Strictly Business March 2020

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BEN BLEICHER PRG TEAM LEAD

• SPRING CLEANING • EDUCATION • COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION • JOINING ORGANIZATIONS CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • DESTINATION: ORLANDO, FLORIDA • THE CHOCOLATE SEASON • ADD A SHOP BY SANDHILLS GLOBAL • WILDERNESS RIDGE • STAR CITY HEATING & COOLING • KRIESER DRYWALL & INSULATION

YOUR TEAM OF COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE EXPERTS IN LINCOLN.

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Morton Buildings

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MARCH 2020 Strictly Business

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

A Look Into What it Means to Partner with Strictly Business: Positioning Yourself as the Expert Last month, I began to address aspects otherwise be missed. I asked Annie what makes an effective of Strictly Business that someone who isn’t press release. familiar with the magazine may not be aware “I encourage our clients to make a bigger deal of things that might of, especially from an advertising perspective. seem like they only hold internal significance,” she said. “As an We looked at ways to create an effective example, if members of your team attend a conference or complete advertisement and then left off by introducing a training course, that is definitely worth sharing with the public. This the free, value-added editorial we offer our gives readers a chance to see the behind-the-scenes of a thriving clients as a way to tell their story beyond the business team. Highlighting the accomplishments and milestones of dimensions of their ad space. individuals at your organization makes a huge impact. Suddenly, the Regardless of the size of advertisement a client runs in our reader can imagine what it would be like to interact with your team magazine—whether that be a 1/16 page or and do business with you. A level of trust is built.” a full page—all of our clients enjoy the option also shared why it’s important for clients Original content and Annie of monthly news coverage and feature story to participate in a few of Strictly Business’s many inclusion at no extra cost. Our news section allows storytelling are essential feature stories. businesses to share their exciting happenings with parts of any great “We have an editorial calendar full of feature our readers. Our clients also have opportunities marketing strategy. stories that cover a variety of topics. These features to participate in special feature stories that give our clients the chance to share their advice and position them as experts in their field, and all of insight on topics that are related to their industry. this editorial content is promoted online through The purpose of this is to present our clients as the expert in their our website and social media. fields. By quoting our clients and including a headshot photo of Original content and storytelling are essential parts of any great the individual actually being quoted, our readers make a visual marketing strategy. Here’s what Sujan Patel, a leading expert in connection between the business and the story topic, whether that digital marketing, has to say about the need for sharing your story be senior care, automotive, construction, health and wellness, etc.” as a business: So, between press releases and feature stories, we give our clients “Telling your story is a critical part of building your brand. It helps different avenues to share their message...and this is something any to shape how people view you and enables consumers to begin business can get at any ad size! I will go into the benefits of even forging a connection with you and your company. Do it right, and more free editorial coverage we offer through features such as the you’ll put building blocks in place that allow you to develop a Star City Six columns and full-page Client Spotlights next month, but thriving brand with an equally thriving future, one that people buy in the meantime, I encourage businesses to reach out to us to learn from simply because they love what you do, what you stand for, more about including a press release or being quoted in a feature and the stories you share.” story that showcases your industry in Strictly Business. We would be Patel understands the immutable power of storytelling and how happy to share our editorial calendar with you. this makes a business real and relatable to the public. Our CoLet Strictly Business help you lock in your status as THE EXPERT editor and Writer Annie Carbutt, who oversees our news and in your industry, utilizing print, the internet, and social media. feature stories, has years of experience shaping and crafting Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330. words to tell important stories and deliver messages that would

CONTENTS NEWS 4 Business 26 Personnel

35 Nonprofit 45 Health

SPOTLIGHTS 20 Star City Six 49 50 52 54 56 58

Destination: Orlando, Florida The Chocolate Season Add A Shop by Sandhills Global Wilderness Ridge Star City Heating & Cooling Krieser Drywall & Insulation

FEATURE STORIES 61 Spring Cleaning

64 Education 66 Commercial Construction 78 Joining Organizations 2 Strictly Business MARCH 2020

ASK THE EXPERT 19 ComPro 57 Foster Care: CEDARS

COLUMNS 53 Friends4Lunch

55 Lincoln Chamber of Commerce 57 Downtown Lincoln Association 59 Lincoln Independent Business Association Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505 P 402.466.3330 • F 402.466.3476 STRICTLY BUSINESS is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submission, including letters, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to our unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially or creatively, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. Nothing may be printed in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. The publication of any advertisement in STRICTLY BUSINESS is not an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised.

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ABOUT THE COVER Professional Realty Group of Woods Bros Realty Your team of commercial and residential real estate experts in Lincoln.

Professional Realty Group (PRG) of Woods Bros Realty continues to reach and exceed their goals each year. This past year, the PRG team crushed their 2018 numbers. They sold $36.8M worth of real estate in 2019 compared to $21.8M in 2018, over a 60% increase! The team has their eyes set on $50M+ (and over 200 transactions) for 2020. Their stellar performance earned PRG the Woods Bros Realty Century Award for closing over 100 transactions in the calendar year, 153 closings to be exact. They also landed in the Top 10% President’s Club for another consecutive year.

The PRG team consists of Ben and Andrea Bleicher, Kim Erickson, Zach Brandl, and Mark Salak. Ben and Andrea are proud to be REALTORS® for Woods Bros Realty, and they founded Professional Realty Group because they wanted to team up with other agents who are looking to take their careers to the next level. Bringing over 10 years of combined real estate experience to the table, Ben and Andrea are constantly in pursuit of the knowledge and connections that could be of the most benefit to their clients in the Lincoln market and surrounding areas. They specialize in residential, commercial, development, and leasing.

Kim Erickson is the office manager/executive assistant for PRG. She was recruited to the team almost two years ago. She has over 32 years of LINCOLN • MARCH 2020

STRICTLY-BUSINESS.COM

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BEN BLEICHER PRG TEAM LEAD

• SPRING CLEANING • EDUCATION • COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION • JOINING ORGANIZATIONS

CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • DESTINATION: ORLANDO, FLORIDA • THE CHOCOLATE SEASON • ADD A SHOP BY SANDHILLS GLOBAL • WILDERNESS RIDGE • STAR CITY HEATING & COOLING • KRIESER DRYWALL & INSULATION

YOUR TEAM OF COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE EXPERTS IN LINCOLN.

Zach Wurdeman Morton Buildings

Tim Hahn

ALLO Communications

Taylor Olberding

Heroes Management Services

DJ McGerr

Decks Unlimited

Mitch Glause

West Gate Bank

Tara Ihde

Rock ‘n’ Joe Coffee Bar

real estate experience, and she keeps everyone in line. Kim manages all transactions, advertising, Pictured L-R: Mark Salak, Andrea Bleicher, training, and team Ben Bleicher, Kim Erickson, and Zach Brandl. members—she is basically the glue that holds everything together.

Zach Brandl joined PRG with six years of real estate experience and a plethora of knowledge in buying, selling, and leasing. He is a rock star on an upward trajectory. He started off by being a property manager and working his way to becoming a full-time REALTOR®. Zach has extensive knowledge on both sides of the industry—rentals and sales—which makes him a well-rounded asset to the PRG team. He is passionate about helping people find that perfect house to call their home.

Mark Salak is in his first year as a REALTOR®. He worked at Honda of Lincoln for nearly 20 years, so he knows customer service like no other.

Mark and Ben have been long-time friends, so when Ben asked him to join PRG, Mark thought it would be a great opportunity to continue his sales experience while trying something new.

“I’m not more proud of any particular transaction over another, but I am very proud of our team and what we’ve been able to accomplish. We intend to increase production and the size of the team in the coming years, and we are blessed to have the support staff we do with Woods Bros.”

- Ben Bleicher, PRG Team Lead

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Check Out Professional Realty Group’s New Digs!

After many years of working out of their Lincolnshire office, PRG has moved to the beautifully-remodeled Park One office building off of 70th and Van Dorn. Overlooking Holmes Lake, this new space serves as a “home base” for the Woods Bros team. Featuring two private offices and a conference room/shared work space, Ben and his professional team of agents are able to come and go from the office in between meetings with buyers and sellers, open houses, closings, etc.

Contact Professional Realty Group at: 402-419-6309 (call/text) |ben.bleicher@woodsbros.com | www.PRG-NE.com

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

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BUSINESS NEWS Star City BaconFest 2020 to Serve Creative Treats Using Bacon for Flavor April 19

Tracy’s Collision Center Celebrates 50 Years of Business and Excellence in Lincoln

Bacon lovers, this is the news you’ve been waiting for: Star City BaconFest returns to the Capital City for the sixth year on April 19 at Lincoln’s Embassy Suites.

Bacon-inspired samples will be served by several returning favorite restaurants, plus some Hundreds of bacon lovers enjoyed new vendors will be adding an evening of tempting treats their twist on bacon. An exciting featuring bacon cooked up by some new element this year will be of Lincoln’s most creative chefs during the 2019 Star City BaconFest. the addition of celebrity judges who will be choosing winners for sweet and savory categories. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with bacon sampling continuing until 7 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults, with children 10 and under free. Ticket availability is limited, so purchasing early is strongly suggested.

Entertainment will be provided by Screamers Dining and Cabaret.

Throughout the evening, BaconFest attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite bacon-inspired treats and purchase raffle tickets for a variety of prizes. The Grand Prize is a Traeger Grill. Hormel Foods is providing products for the chefs to use during Star City BaconFest.

Star City BaconFest 2020 is sponsored again this year by the Nebraska Restaurant Association and the Nebraska Pork Producers Association. Proceeds go toward scholarships for culinary students in Nebraska through the Pro Start Program. For more information or to reserve your tickets, visit Star City BaconFest at starcitybaconfest.com.

Tracy’s Collision Center recently celebrated 50 years of business and excellence in the Lincoln community. To commemorate their years of success, hard work, and cherished memories, Tracy’s Collision posted a series of photographs on their Facebook page to chronicle their years in business, including pictures from the grand opening in the late 80s and a new paint booth in the 90s, among others. Each picture is labeled with a “Tracy’s Collision Center: 50 Years” medallion in the corner. The photos received warm, congratulatory comments and emoji’s on Facebook—further evidence of Tracy’s Collision Center’s valuable place in the community as a trusted business made up of down-to-earth, approachable people.

Tracy’s Collision Center has been setting the standard in collision repair since 1969, currently operating two innovative, state-of-theart facilities in Lincoln. The North location at 4538 Cornhusker Hwy can be reached at (402) 441-4820 and the South location at 1500 Center Park Rd. can be reached at (402) 441-4800. Call today to congratulate them on 50 years of business and on once again being selected as #1 in the 2019 Best of Lincoln Awards for Auto Body and Paint Shops! For more information on Tracy’s Collision Center, visit www.tracysbodyshop.com.

NEDCO Awarded Coleman’s 2019 SBA Rural Small Business Lender of the Year President Scott Sailors and the team at NEDCO have helped finance hundreds of small businesses in Nebraska through SBA 504 loans, earning the company the title of Coleman’s SBA 2019 Rural Small Business Lender of the Year.

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The award, presented from the Bob Coleman Organization SBA Financing Experts, editor of the nationally acclaimed, “Coleman Report” (colemanreport.com), is particularly meaningful as peers in the industry recognize Coleman as an SBA authority relying on the “Coleman Report” for technical and leadership guidance in a number of areas.

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer released the following statement: “I applaud Scott Sailors and the team at NEDCO for receiving this special recognition for their hard work in helping Nebraska small businesses secure financing through the Small Business Administration’s 504 loan program. Entrepreneurs in our communities bring good-paying jobs and prosperity to our state, and it is important they have the resources they need to thrive, keeping Nebraska’s economy strong.”

NEDCO would like to thank their lending partners throughout the State of Nebraska and the surrounding states for utilizing NEDCO to deliver the 504 financing tool that brings low interest, fixed rate financing to Nebraska businesses both startups and expansions.

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NEDCO provides long-term, lower-rate financing for small business development through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program. NEDCO is an SBA licensed Certified Development Company (CDC). NEDCO partners with banks in the area to help small business owners expand their business. For more information, please visit www.nedcoloans.org or call (402) 483-4600. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Krueger Development Welcomes Trinity Gymnastics to Yankee Hill Business Center

Berry Law Selected as One of Top Three Criminal Defense Law Firms

Krueger Development recently welcomed Trinity Gymnastics to the Yankee Hill Business Center, one of Krueger’s commercial properties located off 14th and Yankee Hill.

The gym offers classes beginning at age 18 months for gymnastics, all the way up to adult Ninja Warrior classes. The team programs provide a competitive experience with the opportunity to choose a program that best suits your family’s preferences.

Trinity Gymnastics is a family-owned and -run business built of a committed staff with over 120 years of combined coaching experience.

They are dedicated to their students and their families. Trinity Gymnastics has been a dream of owners Vern and Dawn Moore for many years and they feel so blessed to share it with Lincoln residents. To learn more, visit www.trinitigymnastics.com or contact (402) 525-8396 / trigym@trinitigymnastics.com.

For over 30 years, Krueger Development has contributed to Lincoln’s residential and commercial marketplace by developing residential and commercial communities, retail centers, and multi-family residences. Family owned and operated, Krueger Development strives to bring long-term value to its clients and community. To learn more, visit www.kruegerdevelopment.com or call their office at (402) 423-7377 for information on leasing commercial space at the Yankee Hill Business Center.

Berry Law was recently selected by ThreeBestRated.com as one of the top three criminal defense law firms in the area. To be selected for the distinction, Berry Law faced a rigorous 50-point inspection, which included customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost, and general excellence. In 2019, Berry Law was awarded an array of honors and distinctions, including but not limited to: • Lawyer International Legal 100: 2019 Military and Veteran Law – Lawyer of the Year • US Legal Elite Awards: 2019 Personal Injury Law Firm of the Year – Nebraska • US Legal Elite Awards: 2019 Civil Litigator of the Year – Nebraska • Global Law Experts: 2019 Criminal Defense Law Firm of the Year in Nebraska • The National Trial Lawyers: 2019 Top 100 Trial Lawyers • Acquisition International: 2019 Most Trusted Criminal Defense Lawyer – Nebraska Berry Law was founded in 1965 by John Stevens Berry, Sr. With over 250 years of legal experience, Berry Law is well equipped to handle the most serious legal needs, providing client-focused and result-driven legal representation. Serving clients throughout Lincoln and Omaha, Berry Law practices in the areas of criminal defense, personal injury, and veterans law. Learn more by visiting berrylawfirm.com. For questions, email marketing@jsberrylaw.com or call (402) 466-8444.

ALLO Announces 77 Nonprofits to Receive Free Internet Service for 10 Years ALLO Comm unications, along with Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, recently announced the 77 nonprofit organizations that will receive free one gigabit broadband service for 10 years through the Community Connect Program, a key component of the City’s broadband franchise agreement with ALLO. The full list of the 77 selected Community Connect partners can be found online at www.allocommunications.com/community-connect.

ALLO originally planned to offer free service to 75 qualified nonprofits. ALLO was to select 35 of those based on the company’s previous support of some agencies. The other 40 were to be determined through a lottery system. The selection committee reviewed 99 applications and determined that 77 met the criteria.

ALLO decided to go above its original target and offer the free service to all 77 agencies that qualified.

To qualify for the free service, nonprofits had to be located in Lincoln, have fewer than 75 full-time-equivalent employees, be certified with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and meet other criteria.

The Community Connect Program’s purpose is to help the community’s nonprofits do what they do best and fulfill their missions of serving and supporting neighbors in need. This will be accomplished in part by taking care of a significant ongoing expense for these nonprofits and connecting them and the families they touch through world-class broadband.

ALLO Communications is a telecommunications company offering fiber telephone, long distance, broadband, internet, and television to residents and businesses. Learn more about ALLO online at www. allocommunications.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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MARCH 2020 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Bridge to Better Living Celebrates 10 Years Bridge to Better Living, a no-costto-client senior transition service, celebrated its 10th anniversary on February 20 with an open house at their new office. The event also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Bridge to Better Living was founded by Mary Ann Stallings in 2010 after navigating the confusing and stressful living research for several family and friends who needed care. An aging population has brought an increasing number of seniors who will need one-on-one support while searching for independent, assisted, memory, or skilled care.

Bridge to Better Living has served thousands of families in the past decade and expanded into franchise offerings in 2019. The company motto Placement with Passion® is practiced daily by a staff of five transition consultants holding a history of over 125 years in senior care. A consultation with Bridge to Better Living is the first step to determining where a client’s needs and wants could be met. Support and assistance from the team members continues throughout tours to provide options and resources for the best decisions and after each move. Ethics and integrity are core beliefs of Bridge to Better Living.

The Lincoln Better Business Bureau recognized these values with the Small Business Integrity Award in 2019.

Bridge to Better Living’s new Lincoln office is located at 4230 Pioneer Woods Blvd., STE B. For help in finding a new senior living option, visit BridgetoBetterLiving.com or call (402) 802-3301.

The Kindler Hotel Opens Boitano’s Lounge for Business Afterhours Events The Kindler Hotel recently announced that they will be hosting business afterhours events in their posh new Boitano’s Lounge area. Boitano’s Lounge is a fresh and exciting venue for grabbing a drink and a bite to eat with co-workers and friends before and after events downtown, such as a play at the Lied Center. Its warm-casual yet metropolitan surroundings, cascading waterfall reception area, and polished bar are the ideal setting for good conversations and creating new connections in the community. The atmosphere of Boitano’s Lounge is perfectly suited for your next business afterhours event as the new premier social gathering place in Lincoln.

The Kindler Hotel, Lincoln’s first and only luxury boutique hotel, proudly offers an unmatched and distinctively memorable guest experience through their 45 luxury hotel rooms and sophisticated Boitano’s Lounge with its locally-sourced, seasonal menu and 30+ craft cocktails. To reserve a room and begin planning the ultimate getaway or staycation, visit thekindlerhotel.com or call (402) 2617800 to schedule a business after hours event. Don’t forget to congratulate The Kindler on being selected as a top-five hotel through Lincoln’s Choice Awards in their first year of business!

Engineering Firm Garver Opens New Office Garver’s tradition for providing the most advanced aviation design solutions was enhanced recently with the opening of a new office at 1314 O St. in Lincoln. The engineering firm’s employees based in this office will team with more than 80 engineers and planners from across the country to solve the most crucial challenges at airports throughout Nebraska and Iowa.

While Garver is new to Lincoln, it isn’t new to the region. Its Federal Team is currently working with the United States Corps of Engineers Omaha District in a design-build agreement for an indoor firing range at Minot Air Force Base in Minot, ND. With the newest opening, Garver’s nearly 700 employees are now delivering innovative infrastructure solutions out of more than 30 offices across 13 states.

“We’ve spent more than 60 years partnering with airports across the country to make sure they’re as safe and efficient as possible, and we’re excited to bring those services to new markets in Nebraska and Iowa,” said Garver Director of Aviation Mike Griffin, PE. “We’ll continue to concentrate on pairing our best people with our best clients.”

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Aviation Project Manager Roger Knobeloch, PE, who will be based in the new office, has extensive experience working alongside airport operators and stakeholders at commercial and general aviation airports in the region on runway construction, lighting, and pavement repair projects. His hiring boosts a Garver Aviation Team that began with a single parking lot improvement project in the 1950s. The practice has steadily grown since, delivering improvements to more than 250 airports across the country and in 2019 was included among the nation’s top 20 aviation design firms according to Engineering News-Record.

Founded in 1919, Garver is an employee-owned multi-disciplined engineering, planning, architectural, and environmental services firm that offers a wide range of services focused on aviation, construction, facilities design, federal, power, transportation, survey, and water.

Learn more at GarverUSA.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS White Elm Brewing Co. Opens New Location in Lincoln Downtown Haymarket White Elm Brewing Co. opened their newest location in the heart of the Haymarket in fall of 2019 at 801 R St. To celebrate, they hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Lincoln Chamber and an all-day party on January 24.

White Elm Brewing welcomed customers with $1 off every pint for the entire day. There was also a live performance by The Talent Show that night, special beer tapings, and delicious food from Clean Slate Food Co. The new location features weekly food truck visits, vendor popups, a year-round patio, and 13 rotating Elm beer handles. The new location is nearly twice as large as the original. White Elm Brewing had been looking to expand, and when a spot right down the street from the Pinnacle Bank Arena opened up, it was time to take the jump. White Elm Brewings’ new location hopes to mimic the feel of the first original location—a neighborhood hub where all can gather to enjoy a good brew.

The new White Elm Brewing Co. location is open seven days a week at differentiating times. Make sure to check out their website, whiteelmbrewing.com, for specific hours and featured brews. If you would like to follow the special events often hosted downtown, follow their Facebook page (@WhiteElmHaymarket).

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Roof Maxx Now Offering Services to Lincoln Area Through Revolution Roof Jeremy Schafer has launched Revolution Roof in Lincoln as an authorized sustainable Roof Maxx contractor. He is excited to provide Roof Maxx’s services to Lincoln under the name of Revolution Roof.

Roof Maxx, the world’s first asphalt shingle rejuvenator, restores and extends the life of aging shingles. Roof Maxx is 100% sustainable and safe for people, pets, and plants. The treatment is quick, clean, and very affordable. Roof Maxx will stop de-granulation, re-ignite shingle seal tabs, and restore your shingles’ performance. Through penetrating soy methyl ester oils, a roof’s flexibility, pliability, and waterproofing can be restored. Most aging shingles become stripped of their necessary petrochemical oils and granules until they are dry and brittle, but Roof Maxx’s revolutionary soy-fusion technology solves this problem. A study conducted by Ohio State University showed excellent results for the rejuvenation of old, brittle shingles. For 2025% of the cost of a re-roof, home-owners can now significantly and affordably extend the life of a roof, and each Roof Maxx treatment comes with a five-year transferable warranty.

Roof Maxx won an innovation award for the use of soy-fusion technology a year after Goodyear Tire won “Environmental Achievement Of The Year Award” for use of the same technology.

Roof Maxx also received an award for being one of the top 10 most dynamic and inspiring startups of 2019.

Through the use of the Roof Maxx product and its soy-fusion technology, Revolution Roof is restoring aging roofs throughout the Lincoln area, and for only a fraction of the price of a re-roof. To learn more, visit www.revolutionroof.com, or to request a roof assessment and estimate today, contact Jeremy at (402) 416-2429 / jschafer@roofmaxx.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Email your resume over today! oakelectriccompany@gmail.com 402-440-5969 | www.oakelectriccompany.com MARCH 2020 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS 7 Day Furniture and Mattress Store Outgrows Old Location, Moves into New Space 7 Day Furniture and Mattress Store has outgrown their previous location off 56th and Highway 2 and has moved to a new 90,000-square-foot facility at 2240 Fletcher Ave. A grand opening was held through the week of February 10. Special deals and free deliveries were available to shoppers who came to see the new location.

7 Day Furniture is Lincoln’s largest furniture and mattress store with a secondary location in Omaha as well. The new building has a roughly 60,000 square foot showroom which showcases a variety of living room, bedroom, and dining room furnishings. The larger warehouse allows for more immediate pickup and delivery inventory to be kept on hand, so wait and delivery times are expected to go down.

7 Days Furniture and Mattress Store is a local, family-owned business with 65 employees. They strive to provide the best quality service and products at the most affordable prices. To learn more, go to 7dayfurniture.net or call (402) 502-5650.

Decks Unlimited Relocates to New Warehouse Due to their extensive growth and success, Decks Unlimited recently moved to a location at 3160 N 33rd St. The building is double the warehouse space and has triple the yard space of their previous location.

In the new space, there is currently only one office and showroom, so Decks Unlimited has planned to build five more office spaces in the near future.

Decks Unlimited is dedicated to quality, customer service, and satisfaction. They use top-of-the-line innovation and supplies to create personalized decks that highlight features of clients’ homes. Their team knows that no job is complete until the customer is 100% satisfied.

They know that every project is different, and with a wide variety of customization options, Decks Unlimited will work with you to find the perfect fit for your home.

For more information about Decks Unlimited or to view a gallery of recent project photos, please visit decksunlimitedne.com. Feel free to call (402) 601-5091 or email Decksunlmtd@gmail.com if you have further questions.

Center Sphere Announces Network-Wide March Event for Members and Guests Center Sphere hosts events each month that are open to both members and guests in order to give non-members a chance to learn more about this amazing network. The date of this month’s public event is Thursday, March 19, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. It will be a Coffee & Connections hosted by Aaron Young, Chef au Chef, 643 S 25th St., STE 7.

Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. The Lincoln Network is currently made up of nearly 30 chapters. For more information, visit www.centersphere. com or contact Cheryl Hansen, area director for Lincoln, at (402) 4992099 / Cheryl@CenterSphere.com. Center Sphere is now available in Hickman plus other rural towns. For more information, contact Lona Anderson, area director for Rural Nebraska, at (402) 416-5700 / LonaAnderson@CenterSphere.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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The goal is to leave the next generation a world filled with strong, powerful, authentic, purposeful families who are intentional about leading and guiding children into reaching their fullest potential.

• Expertise and guidance of Dr. Deborah Tillman, Dr. John C. Maxwell and Leadership Harbor’s Parenting & Family Coaches •Half & Full day Workshop options • Parenting Think Tanks offered monthly We work with parents, families, schools, churches, organizations and communities, in order to raise, rebuild and restore a brighter future for families nationally and internationally.

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MARCH 2020 Strictly Business

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DIRECT Direct Pay - Direct Eye Care Beyond Vision LNK | Dr. Carla Ericksen 5550 S 59th St. #25 | Lincoln, NE 68516 402.261.8699 | www.beyondvisionlnk.com

BUSINESS NEWS H.F. Crave Releases Updated Menu with Numerous Fresh New Options H.F. Crave recently released a tempting new menu featuring a variety of new options ranging from starters and dessert to juicy gourmet burgers. The menu now even includes a selection of cocktails, not the least of which is a Moscow Mule served in a “true” copper mug handmade by artisans from O’Neill.

To start off, the menu begins with a completely new selection of appetizers featuring tasty bites such as cheese curds, chili-cheese waffle fries, and guacamole bites. For burgers, the menu now includes the Hot Mess Express, Risk It For The Brisket, and the Stuffed Pepperjack burger.

The desserts selection has been graced by the addition of lava chocolate cake served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Exciting new cocktails include the Coopers Chase Vodka and Coopers Chase Bourbon distilled in West Point, NE, as well as an Old Fashioned, Rum Punch, Moscow Mule, and Bloody Mary, which contains fresh tomato juice from farm fresh Hollenbeck Farms tomatoes.

Come in and enjoy one of H.F. Crave’s signature burgers, topped with farm-fresh ingredients from Hollenbeck Farms and served on a brioche bun. The restaurant’s menu includes extensive gluten-free and vegetarian options. H.F. Crave also offers a bar which features a selection of 10 craft beers on tap from local Nebraska breweries in addition to refreshing new cocktails!

To view the menu and hours and specials such as kids-eat-free Sundays, BOGO Mondays, and all-day-happy-hour Tuesdays, visit hfcrave.com.

For information about customizing a catered event, contact (402) 4807399 / hfcrave@gmail.com.

Lincoln and Omaha Young Professionals Gather for YP Day at the Capitol

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Over 80 members of the Lincoln Young Professionals Group and Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals attended YP Day at the Capitol on February 6.

The sold-out event provided the chance for the young professionals to obtain foundational information about political parties, the function of local government, and the history of the capitol. Throughout the morning, the group met with both Democrat and Republican Party representatives in addition to Civic Nebraska, Dave Shively with the Lancaster County Election Commission, and Lt. Governor Mike Foley.

