Jan/Feb/Mar 2011 B2B Omaha Magazine

HOW I ROLL PAGE 10

SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE 20

Environment Omaha’s

Connie Spellman U.S. $3.25

WINTER

0

74470 63856

2011 0 1>

8

w w w. b 2 b o m a . c o m

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID OMAHA MAGAZINE LTD

OMAHA MAGAZINE • 5921 S. 118TH CIRCLE • OMAHA, NE 68137

Julie JulieVose, Vose,M.D., M.D.,is isonona amission: mission:find findbetter betterways waystototreat treatpatients patientswith withlymphoma, lymphoma,improving improving the thelikelihood likelihoodofofsurvival. survival.She Sheis isamong amonga agroup groupofofUNMC UNMCmedical medicalscientists scientistswho whonow now have havemore morethan than$100 $100million millionininannual annualresearch researchsupport. support.Pair Pairthat thatwith withhard hardwork workand andtheir their resolve resolvetotobeat beatthe thedeadliest deadliestdiseases, diseases,and andthe theodds oddsare arenow nowininour ourfavor. favor.

Breakthroughs Breakthroughsforforlife. life.

Businesses Are Buying Smarter The All Makes team is trained to help you make design and furniture purchases that fit your office atmosphere, your work style and your budget. Visit All Makes’ 165,000 sq. ft. showroom to see the latest in new office furniture, pre-owned office furniture and business machines.

Thank you for voting us #1 for 5 consecutive years!

Mention this ad and receive Free space planning and design. www.allmakes.com • Omaha: 2558 Farnam St. | 402.341.2413 • Lincoln: 3333 O St. | 402.477.7131

Thanks for Voting us

13665 California Street Omaha, Nebraska 402-445-4380

PUBLISHER

Todd Lemke

Editorial & Design Staff MANAGING EDITOR

Corey Ross CITY EDITOR

Sandra Lemke ASSISTANT EDITOR

Linda Persigehl

ART DIRECTOR / GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Matt Jensen

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

John Gawley

PHOTOGRAPHY

Bill Sitzmann • Philip S. Drickey Colin Conces CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Private party rooms from 6 to 40 people available.

Tony Endelman Niz Proskocil • Judy Horan Brian S. Allen • Aaron Michaels Beverly Kracher, Ph. D.

Advertising Department ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Gwen Lemke Greg Bruns Gil Cohen Vicki Voet Becki Jelinek

It’s Time To...

Pay-LESS

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION

402/884-2000

For Office Supplies!

TO SUBSCRIBE:

Send $12.95 for a one-year (four issues) to: B2B Omaha • PO Box 461208 Omaha, NE 68046-1208

A PUBLICATION OF Omaha Magazine

If you haven’t experienced all that Pay-LESS has to offer, give us a call today!

B2B Omaha is published four times annually by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208.

Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. Subscription rates: $12.95 for 4 issues (one year), $19.95 for 8 issues (two years). Multiple subscriptions at different rates are available.

No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of B2B Omaha, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations.

Locally Owned & Operated for over 24 years!

402-891-6210 13467 Chandler Road, Omaha, NE 68138

www.paylessoffice.com 4 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

®

Helping Business Do Business!

Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD

Well-organized events planned here daily.

Whether your event is large or small, at Doubletree®, we have the services, facilities and experience to make it a huge success. Your meeting participants will appreciate our comfortable, well-equipped meeting rooms; you’ll enjoy the support of our experienced and attentive team members who are dedicated to making your event flawless. And if you’d like to take all the work out of planning your next event, our well-trained Catering Team can handle all the details for you. When you have an event at Doubletree, you and your participants can enjoy our comfortable surroundings, caring staff and a warm cookie at check-in.

1616 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 346-7600 www.omahadowntown.doubletree.com Hilton HHonors® membership, earning of Points & Miles®, and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions. ©2010 Hilton Worldwide

Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 5

You Are Hiring?

Do You Know Who You’re Hiring?

Hire Us Before You Hire Your Next Employee

Hire Us

Before You Hire Your Next Employee Fast, Accurate Employee Background Checks

Social Media Works.

Fast

If it’s not for your business, you may be missing a vital connection.

Accurate

At Zaiss & Company our customer-based marketing communications plans include effective, business-moving social media strategies that deliver marketplace results.

Employee Background Checks

For marketing strategies that deliver real bottom-line benefits, partner with us.

933-9999

You’ll be in good company.

onesourcebackground.com 3032 S. 87th St.

933-9999

onesourcebackground.com 3032 S. 87th St. 6 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

Customer-Based Planning and Communications

Best PR Agency 2008 • 2009

964-9293 11626 Nicholas Street zaissco.com

OMAHA-METRO BUSINESS TO BUSINESS MAGAZINE WINTER 2011 VOLUME 11 • NUMBER 1

inside

N ow check out B2B O maha M agazine online .

U sing flipbook technology to give you a whole new magazine reading experience . on the web: w w w.b2b o m a . co m

FEATURES

FEATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Lucky Bucket Brewing & Sólas Distillery, Hand-Crafted Success

SPECIAL SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Best of B2B 2011 Voting Ballet

COVER STORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Connie Spellman, Omaha’s Green Vision

SPECIAL SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Buy Omaha Business Profiles

how i roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 Boyd Dingman, Born To Build social media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 0 Steak 2.0, Phone app doubles as grilling, marketing tool in the office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8 Ramping Up Productivity, Secret Penquin the know-it-all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2 That Giant Sucking Sound at the Gas Pump arts & entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4 Movie Mania

feature Page 8

column

furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Basic Office Ergonomic Principles

business ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 There’s Something in the Water

Check us Out on Facebook and Find Out How to Subscribe and get a 50% discount. Search for Omaha Magazine.

Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 7

feature

Story by Corey Ross

•

Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

“It was a pretty big financial sacrifice, pay cut, to become a commercial brewer, but it has paid off.”

Hand-Crafted Success Lucky Bucket Brewing Company and Sólas Distillery founder and master brewer/distiller Zac Triemert finds himself racing to keep pace with his company’s success just two years into the business

Lucky Bucket Brewing Company was years in the making before it finally opened in 2008, but it was a snap decision by founder Zac Triemert when the plant was being constructed that now seems a harbinger for the company’s success and an omen for its explosive growth.

When the construction workers arrived with a backhoe to install the floor drains and sewer system, they had nowhere to dig. The entire floor of the bay Triemert had rented in La Vista was covered with brewing production equipment.

8 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

Thinking on his feet, Triemert dashed to his truck and grabbed a saw. He cut a hole in the wall to the vacant neighboring bay, which he didn’t own, and moved his equipment there.

Recalling the moment, Triemert says he expected to be at best scolded by his landlord for his actions, but that wasn’t the reaction at all.

“I thought my landlord was going to be angry, but he was calm,” Triemert says. “Then I figured out why. It’s because he’s smarter than I am. He knew we’d never move!”

And he hasn’t. In fact, Triemert soon bought the neighboring bay and recently purchased a third. Managing growth is now Triemert’s full-time job and, like that wall, he hasn’t let much stand in his way.

“We’ve been fortunate,” the 36-year-old Triemert says modestly of his company’s success. Nebraska’s newest craft brewery, Lucky Bucket

has seen sales of its lager and two types of whisky but also about the industry itself.” ale soar.

Prior to Herriott-Watt, Triemert After founding Lucky Bucket, Triemert worked for Brian Magee, crafting beers established SÓlas Distillery a year ago to at Upstream Brewery in Omaha for six produce Joss Vodka. Those two products years. Before that, he was applying his have fueled Triemert’s business to instant microbiology degree from the University success, the likes of which Triemert conof Wisconsin as a chemist for Cargill. He cedes he never fathomed. was working in Memphis and then was In just the past year, he’s increased his transferred to Blair. His job was processing work force from four to 14 and is now amino acid for pig and chicken feed when guiding the company through its second Triemert decided it was time to use his expansion in that time frame. In the first education to pursue his passion for brewquarter of 2011, his company will roll out ing and distilling. a Cuban-style rum called Chava. And a “So I can make pig and chicken food, countdown clock in the company’s tastor I can do something I’m truly passioning room is counting down the 800-plus ate about?” he says, recalling the careerdays until Triemert’s first SÓlas Single Malt changing question. “So I made the change.

Whisky will be ready for retail.

