Reaanddit Reap!
NOVEMBER 1, 2019
THE BUSINESS NEWSPAPER OF GREATER OMAHA, LINCOLN AND COUNCIL BLUFFS
$2.00
VOL. 45 NO. 44
Equitable Bank eyes Elkhorn to strengthen market presence
THIS WEEK 'S ISSUE:
by Richard D. Brown
On To College builds national clientele of high schools, colleges. – Page 2
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Impact of tax law changes, 2020 census participation uncertainties for nonprofits. – Page 3
In the last seven years, Grand Island-based Equitable Bank has grown deposits from its Omaha branch from $8.9 million to nearly $60 million, a figure that Community Bank President Doug Nodgaard said figured heavily in the decision to break ground near 202nd & Pacific streets for a second location. The publicly-traded financial institution, with roots going back to 1882, is aiming to have its 9,000-square-foot building in operation by October 2020. The bank will occupy about 4,500 square feet of the structure and lease out the remainder. Four to six new positions will be created in Elkhorn. The facility will feature an Equidirect teller, which will enable drive-up customers to tap a screen and then cash checks, pay on loans, check balances, do withdrawals, and make deposits in cash or check. “We've developed a great online banking platform and mobile apps,” said Nodgaard, a 30-year veteran of the Omaha-area banking community who notes that the new facility will Continued on page 9.
Community Bank President Doug Nodgaard … Expanding into Elkhorn along with new teller technology. (Photo by MBJ / Becky McCarville)
Air Methods provides lifesaving care with help from critical partnerships by Michelle Leach
E-commerce continues to grow, leads to high demand for office space. – Page 8
Air Methods is building its capacity to effectively treat patients during that critical “golden hour” when there is the greatest likelihood that medical and surgical care will be a true lifesaver following a traumatic injury. Its focus is on providing onboard blood-carrying capabilities across its Heartland footprint, in addition to its almost 40-year history of
investing in both quality training for clinicians and aircraft. “One of the biggest steps is partnering with a supplier, and we’re partnering with the American Red Cross to assure the quality of temperature of the blood is maintained at the base and during transport at all times, and that we have the equipment required to keep the blood cool,” said David Continued on page 9. Vice President Natalie Hadley … Responding to the needs of the visually impaired community by providing knowledge-based job opportunities.
Outlook Business Solutions expands opportunities for blind professionals by Becky McCarville
From left, Pilot Caden Johnson, Flight Nurse Peter Labosky and Flight Medic Gary Wood … Air medical transport and treatment services increasingly important as more rural hospitals close their doors.
Outlook Business Solutions, a separate entity and sister company to Outlook Nebraska, was formed to expand employment opportunities for professionals who are blind and visually impaired. As a 20-year-old manufacturing company that provides over 60 jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired as part of the National Industries for the
Blind and the federal AbilityOne program, the leadership team and board of directors of Outlook Nebraska wanted to expand into knowledge-based jobs and established a call center last fall. The unemployment rate among people with vision loss in America is a staggering 70%. “Our goal is to provide earning opportunities for knowlContinued on page 10.