party members to help them maintain their wellness routine amidst all of the craziness that can come with a wedding weekend. “Our hotel is all about wellness,” said Paige Hadan Paige Hadan, corporate director of sales EVEN Hotels – & revenue at Anant Operations Inc., which Omaha Downtown oversees EVEN Hotels in Omaha. “We 42 Strictly Business AUGUST 2022
If you are hitting the gym in preparation for your big day, get a boost from Any Body Supplements Omaha. The supplement and vitamin shoppe offers protein, pre-workouts, muscle growth, recovery, weight loss, pre/postnatal, and many more different types of supplements. Interested in checking out what they have to offer, but new to the world of supplements and/or working out? That’s no problem – the team at Any Body Supplements is here to help anybody with any body. From beginners to professional athletes, and those who want to lose some weight, those who want to maintain, or those who want to gain some muscle, Any Body Supplements has something for you. With all of the factors that go into planning your wedding, a little extra help in some areas is always appreciated – and Any Body Supplements can supply that help for you! Document All the Fun! Photo booths are a fun addition to any event, but especially a wedding. They encourage guests to have fun with their photos and also create a social spot that complements the other activities at the bar and the dance floor. We highly recommend FotoFunSpot as your photo booth vendor for your upcoming wedding. FotoFunSpot will assemble a photo booth experience that your guests will remember for years, and they can work with any size of wedding. FotoFunSpot offers a variety of different photo booth options, including a Mirror Booth; OMAHA360booth; Roaming Photo Booth; and their latest addition, Fonetastic, an audio guest book! The best part? They offer a print for every single person in the photo, for every photo. To print photos, FotoFunSpot selected from the fastest photo quality printers available. Their fast printers mean that your guests will get their own copy within seconds of taking the pictures. FotoFunSpot also provides a variety of backdrops to match the theme of your wedding, in addition to templates for photo strips, 4x6 horizontal, 4x6 vertical, and square photos. “Imagine having just completed the most epic poses with friends you haven’t seen for a decade, and your photo booth attendant hands the six of you two little blurry photo strips to share,” said Mitch Miller, owner. “That will never be FotoFunSpot! Every person in the picture is entitled to their very own copy – even the babies. As long as people keep taking pictures, we will keep on making prints for each person in it. Mitch Miller “Another unique quality of FotoFunSpot is FotoFunSpot our Memory Book offering,” added Mitch. “This includes the photos that guests took at the photo booth, as well as a special note they choose to write. We provide the album and all the supplies to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Our #PrintProudDigitalSmart
attendants will place each picture into the guestbook and ask your guests to leave a greeting for you. At the end of the night, you will have a completed book with warm greetings ready to take on your honeymoon.”
PHOTO BOOTHS
VIDEO BOOTHS
WEDDINGS
Slow Down for Self-Care It’s no secret that wedding planning can be stressful. When your body takes on too much stress, you will start to experience sleeping problems, fatigue, body aches and headaches, upset stomach, and more. This is why it’s so important to make sure that you’re taking the time to unwind before the weight of the stress collapses on you. We recommend visiting Harmony Med Spa for all of your self-care needs.
Heidi O’Connell Harmony Med Spa
“Harmony Med Spa is here to help you on the journey to your best self, and especially for one of the most important days of your life,” shared Co-owner Heidi O’Connell. “We offer so many services to help a bride or groom feel their best, from botox, facials, and waxing to IV hydrations, laser treatments (hair removal, IPL, tattoo removal, and skin resurfacing), and body sculpting. Brides and grooms spend so much time and energy planning for their big day that we really want to encourage them to make sure they are taking the time to care for their bodies so that they feel good, too.”
