STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM
OMAHA • JANUARY 2020
TM
JIM BARGER OWNER
• Business Planning • New Year’s Resolutions • Pets • Supporting Nonprofits CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • Acadian Grille - Dundee • The Kindler Hotel • Echo Systems
RIVER CITY SIX
IN THIS ISSUE
Make your business work for you!
NANCY PAASCH Sandhills Global
DILLON RETZLAFF Pinnacle Bank
GUNNAR GUENETTE Getzschman Heating
LONA ANDERSON Center Sphere
JOHN COMSTOCK House of Conundrum
MEGAN KEYSER Strictly Business
AGO
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Employing Omaha 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 Omaha” feature to highlight great places to work in Omaha. 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 Businesss is direct mailed to over 15,000 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
We had fallen in love with Acadian Grille back in August of last year when they opened their first scratch kitchen in Omaha off of 114th and Dodge. So when we heard that the restaurant expanded its southern-sized footprint to the Dundee neighborhood, bringing with it a new menu featuring an even wider variety of savory homemade goodness, we knew we had to check it out. First thing to note right of the bat was that there is a parking lot right next door that people can park in for $2, so there is no need to worry about finding street parking on a busy night. The atmosphere in Acadian Grille Dundee makes it the perfect date spot, the perfect place to dine with your family, and the perfect place to grab a drink with friends...all at once. Chandeliers, warm lighting, royal purple and gold walls, and a grand wooden back bar really channel in that downtown New Orleans vibe. Vibrant jazz music in the background fills the dining area with that Southern energy that allows you to loosen up and feel good. If you like to start your meal with some cocktails like us, we recommend the Jalapeño Business, which has already earned a reputation as a neighborhood favorite. There is no need to be scared of the spiciness of this drink—it has just enough kick to make you feel alive without a burning aftertaste. They also serve a good Old Fashioned, especially for those who enjoy a fruity twist to their rye whiskey. We also tried the Hurricane, which we were pleasantly surprised to find out that it wasn’t too sweet. Rum lovers will appreciate this one! From the Starters menu, we went with the Brussels Sprouts and Loaded Cajun Fries. If you know us, we have to try the
RESTAURANT EXPOSÉ
Acadian Grille Dundee Southern Food Done Right Brussels sprouts everywhere we go. We’re happy to say that Acadian Grille passed our test. They were soaked and sautéed to perfection so they weren’t too chewy, very easy to eat. The fries were amazing as well. You may think of what you get at a baseball game when you hear loaded fries but the homemade Cajun sauce gives them a sophisticated taste. We had a hard time deciding what our entrees should be because everything sounded so good. Smoked brisket? Nashville hot chicken sandwich? Blackened catfish? Gouda mac ‘n cheese? Jambalaya? We ended up ordering the BBQ Baby Backs and Pecan Crusted Snapper. The smoked meat options at Acadian Grille are unique to the Dundee location because they have a large, industrial smoker that can get the job done right. Our primal instincts came out in full force when the ribs hit the table. They were very tender and smothered in a delicious BBQ sauce. The Pecan Crusted Snapper took us further into the Louisiana bayou with its freshness and colorful flavors. The shrimp and beurre blanc sauce had a savory buttery taste without the “fattening” element that can ruin a dish. The crust gave it good texture. These items were served with collard greens and mashed sweet potatoes. If you’re not a collard greens person or maybe you’re scared to try them...Acadian Grille is the place to give them another chance. They just know what they’re doing. Also, you’ve never had sweet potatoes like the ones at Acadian Grille. They have a kick, and they balanced out our dishes really well. Finally, if you have room for dessert, the Bread Pudding is to die for. Homemade with bananas and craisins, it isn’t too mushy and it’s great for sharing!
Get Acadian Grille to Cater Your Next Event! You can go to either of Acadian Grille’s two locations in Omaha to enjoy Southern food done right, or you can have them bring their savory fare to your next event! You can treat your guests to Acadian Grille’s authentic Cajun cuisine or their perfectly smoked meat options. They even do free delivery within 10 miles! Go online to check out Acadian Grille’s catering menu.
5018 Underwood Ave. | acadiangrille.com (402) 991-1552 (Dundee) | (402) 933-0980 (Catering) #PrintProudDigitalSmart
JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
PAIGE ZUTAVERN - Omaha/Lincoln - President (402) 730-0096 | Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com
Hold Your Customer’s Attention Through Print Media In recent years, there has been a growing readers of NME only spend an average of about three minutes a trend among publications of dropping print month with the publication, per the study, while print readers spent and going completely digital. The New York an average of about a half-hour a week with the magazine.” Observer, Glamour, Seventeen...what do A well-loved magazine became just another tab on the computer, just these publications all have in common? In another email in the inbox—overnight!—and all this because they an effort to cut costs, they ended up cutting decided to sacrifice their tangible print magazine. Kassel predicts the majority of their print operations and, that more publications will follow the lead of Seventeen and NME. therefore, cut a very important by-product He sees reduction in the time spent with real, quality news as one of print: their readers. of the great dangers of quitting print. “Something may be lost in As David Pilcher, author of Freeport Press, wrote in an article cleverly the process of switching from paper to just pixels,” he warns. titled, “This Engagement’s Over – How Some Publishers Broke Up At Strictly Business, we not only believe in the power of print, we live With their Readers,” he addressed research revealing that, while a it! With our magazine being mailed out to over 15,000 businesses post-print existence may be less costly, it’s more in Omaha and more than 10,000 businesses in constrained. This is because the content that was Lincoln each month, we have a strong physical formerly able to be opened and enjoyed got “Consumers are getting really presence in the local marketplace. This is stripped away when it became another thing good at ignoring, blocking, because we know the impact print has. There to scroll through on an online timeline or feed. is just something about holding a tangible “Quality attention, the data shows, is the even reporting digital content. magazine in your hands. It carries more one thing social metrics can’t get you,” David creditability with it, and it has a longer-lasting And even when they are writes. “Creating content for the ‘like’ or the impression. ‘share’ could be backfiring. Consumers are engaged, it’s not the kind of We also understand the importance of having getting really good at ignoring, blocking, deep, focused attention that a digital online presence, which is exactly what even reporting digital content. And even when we provide for our clients each month when brands need to grow...” they are engaged, it’s not the kind of deep, their news goes live on our website. We are focused attention that brands need to grow, #PrintProudDigitalSmart, and we are committed and consumers need to gain a deeper understanding of the issues.” to helping our clients become #PrintProudDigitalSmart as well. In his article, to help remind us of the importance of print media If you haven’t joined us in our movement to connect real people and and the drastic and devastating impact of going strictly digital, local businesses through our print and digital platforms, we invite David referenced some of the findings from Matthew Kassel with you to contact us today! Our team is passionate about sharing your Mediaiate, the top U.S. website covering the intersection of media story to promote your business and the people who make up your and politics. Kassel cites a study that followed NME, a popular business. It’s so rewarding to hear about the connections that have British music magazine also known as New Musical Express. After formed after someone reads an article in one of our issues. Those NME discontinued the print version of its magazine, the amount of connections are exactly why we do what we do! time NME’s readers spent reading the magazine dropped 72% in a single year. “That amounts to a loss of 307 million minutes of engagement Let Strictly Business help you lock in your status as compared with the last year that NME was in print, when readers THE EXPERT in your industry, utilizing print, the internet, and social spent 424 million minutes with the publication,” Kassel says. “Online media. Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330.
CONTENTS NEWS
4 Business 22 Personnel
26 Nonprofit 33 Health
SPOTLIGHTS
1 Acadian Grille - Dundee 15 The Kindler Hotel 16 River City Six 34 Echo Systems
FEATURE STORIES
35 37 38 39 2
Business Planning New Year’s Resolutions Pets Supporting Nonprofits Strictly Business JANUARY 2020
Hannah
Annie
Katherine
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 STRICTLY BUSINESS is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submission, including letters, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to our unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially or creatively, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. Nothing may be printed in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. The publication of any advertisement in STRICTLY BUSINESS is not an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2020 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505
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ABOUT THE COVER
You need new dreams and skills to grow! ActionCOACH was founded 26 years ago and is the World’s #1 Business Coaching Franchise Make your business work for you! with over 1,200 coaches in 86 countries. Your local ActionCOACH provides business owners with a clear path to a successful business that focuses on getting the business to do the day-to-day work, allowing the business owner to develop their team, build an effective marketing plan, and move the business to grow. JIM BARGER
OWNER
• Business Planning • New Year’s Resolutions • Pets • Supporting Nonprofits Client SpotlightS • Acadian Grille - Dundee • The Kindler • Echo Systems
AGO
ActionCOACH Programs:
Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505
1. One-on-One Accountability Coaching–Regularly scheduled meetings with your coach to review progress towards goals and receive personalized training. The most powerful program we offer! 2. ActionCLUB–A six-month course of monthly sessions covering ActionCOACH’s 6-Step Process to a business that works on a daily basis without the owner. 3. GrowthCLUB–A monthly discussion of business topics with like-minded business owners. Plus, a Massive Action Planning (MAP) day where members will create their 90-day plans for the upcoming quarter. 4. BookCLUB–A group book club to encourage reading and discussing important business books. 5. SalesRICH–A 13-week, instructor-facilitated sales training designed for sales professionals to identify key skills in the sales process. As your business coach, ActionCOACH will help your business in five key areas. The emphasis on each area depends on your needs, the type of business you have, and your goals. The key areas are: sales, marketing, and advertising; team building and recruitment; systems and business development; and customer service.
OMAHA • JANUARY 2020 TM
RIVER CITY SIX
And have fun doing it!
STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM
In ThIs Issue
Make your business work for you.
The person who sets the goal is not the person who achieves the goal.
NANCY PAASCH Sandhills Global
DILLON RETZLAFF Pinnacle Bank
LONA ANDERSON Center Sphere
JOHN COMSTOCK House of Conundrum
GUNNAR GUENETTE Getzschman Heating
MEGAN KEYSER Strictly Business
More than a business consultant, ActionCOACH will help you set clear goals, design a plan to achieve them, and hold yourself accountable to work the plan. Jim Barger started ActionCOACH in Omaha over 10 years ago and has built and coached large businesses in Singapore, New Zealand, and all across the U.S. Jim has built a team of coaches and partners that will help any business achieve their dreams. “A business owner has the opportunity to design a career and lifestyle that provides ways to fulfill the needs of other people, and they have the freedom to be creative and have fun doing it! However, most business owners are not living this vision. Your ActionCOACH will show you the way to take control so that your business works for you, rather than you working for your business. ” - Jim Barger Join ActionCOACH for a free workshop on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month. Register at www.ActionEVENTS.info.
ActionCOACH Success Center - 10828 Old Mill Rd., Suite 4 | jimbarger@actioncoach.com
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www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business
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BUSINESS NEWS Apartment Association of Nebraska to Hold Beer Tasting Fundraiser
Creative Hair Design Sponsors Champion Racer Sam Mangiameli at NASA Nationals
To celebrate their newly-elected 2020 Board of Directors and to raise money for future legislative action, the Apartment Association of Nebraska (AAN) will be hosting a Beer Tasting Fundraiser from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 13. The event will be run by world-renowned beer connoisseur Russ Webb. Tickets are $35 and include your tasting of craft beers, a full beer of your choice, non-alcoholic beverages, and appetizers.
Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa recently sponsored Sam Mangiameli and his Elan NP01, a National Auto Sports Association (NASA) prototype race car, during the 2019 NASA Nationals held at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car course in Mansfield, OH. Sam is the son of Creative Hair Design’s Owner John Mangiameli. As a father and business owner, John is eager to offer support and even take the Creative Hair Design name across state lines as it is displayed prominently on the side of the Elan NP01! John and the whole salon team were thrilled when Sam walked away from the race with his head held high as the 2019 NASA Prototype championship title winner.
The AAN plans to use the funds raised by the beer tasting for legislative action on the local, state, and federal level that is beneficial to the multi-housing industry and free enterprise. Two bills that the AAN are currently watching are LB275, which would allow landowners to remove abandoned vehicles off private property, and LB874, which provides positive changes to the Community Development Law. In 2019, the AAN played defense to a variety of harmful tax increases. The AAN actively advocates for high professional standards and sound business methods among its members for the best interest of the industry and the public. To purchase tickets to the Apartment Association of Nebraska’s Beer Tasting Fundraiser or to find out more about the legislative actions the AAN plans to make, go online to aaneb.org or call (402) 333-5331. AAN is located at 15418 Weir St., STE 250.
The Scoular Ballroom Presents The Engaged Brunch January 25 On January 25 from 10 a.m. to noon, the Scoular Ballroom will host The Engaged Brunch at its historic venue located at 2027 Dodge St., just west of downtown. The Engaged Brunch, an interactive wedding planning experience for newly engaged couples, will provide brides and grooms with the opportunity to participate in the wedding planning experience through a variety of interactive pop-up stations that are designed to ignite inspiration and foster creativity. Stations include ballroom dance lessons, a cupcake and frosting pairing, assembling a mini bouquet, an eyelash and braid bar, mini yoga sessions, and so much more! Engaged couples can also attend a panel discussion that will feature wedding industry experts from across the spectrum. Attitude on Food and Catering Creations will offer brunch bites and beverages. Tickets to The Engaged Brunch are only $15 per person and must be purchased online prior to the event. Participants include: 402 Event Services, Ashley Nicole Photography, A Special Event DJ & Photobooth, Loess Hills Floral Studio, Jo-on-the-Go Espresso Catering, Holly’s Healthy Holes, The Grove Juicery + Wellness Café, artist Sarah Jensen, Pinnacle Fitness Club, Whisk + Measure, Omaha Ballroom, Lacework Films, Dana Osborne Design, Makeup by Stephanie Nichole, stylist Chrissy Cole, and more! To purchase tickets and view a full list of participants, please visit theengagedbrunch.eventbrite.com. For more information, please visit scoularballroom.com or contact ballroom@scoularballroom. com / (402) 449-1424. 4 Strictly Business JANUARY 2020
Sam, who is also the owner of Top Cut Lawn and Landscaping, first began racing as a go-kart racer at age six, and he managed to finish in fourth place at his very first event. Since that time, Sam’s love of racing has taken permanent hold. He finished second at the Circuit of the Americas in 2018 at the National Championship, has hundreds of feature wins in go-karting including being named a go-kart national champion, and was the Cornhusker Classic Champion in 2002, among other accolades. At Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa, located at 12025 Pacific St., their team is more like family. Many of the stylists have been with the salon for over 20 years! They support each other and are proud to recognize each other for accomplishments such as Sam’s! Learn more about the salon online at creativehairdesign.com or call (402) 3305660 to schedule your appointment today.