The program also included a tour of the capitol and a chance to watch a live legislative session, as Lincoln State Senator Patty Pansing Brooks introduced the young professionals to those in attendance. A lunch and learn concluded the day, as both YP groups presented preliminary results from recent surveys in addition to discussions with five Lincoln and Omaha senators, where they asked questions and engaged in policy conversation.

In the 2020 Legislative Session, Lincoln YPG supports numerous bills, including LB 627, a bill that prohibits discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity, and LB 720, which overhauls Nebraska’s economic incentives program and provides better investments and better jobs to the state.

Lincoln Young Professionals Group serves as a hub to engage young professionals in the community. Lincoln YPG is the largest in the area and is in the top 10 YP groups in the country, representing over 2,000 young professionals. Learn more at www.lincolnypg.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS 5 Elements Massage Relocates to New Space 5 Elements Massage has recently moved into a better suited space at 8560 Foxtail Dr., STE 101 within the JMISKO building. 5 Elements Owner Erin McLenon (formally Lange) feels this change will better allow her to provide clients with a relaxing and luxurious experience in a calming environment. Clients will be greeted by the wonderful staff to sign in and enjoy water, coffee, or hot cocoa while they wait.

Erin is extensively trained in various treatment techniques from both Eastern and Western disciplines. The therapeutic massages she provides will be more enjoyable in the safe and relaxing new space. 5 Elements offers the following services: Shiatsu massages, cupping, myofascial release, sports and pre-natal massages, reflexology, and more.

A full menu of services offered by 5 Elements Massage is available at 5elementsne.com. To schedule an appointment, contact Erin at (402) 617-7992 / erin@5elementsne.com.

Burton & Tyrell’s Flowers to Host Two Friends and Flowers Events in March Burton & Tyrell’s Flowers has announced that they will hold two Friends and Flowers Events in March on the evenings of March 10 and 24 at 6:30 p.m. Come to Burton & Tyrrell’s studio to learn some tips and tricks on flower arranging, and then make your own beautiful arrangement to take home!

Come make new friends and craft a stunning arrangement with fragrant spring blooms to welcome in the spring and warm days ahead. All group prices are based on reserving the show for 12 people: $600 (basic), $1,200 (deluxe), and $1,800 (premium). Individual costs are $50 (basic), $100 (deluxe), and $150 (premium). The specific times of the events will vary based upon the needs of those who sign up to participate. Individual dates and times for Friends and Flowers events can also be arranged.

Contact Burton & Tyrrell’s Flowers at (402) 466-3330 to reserve your place at a Friends and Flowers event. Owner Gary Tharnish is happy to give you more details. Email questions to burtontyrrells@gmail.com.

Guiderock Commercial Realty Secures New Office for Hoffman Psychological Services Cathy Kottwitz of Guiderock Commercial Realty represented Hoffman Psychological Services LLC in leasing new offices at 1610 S 70th St., STE 101.

Hoffman Psychological Services, led by Tina Hoffman, provides behavioral assessments and counseling services, as well as training for university students pursuing careers in behavioral health.

“Every person has a unique journey,” Hoffman said. “We are here to collaborate with clients on their specific needs and goals.”

“Working with Tina has given me an opportunity to learn more about the variety of psychology tools available,” Kottwitz said. “It has been truly eye-opening, and I look forward to seeing Tina’s business grow as she helps improve the lives of others.”

Guiderock Commercial Realty is a Lincoln-based commercial real estate firm providing services for business owners and investors. For more information, visit www.guiderockrealty.com or contact Cathy Kottwitz at (402) 421-7474 / cathy@guiderockrealty.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Sunday, April 19th

• Bacon-inspired delights 4:30pm–7pm • Lincoln’s finest Chefs • Entertainment by Embassy Suites Screamers Cabaret 1040 P Street / Lincoln Order your tickets online at StarCityBaconFest.com.

Tickets: $25

Proceeds from this event will provide scholarships for culinary students in Nebraska.

Children 10 and under are free MARCH 2020 Strictly Business

11

BUSINESS NEWS Growth Leads to Lutz Lincoln Office Move Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, has officially relocated its Lincoln office to 115 Canopy St., STE 200 in the historic Haymarket.

The new office, located on the second fl oor of the new four-story Olsson Building South, has nearly 8,500 square feet, tripling the previous offi ce space. To refl ect the youthful and dynamic culture of the area, the new Lincoln office features writable walls, open workstations, and a large training room for employee education and client seminars. This move demonstrates Lutz’s mission to innovate and energize, as well as shows its continued commitment to the Lincoln community.

“We are excited to settle into our new space, just in time for tax season. Our team is looking forward to future growth and opportunities this expansion will provide us, along with continuing to provide top notch service to our current and future clients,” said Ryan Cook, audit and consulting shareholder.

Lutz is the business solutions firm for businesses and individuals seeking a partner to help energize and heighten financial and organizational success. Their experienced team simplifies complexities and provides accounting, wealth management, recruiting, M&A, and technology services. Lutz embraces your business as their own to spark the right solutions and help you thrive. Learn more online at www.lutz.us.

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Carriage Glen to Host Open House for Newly-Remodeled Units Carriage Glen has announced that they will hold an open house on Marc h 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. and March 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to allow prospective tenants an opportunity to explore their beautiful newly-remodeled apartments.

Carriage Glen’s updated apartment units boast smooth granite countertops, luxurious new carpet, and sparkling new appliances.

New tenants who sign on during the open house will receive free garage parking for 20 months and 20 free meals from Carriage Glen’s excellent kitchen.

Carriage Glen truly is a hidden gem within Lincoln. It boasts 51 total apartments, with seven different floor plan choices between one- and two-bedroom apartment styles. It has apartments that range from 703 up to 1,542 square feet, with spacious open concepts. Carriage Glen understands the need to stay active and independent, so it provides a maintenance-free lifestyle.

Call today for a tour and see for yourself what makes Carriage Glen so special.

To learn more about Carriage Glen, professionally managed by Essex Communities, go online to www.carriageglenoflincoln.com or contact Executive Director Kim Kallhoff at (402) 484-5113 / carriageglen@essexcom.com.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS

MORE TO DO NOW THAN EVER BEFORE?

Brown Brothers Construction Unveils New Company Truck Design Thanks to the help of Harris D e c a l s, B row n B ro t h e r s Construction, Inc. brought their wrap vision to life on their company truck. The partial wrap job proudly displays the company’s name and contact information. Brown Brothers is excited for this chance of increased visibility in the community. Their design features a bold yet clean design that is meant to catch the eye of anyone who drives or walks past it.

Brown Brothers provides commercial and industrial remodeling, additions, and new construction services. They specialize in office remodels and tenant improvements. With over 30 years combined experience, the Brown Brothers team works year round to provide excellent construction services to any client. The company was established in Lincoln in 2005 and continues to be locally owned and operated.

You can contact Brown Brothers Construction, Inc. by calling (402) 858-5155 or sending an email to info@brownbrothers1.com for any additional information or a project estimate.

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Three Nebraska-Based John Deere Dealerships to Merge into AKRS Equipment Three Nebraska-based John Deere dealerships announced plans to merge their businesses. Green Line Equipment, Stutheit Implement, and Plains Equipment Group are combining forces to provide leading service, support, and product solutions to farmers, ranchers, and landowners. The newly-formed corporation named AKRS Equipment Solutions (“AKRS Equipment”) symbolizes trust, commitment, and innovation in agriculture. The companies plan to officially close on the deal by the end of March 2020.

“The common cultures and values of these three companies and how they serve their customers is really something special,” said Russ Rerucha, the newly-appointed Chairman of the Board. The three companies have a long-standing history of exceptional customer support and service.

“We are large enough to provide the newest technologies and services to our customers, but small enough to care,” said Stan Stutheit, the previous owner of Stutheit Implement. With over 150 years of collective service, the companies are proud to be part of their communities.

Kevin Clark has been named president and chief executive officer of AKRS Equipment. Clark is currently the chief executive officer of Plains Equipment Group. “The size and scale of AKRS is important as the industry changes with new technologies and services,” Clark said. “The combination of these businesses will allow us to serve our customers now and into the future with the rapidly evolving challenges in our industry.”

AKRS Equipment Solutions will consist of 27 John Deere dealerships located across Nebraska and part of Kansas with headquarters in Lincoln. AKRS Equipment aspires to be the Midwest’s Premier John Deere dealership, bringing a wide selection of new and used equipment to farms, ranches, and small businesses. To learn more, go online to www.plainsequipmentgroup.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Kevin’s Car Wash Celebrates Grand Opening of First Lincoln Location Kevin’s Car Wash celebrated the grand opening of their first Lincoln location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce on December 20. Eager customers and chamber representatives joined Owner Kevin Matthews and General Manager Luke Bossert to officially unveil Lincoln’s newest premier car wash service located at 5757 S 85th St. Kevin and Luke take pride in their wash quality and their staff that greet you with a friendly smile every time you stop in.

Unlike the typical car wash, Kevin’s Car Wash offers much more than a single wash. You have the option of utilizing Kevin’s Unlimited Pass to combat the elements and never drive a dirty car again. They have fully stocked Unlimited Member Detail Stations with every product you could ever want—dash wipes, air fresheners, clean towels, and Windex, just to name a few of their free products they offer.

Members have access to an unlimited amount of car washes every single day and their Clean Car Pass automatically opens the gate in order to speed up the process for all parties involved. Kevin was excited to bring this concept to Lincoln from Kansas City where he launched Kevin’s Car Wash.

Kevin’s Car Wash washes cars with only soft foam, hi-pressure water, special soaps, and a custom 16-fan, 180-horse-power, “no-touch” dryer. Their end goal is to keep that clean car feeling all year round.

Quotes for membership pricing are available online at kevinscarwash. business.site, by calling (402) 731-1311, and in person.

MARCH 2020 Strictly Business 13

BUSINESS NEWS Natural and Delicious Pet Food by Farmina Now Available at Arnie’s Pet Food Store

Lincoln Running Co. to Hold Annual Shoe Sale, Promotes Proper Selection Education

Natural and Delicious (N&D), a top-rated 5-star premium pet food, is now available at Arnie’s Pet Food Store. N&D is an allnatural, organic pet food from Farmina, a 50-year-old, family-owned business in Italy. N&D pet food is a human grade line of premium dog and cat foods produced in European facilities identical to those that produce food for human consumption and meeting a higher standard than those required by the U.S. pet food industry.

All meats in Farmina’s N&D pet foods are organic, GMO-free, steroid free, free of growth hormones, and preservative-free. The products are packaged with nitrogen so no preservatives are needed. N&D pet foods are also low glycemic and low carb. Over 92% of the protein in Farmina’s N&D pet foods are derived from whole named meats, never meat meal or meat byproducts. The foods are cooked at 153 degrees Fahrenheit then cold pressed, assuring that the natural occurring nutrients and vitamins are not depleted from high temperature processing. Then instead of spraying foods with flavoring before packaging, N&D foods are rolled in herring oil which provides additional Omega 3 and 6 for skin and coat maintenance and overall health.

Arnie’s Pet Food Store is proud to carry N&D dog and cat foods, which are as close as you can get to a raw pet food diet in a dry pet food form. Learn more about the N&D line of pet foods by visiting Arnie’s Pet Foods in the Alamo Plaza at 56th and Hwy 2 or go online to www.arniespetfoods.com.

Lincoln Running Co.’s Annual Shoe Sale will take place March 4–15!

Since 1975, this sale has been an anticipated annual occurrence.

During these days, every shoe in the store is on sale! With over 200 styles of shoes, the Lincoln Running Co. arguably has the largest running shoe selection in the Midwest. The beauty of running shoes is they can be worn for all kinds of activities with shoes available for every kind of foot and gait.

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Strictly Business MARCH 2020

With track season approaching, Lincoln Running Co. is working to educate the public on proper shoe selection. In order to have the most successful season possible, it is important that runners are fitted with shoes that are suited to their needs. Lincoln Running Co. specializes in analyzing customers’ gaits and making suggestions as to which shoes would be a best fit, without getting caught up in color and brand. They pick the best shoes for you that feel good the moment you put them on. Breaking in shoes is an absolute myth that Lincoln Running Co. wants to fight against in their education efforts during March.

At the Lincoln Running Co., they don’t just look at each customer as someone to sell shoes to—they look at each customer as a person who they can help achieve whatever goals they have. Whether that is to run the Lincoln Marathon or to be able to walk around the block comfortably, everyone who comes to the store is just as valued as the next.

For more information, give Lincoln Running Co. a call at (402) 474-4557, email them at lincolnrunning@windstream.net, or stop into their location at 1213 Q St. in downtown Lincoln.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS EventLNK Announces March Meeting to Focus on Event Budgeting March’s EventLNK meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 24, from 3:15 to 5 p.m. at VIP Training Space & Event Center, 237 S 70th St. This month, EventLNK has organized a panel of speakers covering event budgeting from the viewpoint of nonprofit, for-profit, and wedding/social event planning perspectives.

Attendees will learn helpful tips and best practices to create and stay on budget from inception to execution of an event. This is one meeting you won’t want to miss! After the panel, the audience will hear from VIP Training Space & Event Center about the amenities of their meeting space.

EventLNK brings together Lincoln’s event professionals by providing education and resources to enhance and support professional growth. To register for the March EventLNK meeting, visit www.eventlnk.org/meetings. Visit their website for more information or email Jill Mlinar at info@eventlnk.org.

Better Business Bureau Warns Against Coronavirus Scams Better Business Bureau (BBB) cautions that everyone needs to be skeptical of emails and websites promoting coronavirus prevention products and tips. Right now, issues associated with coronavirus and a potential pandemic are of global interest, and that means scammers have a very large pond to go phishing in.

Media reports on the outbreak of coronavirus in the Wuhan region of China already have prompted a social media scam targeting Chinese-Australian citizens in Wuhan with a phony online evacuation form, according to a report by Australia’s ABC news outlet.

During the 2009 swine flu epidemic, McAfee Avert Labs, an online security company, reported that messages promoting virus treatment and prevention, or otherwise sensationalizing the outbreak, accounted for 2% of all spam sent in the days following the first media reports of the outbreak. Various websites promoted “survival guides,” masks, prevention tips, and treatments, most of them of little value in fighting flu.

BBB offers the following advice to avoid coronavirus-related scams: • Avoid opening emails from unknown sources. Do not click on links in the body of the email or open any attachments. Instead, delete the email.

• Disregard online offers for vaccinations against coronavirus because a vaccine does not exist.

• Make sure the antivirus and anti-malware programs on your computer are up to date and all operating system security patches have been installed.

Free information on the virus, the outbreak and preventive measures are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Better Business Bureau has been serving the local communities since 1936. The overall mission of BBB is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. Learn more online at bbb.org/nebraska or call (800) 649-6814. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS

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Women in Sales & Business to Host Monthly Meeting on March 11

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The Women in Sales & Business (WISB) monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 11, at The Venue in the NE/Lancaster Rooms at 4111 Pioneer Woods Dr. The meeting starts with lunch at 11:30 a.m. with program following from 11:55 a.m. until 1 p.m. Cost is $16 which includes lunch (cost is $10 if you only attend the meeting).

Event speaker will be Dr. Todd Roberts with Aceso Total Healthcare, an integrative medicine practice in Lincoln which uses traditional medical practices mixed with acupuncture, yoga therapy, massage therapy, natural supplements, and hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Roberts will speak about the science of weight management and how most of what people have learned in the past is wrong. In addition, he will provide information on how intermittent fasting can lead to healthy, effective weight loss.

Dr. Roberts received his MD at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and has always been interested in alternative therapies. Receiving certification in acupuncture from UCLA and Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy from WorldLink Medical, he felt the time was right to start an integrative medicine practice.

Women in Sales & Business began meeting in 1987 to offer business women in Lincoln the opportunity to network within an all-female setting.

Today, their goal is to encourage and develop creative leadership in women. They are dedicated to promoting growth through the accumulation and sharing of knowledge and are always looking for new members to join! Please learn more or register for the March event online at www.wisblincoln.ning.com or the WISB Facebook page (@wisblincoln).

Leadership Harbor to Hold Parenting & Family Workshops Leader Harbor, LLC has begun h o s t i n g m o n t h l y M a x we l l Parenting & Family workshops.

In order to empower parents to raise the next generation to be strong, authentic, and purposeful, certified coaches Kris Peterson and Chris Hansen, along with the expertise and guidance of Dr. Deborah Tillman (Super Nanny) and Dr. John C. Maxwell (leadership guru), are excited to equip families with the tools and resources to face the challenges and opportunities of raising adults in a troubled world.

The goal of the workshops is to leave the next generation in a world filled with strong, powerful, authentic, purposeful families who are intentional about leading and guiding children into reaching their fullest potential.

There are three modules in total, which can be attended in any order, and will continue to be offered regularly throughout the year. Each workshop will encapsulate a different aspect of successful parenting.

The first module, “Preparing the Soil,” took place in late February.

The next two modules, which will both be held at The Room, 330 N 48th St., STE B., are as follows: • March 28, 9 a.m.–noon, “Empower Me: Planting Seeds of Greatness” • April 25, 9 a.m.–noon, “Expand Me: Producing Life-Changing Results” To learn more about Leadership Harbor or to register for the upcoming family workshops, go to leadershipharbor.com/parentingfamily. Contact Kris at (402) 580-0947 / grow@leadershipharbor. com with questions, and don’t forget to ask about the free Lunch n’ Learn opportunities Leadership Harbor provides for organizations and families. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Lincoln Airport Authority Opens New Tailwind Concessions Stand at Gate Areas The Lincoln Airport Authority has opened a new concessions service, Tailwind Concessions, that serves food and beverages to travelers in the gate areas. From a quick “graband-go” sandwich to a more leisurely hot meal in the restaurant, Tailwind Concessions focuses on high-quality fare, choices to make selections personalized, and specials to make weary travelers smile.

Available menu options include pizza, hot dogs, and wraps and sandwiches along with soda, coffee, and other beverages. The airport has been working for some time to provide food and drink services in the gate area, but challenges with security screening hindered them until recently. They are excited to now provide this service so that travelers can enjoy food and refreshment while waiting for their flights to arrive.

Tailwind Concessions has been redefining the regional airport concession experience for over a decade. They currently have locations at airports in 25 cities. Visit tailwindconcessions. com to learn more.

The Lincoln Airport Authority works to ensure the best and safest traveling experience possible for their patrons. Travelers can find the latest updates on flight schedules and information on parking and airport services at LincolnAirport.com.

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LHRMA Rolls Out New Logo, Announces March Program on Workplace Incivility LHRMA (Lincoln Human Resources Management Association) is excited to announce that they have undergone a rebrand and rolled out a new logo.

With a fresh look and the excitement of the new year, LHRMA has organized a great program lineup for 2020. On the second Tuesday of each month, LHRMA will host an educational luncheon covering a variety of topics within the industry. This month’s event will be on March 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Graduate. It will focus on workplace incivility.

Attendees will learn ways to approach or coach to difficult behaviors when they happen in the workplace—what can you control when communication breaks down and how to react and respond appropriately so that you maintain your professionalism. Melissa Carpenter, human resources manager for Bryan Health, is slated as the presenter. Melissa Carpenter has been in the HR field for 20 years with a focus on employee relations and organizational development. She is passionate about helping leaders with complex issues and believes that with every difficult situation there is growth, you just have to be willing to see it.

The program registration is $15 for LHRMA members and $25 for other attendees. Luncheon attendance is free for SHRM designated student chapter members. This program is valid for 1 PDCs toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification.

The mission of LHRMA is to provide for the interchange of ideas, experiences, and methods concerning the relationships between management and employees, and to provide professional ethics and acquaintanceship among those involved in professional human resource management. Learn more online at lincolnhr.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

The Waterford at Williamsburg Assisted Living 3940 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, NE 68516 402-423-0000 The Waterford at Wilderness Hills Memory Care 8939 Keystone Drive, Lincoln, NE 68516 402-421-8105 The Waterford at College View Assisted Living 4848 South 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68516 402-434-2680

WHERE HOME IS...

MUCH MORE What makes the Waterford different?

We've created a community where we work in your home, instead of your home being in our work.

402.480.6950 | www.thewaterford.net MARCH 2020 Strictly Business

17

BUSINESS NEWS AAF Lincoln’s March Meeting to Focus on Informed Delivery for Marketers

Kinetic by Windstream Commits to Supporting New Family Sports Facility

At their upcoming professional development meeting on March 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Graduate, the Lincoln chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF Lincoln) plans to show small and large businesses how to use Informed Delivery as a digital component of their direct mail campaigns. Attendees will hear from keynote speaker, Carrie Bornitz, from the USPS. As an innovative digital feature, Informed Delivery allows household users to preview their mail and packages scheduled for delivery before it arrives in their mailbox. It is a unique blend of digital and print that offers businesses to engage users through an integrated mail and digital campaign that generates additional consumer impressions, interactions, and insights.

Businesses of all types can use Informed Delivery as an opportunity to enhance and extend their direct mail through colorful, interactive campaign elements that contain compelling offers and strong calls to action. The presentation will cover how to initiate and conduct interactive campaigns, view campaign data, and overall best practices for successful campaigns.

AAF Lincoln is the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation, the unifying voice for advertising. They are the advocates of the rights of advertisers. This professional development program is open to the public and would be beneficial if direct mail is in your marketing plan.

Registration fee for the event includes a buffet lunch. You can register at aaflincoln.org/calendar or email Tracy at tmunoz@aaflincoln.org.

Kinetic by Windstream is committed to helping Lincoln live connected with plans to expand fiber internet in the area and to support a new family sports facility. The Kinetic Sports Complex, which was announced in January, will be a place for youth clubs to participate in team sports year-round at a state-of-the-art, indoor facility. It will also host events such as the Special Olympics and the Cornhusker State Games as well as corporate events, youth camps, fitness classes, and faith organizations. The complex is currently still under construction at 150 SW 14th Pl. Kinetic isn’t just creating regional draw to Lincoln through sports, it’s also making the city one of the fastest in the country through high speed internet build-outs. The company is deploying fiber to homes and businesses as well as utilizing new and existing technologies to boost speeds to all of Nebraska.

Kinetic by Windstream offers high-speed internet, entertainment, phone, and security products for homes and businesses.

Windstream is a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions for consumers, businesses, enterprise organizations, and wholesale customers locally and nationally. To learn more, go to www.windstream.com.

Chase Expands Into Nebraska, Opens First Branch in Downtown Lincoln

Chase recently celebrated its expansion into Nebraska with a new downtown branch by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus and plans to open eight more branches in Omaha by 2022, creating about 90 jobs and bringing its financial services closer to Nebraska consumers and businesses. The downtown Lincoln branch opened on December 17 at 144 N. 14th St., STE 100. A ribbon-cutting event was held on January 9 with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and other local leaders. Kiley Sidman is Chase’s new market director for banking in the region.

The expansion into Nebraska will add retail and business banking to a market where the firm already serves hundreds of thousands of consumers and local businesses, including clients through its Commercial Bank. Today in Nebraska, Chase serves 285,000 consumer customers and 13,000 businesses. Across the country, Chase serves 62 million households and over four million small businesses.

The Downtown Lincoln branch offers traditional banking services, business banking, and services for more complex needs, like consumer lending and advice. New branches include modern design elements and feature open, collaborative spaces with ample room for meetings and “Chase Chats,” a new series of small group sessions focused on 402-475-0650 financial health. Customers also have access to the new cardless ATMs 624 K St. Lincoln, NE that can perform more than 70% of teller transactions, and complement Call us today to schedule your in home consultation! the Chase mobile app and online where they can open an account, pay bills, instantly transfer money, monitor and track their credit, and save money automatically.

Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.8 trillion and operations worldwide. For more information, go to Chase.com or call the new Lincoln branch at (402) 975-3790.

18 Strictly Business MARCH 2020 #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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by Chris McPike, President/Agent ComPro Insurance

Turning 65 in 2020 If you were born in 1955, you will be eligible for Medicare in 2020. Eligibility for Medicare begins on the first day of the month in which someone turns 65. There is a difference between “eligible” and “enrolled.” A U.S. citizen aged 65 or older usually qualifies for Medicare. One of the eligibility criteria is that the person or spouse must have worked in the U.S. and paid Medicare taxes for a minimum of 40 calendar quarters.

Each person that becomes eligible for Medicare needs to determine whether to enroll at age 65 or defer enrollment to a future date.

Deferment may be available if you have access to other health insurance benefits that are considered “creditable coverage” by Medicare.

Examples may include employer provided health insurance, retirement plans, and government programs such as VA or TriCare. Individual health insurance plans and Marketplace coverage through healthcare.gov are typically not available to those who are 65 or older.

When deferring your enrollment in Medicare is an option, the next step is to compare the costs and healthcare coverage of your current coverage and Medicare. Those who continue to work beyond age 65 and are eligible to participate in an employer sponsored health plan can choose which option is best. If you choose to stay on the employer plan, you have an ongoing choice to move to Medicare.

Frequently, an employee will continue the employer plan beyond age 65 to provide health insurance for younger family members. The fact that an employee becomes eligible for Medicare is NOT a qualifying event that gives family members the right to enroll in COBRA. COBRA is offered when an employee has lost eligibility for the employer benefits due to voluntarily leaving the position (like retirement) or a reduction in work hours. If the employee stays on the job and continues to be eligible for the employer plan, no COBRA will be available when the employee chooses to enroll in Medicare.

Medicare and Social Security are frequently confused. Both are federal programs designed to assist older Americans and those with disabilities.

Social Security provides financial support. Medicare is a health insurance program. For many years, eligibility for both programs occurred at age 65. Full social security benefits are now earned later. Someone born in 1955 will reach full retirement age for social security purposes at 66 years and two months. Your choice of when to enroll in Medicare and when to enroll in Social Security are two separate decisions.

Everyone has questions about Medicare. It’s mostly due to fear of the unknown. It’s critical to get your answers early in the process so that you can make timely and informed decisions that will avoid costly mistakes.

My primary role is to educate. Once someone understands what the options are, they feel empowered to make those choices.

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MARCH 2020 Strictly Business

19

STAR CITY SIX

ZACH

Zach Wurdeman

MORTON BUILDINGS

PIPPIN

Book by Roger O. Hirson Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

A magical musical spectacle

April 1 - 11

Lied Center’s Johnny Carson Theater

nebraskarep.org | 402.472.4747

Professionals in Residence at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

20

Strictly Business MARCH 2020

Morton Buildings provides quality post-frame construction services. Zach Wurdeman is a commercial specialist for Morton Buildings in Lincoln.

Tell us a little about your business. - From commercial buildings, to equestrian facilities, to ornate or practical residential outbuildings, Morton Buildings manufactures and constructs our proprietary postframe buildings with the option of serving the customer as a full turnkey general contractor. We have in-house engineering and architecture for our product nationwide, with a construction center located in Waverly. I specifically focus on the design-build commercial business in the Lincoln area.

How did you get started in the business? - I started with Morton Buildings shortly after graduating from UNK. I started on the crew erecting buildings and learning how they were built. I then moved to sales and have been in sales for two and a half years.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Most people think of Morton Buildings as just “farm shops,” but we can do so much more than that. Educating people on what we’re capable of has been the biggest challenge.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Having customers write in saying that I was great to work with. I try to make sure that the building process goes as smoothly as possible.

Tell us a little about your family. - My parents live on a farm in St. Edward, NE where I was raised. (My dad also grew up in the exact same house.) My two sisters and I live in Lincoln. I also have a cat named Karen.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Hanging out with friends, hunting, and boating. I love the water. In the summer, I try to go to the lake as much as possible!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - Growing up, I used to travel around and compete in rodeos. I have multiple belt buckles for team penning and riding steers.