Whether you need that extra boost of energy, are looking to get a refreshing facial, or are interested in getting some help to really see results in the area you’re targeting in the gym, Harmony Med Spa can help. Everyone’s version of self-care and method of decompressing look different; that’s why Harmony Med Spa offers a variety of services to help all members of the wedding party feel like their best self. “We want the bride, groom, bridesmaid or groomsman, mother of the bride, and any other member of a wedding party to feel like their best self from the inside out for this life changing day,” concluded Heidi. “It’s just amazing to watch a bride or groom glowing with amazing skin that gives them extra confidence on their big day and will be preserved in pictures for the rest of their lives!” For Intimate Gatherings Small weddings have continued to trend, so if this is something you are planning for when it comes to your own wedding, be sure to check out The Wedding Barn. It’s a new venue located just north of Palmyra – less than an hour away from Omaha – that is ideal for intimate gatherings of up to 80 people. Owner Kelly Jensen explained that The Wedding Barn is ideal for more than just a space for a wedding reception. “The Wedding Barn is great for the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception, keeping everything in one convenient location,” Kelly shared. “Plus, we offer a package that comes with limousine transportation for the wedding party, as well as on-site photography. Even if you are planning for a smaller wedding, it still requires a lot of important details that can make the process stressful. We have created this wedding package, as well as two-day and weekday rental options, to help minimize the stress.” Kelly Jensen The Wedding Barn
The Wedding Barn is now accepting 2023 bookings for April 1 – August 31. Located just off the highway, you can enjoy a rustic, #PrintProudDigitalSmart
402.991.9200
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/TheOmahaBakery 10503 S 15th St. Suite 109 • 725 N 210th St.
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Aksarben Village 6750 Mercy Rd Suite 4 Omaha, NE 68154 harmonymedspa.net | 402.915.6659 yourbestself@harmonymedspa.net
rural atmosphere without worrying about traveling on gravel roads. Reach out to Kelly and his team today to learn more about how The Wedding Barn can help you make your dream wedding a reality. Sweet Satisfaction While many brides and grooms choose traditional, layered wedding cakes decked out in flowers or other decorations for their receptions, others choose trendy cupcakes, decadent brownies, or even cheesecakes for their celebrations. Any way you choose to go, The Omaha Bakery can make it special. Their reputation, experience, and techniques enable them to create the perfect wedding-cake design that makes a statement about your personality and sense of style or fun. They specialize in the latest techniques in cake creations, including rolled fondant, which gives you the smooth porcelain-like finish that is so popular today. Of course, you’ll probably want to do a lot of tasting to make sure the flavor is just right, too! Because The Omaha Bakery is a specialty bakery, they can also duplicate any cake you might see in a magazine or at another function and then customize it for you. You may choose a sophisticated elegant look or show your playfulness and sense of humor with a more whimsical style. It should also fit well with your wedding location, decorations, and the ambiance you are creating for your reception. One thing you can definitely bet on is that when you see the finished product, it will reflect you and your good taste. Have fun and let your imagination run wild! Are wedding bells in your future? These awesome professionals can hear them! Reach out to them today to take advantage of their wonderful services and outstanding knowledge of all that comes with wedding planning. AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business
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Employing Omaha
Every month, Strictly Business celebrates the accomplishments of local businesses and highlights the excellent products and services they provide in their fields. Our quarterly Employing Omaha feature is an opportunity for these businesses and organizations to also promote themselves as a great place to work and share with our readers what positions they are hiring for. Having a good employer brand is so important. Recruiting.com backs this up in a recent blog post, stating that, “With national unemployment rates below 4%, the war for talent is fierce and to get the right candidates in the right positions, your recruiting strategy can no longer be passive. To stay ahead of your competition, your organization needs to invest in building an authentic and compelling employer brand.” To promote your employment brand, you first have to define it. According to Recruiting.com, your employment brand incorporates several different components—from company culture to employee engagement! So there are a wide variety of topics to choose from when deciding what to share when you invest in recruitment marketing. Here are a few great subjects to cover: • Work environment • Work culture • Company values • Company events • Company rewards • Employee benefits • Hiring practices • Company news and updates Recruiting.com advices businesses to, “Focus on sharing information that will resonate most with your target candidates and differentiate you from your competitors. If you aren’t sure which information that is, take some time to research your target candidates. Ask your current employees what they enjoy most about working at your company, and find out what aspects of your employment brand most resonated with recent hires.” At Strictly Business, we truly believe that Omaha is a wonderful place to live, WORK, and play. We are honored to partner with so many amazing employers, and we are proud to tell you a little bit about a few of them in this feature. Whether you have recently found yourself “between jobs” or you’re curious about pursuing a new passion, we encourage you to read through the following write-ups to learn about employment opportunities at some amazing local companies. In addition, if you are currently with a company that is looking to add people to your team, please reach out to about participating in our next employment feature! 44 Strictly Business AUGUST 2022 #PrintProudDigitalSmart
“With national unemployment rates below 4%, the war for talent is fierce...”