It was a pretty big financial sacrifice, pay Triemert actually debuted the whisky is cut, to become a commercial brewer, but November at something called a “whisky it has paid off.” futures party.” Samples of the whisky were Upon returning from Scotland, Triemert made available for tasting and guests could began taking the steps to make launching reserve purchase of the first bottles at curhis business possible. rent prices, providing an instant discount He worked with state senators to craft Triemert’s Cuban-style Rum, Chava, will debut in early off prices from when the whisky is actually 2011. legislation to make distilling legal in released. The first bottles will be signed Nebraska, and, obviously, was successful and Triemert anticipates will have collector’s item value. in doing so. That accomplishment earned Triemert the designation The whisky futures idea was borrowed from distillers in Scotland, from Food & Wine magazine of being one of the industry’s Top 40 where Triemert attended Herriott-Watt University in 2005-6 to Big Thinkers 40 & Under. receive his master’s in brewing and distilling. Herriott-Watt is the He also has a patent pending on the distillation column that only school in the world to provide such a degree.

Triemert designed and is being used to make Joss Vodka.

In seeking the education, Triemert sought to perfect his craft.

“It allows us to distill a super-premium vodka on a small scale,” he Herriott-Watt provided him a chance to do so via access to some of says, noting Joss is made from Nebraska-grown organic wheat and the industry’s finest craftsmen. water trucked in from the Sandhills.

“I was able to run the distillery on campus on a weekly basis Being locally produced has undoubtedly been a major factor in his and get hands-on experience,” he says. “Besides that, I got to travel company’s success, but Triemert hopes that doesn’t remain the case. throughout Scotland and visit the famous distilleries and get to know “I’m hoping people see locally produced products and buy them the master distillers and some of the most famous makers of Scotch because they’re local,” he says. “But I hope people keep buying them whisky. I also traveled throughout Europe and visited breweries.” because they realize they’re a great value and choose them because of “I got a wealth of knowledge about not just making beer and the quality.”

Advocacy

To learn more, go to WeKnowChildren.org

Children sometimes won’t — and often can’t — speak for themselves.

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center acts as a voice for those who need to be heard.

Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 9

STORY BY NIZ PROSKOCIL

PHOTO BY MINORWHITESTUDIOS.COM

Boyd Dingman Born to Build

“It doesn’t take too much room to build a custom Harley, although it takes a bigger chunk of money.”

F

or Boyd Dingman, designing and building custom bikes gets his motor runnin’.

He welds, sculpts, pounds, paints, twists and transforms sheet metal, blocks of plastic and other materials into one-of-a-kind custom motorcycles. A longtime motorcycle enthusiast, Dingman built his first bike from the ground up when he was in his early 20s. In 1976, two of his custom bikes were featured in motorcycle magazine Easyriders.

Now 59, he’s as hooked as ever on the rumble of a powerful engine, the sparkle of gleaming chrome, and the thrill of creating motorcycles that are sleek, clean and fast.

10 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

Visit our new website,

featuring a blog with professional tips for your lawn, landscape and snow needs.

“We make your life easier”

OmahaFriendlyServices.com 402.932.5704 “It’s very much a sense of accomplishment for me to build something with my hands and have people admire it,” says Dingman, president of Dingman’s Collision Center in Omaha. “I really don’t like to have something like everybody else.”

He’s built custom cars before, but motorcycles are his passion. “I just really fell in love with the custom Harleys,” he says.

“It doesn’t take too much room to build a custom Harley, although it takes a bigger chunk of money.”

Besides building custom choppers, he loves to drag race and enjoys showing his creations at motorcycle events and rallies, including Daytona, Fla. His bike “Streaker” won Best of Class and Best Overall at World of Wheels at the Qwest Center in 2009.

Up until four years ago, Dingman hadn’t owned a motorcycle in 30 years. He sold one of his first custom bikes back in the mid-70s to buy a house when he got married.

“I had a business to run, a family to raise.

I took a break from bikes. Sometimes our toys gotta go by the wayside,” he says. “I never lost interest.”

Dingman, who today owns two custom bikes and is working on a third, was able to take up his hobby again because his son Andy handles much of the day-to-day business at the family’s two collision centers. A third location is under construction in west Omaha.

“That’s freed me up. Otherwise, I couldn’t do this.”

Though Dingman loves the freedom of the open road, he’d rather go out for a short, fast ride than a lengthy road trip.

During a mere 1/8 mile, his bikes can reach speeds of 100 mph.

“I’m not about going fast for a long, long ways—just a quick little burst,” he says.

“It’s fun to just have to hang on, and you better hang on.”

THE RESULTS ARE IN! The 2011 Best of Omaha® results are on the shelves now.

Pick up your copy of Omaha Magazine® to see if your favorites won Best of Omaha® 2011!

Now Available at Omaha Metro Area

Or check out www.bestofomaha.com to view the 2011 winners as well as past winners. Find information about voting for your favorites in future Best of Omaha® surveys, and much more.

Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 11

Go Green and Save Green with Commercial Recycling

Do you want to save money while being environmentally responsible?

Commercial recycling, in some cases, can reduce your overall waste expense.

Some companies have seen up to a 20% decrease in their waste stream.

Please call us today at 402-731-3333 to learn more about commercial recycling.

Deffenbaughinc.com

The The Retoner Retoner Inc. Inc. Nebraska’s largest toner and ink manufacturer.

Nebraska’s largest toner and ink manufacturer.

New and remanufactured cartridges available New and remanufactured cartridges available Free pick up and delivery Free pick up and delivery Volume discounts Volume discounts 100% guaranteed 100% guaranteed 7632 Burlington St. 7632 Burlington St. Ralston, NE 68127 Ralston, NE 68127 402-331-1417 402-331-1417

Special Thanks to our 2010 Spirit of Humanity award recipients.

Your commitment to fighting poverty housing is inspiring.

2010 Spirit of Humanity Recipients Wells Fargo Corporate Partner Presbyterian Church of the Master Faith Partner William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation, NIFA and Alliance Building Communities Collaborative Partners

12 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

The Best of B2B Omaha celebrates businesses that help other businesses keep the Big O’s economy rolling!

Vote for those vendors you call time and time again. The results are anxiously awaited and celebrated the entire year. The results will be published in the Spring 2011 issue, on the stands and in your hands on April 1! Only the ballot printed in this Winter 2011 issue will be accepted. Minimum of 15 categories must be filled out. We will not accept copies or faxes. Ballots must be postmarked by January 29, 2011.

Please mail your entries to:

Goracke & Associates, CPA, 12110 Port Grace Blvd., Suite 200 La Vista, NE 68128

Omaha’s Business to Business Magazine

Professional Services

Building Services

Accounting Office

Asphalt Company

Advertising Agency

Awning/Canopy Company

Architectural Firm

Building Contractor

Employee Benefit Company

Burglar Alarms & Security

Employment Agency

Carpet & Rug Cleaning

Engineering Firm

Electrical Service

Financial Planning Firm

Fence Company

Insurance Agency

Fire Prevention Company

Law Firm

Garbage Collection

Public Relations Firm

General Contractor

Social Media Consultant

Glass/Window/Door Company Heating/AC Service

Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 13

Janitorial Service

Travel & Event Planning

Landscape/Lawn Contractor

Airline

Locksmith

Audio-Visual Service

Moving Company

Business Conference Venue

Office Furniture

Florist

Painting Contractor

Golf Course

Pest Control Company

Hotel

Picture Framing

Limousine Service

Plumbing Company

Live Entertainment

Property Management

Event Planning Service

Real Estate – Commercial

Rental Service Store

Roofing Company

Travel Agency

Security Equipment/Systems Security Guard Service

Business Services

Sign Company

Advertising Specialties

Snow Removal Service

Auto Repair Service

Towing Company

Background & Drug Screening Service

Vending Machines

Business Appraiser/Broker

Window Cleaning

Business Forms & Systems Business Phone Systems

Financial Services

Cellular Service

Auto Fleet Company

Computer Service

Bank

Copier & Supplies Company

Credit Card Merchant Processing

Corporate Jet Service

Payroll Service

Delivery Service Internet Provider

Food Services

Mailing Lists

Banquet Facility

Mailing Service

Caterer

Office Records Storage & Destruction

Restaurant – Business Breakfast

Office Supplies

Restaurant – Business Lunch

Commercial Photographer

Restaurant – Business Dinner

Printer Uniform Supply Water – Bottled Website Developer

Voter Signature: ________________________________________________________________________________ Date: _________/_________/_________ 14 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

Story by Judy Horan

•

Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

cover story

Connie Spellman in Stinson Park at Aksarben Village, 60th & Center: “We’re trying to get people to be more efficient with the use of resources.”

Omaha’s Green Vision Environment Omaha has a new plan for Omaha’s quality of life that’s not just eco-friendly — it’s just good economics.

People talk glowingly about the quality of life in Omaha. But can that quality be made even better? Environment Omaha thinks so. The group is working to improve the city’s quality of life—perhaps even have Omaha serve as an environmental model for the nation.