Who inspires you? - My dad. He’s the hardest worker I know, and he always puts our family first. He’s taught me so many valuable lessons.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Sometimes I’ll start a sentence and I don’t even know where it’s going. I just hope I find it along the way.” – Michael Scott If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Trustworthy.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Good ol’ Boys” by Waylon Jennings. The Dukes of Hazzard theme song If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Teleportation. I love to travel so I think it would be awesome to instantly be in a different part of the world at the drop of a hat.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I’ve always been interested in being part of law enforcement. I would love to be in the FBI or CIA. What is your favorite movie? - Step Brothers.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - HopCat. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Will Farrell.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 786-3000 (Office) / (402) 525-0445 (Cell); Email: Zachary.wurdeman@mortonbuildings.com; Website: mortonbuildings.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

Bottled water... without the bottle

TAYLOR

Taylor Olberding

No bottle · No hassle · No problem

HEROES MANAGEMENT SERVICES Heroes Management Services is a fullservice grounds management company.

Taylor Olberding is an operations manager/ partner at Heroes Management Services.

Tell us a little about your business. - The companies underneath the umbrella of Heroes Management Services include Heroes Lawn and Landscape, Heroes Holiday Lighting, and Mosquito Shield. We want to be your one-stop shop for all your outdoor grounds management needs.

Heroes Lawn and Landscape offers landscape design, build, and maintenance services for both residential and commercial properties.

We also offer irrigation maintenance, artificial turf installation, and landscape maintenance packages. Heroes Holiday Lighting offers full service rental packages (install/takedown/store) of holiday lighting at your home or business. We also handle weddings, special events, and patio lighting. From mosquito to tick control, Mosquito Shield will be your best friend in the warmer months. Our team professionally applies a blend primarily of all-natural oils to mask, kill, and repel mosquitoes and ticks. Our season long guarantee makes sure you can enjoy being outside all season long or your money back.

How did you get started in the business? - I have always loved being outside, and I ended up going to school at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for Turf and Landscape Management. During school, I had internships at golf courses in Colorado and Washington, and landscape internships in Omaha and Lincoln. After a year out of college working on golf courses, I decided to move back to Omaha for the winter. It was then when I met my business partner and after talking about it, we decided to start a company.

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What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- To be able to have grown Heroes Management Services to the point where we can provide jobs for more than 15 full-time employees here in the Lincoln and Omaha area.

Tell us a little about your family. - My girlfriend Kailey and I have a house in Omaha with our Australian cattle dog Della Rose. We both went to UNL and enjoy going to all Nebraska sporting events, as well as sampling the ever growing beer/brewery scene in Lincoln and Omaha.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

- Deciding on starting this company. It was something I didn’t plan on doing at the time, but figured I could give it a try and see what happens. Seven years later, I am extremely glad we started it and am excited to see what the future holds.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Days off for me are far and few between. They are more or less ‘work day lite’. However, taking our dog on an extended walk around the neighborhood or to the dog park is a great way to spend some relaxation time.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My favorite quote was from my piano teacher back when I was taking piano lessons in elementary school: “There is only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time.”

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The last book I listened to was 11/22/63 by Stephen King. It’s a long one but a great read.

What is your favorite movie? - Twister. Whenever we are going to have bad spring and summer weather in Nebraska, it seems that the movie is always on TV. What is your favorite TV show? - Friday Night Lights.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

- Phone: (402) 933-1985; Email: taylor@heroesmgmt.com; Website: heroesmgmt.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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

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MARCH 2020 Strictly Business

21

STAR CITY SIX

MITCH

Mitch Glause

WEST GATE BANK

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Bringing worldwide wellness through ultra-concentrated terpene rich CBD oil.

Stop in and get a free sample!

Now with three Lincoln Locations!

2662 Cornhusker Hwy, Ste 7C | Lincoln, NE 233 North 48th Street, Ste I | Lincoln, NE 1600 Normandy Court, Ste 102 | Lincoln, NE (402) 817-2697 | cbdoflincoln.com

22

Strictly Business MARCH 2020

West Gate Bank is a family owned and operated bank that has been serving the Lincoln community for over 50 years. Mitch Glause is a business banking solutions officer at West Gate Bank.

Tell us a little about your business. - I have the privilege of meeting with local business owners in our area and working closely with them to facilitate their banking needs. We pride ourselves in great customer service while using the best products on the market.

How did you get started in the business? - I started as an intern in customer service at Five Points Bank in Grand Island. I moved to Lincoln in the spring of 2018 to head up cash management/business banking for Five Points Bank’s Lincoln location. I was offered an opportunity at West Gate Bank a year later and have been working and growing professionally with West Gate ever since.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - It is challenging to adapt to different customers in different situations and not being able to help each customer. Due to different regulations in the banking industry, we are not able to make every deal possible.

Tell us a little about your family. - My parents recently moved into their dream home near Worms, NE. I am the youngest of three children. The eldest is my brother Nick. Him, his wife Ashley, and their three-year-old boy Colten live on the family farm outside of Worms. The middle sibling is my sister Kristin. She currently lives in Grand Island with her husband Andrew and their one-year-old daughter Emery.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I do not sit still very well. Any given free time you can find me hunting, fishing, snowboarding, traveling, playing volleyball (sand and court), softball, baseball, basketball, or hanging out with friends.

Who inspires you? - I would say my inspiration comes from my family.

Growing up on a family farm and cherishing the little things in life have always stuck with me. If everyone close to me is happy then I am happy.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “No matter where you go, always remember where you came from.” This is something my father told me when I left for college.

I try to always cherish the small things in life and create happiness from every situation.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Adventurous.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Live It Up” by YONAS. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - My ability to humiliate myself on a dance floor.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Traveling DJ. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I am involved in the Young Leaders Council for Make-A-Wish Nebraska. I have always wanted to be a part of something that brings happiness.

What is your favorite movie? - Any with Steve Carell or Will Ferrell.

What is your favorite TV show? - The Office.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - In my short time living in Lincoln, I have become a frequent customer of Granite City.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Albert Einstein.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

- Phone: (402) 853-7321; Email: mglause@westgate.bank; Website: westgate.bank. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

TIM

Tim Hahn

ALLO COMMUNICATIONS ALLO Communications specializes in providing world-class communications services by creating gigabit communities, offering solutions to businesses, residents, and government entities. Tim Hahn is a sales engineer at ALLO Communications.

Tell us a little about your business. - We provide data and voice solutions to increase efficiency for businesses and assist customers with solutions that will improve their business. Our 100% fiber network seamlessly integrates into your everyday business with symmetrical internet speeds from 55 Mbps to 100 GIG, increasing productivity and moving your business further, faster. Plus, our leading cloud service connectivity, Metro Ethernet, and WAN enable you to connect multiple locations locally or around the world. We also believe that your data service is only as good as the technicians who support it. This is why we offer same-day dispatch and free fiber installation. I’m proud to be a part of the local ALLO team that is committed and ready to help businesses succeed.

How did you get started in the business? - I have been in telecommunications for almost 25 years. I worked with another large provider for 23 years. I have been with ALLO for almost two years.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Making sure I have time with my family. Making sure I’m at as many of my kids’ events as possible.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Jamie works at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services with the Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Program. We have two children.

My son Derek is in his second year at Emporia State University. My daughter Kyler is a Junior at North Star High School.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy spending time outside with family and friends.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I umpire between 50–60 baseball games during the summer. It is a way for me to stay around the game of baseball.

Who inspires you? - My wife. She is an amazing mother to our kids.

She makes me a better person.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Hard-working.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - The ability to go back in time.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would love to be a professional umpire. It would be a neat experience to call MLB games.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I’m the founder and president of the Timberwolves Athletic Association. It is a nonprofit athletic organization. I get to help kids work on bettering their basketball skills. It is great working with the kids.

What is your favorite movie? - The Sandlot.

What is your favorite TV show? - Last Man Standing.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Bo Jackson, the only professional athlete in history to be named an All-Star in both baseball and football.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

- Phone: (402) 781-0766; Email: thahn@allophone.net; Website: AlloCommunications.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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CONTACT US TODAY! 402.476.8614 www.rayslawn.com MARCH 2020 Strictly Business

23

STAR CITY SIX

Rustic, Urban Charm DJ IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN LINCOLN

DJ McGerr

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ubt.com/treasury-management 402.323.1519 Member FDIC

24

Strictly Business MARCH 2020

Decks Unlimited is Lincoln’s premier deck builder and material retailer. DJ McGerr is the sales manager at Decks Unlimited.

Tell us a little about your business - Decks Unlimited is a deck building company here in Lincoln. Dan Waters is the owner. I’ve been working with him since July of 2016. When I started, we had two crews running with six total employees. Now, we have five crews and 15 employees.

How did you get started in the business? - Construction is something I never imagined myself doing, although I do like working with my hands. A friend of mine had told me that Dan was hiring, and I said, “Why not, I’ll give it a shot.” At the time, I had zero experience and didn’t know how to read a tape measurer.

With Dan’s training and his foreman, I gained the knowledge and ability to build a deck on my own about seven months later.

After three years of building, the sales manager position opened up and I gladly accepted as I have a business degree and love talking to people.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Since being in sales, I’ve learned a lot about how the construction process goes. Scheduling has been the biggest challenge thus far. In this industry, there are countless obstacles that get in the way of staying where we need to be. Every deck is different and there’s always unexpected snags we run into, and with that, we learn and become better. I like to think that with every project completed, we become more efficient. In addition to unforeseen obstacles, the weather heavily affects our schedule. Whether it be rain, snow, cold or hot temperatures, each day missed due to that creates a ripple of processes needed to make things work.

Tell us a little about your family - Family is very important to me.

I’ve got a mom, dad, step-mom, and step-dad. I have an older and younger sister as well as a twin brother! My older sister has two children ages seven and three, which gives me the opportunity to be the coolest uncle alive. In addition to my immediate family, I consider my boss and co-workers family as well. In all my working years, Dan is hands down the best boss I’ve ever had, and I’m certain my co-workers would say the same.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love sports and being active, so given the day off, I’ll go play pick-up basketball or workout. I’ve got a lot in common with my coworkers, so if we have a day off or on the weekends, some of us go longboarding, golfing, and a popular activity that most of us enjoy, frisbee golf!

What is your favorite TV show? - Breaking Bad. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Flying.

What local nonprofit organizations(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - In December 2019, we started volunteering with The Bay in Lincoln every third Wednesday of the month for their monthly food drive. So, on that day, three or four of us in the company head there around 4 p.m. to help set up the line, hand out varieties of food, then help clean things up. The Bay has all sorts of volunteer opportunities that we hope to be a part of in the future!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 601-5091; Email: decksunlmtd@gmail.com; Website: www.decksunlimitedne.com. We recently moved our location to 3160 N 33rd St. in Lincoln. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

TARA

Tara Ihde

ROCK ‘N’ JOE COFFEE BAR Rock’n’Joe Coffee Bar is a specialty coffee shop franchise that has been around since 1993. Tara Ihde manages Rock’n’Joe Coffee Bar’s Lincoln location.

Tell us a little about your business. - Rock’n’Joe’s goal is to successfully incorporate two amazing things: coffee and music. With our strive for excellent customer service, a hand-crafted product, and our passion for music, we hope to serve the Lincoln community with a place they can call their own. This isn’t just our coffee shop, it’s Lincoln’s coffee shop!

How did you get started in the business? - I initially began my career in the coffee industry four years ago for a competitor. I grew a passion not just for coffee but for service and leadership. A couple years later, my father Dennis Nienhueser decided to open a coffee shop. I couldn’t think of a better person to go into business with.

Tell us a little about your family. - I am the youngest of three. My brother Ryan lives in Colorado and is married to Kristina. They have an adorable little girl named Ava. My sister Janae is married to Andy and they have two little ones, Asher and Jayla. They live here in Lincoln, although sometimes it feels like Janae lives at Rock’n’Joe... My dad and my mom Jayna still live in York where my mom is a third grade teacher.

My husband Trent is a landscaper for Hampton Properties and is a very hard-worker!

What do you see as one of your biggest turning points in your life?

- The biggest turning point in my life was making the decision to venture away from a career in Recreation Management, which is what I received my degree in, and pursue a career in the coffee industry. That decision landed us where we are today.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy relaxing with my husband and my dog Titan! We enjoy the outdoors, especially when the weather cooperates.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - In high school, I had the opportunity to play on the North Carolina Tarheels and the Duke basketball courts.

Who inspires you? - John Maxwell, an author, speaker, and pastor. He is someone I turn to when facing some sort of adversity in my personal or professional life. He has written multiple influential leadership books that have helped shape the leader I am today.

What is your favorite quote? - “There is no job description in leadership.

You just do whatever your organization needs you to do. That is what great leaders do.” - Dr. Mike Lucas If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Amiable. It may seem simple, but my business isn’t just coffee—it’s people. I truly believe we can make a difference just by being that kindness in someone’s day (coffee helps too)!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? - Teleportation, especially when the Nebraska weather sets in.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Professional basketball.

What is your favorite book? - 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell.

What is your favorite TV Show? - The Office.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla. He has reinvented the car industry and it would be intriguing to pick his brain.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 710-1029; Email: tara.ihde@gmail.com; Website: www. rocknjoe.com; Facebook: @RockNJoeCoffeee. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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402.483.4564 | FieldsFloral.com | 3845 S. 48th St. MARCH 2020 Strictly Business

25

PERSONNEL NEWS Stepping Stones for Families Welcomes New Counselor Keri Nider

Jeff Wogamott of Ironhide Construction Joins MBCEA

Stepping Stones is pleased to welcome Keri Nider, LIMHP, LADC. Keri received her bachelor’s degree in human relations and her master’s degree in counseling from Doane College. Keri is experienced in working with both youth and adults and utilizes a variety of treatment modalities while providing trauma informed care.

Keri joins Stepping Stones therapists, Shannon Miller, PLMHP, LADC, and Jamie Corder, PLADC.

Jeff Wogamott of Ironhide Construction Inc. recently joined the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA), which supports the professional advancement of metal building contractors, erectors, and the metal building industry as a whole. The benefits of being a part of the MBCEA include erector training, OSHA training, first aid training, keeping up with codes and requirements, and member discounts.

The Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association was founded in 1968 with one primary mission: to support the professional advancement of the metal buildings industry. MBCEA has provided programs and services to support, educate, and safely train metal building contractors and erectors across the country. Learn more at www.mbcea.org.

Ironhide Construction Inc. is a general contracting and structural restoration company with a specialization in metal buildings. They work from design to construction to create innovative buildings that are functional yet stylish, staying up-to-date with all codes and new releases. Ironhide is a Nebraska-based company with a national clientele because of their commitment to transparency, accountability, and quality.

To learn more, call (402) 420-4961 or visit their website at www. ironhideconstruction.com. You can congratulate Jeff on his new accreditation by emailing him at jeff@ironhideconstruction.com.

Stepping Stones’ outpatient services encompass counseling for mental health and co-occurring disorders, drug and alcohol assessment, and substance use counseling and treatment. They also offer safety-sensitive education and counseling for those with a referral from a DOT qualified substance abuse provider.

Stepping Stones is a program of Lincoln Medical Education Partnership located at 4600 Valley Rd. in Lincoln. Appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are now being scheduled through Lincoln Family Medicine Center by calling (402) 483-4571. Later appointments may be available upon request. If you have a non-appointment related question and wish to speak to one of the counselors, please call (402) 488-6511. To find out more about Stepping Stones, visit www.steppingstoneslincoln.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS HoriSun Hospice Welcomes Angela Boule HoriSun Hospice is pleased to announce the addition of Angela Boule, RN, BSN as Hospice case manager to its team. Angela received her diploma in nursing from UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, PA and her BSN from Chatham University also in Pittsburgh. She has been a nurse since 2008 working in transplant ICU, community geriatrics, and ortho/trauma.

She has also worked at Clinic with a Heart as their development director and provider relations coordinator. She first got to know HoriSun Hospice as a volunteer in 2013.

HoriSun Hospice believes that hospice care affirms life. Their mission and promise to the community is simple—to provide the best care possible, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all whose lives are affected by a life limiting illness or condition. Comfort, compassion, and caring are their guiding principles. Learn more online at www. horisunhospice.com or call (402) 484-6444.

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Joe Reinke of John Henry’s Plumbing Appointed as New President of PHCC Joe Reinke, owner and operator of John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, & AC, was recently appointed as the new president of the Plumbing-HeatingCooling Contractors (PHCC) Association.

Joe’s experience in the plumbing and heating industry will be instrumental in helping him carry out his responsibilities in this new position.

Joe’s plumbing career started at John Henry’s in 2002, where he learned the plumbing trade and business from the ground up. Joe became a Master Plumber and continues to maintain a Grade 6 license. Joe is also a plumbing instructor at Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) school, a local trade school.

Joe and his wife Lindsey purchased John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, & AC in August 2020 from Lindsey’s parents. They have two sons, Declan (8 years old), and Brantley (6 years old), and recently they got a new German Shorthair puppy, Kingston, who keeps them very busy! In Joe’s spare time, he enjoys golfing, refereeing football and basketball, hunting, and attending and helping coach his children’s sports activities.

The PHCC Association is a 117-year-old national organization that works closely with the City of Lincoln Codes Departments and has regular educational meetings to train their diverse membership of small, medium, and large plumbing contractors that are involved in installations, maintenance, remodeling, and service repairs. To find out more about the PHCC Association, visit phccweb.org or go to phccne.org for information about PHCC Auxiliary of Nebraska.

John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning is a full service plumbing, heating, air conditioning, air quality, duct cleaning, and water treatment locally owned with over 80 team members.

Call them at (402) 435-5555 to discuss your needs today or visit jhlincoln.com to learn more. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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PERSONNEL NEWS CBMC to Host Speaker Amibatha Sarkar at March Luncheon

LIBA Welcomes New Event Coordinator Yahsmin Gorji

CBMC Lincoln will sponsor a Business Connection Luncheon on Thursday, March 5, featuring Amibatha (Ami) Sarkar as the speaker. The event will be held at Suite One Eleven, 6891 A St. (Clocktower), from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ami will share the story of his fascinating and life- changing faith journey through his talk titled, Charting Life’s Direction: A journey from India to the U.S.

Earlier this year, the Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) hired a new event coordinator, Yahsmin (Yahsi) Gorji.

Yahsi graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in psychology and a minor in agricultural business.

While in college, she opened up her own boutique. Yahsi is always looking at new business opportunities to launch and get behind. She is excited to support LIBA’s membership by organizing the association’s three main networking events every month—BizNet, Custom Blinds & Design Coffee & Contacts, and the LIBA Luncheon, along with other functions such as the annual convention and ribbon cuttings.

Ami is a research engineer for MatMaCorp, a biotechnology and bio-instrumentation firm based in Lincoln. He was born and lived in the eastern part of India and his childhood was spent in both India and the USA. Prior to his PhD in Materials Engineering from UNL, Ami worked for Siemens as a part of a team developing a hospital management system. He also has formal training in Biochemical Engineering and Chemical Engineering.

CBMC Lincoln is a ministry to business and professional men, encouraging them toward spiritual development, personal integrity, principled leadership, and a desire to impact others. For information about CBMC Lincoln, visit Lincoln.cbmc.com or stay connected with them on Facebook (@cbmclincolnne). To register for the luncheon, call (402) 540-1093.

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LIBA puts the needs of local businesses first. They advocate for you at the state and local level, and connect you with other members the Lincoln business community. There are several membership levels designed so that all members have a membership option that fits their business needs.

To learn more about the Lincoln Independent Business Association, visit www.liba.org or call the LIBA office at (402) 466-3419 to welcome Yahsi to the team! Yahsi can also be contacted directly via email at yahsmin@liba.org.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Neemann & Sons Grows Team with Addition of Travis Payne Neemann & Sons recently welcomed Travis Payne as director of marketing and community relations. Travis will be doing a lot of networking, providing releases on projects, and educating the community on the services Neemann & Sons provides.

Travis has 18 years of sales experience and two years of experience in the roofing industry. He has also worked in development, marketing, and fundraising for nonprofits in Nebraska. In his free time, Travis enjoys all things sports related—he is an avid sports fan.

He also loves doing anything in the great outdoors with his three boys.

Neemann & Sons provides their customers with family-friendly service, using high-quality products. They offer a wide range of residential services, including roofing, siding, seamless gutters, aluminum soffit and fascia, replacement windows, blown-in insulation, gutter cleaning, and other repairs. Their commercial roofing company operates under the name Sprague Roofing, a division of Neemann & Sons. Learn more by going online to www.neemannandsons.com or contact (402) 423-4853 / info@neemannandsons.com to welcome Travis to the team!

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank Promotes Ron Svoboda, Jennie Sovey, and Grant Carter Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is excited to announce the promotion of: Ron Svoboda, assistant vice president/mortgage loan officer; Jennie Sovey, assistant vice president/ mortgage loan officer; and Grant Carter, vice president/commercial real estate loan officer.

As assistant vice president/mortgage loan officer, Svoboda’s focus will be on developing relationships with customers and affiliates to grow the bank’s mortgage portfolio, overseeing the loan process from application to closing. Svoboda is committed to placing customers in the right loan product and providing a personal experience.

Similarly, Sovey will be responsible for overseeing the loan process and positioning her customers in the right mortgage loan product. Her past experience in insurance and in various lending department titles at Lincoln Federal provide her with the ability to educate her customers from application to closing.

In his new role, Carter will develop and grow the bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio with new and existing clientele. In addition, he will help maintain and establish new lending policies that align with the bank’s mission and regulations. Carter has been with Lincoln Federal since 2018 and brings over 15 years of banking experience to the table.

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank has five branch locations in Lincoln. Construction on their new headquarters at 84th and Van Dorn is underway. Additional branches are located in Omaha, Fremont, Blair, Holdrege, Hastings, North Platte, McCook, and Benkelman. Learn more at lincolnfed.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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PERSONNEL NEWS Nebraska Repertory Theatre Brings on Rafael Untalan as Assistant Professor of Practice The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film in the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts is pleased to announce Rafael Untalan as a new faculty member in performance. Staff and students alike are thrilled that Untalan has accepted the position as Assistant Professor of Practice in performance in the Johnny Carson School.

Untalan will begin teaching in the Fall 2020 semester.

Untalan’s professional credits include extensive acting work at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival where he was a company member from 2005-2007. His credits also include a wide range of top regional theatres, including Arena Stage, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cleveland Playhouse, and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. He has served as a guest artist/teaching artist at numerous academies and universities including ATMTC Academy, Radford University, University of Utah, Washington College, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Untalan received his MFA in Classical Acting from George Washington University in Washington, DC. Over the years, the Nebraska Repertory Theatre has developed and taken the theater in bold, new directions that expand the theatre’s reach and serve the community in exciting new ways.

Learn more online at nebraskarep.org or contact the ticket office at (402) 472-4747 / (800) 432-3231 / info@nebraskarep.org.

Tabitha Selects Brian Shanks as Chief Financial Officer Tabitha, Nebraska’s industry-leading senior care provider, recently welcomed Brian Shanks as chief financial officer. He also serves as Tabitha’s corporate compliance and privacy officer.

Shanks brings over 30 years of extensive experience in finance and business, including the areas of real estate, courier services, and franchise investments. He was instrumental in boosting student housing occupancy rates at the University of Nebraska and managed standardized policies and procedures, data metrics and financial reporting for dining, residence life, contracts, payroll, facilities, and conference operations. Shanks also provided fiscal oversight of $250 million worth of construction projects including a new dining center and residence hall across the state’s college.

“We are excited about the diverse background Brian brings to our team. His partnership is crucial as we move to the future with a bold plan to expand and innovate for the sake of Seniors, their families and the communities we are blessed to be invited to serve,” shared Tabitha president and CEO, Christie Hinrichs. “We are grateful to have him as part of the Tabitha executive team.”

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As the state’s quality award-winning senior care expert, nonprofit Tabitha empowers people to live joyfully and age gratefully.

Supporting friends and neighbors for over 130 years and encompassing 28 Nebraska counties, Tabitha offers a range of services from results-driven rehabilitation, accessible at-home home health care, innovative living communities, and compassionate hospice services. Learn more at Tabitha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Shirts101 Welcomes Four, Promotes One Shirts101 recently welcomed four new employees to their multiple departments: Alix Wolf in building maintenance and as embroidery machine operator; Mellisa Kurek in sales support; Xavier Rodgers as a graphic designer; and Shelby Krueger as a marketing specialist. In addition, Lina Cullighan has been promoted to shipping coordinator.

Alix is hard working and willing to learn on the job, making him a perfect fit for the position of embroidery machine operator along with his role in building maintenance.

He is mechanically inclined and often finds himself helping other members of the Shirts101 team fix equipment if a problem occurs. Alix has also been hired to assist in the production department.

Melissa has been hired in sales support to accommodate Shirts101’s growing client base. She is helping set the foundation for what this new role is going to look like in the future. Melissa will be responsible for ensuring that every customer receives their order in a timely and effective manner.

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402.217.2833 | WWW.NOCOASTBUSINESSADVISORS.COM Alix Wolf

Lina is valued as a very versatile employee.

She has taken over the position as shipping coordinator. Lina started in the embroidery department and is never hesitant to help out where she’s needed, especially if she gets to help out the embroidery team.

The Shirts101 team is in the midst of creating and achieving many new and exciting goals.

They continue to strive for excellence within the community. Since 1994, the familyowned business has specialized in custom shirts and apparel, promotional products, graphic design, and e-commerce. Their talented staff is instrumental in helping clients obtain a simple, fast experience for every budget.

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Xavier Rodgers is coming on to the team as a graphic designer. The art department is excited to see what he will accomplish with his skillset. Xavier recently received his degree in Graphic Design from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and has already proven himself as an incredible asset to the department due to his creativity and ingenuity.

Shelby Krueger was also recently added to the art department in the position of social media and marketing specialist.

Shelby is another recent graduate who has experience in design, fine arts, and media production. She received her B.A. in Graphic Design from Doane University. Shelby is appreciated for her fresh ideas that she brings to Shirt101’s marketing team.

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SP Group Welcomes Back Clayton Peterson as Team Accountant Xavier Rodgers

Shelby Krueger

SP Group, PC is excited to welcome Clayton Peterson back to the SP team.

Clayton, a 2018 graduate of UNL with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a former two-year tax intern at SP Group, recently re-joined the firm full-time as a team accountant. He plans to continue his education by pursuing his master’s degree in professional accountancy and sitting for the CPA exams concurrently.

A Lincoln native and graduate of Lincoln Southeast High School, Clayton played golf at the high school and collegiate level as a member of both the Lincoln Southeast Community College and UNL golf teams.

Outside of the office, Clayton enjoys spending time with his family and golfing with his friends, tallying three career hole-in-ones. He is an avid sports fan and always enjoys rooting for the Huskers.

SP Group was founded on four core values: relationships, the power of team, life/work balance, and competitiveness. Clayton believes the most important SP core value is relationships. Building on a strong coworker foundation, he looks forward to fostering positive relationships with clients.

Lina Cullighan

If you would like to learn more about Shirts101 and their team, check out their website at shirts101.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

To learn more about SP Group, PC, visit the website at www. spgrouppc.com, follow SP Group on Facebook (@SPGroup,P.C.) and Twitter (@SPGroupPC), or give Clayton a call at (402) 4207758. Who knows, you may talk him into a round of golf. He’ll be ready to go!

MARCH 2020 Strictly Business 31

PERSONNEL NEWS Jaime Kubik of Southwick Liquid Waste Advanced Medical Imaging Welcomes Offers Education and Humor on Septic Safety Darrin Stoll as Director of Clinical Workflow Jaime Kubik of Southwick Liquid Waste recently celebrated six years of offering free education and humor through her blog, The Pumper’s Wife. The blog, which shares multiple posts each month on topics ranging from the best toilet paper for septic systems to things to consider when building a home in the country also offers a bit of comic relief for what can otherwise be a grim and grungy topic.