Concentric Corporation Celebrates 16 Years of Excellence Concentric Corporation has a n n o u n c e d t h a t t h ey w i l l be celebrating 16 years of excellence on January 29. Concentric has always been a supporter of organizations in the Omaha community, and they look forward to continuing this tradition in 2020. To spread the enthusiasm they have for the work they do, Concentric is running a new campaign of “Together #WeAreConcentric!”Concentric’s community is unlike any other, and they created the campaign to share the joy and invite others to join their community of highly-talented professionals and incredible businesses in creating inspiring success stories in Nebraska. Concentric has achieved excellence because of the people they hire! In addition to hiring well, they promote a family-first policy, regular trainings and celebrations, and an encouraging work environment because this is how they’ve learned to help great employees become their best. Concentric also enjoys the teamwork between clients and candidates. They understand that having that communication is how each person’s needs are met and how each person succeeds. Collaboration, integrity, and honesty are values Concentric upholds each day in the work they do. Concentric Corporation is bringing back the fundamentals of recruiting, which starts with the relationship. They believe in strengthening teams, building healthier companies, and increasing employee retention, and they’re all about placing the right people in the right place at the right time. They specialize in placements for executive, management, information technology, and sales and marketing positions. To learn more, please visit their website at concentriccorp.com or call (402) 991-8400. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
BUSINESS NEWS Best Care EAP Announces New HR Insight Talk Series for February
Berry Law Honored with National Award for Dedication to Employing Veterans
Best Care EAP (Employee A s s i s t a n c e P ro g ra m ) h a s announced a brand new talk series in 2020 designed for h u m a n r e s o u r c e / we l l n e s s professionals. The series is called HR Insight, and the first one kicks off February 11, 8–9 a.m., in the new Best Care EAP training room. Through discussions led by experts in the business, HR professionals will be allowed the opportunity to take a deep dive into the burning issues keeping them and their colleagues up at night. Best Care EAP is all about helping you invest in the people at your business. They teach training sessions for over 60 topics to address emerging workplace issues, like leadership and management development, emotional and physical health, stress and time management, communication, and more. They have flexible training options so individuals or groups can learn in an either in-person or webinar format. Best Care EAP can also provide licensed counselors for your workplace through phone calls, online, or face-to-face sessions. If you want to learn more about Best Care EAP or register for a HR Insight Talk Series, visit the website at bestcareeap.org or call (402) 354-8000 / (800) 801-4182. Questions can be directed to Robyn Burnett, LMHP and manager of account and education services, via email at Robyn.Burnett@bestcareeap.org.
Berry Law was presented with the HIREVets Platinum Medallion by the United States Department of Labor at an awards banquet in Washington D.C. on November 6. The award is the highest federal honor a company can receive for hiring and employing veterans. Berry Law is one of only three companies in Nebraska to ever win the Platinum Medallion and is the first law firm in America to receive the award. Berry Law is committed to assembling the best team possible, and they believe hiring veterans is instrumental to building and maintaining a culture of excellence. They have observed that veterans bring important experience and understanding to the practice as well as discipline and a willingness to learn. They encourage all businesses to prioritize the hiring of veterans. Berry Law was founded in 1965 by legendary attorney John S. Berry, Sr. With over 250 years of legal experience, Berry Law is well equipped to handle the most serious legal needs. Originally focused on criminal defense work, the firm has expanded to offer a full suite of legal services. Learn more at jsberrylaw.com.
Greater Omaha Chamber to Host All Chamber Coffee & Contacts on January 15 To kick off the New Year with some new connections, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce has partnered with nearby chambers to host an All Chambers Together Coffee & Contacts at Attitude on Food and the Soirée Room, 7040 N. 102nd Cr., on Wednesday, January 15. The event will go from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Partnering chambers at this event include the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, Blair Area Chamber of Commerce, Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce, Fremont Area Chamber, Glenwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce, Gretna Area Chamber of Commerce, Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce, Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce, Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce, and West O Chamber. The All Chambers Together Coffee & Contacts is a tremendous way to connect with members of other area chambers of commerce, seek out some mutually-beneficial relationships, and get to know the host venue, Attitude on Food and the Soirée Room, all before your workday begins! There’s no cost for pre-registration but failure to register will result in a $5 cover at the door. Chamber members should register with their respective chambers. The Greater Omaha Chamber works to improve Omaha’s business climate and create opportunities for business connections and member visibility. They regularly host networking events to allow Omaha’s business community of professionals to flourish. To register for the event through the Greater Omaha Chamber, go to omahachamber.org. For additional information, feel free to contact Kristy Fortenbury at kfortenbury@omahachamber.org or (402) 346-1150. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Experience Luxury. Experience Lincoln.
The Kindler Hotel and Boitano’s Lounge 216 N 11th, Lincoln, NE 68512 | 402-261-7800 #MeetMeAtBoitanos
JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business
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BUSINESS NEWS Barks n Brews to Hold Frenchie Meetup January 18
Center Sphere Announces Network-Wide January Events
On January 18 from 2 to 5 p.m., Barks n Brews will host a Frenc hie meetup for all Frenc hie owners and their beloved pets. Come quench your thirst with a refreshing drink and connect with other Frenchie owners while your dogs enjoy playing in the indoor dog park, complete with doggie webcams so you can sit and socialize yet still keep an eye on your pet!
Center Sphere hosts a wide array of networking events all across the metro area designed to help members expand their network and grow their businesses. Many of these events are also helping to raise money for local nonprofits. Each month, Center Sphere hosts events such as Coffee & Connections, social hour events, and professional development and sales and leadership training, all at no additional cost to members. Dates for Center Sphere’s upcoming network-wide events in January are as follows: • Thursday, January 9, 7:30-9 a.m.: Coffee & Connections, hosted by Grover Ice Rink, 6171 Grover St. • Thursday, January 23, 4-6 p.m.: Social Hour, hosted by Dave Triplett, Amish Furniture of Nebraska, 21206 Cumberland Dr., Elkhorn. The Omaha Area Center Sphere Network continues to lead the Metro in professional business networking. Now, with over 50 chapters that meet weekly all across Omaha, the impact the network is making on local businesses is immeasurable. Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. The Omaha network is currently made up of over 50 chapters and 800 members. For more information about Center Sphere or becoming a member, please go to www.CenterSphere. com or contact Lona Anderson at (402) 650-5380 / LonaAnderson@ CenterSphere.com.
Barks n Brews hosts regular events, including breed meetups, especially during the cold months when everyone is looking for opportunities to socialize indoors and find a warm place for their pets to play with other dogs and use up some energy. Barks n Brews is a doggy daycare and Omaha’s first and only dog bar, offering daycare services throughout the day on weekdays and a full-service bar in the evenings and on weekends. Pet owners can bring their dogs to stay for the day, or for only $5 during bar hours, they can take advantage of open play, which offers a fun, clean, safe indoor place for you to come and play with your pup. All pets at Barks n Brews must be vaccinated and registered through Gingr before joining the community and enjoying all that Barks n Brews has to offer. To schedule a breed night, birthday party, or corporate happy hour, reach out to Danielle@barks-brews.com / (402) 819-7769 or visit the website at barks-n-brews.com.
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Strictly Business JANUARY 2020
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BUSINESS NEWS The Kindler Hotel Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting The Kindler Hotel and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce joined together on October 24 to celebrate the grand opening of their newly-renovated downtown luxury boutique hotel at 216 N 11th St. in downtown Lincoln. The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony along with raffle drawings for an overnight stay in the hotel as well as a drawing for a gift certificate to Boitano’s Lounge. The Kindler staff offered guest tours of their luxury guest rooms, and attendees enjoyed live music and a sampling of hors d’ oeuvres which included duck pot stickers with a citrus sesame glaze and baconwrapped water chestnuts with toasted coconut and bourbon sugar. Attendees were also offered two of Boitano’s crafted cocktails, the Frisky Husk’R and Honey Bourbon Cooler, as well as featured wines and beer. A brief address was given by owner Nick Castaneda to the approximately 150 people in attendance. The Kindler Hotel, Lincoln’s first luxury boutique hotel, proudly offers an unmatched and distinctively memorable guest experience through their comfortable designer hotel rooms and sophisticated Boitano’s Lounge. To reserve a room and begin planning the ultimate getaway, visit thekindlerhotel.com or call (402) 261-7800.
Omaha Fashion Week Prepares for Spring Showcase February 23–29 Join Omaha Fashion Week for another exciting season of fashion and glamour, taking place February 23–29 at the Omaha Design Center. Each evening features the Omaha Fashion Week Pre-Party with live entertainment and shopping in the Pop-Up Shop Market, as well as the Omaha Fashion Week Red Carpet Experience. Plus, all VIP guests will have access to the Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery | Dreams Medspa VIP Lounge, with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from the Absolut VIP Bar. It all leads up to the main event—a packed showcase on the Allure Med Spa Runway to Beauty. The show schedule for the Spring season is as follows: • Sunday, February 23: The Aisle Premier Bridal Showcase • Tuesday, February 25: Metropolitan Community College Student Night • Wednesday, February 26: UNL Student Showcase • Thursday, February 27: Methodist Cancer Survivor Show • Friday, February 28: ARISE Emerging Designer Showcase • Saturday, February 29: EVOLVE Featured Designer Showcase Omaha Fashion Week has proudly grown into the nation’s fourth largest fashion event, supporting more independent fashion designers than any other organization in the region! Omaha Fashion Week is a glamorous red carpet event for a good cause, showcasing the work of 65+ designers each year on the runway. It nurtures the youngest of fashion designers by providing mentoring, education opportunities, and a professional platform to showcase their work. On the inside, Omaha Fashion Week is a talent incubator that seamlessly connects designers, stylists, photographers, artists, and models through nurturing platforms and engaging opportunities. On the outside, it is the Midwest’s premier fashion event, spotlighting fashion innovations and celebrating creative excellence. Visit www.omahafashionweek.com to learn more about the designers and to snag your tickets. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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OMAHA’S AUTHENTIC CAJUN EXPERIENCE. NOW AT TWO LOCATIONS! ACADIAN GRILLE - MIRACLE HILLS 725 N 114 St. 402.933.0980 ACADIAN GRILLE - DUNDEE 5018 Underwood Ave. 402.991.1552
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Getzschman Heating Celebrates 60 Years Getzsc hman Heating will be celebrating 60 Years of Business in 2020. Today, Getzschman Heating is one of Nebraska’s premier heating and air conditioning repair and installation companies. They have developed a loyal customer base through their hard work, honest prices, and superior customer service. They look forward to another year of business and success. Serving the greater Omaha area from two service locations, the family business remains locally owned and operated. Sons Scott, Ron, and David remain involved in the day-to-day operations to ensure all of their quality standards are met. From winter’s chill to long hot August nights, Getzschman’s singular focus is the comfort of your home and family. As leaders in the community, the Getzschmans take their reputation very seriously. They assure their customers you can count on them! As a diamond contractor and supplier for both Mitsubishi and Daikan systems, Getzschman offers the expertise to empower families to choose the most efficient and cost-effective systems to make their homes comfortable. The family business was founded in 1960. They offer benefits to their customers, who they lovingly nickname “The G Force.” They also offer a G-Force Membership Agreement to prolong the life of all equipment and ensure efficient energy usage that saves money on energy bills. Omaha residents can contact their local Getzschman Heating team at (402) 554-1110. Locations are also available in Fremont and Blair. Learn more online at www.getzschman.com. JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 7
BUSINESS NEWS Modern Work Suites Moves Monthly Networking Mixxers to Third Thursdays
Vermeer High Plains Celebrates Grand Opening of Omaha Location
Modern Work Suites & Studios, located off of 84th and F Streets, has announced that they will now host their monthly Networking Mixxers on the third Thursday of the month. The next event is scheduled for January 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. During this time, guests can enjoy an open bar with delicious drinks served up by Modern Work’s friendly bartender in their 60s-style Mixx Lounge. The event continues to grow in popularity every month, bringing new faces into the lounge for a great time to make connections and build relationships. Why wait until Friday to start the weekend?
Vermeer High Plains officially opened their first Omaha location at 11305 S. 152nd Ave. To celebrate, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by the Sarpy Chamber of Commerce on October 24. Attendees were given a tour of the new facility. There was also a raffle of Husker Women’s Volleyball Tickets and a speech from the President and CEO of Vermeer Corporation, Jason Andringa. Vermeer High Plains used this opportunity to also celebrate their 40th anniversary. They have been providing Nebraska with excellent service and quality Vermeer products since Kevin Klein established Vermeer Equipment of Nebraska, Inc. in Lincoln in 1979. Since then, Vermeer has expanded and changed its name, but not its dedication, to a family-first environment. Vermeer’s customers have come to rely on the knowledge and experience of its employees. Vermeer High Plains provides quality construction equipment to their clients such as brush chippers, stump grinders, horizontal grinders, tub grinders, directional drills, mud mixing systems, vacuum excavators, trenchers, plows, mini skid steers, and more. In addition to its headquarters in Lincoln and new Omaha location, Vermeer also run operations in Rapid City (Box Elder) and Sioux Fall (Tea), SD. For more information, please visit their website at vermeerhp.com or call the Omaha office at (402) 934-3450.
As Omaha’s newest and most unique business ecosystem, Modern Work Suites & Studios is committed to bringing the most value to their tenants and guests with these built-in networking opportunities. First time attendees are welcome to tour the 50,000-square-foot space. It is filled with private offices that are available for lease. Tenants enjoy amenities in the building such as different Wi-Fi levels, conference rooms, a low-impact gym, photo studio, free and easy access parking, a business service center, a mailing and packaging service, and game rooms to blow off some steam, featuring a ping-pong table, pool table, and Lego room. Learn more online at modernworksuites.com or contact Kate Gallagher, on-site manager, at (531) 600-6901.