Contour Construction, a commercial carpentry business founded and owned by Kimberly Remmereid, employs individuals who are committed to quality, safety, working as a team, and building mutually rewarding and beneficial relationships with the team and customers. Employees are given advancement opportunities, competitive pay, and an excellent benefit package. “I have worked for Contour since September 17, 2018. I remember that day very well because it’s the day I found my career and calling. Working for this company has been beyond incredible—the staff, the comradery, the family focus—it’s what I’ve always hoped for in an employer. I have been given opportunities to learn and grow in this work. Each one of us at Contour takes pride in what we do.” – Mark Armstrong “I can’t say enough good things about Contour Construction. It’s hands down the most professional atmosphere I’ve ever worked in. Contour treats employees with the utmost respect and will do anything to help us out. The benefits package is amazing and there is plenty of opportunities to move up in the company. If you’re interested in a great carpentry career, come work at Contour. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.” – Eric Lund Contour Construction is currently looking for experienced carpenters to join their growing team. You can apply online at www.contour-construct.com. What makes Lutheran Family Services unique is the passion t h a t e m p l oye e s h a ve fo r the wor k they do and the communities they ser ve. LFS has three primary areas of business focus: • Adoption and Foster Care • Behavioral Health • Community Services & Refugee Resettlement LFS has over over 300 employees, all of whom support the needs and work of these programs. It takes considerable expertise in the areas of human services, cultural competency, and emotional intelligence to support an organization with a mission that touches the lives of so many people. LFS has been a state leader in adoption services for 130 years. LFS provides counseling services and support to expectant parents related to pregnancy and support resources. LFS is also a leader in the field of Behavioral Health. LFS offers support to clients in the areas of Adult, Children, and Integrated Care. In 2022, LFS helped meet the needs of the global community when over 600 families from Afghanistan made their way to the Omaha area. LFS caseworkers were on-site at Eppley Airport to welcome these families, and to help settle them in the community. LFS offers outstanding benefits: • Competitive compensation • 403(b) plan with a company match up to 5% • Pay increases for obtaining behavior health licensures • Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans • Six weeks of paid parental leave • Two to four weeks of paid vacation per year • Paid sick leave and disability benefits • Telecommuting for certain roles • Paid Winter Break (LFS closes from December 24 -January 1) • Four paid personal days per year • Bereavement leave (to include pet bereavement) To learn more about career opportunities at Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, visit www.lfsneb.org/careers. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
We ’ r e p r o u d to be insurance nerds at FNIC! But why? Insurance is so boring. Not at FNIC, we are always learning something new and building meaningful relationships all while maintaining our work/life balance through a reduced work week and work from home options. We’re looking to the future and to make it another 100 years we need dedicated and motivated team members. FNIC was named one of the Best Places to Work in Omaha for 2022, and we’re hiring! Our current openings include account assistants, account managers, and sales executives. Learn more about FNIC and our career opportunities at www.fnicgroup.com/careers.