From pumping puns and poetry to hilarious memes, Jaime brings a light-hearted yet grounded and expert approach to the world of septic systems and liquid waste. Anyone looking for information on septic systems would benefit from the wealth of knowledge so easily accessed at The Pumper’s Wife.

Southwick Liquid Waste is based out of Hickman, NE. They offer both residential and commercial services such as septic pumping, grease trap cleaning, maintenance programs, and many other services both big and small. You can check out more about Southwick Liquid Waste at www.southwickliquidwaste.com, follow them on Facebook, or call (402) 475-2462. To catch up with Jaime on her latest puns and informational offerings, visit thepumperswife.blogspot.com.

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Advanced Medical Imaging (AMI) is excited to announce Darrin Stoll as the director of clinical workflow. In this position, he will lead the information technology (IT) and teleradiology teams to continue to provide radiology services to Lincoln and nearly half of the critical access hospitals in Nebraska.

Darrin comes to AMI with 22 years of healthcare IT experience. He is passionate about bringing the most cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to Nebraska healthcare, ensuring the best possible patient care is available to all residents. Darrin has lived in Lincoln for 26 years.

His wife works as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse and they have three children: one girl and two boys. When not behind a computer at AMI, Darrin is an avid Husker fan, enjoys camping, fishing, and science fiction.

Advanced Medical Imaging is the largest independent radiology group in Nebraska. AMI radiologists serve as the sole radiology providers for Advanced Medical Imaging’s full-service imaging center and surgery center in Lincoln, critical access hospitals across Nebraska, and St. Elizabeth regional health center. To learn more, visit AMImaging.com.

SCC Board Appoints Tim Cerveny to Fill Vacant At-Large Seat The Southeast Community College (SCC) Board of Governors, during a special meeting on January 21 in York, unanimously appointed Tim Cerveny of Wilber to fill the vacant at-large seat on the board.

Cerveny, who graduated from SCC in December 1991 with a degree in electromechanical technology, was sworn in during the board’s February 18 meeting in Lincoln. His term ends in mid-January 2021. The Board’s at-large seat was vacated Nancy Seim, chairperson of SCC’s last November upon the death of Board of Governors, congratulates Tim Cerveny of Wilber.

Steven Ottmann.

Cerveny was one of four candidates selected for interviews from a pool of 31 applicants. Each of the four finalists was asked the same seven questions by Board Chairperson Nancy Seim. After interviews were completed, the board deliberated before voting 8–0 in favor of Cerveny.

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Strictly Business MARCH 2020

Cerveny, manager of resources and transmission at NMPP Energy in Lincoln, grew up on a farm outside of Clatonia and worked as a welder in high school. He secured a job with Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) before graduating from SCC. During his 13 years at NPPD, Cerveny held a management position, was involved in the building of a Beatrice power station, and then took a non-management position with the company. He began working at NMPP Energy in June 2016. Cerveny earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Bellevue University in 2013.

Learn more about Southeast Community College by visiting their website at www.southeast.edu. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS UNICO Group Announces New Shareholders UNICO Group’s Board of Directors are pleased to announce its newest shareholders: Paul Hughes, Chris Senkbile, Jeff Carr, Sean Kreuger, Karla Wilson, Katie Meyer and Dan Mickells. By investing in the agency’s ownership, shareholders play a key role in UNICO’s leadership, strategic ventures, and serving the community.

Paul Hughes, vice president and commercial risk advisor, has been a member of the commercial team since 2011, first becoming a shareholder in 2018. Paul works primarily in the Omaha market and specializes in the hospitality industry, construction, and property development. Paul serves as a board member of Parkinson’s Nebraska and is active within the CUES organization.

Chris Senkbile, vice president and commercial risk advisor, joined UNICO in 2014 after working in commercial banking and business advising.

Chris’s technical analysis and strong relational connections benefit clients across multiple industries and locations.

Jeff Carr, vice president and commercial risk advisor, has been with UNICO since 2015, bringing with him sales and aviation experience.

Jeff specializes in coverages for trucking, aviation, and equipment.

Sean Krueger, vice president and commercial risk advisor, has been in the insurance industry since graduating college and began with UNICO in 2015. With his prior experience in claims adjusting, underwriting, and operations, Sean serves commercial clients locally in Nebraska and also has many communications clients in the south central region of the country.

Karla Wilson, vice president and commercial benefits advisor, joined UNICO in 2015 after spending over eight years in advertising sales.

Karla specializes in helping individuals navigate the private health insurance and Medicare insurance market. She strives to help clients navigate the confusion of health insurance and to help save them money to put back into things they are passionate about. Karla served a threeyear term as a board member of the East Lincoln Business Association serving as secretary and president.

Katie Meyer, vice president and benefits advisor, joined UNICO in 2016, bringing with her seven years of sales, HR, and benefits experience. She primarily works in the Omaha market helping employers with creative solutions to their employee benefits offerings.

Dan Mickells, vice president and commercial risk advisor, joined UNICO in 2016 with over 25 years of insurance experience,. He has been a leader in the commercial and communications divisions, helping clients manage all areas of risk with a focus on cyber, professional, and management liability exposures. Dan serves as a TeamMates mentor and Nebraska Human Resources Institute (NHRI) board member.

UNICO Group is a full-service insurance agency with services ranging from commercial insurance, workers’ compensation, and employee benefits, to personal insurance and financial planning. UNICO is dedicated to getting you the best insurance products and services available to protect you, your family, and your business. For more information, call (402) 434-7200 or visit unicogroup.com.

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

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Friends and Flowers WITH GARY THARNISH AT BURTON & TYRRELL'S FLOWERS

Enjoy time with friends learning tips and tricks on flower arranging and then create your own to take home. Check out our web page at btflowers.com and click on the Friends and Flowers Tab for details and pricing. Fresh, silk, or wedding themes available!

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MEET YOUR LOCAL REALTORS AND NEIGHBORS RUSS MEYER, ASSOCIATE BROKER 402-310-8262 russ@cb-nhs.com

BRYNNA LUKE, REALTOR® 402-320-3929 brynna@cb-nhs.com

LYNN HARTZELL, REALTOR® 402-383-3837 lynn@cb-nhs.com Visit our booth at the Husker Lawn and Leisure Show Lancaster Event Center, March 20-22, 2020

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Shepherd’s Rest Goat and Sheep Rescue Obtains Official 501(c)(3) Status Shepherd’s Rest Goat a n d S h e e p Re s c u e recently obtained its official status as a 501(c)(3) organization.

Founder Jen Schurman and all the staff at Shepherd’s Rest are excited for what this new identification as a nonprofit means for the growth of the organization.

Shepherd’s Rest Goat and Sheep Rescue is all about bringing together animals and humans in a way that is healing for both.

The rescue has expanded along with their outreach efforts, which now include goat yoga classes at the Gateway Mall and cubicle cuddle sessions that bring goats to an office setting to offer a little therapy and laughter to office staff.

Shepherd’s Rest Goat and Sheep Rescue exists to rescue, rehabilitate, adopt, and provide sanctuary for goats and sheep in need. They also offer education to the public about goats and sheep as therapy animals, provide qualified animal-assisted therapy, and train others to provide qualified animal-assisted therapy with sheep and goats adopted through their program.

To schedule your own session with Shepherd’s Rest Goat and Sheep Rescue, contact Jen at (402) 580-5299 / shepherdsrestrescue@ gmail.com. More information can also be found on Facebook (@ ShepherdsRestRescue).

American Heart Association to Hold First-Ever CycleNation Fundraising Event April 25 The American Heart Association is excited to announce the firstever Lincoln CycleNation event at the Railyard on Saturday, April 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. This fundraising event is expected to attract over 250 guests on 50 stationary bikes from Lincoln’s business, medical, social, and media communities riding in a relay-style format. Teams of four to eight are encouraged to sign up and take turns riding throughout the event. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to support the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

CycleNation™ is an American Heart Association/American Stroke Association health movement aimed at empowering the nation to use road bikes, stationary bikes, and community indoor cycling classes to get healthy. More than 800,000 people in the U.S. die from cardiovascular disease and strokes. The good news is that 80% of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are largely preventable through education, simple lifestyle changes, and action.

“Cycling is known to strengthen heart muscles, lower resting pulse and reduce cholesterol,” said Erica Kiehnhoff, CycleNation director. “What’s good for your heart is good for your brain and physical activity, like cycling, which can help maintain strong brain function, processing speeds, and mental sharpness, and also help in preventing stroke and heart disease.”

The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-(800) AHAUSA1 or visit heart.org. For more information about the event or to register, visit www.cyclenation.org/Lincoln. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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HopeSpoke Releases Community Impact Information for 2019 During the past year, HopeSpoke transitioned from the well-loved Child Guidance Center to the transformative, promising HopeSpoke. The new name reflects HopeSpoke’s desire to inspire children, families, and adults to move forward.

Some of HopeSpoke’s community impacts from last year are as follows: • 17,315 sessions provided to children, adults, and families in the Outpatient program • 9,887 hours of milieu therapy provided to children in the Extended Day Treatment Program • 68 families served by the Active Parenting Program • 41 LINCS (Linking Individuals and Families in Need of Community Supports) assessments completed with families • 17 Lincoln Public Schools with HopeSpoke services • 1 school opened by HopeSpoke to meet the educational and clinical needs of the youth at theTherapeutic Group Home HopeSpoke understands the importance of education and early intervention for the treatment of emotional, physical, and/or environmental trauma. A complete detailing of HopeSpoke’s impact in the community for the past two years can be viewed in their 2018-19 Annual Report in its entirety at www.hopespoke.org. If you would like to receive a printed copy of the report, please call (402) 475-7666 or email jcardwell@hopespoke.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Choices Treatment Center Promotes March Problem Gambling Awareness Month

CEF of Nebraska to Host Christian Youth in Action Summer Programs

Choices Treatment Center is educating the public on the signs of problematic gambling during Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Governor Ricketts, Mayor Gaylor-Baird, and many other city councils across Nebraska have passed proclamations designating March 2020 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Choices wants the public to know that there are free, accessible resources for any person who has a gambling addiction or has a loved one with a gambling addiction.

Problem gambling or an addiction to gambling is described as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family, or vocational pursuits. Signs of a gambling problem include lying to loved ones about gambling activity, deterioration of work performance, trouble concentrating, missing deadlines and important responsibilities, and worrying about mounting debts and their inability to pay them.

Choices Treatment Center is certified with the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program (GAP) and provides a confidential 24/7 helpline at (402) 476-2300. The helpline is always staffed by licensed counselors. The Nebraska GAP helpline is also available at (833) 238-6837 and the national helpline at (800) 522-4700. More information is available at choicestreatmentcenter.com.

CEF of Nebraska is preparing to host Christian Youth in Action® (CYIA™), a summer program designed to train young people in effective and engaging ways to teach children about Jesus. Teens will attend a oneweek training camp where they learn to present the gospel clearly, not only on a child’s level, but also to their peers and to adults. They’ll learn to counsel a child for salvation and lead a dynamic club (5-Day Club®) ministry for children.

Last year, over 130 young people were trained in Nebraska.

Potential students should know that this is an intense leadership/ training camp. It is not for everyone, but all who attend leave greatly impacted and ready to influence the world around them.

CEF of Nebraska will offer three CYIA’s again this summer: • CYIA North, May 17–22 at Camp Assurance near Belden, NE • CYIA East, June 7–17 at Camp Moses Merrill near Linwood, NE • CYIA Central, June 7–13 at Whispering Cedars Baptist Camp near Genoa, NE After the training, the teens are expected to teach at least four 5-Day Clubs® (5DC), similar to vacation Biwble schools, in neighborhood homes, parks, day cares, and wherever children might be present.

To keep training costs low, CYIA sponsors are always needed. To help make an external difference, contact CEF of Nebraska at (402) 4847877 / office@ceflincoln.org. Learn more online at cefnebraska.org.

Dietze Music Provides Support for TeamMates Annual Recognition Celebration TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln held their annual Recognition Celebration on January 30 at Lincoln Station Great Hall. TeamMates extends a special thank you to Dietze Music for their partnership and “instrumental” role in the success of this year’s event, which drew nearly 300 guests. The evening featured a buffet dinner followed by an inspiring presentation and piano performance by Ann Chang, artistic director for the Lied Center for Performing Arts. The awards ceremony portion of the night honored the achievements of TeamMates students, mentors, and facilitators.

TeamMates relies on in-kind donations and support from community partners such as Dietze Music to be able to provide this fun, inspiring annual evening for students and their mentors. Dietze Music has a longstanding history in Lincoln as a reputable music business as well as a fervent supporter of local schools and the community at large.

“If you’re a part of your community, the community will be a part of your business,” said Tim Pratt, president of Dietze Music. “The mission of our founder, August Dietze, was to support musicians in the community, and that is a mission we carry out today. Part of that involves schools. Music education in schools is something I’m really passion about.”

Dietze Music has two Lincoln stores, as well as locations in Omaha and Bellevue. Dietze offers private lessons and sells and repairs an array of instruments and PA equipment along with carrying a varied selection of sheet music. Learn more at dietzemusic.com.

TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln makes a meaningful impact in the local community and beyond by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through mentoring. Matches meet once a week in school during the academic year. For more information about TeamMates and becoming a mentor, please visit lincolnteammates.org.

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Friendship Home Releases Date for Annual “Stuff the Bus” Fundraiser April 4–5 The Friendship Home invites the greater Lincoln community to support the 21st annual Stuff the Bus event benefiting domestic violence victims and their children. This year’s Stuff the Bus is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5, and is co-sponsored by StarTran, Alpha Media Radio Stations, and all Lincoln area Walmarts and Sam’s Clubs.

Volunteers will be handing out needs lists with a variety of items and price ranges at all Lincoln area Walmart and Sam’s Clubs locations and stuffing busses from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Stuff the Bus is an opportunity for Friendship Home to help raise awareness about domestic violence while collecting basic needs for families living in a safe emergency shelter.

Last year, Friendship Home provided services for over 1,500 victims of domestic violence and over 60% of those served in the shelter were children. Friendship Home exists to support victims of domestic violence and their children with emergency shelter, transitional housing, and crisis services. This includes a continuum of safe, confidential shelter options from emergency to transitional shelter helping to empower freedom from domestic violence.

Friendship Home is Lincoln’s only safe, confidential emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. For more information on volunteering as an individual or a team for Stuff the Bus or to access safe shelter and services, call (402) 437-9302.

Learn more about Friendship Home online at friendshiphome.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS JDRF Celebrates Success of Their 2020 Promise Gala On February 22, JDRF partnered with Aviture, a technology consulting firm specializing in providing actionable insights through software platforms, to host their 2020 Promise Gala. Over 1,000 guests attended to show their support to JDRF’s leading research in finding a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D). The event featured expansive live and silent auctions, cocktail reception, dinner with wine service, and JDRF’s signature Fund A Cure program, during which contributions were directly made to research. Following the program, guests enjoyed a full concert by southern rock icons, 38 Special. Nikki Boulay and Jennifer Griswold served as the evening’s hosts.

The Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area has shown such incredible support for the T1D community. In the past three years alone, the JDRF Promise Gala has raised more than $5 million to cure, treat, and prevent this disease. The money raised is driving research to improve the lives of all those with diabetes.

JDRF is the world’s largest private funder of T1Dresearch. Their mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications.

JDRF has invested more than $2.2 billion in research to find cures for T1D, while improving lives today through advocacy and community engagement. Learn more at jdrf.org/Nebraska.

NAM to Host Mobilize Conference to Support LGBTQIA2S+ Community The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) is excited to host the Mobilize Conference on Thursday, March 26, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Omaha Design Center. The inaugural Mobilize Conference focuses on helping nonprofits to promote equitable, inclusive, and affirming services and support to the LGBTQIA2S+ community. The event will give nonprofit leaders, board members, service providers, educators, and more the information and tools they need to improve and expand their services. Breakout sessions will feature a variety of topics, including creating inclusive workplaces and affirming services, working with youth, and legal issues. The day will conclude with performances from student organizations Louder Than a Bomb and the Pride Players.

The lunchtime keynote is Precious Brady-Davis. As a native Nebraskan, she has never lost her Midwestern charm, yet she is known internationally as an award-winning diversity advocate, communications professional, and public speaker. She currently serves as the central region communications manager for the Beyond Coal Campaign at Sierra Club. Her debut memoir, I Have Always Been Me, is set for release in 2021 with Topple and Amazon Publishing.

Part of the motivation behind hosting the Mobilize Conference is based on a community needs assessment conducted by the Equality Fund, which expressed the desire for additional training for nonprofit organizations.

The Equality Fund was established by the Omaha Community Foundation to cultivate a community that supports, includes, and respects LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. The Equality Fund Chair Tom Elser said, “The Equality Fund asked nonprofits throughout the area for their input, and we found that many of them want more education. They are looking for ways to engage our community and create inclusive places.”

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is a state association representing more than 650 nonprofits in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa.

Visit NAM’s website, www.nonprofitam.org/Mobilize to register for Mobilize. For scholarship and group discount information, email Rosey@ nonprofitam.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS Down Syndrome Association for Families to Lincoln Goodwill Invites Community to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day Participate in 8th Neighborhood Challenge Put on your craziest socks and join the Down Syndrome Association for Families (DSAF) of Nebraska in spreading awareness and encouraging acceptance by celebrating World Down Syndrome Day on Saturday, March 21. A free celebration open to the public will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, 1776 N 10th St. Come enjoy live entertainment for the whole family, bounce houses, silent auction items, free food and activities, and even a sensory-friendly room for those individuals needing a little calmer-style of celebration.

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World Down Syndrome Day 3.21.20 CELEBRATE WITH US! | Saturday, March 21 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM National Guard Armory | 1776 N 10 Street, Lincoln, NE FREE food and entertainment for all ages | RSVP dsafnebraska.org/events

The date 3-21, or March 21, signifies the uniqueness of the third copy (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.

People often say the 21st chromosome looks like socks, hence the reason DSAF invites everyone to wear crazy socks to celebrate and show support!

The Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska recognizes that every person with Down syndrome is an individual who has a unique purpose and set of abilities. It is their mission to provide support and a positive vision for the future for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, friends, educators, and professionals who share in their lives. For more information, go to dsafenebraska. org/WDSD. Please direct all questions to Program Director Dawna Daily at (402) 421-1338 / director@dsafnebraska.org.

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Lincoln Goodwill Industries invites neighborhoods to participate in their eighth annual Neighborhood Challenge. The event, which is a competition among Neighborhood Associations in Lincoln, encourages neighbors to donate their leftover items from their garage sales or clean-ups.

Goodwill will provide convenient and free neighborhood-wide pick-ups for participating neighborhoods beginning in April and ending in August.

Pick-ups can be scheduled any day of the week and can be at a central location. Each participating association will also receive advertising and marketing materials upon request to aid in organizing and promoting their event. The top three Neighborhood Associations who collect the most pounds in donations exceeding 2,000 pounds will win a cash prize.

Donations directly support Goodwill’s partners, which include the Community Justice Center, Lincoln Literacy, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and YWCA Job Outfitters, as well Goodwill’s Job Connection and our mission to keep willing workers employed and community resources maximized.

For 86 years, Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. has been strengthening the Lincoln community by providing services for individuals who face barriers to employment and by offering residents an outlet for recycling unused house hold items and clothing.

Contact hannah@lincolngoodwill.org, call (402) 742-2022, or visit lincolngoodwill.org for further information about participating in “Stuff the Bus” or to learn more about Goodwill’s role in the Lincoln community.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Float 4 Life Offers Variety of Lesson Plans this Spring to Keep Young Kids Safe in Water

Make-A-Wish Nebraska Calls for Airline Miles Donations

Float 4 Life is providing a variety of float lesson plans to help keep young kids safe around water this spring.

They have packages to fit a variety of needs and budgets so all families can make water safety a priority.

Every day, approximately 10 people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children age 14 or younger. Whether you’re a parent with a backyard pool or an adult who enjoys a day at the beach, drowning prevention and water safety education should always be a priority. Through Float 4 Life’s private lessons, children will learn the fundamentals of back floating and water safety survival skills.

Due to 75% of wishes requiring air travel, Make-A-Wish Nebraska recently made a call for donations to their Wishes in Flight Program. People can donate either points or miles from American Airlines, United, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, or Delta Air Lines to make a child’s wish come true.

Cash donations are also welcome in order to fulfill as many Nebraska wishes as possible.

Float 4 Life is a part of the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation. Float 4 Life’s swim center and training facility was recently opened near 14th and Yankee Hill Rd. They are excited to be able to host various inspirational and educational events at their new facility, along with infant and toddler water training. The center serves as the national training facility for instructors who want to learn water safety and floating techniques. Float 4 Life Instructors are trained to teach children as young as six months old how to recover to a back float if they were in a water emergency.

Visit www.float4life.org to learn more or to register your child for float lessons. Connect with Float 4 Life on Facebook (@Float4Life) to keep up with all upcoming events.

Bright Lights Releases Summer Camp Information and Registration Dates

For children with critical illnesses, wish trips provide a much-needed escape for children from the grueling medical treatments and doctor visits. From Disney World to Broadway to visiting distant relatives, MakeA-Wish has an unmatched drive to make at least one dream come true for children fighting critical medical conditions. Airlines have also made a commitment to Make-A-Wish, promising that miles donated will never expire and will always go to supporting wishes across the country.

Every 34 minutes, Make-A-Wish grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a critical illness in the U.S. Make-A-Wish serves a unique role in helping strengthen and empower these children and their families during a time often clouded with worry. To find more airline specific information about donating your miles to a child in need, go to Nebraska.wish.org/ ways-to-help/giving/airline-miles.

Contact Melissa Davis-Schmit, regional program director of the Lincoln chapter, at (402) 475-9474 / mdavisschmit@nebraska.wish.org with questions about donating airline miles to a child in need.

“ YOUR GARDEN, OUR PASSION”

Bright Lights has announced that their summer camp registration will open on Saturday, March 21, at 8 a.m. The half and full day camp schedules have already been made available to view online. Bright Light camps are an ideal way for elementary and middle school students to maximize the fun of summer vacation while secretly allowing parents to know their children are avoiding learning loss. The program weeks are as follows: June 1–5; June 8–12; June 15–19; June 22–26; and July 6–10.

Need-based scholarships will also be available this summer and can be applied for during the registration process. Additional information about the scholarship program can be found at brightlights.org/ programs/resources/scholarships.html.

In addition, Bright Lights will be accepting applications for camp assistants starting March 2. These are volunteer positions available to high school students, college students, and adults. They will provide support to teachers in each of Bright Lights’ 100+ camps, enriching the experience for campers.

Bright Lights is a nonprofit that takes learning beyond the classroom by providing youth with unique hands-on learning opportunities since 1987. Each summer, Bright Lights services more than 1,000 students through their half-day classes and full-day camps. Need-based scholarships are awarded each year. For more information about the camp or becoming a camp assistant, go to brightlights.org or call (402) 420-1115. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Our spring schedule is filling up fast. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

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MARCH 2020 Strictly Business

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NONPROFIT NEWS Center for People in Need Installs Coolers Angels Among Us to Host Perfectly Paired: in Warehouse to Store Food for Distribution A Wine Tasting Event With the help of several generous donors, the Center for People in Need installed two large coolers in its warehouse this winter. The coolers will allow the Center to store refrigerated and frozen goods between distributions, reducing waste and opening the potential for a wider variety of foods to be offered. Longer safe food storage times will also allow the Center to change or add distributions according to the needs of the community.

The Wells Fargo Foundation, Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation, Cindy and Dana Rose with Culvers of Lincoln, Ameritas, Mary LaGrange, Norland International, and Mick McConkey directly contributed to the campaign. The project could not have been completed without the support of John Hendricks, Ready Mixed Concrete, and Sysco.

Each cooler is 6,364 cubic feet and can store approximately 222,000 pounds of food. Together, they took about a month to install, including the concrete work necessary to prepare the Center’s warehouse floor.

The Center for People in Need is a community-based nonprofit that offers services and training to low-income people to satisfy their basic needs and help them achieve economic independence. They help members of the community obtain adequate food and household necessities, like diapers, through weekly distributions. Any Lincoln resident who needs help can apply for assistance. Complete details on the process and a list of required documentation can be found online at cfpin.org or by calling (402) 476-4357.

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On Saturday, April 4, from noon to 3 p.m., Angels Among Us will host their 3rd annual wine tasting event, Perfectly Paired. Angels Among Us has partnered with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar to host the event at their restaurant, located at 140 Regency Pkwy.

The event, formerly known as Uncorked, has been revamped and rebranded for 2020. This year there will be wine stations with nearly 50 different wines. As a perfect complement to the wines, chef partner Rafael Ponce has curated a selection of food pairings. A small silent auction will be available for bidding, and wine will be available for purchase at a discount. Only 150 tickets are available, so those wanting to attend are encouraged to purchase tickets soon. Last year the event quickly sold out.

Angels Among Us is a Nebraska nonprofit that provides financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply for financial support. In 2019, Angels Among Us provided financial support to over 120 families, giving over $440,000 helping with mortgages, rent, and other expenses. For more information about events or to get involved, contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org.

Matt Talbot to Honor Longtime Supporters at “Feeding the Soul of the City” Dinner Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach will host a “Feeding the Soul of the City” dinner on March 26 at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel to honor their community partners who have supported them through the years.

Matt Talbot presents “Compassion in Action” awards every year to individuals or groups who exemplify dedication to defeating hunger and homelessness and restoring hope among individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This year’s award recipients, John Turner and the St. Francis & St. Claire Hunger Relief Team, will be honored at this event. This is Matt Talbot’s largest fundraising event supporting continued outreach and support of the homeless, near homeless, and hungry in Lincoln.

John Turner is a longtime partner of Matt Talbot and has advocated for people experiencing homelessness for nearly 30 years through his work at Community Action, CenterPointe, Region V, and now Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA). John has been active with the Lincoln Homeless Coalition and Governor’s Commission on Housing and Homelessness, and goes above and beyond to address housing barriers for people who have experienced homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health challenges.

The St. Francis & St. Claire Hunger Relief Team consists of a multigenerational family that has served dinner on the 4th Thursday of every month for 20 years. Not only do they serve faithfully every month, but they prepare a homemade, nutritious and thoughtful menu which is different each time. Because of their regular schedule, the team is always at Matt Talbot on Thanksgiving to serve a traditional Thanksgiving feast with all the fixings.

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach invites you to attend “Feeding the Soul of the City” to celebrate these wonderful community partners and join the effort to defeat hunger and homelessness in Lincoln.

Learn more and make a reservation for the event at mtko.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Kids’ Chance Welcomes New Corporate Donor and Invites Applications for Scholarships Kids’ Chance of Nebraska recently partnered with Michael Foods, an Associate Level Partner, who will donate $10,000 over the course of four years. The money donated will allow to give more kids the chance to obtain a post-secondary education. Kids’ Chance invites all who qualify for one of their scholarships to take advantage of the generosity of donors such as Michael Foods and apply for a scholarship today.

Kids’ Chance provides scholarships to children whose parents have suffered a workplace injury or death. Kids’ Chance is living by their name—they’re giving kids a chance. Scholarship applications can be accessed online and are due April 15. Kids’ Chance exists because workers’ compensation pays the medical expenses and lost wages when a worker is injured on the job but fails to take into account the costs of post-secondary education for children of the injured worker.

Kids’ Chance of Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to provide financial support to further the education of the children of Nebraska workers who have been severely injured, totally disabled, or killed as a result of employment-related injuries or occupational diseases. Email kidschanceofnebraska@gmail.com with any questions or go online to www.kidschanceofne.org to apply for eligible students, no matter the age of the children.