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BUSINESS NEWS Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association to Host Upcoming Trade Show The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of Nebraska (PHCC) will host their 2020 trade show and convention from January 31 through February 1, beginning at 8 a.m. at the Lancaster Event Center. Attendees will have access to the most updated information and products in the industry. This event is a great opportunity for plumbing contractors and others to network with vendors and service providers not only from the Nebraska area, but from Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota as well. The free event will be packed with great food, information, and social experiences including educational conference sessions, a trade show, and an exciting reception event with a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Lincoln. Attendees of the event will also have the opportunity to enjoy two members-only luncheons and a President’s banquet. The PHCC Association is a national organization with more than 220 state and local chapters. Together, they represent 3,500+ open and union shop contractors and more than 70,000 technicians working in every market sector. To find out more about the PHCC Association, visit phccweb. org or go to www.phccne.org for information about PHCC Auxiliary of Nebraska. To view an itinerary and register for the 2020 trade show and convention, visit advancedassociationmanagement.growthzoneapp. com/ap/Events/Register/VLz1Qx5P.
National Association of Women in Construction to Hold Block Kids Event The Greater Omaha Chapter #116 of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) will hold its annual Block Kids event on January 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Metropolitan Community College, South Campus, 2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave. in the Industrial Training Center Building (ITC) Conference Center 120. The award-winning program, provided by NEF – NAWIC Education Foundation, is held by NAWIC chapters across the country to introduce children to the construction industry in an effort to create awareness and promote curiosity about careers in the construction industry. This free event is limited to 100 children in grades K-6. Each child is provided with 100 interlocking blocks, a small rock, string, foil, and a poster board. They are then given a maximum of one hour to use these materials and their imaginations to design and build a project that is in some way related to the construction industry. Once the projects are completed, judges will interview participants and ask questions such as Why did you choose to build this project? What do you like about it? Is there anything you would change? and How will it be used? Projects are scored on oral presentation, use of materials, enthusiasm, attention to detail, creativity, and reason for participation. Winning local projects will advance to a regional competition with the chance to advance to nationals. The National Association of Women in Construction is an international organization of women working in and around the construction industry. Its core purpose is to enhance the success of women in the industry through education, networking, and leadership opportunities. The Midwest Region has over 730 members. To learn more about the Block Kids event, please visit www.nawicomaha.com or reach out to NAWIC media contact Nanci Borg (402) 671-9435 / nborg@ur.com to schedule an interview with Block Kids Committee Chair Claire Andreesen or Chapter President Veronica Anderson. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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Call 402-554-1110 Control Depot Adds Honeywell Spyder Model 5 Controllers to Product Offerings Control Depot has added the Honeywell Spyder ® Model 5 to their family of unitary controllers. The Honeywell Spyder 5 can cut energy costs and drive new levels of functionality and efficiency. Scalable to meet the needs of any application, the Honeywell Spyder 5 delivers flexible, freelyprogrammable, demand-led control. The essence of Spyder Model 5 controllers is speed and flexibility. BACnet MS/TP-based unitary controllers offer fast download speeds, smart engineering and commissioning tools, SYLK technology, and flexible programming to achieve multiple configurations — even for complex applications requiring high I/O count. Control Depot is a building automation and controls distributor serving Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota. They sell and support a wide selection of residential and commercial controls and components to contractors and building owners. This includes everything from a simple thermostat to a complete web-based building automation system. At Control Depot, their goal is to build strong and lasting relationships with customers by providing value and experience that is unparalleled in the industry. As a company, they strive to excel in all aspects of their business, offering quality services in a timely manner and at affordable rates. Contact Control Depot for more information on how their services can help you: (402) 934-0078 / (866) 809-7408 (toll free) / sales@controldepotinc.com. Learn more on the website: www. controldepotinc.com. JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 9
BUSINESS NEWS BNI Celebrates 35th Anniversary BNI will celebrate 35 years of service and excellence on January 10. The BNI Heartland Chapter is proud to be a part of the global business networking organization that has fostered thousands of lasting professional relationships. To celebrate, BNI Heartland will be hosting award ceremonies in Lincoln, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Omaha for International Networking Week during the first week of February. BNI was founded by Ivan Misner on January 10, 1985, and has grown to an international organization with over 265,000 members worldwide in over 9,000 chapters. BNI Heartland is proud to celebrate their 24th anniversary as a chapter this year. Since its inception, BNI Heartland’s members have passed over $350 million of business in Nebraska, with the economic multiplier conservatively estimating the total impact to business owners to be over $1.5 billion. BNI® is the world’s leading referral organization, with over 250,000 members in 70+ countries. Their members generate word-of-mouth business for each other through structured, results-driven groups around the world. In 2018 alone, BNI members generated over $15 billion (USD) in revenue for member businesses. Learn more about BNI Heartland and their celebratory recognition events by visiting their website at bniheartland.com. Tickets to each awards ceremony are $10 for both members and nonmembers. To see specific dates, times, and locations for each chapter’s award ceremony, visit bniheartland.com/en-US/events. For more information, email info@ bniheartland.com or call (402) 880-6311. ®
La Vista Keno and Jimbo’s Diner Celebrate Brand New Look La Vista Keno and Jimbo’s Diner held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with the Sarpy Chamber of Commerce on October 15 to celebrate their fresh new look! Not only did the restaurant complete a full remodel of its 20,000-square-foot space, it also updated its logo. The remodeling and rebranding efforts took place in 2018 and 2019 to give the diner a much more modern appeal. La Vista Keno and Jimbo’s Diner serves your All-American diner classics that taste like home cooking. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. La Vista Keno has been a community staple since 1989, providing Keno to its customers at the best payout rates throughout Nebraska. Relax in their Keno Lounge while you play, or watch your winning numbers appear as you indulge at Jimbo’s Diner or La Vista Keno’s Sports Bar. Play your lucky numbers at La Vista Keno and join the fun and excitement of the live-ball draw. Whether you play one game or 100, their friendly Keno staff is ready to write your ticket. Swing by La Vista Keno and Jimbo’s Diner, located at 7101 S. 84th St., for good food and some fun! You can learn more on their website at lavistakeno.com or call (402) 537-9090.
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The Gold Standard. At Echo Systems, we go for the gold! We combine our innovative technology with your interior design ideas, to create a personalized space that fits your lifestyle. You choose the colors, the style, the décor, but why stop the customization there? From intuitive lighting and window shades that set the mood, to home theaters or audio technology that put control at your fingertips. Home innovation and customization starts at Echo Systems and continues on through your daily life. Schedule a tour of our Experience Center and find out just how much is possible.
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BUSINESS NEWS BLUEBARN Theatre Presents “Wakey, Wakey”
Need An Electrician?
BLUEBARN Theatre is excited to present the regional premiere production of Wakey, Wakey by Will Eno. The show will open on January 30 and will run through February 23, Thursdays–Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays February 9 and 23 at 2 p.m. as well as February 16 at 2 p.m. You are invited to a celebration. They will talk about time, gratitude, childhood, and the million miracles at work in the world, in every single moment. There will be pictures. There will be music. Gifts. Wonder. Grief. Rebirth. From Will Eno, author of the BLUEBARN’s productions of Thom Pain and Gnit, comes an extraordinary, strange, and beautiful experience that wakes up the big questions and awakens those in attendance to one another with sly humor, compassion, and grace. P.S., there will be cake. Wakey,Wakey features performances by Aaron Zavitz and Echelle Childers. The production is directed by Barry Carman. Scenic design is by Craig Lee, properties by Amy Reiner, sound, lighting, and projection design by Bill Kirby, and costumes by Susan Clement-Toberer. BLUEBARN Threatre is honored to be joining the following partners in the premiere of this production: Security National Bank and Warren Distribution. GA tickets are $35 and senior tickets are $30, available online at bluebarn.org. Educator, military, and BLUCrew tickets are available through the box office: (402) 345-1576.
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ActionCOACH to Speak at Sarpy County Chamber Luncheon January 29 The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a luncheon on Wednesday, January 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the Sarpy Chamber office (1243 Goldengate Dr., STE 100). After lunch, Jim Barger of ActionCOACH will be sharing the “21 Most Common Marketing Mistakes” to all attendees. The presentation is going to be a practical and entertaining dive into powerful marketing. The admission fee is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Registration is required. Jim Barger is a certified business coach with ActionCOACH. He focuses on five key areas to bring you success: sales, marketing, and advertising; team building and recruitment; systems and business development; and customer service. Barger works with small business owners to help them spend less time working in their business and more time on their business. This leads to less total time working and a higher profit. He offers group and one-on-one coaching opportunities. Learn more about how you can elevate your business at jimbarger. actioncoach.com. The Sarpy Chamber of Commerce serves the communities of Bellevue, Gretna, La Vista, Offutt, Papillion, Springfield, and the greater Sarpy County. The Chamber is a membership organization made up of local business owners and professionals who strongly believe in a system of free enterprise. They regularly host educational and networking opportunities to better the Sarpy community. Registration for the luncheon is available at sarpychamber.org. Call (402) 339-3050 with any questions. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
402-933-4632
First Drybar Location in Nebraska Opens in Omaha at Regency Court On December 20, nationwide brand Drybar opened in Omaha at Regency Court with a 1,547-square foot salon consisting of 11 styling chairs and all of the signature elements that define the unique Drybar experience. This is the first Drybar in the state of Nebraska, marking a growing trend of Omaha’s cultural and fashion expansion. Omaha’s Drybar Operating Partner Sara Kohll is an Omaha local and was passionate about bringing Drybar to Nebraska. At the core of the experience is Drybar’s dedication to over-the-top customer service and obsessive attention to every last detail, and the Omaha at Regency Court shop is no exception. The new location will offer in-shop services ranging from a Classic Blowout, Uptini (updo), Mudslide Treatment, Dry Pro styling, Bay Breeze Hydrating Shot, and more. There will be special services available for ages 10 and under, along with memberships and group specials. With all styles always available on tap, you can achieve your look of choice from an extensive menu of options. Drybar’s menu has a look for every hair need, and they carry Drybar’s signature line of professional hair styling products and tools. All products are created for the perfect blowout, including favorites like Buttercup Blow-Dryer, On the Rocks Shampoo and Conditioner, Triple Sec 3-in-1, Mr. Incredible Leave in Conditioner, Prep Rally, Sake Bomb Nourishing Conditioner, and Detox Dry Shampoo. Omaha at Regency will maintain Drybar’s signature design, including custom Italian chairs, tufted fabric walls, marble bars with built-in phone docking stations and flat screens featuring cult favorite chick flicks. The shop will offer dry-styling and features the entire Drybar collection on two product modules to shop from post-blowout. Appointments at Drybar can be booked online at www.thedrybar. com, through the Drybar iPhone app, or by calling (402) 218-4100 JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 11
BUSINESS NEWS Human Resource Association of the Midlands Receives Pinnacle Award
Certified Piedmontese Beef
The Human Resource Association of the Midlands (HRAM) was recently awarded the 2019 Pinnacle Award from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in recognition of their high achievements advancing the profession of human resources. The award was presented at SHRM’s Volunteer Leaders Business Meeting in Washington, D.C. on November 14–16, which was attended by Mike Bojanski, HRAM past president; Carrie Svendsen, 2020-21 president; and Sarah Schulz, HRAM executive director. Created in 1991, the Pinnacle Award is the most prestigious award SHRM state councils and chapters can receive, honoring programs that exceed the standard activities of enhancing HR management. HRAM was one of 12 HR organizations chosen from across the country and 600 applicants to win the award. HRAM is the premiere organization for human resource professionals in the Omaha metropolitan area. With over 1,000 members, HRAM is one of the largest SHRM chapters nationally. To find out more information about the Human Resource Association of the Midlands, visit hram.org.
Cox Funds Innovation Lab for Council Bluffs Boys & Girls Club Cox Communications along with The James M. Cox Foundation and Mayor Matt Walsh have announced the opening of a Cox Innovation Lab at the Council Bluffs Boys & Girls Club. Valued at more than $35,000, the Innovation Lab includes laptops, projectors and screens, furniture, and software for gaming and coding. Through the suite of programs, kids can learn the basics of business software and online safety as well as advanced hardware and networking skills. Since 2003, Cox has contributed more than $20 million in cash and inkind support to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In the greater Omaha metro area, Cox has provided innovation labs to several clubs, offered continuing support to the organization and members through board engagement and broad employee volunteerism, and has served for the past two years as presenting sponsor for the Youth of the Year event.
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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands (BGCM) is the largest youth service agency in the Omaha metro area. With eight Club locations in north and south Omaha, BGCM fulfills its mission in helping over 8,000 kids “to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, healthy and caring members of society.” The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises’ founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including: conservation and environment, early childhood education, empowering families and individuals for success, and health. Cox is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through broadband applications and services. The largest private telecom company in America, they proudly serve six million homes and businesses across 18 states. They’re dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities, and the characteristics that make each one unique. For more information about Cox Business, visit www.coxblue.com or call (402) 934-3891. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
BUSINESS NEWS BBB Study Reveals Rental Fraud Among Home, Vacation Property Listings An in-depth investigative study by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) found that fraud is widespread in the online rental home and vacation rental market, with 43% of online shoppers encountering a fake listing and more than five million consumers losing money to such scams. The investigative study, “Is That Rental Listing Real?” A BBB study of rental scams Involving apartments, houses ,and vacation properties, released by the BBB in December noted that 85% of those encountering fake rental listings do not fall for them. However, these figures suggest that the volume of rental scams lurking on the internet is staggering. According to the study, rental scams can take several forms, but perhaps most commonly, fraudsters simply copy the photo and description of a property, post it online with their own contact information, and try to get a deposit and first month’s rent from the victim. The fraudster may communicate only by email or text message and may claim to be out of the country and unavailable to show the property. Once the victim sends money, the fraudster disappears. To read the Better Business Bureau’s full study on rental scams, go to bbb.org/scamstudies.