Two hundred volunteers have spent more than 4,000 hours since 2008 developing a game plan to bring Omaha environmentally up to date. Now it’s kickoff time. The plan, approved by the Omaha Planning Board and the Omaha City Council, was put into effect with the new year. continued on page 17

Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 15

Looking for a better way to manage all your print projects?

We deliver a powerful, streamlined Print Management Solution when you combine our e-commerce ordering with our single source guarantee.

Order, manage, print and ship — right from your desktop.

Thanks for voting us best!

Business forms & services

13308 Chandler Road • Omaha, NE 68138 402-896-9400 • www.formsguys.com

IMAGING printing & graphics Check us out online TODAY! www.fuseimaging.com

Providing Quality Printing & Graphics Since 2002 9001 Arbor St. #205 • Omaha, NE 68124 • 402.505.3873 16 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

City of Omaha Planning Director Rick Cunningham says that half of the plan’s implementation is looking at codes and other regulations now in place to see what needs to be changed to achieve the Environment Omaha vision. Cunningham serves as Environment Omaha co-chair with consultant Steve Jensen and Mike McMeekin of Lamp, Rynearson & Associates.

The other half of the implementation is an outreach effort working with the community. Community partners already involved are Omaha by Design, Healthy Kids, Live Well Omaha, Alegent Health Care, Douglas County Health, and Metro Community College.

Goals can be accomplished with small steps, says Connie Spellman, Environment Omaha project manager and founding director of Omaha by Design. “We’re trying to get people to be more efficient with the use of resources…to think about reducing the thermostat a little or look at how many trips we make. Walk more or use alternative transportation.”

“We say ‘recycle, reuse, reduce,’ but it’s rethinking.”

The long-term effects should be noticeable over the years, says McMeekin. A decrease in the consumption of energy per capita. A decrease in waste per capita.

More people using public transportation.

Healthier people with lower obesity rates and more physical activity. Energy coming from alternative energy sources “and we hope to see all parts of the city having good access to open space.”

THE PLAN MAKES DOLLARS AND SENSE “There is much more than a feel-good motivation behind the plan, there are economics as well,” notes McMeekin.

Some information in this story is from a research study commissioned last year

by Environment Omaha: “Sustainability Makes Dollars and Sense,” by John Bartle, Ph.D., and Gerard Wellman, MPA, of the University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Public Administration. It is used with the permission of Environment Omaha.

Energy consumption. “A study by the U.S. military last year looked at energy consumption worldwide and, if current

cover story continued from page 15

trends continue, we could see a 50 percent increase in a global energy demand,” says McMeekin. “So when you think about our ability to produce energy, I don’t think we can keep up with that pace. On the 10- to 20-year horizon, we could see significant increases in energy prices.”

Building “green.” Although building “green” costs about $3 to $5 per square foot more than non-green, there is an eventual payback: • Green buildings on the average decrease water use by 40 percent and wasterelated costs by 70 percent.

• The energy costs of green buildings are roughly $5.80 per square foot lower than non-green buildings over 20 years.

• The average LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified) building between 2003 and 2007 sold for 10 percent more than nonLEED buildings.

• A LEED-certified building is 8 percent more energy efficient than a non-LEED certified building.

• Buildings cause 50 percent of the nation’s carbon emissions, affecting the cost of health care.

• Employees are more productive and happier. “The air quality is better, there is natural lighting, and other things that contribute to health and less time away from work,” says McMeekin.

Struggling in these difficult economic times?

We Can Help!

We’re Confidential and Counseling is FREE

402-333-2227 www.cccsn.org

Call us for free confidential counseling if you are behind in your mortgage payment, credit card payments, or struggling to make ends meet. We are your local community service agency.

Call today 333-2775 • • • • • •

Extended Equipment Life Increased Comfort Levels Priority Response Time Reduced Risk of Breakdowns 15% Discount on Needed Repairs Budgetary Control

Brian Murphy (Commercial Accounts Manager) and Dennis Smart (Service Manager) will put together a “Planned Maintenance” package to suit your needs.

11701 Centennial Road #1 • La Vista, Nebraska 68128 • www.controlledcomfort.com

Containing the sprawl. Omaha compares well with other U.S. cities in its sprawl to the suburbs—the fifth leastsprawling metro area of the nation’s 83 largest metro areas— but keeping sprawl minimized is still an important goal.

“We’re saying, ‘Let’s grow in a consistent and intelligent way’,” says Cunningham.

“We do not want to stop growth, but instead use contiguous land currently in the city…[We want] a more vibrant city with a higher quality of life, which is good for businesses seeking to attract more environmentally conscious young professionals.”

Spellman says decreasing sprawl will have a beneficial economic impact, because focusing density along major commercial corridors, infill projects, and mixed-use centers such as Aksarben Village and Mutual of Omaha’s Midtown Crossing will reduce costs of infrastructure and services Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 17

65 Years of Business in Omaha!

New Chivari Chairs and Dance Floor Fall of 2010

Thank You For Voting Us Best of B2B! 4315 South 50th Street • 402.733.5500

Experience the sophisticated

AMERICAN DISCOUNT AWARDS, INC.

elegance of The Scouler Building Ballroom and make your once-in-a-lifetime wedding dreams come true.

Quality At A Price You Can Afford!

Under New Ownership 4855 S. 137th Street • Omaha, NE 68137 • 402-895-7409

Do you feel like you’re just feeding the meter?

For more than 30 years, Bland & Associates, P.C. has taken an active role assisting business owners grow the financial success and security of their businesses and their families. Our reward lies in the personal relationships we build...not in the hours we bill.

Call us today and experience the distinctive differences our clients enjoy: 397.8822

18 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

cover story

Omaha’s Master Plan Environment Omaha celebrated the new year by seeing its vision folded into the City of Omaha’s master plan, which was first developed in 1915 and most recently updated in 1997.

“We are amending the city’s comprehensive master plan by adopting the Environment Omaha initiative as an environmental element with more specific goals,” said City of Omaha planning director Rick Cunningham. “The idea is that the City of Omaha would be a national leader in achieving these goals.”

Environment Omaha, a partnership of the City of Omaha, Omaha by Design and other community partners, is focused on five categories. See more information at environmentomaha.com: 1.

Natural Environment. Protect, preserve and promote its smartest use.

2.

Building Construction. Smarter buildings at home and at work.

3.

Resource Conservation. Reduce, reuse and redefine Omaha.

4.

Urban Form and Transportation. Wise use of land and transportation alternatives.

5.

Community Health. Active, safe and healthy living for all.

The fifth category—community health—is unique when you look at other cities’ plans, says Environment Omaha Project Manager Connie Spellman. But the city has good reason to add health to its environmental list. Twenty-nine percent of Nebraskans are obese; Omaha ranks 142 out of 182 cities in obesity.

“Everything we’re addressing is designed to improve quality of life for us and future generations—noise pollution, healthy buildings, a walkable city,” Spellman says. “The way we’re operating now is not sustainable.”

Environment Omaha is funded by the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA), Missouri River Papio NRD, and the City of Omaha through the Storm Water Management grant from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality.

Recognition

in suburban areas.

The denser the city, the more efficient it is in delivering city services, says McMeekin. “If we’re taking up less land, that translates into lower taxes over time.”

Parks enhance land values. In Washington, D.C., some properties near a park are 5 percent more valuable.

Save a tree, save money. Omaha’s canopy of trees covers 21.2 percent of the city, half of the coverage they provided in 1977.

The estimated 3.9 million trees capture 21 trillion gallons of rainwater yearly, which would otherwise fill the city’s drainage systems; remove 689,084 tons of carbon from the air; reduce air conditioning costs by 56 percent and winter heating costs by 25 percent to what they would be without trees, and add 1 percent to home sales prices.

The trees provide $265 million per year in benefits to Omaha residents.

Control air pollution. More people in the United States die each year from air pollution than from illegal drug use, firearms and illicit sexual behavior combined.

Reducing traffic reduces air pollution and the health costs that go with it (for cancer, asthma and other illnesses). Of Omaha metropolitan residents, 83 percent commute to work by automobile.

There are ways to alleviate traffic.

Vancouver, British Columbia, closed one lane of a six-lane bridge to give pedestrians and cyclists their own lane. Many people predicted there would be gridlock without the lanes. Instead, congestion decreased because people were encouraged to use other modes of transportation.

To learn more, go to WeKnowChildren.org

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center does more than care for children. We make families happy.

Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 19

STORY BY AARON MICHAELS

PHOTO PROVIDED BY OMAHA STEAKS

Steak 2.0

Phone app doubles as grilling, marketing tool

“The Steak Time app provides just one more way to share our steak knowledge and to connect with our family of customers,” said Todd Simon, senior vice president of Omaha Steaks.