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Mourning Hope Plans to Host Two Grief Seminars in March The Mourning Hope Grief Center, in partnership with HoriSun Hospice Community Foundation, Southeast Community College, the Lincoln/ Lancaster County LOSS Team, and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Suicide Prevention Coalition, is excited to host “Grief After Suicide: Finding Hope and Healing” on Monday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Southwood Lutheran Church and “Suicide Bereavement Clinician Training,” on Tuesday, March 24, at 8:30 a.m. at the Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center at Southeast Community College. The seminars will both be led by Jack Jordan, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist who has worked with survivors of suicide and other traumatic losses for more than 45 years.

Featuring all Nebraska local craft beer on tap!

“Grief After Suicide: Finding Hope and Healing” will address the factors that contribute to suicide, the impact of bereavement on individuals and the family, some of the myths of grief recovery, things that survivors can do to help themselves, and when to seek professional help. This workshop is appropriate for those grieving the loss of someone to suicide, those who wish to support a grieving survivor, and for professional caregivers such as therapists and clergy who are working with suicide loss survivors. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required due to limited seating. To register, visit mourninghope.org/newsandevents.

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“Suicide Bereavement Clinician Training” is a continuing education seminar that will equip professionals with the most recent information in the field. Register online at southeast.edu/continuing. The registration fee includes lunch and CEU’s.

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To learn more about Mourning Hope, please visit mourninghope.org or call (402) 488-8989 for more information. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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DISCOVER the difference

NONPROFIT NEWS JDRF Available to Host Lunch and Learns to Educate Community

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Offering both Independent Living and Assisted Living, featuring several spacious floor plans and dedicated staff that is available 24 hours a day. Our Community invites residents to enjoy comfort and relaxation while taking advantage of exceptional services.

We offer residents a vibrant lifestyle that encourages health and independence through innovative recreational, educational, health and wellness programs. Gramercy Hill is also pet friendly!

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JDRF Nebraska is inviting the Lincoln community to get involved in the conversation about Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) through Lunch and Learn events. Chris Dunn, JDRF development manager, is excited to engage with businesses, organizations, and any in the community who are interested in learning about how JDRF is improving the lives of people with T1D. What is type 1 diabetes (T1D)? How is it different than type 2? What is being done to end T1D? How can you impact your community? These are just a few of the questions that JDRF will answer at your lunch and learn. As the leading global funder of T1D research with a mission of improving lives and curing T1D, JDRF can help your company discover ways to further engage in the community.

Schedule a JDRF Lunch and Learn today by contacting Chris Dunn, JDRF development manager, at cdunn@jdrf.org / (402) 397-2873. Learn more about T1D and JDRF Nebraska at jdrf.org/Nebraska.

Nebraska Flood Recovery Fund Makes Six Grants to Build More Resilient Communities Nebraska Flood Recovery Fund, a fund established by the Ethel S. Abbott Charitable Foundation and Nebraska Community Foundation for the purpose of assisting Nebraskans impacted by the 2019 floods to rebuild their lives, has made grants to six communities and organizations for community development efforts that address flood recovery and building resiliency for the future.

All granting decisions are made by a volunteer Fund Advisory Committee composed of members located across the state. Most recently, grants were awarded to the six following communities and organizations: • The City of St. Edward will receive up to $50,000 for the purpose of flood mitigation and informed future planning. Preliminary efforts will involve hiring a consulting firm to assess possible expansion to its residential area.

• Heartland Disaster Recovery Group of Grand Island will receive $65,000 for the benefit of Hall and Howard Counties to coordinate recovery efforts and assist local families impacted by the floods.

• Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity will receive $25,000 for its efforts to demolish and rebuild flood-damaged homes within its service area.

• Midwest Housing Development Fund has been awarded $75,0000 to help establish a communication and collaboration network – known as the Midwest Housing Resource Network – to better respond to future flood events and other disasters.

• The City of Winslow will receive $97,000, contingent on securing other matching funds, for the purpose of community relocation and increasing resiliency for future flood events.

• The City of North Bend has been granted $62,000 to assist with street and levee repair.

The Rebuild the Heartland Community Fund, created by First National Bank of Omaha and Nebraska Flood Recovery Fund, both affiliated funds of Nebraska Community Foundation, have been working closely through a joint pre-application process meant to streamline the grant application process and better respond to community requests. Following the floods of 2019, members of both Fund Advisory Committees have met regularly to ensure needs are being met across the state and funding is awarded to projects that address long-term recovery efforts.

Donations may be made to the Nebraska Flood Recovery Fund online at www.nebcommfound.org/give/nebraska-flood-recovery-fund or by calling (402) 323-7330. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS CEDARS Welcomes New Board Members CEDARS is pleased to welcome eight individuals to its board to help drive c hange for children, youth, and families in this community.

Dr. Lance Perez, dean of UNL’s College of Engineering; Judy Halstead, former health director of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department; Judy Gaiashkibos, executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs; Spencer Bergen, InHouse Legal Counsel at Union Bank & Trust; Tony Ojeda, certified retirement counselor; and Marilyn Hernandez, first grade teacher with Lincoln Public Schools. Returning board members include Chris Wagner, vice president of business loans and financing at Union Bank & Trust and Jan Zoucha, founder of JZ Insurance and REtirement Advisors.

Together, they will bring their wide range of backgrounds and experiences to the mission of helping children and youth achieve safety, stability and enduring family relationships.

CEDARS has been helping kids in crisis and building strong families in Nebraska for over 70 years. Since the beginning, the child-serving organization has been community supported and community led. To learn how CEDARS supports families in the community visit cedarskids.org or call (402) 434-5437.

Fresh Start to Hold Annual Spring Open House March 26 Fresh Start will be hosting their spring open house on Thursday, March 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 6433 Havelock Ave. The board of directors invites the community to stop by for tours of the shelter, to enjoy appetizers, socialize, and learn more about the services offered by Fresh Start. The Daisy Thrift Shop will be open as well.

All purchases at The Daisy go towards helping women in need.

Since its inception, Fresh Start has given a new beginning to 1,700 women who were striving to live a better life. In 2019, Fresh Start helped 79 women, served 21,588 meals and provided 7,196 nights of lodging. With Fresh Start, women 19 years and older who are experiencing homelessness, for any reason, have the opportunity to live in a safe, supportive environment for up to a year, affording them more time to focus on their long-term goals, address barriers to self-sustainability, and enact lasting change in their lives. The top challenges residents faced in 2019 were substance abuse (94%), mental health (69%), and domestic violence (43%).

Fresh Start’s mission is to empower women experiencing homelessness to overcome barriers to economic stability by recognizing and utilizing their strengths. Fresh Start is more than a shelter, it’s a goal-oriented program designed to support women who are working diligently to improve their lives.

To learn more about Fresh Start and the impact they’re making on the Lincoln community, go to FreshStartHome.org, connect on Facebook (@FreshStartHomeLincoln), or contact Audrey at (402) 475-7777 for more information about the open house. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Nebraska Community Blood Bank Hosts Blood Drive with Broadcasters Unite for Life The Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) recently partnered with local radio and news broadcasters for the Broadcasters Unite for Life Blood Drive in which donors gave a total of 122 units of blood. The event, which took place on January 23, boasted some of Nebraska’s top broadcasters from the 10/11 News, KFRX 106.3, and KFOR Radio. Broadcasters Unite for Life is hosted twice a year in the winter and summer, which are particularly hard times of year to meet the needs of local hospitals in terms of units of blood.

Donors who attended the drive enjoyed food from Famous Dave’s, a voucher for a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, a free shirt, and more treats. Brad Anderson, news meteorologist from 10/11, spent the day encouraging others to give blood by donating while giving the weather report. The NCBB is thankful for an industry of local broadcasters who support them bi-annually through their audience.

Hosting a blood drive is a great way to support the community, and the Nebraska Community Blood Bank makes it simple for your business or organization to save lives. Contact them at ncbb.org or 1-(877) 486-9414 to learn more.

MARCH is Problem Gambling Awareness Month You or someone you know may have a problem with gambling.

Help is just a phone call away.

The Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program (GAP) pays for confidential counseling with certified problem gambling providers to Nebraskans and their families who suffer a gambling addiction. A list of all GAP-certified counselors in Nebraska is located at

www.problemgambling.nebraska.gov

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

CALL NOW FOR HELP OR INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL. 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK.

Local Provider CHOICES Treatment Center

127 S. 37th Street, Suite B, Lincoln, NE 68510

www.ChoicesTreatmentCenter.com 24/7 Helpline: 402.476.2300 This ad paid by funds provided by the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program

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HEALTH NEWS Sacred Leaf Lincoln Adds New Product Brands to Inventory Sacred Leaf Lincoln recently began carrying Original™ Hemp and Funky Farms™ products as additions to their growing inventory selection.

They now sell Original Hemp brand tinctures and capsules in four varieties: sleep, relief, stress, and energy. They also now offer Funky Farms gummies and disposable pens. The Sacred Leaf product line also has some new offerings with essential oils and CBD, including bath bombs, massage oil, night cream, eye cream, and ph-balanced skin toner. The Sacred Leaf line also now includes 1,000 mg herbal tinctures.

At Sacred Leaf, it is their sole goal to provide the highest quality hemp derived CBD to customers in a multitude of ways so they can find the health options they deserve. It’s this principal care that has grown the business from the first store in Lawrence, KS, which was established in August 2017, to now being a national brand with stores all around the country. From the fields in Colorado, and using cold pressed CO2 extraction methods, Sacred Leaf refine the best industrial hemp plants to a pure, zero-THC product for the safety of customers.

Sacred Leaf Lincoln focuses on educating customers first. They want you to be comfortable with your purchase and walk out of the store more knowledgeable about how CBD can help change your life.

As a CBD boutique, Sacred Leaf Lincoln helps those looking to take a holistic approach to their well-being. Learn more online at www. sacredleaflincoln.com or call (531) 500-4634.

Beyond Vision LNK Opens First Direct-Pay Eye Care Center in Nebraska Beyond Vision LNK recently opened the first direct-pay eye care model in Nebraska. Dr. Ericksen offers 60-minute exams to ensure complete comprehensive care with a tenured optometrist. The benefits of direct pay allow flexibility in eye care at low costs. Memberships offer unlimited refractive care, medical evaluations, and foreign body removal during accessible hours with tailored discounts on office eyewear, contacts, and safety wear. Beyond Vision LNK has a goal to help people avoid the complexity and stress of insurance and all of its restrictions.

Beyond Vision LNK utilizes advanced technology and equipment for retinal and macular scans for medical eye exams. Environmentallyfriendly frames from independent designers who reforest and recycle water ensure you will have a pair unique only to you along with highquality lenses and contact lenses while protecting nature.

In support of 2020 being declared the year of the eye exam in Nebraska, Beyond Vision LNK is offering a March deal for a $100 exam, including a contact lens fitting and retinal photo, with 30% off of products for an entire year. Businesses who sign on three or more people will receive unlimited care for the 2020 year.

Dr. Ericksen has over 20 years of eye care experience treating a wide demographic, including refugee populations, diabetic patients, retinal and low vision care for veterans, vision therapy for rural school children, emergency and fire personnel, pre/post LASIK surgical care, and in-home care to persons with intellectual and developmental disability, behavior health disorders, and autism.

Beyond Vision LNK’s continued mission is for all people in the community to experience healthy eyes and to empower businesses with the freedom and knowledge of good eye care options to #seelife. Schedule an appointment today or learn more by calling (402) 261-8699 or visiting www.beyondvisionlnk.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Provide Your Team With Healthcare & Peace of Mind

Dr. Johnson

· Access Family Medicine is Lincoln’s only membership based, insurance free, primary care clinic. · Business owners can now provide affordable primary care services to employees & employee families. · Employees will receive all of their primary care needs for one low monthly rate!

Dr. Peterson

Reduced, flat-rate plans available for small businesses!

Stop by our location in Legacy Square today!

8101 O St., Suite 302 • AccessFamilyMedicine.com • 402-858-1510

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“Laughter and smiles balanced with professionalism and results.”

- Recent Testimonial

PHYSICAL THERAPY ORTHOPEDIC > SPINE > PELVIC PAIN

w w w. Hu s ker R eh ab . co m Servicing all of southeast Nebraska.

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HEALTH NEWS American Heart Association Reveals Hands- Access Family Medicine Saves Clients over Only CPR Training Kiosk $200K in Medications, $250K in Labs In November, the American Hear t Association and the Greater Omaha Chamber debuted Nebraska’s first HandsOnly CPR Training Kiosk in the Westroads Mall. The new kiosk will provide Hands-Only CPR training to the public in as little as five minutes. Recent studies have found that Hands-Only CPR is equally as effective as conventional mouth-to-mouth CPR, and people are more likely to feel comfortable performing it. The kiosk is a revolutionary new way of spreading this information to as many people as possible. The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

Each Hands-Only CPR training kiosk features a touch screen with that displays a brief video tutorial followed by a practice session and a 30-second CPR test. With the help of a practice manikin (a rubber torso), the kiosk provides feedback about the depth and rate of compressions and proper hand placement.

The American Heart Association has been actively teaching about Hands-Only CPR since it launched the Hands-Only CPR Mobile Tour in 2012. Their first CPR kiosk was launched at the Dallas/ Ft. Worth International Airport. In the first two years alone, more than 25,000 people learned CPR in an airport. The American Heart Association hopes to replicate that success in Omaha. To learn more, visit www.heart.org.

Access Family Medicine saved their clients more than $550,000 in 2019— $200,000 in medications and $250,000 thousand in laboratory costs. Diagnostic and in-house procedures are provided at wholesale cost, as well as labs, imaging, and medications. With unlimited access to a physician at a low monthly rate, including office visits with no additional charges or copays as well as virtual visits via phone, email, text and webcam, Access Family Medicine patients receive personalized care tailored to each patient’s preferences and comfort without breaking the bank.

Access Family Medicine’s unique business model and personal approach have made them an easy choice for many families and businesses in the area, and the practice has rapidly expanded, necessitating a larger location and bringing on additional medical staff. The success of the first Direct Primary Care clinic in Lincoln is indicative of many realizing the benefits of the membership-based model.

At Access Family Medicine, the number one priority is helping prevent, diagnose, and treat your health issues with affordable solutions that work best for your life. Based on the philosophy of paying for what you can afford and insuring what you cannot, Access Family Medicine offers an alternative approach that has a host of benefits for individuals, families, and employers. Be sure to ask about their group rates for businesses.

Access Family Medicine now provides care to over 30 Lincoln businesses.

To find out more, please call (402) 858-1510, email info@accessdpc. com, or visit www.accessfamilymedicine.com.

DO YOU HAVE

LEG PAIN? • Do you have pain in either leg while walking?

• Is the pain in one or both calves?

• If you stop or slow down, does it ease the pain?

• Do your legs feel cool to the touch?

• Do you have sores on your feet or ankles that won’t heal?

Not affiliated with Advanced Radiology of Grand Island, P.C.

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You may be suffering from claudication or Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

Call to schedule your appointment with AMI’s vascular interventional team.

402-484-6677

www.AMImaging.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

HEALTH NEWS

App le i Re Phone (Mo pair d

American Cancer Society Releases New Study About Colon Cancer Prevention According to a study conducted by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the National Cancer Institute, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, exercise can decrease colorectal cancer risk by as much as 14%. Fifteen hours of metabolic equivalent tasks (METs) per week can cause a significant decrease in risk for seven different types of cancer for both men and women. Even just seven hours of exercise a week can lower your risk.

incoln

Whether you or a loved one are worried about getting colorectal cancer, have just been diagnosed, are in the process of treatment, or trying to stay well after treatment, you can find information and resources at cancer.org/colon.

Giving you accurate, up-to-date information on cancer is one of the American Cancer Society’s top priorities. To learn more, visit cancer. org or call 1-(800) 227-2345.

Health Food Access Assessment Now Available from Community Action As part of a legacy project funded

by Community Health Endowment of Lincoln, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties has released a report assessing the current state of access to health food in Lincoln and underlying needs. It also explores opportunities for further development.

The report summarizes the progress made by the Healthy Food Access Program, a par tnership between Community Action and Food Bank of Lincoln, born of the same legacy grant from Community Health Endowment. The program, which officially launched in 2019, includes two main components.

The first component is a 5,000-square-foot kitchen located at Community Action’s 210 O St. headquarters that is used to prepare nutritious meals for some of Lincoln’s most vulnerable c hildren and store/package locally-grown produce for distribution to healthcare facilities, schools, and retail markets.

Two businesses—Kinder Bites LLC and Lone Tree Foods—utilize the kitchen space to do this work.

The second project component is Lincoln Fresh, a truck operated

by Food Bank of Lincoln, that distributes produce to the city’s highest-needs neighborhoods.

A detailed assessment of the program’s progress, including outcomes achieved so far, underlying need, a review of community resources, and recommendations for future expansion, is available online on the Community Action website.

If you want to learn more about Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties, visit their website at www. communityactionatwork.org or call (402) 471-4515. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

-8)

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• • • • Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in men • and women, yet it can be prevented at an early stage with regular •

screening when the tumor is small and possibly easier to treat. There are even simple, affordable take-home tests available. If you’re 45 or older, getting tested regularly is a must.

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• Chronic Pain Social Anxiety 5800 Speaking Hidcote Drive, Suite 102 •• Arthritis Lincoln, NE • (531) 500-4634 Public • Rheumatoid Arthritis Depression sacredleaflincoln.com • SacredLeafLincoln@gmail.com • Fibromyalgia Stress • Lupus Sleeplessness • Crohn’s/IBS General Anxiety •PMS

WE ARE the Solution to Your Collection Call Levi Cornwell Needs. for More Information (531) 500-4634

Visit us on Facebook@LincolnCBD

SacredLeafLincoln@gmail.com Do what you www.SacredLeafLincoln.com do best and let us take care of the rest.

Patty Kramer, Owner

Call today a 5800for Hidcote Drive, Suite 102 • Lincoln, NE FREE consultation!

402-817-3929 • ARSOLUTIONSINC.COM

KNEE PAIN RELIEF Specifically designed to treat chronic knee pain

Do you suffer from:

Osteoarthritis Ligament Injuries Meniscus Tears Joint Pain/Stiffness A non-invasive knee pain treatment enables us to isolate the knee and apply safe and gentle mechanical traction in order to: Decrease Pain Improve Hydration Increase Range of Motion

Call our office to find out how we can help!

402.464.0444 . www.drjkj.com 5251 R Street, Lincoln, NE

Jeff K Johnson, DC, DABCA

Board Certified in Chiropractic Acupuncture

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One of our favorite quotes and more shop shots! Come see us for any of your Foreign and Domestic automotive needs, including tires!

WE LOVE SERVING LINCOLN!

A1 Automotive 1117 L Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 (402) 477-4660 A1AutoLincoln.com 48

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Destination:

Orlando, Florida

Throw any reason you have for delaying your next visit to the magical world of Disney out the window and start packing! The parks have more to explore than ever before, and the Orlando area is bursting at the seams with unique dining experiences and exciting things to see and do.

What is great about visiting the parks at Disney in a Day Disney World is that you definitely get your money’s worth when you get a day pass like we did. Yes, we are brave (and/or crazy) and tried to fit as much as we can in one day. We got to our first park of the day right when they opened at 9 a.m., and we made sure to end at the park that was open the latest, which in our case was Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park. Depending on the day and time of year, some parks stay open later for guests who are already on property. It’s always good to look up the different park hours when you plan your day in Disney!

Each of Disney’s four themed parks is truly spectacular, but our favorite has to be Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Especially since the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we definitely enjoy spending the majority of our time here.

From the moment we entered the Pandora section of the park, we were mesmerized by the floating mountains and glowing flora all around us. The grandeur of it all will have your senses tingling. And have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride on the back of a banshee? Well, with the Avatar Flight of Passage ride, you get to do just that as you take a thrilling, immersive 3D voyage over and through Pandora’s breathtaking landscape. It’s unlike anything we’ve experienced.

Another one of our favorite rides is Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. If you are a thrill seeker and love fast roller coasters with big drops, this ride is for you. We loved it so much, we rode it twice!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to our long-time favorite ride, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™. It’s a Disney classic, not only on the park’s skyline but as an experience for all ages. It doesn’t matter how many times in life we’ve strapped ourselves into that abandoned hotel’s elevator, the unexpected drops and upwards catapulting will never get old. Shrieks and laughs the whole way through!

We went from spooky, sci-fi vibes to knee-deep in the enchantment of Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park. Perhaps the most pictureperfect part of Disney World Resorts, Magic Kingdom brings your childhood back to life with nods to both old and new Disney movies everywhere you turn. Everyone should end their day at Magic Kingdom to take in the “Happily Ever After” show—an extravagant, magical, and emotional fireworks show complete with appearances from all your favorite Disney characters. We dare you not to tear up even a little bit...it tugs at the heart strings of any Disney fan.

Black Angus Steakhouse (Kissimmee, FL) (407) 390-4548 | blackangusorlando.com

While the Disney theme parks are reason enough to make Orlando your vacation destination, there are a lot of fun places to visit outside of the resort as well. The dining scene is amazing! One of the restaurants we fell in love with was Black Angus Steakhouse.

First and foremost, Black Angus Steakhouse serves USDA Choice Beef or higher! Their steak is aged 21–28 days to really saturate the flavor. We ordered the bacon-wrapped filet bites and they were cooked perfectly—very juicy and tender, and the bacon was just crisp enough to give each bite a good crunch without tasting burnt or being too chewy. The peppercorn gravy sauce to dip the filet bites in really impressed us.

The other appetizer we got was the cocktail shrimp. Being so close to the sea, it’s only right to order a little seafood. It’s nice to have a restaurant that serves both fresh seafood and delicious Midwest beef. The shrimp was huge! Just two bites had us feeling a tad bit full.

For the entrees, we shamelessly ordered the Porterhouse Steak.

This meal just warmed our hearts. The steak was nice and thick and had great natural flavor. From the seafood menu, we selected the crab legs and lobster. With each bite, we settled more and more into our coastal surroundings. This was truly a great meal, and just what we needed to fuel ourselves for more fun adventures underneath the Florida sun.

Be sure to check out the extended version of our Travel Story with additional photos and details regarding our Orlando experience!

You can find the extended version online at www.Strictly-Business.com.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

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RESTAURANT EXPOS EXPOSÉ

Nosh n’ Nibbles at the chocolate season Cute, cute, cute, cute, CUTE! That is pretty much all we were saying when we visited the new artisan chocolaterie and espresso bar in Williamsburg Village, The Chocolate Season. Love child of the talented Erika Jensen, The Chocolate Season really adds pizzazz to Lincoln’s offerings. Are we worthy? No, but we indulged ourselves anyway.

You may go to The Chocolate Season to quench your sweet tooth or to get your caffeine fix, but the menu also features some savory “Nosh n’ Nibbles” to please your appetite. Available Monday through Friday, choose between the soup of the day, fresh quiche, flavorful toast, sandwiches, entree salads, and more.

The salads at The Chocolate Season are amazing. The Harvest Salad plays with the sweetness of crisp chopped apples and homemade maple dressing on top of a mountain of Massaged Kale, quinoa, local goat cheese, red onion, and walnuts. No boring bites here. The other salad on the menu is the Roasted Cauliflower Salad. If you prefer your food to have a little heat to it, go with this option. The spiced and roasted cauliflower paired with chickpeas, feta cheese, cucumbers, and spring greens lathered in a mustard vinaigrette is a genius approach to a salad combo.

We also enjoyed warming our bellies with The Chocolate Season’s handcrafted beer cheese soup. The submerged croutons add an easy crunch to the experience, and no one at our table was complaining about the fresh bacon chunks.

The craftiness continues with grilled cheese sandwich options. We treated ourselves to the Apple-Bacon Grilled Cheese. The toasted bread is nice and thick, and it’s perfectly glazed with a local apple butter and honey. Our mouths are still watering.

The Chocolate Season takes things to the next level with their toast entrees. We filled ourselves up on the Poached Fruit Toast. The raspberry honey contributes a subtle sweetness and creaminess that goes brilliantly with the teapoached fruit and homemade granola. The only thing better than eating this toast is looking at it—a beautiful presentation!

Did someone say WAFFLE SATURDAYS? That’s right. Only on Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Chocolate Season whips out their waffle menu. The different Belgian-style waffle dishes have an impressive range of flavor. We tasted the full spectrum—from the hearty Ham & Gruyere waffle that resembled a biscuits and gravy breakfast to the heartwarming sweetness of the Strawberry Nutella waffle that will forever hold a place in the hall of fame for best flavor combination.

Our favorite waffle was the Cornhusker. If you’re craving something more savory than sweet, order the Cornhusker. Topped with roasted corn, jalapeño, and hickory bacon, this is not your mother’s waffle.

Complete with a dash of Finer Farm’s honey and a lick of butter, the Cornhusker waffle will bring a “Mhm!” out of you, or maybe a full-on “Go Big Red!” Either one would be appropriate in this case.

Don’t forget to wash down your food with some of The Chocolate Season’s specialty coffee and espresso drinks. They also serve a delicious hot cocoa— Sipping Chocolate—which embodies the right balance of dark, full chocolate and warm sweetness so that it’s not bitter. A yummy brew for this time of year!

3855 Village Lane, Suite 100 | (402) 466-1139 | www.thechocolateseason.com 50

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FOSTER CARE: CEDARS (402) 436-5437

www.cedarskids.com

Critical Need for Foster Homes for Children An alarming number of children won’t get to sleep in a safe and loving home tonight because there aren’t enough foster parents in Nebraska.

“In just one month,” says CEDARS President Jim Blue. “We had to turn away 133 kids because we didn’t have foster homes for them. That should not be the way it is. I know that there are good people in this community who are willing to open their hearts and homes to children in need. They just need to take that first step and give us a call.”

We’ll Treat Your Pet

Like Family!

Lodging Salon Daycare Training

Call us to Book Today!

402-488-8190 • www.Kenl-Inn.com 10241 E. Old Cheney Rd. Lincoln, NE Mon-Sat: 7a-8p Sun: 10a-8p

Kids come into foster care for a variety of reasons. Ultimately, CEDARS’ goal is to either safely reunite children with their families or find a permanent home for them. Until these goals can be achieved, foster families give kids stability and room to grow as individuals. During this critical time, foster families are able to have a lasting impact on the lives of kids in need of hope for their future.

CEDARS staff walk alongside children and families every step of the way. With encouragement, guidance and direction, the team has the honor of watching lives change.

With offices in Lincoln and Bellevue, Nebraska-based CEDARS has been serving children and families for over 70 years. The CEDARS Foster Care team works every day to ensure that hundreds of foster children and youth flourish in loving families. Because foster parents are an integral part of the CEDARS professional team, CEDARS equips them with exceptional training, provides access to support 24/7, and hosts monthly support groups and quarterly gatherings for foster families.

“We have a foster parent training class that starts on April 18,” says Blue. “In order to meet the demand for foster homes in our community, we need to pack that class. If you’ve been thinking about fostering, now’s the time.”

It is important to know that there is no typical CEDARS foster family. CEDARS foster families include parents with children at home, single adults, couples hoping to adopt and empty nesters.

To help, all you need is a stable home, an open heart and a willingness to reach out to a child in need.

If you have ever considered fostering and would like more information, please contact Caitlin Summerlin at (402) 810-1399 or csummerlin@cedarskids.org.

Lincoln’s

Premier Deck Builder

100%

We take great pride in every deck we do no matter Customer how big or small, and we truly believe that no job is Satisfaction complete until you are fully satisfied.

We know choosing to build or replace your deck is a big decision, one that we don’t take lightly. We will meet with you and go over your project at no cost and NO PRESSURE!

EVERY DAY,

kids are turned away because there aren’t enough foster homes.

We focus on accountability, quality, and customer service.