Nebraska Restaurant Association to Host Fundraising Event for National Competition T h e N e b r a s k a Re s t a u r a n t Association’s Hospitality Education Foundation will host the first annual Future Culinary ProStars of Nebraska event on January 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Timber Wood Fire Bistro, 8702 Pacific St. in Omaha. This is a new fundraising event for ProStart, a two-year culinary and hospitality management education program offered in 24 high schools across Nebraska. This is a fun and interactive event through which ProStart student teams will be paired with celebrated local chefs to prepare and serve small plate tastings. Attendees will have an opportunity to sample the dishes, network with industry professionals and meet rising Culinary ProStars of the future. Poultry, beef, seafood, pork, and vegetarian small plates will be served for all to enjoy. Evening activities will include a silent auction, gift card pulls, Artesian Christopher Elbow Chocolates, cash bar, and more! Tickets are $60 in advance and $75 at the door. Money raised at Future Culinary ProStars of Nebraska supports the mission of the Nebraska Restaurant Association to represent, educate, and promote the hospitality industry across the state. The proceeds from the Future Culinary ProStars of Nebraska small plate tasting fundraiser will help defray travel, preparation, and participation expenses for Nebraska teams that will compete in the 2020 National ProStart Invitational on May 8–10 in Washington, D.C. The Nebraska Restaurant Association hopes to establish Nebraska as “the food state” at the competition. The Nebraska Restaurant Association acts as the principal advocate for Nebraska’s hospitality industry and promotes the qualities of strength, unity, and excellence in and of its membership. The association is dedicated to serving Nebraska’s restaurant and retail beverage industries by providing comprehensive industry education, proactive representation, aggressive industry promotion, and the highest quality member benefits. Learn more at nebraska-dining. org or find them on Facebook (@NebraskaRestaurantAssociation). #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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BUSINESS NEWS AIM Institute Hosts Annual Tech Awards Celebration, Sponsored by Cox Business
ALA Nebraska Chapter Expands Legal Programming and Partnerships
On November 14, the AIM Institute hosted their annual Tech Celebration, sponsored by Cox Business. The event welcomed 500+ students, educators, community leaders, and tech champions to celebrate the Omaha community’s accomplishments and to support AIM’s youth programming. The celebration was enhanced with music, hologram tech experiences and tech demos, VR / 3D printing, entertainment, and excellent food. Proceeds from the event raised enough money to continue to provide no-cost, hands-on STEAM education to thousands of students in 17 local schools. Tech Celebration is an annual awards ceremony, free and open to the public, that honors businesses, nonprofits, educators, individuals, students, and companies that significantly advance or champion technology in the Omaha area. Hosted by the innovative nonprofit AIM Institute since 1995, the Tech Celebration recognizes the outstanding achievements in tech along with those who have made a profound impact on the local tech community. Tech Celebration also serves as a networking event, giving IT professionals the opportunity to meet new contacts, reconnect with old ones, share ideas and ideate collaboration, and most importantly, celebrate accomplishments in the local tech community. To see photos of the event from 2019 and previous years, visit careerlink.com/techcelebration. The AIM Institute is an innovative nonprofit with a mission to grow, connect, and inspire the tech talent community. They recognize the importance of building connections between IT professionals, educators, students, community organizations, startups, and larger enterprises. To learn more, visit techcelebration.org.
In an effort to engage the broader legal network, the Nebraska Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALANE) is expanding its programming and partnering with a number of local legal associations, service providers, and vendors. These legal management professionals will start the year off with a Records Management Case Study jointly sponsored by the Omaha Bar Association, RIC, and Avalon. Records Management looks at both electronic and paper formats of important information that requires ongoing maintenance, whether it be for evidentiary or specific business purposes. The case study will address Records Management processes and issues faced by a variety of clients in different industries and organizations. ALANE’s additional topics for education and engagement in 2020 will include worksite wellness, a workplace violence/active shooter training with the Nebraska Paralegal Association (NePA) and the Nebraska Safety Council, sexual harassment and the #MeToo movement, and other general roundtable topics. The Nebraska Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators currently has over 30 members representing more than 20 Nebraska law firms and corporate legal departments. Their members are the decision-makers and managers within their firms and corporations. The membership window for 2020 is open with exciting benefits for joining in the month of January! Learn more about joining ALANE and becoming a business partner by going to the website at naola.wildapricot.org.
Building Local Partnerships
New Cornhusker Bank full service location opening early 2020 at 11102 Blondo Street. David Shiffermiller, Jim Prchal, Emily Petersen, and Allen Chaffee at 111th and Blondo building construction site.
Partnering with Prchal Petersen Group Allen Chaffee, Omaha Market President 402-779-1420 | CornhuskerBank.com
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HOTEL EXPOSÉ
Downtown Lincoln recently upped its hospitality game with the addition of The Kindler Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel unlike anything else in the area. Our team decided to book a stay for a night and experience The Kindler ourselves. The first thing to note is that The Kindler is not a large hotel. It’s grand in its essence, but it doesn’t have 100+ plus rooms to cater to. This is why it’s referred to as a “boutique” hotel—there is novelty in its size, design, and character. The best part about staying at a boutique hotel is the personal service the staff is able to provide. As a guest at The Kindler, you don’t feel like just another room key, and you don’t have to compete for the attention of the guest service representatives who are taking care of you throughout your stay. We felt like The Kindler staff was able to predict our needs before we even thought to ask. For example, prior to our stay, they inquired about our itinerary for the night. Since they knew when we wanted to get drinks and appetizers before hitting the town, they made sure there was an open spot for us in their Boitano’s Lounge. Then, they were more than happy to organize drop-off and pick-up times for our group in their luxury limo shuttle, making sure we got to and from our destination safely and in style. In the morning, the valet had already brought our vehicles down so we didn’t have to stand around and wait. The thoughtful management staff at The Kindler even put champagne, chocolates, and a handwritten welcome note in our suite! These personal touches made us feel like royalty, and they really make a lasting impression.
A Luxury Boutique Hotel Experience in Downtown Lincoln
If you stay at The Kindler Hotel, make sure you chat with their staff ahead of time to let them know what your plans are for the evening. They proved to us that they are willing and able to create a customized experience for each of their guests, pulling out all the stops to be as accommodating as possible. Located one block south of UNL and the Lied Center, The Kindler Hotel features a modern design that is elegant and cozy. There is quite a contrast between the design elements in the guest suites versus those in the rest of the hotel. The front lobby, lounge area, and even hallways embrace a romantic ambiance with darker tones, warm lighting, and rich accent pieces. The rooms, on the other hand, are bright and open—kind of like a blank canvas that you get to make your own for a night or two! We liked how the rooms felt so spacious and clean, and we were impressed with the amenities. There were robes and slippers, a huge bathtub and shower, heated bathroom floors, personal coffee maker, refrigerator, stocked bar, and the beds were amazing, complete with soft, breathable Egyptian cotton sheets. In the morning, if you feel like treating yourself to some room service, The Kindler has delicious French press coffee and a few good breakfast items. The oatmeal was tasty and the breakfast sandwiches were made with fresh, yummy croissants.
The Kindler Hotel’s on-site bar, Boitano’s Lounge, can be enjoyed by guests and locals alike who are looking for classic craft cocktails and a few substantial appetizers to nibble on while they are in downtown Lincoln. It’s a great place for a nice dinner date, to grab a drink before seeing a play at the Lied Center, or even to end the evening with a little nightcap! We were very pleased with the variety of specialty cocktail options on the menu. The Kindler released their seasonal winter drink menu in November. It features delicious hot cocktails such as the Buena Vista Irish Coffee and Cho-Cocoa-Nut. Both of these are perfect for this time of year, and they’ll definitely warm you up, if you know what we mean. Some of the other signature house-crafted cocktails that our group really liked were the Frisky Husk’R and the Honey Bourbon Cooler. These are both must-try beverages. The dinner menu has something for everyone, including flatbreads that can all be made gluten-free and a generous charcuterie platter that would pair well with anything from The Kindler’s extensive wine list. They have charred brussel sprouts, hummus with pickled vegetables, an Italian chicken sandwich, beef sliders, and much more. Our favorite item by far was the Beef Short Rib Flatbread...highly recommend! If you’re looking for well-made drinks and food that is light but filling, all to enjoy in an elegant setting, The Kindler Hotel’s Boitano’s Lounge is your place.
402-261-7800 | 216 N 11th Street | Lincoln, NE 68508 #PrintProudDigitalSmart
JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business
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NANCY
Nancy Paasch
SANDHILLS GLOBAL
READY TO ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS? • Your Office. Your Key. Flat Fee • Completely private, fully furnished offices. • Conference rooms available for large groups or entertaining clients. • Amenities include: Business Center, Mixx Lounge, Lego Room, Living Room, Gym and Food Trucks. • Built-in networking opportunities every week.
Meet Nancy Paasch, chief administration officer for Sandhills Global. Tell us a little about your business. - Sandhills Global is an international information processing company that focuses on serving the farm equipment, construction equipment, truck and trailer, and aviation industries. We strive to connect buyers and sellers across these industries with a wide array of publications, websites, and hosted cloud-based services. As our chief administration officer, I oversee our HR and administration functions across all of our offices here in the U.S. and internationally. I work closely with all areas of Sandhills to help support growth and success of the company. How did you get started in the business? - I started at Sandhills after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in a human resources role. I was lucky enough they took a chance on me as a fresh graduate, and I’m starting my 14th year at Sandhills this year. Tell us a little about your family. - I’ve been married to my husband Bill for eight years. He’s a TractorHouse sales representative for Sandhills. He also enjoys farming on the weekends. We have three children; two sons who are in first grade and preschool, and a one-year-old daughter. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - My favorite thing to do on a day off is to spend it with my family and visit my family in South Dakota. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I learned to play piano by ear. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - If you can’t do great things, do small things in a great way. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Reliable. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To predict the future.
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What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Sandhills encourages employees to be involved in a variety of local nonprofit organizations. They do a dollar-for-dollar matching donation program this time of year to many local organizations like Kicks for Kids, Catholic Social Services, and more. They match one dollar for each dollar any employee donates to the organizations which is incredible. An organization that I personally volunteer with is Junior Achievement. I believe their mission to help educate students in financial literacy, money management, and work readiness is crucial for the future. Volunteering in the classroom is something I find personally rewarding as you can see the direct impact with the students. It’s something I look forward to every year. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - With little ones at home, our favorite books are The Very Hungry Caterpillar or Goodnight Moon. I enjoy reading books that were made into movies or TV shows. The Time Travelers Wife was one of my favorites. What is your favorite TV show? - I just finished the new season of The Crown—it was great! What is your favorite local restaurant? - It’s hard to pick one with so many great options around town, but I’d have to say Roja Mexican Grill! If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 479-2181; Email: human-resources@sandhills.com; Website: www.sandhills.com. Sandhills Global always has open jobs listed at www.sandhills.jobs as well! #PrintProudDigitalSmart
DILLON
Modern Business Networking
Dillon Retzlaff
PINNACLE BANK Meet Dillon Retzlaff, market president for Pinnacle Bank in Elkhorn. Tell us a little about your business. - Pinnacle Bank is a family-owned bank that reinvests in the communities it serves. It grew from one bank in Palmer, NE to over 150 locations in eight states. The culture that exists from the leadership of the Dinsdale family has been the key to its success. I have 17 years of tenure working for the company in many capacities, and I am no anomaly. This is a common trend amongst many of our employees! We service small businesses and family farms just the same as larger corporations. How did you get started in the business? - I moved to Lincoln after graduating from high school with plans to start my bachelor’s degree in the fall. I needed a full-time job to support living expenses while I attended night classes. I applied all over town looking for a chance to give banking a try, and Pinnacle Bank gave me an opportunity to work for them in their loan operations department. I think I finally figured out how to properly transfer a phone call after several failed attempts. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I had the pleasure of working with a customer when they started as a one-person shop, and I helped them grow their business to employing many others. Tell us a little about your family. - I am happily married to my wife Brittany who works for Pinnacle Bank in the holding company. She is by far the “better half”! We have two children, our son Raleigh (6) and our daughter Reese (4), and a boxer named Hudson. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? When management took a chance and sent me to Sioux City to lead the banks in the Iowa market. It was an experience of a lifetime. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy golfing, and I look forward to taking my family snow skiing every winter. Who inspires you? - My father Russ Retzlaff. He started with very little in life when he began a family a little more premature than planned. He had to leave his formal education after his sophomore year of high school to support his new wife and child. He is still happily married after 40+ years and three crazy sons and has built his dream home on the original homestead where our ancestors migrated to in Nebraska. His commitment to family and knowing to put others before himself always inspired me to think big and act small. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “I would rather regret not doing something then having to regret doing something.” – Roy Dinsdale. To me, this doesn’t mean never taking a risk, but anticipating unintended consequences and conducting myself accordingly. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Integrity. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - The West O Chamber and the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation because of their tireless commitment to the community I call home. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - All time favorite is Atlas Shrugged. What is your favorite TV show? - Seinfeld. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Winston Churchill. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 289-2675; Email: dretzlaff@pinnbank.com; Website: www.pinnbank.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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402.575.0102 | bigbirgeplumbing.com JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business
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GUNNAR
Gunnar Guenette
LEGACY is new toestate the Omaha Metrofirm founded RPM LegacyRPM is a Legacy full-service real brokerage Area. We specialize in residential to protect investments, minimize costs and maximize Jean and James Duffy, Owners property management and offer buying income. and selling real estate E: info@realpmlegacy.com | services. @RealPMLegacy Carmela K. Karni, Broker • Manage single family homes and residences
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GETZSCHMAN HEATING Meet Gunnar Guenette, marketing manager for Getzschman Heating. Tell us a little about your business. Getzschman Heating is a 60-year-old family-owned business that started in Fremont. Three of the Getzschman brothers are still running daily operations and have long standing relationships with many of our customers. As a company with technicians you can trust with your keys, Getzschman Heating provides heating and cooling solutions to both our commercial and residential customers in the Greater Omaha area, including Fremont and Blair. How did you get started in the business? - I began working with Getzschman as a marketing vender in 2006. I worked with them for several years and then became the internal marketing manager in 2015. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Getting our brand to stand out. Omaha is a very competitive HVAC market with many providers spending hundreds of thousands in local ad dollars. What has been your most important achievement professionally? Consistently growing market share without growing the marketing budget. Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to my wife Karen for 10 years. Combined, we have four adult children and three dogs. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? After selling radio and TV for many years, I joined a small advertising agency and learned how to apply my creative skills to many different industry verticals. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Go for a ride on my motorcycle. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I am a working musician playing over 140 shows a year. Who inspires you? - My children inspire me every day to remember to be open to experience the world. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Don’t believe your own hype. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Authentic. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Speak to animals. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Singing. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Chef. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Nebraska Dachshund Rescue. We love wiener dogs. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I will always love Johnathan Livingston Seagal by Richard Bach. What is your favorite movie? - Elf. What is your favorite TV show? - Shameless. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Cat Stevens. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 554-1110; Email: gunnarg@getzschman.com; Website: www.getzschman.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