I

f you’re from the Midwest and not a vegetarian, you’re likely of the opinion that any time is a good time for steak. Thanks to Omaha Steaks’ new smartphone application, you can have the electronic help of experts to make the perfect one every time.

Currently only available for iPhone users (although apps for the Droid and other smartphones are in the works), as well as iPad and iTouch, Steak Time debuted last month in the top 100 within the New and Noteworthy category and the top 10 within the Lifestyle category on iTunes.

It is available at no charge and offers informational “Steak 101” training, including “how-to” videos, tips for grilling and hundreds of steak recipes by category.

“We continually look for ways to make it easy for our customers to prepare and serve the perfect steak every time,” said Senior Vice President Todd Simon. “We felt that a smartphone app was an innovative way to share our steak expertise in a convenient and simple-to-use format.”

Steak Time takes the viewer through the entire “steak enjoyment experience,” Simon said, from preparation through cooking.

The most innovative feature in the app, according to Simon, is the grilling timer, a 20 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

function that enables the user to create a personalized steak timer setting for each guest. The timer indicates when to put the steaks on the grill and exactly when to turn them to achieve the specific degree of doneness that each guest prefers.

Best of all, using the timer eliminates the need for guesswork in grilling by calculating the logistics needed to ensure that all the steaks are cooked to perfection – from rare to well done – and come off the grill at exactly the right time.

“We have been perfecting the art of steak enjoyment for five generations,” Simon said.

“The Steak Time app provides just one more way to share our steak knowledge and to connect with our family of customers.”

Randa Zalman, an online strategist and senior account supervisior with the advertising and media firm Redstone, said smartphone applications such as Omaha Steaks’ app can create stronger relationships with those who are already familiar with your brand. Businesses can also benefit from the marketing potential.

“By being accessible, companies can improve user experience with their brand, offer education and functionality to the user and promote loyalty. App users have a reputation for being brand advocates.”

With smartphone applications, there’s an almost instant “likability” factor, Zalman added. “Companies can demonstrate that they are interested and engaged with their target audience while using marketing vehicles that are technology forward.”

The interest and response of Omaha Steaks users has been exceptional so far. In less than two months of availability, more than 70,000 people have downloaded the app.

In addition to iTunes and website advertising (www.omahasteaks.org), Omaha Steaks has directed people to the Steak Time app via media coverage and put and digital media promotion – as well as through Facebook and Twitter.

“There are a few other grilling apps available, but we feel ours is the most innovative and informative,” Simon said. “Our app provides everything you ever needed to know about preparing steak, and our steak timer feature eliminates the guesswork in grilling.”

Commercial Construction Green Environments Disaster Recovery Industrial Medical Education

We appreciate your Best of B2B Vote!

2606 S. 156th Circle • Omaha, NE 68130 • (402) 399-9233 www.sparklingklean.com

• • • • • • 14124 Industrial Road Omaha, NE 68144-3332

Hospital Construction/Renovation Financial/Office Religious Educational Data Centers Warehouses

402.339.2221

mclconstruction.com

best janitorial service

Keeping Omaha beautiful for 50 years.

fbgservices.com 402.346.4422

Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 21

buy

OMAHAprofile

The clientele of Black Clover Fitness lost a combined 1,600 pounds last fall. That’s a point of pride for owner Corey Cain and a testament to the results his fat-burning, body-sculpting programs produce.

Located at 3821 N. 167th Ct. # 130, Black Clover is a high-intensity training facility where clients are put through three 45-minute routines each week.

Cain, a veteran of the fitness industry, and his trainers help their clients reach their goals for improved fitness, nutrition and weight loss.

Cain says Black Clover separates itself from its competition with the innovation and preparation their trainers put into the workouts to challenge their clients.

“We’re different because of our level of preparation we take in planning our workouts,” he says. “Our team sits down weekly together to discuss the best possible workouts to help our clientele achieve the results they desire.”

Those workouts are carried out in an environment, Cain says, that drives clients to be their best.

“The gym atmosphere is exciting, and that is do in large part to my staff,” he says.

“They bring a level of passion and enthusiasm that is rarely seen in this industry, and that’s why they work for me. I demand a lot of them but every day they bring a level of professionalism that would impress even the Queen of England. Seriously! “ “But even more than that, they love what they do and they channel that towards our cliental. That, in turn, creates explosive, positive energy that can be felt by everyone.”

Helping people attain their goal is what Cain finds so fulfilling about working in the fitness industry.

“I was born with an entrepreneurial spirit and have always had an extreme passion to help people be successful,” he says. “I am one of those people who has always known what my calling was. Since the age of 14, I have been challenging myself to exceed my personal expectations of what I can accomplish in life. I consider myself lucky to be able to help others do the same.”

That ambitious spirit has Cain thinking beyond Omaha. He aims to take Black Clover outside the city and state.

“Business-wise, the next thing on my list is the expansion of the Black Clover Fitness. It is our plan to expand nationally. Eventually everyone will have a chance to be part of the Black Clover Nation!”

While he’s building that dream, if you can’t find Cain in the gym, you’ll likely find him pursuing his other passion - the great outdoors.

“The one thing most people don’t know about me is my passion for the outdoors. There are few things that will stand between me and my outdoor adventures in the woods or water. ” 22 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

Corey Cain

Black Clover Owner

168th & Maple www.blackcloverfitness.com (402) 991-7700

buy

OMAHAprofile Built in 1968, the Downtown Doubletree is an Omaha landmark and the second largest hotel in the state of Nebraska. Its 414 guestrooms and over 28,000 square feet of flexible meeting space also make it the premiere convention hotel in the state.

Thanks to recent renovations, those convention amenities now include the newest ballroom in the city. A $1.5M renovation in March 2010 transformed the 10,000-square-foot space from traditional to modern. Contemporary chandeliers, neutral-toned carpet and wall coverings, as well as a new sound and lighting system make the Grand Ballroom light, fresh, and adaptable to every need or occasion. The space accommodates everything from weddings to banquets of 300 to 750 guests to town hall meetings for 1,200.

Generations of guests have come to associate the Doubletree with high-quality accommodations and service. Kristine Sudyka, Director of Catering & Events at the Doubletree, says she hears about that history on a regular basis.

“The one thing I love about this hotel is when I tell people where I work, most people have a story about their experiences here and how much they enjoyed it,” Sudyka says. “The Doubletree has been a part of Omaha for over 40 years and has created many special memories for people. This hotel has touched so many people’s lives.”

Doubletree has built its fine reputation on the philosophy of CARE: Caring, Attentive, Responsive, and Empowered. That’s Doubletree’s service mantra.

“Recognition and praise for a job well done makes every employee feel appreciated, which in turn translates to a satisfied guest,” explains Katy Adams, Doubletree’s Director of Sales & Marketing.

Adams embraces that philosophy.

“I love having the ability to make people smile and make them feel like they are the most important person of the day,” she says.

Part of the Doubletree’s history is that, until 1998, it was home to Maxine’s, a downtown fine dining staple. The restaurant was so popular, the hotel still receives calls for reservations.

The former 19th floor restaurant space is now a state-of-the-art Executive Meeting Center that can accommodate groups of five to 100.

Instead of Maxine’s, guests now dine in the Signatures Grille, which features nightly themed dinners. And the City Center Pub and its “unrivaled” happy hour offers guests an option for a predinner drink.

With the recent renovations, the Doubletree is set to enter a new decade of entertaining the next generation of guests.

Adams says, “Our biggest sense of accomplishment comes from the satisfaction that we’ve made every guests’ stay warm and comfortable whether they’re here for one night or a week. Taking care of our customers with unparalleled service and all the comforts of home is what we strive to be known for.”

Kristine Sudyka & Katy Adams Doubletree

1616 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68102 www.omahadowntown.doubletree.com (402) 346-7600 Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 23

buy

OMAHAprofile Gorges Volvo was the first auto dealership to move into the Village Pointe Auto Plaza in the fall of 2004. This family-owned business has been in operation in Omaha for 26 years, and continues to thrive in its new location.

Gorges was named Volvo’s “President Club” winner in 2003 when it was still at its old L Street location. Since the move, Gorges has received the Dealer of Excellence Award every year but one, and is in the running again for 2010. The dealership ranks consistently in the top 20 for service among all Volvo dealers nationally.

General Manager Dan Gorges says the secret to service success lies in the personal relationships that come from running a family-owned and operated business.

“Unlike many dealerships that employ non-family to operate their businesses, you will always find a Gorges family member at Gorges Volvo,” he said. “We understand the importance of maintaining that personal connection to our customers and that has probably been the biggest reason we continue to grow. People want to be able to talk to a family member when they need to resolve something.