We will work with you every step of the way to get you the best outdoor space you could want! Call today to set up your estimate!

CARLY BECAME A FOSTER PARENT.

YOU CAN TOO.

CEDARS

402.434.5437 CEDARSKIDS.ORG

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Let’s Discuss Your Project Today!

402.601.5091 • Decksunlmtd@gmail.com DecksUnlimitedNE.com • 3160 N 33rd St., Lincoln, NE MARCH 2020 Strictly Business 51

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Add A Shop

by Sandhills Global Sandhills Global (formerly known as Sandhills Publishing) is a technology company offering a wide range of products and services for the construction, agriculture, commercial trucking, and aviation industries. Sandhills established its home in Lincoln in 1985. The family-owned company got its start in 1978 in Webster City, IA.

Think it’s too difficult or too costly to add an online shop to your website?

Looking for the best eCommerce option on the market?

In addition to connecting buyers and sellers in these industries via global retail and auction platforms, Sandhills provides many related services, including web design, hosting, and e-commerce. Sandhills’ Add A Shop solution is a turnkey e-commerce platform that lets you sell almost anything online—equipment parts, baseball cards, building materials, office furniture, vehicles, whatever you have to sell.

Add A Shop, like other Sandhills services, connects buyers and sellers worldwide. A clear, concise dashboard shows what each customer ordered, when they ordered it, when it shipped, its payment status, and much more, 24/7 on your computer or mobile device. Additional integrated service from Sandhills and its partners can help you at every point in the e-commerce process, including payment processing, offering financing to buyers, making shipping arrangements, and providing insurance for purchased goods.

Add A Shop is different from other e-commerce services in that it builds an online store to mesh with your existing website for free—with no setup fee, contract, monthly fees, maintenance fees, or any other hidden charges. With a Sandhills account and an Add A Shop online store, you also get free access to several other Sandhills marketplaces to put your items in front of many more potential buyers.

What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years?

What was the biggest turning point in your business?

Smartphones and other mobile devices have eclipsed computers as the primary ways that buyers shop online. That’s why with Add A Shop, when we build your online store it will display beautifully on any device, even a smartphone.

The internet has changed nearly everything about buying and selling. Since 1996, all of Sandhills’ trade publications and services have had an online presence around the world. Recently, a partnership with Currency helped Sandhills to develop Add A Shop, offering free e-commerce integration into any website.

What do you see happening with the business in the next 5 years?

What is the most unique or interesting thing about your business that most people don’t know?

E-commerce will continue to grow and become more integral to building your business. Add A Shop allows you to take advantage of online growth with low costs and continuous development.

Add A Shop gives you direct support from human experts, not bots. Also, Add A Shop utilizes Google Shopping categories to improve your placement on Google searches for products in your online store, optimizing your search result ranking (SEO).

What is one goal for your business that you have yet to accomplish?

Sandhills continually improves Add A Shop and its complementary services using input from real-world customers.

User feedback drives and informs changes, major and minor, that make Add A Shop and its kindred services more efficient and easy to use.

What do you like about doing business in Lincoln?

The proximity of universities promises a qualified, professional workforce, and the growing city’s positive reputation and strong work ethic makes Lincoln an attractive choice.

What has been your most important achievement as a business?

Add A Shop removes unnecessary barriers traditionally associated with e-commerce, including monthly fees and the cost of store design and integration. It opens up online selling to anyone without requiring an initial investment.

(884) 775-4781 | addashop.com 52

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FRIENDS4LUNCH Last Month - John J’s Tiki Bar It’s always a fun time when we gather for lunch at Graduate Lincoln’s John J’s Tiki Bar, located downtown at 141 N 9th St. Not only do we get to enjoy yummy American fare and custom tiki drinks, but we also get to experience their Top Golf Swing Suites!

Each bay has more than just virtual golf. A group favorite (especially Paige’s favorite) is the Zombie Dodge Ball. It’s nice to be able to play a few games while you wait for your food.

John J’s has such a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a great place to get together with friends and colleagues for food and drinks. Our group order classics such as the Nebraska Nachos and Avocado Grain Bowl.

Their menu features a good range of sandwhiches, soups and salads, and even “Big Eats” like Nebraska Steak Frites and Fish & Chips. There is also a Back Nine Brunch menu full of your favorite breakfast items.

We recommend swinging by during their happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday.You can also call Graduate Lincoln to rent out a Top Golf Swing Suite bay for an evening.

Thank you to all our friends who joined us for lunch last month!

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Environmentally Safe & Responsible Locally Owned & Operated • For a FREE estimate, call today!

Arrow Pest Control Protecting Health and Property

402-435-3747

www.ArrowPestNeb.com

BROOKE ROMAN

STUDIO

Hair • Nails • Skin • Eyelash Extensions 4300 S. 48th Suite 3

402-486-1466

This Month - Rock ‘n’ Joe Coffee Bar Our Strictly Business team would like to invite you to our upcoming Friends4Lunch event at Rock ‘n’ Joe Coffee Bar on Thursday, March 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rock ‘n’ Joe is a national franchise, but is locally owned

by Dennis Nienhueser. Rock ‘n’ Joe is all about creative excellence. It is a cool place for folks who love exceptional coffee, premium food, and quality rock ‘n’ roll music in a trendy and relaxing environment. Their full menu will be open to our group which includes a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. A majority of the pastries and breads are sourced from local bakeries. Attendees will also be able to enjoy Rock ‘n’ Joe’s range of coffee and espresso beverages for an afternoon boost!

Rock ‘n’ Joe is located at 5025 Lindberg St. Please RSVP to editor@ strictlybusinessomaha.com or by calling (402) 466-3330. You can also find the event on our Facebook page (@strictlybusinessmagazine).

• Bathing Assistance • Assistance with Walking • Shopping • Friendly Companionship • Dementia Care • Medication Reminders

• Dressing Assistance • Errands • Light Housekeeping • Flexible Hourly Care • Meal Preparation • Respite Care for Families

402.735.0999

www.visitingangels.com/lincoln Friends4Lunch is one of our continued monthly networking events held at one of our favorite local restaurants. The tradition was established in the hopes of offering a casual way to make valuable connections with friends and strangers alike in the area over lunch while supporting our clients and enjoying their amazing cuisine. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Your Dream Wedding It’s the biggest day of your life, and Wilderness Ridge is ready to make sure your day is as unforgettable as you’ve always dreamed. Situated on one of Nebraska’s most prestigious golf courses, Wilderness Ridge offers the ideal setting and ambiance for your one-of-a-kind wedding.

Full amenities provided by Wilderness Ridge include:

• Event planning assistance • Multiple menu options • Room layout coordination • Set-up and tear-down services • Audio/visual equipment • Raised stage area for band or DJ setup • Table linens and napkins (various colors available) • Centerpiece options • Table service and glassware • Welcome sign in lobby • Cake-cutting services • Private servers • In-room bar service • Dance floor • Lockers available upon request • Golf carts provided for photography on the course “Invest in an expert vendor and trust their experience within the industry!

Venues like Wilderness Ridge provide a seasoned wedding coordinator who can help you iron out each detail and eliminate tons of stress.

It’s your big day and you should be enjoying yourself, celebrating with family and friends, and taking time to connect with your new life partner, rather than sweating over details. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Hiring professionals or working with venues who provide assistance in these fields is your best bet for a low stress, high quality day to remember! Wilderness Ridge provides an atmosphere of privacy and intimacy in a gorgeous venue, right here in Lincoln. The Lodge and Wedding Island have space for up to 300 guests for indoor or outdoor ceremonies and indoor receptions. We include tables, chairs, linens, napkins, staff, setup and teardown assistance, and planning assistance from the date you book with us until the last dance. Our relationships with vendors in the area make us the primary location for many florists, DJs, photographers, and more! Between our award-winning food, expert staff, and phenomenal venue, there are many reasons why we have been voted as Lincoln’s best.”

- Caitlin Davis, social sales manager at Wilderness Ridge

Contact Caitlin to book your wedding at Wilderness Ridge!

(402) 434-5121 | cdavis@wildernessridgegolf.com | www.wildernessridgegolf.com

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LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

by Wendy Birdsall, President

(402) 436-2350 • www.lcoc.com

LaunchLNK Winners Announced for 2020

For four companies, their hard work has paid off in the form of investment through funding, resources, and opportunities in Lincoln. I am happy to announce that the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development has awarded these four companies with 2020 LaunchLNK grants!

Layer, Pawlytics, BrandPlan, and FileFuse have been named as recipients of the LaunchLNK award. The LaunchLNK program provides startups with a $25,000 grant, connections to mentors, and potential corporate partners and professional services from LaunchLNK HBE, Cline Williams, Suiter Swantz, Eakes Office Solutions, and Firespring.

Startup companies that receive an award through the LaunchLNK program can leverage other programs and funds, including grants, and investment programs offered through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Invest Nebraska. In addition to gaining outside sources of capital, the awarded startup companies will also have the opportunity to join Fluent Studio’s virtual accelerator program.

Layer, founded by Zach Soflin, AIA, and spun out of BVH Architecture, was awarded a LaunchLNK grant from their first-place win in the 2019 Innovation Summit Pitch Competition. Layer is a multi-platform app that makes it easy for AECO teams to capture, organize, and store building data that can then be connected to BIM. With Layer, users can collaborate, add, and edit the same set of data in real-time from any location for the entire lifecycle of a building.

Pawlytics, founded by Lizz Whitacre, is software that aggregates and unifies pet data by utilizing microchips numbers to create real time pet records and make information available instantly to owners and pet professionals so they can adopt, care for, and treat any animal at any time. Pawlytics’ unique approach to building different software interfaces on one database means that every professional using Pawlytics software will have pet electronic health records and more at their fingertips revolutionizing the pet care industry.

Celebrating Our 40th Year!

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FileFuse, founded by James Dickerson, is a product specific for promoting collaboration between audio engineers and their clients. This platform provides a location for organizing audio files and improving efficiency on all ends of audio-based projects. FileFuse enables real time feedback, cloud storage, and payment security all on one platform.

BrandPlan, co-founded by Ali Schwanke and Tyler Sprunk, is a cloudbased application that helps marketers better build, visualize and communicate their marketing strategies. Unlike tools that focus on tasks, assets, or execution, BrandPlan specializes solely in strategy, allowing its users to escape the day-to-day firefighting and focus on the high-level work that matters most. By providing an easy-to-use framework, BrandPlan makes it possible to pull together marketing plans, visualize activity, and easily share marketing information with internal and external stakeholders.

SAVE 75-80% ON ROOF REPLACEMENT

More information on the program can be found at www.launchlnk. com. We are excited for these four winners to ply their trades and grow in Lincoln!

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The World’s First Sustainable Roofing Solution All-Natural | Safe | Quick | Clean | Affordable The Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. For more information, please contact Jaime Henning at jaimehenning@lcoc.com.

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Jeremy Schafer | 402.416.2429 jschafer@roofmaxx.com | www.revolutionroof.com MARCH 2020 Strictly Business

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

THE TOP 3 REASONS TO CONSIDER REPLACING YOUR FURNACE

If your heating and cooling system still has a lot of life left, then repairs make the most sense, but if your unit is aging or deteriorating quickly due to poor installation or maintenance, a replacement may be the better choice. Here are the top three reasons you should consider replacing your furnace: 1. Cracked Heat Exchanger - A crack in the heat exchanger could leak carbon monoxide into your home. This can be a life threatening emergency that should be addressed as soon as possible.

The cost of replacing a heat exchanger outweighs the cost of replacing the furnace so our typical suggestion is to replace the furnace.

2. Continual Repairs - One bad part can wear down the other parts, affecting the overall life expectancy of the unit. Depending on the situation, it may be best to replace.

3. Age and Efficiency - A well-maintained system with annual has a life expectancy of 10–15 years.

Efficiency is measured by how much energy is used to make the system run. The more energy used, the more cost to you, and the environment.

Once it starts to lose its efficiency, it may be more cost effective to replace the furnace.

Winter is upon us, which means it’s time to switch your HVAC system over to heat. Having a reliable and efficient furnace that endures Nebraska winters will keep your household comfortable, and your energy bills affordable. Unfortunately though, a furnace may quit without warning. You don’t want to realize your furnace isn’t working when it gets cold enough to turn it on, but if that is the case, Star City Heating & Cooling can service any furnace make and model with their quick response service team. Their VIP maintenance club members receive priority service and amazing discounts.

Star City Heating & Cooling’s Residential Consultants can help you choose the best replacement option for your home and budget, and they offer a free consultation!

Interested in switching to a residential heat pump or replacing your existing one?

A heat pump is a multi-functional unit that works as both a heating and cooling unit. A heat pump draws heat from outdoor air and circulates it through your home’s air ducts. In the summer, it reverses the process and removes heat from your house and releases it outdoors.

A heat pump can work in conjunction with your gas furnace or with your electric furnace. They are a more efficient way to heat the home, so they will help save money on utilities year round!

You can get an air to air heat pump or an ultra efficient geo-thermal heat pump.

With Star City Heating & Cooling, you can relax and trust that they conduct their business in a way that will put your needs first by making the process easy, comfortable, and informative.

(402) 464-7827 | starcityair.com | office@starcityair.com 56

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DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ASSOCIATION

by Todd Ogden, President

(402) 434-6900 • www.downtownlincoln.org

11 Lincoln Organizations Named Bicycle Friendly

This year, the League of American Bicyclists recognized a record 11 Lincoln area organizations, including four downtown businesses, with a Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award, earning them a place alongside 1,366 businesses across the country contributing to the movement to build a more Bicycle Friendly America.

By kicking off the New Year alongside 153 new and renewing BFBs, these businesses, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies in all 50 states and Washington, DC, in a commitment to transform American workplaces to be more welcoming to customers and employees who bike.

“When places make it easier for people to choose to bike, they are building safer, stronger, and better connected communities,” Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists said. “The League of American Bicyclists is thrilled when organizations like these 11 Lincoln businesses join us in this movement to build a more Bicycle Friendly America. When more people are biking to work or shop, life is better for everyone.”

An important part of a growing trend not just in Lincoln, but nationwide, is recognizing how important supporting bicycling can be for building better, safer, more connected communities through bike-friendly accommodations for employees & patrons.

One recipient of the Bronze award this year is The Lincoln Running Company, located at 1213 Q St. “As a running, walking, just ‘be fit’ store we feel it is part of our job to encourage our customers to cycle to our store and if we do that we need to be as ‘bicycle friendly’ as we possibly can,” owner Ann Ringlein said. “Three-fourths of our employees bike to work, and we want them as safe as possible on their way here—so trails and protected bike lanes hit home here! It was a no-brainer to apply for this award and again, to receive it is an honor. BikeLNK has been such a positive source for everyone in Downtown Lincoln and we couldn’t have done this without their encouragement and help!”

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One of a kind.

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“Healthy, vibrant communities are made up of the strong connections between the people within it,” Granquist said. “Biking does just that! You experience Lincoln on another level, with all five senses, taking it all in. Places that support varied transportation options for patrons and employees show that they are not just invested in active, healthy living but a better environment for everyone.” BikeLNK city manager Jamie Granquist is passionate about the Lincoln community working together to make biking around town more accessible.

Moving forward, these amazing organizations will have access to a variety of tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more bicycle-friendly. When employees bike, great things happen: through bike commuting we decrease our carbon footprint, connect to our community, and it makes for a fun and healthy work culture.

To learn more about the BFB program, or to apply, visit the League online at www.bikeleague.org/business.

Founded in 1967, the Downtown Lincoln Association provides services and champions initiatives for maintaining and enhancing our vibrant downtown. Our vision is to create an energetic downtown environment where we live, learn, work, invest and play. DLA has evolved into a multi-faceted organization supporting a wide range of programs and activities including maintenance, economic development and advocacy. For a complete listing of downtown businesses, events and residences visit downtownlincoln.org. ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownlincoln.

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MARCH 2020 Strictly Business

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

2 5 YEAR S!

Krieser Drywall & Insulation Celebrates 25th Year with Cutting-Edge Technology “No kiddin’, 25 years. Seriously?” was the response of Nate Krieser upon learning of the milestone Krieser Drywall & Insulation had achieved.

Krieser, president and owner, began drywalling in high school in 1995 in their family drywalling business. When his father retired from drywall, Nate took over the business and later added insulation services to better streamline the building process for customers. The business has come a long way from the father/son crew to a thriving company which employs 12 full-time employees today.

Nate expanded into spray foam insulation and later specialty coatings: polyurea, silicone, and acrylic. Offering Commercial specific services of metal framing, fiberglass reinforced panel (FRP) and suspended ceiling installation, Krieser has brought a diversity of services to customers and contractors.

This year, Nate celebrates 25 years in the drywall and insulation business, and he’s doing it with a bang. In November, Krieser introduced AeroBarrier to their services. In addition to traditional insulating methods, fiberglass and spray foam primarily, Krieser wanted to bring the newest technology available to Nebraska. AeroBarrier was the perfect fit. A breakthrough envelope sealing technology, AeroBarrier is changing the game of air sealing.

“This is awesome technology. The best method for tightening a building envelope, period,” stated Krieser.

“Nothing else out there can do what AeroBarrier does.”

AeroBarrier saves on utilities and extends the life of mechanical equipment for decades.

Available for all new construction homes, multi-family residences, and commercial

Krieser in front of new AeroBarrier trailer.

buildings, AeroBarrier has been GreenGuard Gold certified, meaning it’s safe for schools, hospitals, and the environment.

“As houses get more efficient and envelopes get tighter you need to make sure you have someone who understands building science so you don’t end up in a situation where your building is too tight. We can take it to a safe level without having to use an air exchanger. If you do have one, we can take it to whatever level you need,” says Nate.

In as little as two hours, a home can be brought down to almost any specified air change per hour (ACH); able to tighten an envelope up to 90%. AeroBarrier is cost effective and that allows for a greater number of people to have highly effective insulation without the high costs.

“A great benefit with AeroBarrier is that blower door testing is included and you get printed reports verifying it passed,” said Kreiser, who also provides blower door testing separately.

Jay Babb, Krieser’s general manager, has worked with Nate for over eight years. “I’m eager to see the changes that AeroBarrier will bring to the building industry. It’s a huge leap forward in insulating technology and it’s exciting to be an early part of that,” notes Babb.

Learn more about Krieser Drywall & Insulation at their website KrieserDrywall. com or call them at (402) 432-2031 for more information about services they provide. You can see Nate at the Omaha World Herald Home Show on March 27–29 and get an upclose look into the AeroBarrier trailer and the inner workings of the future of insulation.

Acrylic-based aerosolized sealant is sprayed into pressurized home.

Before and after: AeroBarrier seals gaps as small as a human hair & up to ½”.

Krieser’s spray foam trailer at Downtown Lincoln businesses.

www.KrieserDrywall.com | (402) 432-2031 58

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LINCOLN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

by Bud Synhorst, President

(402) 466-3419 • www.liba.org

Relationships Matter Over the course of the past few months, I have been reminded several times of the importance and value of building relationships. We have been talking about this as a team in the office. Relationship building has been one thing I have really enjoyed throughout my career. I have been blessed to have so many opportunities to reconnect with people I have known from previous positions, and the relationships pick right up where they left off, similar to a good friendship.

One thing I have been working hard with is developing solid relationships with our local elected officials on both sides of the aisle. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with them and connect on a personal level, as well as gain insight on where their focus lies in terms of legislative agendas. What has been positive lately is that our discussions are happening during a time when neither of us has a specific “agenda” in mind, allowing each of us to understand the other better. These great conversations allow us to talk on a deeper, more philosophical level. Talking and listening to each other in this way really makes a difference.

A few weeks ago, I was attending a community event where I saw several of the elected officials I had previously met with. Our conversations went right back into some of the same philosophical issues we had been discussing before. In fact, one of them wants to get together again soon to continue talking through a few issues they are working on. Once again, this proves how beneficial it can be to go into conversations with elected officials—or anyone for that matter—with an open mind, letting the relationship motivate you instead of a political agenda.

I share this to encourage people to take time to reach out to their elected officials, get to know them, and even attend their public town hall or community sessions. Our politics in Nebraska is very local. Our city council, school board, county board, and state legislators are all accessible, and they are eager to speak to their constituents and local groups with interests in community and state issues.

Now, think of your customers and business partners. Think about how developing a relationship with them and making a conscious effort to show them you genuinely care about your partnership can make them loyal to you over time. We often think of our sales in a transactional manner—make the sale and then move on to the next transaction. This strategy simply doesn’t work, especially in Lincoln. Businesses grow when the sales mentality becomes relationship focused. Having strong relationships with customers helps them to become long-time customers. Loyal customers will also tell others about your business and bring forward more prospective customers.

I am reminded of a friend of mine whom I rely on for service providers when I need one. Whenever I need to hire a company for a project around the house, he is usually my first call to ask for guidance. A recommendation from someone I know and trust carries a lot of weight with me, as I am sure it does with anyone.

In conclusion, I hope everyone will take a moment to reflect on the importance and value of building strong relationships with our elected officials, your team, and your customers. The relationships we invest in today will pay great dividends in the future.

LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining, please call LIBA at (402) 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses. We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.

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LIBA NEW MEMBERS

DLR Group DLR Group believes in an integrated design process w h e r e a l l d e s i g n vo i c e s matter and actively shape the community, cultures, and societies we live in. John Badami, principal, has influenced the built environment in Lincoln for nearly 20 years. While the Pinnacle Bank Arena and redevelopment of the Haymarket neighborhood is the most visible, he has been a key member of project teams for the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center and the Athletics Performance Lab at the University of Nebraska, the Lincoln Ice Arena, and the Transportation Services Building for the State of Nebraska. Core areas of John’s design expertise include architecture, mixed-use, and workplaces. Design excellence in these projects is the outcome of innovative, value-driven design solutions founded on the principles of evidence-based design, and environmental stewardship to create a sustainable future for all.

To learn more, visit www.dlrgroup.com or contact John at (402) 972-4123 / jbadami@dlrgroup.com.

Flagstone Financial Management Flagstone Financial Management is a team of financial planning professionals who act in your best interest. Led by founder and wealth advisor, Michael T. Johnson, J.D., CFP®, they have a passion for educating, advising and inspiring their clients to make sound financial life decisions. They help people who want more than just a stock broker or mutual fund picker.

Flagstone helps clients through holistic financial planning, while also helping them manage their investments. Their team makes sure no rock goes unturned, and accounts for their clients’ entire financial picture. Their goal is to help their clients feel confident in the decisions they make, and to feel comfortable about the path they are on. For more information about Flagstone Financial Management, go online to www.flagstonefm.com or call (402) 413-0440.

Stratum Productions Stratum Productions is a locally owned and operated audio/visual company that specializes in professional audio, lighting, and photo booth rentals for a variety of clients and events, including corporate functions, schools, churches, fundraisers, weddings, and concerts. Stratum offers system integration, event production, and equipment rentals and sales. Ultimately, the goal of Stratum Productions is to see big productions become unique by helping clients communicate their message, captivate their audience, and connect with meaning. Owner Daniel Anderson goes above and beyond for each client he serves. He ensures the customer has the best experience possible through professionalism, product knowledge, and industry experience. To speak with one of the event guides at Stratum Productions, contact (402) 882-1691 / info@stratumpro.com or connect through the website at www. stratumpro.com.

MARCH 2020 Strictly Business 59

You’re In Luck!

Now Is The Best Time To Sign Up For A Service Maintenance Plan On Your Heating & Cooling System!

Some benefits of a Service Maintenance Plan are: • Extends life of equipment when properly maintained • Lower fuel bills because your system is running at top efficiency • We get a hold of you to schedule service to take pressure off of you • Potential problems are spotted before major expenses occur • Discounts on breakdowns • Peace of mind with service experts you can trust • Customized plans to fit your equipment with discounts on multiple systems

Contact us today! 402-435-5555 • www.jhlincoln.com 60

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Spring Cleaning As the days finally begin to grow longer with more lasting sunlight, many people are starting to gain that yearly cleaning momentum.

Some are gearing up for a yearly ritual of spring cleaning and shaking the winter dust out of their rugs. Whether or not you’re among those who have an established spring cleaning tradition, we’d like to share some tips and local resources that can make cleaning your home a breeze so your space is fresh and ready to welcome the glorious days of green and sunshine ahead.

Make a Day of It! Cleaning may not be at the top of your list of things you enjoy. If that’s the case, try turning a spring cleaning project into an event that you can really look forward to. Set aside a whole day or weekend. Turn on some upbeat music. Pick up some sub sandwiches to put in the fridge, so you can focus on the tasks ahead without worrying about meal prep and cleanup. Close your eyes and picture the shining end result you’re going for, then roll up your sleeves and get to work! Once you get started, you may find you’re actually enjoying yourself.

LaShasta Messinger Elite Home Cleaning Services

If you’re looking for a little help and companionship for your cleaning project, LaShasta Messinger with Elite Home Cleaning Services is the queen of enjoyable clean. She does her work well, and she does it with a smile. In addition to weekly, biweekly, and monthly house cleanings and deep cleans for rental properties, LaShasta and her team also offer home space organizing services. They can come in and help you maximize your space by making it clean and functional— whether it’s your laundry room, kitchen pantry, office space, or LaShasta’s favorite, your closet!

LaShasta can help you organize your closet by color and style, including clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. She can even help you sort through unwanted items, and then she’ll box and seal them and take them to a local donation center. LaShasta creates organizational solutions that fit your lifestyle and are attractive to your taste.

“I love to give people an energy boost when they walk into their newly-organized closet,” LaShasta said. “It can be really easy for people to get busy and let clutter pile up and clothes fall to the floor. When this happens, many people even forget what they have in their closets. A closet makeover can give you new eyes to see the things you own so you actually use and appreciate them. This can also lighten your step and take some weight off you. Closet clutter becomes mental clutter until we clear it out and make space for life!”

Cleaning out your closet can seem like a daunting task, but it is definitely worth the effort! Having old or ill-fitting clothes in your closet can negatively affect your self-image. Clean out the clothes #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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2626 O Street • 402.476.2194 • servicemasterlincoln.com that no longer interest you to make room in your closet for the pieces that you love. Don’t be afraid to get out that big trash bag and donate to people in need. If you have trouble letting things go, there are people like LaShasta who are ready to help guide you through the process!

Do it for Your Health and Well-Being While spring cleaning can seem like a hassle, it’s necessary to keep your living space fresh so the people who occupy it stay healthy.

To keep warm in the winter, people insulate their homes and keep the doors and windows closed as much as possible. This can cause dust to settle and make the air stagnant. Though it may seem like a simple solution, opening the windows can also let in dust and allergens. Poor air quality in the home can cause respiratory health problems and allergy flares, which is why it’s important to clean air ducts to improve indoor air quality. For many people, cleaning your own air ducts can be timely and a difficult. We recommend going to your local Lincoln experts for duct cleaning to increase the air quality of your home.

Lindsey Reinke with John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning told us more.

“Why does someone need a duct cleaning?

Think about all of the dust, pet dander, and other allergens throughout your home. Think about each time you open your windows for that ‘fresh air’ and the allergens from outside are actually coming inside…those all get stuck in your vents! We can perform a duct cleaning Lindsey Reinke and remove this from your vents. We are a full service company in heating, John Henry’s Plumbing, air conditioning, plumbing, duct cleaning, Heating & Air Conditioning MARCH 2020 Strictly Business

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water treatment and softening, excavation, drain cleaning, and indoor air quality… just to name a few!”

about how to keep your energy bill low as temperatures rise.

“We can clean your cooling system to make sure you’re ready for the inevitable heat outside, either through a one-time cleaning, or we can get you signed up for our John Henry’s Membership Club so that you can receive regular cleanings. You’ll receive special pricing and discounts by signing up. Our cleanings can get your indoor air quality up to par before the allergens kick in for spring and summer.