12/5/19 5:09 PM
LONA
Lona Anderson
CRAFT BEER
CENTER SPHERE Meet Lona Anderson, area director of Center Sphere in Omaha and rural Nebraska. Tell us a little about your business. - Center Sphere provides a network of local support for businesses through reliable, trusted, profitable, and proven relationship building. By building authentic relationships, referrals come naturally. It’s truly rewarding knowing that you can affect the members lives in a positive way. How did you get started in the business? - In March 2018, I joined Center Sphere as the membership coordinator for the Lincoln area, plus I had a personal seat as a fashion paramedic with Premier Designs Jewelry in a Lincoln chapter. Three months later, I had the opportunity to also add the role as membership coordinator for Omaha area. In October 2018, Center Sphere was launched in the rural areas and I became the director of those efforts. I am now the Omaha Rural Area Director as well. Before Center Sphere, I had worked in telecommunications and marketing for over 25 years. I found the people and the culture of Center Sphere were the perfect fit for me. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Balancing work and family when I was young in my career. I was fortunate to have a manager and mentor who helped me to be successful in both. Tell us a little about your family. - I was raised on a farm in Superior, NE. I’m happily married to my husband Tom, and we celebrated 25 years of marriage last fall. Tom is a Service Tech with CKF. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Honestly, the job that I currently have and love! It is very rewarding working with our members and seeing their businesses grow. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy traveling, watching volleyball, and cooking. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’m a Type 1 diabetic. Who inspires you? - My parents. I was raised with excellent core values and learned a tremendous work ethic, which I carry on today. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Dependable. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Taking Care of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - An FBI agent. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I am extremely passionate about JDRF since my husband and myself are both Type 1. We have a lot of nonprofits in Center Sphere, and I support several of them. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Beginner’s Pluck by Liz Forkin Bohannon. What is your favorite TV show? - Criminal Minds and Law & Order. Pretty much Law & Order anything. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Roja Mexican Grill. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 416-5700; Email: LonaAnderson@CenterSphere.com; Website: www.CenterSphere.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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JOHN
John Comstock
HOUSE OF CONUNDRUM Meet John Comstock, owner of House of Conundrum - Omaha Escape Room. Tell us a little about your business. - We create adventures in our escape rooms which are designed to take people to another place in time. Each room requires people to accomplish some type of objective by finding clues and solving puzzles. The experience takes about an hour to complete, and the rooms have different levels of difficulty. The average percentage of people who can get through an escape room without any additional hints and help from staff is below 28%. We have many families and business teams walk through our doors in search of some fun, unique bonding time. How did you get started in the business? - About four years ago, my family and I did our first escape room experience together. I was in property management at the time, but I was ready for something new. Getting into the escape room business sounded like fun, and it has been! What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I’ve very proud of the fact that House of Conundrum has nine rooms, making us the biggest escape room in the area. We also have a banquet hall and lobby that allow us to host groups of 80+ people. They can eat, drink, and then all go into the different rooms at once! Bringing more adventure into people’s lives has become my passion. Tell us a little about your family. - My wife and I have three kids. The oldest, Price, lives in New York and helps me here and there with the tech side of the business. My daughter, Claire, has been a big part of running House of Conundrum. She and I are both left-handed and right-brained. My youngest, Will, is starting to do more work at the venue as well. It’s special to me to have my family involved the business. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - I graduated with degrees in biology, history, and secondary education. After substitute teaching, I realized I didn’t want to become a teacher. I ended up partnering with the guy who owned the house I was living in at the time. It really needed fixing up, and I offered to help. That is how I got into property management. I’m thankful for my education in biology and history because I can apply that thinking to the design of the escape rooms I oversee now, many of which are sci-fi themed. Who inspires you? - My dad and his entrepreneurial spirit. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Believer. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To be two places at once. Which talent would you most like to have? - Better organization. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - We donate a lot of escape room packages to charity fundraisers as auction items. I personally love Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands. I’m actually still friends with my “Little” who is like 40 years old now. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Bible. What is your favorite movie? - Braveheart. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Umami Asian Cuisine in Bellevue. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 910-5114; Email: john.bbjf@gmail.com; Website: www. houseofconundrum.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
MEGAN
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Meet Megan Keyser, sales intern at Strictly Business. Tell us a little about your business. - I like to describe Strictly Business as a connecting tool between business-minded individuals of the community. My job as one of the publication’s sales interns is to adhere these people to our network. We offer our clients the opportunity to share who they are in a unique format, and we share insight from local experts on various topics and what’s happening in the local marketplace. How did you get started in the business? - I’m studying marketing, management, and sales at UNL, so this role lines up perfectly with my studies. I’m a member of the Center for Sales Excellence. The ability to help so many different people is what I love about the consulting industry. Previously, I worked as a professional services recruiting intern, photographer, and social media manager for an event production company; a marketing intern with a John Deere dealership; a cosmetic artist/consultant; and a server in my younger years. What has been your most important achievement professionally? Securing my full-time role as an Omaha recruiter with Aerotek, where I will return to in the Summer of 2020. Tell us a little about your family. - I was born and raised in Omaha. My parents gifted my two brothers and I with unique life experiences and wholesome character, encouraging us to always focus on a greater good. We have a really big extended family, so I get excited for holiday breaks to spend time with them and our Britney Spaniel, Baxter. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - This past year of school as I’ve begun to realize the woman I want to be and started chasing her. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Ideally, I’d teleport to a beach. Since science isn’t there yet, you can find me out and about trying new eateries, thrifting, staying active, or taking pictures. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’m a three-time triathlete. What is your favorite quote? - “You didn’t come this far to only come this far.” If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Kind. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “She’s Not Just a Pretty Face” by Shania Twain. Honestly, anything Shania. I love women who recognize they can do it all and do. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Superintelligence. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - One of my long-term dreams is to open a one-of-a-kind boutique, featuring vintage and unique fashion, décor, and trinkets. I want to give people the ability to express themselves visually through items that that have meaningful stories. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Renée Rosen’s Park Avenue Summer. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Hook and Lime. Try the Overnight Brisket Taco and Cilantro Lime Margarita. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Angela Ahrendts. She’s a successful business woman with Midwestern values. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 214-2369; Email: megan.p.keyser@gmail.com / megan@ strictlybusinessomaha.com; Website: megankeyser.wixsite.com/resume / strictlybusinessomaha.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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PERSONNEL NEWS CHAD of Nebraska Hires Shonda Shirley as New Director of Community Engagement
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CHAD (Combined Health Agencies Drive) of Nebraska is pleased to announce the hiring of Shonda Shirley as its new director of community engagement. Shirley comes to CHAD after collaborating with Michelle Grossman, CHAD president and CEO, during Shirley’s tenure as a fundraising director with United Way of the Midlands. Additionally, her numerous years in pharmaceutical sales sparked her passion for helping to ensure Nebraskans have improved access to healthcare, treatment, programs, and services. This is also when she realized her love of chemistry, and she has tutored high school students in 12 school districts throughout Omaha. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her two-year-old Havanese pup. “Shonda is a great addition to our team,” said Grossman. “We are excited to work with her to raise additional funds for our 21 member health charities and strengthen our partnerships with United Ways across the state.” CHAD is a local, donor-designation driven organization that has been raising funds for Nebraska’s premier health charities since 1972. Since its inception, CHAD has raised $58,159,054 for charities who are supporting those in need in the community. For more information on the organization’s achievements in 2019, visit www.chadnebraska.org/ annual-report.
First Responders Foundation Announces Gary Steiner as Chairman of the Board The First Responders Foundation is pleased to announce Gary Steiner as chairman of the board for 2020. Steiner will be instrumental in helping the Foundation fulfill its mission to serve and honor first responders and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety. Steiner formed Steiner Consulting, Inc. in 2014 after 20 years of nonprofit management and fundraising work. His firm works with mid-sized nonprofits to develop visionary plans and to secure the resources needed to turn those visions into realities. Steiner’s last position was serving as executive director of the Millard Public Schools Foundation where he oversaw fundraising and managed a staff of more than 275 employees. Prior to that, Steiner was senior development officer for the American Red Cross where he managed fundraising staff in states west of the Mississippi River. Steiner also held several management and fundraising positions with the Boy Scouts of America in 35 counties throughout Nebraska and Iowa. Other civic and professional activities include past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Nebraska Chapter, current president of the Millard TeamMates Mentoring Program, and member of Keep Kids Alive: Drive 25 Foundation. Steiner has been a Rotary member for 15 years. He is a frequent presenter at state, regional, and national conferences. Steiner takes over for Jim Hanson, Jr., owner of InTouch Communications, who has dedicated over nine years to the Foundation and will continue to serve in 2020 as chairman emeritus. Steiner is an Omaha native and a graduate of Roncalli High School and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. To learn more about First Responders Foundation, visit www. firstrespondersomaha.org or call (402) 218-1234. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
PERSONNEL NEWS Nebraska Community Foundation Brings on Liz Petrzilka as Database Specialist
McGill Restoration Promotes Berke, BuolFerg, Phelps, and Lilienthal
Nebraska Community Foundation is excited to welcome Liz Petrzilka to their talented team of professionals as a database specialist.
McGill Restoration is excited to announce the promotions of four employees to new roles in the company: Blake Berke to integrator/CFO; Matt Buol-Ferg to vice president, estimation and project management; Stefanie Phelps to vice president, administration and human resources; and Nathan Lilienthal to estimator/project manager. Blake has worked for McGill as a dedicated and responsible employee since 2015. Blake’s strong work ethic and efficiency with the Traction Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) made him an obvious choice for the role of integrator/CFO. Matt was promoted to vice president, estimation and project management while readjusting the Traction EOS; his capability with the system has proven a great asset to the company. Matt will continue to oversee the estimators/project managers on a daily basis along with serving on the executive team to contribute to the traction model. Matt has been with McGill since 2016. Stefanie has worked with McGill since 2018. She will now oversee human resources, administration, and accounting through her new role as vice president of administration and human resources. Stefanie will also serve on the executive team to better serve the needs of McGill’s workforce. Nathan has been promoted to estimator/ project manager. Nate has been with McGill since 2010. When he began, Nate worked summers in the field and warehouse where he quickly climbed the ranks to shop manager and now to estimator/project manager. McGill Restoration is very committed to investing in the development and training of their employees. They work hard to keep their employees busy year-round and try hard not to be a seasonal construction company. If you are interested in starting a career in the construction industry at a company that offers competitive benefit and compensation package, please apply on the McGill Restoration website at www. mcgillrestoration.com or contact the Lincoln office at (402) 438-4110.
A Saunders County native, Petrzilka moved to Lincoln to attend college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. An internship at the University of Nebraska Foundation marked the beginning of Petrzilka’s career in the nonprofit sector honing her skills in donor prospect research, data integrity, and information management. Petrzilka then spent several years with the Tabitha Foundation where she implemented strategies for database management, donor relations, gift processing, and prospect research. At Nebraska Community Foundation, Liz’s primary role as database specialist will be developing an expansive donor database that furthers the work of 235 affiliated funds serving 258 Nebraska communities. Petrzilka says she is excited to learn more about Nebraska and all the amazing things happening in communities throughout the state. Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. In the last five years, 44,476 contributions have been made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $355.3 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.
AR Solutions Founder Aaron Newell Honored Among Top 50 Receivables Professionals On November 19, AR Solutions Founder and CEO Aaron Newell was honored as one of the top 50 Receivables Professionals at the CollectTech19 expo awards ceremony held at the Worthington Renaissance and TopGolf hotel in Fort Worth, TX. Receivables Advisor magazine, a trade publication serving the accounts receivable industry, presented the award to Newell in recognition of the excellent standard AR Solutions has set in the accounts receivable industry. Newell and the team at AR Solutions are proud to offer top service and solutions to their clients. At AR Solutions the goal is to build relationships and to learn the client’s business in order to build a customized solution that works, because each situation is unique and should be treated as such. All Asset Recovery Specialists are American Collection Association (ACA) certified, and AR Solutions is licensed, bonded, and insured. The company is widely recognized for its professional handling of accounts as well as a success rate of collecting on average 2.5 times the national average for clients. AR Solutions offers competitive fees that are contingent upon collection, and you can trust that your client accounts will be handled with the highest quality service and utmost dignity so you can focus your time and energy on running your business. For more information about AR Solutions or to receive a free consultation, call (402) 817-3929 or visit www.arsolutionsinc.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Blake Berke
Matt Buol-Ferg
Stefanie Phelps
Nathan Lilienthal
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 Omaha community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 4663330 or submit your news via www.strictlybusinessomaha.com. JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 23
PERSONNEL NEWS Barb Farho with YES Selected to Participate in NAM’s Nonprofit Executive Institute
American National Bank Executive Co-Chairs and CEOs Honored for Helping Seniors
Barb Farho, director of development at Youth Emergency Services (YES), was recently selected to participate in the upcoming class of the Nonprofit Association of the Midland’s (NAM) Nonprofit Executive Institute (NEI). NEI is an 11-month leadership program designed to equip nonprofit leaders with skills and strategies to enhance organizational sustainability and transform the communities they serve. It is intended for people in nonprofit leadership positions who want to expand their professional network and enhance tactical skills as well as expand their network. Barb joined YES in 2018 and brought more than 25 years’ experience in management, fundraising, community service, and public relations to her role. Before joining YES, Barb served as senior director at United Way of the Midlands where she led a team of marketing and communications professionals. An active community volunteer, Barb has served on many boards, committees, and associations for organizations such as Collective for Youth, YMCA, Kids Can, and Heartland Family Service. Youth Emergency Services is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole mission to help youth experiencing homelessness and nearhomelessness in the community. To learn more about YES and their mission, visit yesomaha.org or call (402) 345-5187.