Since 1984 Stephen Center has partnered with the community, families, and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues. They accomplish their mission through three distinct programs—HERO Addiction Recovery program offering inpatient and outpatient services, Pettigrew Emergency Shelter, and Permanent Supportive Housing apartments. In addition to life-changing programs, Stephen Center has full-time and part-time career opportunities available for people who are passionate about affecting positive change in the world. Opportunities include: licensed co-occurring therapist, resident support specialist, donor relations intern, shelter support generalist, and kitchen assistant. Stephen Center promotes a diverse and equitable culture so all who are interested are encouraged to apply. To learn more about Stephen Center and to apply, please visit stephencenter.org/careers or contact by phone at (402) 731-0238.
First Nebraska Credit Union is a local, memberowned, and not-forprofit Credit Union. We have five branches in the Omaha and Lincoln area, and are always looking for people who have a passion for helping people! Our marketing department could write a lot of great things about us, but we thought the best way to tell you who we are was to hear it straight from our employees: “This is the most inclusive and positive work environment I have ever worked in. Everyone is eager to offer their expertise and help in every situation. We have the best management team in the business. We are like a big family and that includes our members. I know almost every member that walks into my branch, and they are appreciative of the first standards service they receive.” – Nicco “It feels good having a management team that makes sure you have the tools you need to succeed in your role, along with helping you advance when the opportunity presents itself! I’ve always felt like a valued employee at FNCU, and I’m happy working for a company that puts members and employees first.” – Heather “Being new to the professional workforce, I am so grateful to have been accepted by my peers and appreciated for my knowledge and skills, while also being encouraged to grow and learn even more.” – Andy You’ll find friendly people and competitive benefits at First Nebraska Credit Union! Visit firstnebraska.org/careers to apply! AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business 45
Duet’s roots date back to 1968 as the first community-based service p ro v i d e r fo r p e o p l e with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Today, we support over 500 people with a person-centered focus through engaging programs immersed in the communities of Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties. Duet offers a unique opportunity that allows people to build a meaningful and impactful career while enjoying phenomenal benefits. The incredible package starts with 100% employer paid health insurance, which includes medical, dental, vision, prescription, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability. Duet boasts generous paid time off with 11 paid holidays and accruals for sick and vacation that are rolled over each year. Duet believes that professional development is a vital component for all employees’ job satisfaction and growth. Employees are paid while in training and tuition reimbursement is also available. Duet also invests in each employee’s retirement by contributing 10% of their wages into a pension plan. Working at Duet is truly a rewarding nonprofit experience, and we are looking for people in all of the counties we serve to help us continue our mission to Develop, Unite, Empower, Together. To find a list of all our open positions, visit bit.ly/3AUsp3M. To learn more about the organization, visit duetne.org. Greater Omaha Packing, Co. (COP) processes 2,400 heads of the ‘nation’s finest, high-quality cattle daily, satisfying customers in retail, food service, and manufacturing. The company employs over 1400, most of whom operate in their main production facility in Omaha, and they are always looking for qualified personnel. There are a variety of career opportunities available for various skill sets. GOP offers industry-leading pay and benefits. Some qualified employees earn up to $30/hour. With overtime, employees can earn more than $85,000 per year. The Fabrication and Harvest Departments are hiring, and the starting pay is $20.25/hour. Plus, there is $2,500-$5,000 sign-on bonuses and a $1,500 referral bonus for a critical job divided and paid in tranches. Greater Omaha also provides employees with excellent medical and dental insurance and a 401k retirement program. At GOP, they want to take care of employees as a whole person and enable them to reach their full potential by promoting from within whenever possible. To support this effort, they offer a childcare assistance program where an employee can be reimbursed up to $9400 annually for related expenses through their local partnerships. They also offer programs for internal leadership and continuing education; GOP commits $250,000 annually to support ‘employees’ continuing education. For more than 100 years, Greater Omaha Packing has been committed to building a diverse, inclusive team of people from a wide variety of backgrounds and international cultures. At GOP, you’ll find that women and minorities are vital members of the frontline leadership team. GOP employees practice different religions, speak various languages, and celebrate different cultures. The Human Resource Department provides fluent speakers in multiple languages—Spanish, French, Arabic, and Burmese—to meet the needs of everyone. They also have an interpreter who speaks two Afghan dialects, Pashto and Farsi, on staff. If this progressive and supportive work environment interests you, visit greateromahajobs.com, call the employment hotline at (402) 5066421, or email gopjobs@greateromaha.com. Walk-in interviews are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at 3001 L St. (southwest gate). 46 Strictly Business AUGUST 2022