We can make sure your cooling system is up and running at peak efficiency to make sure you’re prepared for the hot days ahead.”

“It will soon be the time of year when people start calling in for maintenance on their air-conditioning units,” he said.

“We always recommend two checks a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. During the spring check, we do all the maintenance that your system requires before you reboot it. The coils might need to be vacuumed to remove accumulated Nick Buresh dust and debris or you may need a new TechMasters air filter. We recommend scheduling a check for the unit before the heatwave hits so everything is running in top condition when you need it. Spring cleaning also means doing all the maintenance that you didn’t get done during the short, cold days. If your HVAC system is older, it may also be time for a replacement to reduce your energy bill and your carbon footprint.”

In order to prevent getting stuck in the incoming heat, regular maintenance of your air-conditioning unit is essential. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your unit and save you money and trouble in the long run. However, it’s easy to forget to contact your local professionals to perform the necessary maintenance as time seems to flow so quickly as the weather warms. John Henry’s takes care of this problem and makes maintenance easy through their membership program.

“Through our maintenance program, we will contact you to schedule your service so you don’t forget, and you’ll be running at top efficiency for the hot days ahead. John Henry’s is the only plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company to win the BBB Integrity Award twice!” Lindsey said. “We send our qualified service professionals out to your home or business after they have undergone a complete background and driving record check to ensure they will be the best person to send to fix your plumbing, heating, and air conditioning needs. We are constantly training our team to be up with the latest and greatest technologies so we can take care of your needs!”

HVAC systems require maintenance approximately twice a year to ensure that your heating and conditioning unit is running efficiently. Nick Buresh from TechMasters talked to us more

Nick also offered a reminder that while HVAC systems are helpful to maintain comfortable temperatures, you don’t always need to reach for the thermostat.

“Simple things like keeping the blinds closed on hot days or opening them on cooler days to let in the sunlight can do a lot to control the temperature in your home,” he said. “If you’re looking for ways to save money on your energy bill, never underestimate harnessing the power of the sun or taking small measures to deflect it to stay cool.”

With awareness for the importance of eco-friendly practices being on the rise for many consumers and businesses alike, many are trying to come up with new products and services that can stop ozone degradation, air pollution, and other environmental issues. A lot of people are now leaning toward environmentally

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Strictly Business MARCH 2020

Some Lincoln car washes are run outof-state. This lack of local ownership means franchise fees, and even income, are flowing out of Lincoln and into other economies.

Not JetSplash. We’re not a franchise.

And our owners live here in Lincoln.

Let’s keep Lincoln’s economy shining by shopping local.

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conscious businesses rather than having no preference. One brand that places a high value on being as ‘green’ as possible is ServiceMaster Professional Building Maintenance. Co-owner Jon Paolini shared about the importance of avoiding products and practices that can compromise your home or business’s air quality. He explained how they work to improve a building’s air quality.

“We always try to avoid heavy-duty cleaning supplies that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It’s much better to use eco-friendly, green cleaners. Green cleaners release a significantly lower amount of chemicals and fumes into the air. While you may enjoy the clean scent of lemon, most scented traditional chemical cleaning products cause indoor air pollution which can cause long-term health effects if people are overexposed to them. Our natural cleaners degrade over time without causing harmful side effects or additional pollution.”

Jon Paolini ServiceMaster Professional Building Maintenance

While contaminants can enter your home through the air, they can also be carried in by shoes, animals, and even simple human contact.

That’s why ServiceMaster PBM has an intensive janitorial service available for local businesses, so they can improve the health and safety of your office as much as possible.

“Some advice I’d give those go-getter spring cleaners out there would be to not forget about the high contact areas you use every day,” Jon advised. “For example, cell phones, door knobs, keyboards, etc. Even though you use them more than some of the dustier areas of your space, that doesn’t mean that they’re clean.”

Spring cleaning is not just something you accomplish in the home.

Spring is a time of growth and new beginnings, and every aspect of your life could probably benefit from a little tidying up. Take this time to look over your schedule. Are there activities you’re involved in that don’t excite you anymore? Are there new things you want to start doing? After cleaning up your physical space, you may be energized to continue on in other areas, such as: • Reconsidering your career goals • Reevaluating and realigning yourself with your friendships and acquaintanceships • Organizing your desk/workspace • Sleeping more • Practicing being present and mindful • Downloading hydration apps to ensure you’re drinking enough water everyday While cleaning and organizing your physical space and organizing your stuff is great, always remember that you come before your material items. A personal check-in is a good regular “selfcleaning” practice for getting the dust out of the corners of your life. Are you sleeping enough? Drinking enough water? General lifestyle habits can really affect how you feel in the day to day.

Spring is a great time to try new things and cull bad habits. There’s a popular saying that bad habits are not destroyed, they’re replaced. Reflect on your own life and consider new activities that can replace unproductive ones. When in doubt, lifestyle changes with a friend are a lot more fun, and easier, than trying to improve alone!

Spring is also a great time to look to the space outside of your head and your home for some sprucing up and cleaning. Are there any tasks that you’ve been putting off because of the cold or short days? One chore everyone should get done this time of year is to get a car wash. Kendra McDonald from JetSplash filled us in on why spring is an essential time to get a car wash, especially for professionals who want to maintain a positive image for their #PrintProudDigitalSmart

business. Even something as simple as the cleanliness of a company vehicle can affect the way people view you.

“Nothing creates a better first impression than showing up to your customer’s house with a nice shiny vehicle, and nothing turns them off faster than a dirty company vehicle,” Kendra said. “Your company fleet is a reflection of your business. Set your business apart from your competitors and always keep your vehicles shining, whether we just had a snowstorm or there are sunny skies all week.”

Kendra McDonald JetSplash

Jetsplash has unlimited membership programs that allow you to get your car washed as many times as you want for an entire month starting at just $25. Plus, enjoy membership perks, like half-off upgrades, the members-only After Care Bucket, and a membersonly express lane. They also have business plans that allow you to wash your fleet of vehicles at a discounted rate. You can buy 50 or 100 washes at a time, or if you bring your vehicles in more often, you can opt in for unlimited plans.

“We hand-prep and hand-dry every vehicle,” Kendra said. “Handprepping consists of a quick power wash before heading into the wash tunnel. Post-wash, our friendly staff will hand-dry your car and inspect for cleanliness to ensure it meets our high standards.

Then, we invite you to use our free self-serve vacuums, air and mat cleaners to cap off your car’s cleanliness.”

Take advantage of the new energy that spring brings to do some cleaning and to give yourself, your life, and your surroundings a little TLC. Don’t forget to reach out to local businesses and take advantage of their expert services to make the most of your spring cleaning projects!

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Education 4 Campuses.

150+ Programs Online.

• Business Administration, BS • Critical & Creative Thinking, MA • General Administration, BMS • MBA • Nonprofit Administration, BMS • Organizational and Relational Communication, BS • Public Administration, MPA • And more

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This month, we’d like to discuss a topic that we believe is relevant to many of our readers: education. Education is important in our lives because it brings stability and opportunities for advancement and higher income. An education can help you become a more useful, contributing member of society and someone who recognizes the need for fairness and equality in the world. Education can also bring an increased level of confidence and self-reliance to someone’s life.

For a professional who already has a degree but has not been in the classroom for 10 years or more, continuing education can offer a chance to brush up on previously-learned skills and acquire new skills and credentials current to developing trends in the market, especially in the ever-changing field of technology. You may find that you’d like to advance in your company or your field but you are unsure of your ability to keep up with a changing business scene. Pursuing an additional degree or program of professional development can assuage these fears and position you back at the top of your field as someone who is ready to compete and conquer new challenges.

For professionals with young, growing families, the challenge of finding the space and time to pursue a new course of study is even greater. How does one manage a full-time job, soccer practice and family dinner, and the pursuit of a new degree? The fact is that many professionals looking toward more education are finding themselves in exactly this place. The popularity of online education, due to its flexibility and expansive list of options and offerings, is increasing rapidly as people are realizing how doable it really is. We asked the University of Nebraska Online to share stories of success from some of their alumni who have found a higher path to peace and security through their experiences receiving an education online.

“As a young mom, I struggled with the challenges of even being able to consider college, but as time passed I was determined to pursue a career and an opportunity presented itself,” said Natalia McCain, a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “I chose online learning for the convenience and flexibility of my education as I had to make it work with a very demanding nursing position. The educational tracks provided at UNMC as well as the flexibility within those tracks were the absolute deciding factors for me,” she shared.

Krista Wilson Business Administration, BS University of Nebraska at Kearney

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“What happens with this online world is you are given these options, and now you have the opportunity to become educated in a field that you’re passionate about,” said another alumni, Felicia Webb, a graduate of Social Gerontology, BGS & Master’s, from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Curtis Reese, a graduate of the Biology MS program from the University of Nebraska at Kearney tells students, “If you want to live your normal life, advance your career, and get a high-quality #PrintProudDigitalSmart

education, then I think University of Nebraska online programs could be the thing for you.”

“You cannot stop learning and improving,” said Pedro Londono, an MBA graduate from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

“Education is a must and requirement in today’s business world.”

The University of Nebraska’s four campuses offer more than 150 online degrees, certificate and endorsement programs, from bachelor to doctoral, across 16 fields of study. Online programs are available in high-demand areas such as business, health care, computer science, and education. University of Nebraska online programs give adult learners from around the world access to the opportunity to be taught by the same expert faculty who teach at the four University of Nebraska campuses. Their online courses are challenging, current, and relevant. NU faculty and staff are extraordinarily responsive to student needs, creating a highly-interactive community of learners that encourages and values collaboration between professors and students. As a result, students are well-equipped to achieve academic goals and to immediately apply learnings in the workplace.

According to the Nebraska Department of Labor, in the next few years, Nebraska will have 34,000 annual openings in jobs like engineering, nursing, business, and IT. More than two-thirds of these jobs will require an associate’s degree or higher. To move the state’s economy forward, it is important to be able to fill the high-skill, high-demand, high-wage jobs within the state. The University of Nebraska is committed to equipping Nebraskans with high-demand skills and providing accessibility to high-quality online programs that will enhance their careers and advance the state’s future in this modern, past-paced and tech-heavy world.

Southeast Community College is another institution that offers a wealth of opportunities for professional development and obtaining a variety of degrees in different fields. For anyone

looking to fit in a class or two while still working and caring for a family and other responsibilities, the convenience of SCC is ideal. We spoke to SCC President Dr. Paul Illich to learn more.

“Southeast Community College is unique and vital to the Nebraska economy and the strength of our communities given that we offer over 60 technical programs in the skilled areas where the state is experiencing shortages Dr. Paul Illich of skilled workers, including health sciences, construction, welding, information Southeast Community College technology, transportation, and many others,” he said. “SCC is expanding its capacity to produce skilled workers through the addition and renovation of facilities, creation of new satellite locations, new programs, and affordable tuition and fees to ensure everyone has access to the life changing benefits of higher education.”

Even beyond getting a degree or new credential, continuing education can still be an important way for individuals to stretch and grow to new levels of ability and experience. Southeast Community College offers many classes and programs in areas of personal interest, such as dancing, cooking, gardening, photography—even raising chickens! Taking a class on something new and different is a fun and safe way to dislodge someone who has felt stuck in a rut or afraid to take risks.

Education can open doors for exciting new careers and experiences. If you are considering continuing your education and pursuing a degree or taking a class to learn something new, remember to look to local institutions and the excellent options they have available!

Registration Deadline: April 14

GAP Assistance for those who qualify!

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Training This training is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of Six Sigma principles and teach you how to effectively work on a Six Sigma team. SCC’s class is unique in that every student will identify a project applying various Green Belt principles that will drive improvements. Students will have an opportunity to work closely with our instructors to apply the DMAIC process to their project and begin to implement changes that will produce measurable results in efficiency, profitability and/or customer service.

Tues., Wed. & Thurs., April 28-30, May 19-21 & June 23-25, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center, 301 S. 68th St. Place, Lincoln, NE Cost $3,500. Any organization registering two team members will receive a third seat for only $65!

Register using keyword Sigma at http://bit.ly/RegisterCE

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Specializing in Food and Pharma Industries

Custom Fabrication Millwright Services Material Handling General Contracting Engineering & Design 5201 W Roca Rd | Martell, NE 68404

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With the population in Lincoln and surrounding areas continuing to grow at an increasing rate, the commercial landscape of Lincoln is steadily changing and expanding as well. Lincoln consistently has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Because of this, new professionals are easily attracted to the area. All this means good things for the construction industry, including a wealth of opportunities for exciting new projects and development.

For businesses that are opening new locations or remodeling old ones, certain concerns or questions may arise in the search for contractors.

Common concerns for these businesses include how long the planning and building process will take, how much it will cost, and how to ensure the final product will be of good, lasting quality. There also may be questions about which contractors are easiest to work and communicate with throughout the process. Investors may also have questions about the various new products, services, and innovations available that can really enhance their final product. We spoke with local experts in different aspects of construction who are committed to delivering the best possible services and quality results. They gave us their input on the topic and on some of the exciting projects they’ve been working on in recent months.

When to Build – The Time is Now! We asked Troy Bridgford, president of Ironhide Construction, about why now is an important time to build in the Lincoln area.

“Now is a good time for businesses to invest in new projects in the Lincoln and Omaha market due to the projection of both cities’ populations continuing to grow over the next 20 years,” he said. “Both cities are expected to nearly double in size. This means that the need for commercial and industrial properties will only continue to grow as we will have more people looking for employment. As we Troy Bridgford all know, construction of new facilities can be Ironhide Construction costly, but it has never been as affordable to build as it is right now.”

Constructing a new building is always a significant investment of money, time, and other resources. Because of this, those investing in a project will naturally want to get it right the first time and ensure they are using the best materials and methods for a high-quality end product that will guarantee a long life for the building. Troy told us about new developments in panels that have improved the level of quality in metal building projects. The products are like sandwich panels with a layer of insulation between two metal panels. This offers a clean look available in varying finishes ranging from polished steel to stucco. The panels are also very energy efficient.

“The insulated metal panel systems available in the market are changing the way we think about and design our projects,” he said. “The life span, energy efficiency, cost, speed, availability, and sustainability of the products continue to impress our business. The popularity of these metal panels is growing rapidly. This is due primarily to the increasing #PrintProudDigitalSmart

efficiency demands dictated by the energy code. The insulated panel systems available easily satisfy these demands all while delivering a high-quality and architecturally-pleasing appearance.”

Troy also shared what sets Ironhide apart in the construction industry.

“At Ironhide Construction, we pride ourselves on being the best metal building contractor in the area,” he said. “Through our customer-focused approach, negotiated contracts, and accountability throughout the project, we are able to ensure that the finished project is high quality and satisfactory to our clients. We are passionate about developing lasting relationships with each of our clients and always strive to deliver the highest quality product at the best value.”

Current and recent projects in the area that Ironhide has worked on include: • 1810 Hangar for Hausmann Construction • Morningstar Counseling Center • Cornhusker Winnelson Plumbing Supply, a pre-engineered metal building which will include a new warehouse building • Garage at 204 in Omaha, a new concept project in Omaha that will be Omaha’s only private car condo complex and will feature a private community and private clubhouse for the purpose of car clubs, charitable events, sponsored cub events, and car shows • QP Ace Hardware, for Tru-Built Construction, which boasts beautiful metal panels throughout, both vertically and horizontally, to give the building a modern look What to Build – The Design Process The design process is an important initial phase that sets the stage for all coming construction work. It is important to partner with design firms and contractors who have experience building the kind of facility you’re needing. These professionals will have insights into the specifics of design for what you’re looking to build, and they can save you a lot of time and headache by sharing this experience up front.

For anyone looking for a design firm that always stays up-to-date with the very latest in design technology, current styles, and functional layouts that optimize a space for its purpose, Peace Studio Architects is one firm that takes pride in offering the very best in modern design.

Peace Studio works on a variety of projects that include everything from commercial design to residential, master planning, interior design, hospitality (bars and restaurants), and commercial kitchens. We asked Architect and Owner Gill Peace to tell us more.

“Peace Studio Architect’s motto is ‘Design Matters,’” he said. “For us, this has multiple meanings: 1. Design matters to the project owner.

Good design makes for more attractive and Gill Peace successful buildings/spaces for the owner.

Peace Studio Architects 2. The motto is a continual reminder for the architects at Peace Studio to think creatively and find unique design opportunities where others might find obstacles.

3. The motto also reminds us of our responsibility to treat each project as an important piece of the built fabric of Lincoln.”

Gill shared his thoughts on why now is a good time to begin new construction projects.

“Lincoln is growing by leaps and bounds both in both residential and commercial industries,” he said. “There are a variety of exciting new products and services that have improved the way construction is carried out; Architecture, design, and construction are continuing to improve and evolve, including BIM (building information modeling) and web-based tools to speed up communication between owners, contractors, and the architect. As those tools evolve, Peace Studio continues to emphasize the fundamentals of good communication and relationships between the team (owner, contractor, architect) as the best method to take a construction project to the next level.”

Peace Studio Architects recognizes that communication is a vital aspect #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Commercial & Industrial Remodeling Tenant Improvements New Construction Services Additions Office Remodels 402-858-5155 | info@brownbrothers1.com 68

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of the design process in ensuring that all plans for a construction project are understood by everyone involved.

Another company that offers design services and also works with architects and commercial building owners for post-frame construction services through the completion process is Morton Buildings. Matt Milby, designBUILD project development manager for Morton Buildings, told us about a great service they offer to save their clients time and money in the design-build process for many commercial applications.

“We are proud to offer a constructionled, design-build process through Morton Matt Milby designBUILD,” he shared. “This allows business Morton Buildings owners to retain all rights to all information (plans, designs, specs, etc.) and only commit to each phase, one at a time. It helps eliminate risk and stress levels normally associated with new commercial construction.”

“Supported by the full resources of industry-leading Morton Buildings, Morton designBUILD is a dedicated team that works with you and your local Morton sales consultant from the beginning to end of your construction project,” Matt continued. “We developed the designBUILD process with our customer in mind, as it enables us to deliver projects that meet your scope, schedule, and budget. This alleviates stress, eliminates time loss, and ultimately reduces the overall project cost, as our design fees are nominal and included as part of the construction package.”

Morton Buildings believes in giving the very best to their clients in product and service. Some of Morton’s recent projects include: • Sandhills Heating and Air in Omaha, a 2,100-square-foot office building • Numark Golf Course in Lincoln, a 2,592-square-foot pro shop • National Concrete Cutting in Council Bluffs, a 39,000-square-foot office and shop • Valas Pumpkin Patch in Omaha, a 6,000-square-foot shop.

“Whether you want to start up a new company or expand an existing one, one thing is certain—a Morton building will help your business succeed,” Matt said. “What differentiates us from other construction companies is the quality, the craftsmanship, and the efficiency of our buildings. Plus, our warranty is the best in the business. Our local construction center, located at 12055 Hwy 6 in Waverly, is proud to deliver equestrian, agricultural, commercial, designBUILD, and hobby buildings in the communities surrounding Lincoln and Omaha.”

For business owners who are unsure of the delivery method for construction that will best suit their needs and situation, it’s helpful to understand the options in design and construction and who the players are. Justin Kurtzer, president of Cheever Construction, explained more about the design process and what these options are.

“There are three traditional delivery methods that business owners can choose from when contracting a construction firm,” he said.

“These include: Justin Kurtzer Cheever Construction • Construction Management (CM) – Owner hires architect/engineer responsible for design and a contractor responsible for establishing a program and schedule, organizing sub-contractors, and preparing a benchmark budget. An advantage of this method is the scope of the project can be clearly laid during the design process.

• Design Build – Owner hires a single contractor, responsible for both the design and construction aspects. An advantage of this method is a single firm is responsible for completion of the project.

• Design Bid Build – Unlike Design Build, owner hires an architect to design the project in its entirety. Competitors then bid for the contract to complete the building. An advantage of this method is the bidding process establishes the project cost.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Cheever Construction is an employee-owned construction firm that takes pride in their tight-knit employee-owner model. “Because employees own 100% of the company, all of us have a stake in the outcome professionally, as well as financially,” Justin shared.

Notable contributions have been made to development of Lincoln and surrounding areas by Cheever Construction. Cheever was responsible for: • Construction of Exchange Bank in Omaha • Renovation of the Edith Abbott Memorial Library in Grand Island • Construction of Resort Lifestyle Communities in Lincoln • Renovation of Southeast Community College – Culinary Arts in Lincoln • Historic renovation and construction of the Saline County Courthouse addition in Wilber • Construction of Dairy Queen Grill & Chill in Lincoln As mentioned previously, it is important to look for contractors who specialize in the kind of building you need. If you are in the food or pharmaceutical industry, Hummer Contracting is an ideal contractor to partner with, as they have years of experience building for these specific industries. We spoke to Owner and President Clint Hummer for more information about the services they provide.

“We take pride in providing a better customer experience from beginning to end. We stand Clint Hummer behind our workmanship and go the extra Hummer Contracting mile to ensure that you are satisfied with your product and our services,” Clint said. “Among our many services, we specialize in conveyor design and fabrication, custom metal fabrication, industrial structures, machinery refurbishment, millwright services, industrial repair services, custom installations, maintenance solutions, on-call services, engineering and design, and general contracting. If you need help with a construction project, you’ll never regret calling us. We deliver.”

because design matters

Photo by: Sam Peace

Commercial • Residential • Master Planning • Interiors Hospitality • Healthcare • Commercial Kitchens

peacestudioarch.com 402.217.1831 sam@peacestudioarch.com

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Hummer takes pride in designing projects to their clients’ liking and ensuring everything is of the highest grade and best quality. They don’t cut corners. It isn’t in their nature.

“If you want to design the project of your dreams, reach out to one of our licensed engineers today to meet all of your design needs within a realistic timeline with clear documentation and the expertise to make your project a success,” Clint said. “We’ve got you covered.”

Where to Build – Finding the Perfect Location One aspect of construction that goes hand-in-hand with design is finding the right location for your construction project. Finding the right location is extremely important in commercial projects. You want to know that your business will be able to thrive in the area you’ve chosen.

Whether you are looking to lease or purchase, Krueger Development takes pride in working alongside their clients to find the right location, help you design your space, and build your approved floor plan to your liking. With over 25 years of experience, they can help you find the location that suits your unique business. Partnering with Krueger is ideal for someone who wants a level of control and decision-making power in the design process with the option of not having to stress over the entire planning and initial construction phase from the ground up. Krueger has available spaces that have the bones in place but are still customizable, like a blank canvas.

These spaces can be designed and completed to fit the needs of your business. Of course, if you do want to design from the ground up, they offer these services as well.

Allison Santana, director of commercial leasing at Krueger Development, told us more about the designing services they offer clients.

“Clients’ needs are completely met for the exterior and interior when working with Allison Santana Krueger Development,” she said. “This makes Krueger Development

the entire process more economical and time efficient, getting the client into their space as fast as possible without having to work with numerous designers.”

A good example of a commercial space that Krueger designed with a customizable approach is Sierra Suites, a mixed-use property that combines commercial and residential space. Mixed-use properties are becoming more popular in large and growing cities because they allow residential properties to also fulfill other purposes for a community.

Instead of just another apartment building going up, there can be an apartment building with a juice bar or coffee shop on the first floor— something both residents and non-residents can enjoy.

“There will always be trends, but what remains the same is that our clients are seeking the most desirable locations and an experienced landlord who can help them make their vision a reality,” Allison said. “Our team of professionals work alongside our clients.”

How to Build – Utilizing the Latest in Construction Innovation If you are looking for a contractor to help you with a project such as a remodel, addition, or other improvements, one company in the Lincoln area that can offer you premium services at an affordable price is Brown Brothers Construction, Inc. Brown Brothers Construction distinguishes themselves as a company that really understands the importance of working together as a team throughout a project. The company began in 2005 as a team of two, brothers Ray and Jared Brown, and has since grown to a corporation with 12 additional employees. Ray and Jared understand how challenging it can be to find skilled, dedicated employees, and they really value every person on their team.

Their experienced team provides commercial and industrial remodeling, additions, new construction, tenant improvements, hollow metal doors and frames, aluminum storefronts, roofing, painting, drywall, carpet, and more to clients in Lincoln and surrounding areas. They have an A+ rating as an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau, which includes a documented history of client satisfaction and reflects their commitment to customer satisfaction.

It’s More Than Just A Job, It’s The Chance To Build A Career As one of the fastest growing companies in Nebraska, we rely on our skilled, well-crafted team to create lasting community impact.

As one of the area’s leading growing companies in Department Of Transportation (DOT) and infrastructure projects, we work on everything from highway surface treatments and parking garage repairs to Industrial painting and masonry restoration.

Are you ready to learn, do outstanding work and be part of something special?

If so, we’re hiring!

Omaha 402.558.7989 | mcgillrestoration.com | Lincoln 402.438.4110 70

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Kingery Construction is another company that really prides themselves on offering only the very best to their clients. Rod Berens, president of Kingery Construction, shared how they have become known as being the kind of organization people can rely on to deliver quality results and carry out a project to completion: “Our role as the construction manager/ general contractor is to ensure the project is completed the way the architect created the project on paper,” he said. “Many owners are Rod Berens only involved in one or two major construction Kingery Construction projects in their career and are relying on us to make sure their vision becomes a reality. These owners have their own areas of expertise outside of construction, and they have businesses to focus on and worry about. They really count on us to bring our experience and skills forward.”

One trend Berens has noticed is that wide open and flexible spaces have gained so much popularity for contemporary buildings that they are now becoming the norm.

“Flexible office space has changed the design and functionality of the newer offices,” he said. “This holds true especially in the tech industry.

Elements of design remain strong in the industry as well as eco-friendly building materials,” he continued. “Last year marked a big milestone for Kingery construction. We celebrated our 95th anniversary, and we will continue to improve technology and processes to ensure the best possible product for our owners.”

Because of the exciting new developments in technology and the construction industry, options for the design of efficient, high-quality, aesthetically appealing architecture have expanded. These new developments make the completion of building projects more efficient and improve the results as well. Here are some exciting new innovations in the construction industry that can enhance the quality of your building project inside and out.

Exterior Shane Ligon, owner and operator of Knotwood Central, told us about one awesome product that has brought a lot of excitement and buzz to the construction industry lately, especially in the way it can transform the exterior of a building.

“We sell an amazing state-of-the-art product that genuinely looks like wood, but it’s not wood, it’s aluminum,” he said. “A lot of people are surprised that it isn’t really wood because it has such a beautiful, natural look to it. And that’s just the beginning of what makes it a great product. Knotwood is so much more than just a cosmetic enhancement for buildings. It’s truly avant-garde.”

Knotwood has an impressive list of beneficial qualities. It’s eco-friendly, non-porous, non-warping, scratch resistant, corrosion resistant, stain resistant, lightweight, non-combustible, insect proof, freeze resistant, slip resistant, UV resistant, 100% recyclable, color stable, heat dissipating, care free, and covered by a 15-year warranty.

“Knotwood is lighter, stronger, and straighter than real wood, and it comes in 30+ wood colors and 50+ custom colors,” Shane explained. “In other words, Knotwood is pretty incredible! All you have to do is glance at our gallery online to see how beautiful and versatile this product is.

It’s less a question of how it can be used and more a question of how it can’t be used. The jury’s still out, because the truth is, the possibilities are limitless!”

The Knotwood gallery boasts stunning examples of beautiful fencing, gates, soffits, cladding, decks, siding, store fronts…it goes on and on!

Knotwood Central not only sells the product, they offer installation services and installation training as well so contractors and individuals can learn to install the product themselves.