“With four family members employed full time, finding a Gorges is never difficult!”

Besides being rated highly for service, Gorges also ranks in the top 10 nationally in both in Certified Pre-Owned Volvo sales as well New Vehicle Overseas Delivery Sales. And the sales experience is certainly unique.

Customers have a number of options when purchasing a new or used vehicle. Many take advantage of ordering a vehicle custom and taking delivery at the factory in Sweden. Not only do customers recognize significant savings on the purchase price, but Volvo pays for the entire trip to Sweden, including home shipment of the vehicle.

“We have had many people extend their stay and use it as an opportunity to explore Europe. I think giving people that opportunity is what has made the program such a tremendous success for our dealership.”

In the used-vehicle arena, having a comprehensive Certified Pre-Owned program gives customers the security of purchasing a used vehicle which has had to pass an extensive inspection to qualify for certification. All Certified Pre-Owned vehicles also include a six-year/100,000-mile warranty, which is rated by IntelliChoice as the best in the industry. Knowing that the vehicle comes with the added protection takes away a lot of the fears of purchasing a used vehicle.

Sweden is the birthplace of Volvo, but the brand has certainly found a great home in Omaha, Gorges said.

“Omaha is a great city with so many great attributes. People are warm and caring and display traditional Midwest values. The city has a wonderful business community that works very hard to support Omaha and continue to expand growth. Our unemployment remains relatively low as compared to other cities and states which just aids our economy and allows Omaha to continue to support local business.”

24 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

Dan Gorges Gorges Volvo General Manager

17665 Burt St. Omaha, NE www.gorgesvolvo.com (402) 359-1500

buy

OMAHAprofile

YOUR LOGO HERE

The Retoner Inc.

Nebraska’s largest toner and ink manufacturer.

Met,us sim dignayour core business. feuismodiam, veliquatue New and remanufactured cartridges available Tell about feugait velesequi bla facillu ptatis nis et augait Free pick up and delivery Our No. 1 purpose of business is to remanufacture toner cartridges. We lorero essim iustrud dolore delendigna consendiat, Volume discounts don’t just refill, we remanufacture, which is a whole different process si blam quat velissi tie vel ullum quam esequatue entirely.

We open up cartridges, clean them out, reuse what we can 100% guaranteed eugueraesto er ilit dolor inim vullandre dunt vulput Describe your business.

and replace what needsertoilitbe replaced and then yes, refill. Most of our tat dolor.

Feugueraesto dolor inim vullandre 7632 Burlington St. customers just want to save money, as our cartridges are 100 percent dunt vulput wisi. Iquis acillam numsandre. Tet euipis ate dipsusto eugue volortinim. guaranteed.

However, we also have customersRalston, who wantNE to lighten 68127their carbon footprint and care about recycling and402-331-1417 being green.

Non henissim volorerit atum nulputat duisit wismolesse diamyour zzriure magna feuis nonsectem dolobore How has company grown? consequis alis amconum sandignibh exeraesse Our company grows 10 to 20 percent each year. Mostly from word of mincip.

To dolor sum vulla faccum velesto con hent mouth…somebody buying for their company, then buying for their nonsequate venis non estie ex enis dit iure feugait home use and kids off at college. We are now shipping all over the counate vullaore faccummy nim irit vel ut volorer aut non try.

We have recently joined a barter company, ITEX, which has definitely henissim volorerit.

picked up business.

Stum nulputat duisit wismolesse diam zzriure How did you get starteddolobore in your business? magna feuis.Nonsectem consequis alis In 1988, I went out to buy a tonermincip cartridge the company amconum sandignibh exeraesse ea for ex enis dit iure I was working for. We didn’t a lot of money, andnim when found out how YOUR PHOTOS feugaithave ate vullaore faccummy irit Ivel ut volorer autexpensive and wasteful non henissim volorerit atum nulputat they were, I was determined to find aduisit betterwismolesse and less expensive alternative. diam zzriure magna feuis.Nonsectem dolobore consequis alis amconum Did you havesandignibh a mentor?exeraesse mincip ea feum irit alit pratums andipisl autmentor lum nit exer te ero My father has alwaysdelenim been my and inci he was self-empratums ployed. Iandipisl. was lucky to see his struggles and how he dealt with

HERE

them but mostly how happy he was to follow his dream. I How long has your company been in business? had other jobs before starting this company, but my dad Ore feuguerosto odolore el exer sendiam zzriure consenim vullaor helped me realize my self-employment dream and I’m so eumsan ure eetueri llandreet eugiam, sim iliquatem enim alit dunt nostrud glad I did.

It’s been great and I’ve never looked back. consenim vullaor eetueri llandreet eugiam, sim iliquatem enim alit dunt nostrud eumsan vercin utpatum sandreet augue.

How is your company unique?

There plenty of places in thedifferent Omaha area that just refill carWhatare makes your business tridges, but only a handful that remanufacture. That’s kind of our from your competition? lor in utat conulput iuscilisi blamcon er sed niche.

We lam, fill the void between brand-new andexer refill,sit weipit have the quality lamet aliquat luptate magnism odolent ad doluptat delendigna and guarantee like the new ones, but our pricing is low because we do the er sed exer sit ipit lamet aliquat luptate magnism odolent ad remanufacturing.

YOUR PRODUCT/ SERVICE HERE

doluptat delendigna er sed exer sit ipit lamet aliquat luptate magnism odolent ad doluptat delendigna si blam.

Site a challenge you’ve faced,consendiat, and how you dealt with it.

It has been a constant struggle to overcome the old “drill and fill” mindset Why do you like doing business in Omaha? that people are used to of how things used to be done. They really gave Ut ut vullam quat. Os accum nullut adigna cor autpat. Et wis nosto eui eriure te the a bad name. iduismo Once people seeing ourquis quality etumindustry inciliquat am ipisisc dolorestart molore minciand blausing faccum delit ver products, tell the difference andhent the nonsequate product sellsvenis itself.non If they si.

To dolorthey sumcan vulla faccum velesto con estie ex havedit a question or ate problem, wefaccummy take care nim of itirit as vel if they enis iure feugait vullaore ut. were our only customer.

Met, sim digna core feuismodiam, veliquatue feugait velesequi bla At theptatis end of day, what you the biggest sense of accomfacillu nisthe et augait lorerogives essim iustrud dolore delendigna consendiat, si blam quat velissi tie vel ullum quam esequatue plishment? eugueraesto er ilitthat dolor vullandre duntpeople vulput and tat dolor.

I enjoy knowing ourinim company helps the environment.

Feugueraesto er ilit dolor inim vullandre dunt vulput wisi.and Iquis We also buy empty cartridges from schools, churches other oracillam numsandre. Tet euipis ate dipsusto eugue volortinim.

ganizations to help out local charities. We would like to be known for helping our customers get the best possible products and service for Questions may be substituted for those that are more relevant to your business. all their printing needs.

Your Address Omaha, NE 68101 (402) 555-5555

Marty Saunders The Retoner Inc. Owner

7632 Burlington St. Ralston, NE 68127 (402) 331-1417

Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 25

buy

OMAHAprofile

YOUR LOGO HERE

After 50 years of business success in South Omaha, Taylor’s Flowers owner Scott Taylor made the bold decision this year to move the family floral shop westward to Describe your business. the L Street Marketplace.

Met, sim digna core feuismodiam, veliquatue feugait velesequi bla facillu ptatis nis et augait The move has paid off.

Since relocating, Taylor reports the store’s sales are up 7 to lorero essim iustrud dolore delendigna consendiat, 10 percent and every month has exceeded the sales of the year before. si blam quat velissi tie vel ullum quam esequatue eugueraesto er ilit dolor inim vullandre dunt vulput “We haveFeugueraesto experienced aer50 increase in walk-in sales, a 10 percent intat dolor. ilitpercent dolor inim vullandre crease in Internet orders and a 10 percent increase dunt vulput wisi. Iquis acillam numsandre. Tet eui- in daily deliveries,” Taylor says. pis ate dipsusto eugue volortinim.

The move was a huge gamble, Taylor says, but a calculated one.

Non henissim volorerit atum nulputat duisit wismo“It wasdiam a huge riskmagna that took long hours of strategizing and role playing lesse zzriure feuismany nonsectem dolobore consequis alisMany amconum sandignibh exeraesse the process. demographic studies, customer surveys and research of other mincip. To dolor vulla faccum velesto con hent before pulling the trigger,” he businesses that sum relocated went into the decision nonsequate venispoint, non estie exwas enisno ditlooking iure feugait says. “From that there back.” ate vullaore faccummy nim irit vel ut volorer aut non henissim volorerit.