CFO Systems is a nationwide f i r m fo u n d e d i n 2 0 0 4 t o provide practical, experienced financial, human resources, and procurement leadership to small and middle-market organizations of all industries. Our vision is to be a collaborative partner who helps our clients grow to their full potential under a fractional, timeshare, and/or interim basis. Headquartered in Omaha and named on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies for five years, we are a team of CFOs, controllers, accountants, finance, supply chain, and HR experts from coast to coast with directors in multiple locations with a significant presence in the Midwest. CFO Systems Search & Staffing (CFOS3) was founded in 2019. With a local, regional, and national reach, CFOS3 offers opportunities in a diverse range of businesses, industries, and areas of accounting and finance. Our own background in Big 4 accounting firms, Fortune 500 corporations, and regional companies offers our clients and candidates distinct insights and expertise. Our services are built to suit your needs. At CFOS3, our selection methodology is detailed, personal, rigorous, and proven, and allows us to build lasting relationships that span careers and spur continued growth. Learn more about careers at CFO Systems online at www. cfosystemsllc.com or email careers@cfosystemsLLC.com.
Since its founding in 1991, FAMILY, Inc. has been a family support leader in Pottawattamie County and across Iowa. In 2012, FAMILY earned the Iowa Family Support Credential (IFSC) and a dual credential from IFSC and Parents as Teachers in 2018. FAMILY was initiated under the umbrella of the Loess Hills Area Education Agency (AEA) to support parents with at-risk children birth through three years of age. With the assistance of the AEA, FAMILY, Inc. was established as an independent program and 501(c)(3) in 2007, enabling focus on supporting families of young children. In 2010, FAMILY was designated by the Iowa Department of Public Health as the Title V Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH) grantee for Pottawattamie and Mills Counties, expanding the agency to include direct health care and outreach to children and families experiencing barriers to health care. FAMILY values respect, teamwork, and empowerment in the workplace. They offer incredible benefits, including: • Company pays 90% of employee’s individual health insurance and 99% of individual vision and dental • Offers both medical and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts • Matches up to 6% of employee’s salary contribution to 403(b) fund • Paid leave—new full-time non-exempt employees receive 192 hours (24 days) of paid leave in their first year and full-time exempt employees receive unlimited vacation time • Paid holidays—New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and all the working days between Christmas and New Years • Flexibility to allow team members to balance their personal lives with their work responsibilities with some opportunities for remote working FAMILY, Inc. has multiple positions available, including a maternal health social worker, parent educators, bilingual early childhood enrollment specialist, and more. View career opportunities at www. familyia.org/job-openings. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
TR Construction, founded by Todd Remmereid, is a full-service concrete contractor with more than 25 years of experience. With nine crews currently working on a variety of projects, TR Construction specializes in large-scale commercial concrete services, industrial, and structural concrete construction throughout the Omaha metro area. Providing his employees with competitive wages, great benefits, and additional perks is only some of the ways Todd keeps his team happy. At the end of the day, Todd can attribute his company’s success to three simple things: the partnerships he has built and can count on, treating his employees with respect, and showing up for every job ready to work. “We have great tenure with our employees and we continue to have the same talented and hardworking people come back year after year,” says Todd. “I’m thankful for TR Construction for allowing me to continue to do the job that I do. I’m happy to come to work every day and be involved with this team of great people.” – Nick Blanchard, project manager at TR Construction. TR employs a large group of construction professionals from ownership, office staff, project management, field supervision, and crews. The company is currently seeking construction project managers to join their team of professionals. You can learn more and apply online at www.trconcreteconstructionomaha.com.