“Knotwood is the future of siding, cladding, fencing, and so much more,” Shane said. “Its versatility is amazing. This is truly the new look of modern architecture. It really makes things pop.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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For businesses that are looking for a more historical, classic design for their building exterior, brick is always a stable choice. Established in 1881, Yankee Hill Brick works with local contractors to supply quality brick of all varieties and colors. Brick is an ideal material for siding and retaining walls and it continues to be a popular choice for its charming aesthetic. Yankee Hill produces its own clay mixes and high temperature firing kiln to produce a range of looks for their own brickwork. In addition to their own bricks, Yankee Hill also imports a selection of imported bricks from other manufacturers, chosen to complement the local Nebraska market. The biggest advantage of brick siding is that it is low maintenance.

Yankee Hill Brick’s face brick is made using the highest quality materials and the most advanced manufacturing techniques. Their on-site mining facilities produce unique clay blends that allow them to produce a wide range of colors to fit any architectural design requirement. Face brick is used for its look, color, and texture to add a beautiful quality to certain buildings. Just a few of the many distinctive styles of face brick include the following: • Standard face brick, available in numerous colors, notable for its smooth, sharp look.

• Tumble face brick, notable for a rugged look without sharp corners.

• Antique face brick, notable for a stone-like texture.

• Iron spot face brick, notable for a subtle, consistent texture of spots and marks.

Yankee Hill Brick prides themselves on offering only the best brick products, something contractors have learned and come to rely on.

Interior While looking to the exterior needs of a building is important, the importance of quality construction on the inside—especially for the unseen systems and inner-workings of a building—can’t be overstated. New technologies have made the process for construction and installation of these systems more efficient than ever before. Jon Eicher, a project manager for ABC Electric, told us about an exciting new technology he has witnessed emerging in the construction field called Building Information Modeling (BIM).

Jon Eicher “We are seeing a continued growth in ABC Electric the implementation of BIM,” he shared.

“This allows for detailed 3D-based modeling of proposed building construction and how all parts, architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical, fit and work together. ABC Electric first encountered BIM while working on the wiring of the Pinnacle Bank Arena in the historic Haymarket District. BIM was previously only used on the larger projects, but now we are seeing it on smaller-scale projects more frequently.”

ABC Electric strives to distinguish themselves through their experience and expertise.

“ABC Electric offers something most other electrical contractors cannot,” he shared. “We offer the stability that over 86 years in business brings and the reliability and ethical business practices of the inaugural Lincoln Better Business Bureau Integrity award ensures. We can offer design/ build construction processes or firm bid estimates, whatever the project requires. We are also in tune with the latest lighting and lighting control technologies. We believe the advancement of LED lighting products and controls will continue to be major issues driving electrical construction projects in the future.”

Something Jon has witnessed first-hand is the importance of scheduling for major construction projects.

“It is important to develop a workable schedule and ensure all project financing before moving forward with construction,” he said. “Both of these items cause unseen and problematic cost increases to the overall budget if not addressed early. Surround yourself with quality and proven design firms and contractors. Use their resources and specialized knowledge to reach the ultimate goal of building a functional and longlasting building.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Another exciting development in construction technology is AeroBarrier. We asked Becky Hemphill with Krieser Drywall & Insulation to explain more.

“AeroBarrier is an exciting new service that can make a building more energy efficient and seal up air leaks around windows, outlets, joints, studs, or anywhere else that may be difficult to find, let alone fix, through traditional methods,” she said. “AeroBarrier is a cutting-edge product that has completely transformed envelope sealing technology.

Becky Hemphill Improving the building envelope is one of the Krieser Drywall best ways to get better energy efficiency, & Insulation and AeroBarrier technology makes this easier, more effective, and less expensive. Normally, achieving energy savings from building envelope enhancements is very difficult and costly with limited results. AeroBarrier has completely eliminated this problem. It’s unprecedented.”

AeroBarrier tightens the envelope down to any specified level, most commonly three ACH, in just a few hours. No other method or technology has even come close to achieving this. AeroBarrier uses positive pressure and automated sprayers to create an aerosolized acrylic sealant that seals all gaps in a building less than a 1/2 inch in just a few hours. It is ideal for unfinished buildings and construction projects, but can be used for finished buildings too, as long as all horizontal finished surfaces are covered. Another amazing bonus is that AeroBarrier is GREENGUARD Gold certified, which means it is very environmentally friendly and safe for schools and hospitals.

Becky explained that blower testing can often cause a lot of stress, but this new technology can completely eliminate this: “We offer blower door testing, which is also included with AeroBarrier services. AeroBarrier takes the worry out of passing a blower test,” she said. “Failing a blower test means your ACH is too high, so you must air seal more, which can mean

Kingery Construction Co. has built a wide variety of projects for educational, medical and religious facilities as well as commercial, governmental, industrial and private owners. We are honored to have constructed several iconic landmarks and developed relationships with owners and architects that span decades.

Kingery Construction Co. has the expertise to manage any project.

We have successfully completed projects of Design/Bid/Build, Design/ Build, Construction Manager at Risk and Construction Manager as Agent methods.

Below are a few of our recent projects.

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long hours searching for spaces and openings and manually sealing penetrations with foam or caulk guns. Then you have to do another blower door test and hope to pass that. It can really be a hassle.”

Because of stricter energy codes signed by the governor last year that will go into effect in the coming years, being able to pass a blower door test to ensure a tight envelope will soon be necessary for all construction projects. Krieser Drywall is excited to offer a solution to contractors who may be stressed by this prospect.

“AeroBarrier seals your building to your specifications with real-time results. This takes out the guess work while saving you time and money,” Becky stated.

In addition to AeroBarrier, Krieser offers full drywall services, traditional insulation and spray foam, specialty coatings, commercial services, and more. They are always on the lookout for the latest breakthroughs in technology so they can bring the very best to their customers.

Another company who offers advanced new products that can really enhance the interior of a building is EMO Flooring. Office Manager Jacque Lee explained that because damage to flooring can become expensive and unsightly, they now offer products that use a contemporary technology for sturdy and easy-to-clean flooring. This resilient flooring uses several layers, including two protective layers, meant to preserve the look of the flooring.

“Today’s resilient flooring (also called Luxury Jacque Lee Vinyl Flooring or LVF) is like a chameleon— EMO Flooring designed to replicate the world’s most beautiful wood, stone, and ceramic flooring with amazing realism,” she said. “But unlike those floors, you can put it almost anywhere. For those interested in a more cutting edge style, Shaw flooring is a solid option. One thing that makes Shaw different is great designers who

create innovative styles. Designs pulled from everything—an olive tree, a weathered door, a piece of hardware. Edgy and stunning—our designs range from rustic to contemporary to traditional and are able to enhance any room or office space,” Jacque said.

Because water can be a major destructive element, EMO Floorings also offers waterproof Floorté products. PVC and resin are both used to create a core that water cannot penetrate, and the seams are designed to block water from seeping along the sides. Of course, damage to a building from excessive flooding is still possible, but the flooring itself is completely waterproof.

Whether you are constructing a new building or looking to update a building, the latest products and advanced services can make your building more efficient, durable, and aesthetically appealing.

Renovation Projects While constructing new buildings brings the benefits of control over design and the use of all the latest products and technologies for every layer of a building, sometimes the best option is to take an existing building and make improvements, rather than starting from scratch. Tru-Built Construction is one company that takes pride in their excellent renovation services in addition to their new construction projects. Co-owner Bo Jones shared an example of a renovation project they recently completed and the level of care Bo Jones and consideration they put into the project.

Tru-Built Construction “The former Post and Nickel building is currently being transformed into a mixed use building incorporating Chase Bank, Lululemon, and Madida commercial spaces and will have condo spaces for lease on the upper floors,” Bo said. “The building itself is actually four individual buildings built alongside each other, which presents unique challenges such as floor levels not being the

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same, plumbing and electrical services being split, working in the tight confines of downtown, and many other difficulties. In spite of these unique challenges, the building offers some amazing features such as preserving the original wood flooring, old billboard advertising on brick walls, large windows that were filled in with brick over the years that are now open again, and having an amazing location on the corner of 14th and P. The owner group has committed to a full renovation, which includes new footings in the basement, new beams and structural walls, new interior wall framing, all floor joists and roof trusses being supported with steel, a new roof, new windows, new electrical, heating/cooling, plumbing, fire protection, insulation, drywall, trim, paint, cabinets, etc.

It will be a brand new build within the exterior perimeter walls. This building is a perfect example of how renovating an existing structure can meet current demand especially in desirable locations.”

Tru-Built has completed an impressive variety of projects, including: • Willa Cather Museum renovation • 1421 P St. apartment renovation • New QP Ace Hardware on 27th St. • Old Spaghetti Works building renovation • Aristos Apartments at 40th and Yankee Hill (coming soon) • The Grand Manse Penthouse Suite For business owners looking to make improvements to their building through renovation, one important area to consider is the roof. In addition to negatively affecting the exterior look of your business, a failing roof can cause expensive and unpleasant problems with leaking, energy loss, and other issues. Neemann & Sons is a commercial and residential roofing and siding construction contractor and sub-contractor that has distinguished themselves for their honesty, craftsmanship, and excellent service. They offer steep slope, low slope, roofing, siding, gutter, wallpaneling, crane, and roof vacuuming services, among other things. Their commercial roofing company operates under the name of Sprague Roofing, a division of Neemann & Sons.

Jeff Johnston with Neemann & Sons shared what makes them stand out in their industry.

“Neemann & Sons is always highly efficient and competitively-priced, making us a great sub-contractor for general contractors to work with,” he said. “We want our clients to remember us for the positive experience they had while working with us throughout a project and also the exceptional delivery of the final finished product. Personally, I have 30 years of experience in the roofing and sheet metal industry. Neemann & Sons is staffed by many Jeff Johnston skilled and experienced craftsmen who really Neemann & Sons know what they’re doing. We always offer the very best in service and product.”

Neemann & Sons has over 30 years of experience designing and installing quality projects throughout the Lincoln community. Their roofing and siding specialists always work with clients to ensure their property receives top quality materials while delivering total satisfaction upon completion.

Restoration Projects One aspect of construction that really focuses on reviving and revitalizing buildings to extend their life and help them last for years to come is restoration. McGill Restoration takes their work seriously, and requires their crew to stay up-to-date with training and all the latest restoration technology. As a project manager and estimator for McGill Restoration, Jennifer Baldwin has performed extensive research on restoration for older buildings.

“When it comes to construction, generally when new construction is up, restoration or Jennifer Baldwin investment in aging infrastructure is down,” she McGill Restoration shared. “However, with the influx of younger generations into the metro areas, we are seeing a steady increase in #PrintProudDigitalSmart

both new construction and restoration projects. The new construction is happening in the suburbs while the restoration is happening in the city centers. The trend of restoring older buildings or converting older spaces into modern designs is contributing to this trend. An excellent example of this is the Blackstone Hotel in midtown Omaha. This turn of the century building has been restored to its former glory,” Jennifer said.

Jennifer explained that restoration requires an in-depth understanding of a building’s history and details.

“When it comes to restoration, research is key. Researching the building, the materials, and the best techniques is essential to providing a beautifully restored building/project. When it comes to the planning and execution of a project, we want to offer our expertise. Most companies know the finer points of new construction, but McGill understands the intricacies of restoration,” Jennifer said.

Because restoration involves different requirements than new construction, asking questions about the building is vital.

“I would say the best advice I have received is ‘ask a lot of questions and never make assumptions,’” she shared. “In restoration, you can never ask enough questions. The more questions you ask the more you learn the history of a structure, be it a parking garage, a Department of Transportation (DOT) bridge, or a building on the national historic registry. Every structure has a history and that history is important to its restoration.”

Jennifer makes sure to ask certain questions in her research of a building: When was it built? What is it going to be used for in the future? These questions will provide a lot of answers to the type of material that must be used in its restoration. Jennifer also explained that McGill Restoration specializes in these four market segments: • Industrial • Department of Transportation • Parking garages and stadiums • Masonry restoration

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“Each of these areas are important to the aging infrastructure of our communities and nation. These are always our main focus of work and will continue to be long into the future,” she emphasized.

Jennifer’s most important advice for any construction project to be a success is to build a competent team.

“Construction is a team sport. Everyone from the architect and design team, all the way down to the project manager and craftsmen are vital to the success of a project,” she said.

Building Automation Building automation can truly transform the quality and efficiency of a construction project. Pat Killeen, the president and CEO of Engineered Controls, told us about exciting updates emerging in building automation technology.

“We live in an era in which buildings of any size and shape can become intelligent buildings,” Pat said. “With open protocol technology, they can connect multiple subsystems together, on one network, rather than operating them all independently—maximizing energy Pat Killeen effi ciency, lowering maintenance costs, and Engineered Controls providing centralized building control. The systems also provide information on problems in the building, allow for computerized maintenance scheduling, are easy and effective for employees to use, and easily detect problems,” Pat pointed out.

One central location can now control all lighting, heating, cooling, and security functions, including outdoor controls and elevator controls. Pat talked how this is a must for businesses that wish to go green.

“There is now a great demand for energy efficient buildings, high-tech devices and enhanced security systems that are now a central component of the building automation system,” Pat said. “Wireless technology will

continue to revolutionize the building automation system market. For example, lighting control systems with dimming and light harvesting capabilities are generating an especially high demand for these kinds of products. It is expected that the Internet of Things (IoT) devices will be instrumental in the integration of heating and cooling systems, hot and chilled water systems, card access systems, video management systems, lighting systems, power generators, pumps, and metering equipment… to name a few.”

“Long range analysis shows that there are a number of business sectors that are currently, and will continue to, drive the building automation sector of the building technology industry in the future,” Pat continued.

“These include the demand for ‘green building technology,’ electrical energy management systems, LED lighting and lighting controls, security and access systems, asset management, smart buildings, and the technology convergence into one, holistic Building Automation and Control System. In addition, the demand for home automation products will increase the demand for more commercial automation products.”

Businesses aren’t only considering indoor optimization to improve efficiency and comfort, many are also looking to their outdoor space for remodeling projects. Corporations such as Google and Microsoft have elected for outdoor spaces that allow their employees to work outside of the office or enjoy a leisurely view. From Facebook in the Silicon Valley to Shutterstock in New York City, spacious rooftop work spaces have become a popular choice even when outdoor space isn’t readily available. Businesses incorporating a pleasing outdoor space into their plans can create a welcoming environment for customers and attract young professionals to see them as a desirable employer.

Whether you are looking into a new construction project, a remodeling project, a restoration project, or any other kind of construction project, there are many qualified construction experts in the area who have access to the latest technologies and products to help you achieve high-quality results! Look to them to help you construct the perfect building for your business.

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Employing Lincoln MAY 2020 Issue

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

In the May 2020 issue of Strictly Business, we will run our first-ever “Employing Lincoln” feature to highlight great places to work in Lincoln.

This is a special opportunity for companies to get their name and branding in front of all our readers by sharing their mission statement, talking about their team culture, and highlighting employment opportunities.

Strictly Business is direct mailed to over 10,000 businesses every month! With a 2–4 month shelf life and a pass-along readership, it’s estimated that 1 copy of the magazine could reach up to 5 people.

Editorial features are published on our website as well.

We are proud to have a strong online presence.

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

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

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Joining Organizations Twice a year, Strictly Business puts together a Joining Organizations feature. This “glorified index” is a way to highlight many of the amazing professional organizations available to individuals who are striving to stay active within the business community and/or their industry network.

We want to make sure that these organizations have a chance to get their name out there and share their current efforts, membership benefits, partnership opportunities, etc. with all our readers. With a busy career and social life, we can’t get involved with all the organizations we might be interested in. So, how do you decide which organizations are the right fit? You have to think about your objectives in terms of how your service helps fulfill your own professional development goals, your employer’s desire to bring in and keep business, and the kind of service you want to give.

Community organizations shape Lincoln—they contribute to the fabric of our economy by bringing industry leaders together, offering education

and resources to their members, and partnering with other local entities to implement positive change in our area. There are so many dedicated, passionate groups of like-minded individuals who are all committed to making a difference in their professional, cultural, and social communities.

Joining these groups often results in forming new relationships that, in turn, lead to personal and professional growth and success. In terms of making connections in the community, professional organizations and local trade associations provide an environment rich with potential. By tapping into a network like this, in your industry or otherwise, you have access to a wealth of knowledge, referrals, helpful tips, potential job opportunities, a built-in support system, and so much more.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following organizations if you are looking for ways to grow your business or professional network, make a difference in the community, and gain valuable experience outside of the work place. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get involved!

AAF Lincoln, founded in 1967, is a local affiliate of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), a national organization of over 50,000 advertising to promote, protect and defend advertising interests. The purpose of AAF Lincoln is to promote greater effectiveness in the use of advertising and selling, to expand recognition of advertising as a profitable business tool and to cultivate a better understanding of the economic and social value of advertising to the consuming public. The club holds monthly professional development meet-ups and also puts their collective expertise to work by donating their time and talents to promote the efforts of a worthwhile philanthropic organization in our community. If you are interested in joining or want to know more, please visit the club website at www.aaflincoln.org.

To be a Lincoln Chamber of Commerce member is to be our partner. We honor that partnership by creating opportunities for growth and development, providing commitment from our team and ensuring every business thrives. We aim for the best environment for your business and our 1,700 members. We understand each member has unique ideas and ambitions in mind, and we’re here to provide the best opportunities for you to get the most out of your membership.

To find our more about how to get your business engaged, contact Derek Feyerherm at (402) 434-5344 or via email at dfeyerherm@ lincoln.org. For more information about the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, visit the website at www.LCOC.com.

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) is a visible, effective, and respected trade association which promotes home building through professional education, member communication, and civic participation, and which represents builders and associated professionals in community, governmental, and industry forums.

The Lincoln Young Professionals Group is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership, and networking opportunities. Serving 2,000+ members, the Lincoln YPG is the largest in the state.

With more than 700 members, HBAL proudly promotes the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, Spring & Fall Parade of Homes, and Tour of Remodeled Homes. These events not only benefit the members, but also the public. Whether it is to earn an industry designation or to be better prepared for an OSHA or EPA inspection, HBAL offers education and training to its members.

Lincoln keeps its young professionals here by fostering a collaborative community enriched with a bolstering economy, connectivity, and endless opportunities. The Lincoln Young Professionals Group believes members can make the difference they want to see, develop a career that is pleasing to them, and grow into the professional that they want to be.

To learn more about joining the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, go to www.hbal.org for a membership application and to see the many services of this 69-year old association.

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To learn more about Lincoln YPG, call Kayla Meyer at (402) 4362369 or email at kaylameyer@lcoc.com. For more information please visit our website at www.lincolnypg.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Toastmasters Inter national is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

Headquartered in Englewood, CO, the organization’s membership exceeds 357,000 in more than 16,600 clubs in 143 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org and follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding areas are served by Toastmasters District 24. District 24 is a grouping of 70 Toastmasters clubs and 1,100 members from Kearney, NE to Council Bluffs, IA. Learn more about District 24 and our upcoming meetings and events by visiting d24tm.org, www.facebook.com/D24TM, or www.meetup. com/District-24-Toastmasters-Meetup. Come visit us, because we believe that Toastmasters helps you build the confidence and skills to be a better you. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Want more information about Women in Sales & Business? Reach us at info@wisblincoln.com or find us online at www.wisblincoln. org or www.facebook.com/wisblincoln.

The National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a resource for women in the construction industry for leadership opportunities, community outreach, networking, education and more! NAWIC Chapter #116 based in Omaha, Nebraska, encompasses Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs and the surrounding areas. First chartered in 1966, the chapter has members working in businesses whose primary focus is the construction industry.

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Women in Sales & Business (WISB) has been empowering professional women to grow their businesses and the community since 1987.

Networking is a powerful and costeffective advertising tool. If you want to build relationships with friendly, determined, professional women, we’ve got a seat at the table for you. Each month we feature speakers who will help you grow your business and your professional network, as well as offer the opportunity to meet other businesswomen in the community. WISB meets the second Wednesday of the month at Venue Restaurant & Lounge (4111 Pioneer Woods Dr.) in their NE/Lancaster Room with lunch and networking from 11:30-11:55 a.m. followed by our meeting and speaker. We complete each meeting by 1 p.m. We welcome you to join our group of passionate and supportive women.

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For more information or to register for a meeting, visit www.lincolnhr.org.

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Benefits to membership include: • Monthly meetings with learning events and professional speakers • Professional networking events • Career development • Collaboration of HR information • Monthly newsletter resources • Membership directory • Professional certification study groups • Legislative updates • Scholarship programs • Community and diversity program just to name a few.

The Associated Builders and Contractors Cornhusker Chapter supports the commercial construction industry through apprenticeship and safety training, advocacy and workforce development. In addition, we offer opportunities for networking and our Excellence in Construction Awards allow us to showcase members project success. We help our members and their employees with the opportunity to succeed, winning work and delivering that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. ABC strives to be the leading voice for free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy of construction in Nebraska. We offer apprenticeship training through the NCCER Curriculum, continuing education and leadership courses, not only to our members, but to anyone wishing to enter the construction industry, for a bountiful career. For information about ABC Cornhusker Chapter, contact Chase or Anne at (402) 4774451 or email chasew@abcnebraska.org. Please visit our website at www.abcnebraska.org to learn more.

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L i n c o l n H u m a n Re s o u r c e M a n a ge m e n t A s s o c i a t i o n (LHRMA) strives to be a firstclass resource on people management for the community.

LHRMA connects professionals to solve every day workforce problems, provides quality education, collaborates with community leaders, and leads change for our industry. The organization is comprised of a large network of Human Resources professionals ranging from senior level executives to those just entering the profession and welcomes new members monthly.

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• NAWIC Core Purpose: To strengthen and amplify the success of women in the construction industry.

• Core Values: Women-focused, Courageous Leadership, Commitment to Inclusion and Growth, Anticipate Change We welcome you to join us! The Greater Omaha Chapter meets on the second Thursday of each month at various locations in the Omaha area. Visitors are welcome to attend. Current information about upcoming meeting locations, topics, and times is available on our website at www.nawicomaha.com or email nawicomaha@gmail. com to request information.

Lincoln’s event networking group, EventLNK is dedicated to bringing together Lincoln’s event professionals by providing education and resources to enhance and support professional growth. Membership is free and open to event/meeting planners, coordinators, and managers, along with industry professionals in catering, design, entertainment, and hospitality. Monthly meetings include site visits to various venues in the Lincoln area and presentations from vendors, suppliers, hospitality professionals, and other related industry experts. Meetings also include topic-driven discussion time giving our members time to share ideas, experiences, and resources.

In 2012, EventLNK was founded by five local event coordinators.

The group was eager to find local educational opportunities for event professionals. After months of searching they discovered there was a need for such an organization. With the financial support of Union Bank & Trust, EventLNK held its first meeting in March of 2013. EventLNK has grown from 30 members to 200+, simply by word-of-mouth. We continue to look for relevant venues, educational topics, and networking opportunities to help our members grow professionally. For more information, visit our website www.eventlnk. org or email info@eventlnk.org.

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The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) has been the guiding force of its members since 1927.

The NHA ser ves as the influential voice of its members in the health care legislative and public arenas, promoting delivery of quality health care and influencing public opinion of hospitals and health systems.

Our 90+ member hospitals depend on the NHA for support and assistance with advocacy, education, quality, and data initiatives.

Visit nebraskahospitals.org for more information.

At Professional Networking Group (PNG), we are all about relationships.

It’s the bread and butter to making a business successful. Through PNG’s five Lincoln locations, bi-weekly meetings, quarterly socials, and donations back to the community of Lincoln, we’re constantly working to network and build relationships with the best and the brightest around town.

Join our networking community and watch how you can impact the bottom line on your business like never before. If the thought of creating a new network makes you a little nervous, take a look at why you should take the plunge.

• Each group averages over one referral per person per meeting. That equates out to over 1,600 referrals per year.

• Every year each group refers over SIX FIGURES worth of business.

• Automatically add 18–25 sales people to your team.

• PNG donates both time and goods back to the Lincoln community each year including over $1,600 to the Food Bank this past holiday season.

• Our cost of $250 is less than half of our competitors.

• Our group culture actually allows you to laugh and have fun as you are doing business; all without the use of a stopwatch.

For more information, please visit pnglincoln.com.

The Apartment Association of Nebraska (AAN) is the local affiliate of the National Apartment Association (NAA).

The NAA currently has over 170 affiliates and boasts over 8.7 million apartment homes globally.

Founded in 2002, the Apartment Association of Greater Omaha and Lincoln was created by a group of property managers and owners with a vision to help create and maintain a high level of professionalism in the multifamily rental housing industry in the greater Nebraska area. On October 5, 2002, the AAGOL received its charter from the NAA. In 2014, the name was changed to the Apartment Association of Nebraska to better represent their membership. Their members include multifamily owners and management companies, apartment communities, and the supplier members who service this industry.

In January of 2019, the AAN launched the Nebraska Maintenance Academy (NMA), a hands-on training academy for those wishing to secure a career in the multifamily industry as a maintenance technician.

The first of its kind in Nebraska, NMA will offer vocational training to those most in need, including but not limited to non-college bound high school students, veterans, and any individual who desires a meaningful career change. The goal is to train 45 people per year at NO cost to the students and then to immediately place the students into careers.

The mission of the Apartment Association of Nebraska is to support, inform, and connect the multifamily community through education, legislation advocacy, and professional networking. For more information, be sure to visit www.aaneb.org.

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BNI members enjoy unparalleled business growth. As the world’s largest referral network, BNI passed over 12 million referrals last year, resulting in more than $16 billion in business. More importantly, our area members throughout NE, IA, SD, and WY closed over $40 million in tracked business—creating a return of 700 times their investment—with much of that supporting local business.

BNI celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, and has proudly been helping Nebraska businesses grow for over 20 years.

Members also increase their exposure to like-minded professionals, gain referrals from a local and global network, and sharpen their networking skills with exclusive member resources. Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of salespeople working for you.

BNI provides a proven structured system of giving and receiving business.

It does this through an environment and support structure that cultivates more formal and deeper relationships with other professionals. Our members have the opportunity to substantially increase their business though BNI’s core values of Givers Gain, Building Relationships, Life-Long Learning, Traditions + Innovation, Positive Attitude, Accountability, and Recognition. For more information about BNI Heartland, please contact our regional office at (402) 880-6311, email info@bniheartland.com, or visit our website at www.bniheartland.com.

The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) offers numerous opportunities to network with other Lincoln business leaders.

LIBA’s monthly Biz-Net events are free to attend with complimentary snacks and beverages. This provides a great place to meet other local business people and City Council members. Many of the people who attend Biz-Net are eager businessmen and women who are ready to learn more about your business. Because it is a free event, you can invite customers or vendors to attend and give them a chance to grow their businesses as well. While the Biz-Net is an after-hours event, LIBA also has a morning “Coffee & Contacts” every month that is sponsored by Custom Blinds & Design. Also free to attend, this event has breakfast snacks and coffee. With this event being early in the morning it is a wonderful way to start off your day by networking and exchanging business cards. Lastly, the monthly LIBA luncheon is where you have the chance to have lunch with hundreds of business and community leaders every month. While this event isn’t free it is only $14 which includes admission, the chance to listen to our monthly speaker, and a delicious lunch.

Call (402) 466-3419 and ask about joining LIBA. A membership staff would be happy to visit your office and answer all of your questions.

You can also visit www.liba.org for more information.

Don’t Miss Out! This is an excellent opportunity for your professional organization to gain exposure among our readers, as well as for our readers to familiarize themselves with the local resources available that could make an impact on their personal and professional growth.

If you are a local professional organization that is interested in participating in the next JOINING ORGANIZATIONS feature in Strictly Business, please call (402) 466-3330 or email Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com today! #PrintProudDigitalSmart