The success has been equally gratifying in that it has come amidst chal-

lenging economic times for the country and industry. And Taylor says the Stum nulputat duisit wismolesse diam zzriure floral competition is tougher than ever.

magna feuis.Nonsectem dolobore consequis alis amconum sandignibh exeraesse mincip ea ex enis dit iure “The Taylor name is still around and in business through the toughest of YOUR feugait ate vullaore faccummy nim irit vel ut volorer aut economic times in an industry that isn’t a necessity product,” he says. non henissim volorerit atum nulputat duisit wismolesse “We persevered against 1-800 this, dot.com that, shipping diamhave zzriure magna feuis.Nonsectem dolobore consequis undesigned box flowers by pros and super chain stores alis amconum sandignibh exeraesse mincip ea feum irit in a wantit-now, want-it-cheap market. survived best we can.” alit pratums andipisl delenim autWe lumhave nit exer inci teas ero pratums andipisl.

PHOTOS HERE

Taylor is the third-generation owner of Taylor’s. He left the real estatelong business years ago to take overin forbusiness? his father. More than a How has12 your company been Ore feuguerosto el exeris sendiam zzriure consenim vullaor dream, Taylor feltodolore succeeding father was an obligation.

eetueri llandreet eugiam, sim iliquatem enim alit dunt nostrud eumsan ure consenim vullaor eetueri llandreet eugiam, iliquatem enim alit dunt “It was a passion to continue on what my sim family, grandfather and nostrud eumsan vercin utpatum sandreet augue. father had started. ”

What yourinbusiness different Havingmakes been raised the business and worked every job in the from your competition? store, Taylor was well-suited to take over, and well prepared by his lor in utat lam, conulput iuscilisi blamcon er sed exer sit ipit father.

YOUR PRODUCT/ SERVICE HERE

lamet aliquat luptate magnism odolent ad doluptat delendigna er sed exer taught sit ipit lamet aliquat luptate magnism odolent adthis busi“My father me everything I needed to know about doluptat delendigna er sed exer sit ipit lamet aliquat luptate magnism ness,” he says. “He taught me the discipline, patience, understanding odolent ad doluptat delendigna consendiat, si blam.

necessary for the floral industry. He molded me to be where I am today. ” you like doing business in Omaha?

Why do

Ut ut vullam quat. Os accum nullut adigna cor autpat. Et wis nosto eui eriure te That pride oniduismo at a newdolore location, where Taylor says custometum family inciliquat amlives ipisisc molore minci bla faccum quis delit ver ers can findsum the same quality velesto and service they’ve been accustomed to ex si. To dolor vulla faccum con hent nonsequate venis non estie for than 50 years. enismore dit iure feugait ate vullaore faccummy nim irit vel ut.

“When putcore yourfeuismodiam, family name veliquatue on your door and velesequi sign front,bla you have Met, simyou digna feugait facillu ptatis nisare et augait lorero iustrud dolore delendigna to be sure you confident in essim your product.

We use only the freshest consendiat, si blam quat velissiquality tie vel plant ullum products, quam esequatue cut flowers available, highest and our staff has a eugueraesto er ilit dolor inim vullandre vulput dolor.at a fair price.” pulse on all the latest trends.

We offerdunt service andtat quality Feugueraesto er ilit dolor inim vullandre dunt vulput wisi. Iquis acillam Tetfloral euipis ate dipsusto eugue volortinim.

“We arenumsandre. a full-service business, serving consumers of all ages, cor-

porations and private organizations for events of all sizes. Nothing is too * Questions may be substituted for those that are more relevant to your business. small or too large at Taylor’s.”

26 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

Your Address Omaha, NE 68101 (402) 555-5555

Scott Taylor

Taylor’s Flowers Owner

12330 K Plaza, Omaha, NE 68137 www.taylorsflowers24hours.com (402) 733-2322

Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 27

STORY BY BRIAN S. ALLEN

PHOTOS BY MINORWHITESTUDIOS.COM

Ramping Up Productivity

Secret Penquin’s new space at Mastercraft

“This [space] captures the whole thing of Secret Penquin; be really productive, and at the same time have a lot of fun.”

I

n all types of creative design business, crafting a work environment that inspires innovation, creativity and productivity in its employees is essential to success, both artistically and professionally. Secret Penguin has created such an inspired workplace in their new home at the recently redeveloped Mastercraft Furniture building in North Downtown.

“We are happy with the building and everyone that’s here. It has a really nice energy and it is nice to be around people that do similar things and bounce ideas off each other,” said Cody Peterson, Art + Interactive Director.

As one enters the youth brand strategy and design agency’s new 1,250-square-foot space, unique characteristics and well-thought design intentions can be seen throughout. At the south end is an unpainted plywood conference-table/skateboard-ramp combo. The dual-purpose anchor, built by Jeff Chase, measures 8-feet in length, 4-feet in width, and stands 4-feet tall. On the north side is a removable 8-foot by 8-foot bank (also vertically adjustable for shorter people during meetings).

“We knew we wanted something in here that we could skate, and we 28 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

To make way for ample skating room, all four dark wooden desks, constructed by local builder Doug Kiser, line the middle of the west wall. Their layout eliminates the feeling of co-workers constantly looking over ones shoulder and gives a warm welcome to clients as they enter. Together they represent the finishing area.

Along the south end of the west wall is a workbench for concepts and sketches. Unfinished work will be filed in cabinets and cubby holes, while art supplies hang from above. This area is also made of unpainted plywood to further signify the starting phase of projects.

Across from the desks, a group of painted cartoon-esque characters, cut from large pieces of plywood, will hold a screen for the projector that will be suspended above the desks to provide the ability for vari“The design of the table was intended to be something that you stand up at so we could be more productive in ous presentation styles for prospecmeetings instead of sitting down and relaxing.” tive and current clients. needed a conference table. The design of the table was intended to Along the east side of the table/ramp, a painted on whitebe something that you stand up at so we could be more productive board will fill the entire wall. Lighting comes from below with in meetings instead of sitting down and relaxing,” said Dave Nelson, embedded fixtures running within the floorboards and a mesh Owner/Creative Director of Secret Penguin. covering overtop.

Nelson, an avid skateboarder since the second grade, began draw“This [space] captures the whole thing of Secret Penguin; be really ing characters while bored in class. He would hide them in his artproductive, and at the same time having a lot of fun. If we are all in work and the penguin eventually took on a life of it’s own. good moods our clients will appreciate that and won’t mind calling “It became one of my favorite characters to draw, and then when I us,” said Nelson. started touring as a full-time skateboarder, I had a [penguin] sticker With clients ranging from skateboard legend Christian Hosoi, to made and gave them out to friends. I started to get all these emails online martial arts motion graphics and video training, to the NFL with them posted everywhere so I made a website were we could and United Way, clearly Secret Penguin has captured the fundashow those. I took on design work for a skateboard company at the mental concept of productivity and is sure to meet their objective: same time and then it accidentally became a business,” said Nelson. customer satisfaction.

The Best Care for Children

To learn more, go to WeKnowChildren.org

Ever since we welcomed our first patient in 1948, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center has been a symbol of excellence in pediatric health care.

Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 29

Story by All Makes Office Equipment

office furniture

Meet local quality professional singles of all ages.

Locally owned and private organization.

Basic Office Ergonomic Principles Good office ergonomics ensure not only a healthy workforce but a more efficient and productive one as well. Whether your office is in a high rise, your home, a hotel room, or the conference room, the following three basic principles can make your work environment more ergonomic:

All applicants are interviewed and screened with criminal background checks.

We work with people who are stable and serious about dating.

681-6676

info@youruniqueconnection.com

New Year’s Special

25% Off All New Memberships!

Expires March 31st, 2011 • Must bring in this ad

Promote Healthy Movement Sitting in the same upright position throughout the day is not ideal for your body. It is important to move while we are at work – it stretches our muscles and promotes healthy blood flow. Follow the 50-10 rule. For every 50 minutes you work sitting at your desk, Omaha Love OPub Ad.indd take a 10-minute break. During your break, walk around, stretch out your muscles, mingle with co-workers, get a drink, etc. Do whatever you want, as long as you are not sitting.

Fit Your Space to You Humans are adaptable to many different postures and situations, but it is always better when we can adjust our environment to fit us rather than adapting our body to the products we use. Making sure that we have neutral postures as we work will ensure that our joints are not at risk of injury.

1

11/30/10 1:40 PM

“Taylor Made” for ALL your floral needs since 1950”

Listen to Your Body If you are feeling discomfort or pain, your body is trying to tell you that something is not right. Listen to the pain and reassess your posture, the adjustments on your chair, or your computer equipment. If your hand is feeling cramped from using the laptop mouse pad, you might consider using an external mouse. A few risk factors include: leaning forward at your desk, typing with wrists at an odd angle, raising shoulders while typing, reaching to use a mouse, and twisting your neck to look at a monitor or phone.