On November 13, Notre Dame Housing (NDH) honored American National Bank Executive Co-Chairs John and Wende Kotouc at their 2nd Annual Community Difference Makers Awards luncheon which showcased seniors, housing, and health. John and Wende were presented with the award for the impact they make in the community helping seniors. The purpose of the luncheon has grown over the years to also recognize individuals who improve the unmet needs for seniors in our community going beyond basic housing to address the health, social, spiritual, and physical needs of residents to give them the ability to live independently for as long as possible. American National Bank is the second largest locally-owned bank based on deposits in the Omaha/Council Bluffs market area. With $3.8 billion in assets and greater than 575 employees, it operates 30 full-service offices in Nebraska and Iowa, and seven locations in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, operating under Western Bank, a Division of American National Bank. American National Bank also has loan production offices in Kansas and Texas. For more information, visit www.american.bank.
The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands Names 2020 Board of Directors
VENUS Vein Clinic is excited to announce the addition of Jamie R. Olsen, CST, and Melissa Selk, RN, to their team. Jamie and Melissa have both proven to be a great asset to the VENUS Vein staff already, and everyone looks forward to seeing the great things they will accomplish in the future. Jamie R. Olsen is a certified surgical technologist and has been working in and around the operating room for 14 years. She has assisted in several different surgical Jamie R. Olsen specialties, mainly working in plastic and reconstructive surgeries. In Jamie’s new position at VENUS Vein Clinic, she assists Dr. Schroeder with procedures. Her favorite part of working at VENUS is being able to see the difference that they are making in patients’ lives. Many of their patients have been dealing with vein disease for years and are now able to find some relief. Jamie is truly grateful to be able to help people get their lives back. Melissa Selk grew up in Iowa and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Creighton Melissa Selk University. She is the mother of two boys ages four and one. Melissa has worked as an ICU and ER nurse for 12 years in addition to working at a pulmonary medicine clinic for three years. She enjoys working with the enthusiastic staff at VENUS in a fun, loving, caring environment. She also loves hearing stories from patients about the ways the staff at VENUS have changed their lives and helped them achieve positive results. Jamie plans to excel and expand her nursing skills in venous insufficiency. VENUS Vein Clinic is devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. It is the only practice in the Omaha area led by a board-certified vein physician who specializes in vein care exclusively. To contact VENUS Vein Clinic, visit www.VENUSveinclinic.com or call (402) 922-8346. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM), which represents more than 600 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and southwest Iowa, has announced four new members to its 2020 board of directors. First-term board members elected to serve are: • Victoria Grasso, Cooper Foundation • Osuman Issaka, The Simple Foundation • Rob Trebilcock, Bank of the West • Cammy Watkins, Inclusive Communities Returning board members include: • Anne Herman, AVA Insights • John Jeanetta, Heartland Family Service • Ralph Kellogg, Nebraska Appleseed, secretary • Emiliano Lerda, Paul G. Smith Associates • John Levy, Omaha Community Foundation • Jerry O’Doherty, Seim Johnson • Carolina Padilla, Intercultural Senior Center • Kerri Peterson, The Sherwood Foundation, treasurer • Bryan Schneider, D.A. Davidson • Jaymes Sime, MICAH House, president-elect • Jennifer Skala, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation • Michelle Zych, Women’s Fund of Omaha, president Michelle Zych will serve as the board’s president, beginning in January. Jaymes Sime was named president-elect. Ralph Kellogg will serve as secretary and Kerri Peterson will serve as treasurer. For more information on the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands and its programs, visit www.nonprofitam.org. 24 Strictly Business JANUARY 2020
VENUS Vein Clinic Adds Jamie R. Olsen and Melissa Selk to Team
PERSONNEL NEWS SCHMIDT & STACY Grows Nebraska Office Under Leadership of Katharine Cannia
Nebraska Press Association Hires Executive Director Dennis DeRossett
SCHMIDT & STACY® Consulting Engineers, Inc., a Dallas-based mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering firm, has named Katharine Cannia, P.E., LEED AP ID+C, manager of its newly-established Omaha office. Cannia has been with the firm since 2016 and has served as electrical engineer and project manager on a wide range of project types, including commercial, healthcare, and retail, among others.
Dennis DeRossett has been appointed as the executive director of the Nebraska Press Association (NPA), effective as of January 1. The current NPA staff will remain in place under DeRossett’s leadership. DeRossett was publisher of the Beatrice Daily Sun from 1990-96 and has served as a publisher for newspapers in Ohio, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Illinois. He served on the NPA board of directors during his tenure at Beatrice and was on the search committee to hire then-incoming NPA executive director, Allen Beermann.
Cannia earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2015 and subsequently completed her Masters of Architectural Engineering in 2016. Cannia can be reached at (402) 207-4481 ext. 137 / kcannia@schmidt-stacy.com. Founded in 1992, SCHMIDT & STACY® Consulting Engineers, Inc. is committed to providing innovative and sustainable solutions for clients throughout the U.S. To learn more, visit schmidt-stacy.com.
Strictly Business Welcomes Rebecca Boyd and Megan Keyser as Sales Interns Strictly Business is thrilled to announce the recent addition of Rebecca Boyd and Megan Keyser as sales interns. Both women currently attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and have come on board to help with business development efforts for the magazine in Lincoln and Omaha. They will be attending networking events and calling on leads, and they have already started to meet with local businesspeople to tell them about the benefits of partnering with Strictly Business. Rebecca Boyd Rebecca is working to complete two different courses of study, advertising/public relations and psychology. She has held many different jobs across various industries including working as a maintenance tech for the State of Nebraska. Rebecca is passionate about making personal connections and developing genuine relationships with current and potential clients. She is excited to be a part of such a fun, hardworking, and dynamic team of powerful women. Throughout her years of schooling and Megan Keyser work experience, Megan has developed a love for visual design, journalism, and entrepreneurialism. She enjoys learning, sharing stories, and documenting the world around her through photography and videography. Most recently, she spent her summer as a professional services recruiter with Aerotek where she plans to work full-time when she graduates in the spring. In addition to her role as a sales intern for Strictly Business, Megan works for Plains Equipment Group, a John Deere distribution company, managing their marketing and social media pages. Join Strictly Business in welcoming Rebecca and Megan to the team and offering them encouragement as they gain valuable experience for their future career paths! Rebecca can be reached at (308) 765-9110 / rebecca@strictlybusinessomaha.com and Megan can be reached at (402) 214-2369 / megan@strictlybusinessomaha.com. To learn more about advertising in Strictly Business, go online to strictlybusinessomaha. com or call the office at (402) 466-3330. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
DeRossett served as president and CEO of the Illinois Press Association (IPA) from 2010-17. In addition, he then concurrently held the position of chief operating officer of the NNA. He resigned from the IPA in May 2017 and began providing consulting services to community newspapers and press associations. DeRossett is currently an associate with Grimes, McGovern & Associates, a media mergers and acquisition advisory firm. Since 1873, the Nebraska Press Association continually strives to protect the freedom of the press, and assist the goals of its members, friends, and partners, including newspapers, advertising agencies, and individuals across the state of Nebraska. To learn more, go to www.nebpress.com or call (402) 476-2851.
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NONPROFIT NEWS Kids’ Chance of Nebraska to Host Annual Bowling Fundraiser on January 20 Mark your calendars because on Monday, January 20, Kids’ Chance of Nebraska will host their annual Kids’ Chance Bowling Fundraiser at The MARK in Elkhorn (20902 Cumberland Dr.). Social hour will begin at 5 p.m. and there will be two bowling sessions, raffle prizes, a costume contest, and fun team photos! The cost of a four-person team is $150, which includes bowling, shoes, and eight drink tickets. The money raised at the event will go towards supporting Kids’ Chance’s mission of providing scholarships to children whose parents have suffered a workplace injury or death. When a worker is injured on the job, workers’ compensation pays the medical expenses and lost wages; however, workers’ compensation does not take into account the costs of post-secondary education for children of the injured worker. Often families who have suffered such a tragedy are forced to care for the injured individual and do not have the funding to send their children to college. Kids’ Chance of Nebraska hopes to raise awareness on this topic and, as a result, give kids a chance. If you are interested in registering to take part in the bowling fundraiser or would like to make a free-will donation, go online to www.kidschanceofne.org.
Angels Among Us Partners with Fusion Medical for Pediatric Cancer Event Fusion Medical Staffing hosted a family holiday event for Angels Among Us’ pediatric cancer families on December 11. The night consisted of crafts, a photo booth, getting gifts for all members of the family courtesy of Fusion Medical Staffing employees, and of course Santa! Over 20 families attended from near and far, and for the families that could not attend the event, Fusion Medical Staffing partnered with J. Skinner Baking and created family holiday packages that the whole family could enjoy, whether at home or in the hospital. “The staff at both Fusion and J. Skinner were incredible to work with and you could tell they were so passionate and excited about giving back and loving on our cancer families,” said Aly Theilen. “The holidays can be a tough time when you have a sick child, and this was an incredible way that these two businesses could help bring a smile to their faces during the holiday season.” “These two businesses really focus on giving back to their community, and we couldn’t provide both financial and emotional support to the over 120 families we served in 2019 without partners like Fusion and Skinner. We’re grateful for these invaluable partnerships,” says Susie Nelson, executive director of Angels Among Us. 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 or to get involved contact, Aly Theilen at alyssa@ myangelsamongus.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
NONPROFIT NEWS F3 Omaha Joins Nebraska Community Blood Bank for Company Donor Day F3 Omaha recently joined the Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) for a day of generous giving at NCBB’s newlyopened Omaha donor center. Twenty members of F3 Omaha, an energetic group of men who are building up male leadership in the community through daily workouts, came together to give offer the gift of life and strengthen their bond as a group. Snacks included custom-made cookies featuring the F3 Omaha logo! Nebraska Community Blood Bank invites you to celebrate giving back by organizing a Donor Day of your own. Donor Days are a chance for small groups of coworkers, friends, and/or family to donate blood together at one of NCBB’s four donor centers between Lincoln and Omaha. Donor Days are a great way to celebrate a special occasion or honor someone special in your life while providing even more lifesaving blood for Nebraska hospital patients. Depending on how many donors are in your group, your Donor Day can take place over several hours in one day or over the course of a few days. You’re welcome to bring decorations like balloons or treats to make your day even more special! To learn more about the impact you can make by donating blood to the Nebraska Community Blood Bank, visit NCBB.org or call (402) 486-9402. Specific questions about organizing a Donor Day can be sent to Sandy via email at slemon@ncbb.org.
Omaha Home for Boys Launches New Brand Omaha Home for Boys is excited to announce the launch of its new brand, OHB. OHB’s new identity encompasses the organization’s rich 100-year history while also taking the organization into its next century with a fresh, simplified look. The mission of Omaha Home for Boys remains the same while the organization’s new, modern identity embodies all of OHB’s programs and services and reflects their commitment to evolve and grow to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. In the new OHB logo all of the letters are connected, which represents the way OHB helps its clients connect with much needed resources, such as housing, education, employment, transportation, and mental and behavioral health services. Also seen in the new OHB logo are the rungs of a ladder on the “B.” The ladder represents the way in which OHB helps youth, young adults, and families overcome their challenges to reach the next rung on their ladder, whether that’s finishing high school, securing stable employment, learning how to manage an apartment, or accomplishing sobriety. “We are very excited to share our new brand with the public,” said RaeAnn Knoell, Marketing and Communications Manager at OHB. “Our new identity incorporates all of the programs we offer at OHB and signifies our commitment to grow to meet community needs.” Please visit the Omaha Home for Boys’ website at OHB.org or call their main campus at (402) 457-7000 to learn more about their organization. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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Stephen Center and Saving Grace Food Rescue Host Omaha Hunger Experience On November 21, the Stephen Center partnered with the Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue in hosting The Omaha Hunger Experience, a unique event that allowed the community a chance to experience the impact of hunger. Attendees at the sold-out event received a meal ticket indicating whether they would receive a Guests with tickets for a low-cost low-cost meal or a gourmet meal. meal receive sack dinners. While half were served a sack dinner of either a peanut butter and jelly or cheese sandwich plus chips, fruit snacks, and a drink, others at their table dined on beef tenderloin, chicken piccata, whipped potatoes, vegetables, salad, and a roll. Guests were served a low-cost
meal depending on The dining experience illustrated orthegourmet meal ticket they received. real-life stories shared by actors performing monologues throughout the evening of living on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, frozen pizza, mac and cheese, or cereal while growing up poor or as adults struggling with hunger. Videos played at the event showcased the relationship between the Stephen Center and Saving Grace. In 2019 at the time of the event, Saving Grace had provided more than 26,799 pounds of healthy perishable food, valued at $46,362, to the Stephen Center. This food helped the Stephen Center serve more than 200,000 meals in 2019.
Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue works on the front lines of feeding the homeless by picking up excess perishable food from a network of 58 food vendors and delivering it the same day, free of charge, to 43 nonprofit partner agencies varying from homeless shelters to children’s after-school programs, senior centers, food pantries, and transitional living facilities. Contact Beth Ostdiek Smith at beth@savinggracefoodrescue.org / (402) 215-6718 to learn more. Located in South Omaha, the Stephen Center has been serving the community since 1984. They provide a sober campus of resources for mental health and addiction services for the homeless, addicted, and impoverished. Their campus includes a homeless emergency shelter, inpatient/outpatient addiction treatment, permanent supportive housing apartments for disabled and lowincome individuals, and a thrift store. Contact the Stephen Center at (402) 715-5441 or visit their website at stephencenter.org or their social media (@stephencenterne). JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 27
NONPROFIT NEWS NCBB Calls for Community Participation in National Blood Donor Month
The Jennie Edmundson Foundation Announces Annual “Dance to the Beat” Fundraiser
Every January, Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) celebrates National Blood Donor Month. This is a time to recognize the life-saving contributions of blood donors. It’s also the perfect time for new donors to get involved and make a New Year’s Resolution to help save lives in 2020! NCBB invites members of the community to participate in blood donations during the month of January to give life-saving service to the community during a time when donations are typically low.
On February 29, the Jennie Edmundson Foundation will host their annual “Dance to the Beat” fundraiser to benefit Methodist Jennie Edmundson’s cardiovascular patients in need of financial support. The event is set to kick off at 7 p.m. at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs (1 Arena Way). This year’s event will be hosted by the Methodist Physicians Clinic Heart Care Center-Council Bluffs with honorary co-chairs John and Barb Burns. The band Taxi Driver will provide music and entertainment throughout the evening, and guests will enjoy appetizers, a cash bar, amazing raffle prizes, and auction items. Tickets are $30 per person. Sponsorship opportunities for the event are still available.