Every business is experiencing staffing shortages; and every job seeker is experiencing stress during the application process—we are your answer. DES Employment Group offers long-term employment solutions that benefit both businesses and employees. We work with our employees to make sure we find a position that aligns with their career goals—we are like their match.com for jobs. Besides all the basic benefits that most employees should be earning, like healthcare, life insurance, and 401(k), DES also offers other learning and growth opportunities. We have implemented programs like tuition-matching, Rosetta Stone, gym memberships, discount punch-cards for local businesses, and advancement within the company. We also understand the importance of creating a platform for our employees to have a say in the future of the company that they work for, and that is why we created the Board of Advisors for our employees to participate on. We take the term “DES Fam” wholeheartedly, and look forward to team bonding events like our Summer BBQ or Holiday Parties. Staffing is HOT. Now is the time. DES Employment Group is franchising and wants to expand our presence throughout the Midwest. Everyone is looking for work, and every business is looking for help...be your own boss and make an impact in your community! Our total investment is one of the lowest in the nation, and if you are a Veteran or a recruiting professional (of 4+ years) then you qualify for 20% off the initial franchise fee. Territories available for Omaha; Lincoln; Council Bluffs and Sioux City, IA; Sioux Falls, SD; and many more across the nation. Stop by our office, 3318 N 108th St., to see how the magic works or give us a call to talk to our Franchise Director Katelyn Sethi at (402) 393-5700. More information can be found online at desemploymentgroup.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Your money has above and beyond people — Union Bank & Trust is not only recognized locally for this catchy (and truthful) campaign that resonates with its customers and employees, but is also nationally recognized for both its customer service and great culture. With a family-first culture, community focus, and genuine interest in the well-being of its employees, UBT is comprised of authentic, talented people who really care. From salaries and benefits to time off and wellness initiatives, our work environment keeps our employees engaged, challenged, and rewarded. Are you ready to join the UBT family and see for yourself that you belong here? Visit the Careers page at www.ubt.com/careers or email careers@ ubt.com. Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC.
As a member of our Boys Town team, you will have a unique role, both in the workplace and the community. No matter what your position is, you will contribute significantly to the care and treatment of those who turn to us for hope, healing, and a new beginning or a second chance. At Boys Town, our most valuable asset is our employees. We are proud of their commitment to making the world a better place for children, families, patients, and communities. Our reputation as a national leader in child, family, and health care is due to the integrity and professional conduct of everyone who proudly can say, “I work at Boys Town.” Now hiring for the following: • Behavioral Health Specialists • Case Managers • Clinical Therapists • Crisis Counselors • Family Home Program • Food Service Workers • Nurses • Patient Access Specialists • Psychiatric Technicians • Psychologists Learn more about career opportunities at Boys Town and how you can make a difference by going to jobs.boystown.org/boys-town or contact Tom Nimps, director of talent acquisition and human resources, at (531) 355-1785 / Tom.Nimps@boystown.org.
DON’T MISS OUT! This is an excellent opportunity for your business or organization to promote yourself as a great place to work! The next Employing Omaha feature will be in the November 2022 issue. Please call (402) 466-3330 or email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com if you are interested in participating! AUGUST 2022 Strictly Business
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#PrintProudDigitalSmart
If you know of a local, woman-owned business, tell Strictly Business about them!
OCT 2022 ISSUE
Calling all Women-Owned Businesses! In the October 2022 issue of Strictly Business, we will run our bi-annual “Women-Owned Businesses” feature to highlight the businesses in Omaha that are proudly owned and run by women.
“The world needs strong women. Women who will lift and build others, who will love and be loved. Women who live bravely, both tender and fierce. Women of indomitable will.” – Amy Tenney
FEATURE INCLUDES: Strictly Business is direct mailed to over 15,000 businesses in Omaha every month! With a 2–4 month shelf life and a pass-along readership, it’s estimated that 1 copy of the magazine reaches at least 5 people. Editorial features are published on our website as well. We are proud to have a strong online presence.
Photo of owner(s), business logo & 150-word write-up/quote
To participate or nominate, contact: (402) 466-3330 | Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com
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