Over one-third of an average employee’s day is spent in the office, and if the office furniture causes discomfort and body pain, then it may create serious danger to your health.

Therefore it is necessary that office furniture, particularly office chairs used by employees, must be ergonomically designed. An ergonomic workplace promotes better work management and organization among staff, and also makes the environment more relaxed and pleasant.

For more information on office ergonomics, visit allmakes.com or stop by All Makes Office Equipment Co. at 2558 Farnam St. in Omaha to see the latest in ergonomic accessories, including: chairs, adjustable desks, monitor arms, lighting, wrist/foot rests, and glare filters. The All Makes’ team is trained to help you make design and furniture purchases that fit your office atmosphere, your work style, and your budget.

733-2322

12330 K Plaza, Ste. 113 www.taylorsflowers24hours.com Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 31

T H E K N O W - I T - A L L D O E S N ’ T TA K E N O F O R A N A N S W E R .

That Giant Sucking Sound at the Gas Pump

W

hy is oil selling for over $80 a barrel when there are reserves of more than a trillion barrels in OPEC countries? When demand continues to decline? When oil and petroleum product inventories are at record levels? When there are new oil finds in South America that rival the Middle East? When the plentiful Iraqi oil is coming onto the market?

Why is natural gas selling for about $3.50? Energy historically sells for the same price per BTU. Natural gas has always sold for 1/7th of oil. Yet, if that still held true natural gas would be selling for over $11.

There’s a disconnect between real-world demand and most commodity prices…

Something other than the pricing by buyers who expect to take delivery of the commodity they are investing in.

What would the economy look like in America if oil was priced where supply and demand alone would dictate? In other words, what would our economy look like with $25/ barrel oil? That answer is easy. America would quickly recover and the economic powerhouse would provide prosperity for everyone. Tax revenues locally and nationally would dramatically increase, thus eliminating the doom and gloom deficits we see today.

Regardless of the pie-in-the-sky dreams of the alternative energy folks, the American economy is anchored in oil. For the foreseeable future oil will transport us, make our plastics, and touch nearly every aspect of our lives.

PR firms continue to spread the crap about peak oil, increasing Third World demand, unstable supply, etc… The media, refusing to do any investigating themselves, parrot these false reports. So, who benefits from artificially high oil prices? Follow the money. Have a 32 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

FOR RENT look at the trades made by investors who never intend to take delivery. What you will find is an artificial market of trades by investors and funds, which dwarf the actual users of crude oil.

While we complain about wasteful government spending, and local governments cut back on their services to reflect the poor economy, the increased price of commodities is emptying your wallet. We are focused on taxes, while the biggest bite to our budget is the inflated price of everything we purchase. Something we think we can do nothing about. Three-card Monte or shell game, you pick. Our attention is being diverted from the real extraction of cash from our economy.

Historically the real price of oil is seven times the price of natural gas. That would be about $25 per barrel. Prices above that BTU equivalent price are due to speculators.

What can be done about this? Well, the financial reforms promised in the 2010 Frank-Dodd bill are resulting in the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) restricting energy speculation by the too-big-to-fail banks in their proprietary trading operations. Unfortunately for all of us, this bank commodity speculation is being replaced by “individuals” looking for the easy-money gains in increasing oil prices. Who are these individuals? The CFTC intends to figure this out. In the mean time, the taxpayer bailed-out too-bigto-fail banks are supposed to be winding up their positions.

The bottom line is that for the foreseeable future you will continue to pay speculators more and more whenever you buy gas. In addition, this speculation will impact the prices of most of your purchases, from cotton to copper to breakfast cereal. With the crazy profits made by Wall Street when in 2008 oil hit $147 a barrel, investors across the globe saw the light.

Heck, even ConAgra Trade Group settled a CFTC illegal trade charge for $12 Million when they pushed oil to $100 a barrel in 2008.

Now that Pandora’s box has been opened, the retched abuses in commodity trading will continue to milk consumers. I hope that the CFTC is able to at least shine the light of day on the most-abusive traders.

1,380 sq ft bay Will Build Out Low Utilities Great Signage New Restroom New Breakroom 8-year Old Building Camera Security System First Year No C.A.M. Charges Additional Potential Warehouse Space

Call Todd Lemke at 690-2808 ToddLemke@me.com 118th & I-80 • 5291 S. 118th Cir. Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 33

STORY BY TONY ENDELMAN

PHOTOS BY MINORWHITESTUDIOS.COM

Movie Mania With several new theaters in town, going to see a show just got a bit more complicated

“CineDine offers a full-service dining experience while watching a current hit movie,” describes Carlo Petrick, marketing manager for Marcus Theaters. Leather seats make viewing and dining more comfortable.

O

ccasionally, deciding which movie to see can be surprisingly difficult. Do you catch the latest romcom, during which a man and a woman meet serendipitously, are kept apart by hilariously unfortunate circumstances, then finally succumb to true love and live happily ever after? Will it be the latest action-packed blockbuster, featuring explosions, car chases, and an interracial buddy cop team? Or should you opt for the low-budget horror flick, starring a masked maniac that uses old farm equipment to eradicate unsuspecting teenagers? It’s a tough decision, and Omaha has made it even tougher. With the addition of five new movie theaters in as many years, the dilemma isn’t just what to see; but where to see it.

While some industry experts believe that Omaha might have more movie outlets than the population can support, each new theater is unique from its competitors and part of a larger development. “Theatres have always been located in and around community centers,” explains Bill Barstow, owner of Main Street Theaters, the parent company of Aksarben Cinema. “The location of theatres, for the most part, is driven by development and thus, if there is a retail development going in, 34 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

you probably have a real estate developer that planned for a theatre to be there.

Theatres can be giant people magnets that can drive a lot of potential shoppers/diners into an area.”

Undeniably, it’s Omaha’s rapid growth that has lead to the increase in local movie venues. In 2007, Film Streams opened as

Rave Theater Concessions

part of the Saddle Creek Records complex in the developing North Downtown District. Different from other Omaha cinemas, Film Streams is a two-screen arthouse theater that showcases independent, classic, and foreign films. Then, in 2008, Rave Motion Pictures built a 14-screen multiplex at Westroads, a decision that plainly made sense to Jeremy Divine, VP of marketing for Rave. The theater is located alongside an already established mall, in a bustling area with nearby restaurants and retail outlets. And, at the time, Rave was the city’s only all-digital theater.

Omaha’s two newest theaters, Marcus Midtown Cinema and Aksarben Cinema, are both part of larger developments, and boast characteristics that make them unique. Marcus Midtown Cinema is part of Midtown Crossing, a mix of retail outlets, restaurants and residences that continues to flourish. The theater, which was one of the first businesses to open last year, features a lounge on the second level and the cinema on the third level. Midtown Cinema is highlighted

by CineDine, a service available in all of its auditoriums. “CineDine offers a fullservice dining experience while watching a current hit movie,” describes Carlo Petrick, marketing manager for Marcus Theaters.

“Our theater was designed and built to provide the best movie-going and dining experience possible.” Marcus Midtown also features seats that roll and adjust, digital projection in all auditoriums, and 3D technology in one auditorium.

Aksarben Cinema, which recently opened in the Aksarben Village Development, is the only locally-owned and managed first-run theater in Omaha.

It, too, has embraced digital technology, and features a visible control room at the entrance to showcase the theater’s digital environment. “Aksarben Cinema has the highest population density within one mile of any theater in the market,” says Barstow. “The diversity of this population will allow us to tailor the movie-going experience throughout the day. For instance, during the afternoon, the matinees will be heavily populated with the high number of retirees and

young families in the area. The building will transition to a younger demographic from the university during the late evening hours/show-times. We have the ability to change our concession offerings, trailers, and even the lobby music to tailor them to the specific demographics we expect in the building at any given time.”

Additionally, Aksarben Cinema features a separate bar, allowing customers to enjoy a cocktail while watching a movie.

With so many alternatives available, like On Demand, NetFlix, and Redbox, multiplexes are finding new ways to provide movie lovers with something they can’t get anywhere else. Theaters offer a social experience that people don’t get when they watch a movie at home. “Theatrical exhibition has never been stronger,” affirms Barstow, “and every ‘event picture’ seemingly sets a new box-office record. The addition of digital advances and the expansion of 3D technology — not only for film but also for live sporting and entertainment events — are just a couple of areas that will continue to drive expansion of our existing and yetto-be-tapped new markets. And you do see trends, Barstow adds. The customer base for a movie like Twilight will be less likely to combine dinner and a movie, where other films will have more a “date night” crowd, with more people adding dining to the experience.”