One in three people will need blood during their lifetime, whether it’s a family member, friend, or coworker. In order to keep up with the continuous demand, NCBB needs more than 1,000 donors every week to cover the needs of local hospitals and clinics. Hosting a blood drive is a great way to get your organization involved in the life-saving mission in the community; smaller groups can also give blood together by having a Donor Day at one of NCBB’s four donor centers. These events are simple to arrange and help ensure a stable community blood supply during the winter months, which are challenging for blood collection. Resolve to be a lifesaver this year—get involved by hosting a blood drive at your organization or having a Donor Day with NCBB. Contact them at 1-(877) 486-9414 or visit ncbb.org to get started today.
To complete the experience, a hotel block has been reserved at Courtyard by Marriott (2501 Bass Pro Dr.) just steps away from the venue. Cost is $79. Available rooms are limited, so call (712) 318-3330 today and mention “Dance to the Beat” to reserve your spot at the discounted price. To purchase tickets for the event, go to jefoundation.org, or call (712) 396-6040 for questions.
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NONPROFIT NEWS MENTOR Nebraska Celebrates National Mentoring Month with Recruitment Campaign
ThriVinci to Host Empower Hour Networking Event February 6
MENTOR Nebraska is celebrating National Mentoring Month this January by kicking off its 7th annual city-wide mentor recruitment campaign. As part of the recruitment campaign, MENTOR Nebraska is including a Corporate Mentoring Challenge. The goal is to challenge Omaha businesses to create or expand an existing mentoring culture within their companies and to encourage employee participation in mentoring programs for youth in the community. More than 60 local businesses are participating in the challenge.
ThriVinci is excited to announce that they will hold Empower Hour on Thursday, February 6. The event will take place starting at 6 p.m. at DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar Miracle Hills location (777 N. 114th St.). ThriVinci staff will speak to hopeful volunteers and others in the community about volunteerism and invite them to their volunteer orientation. Empower Hour is a chance for the community to get to know ThriVinci and their upcoming projects in a fun and engaging way. This event is for all people who wish to make an impact on the community and is open to the public.
Mayor Stothert will further support the initiative through her continued participation in Mayors for Mentoring, a national network of mayors across the country partnering with mentoring organizations to mobilize their communities around youth mentoring. The City of Omaha Mayor’s Office has also awarded MENTOR Nebraska a $10,000 grant to be used to recruit mentors. Learn how to get involved with MENTOR Nebraska by going online to www.MENTORNebraska.org or call (402) 715-4164.
Parkinson’s Nebraska Laces Up for the 2020 UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s Parkinson’s Nebraska is preparing for its annual fundraiser in partnership with the UNMC. The 2020 UNMC Skate-a-Thon for Parkinson’s is a 24-hour family-friendly event that will take place at the UNMC Ice Rink (4016 Emile St.) from 2 p.m. on Friday, January 24 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 25. The Skate-a-Thon is held in memory of its founder, Colleen Wuebben. When Colleen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2005, there were no specialized Parkinson’s services available. She held the first Skate-a-Thon by flooding her backyard to make an ice rink and raise money to fund Parkinson’s exercise classes in Omaha. Colleen passed away in 2013, but her family has kept the tradition alive. This marks the ninth year Parkinson’s Nebraska has partnered with UNMC. This partnership has helped the Skate-a-Thon grow from one family’s backyard tradition into a family tradition for over 500 skaters each year. The money raised at this event will support Parkinson’s research at UNMC and provide Parkinson’s services such as group exercise classes, support groups, professional trainings, and educational presentations. Parkinson’s Nebraska is proud that all money stays in Nebraska to meet the unique and ever-changing needs of people living with Parkinson’s across the state. Skaters can register as an individual ($15), family ($50), or Rock the Clock team member ($15). Rock the Clock teams are groups committed to having a representative on the ice for all 24 hours of the event. Registration includes ice skate rental and unlimited skating during the event. Tickets are available online at the Parkinson’s Nebraska website (www.parkinsonsnebraska.org). Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available. Please contact Amber at amber@ parkinsonsnebraska.org or (402) 715-4707 to learn more about how you can impact the Parkinson’s Nebraska community. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
ThriVinci is an organization of professional volunteers committed to empowering communities through shared knowledge and support for the advancement of nonprofit organizations. They work to elevate the impact of fellow nonprofits by implementing organizational effectiveness, which focuses on talent management, leadership development, and organizational design and structure. They support fellow nonprofits’ projects and goals by sourcing them with talented and driven volunteers. ThriVinci matches volunteers to nonprofits based off of skills and common goals. To find out more information about ThriVinci and how you can work with them to make an impact, email info@thrivinci.org or visit their website at thrivinci.org.
Channel 94.1 Hosts 17th Annual Diaper Drive for Open Door Mission In December 2019, Channel 94.1 hosted a diaper drive at the Linden Market HyVee to support Open Door Mission’s efforts through which they collected diapers from individuals, families, groups, and businesses. Over one million diapers were collected during the drive. The diapers will be distributed to parents experiencing homelessness by Lydia House and Open Door Mission’s other outreach centers. Volunteers also helped unload the diapers from Werner trucks and then sort them at the Open Door Mission Campus. The diaper unloading party included chili, chicken noodle soup, and hot chocolate for volunteers. Channel 94.1, or KQCH, is Omaha’s #1 Hit Music Station, providing service to listeners since 1968. To learn more about Channel 94.1’s charity efforts, call (402) 592-5300 or email Matt Derrick at matt.derrick@summitmediacorp.com. Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission that meets the needs of individuals and families while inspiring hope for lasting change. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 917 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women, and children; serves over 3,500 nutritious meals; and provides preventative measures to more than 1,000 people living in poverty. Questions about volunteer opportunities can be directed to Kristen Dineen at KDineen@ opendoormission.org / (402) 829-1538. To learn more about Open Door Mission, visit www.opendoormission.org. JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 29
NONPROFIT NEWS Heartland Hope Mission Calls for Winter Coats to Meet Demand during Winter Months
American Heart Association Counts Down to 2020 Omaha Heart & Stroke Ball
Because of the high demand for winter coats during the colder months, Heartland Hope Mission is calling for a special effort to increase coat donations. The need for coats is particularly great, as Heartland Hope has announced that their clients can come and receive clothing at no cost. Coats for all ages and sizes are needed. Heartland Hope welcomes new or gently-used coats at either the south Omaha pantry (2021 U St.) or the Millard pantry (5321 S. 139th Plz.) during pantry times.
The American Heart Association’s Omaha Heart & Stroke Ball, their annual black-tie event, will be Saturday, February 29, at the CHI Health Center Omaha.
Heartland Hope Mission also has volunteer shifts available for the month of January. Volunteers are needed to distribute food, clothing, and hygiene products. Heartland Hope Mission serves working poor families and those who may be facing a crisis situation by providing a week’s supply of food, clothing, diapers, job resources, and community referrals. For more information on donating coats, please email Renae at Renae@ HeartlandHopeMission.org. For pantry hours and to learn more about volunteering, visit HeartlandHopeMission.org, email Amanda at Amanda@HeartlandHopeMission.org, or call (402) 733-1904. Like Heartland Hope Mission’s Facebook page (HeartlandHopeMission), or follow them on LinkedIn (@heartland-hope-mission) to stay up to date on all the great work they are doing.
Themed “A Brighter Future,” the event celebrates the energy, passion, and commitment of donors, healthcare providers, community leaders, sponsors, volunteers, and survivors to raise funds for lifesaving research and education. Funds raised during the event support the fight against cardiovascular diseases—the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States each year. “The Ball would not be possible without our volunteer leadership and sponsors that raise important funds to support the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission,” said Omaha Heart Ball and Stroke Ball senior director, Kelsey Ridder. The 2020 Omaha Heart & Stroke Ball is chaired by Mike and Elizabeth Cassling, and Honorary Chairs, Jack and Stephanie Koraleski and is presented locally by CQuence Health Group and the Cassling Family Foundation. To learn more about the American Heart Association and supporting the 2020 Omaha Heart & Stroke Ball, the public is encouraged to visit www.heart.org/omahaheartball or contact Kelsey Ridder, (402) 810-6848 / Kelsey.Ridder@heart.org.
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NONPROFIT NEWS Save the Date for Kids Can Community Center’s 2020 Can Do Awards Luncheon
Quest Forward Academy Accepts High School Student Applications for 2020-21 Enrollment
Kids Can Community Center’s Can Do Luncheon and awards will be held April, 22 at the Capital District’s Omaha Marriot, 222 N. 10th St. The luncheon will start at 11:30 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m.
Quest Forward Academy is accepting applications for the 2020-21 academic school year until the deadline date of March 1. Interested applicants and their families are encouraged to take a private tour of the forward-thinking high school before applying! Quest Forward Academy is an independent high school located on the Bellevue University campus. It prides itself on being a high school where students from all backgrounds, talents, cultures, and economic circumstances are welcomed. The faculty and staff at Quest Forward Academy provide an active, project-based education that is studentdriven and personalized to help students develop the skills and habits for success in college, their career path, and in life. They offer a robust need-based scholarship program, through which any qualified student is able to attend, no matter their financial capability. To get more information about Quest Forward Academy, visit questforward.academy/omaha. Questions about admissions can be directed to Lauren Dombrowski at (402) 403-1267 / ldombrowski@ questforward.academy.
Last year, over 350 guests were in attendance to support this annual fundraiser. Kids Can Community Center works to educate, engage, and inspire children through early childhood care and out-of-school experiences. With five locations across the metro, Kids Can serves over 650 students per day in early childhood and out-of-school programs. Support from the annual luncheon goes to ensure families have access to high-quality, affordable care for their children in their formative years. To register or become a sponsor for Kids Can Community Center’s Can Do Luncheon, go to kidscan.org. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Cliff McEvoy at cmcevoy@kidscan.org or call (402) 731-6988.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates National Mentoring Month with Game Night January is National Mentoring Month, and this year Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands (BBBS) is celebrating with a game night! The event will be held on Thursday, January 23, 5:30–8:30 p.m., at Spielbound in Midtown, 3229 Harney St. For the second year, BBBS will use this game night as a way to thank their Big Brothers and Sisters for being mentors, and also to invite more potential Bigs to get involved. Game Night Part 2 will include a large variety of different board games, drinks, food, and door prizes. There will also be staff on site to give you more information about becoming a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple, and join the ranks of thousands of mentors in Nebraska. National Mentoring Month is aimed at expanding quality mentoring opportunities to connect more of our community’s young people with caring adults. Research shows that mentors play a powerful role in providing young people with the tools to strive and thrive, to attend and engage in school, and to reduce or avoid risky behavior like drug use. In turn, these young people are: • 55% more likely to be enrolled in college • 81% more likely to report participating regularly in sports or extracurricular activities • 78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities • More than twice as likely to say they held a leadership position in a club or sports team Yet, the same research shows that one in three young people in our country will grow up without a mentor. Today in Omaha, there are over 120 youth in the BBBS program on the waiting list who could benefit from having a mentor outside their family. National Mentoring Month is the time of year where engagement from community members interested in becoming a mentor is highest. With the support of the mentoring community, BBBS is encouraging the public to go beyond just digital engagement and become involved in real life. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands is here to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally-supported one-to-one relationships that ignite their dormant potential and change their lives for the better. To learn more or get involved, go to bbbsomaha.org or call (402) 330-2449. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus Joins “I Support the Girls” Campaign The Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus became an official affiliate of the global nonprofit I Support the Girls in October of 2019. The nonprofit distributes essential items to women in need, including bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products. The Campus began collecting these items in July of 2019 and distributed them locally to women experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, and sex trafficking with the help of the MICAH House, Lydia House, Stephen Center, and Phoenix House. The Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus plans to continue in its mission as a partner of I Support the Girls and expand their distribution area in 2020. From July to December 2019, the Campus collected 1,092 bras, 2,312 tampons, 7,414 pads, and 386 new pairs of underwear to be distributed in the Council Bluffs/Omaha metro area. The Campus and I Support the Girls both believe that a woman should not have to choose between feeding herself and taking care of her personal health. Through an international network of Affiliates, I Support the Girls collects and distributes essential items, including bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products, allowing women experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress to stand tall with dignity. I Support the Girls partners with over 950 vetted organizations to meet the needs of women. The Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus is a place where all children, families, and individuals in need can find assistance, resources, and training to better enable them to become productive and contributing residents. The Campus is home to Boys and Girls Club, Heartland Family Service, MICAH house, and The Salvation Army. The Lakin Campus will continue to collect gently-used bras, sealed packages of menstrual hygiene items, and new underwear to restore dignity and self-respect to the women they support. Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to any agency on the Campus. Please indicate that the donations are for I Support the Girls. If your business would like to host a drive, please contact Clarrissa Newman at (712) 323-4416 ext. 2104 or clarrissa.newman@lakincampus.org to make arrangements. JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 31
NONPROFIT NEWS Veterans in Business Forum Announces Meetings for January and February
Heartland Family Service Seeks Sponsors for “Carnival of Love” Gala
The Veterans in Business Forum (VIBF) meets the first Friday of every month (0800-0900). The next meetings are 3 January and 7 February. These are held at UNO, College of Business Administration, Mammel Hall – Room 200, 6708 Pine Street, Omaha, NE 68182-0048. Bary Wilkinson from Boots to Suits will be the guest speaker this month, and Dean Kenkel from Nebraska Veterans Coalition is slated for February. The mission of the Veterans in Business Forum is to provide business support, education, and advocacy to help veterans succeed in business and increase community awareness of veteran-owned business activities. For the latest information, to be a guest speaker, and/or to be added to the mailing list, contact Michel Thornhill at (402) 932-7243 / info@littlemountainwebdesign.com (email is preferable). Visit www. omahanebraska.com/VeteransinBusinessForumOmahaNetworking to learn more about the organization.
Hear tland Family Ser vice is seeking sponsors for their prized annual “Carnival of Love” Gala which will be held on Saturday, February 29, at 6 p.m. at Embassy Suites La Vista. The gala is the agency’s largest fundraiser each year and provides great exposure and publicity for sponsors.