So, now that Omaha has so many moviegoing options, one thing is for certain: While deciding to go to a show has become a bit more complex, it’s also become a lot more fun!

Strength & Hope

To learn more, go to WeKnowChildren.org

Sick children need more than medicine.

They need hope.

Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 35

Downtown Old Market • Riverfront

For Sale By owner Priced To Sell FaST!

Omaha’s

downtown

magazine

8519 S 159 ST OMAHA, NE 68136

4 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms 3,155 Above Grnd Sq Ft (approx) Privacy Fence • Shed Huge Master Bedroom 29.8 x 14.5 Walk-in Closets in all four bedrooms

By Chalco Hills Recreation Park Built in 2006

Visit lemkefamily.com for details.

Omaha’s picture framer for 25 years!

MALIBU G

A

L

301 North 78th St.

L

One Block N of Dodge

402.391.4628

E

R

Y

17010 Wright Plz.

The Shops of Legacy

402.334.0920

Residential • Commercial • Recycling Sales • Service • Rentals

Abe’s Trash Service, Inc. “Serving Omaha For Over 50 Years” COmmeRCial

• BOth FROnt FOad & ReaR lOad St YleS • SizeS FROm 2 - 8 CuBiC YaRdS

Pick up a copy of The Encounter at downtown retailers to find out what’s happening in Omaha’s Old Market, Downtown and Riverfront.

VISIT www.encounteromaha.com To subscribe go to: www.omahapublications.com

For advertising information call: (402) 884-2000 36 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

ReSidential

• dependaBle weeklY ReSidential tRaSh SeRviCe • 90 GallOn tRaSh C aRtS avail aBle • ReC YClinG and YaRd waSte SeRviCeS avail aBle

COmpaC tORS

ROll-OFF COntaineRS

• 12, 20, 30, & 40 YaRd SizeS • metal Open tOp ROll-OFF dumpSteRS • One-time uSe OR On a lOnG teRm BaSiS • COnStRuCdtiOn pROjeC tS, SpRinG CleaninG, neiGhBORhOOd CleanupS

• StatiOnaRY & SelF-COntained COmpaC tORS • C aRdBOaRd COmpaC tORS • ReC YClinG SeRviCe • we peRFORm all maintenanCe On OuR COmpaC tORS

COnStRuC tiOn & demOlitiOn •C&d landFill • C&d ReC YClinG • GReen Build SeRviCeS

locally Owned and Operated

402-571-4926

8123 Christensen lane • Omaha 68122 • www.abestrash.com

LET US HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT! VOTED OMAHA’S BEST ROOFING COMPANY 4 YEARS IN A ROW!

MARCUS MIDTOWN CINEMA • 3201 FARNAM STREET • OMAHA, NE

New Stuff from a Old Friend

An authorized Duro-Last Contractor.

is your solution for:

Cross Media Marketing Strategy Mailing & Postal Solutions Fulfillment / Distribution Digital Printing 1:1 & Variable Data ROI Analysis

HELPING KEEP YOUR EMPLOYEES HEALTHY Become a YMCA Corporate Partner Services offered • Membership specials.

• On-site health services & screenings.

• On-site tness classes.

• Lunch & Learn wellness presentations.

Proven Benets • Increased workplace productivity.

• Increased employee morale.

• Decreased absenteeism.

• Decreased employee turnover.

Brought to you by

4700 F Street l Omaha NE l 402.734.4400 l www.opzing.com

Call 402-977-4305 Winter 2011 B2B Omaha 37

business ethics B Y B E V E R LY J . K R A C H E R , P H . D.

There’s Something in the Water

I

SPECIALIZING IN

&

Ponds Waterfalls Large Quantity of Landscaping Boulders Available Today at Quarry Direct Pricing!

“Your one stop shop for all your water and hardscape needs.”

Landscape Design and Install • Boulder Bubblers Architectural Fountains • Boulder Walls • Fire Features

Free Estimates!

Outdoor showroom located at 216th & West Maple Road.

(402) 676-5579

www.carsonenterprise.com 38 B2B Omaha Winter 2011

heard people talk about it when I was a kid, growing up in the country south of Omaha.

I hear it today as I talk to Greater Omaha business leaders.

“There’s something in the water,” they say.

We are proud of the values that run, like the Ogallala Aquifer, through our business community.

We note that when people visit from the coasts they feel comfortable. They say we are friendly. Some of them end up staying (not too many of you, thank you very much).

“It must be those Midwestern Values,” we smile and say.

Well, we’ve heard this kind of thing for so long, that the Business Ethics Alliance decided to decipher what we’re all talking about.

So this year, we have embarked on a project to identify the core values of the Greater Omaha business community.

A leadership team was formed: Bill Bauhard, an established Omaha financial wizard; Janyne Peek Emsick, seasoned professional, president of Integ2, and a newcomer to town since she left Chicago to marry Mike; Laura Larson and Liz Winkler, two incredible young professionals; and I get to play, too.

We culled the Aiming Higher Interviews that Creighton University MBA students have done over the last two years of Greater Omaha Business Hall of Fame Inductees and Better Business Bureau Integrity Award Winner. We identified values that were discussed over and over again.

We took those values and their definitions to focus groups over the summer – groups that mirrored the demographics of the Greater Omaha community. We narrowed the list of values and refined the definitions. We took our results to the Business Ethics Alliance Board of Trustees meeting this past November.

Long and short of it – five values have bubbled up from the “aquifer.” Some of these values are moral values and some are non-moral. Since it is typical for

organizations’ core values statements to include both moral (e.g., honesty) and non-moral (e.g., customer satisfaction) values, we weren’t too surprised when we found both of these in our list of core values for the Greater Omaha business community.

Ok, before you read the list, stop and ask yourself, “If I had to articulate what’s in our water, what would I say?”

Drum roll please….

The Core Values of the Greater Omaha Business Community (with abbreviated definitions) Accountability: holding oneself and others answerable Community Responsibility: a sense of responsibility to the whole business community and not just oneself, one’s family, or one’s organization Ethical Courage: consistent ethical behavior even when difficult, unpopular, or comes at a cost Financial Vitality: achieving sustainable financial success driven by ethical management and systems Integrity: being genuinely respectful, honest, fair and trustworthy in all and to all; doing the ethical thing even when no one is looking; walking your talk.

Business climates are complex. No doubt there are other values that define who we currently are, and emerging values will help define what we will become.

But let’s start with these core values of the Greater Omaha business community.

We are going to dive into them, share stories around them (that’s an invitation to contact me), and create streams of engagement for CEOs new to Omaha, rising stars, young professionals, college students and our youth.

Stay tuned.

Beverly Kracher, Ph.D. Executive Director, Business Ethics Alliance Associate Professor of Business Ethics & Society College of Business Creighton University

Today and always . . .

look to your CPA for guidance

As the world faces uncertainties, our firm stands as a beacon of integrity in the local business community. Independence and ethical accounting practices are important to us.

Our firm is founded on bedrock principles . . .

Honesty. Independence. Trust.

1716 N.120th St. • Omaha, NE 68154-1300 (402) 496-7000 • Fax: (402) 496-7100 www.richardsonassoc.com Richardson & Associates, P.C., is a member of CPAConnect – a leading network of local CPA firms dedicated to their communities.

the one for satisfaction and speed Take advantage of the FASTEST INTERNET, up to 50 Mbps, with FREE ONLINE BACKUP and SECURITY SUITE. Protect your data from hardware failure, file corruption or accidental deletion with Cox Business, your local partner keeping your business safe and secure.

402.934.3223 www.cox.com

J.D. Power and Associates Award Recipient “Highest Customer Satisfaction among Data Service Providers for Small/Midsize Businesses”

Docsis 3.0 cable modem required to receive Ultimate Internet service speeds. Cable modem is sold separately. For users of Microsoft operation systems: If you are using an MS operating system other than Vista/Windows 7 (e.g., Microsoft XP), your registry keys must be updated to enable maximum speed performance. The maximum download speeds of Ultimate are up to 50 Mbps. Uninterrupted or error-free Internet service, or the speed of your service, is not guaranteed. Actual speeds may vary. Rates and bandwidth options vary and are subject to change. Services provided by Cox Business, a division of CoxCom, Inc. Services not available in all areas. Other restrictions apply. ©2010 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cox Communications received the highest numerical score among data service providers serving small/midsize businesses in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Data Services StudySM. Study based on 5,439 total responses measuring 7 providers and measures opinions of small/midsize businesses. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of businesses surveyed in September and November 2009 and January and March 2010. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.