NAMI Omaha to Hold Next Mental Health Affiliate Meeting February 6 NAMI Omaha’s nextyMental Health Affiliate meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. Guest speaker will be Brad Meurrens, public policy director for Disability Rights Nebraska. He will discuss the mental health bills before the Nebraska Legislature in 2020 and how to affect change in mental health in Nebraska. These meetings are free and open to the public, and they take place the first Thursday of each month at First United Methodist Church, located at 7020 Cass St. in Omaha. Parking is available on the east and north side of the church. Enter through doors #4 or #6 and proceed to room 112. NAMI Omaha is a nonprofit organization composed of consumers, family members, professionals, and friends who have come together to share and take comfort in the commonality of their experiences and to educate members of their communities about serious brain disorders. For information, go to namiomaha.org or call (402) 3458101/ (877) 463-6264. For helpful articles on mental illness, follow NAMI on Facebook (@NAMIOmaha).
JDRF Partners with Aviture for 2020 Promise Gala – Vision for a Cure JDRF Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Chapter’s 2020 Promise Gala – Vision for a Cure will be held Saturday, February 22, beginning at 6 p.m. at the CHI Health Center Omaha. This year’s Presenting Sponsor is Aviture, a technology consulting firm specializing in providing actionable insights through software platforms. “Aviture is excited to help make an impact in the lives of people living with type 1 diabetes,” said Mark Griffis, CEO and founder of Aviture. “We’re proud to support JDRF and its efforts to turn Type One into Type None.” Griffis and his wife Lynn are serving as the 2020 JDRF Gala Honorary Chairs and are joined by Event Chairs Wendi Peterson-Stott and Corky Stott. Both Lynn and Wendi are living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), knowing firsthand the importance of improving lives and curing T1D. Join JDRF Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Chapter and Aviture by reserving your spot for the gala online at jdrf.org/nebraska! Questions can be directed to Laci Naber at (402) 397-CURE (2873) / lnaber@jdrf.org. 32 Strictly Business JANUARY 2020
The “Carnival of Love” Gala is an event you won’t want to miss! Come rock your jeans and bling and enjoy appetizers, cocktails, games, a raffle, dinner, and silent and live auctions, and join Heartland Family Service on a first-class adventure to Destination: Love! In 2013 and 2014, the “Carnival of Love” was voted Best Event Over 500 by readers of metroMAGAZINE, and it won Best Theme in 2015. The mission of Heartland Family Service is to strengthen individuals and families in the community through education, counseling, and support services. Founded in 1875, Heartland Family Service connects with over 54,000 individuals and families through direct services, education, and outreach each year from over 15 locations in east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Their 50 programs provide critical human services to the individuals and families who ultimately shape the future of the community in the following focus areas: child and family well-being, counseling and prevention, and housing, safety, and financial stability. To learn more, visit HeartlandFamilyService.org.
Wear Yellow Nebraska Calls for Sponsors for 18th Annual Bike Ride and Fun Run We a r Ye l l ow N eb r a s k a recently announced that they are seeking sponsors for the 2020 Bike Ride and Fun Run. Wear Yellow Nebraska hosts the region’s largest one-day bike ride and fun run each May. The year 2020 will be the 18th annual fundraising event that supports Nebraska’s cancer survivor community with needed transportation services. Organizing the ride and run begins months in advance of the event, and procuring sponsors is the same. Board member Craig Kelley leads the sponsorship drive on behalf of Wear Yellow Nebraska. Beginning with a kick-off event in January, calls are made to previous sponsors. Last year the David Spence Cancer Fund provided a dollar-for-dollar sponsor match which allowed for greater leverage for local companies. Sponsors appreciate and enjoy the benefits of supporting the organization’s mission through a fun active-lifestyle event. Aligning their business with a completely volunteer-driven organization and quality event creates brand exposure and provides unique marketing and community relations opportunities. Wear Yellow Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a clear focus on niche initiatives that offered cancer survivors support in ways that weren’t being addressed and for people who would otherwise fall through the cracks, truly caring for an individual’s special circumstances. To learn more about becoming a sponsor, go to www.wearyellownebraska.org or contact (402) 965-1699 / wearyellownebraska@gmail.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
HEALTH NEWS Sarpy County OB-GYN Changes Name to MD My Doc, Relocates SkynDeep Med Spa
HFMA Announces State of the Senior Care Industry Summit January 30–31
Sarpy County OB-GYN recently changed its name to MD My Doc in order to more accurately represent their updated service offerings which now include treatments for men. In addition, MD My Doc, which is home to SkynDeep Med Spa, relocated to a new building at 8419 S. 73rd Plaza, STE 107. To officially commemorate these exciting changes, MD My Doc held an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce on November 15. During the event, guests were able to view live demos of treatments and enjoy food, drinks, exclusive deals, and fun door prizes. MD My Doc is made up of Sean McFadden, MD and Kay Thatcher, MD to provide primary care and preventative health services for women and men of all ages. They provide primary care, hormonal therapy, and more. The SkynDeep Med Spa within MD My Doc is dedicated to helping their clients achieve a naturally beautiful, nonoperated look in every procedure. They specialize in hair removal, LimeLight IPL, laser genesis non-ablative, and spider vein therapy. To see a full list of available treatments at MD My Doc and SkynDeep Med Spa, go online to mydocomaha.com or call (402) 898-8500.
The Nebraska Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) will be holding a Senior Care Industry Summit to address industry issues in operations, reimbursement, and care coordination. The summit will take place on January 30–31 at the Embassy Suites La Vista Hotel and Conference Center. The summit is designed to offer numerous education and networking opportunities. Attendees will hear from various industry specialists presenting on a range of topics, from USDA senior housing financing to senior housing trends, demographics, construction, and rent rates. On Friday, Heath Bobby with the Nebraska Health Care Association will present on the future of senior care, followed by a Nebraska Legislative Update and a Nebraska Medicaid panel discussion. To reserve your spot, visit hfmaregion8.org or email contactus@nehfma.org.
Sarpy Chamber Welcomes Papillion Orthodontics with Ribbon Cutting The Sarpy County Chamber hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 12 to celebrate the opening of Papillion Orthodontics at 10955 Cumberland Dr., STE 101. Led by Shawn E. Powell, DDS, MS, Papillion Orthodontics began serving patients in the Papillion community on July 29, 2019. To celebrate a successful start, Dr. Powell welcomed friends, family, and chamber members and ambassadors to tour the beautiful new office and meet the team. They even served adorable smile-themed cookies to represent all the bright smiles they plan to create in Papillion. Dr. Powell and his family love all things Papillion. He and his wife Alicia have been Papillion residents since 2012 and have added two children, Ainsley and Graham, to their family since. Dr. Powell is a dual trained specialist, having completed separate residencies in both Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at UNMC. His extensive training combined with having treated thousands of children from birth to adolescence makes Dr. Powell uniquely qualified to diagnose your child’s orthodontic needs. He can tell you when early treatment is necessary and more importantly when it is not. Following dental school, Dr. Powell joined the U.S. Air Force Dental Corp. He is honored to have served at both Offutt AFB and Tinker AFB in Oklahoma as a Captain in the USAF. Since opening, Papillion Orthodontics has already hosted a candy drive to give leftover Halloween candy back to local military personnel, sponsored local elementary fun runs, participated in elementary trunk or treats, and they will be presenting to nearby schools during Children’s Dental Health month in February. Papillion Orthodontics is focused on personalized care in a fun, relaxed environment to make sure every patient, no matter how young or old, feels safe and comfortable in every step to achieving their perfect smile. To learn more about Papillion Orthodontics and welcome them to the community, call (402) 597-0020. You can also find more information online at papillionsmiles.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
9Round Fitness Supports Health Resolutions through Reduced Registration Price 9 Ro u n d F i t n e s s r e c e n t l y announced that they will be offering a 2020 New Year’s special with a registration and gear fee of only $20.20 instead of the usual $199 in order to support people in their health resolutions for a new year. The lowered price will remain in effect for the month of January to give people the opportunity to kick start progress toward a healthier lifestyle. The idea for the promotion is fueled by the experience the team at 9Round has in working with patrons to meet their health goals. They have witnessed that many people need an incentive to take the first step toward something new, and 9Round hopes this promotion will give people a little extra nudge toward living healthier, more active lives. 9Round Fitness facilitates fun kickboxing fitness training through 30-minute full-body circuit workouts. They work with members of all fitness levels and make sure you’re performing exercises safely and correctly. To learn more about 9Round, located in the Midlands Place shopping center at 304 Olson Dr., STE 109 in Papillion, visit www.9round.com or contact Todd Vettel at (402) 817-7349 / todd.vettel@9round.com.
Clearwater Counseling Introduces Teletherapy Services Clearwater Counseling, PC recently announced that they will now be offering virtual teletherapy services to clients throughout the state of Nebraska due to a rising demand for mental health services. Teletherapy, the act of providing therapy through a live video connection online, is changing the landscape of the mental health profession by offering counselors the ability to virtually provide the same in-person services to clients from afar. Clearwater Counseling is excited to be able to provide these unique services in order to accommodate both new and existing clients. This new option not only offers convenience, flexibility, and privacy, but also allows remote patients and disabled populations access to much needed mental health services. Clearwater Counseling works with individuals with a variety of mental health diagnoses including depression, relationship issues, grief/loss/ trauma, addiction and recovery, co-dependency, anxiety and phobias, parenting problems, sexual abuse and incest, physical abuse and violence, as well as various other challenges. To learn more about staff or resources, visit clearwatercounselingpc.org. To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment or for more information about mental health services, please call (308) 210-8487 or email info@clearwatercounselingne.org. JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 33
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Let Echo Systems Help You Simplify Your Life with
HOME
A U T O M AT I O N
Echo Systems doesn’t just install “stuff” but instead creates a customized, automated experience around a lifestyle—focusing in on each customer’s day-to-day routine and interests so that their environment compliments their lifestyle. Audio/Video. Smart Thermostats. Home Theaters. Security/ Surveillance. Automated Shades. and More. The purpose of home automation is to give you the ability to control every aspect of your home from almost anywhere. From traditional buttons on the wall to touch-screen interfaces, smartphone and tablet apps with remote capability, it’s easy to interact with lighting, climate, security, multiroom audio/video, and more. Echo Systems utilizes the most advanced, userfriendly home automation and control technology available to integrate with various sub-systems in your home. Whole Home Audio & Video What does your dream entertainment space in your home look like? Multiple flat panel TVs showing several games at once? A drop-down projection screen? Music queued up at the touch of a button, played through hidden speakers while you shoot pool? Echo Systems can make these dreams a reality. With hundreds of shapes, sizes, and installation options, in-wall and in-ceiling speakers provide beautiful sound without overshadowing your home’s interior design. Paintable in-wall models completely disappear so your décor is all that’s seen. Whole home audio and video is more than just speakers and TVs throughout the house; it’s about seamless and simple access to your entire digital library. It’s about listening to or watching what you want, when you want, and where you want—from the bedroom to the outdoor patio. Home Theaters Instead of spending tons of money to go out see a movie in theaters, Echo Systems can bring the movie theater to your home with their modern HD and Ultra HD projectors, truly life-size screens, and theater speakers and subwoofers that
produce room-filling audio. You can control the entire home theatre experience from a smartphone or tablet, including diming the lights and opening the curtains when the movie starts. Echo Systems can even hook you up with comfy cinema reclining chairs that come almost any style, size, and fabric or leather you want. Safety & Security From door locks that email or text you when used or unused, to security cameras you can access from anywhere in the world, a smart home is a safe home. By getting Echo Systems to install their integrated security system, including smart locks, networked security cameras, alarms, and lights, you can protect your family and your belongings. Check your front porch for packages, let your spouse in when keys are forgotten, see who’s at the front door without getting off the couch—a security system fully integrated with a home automation system means your family’s well-being has never been more secure. Comfort & Sustainability Echo Systems can install smart thermostats in your home that save you money by adjusting your home’s temperature automatically throughout the day. If you’re away from the house, you can monitor the level that your heat or A/C is running. If you’re in bed and the house starts to feel too cool, you can turn up the heat on your phone without having to get up. The same is true with Echo System’s advanced window shades. There’s a shade style to suit your home, with many options featuring black-out capabilities to completely darken a room. Adjust your shades just like your lights, with a wall switch, a separate remote or as part of an entire automation system. Echo Systems offers many styles and fabric options. They will work closely with you or your designer to compliment your décor.
echosystemsmidwest.com | (402) 334-4900 34
Strictly Business JANUARY 2020
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Business Planning
Too small to offer health insurance to your employees? Call 402-509-8964 to learn how membership can be a valuable benefit that keeps your employees healthy, happy, and at work.
Now that the holidays are over, many of us feel the need to take a deep breath and let it out as we pause and reflect on the year behind us while also looking to the year ahead. The beginning of a new year is a great time to create a vision for the coming days and get clear about goals for your business. Business owners would benefit from taking the time to map out a plan for the future before the year gets away, even if it seems difficult to invest the time. You can save time for yourself and your employees down the road by getting your year started with purpose and focus. So what is a business to do in planning for the future? We talked with local experts to get some tips about areas in which businesses can benefit from planning as well as an understanding of the services these experts offer to help businesses in setting goals for 2020. Perfect Your Business Processes and Operations One way that any business can bump efficiency and success to the next level is by refining the business’s processes and operations. Jethro Hopkins, co-founder of No Coast Business Advisors, offered advice to business owners on this topic: “The most important item is getting your processes in order. Everyone working in a business should know how it runs whether or not the manager is present. If processes and expectations are clear and in place, Jethro Hopkins goals will naturally fall into place as well,” No Coast Business he said. “One goal that every business Advisors owner would do well to define is creating an exit strategy for the day the business owner plans to hand off the reins to someone else, and a plan for owner loss. It should be simple for someone else to step in and see how everything works. Unfortunately, many people don’t think about this ahead of time. Businesses with no exit plans in place get a lot less money and pay more in taxes. These businesses only end up taking home about 78% of the sale price on average. For businesses worth more than $5 million, the statistics look very different. This is because 8 out of 10 of these business owners have an exit plan in place ahead of time. Consequently, they end up taking home an average of 110% of the sale value for their businesses, which also tend to sell more quickly and with less of a headache. At No Coast Business Advisors, we help get your processes and operations in order and create a clear exit strategy so you can easily pass the torch to someone else and become part of the percentage that takes home the value of your business or more when you sell, and as painlessly as possible.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Your partners for all things business. Whether you’re buying, selling, or wanting to grow your business No Coast Business Advisors can provide the pain free solution to your problems.
Contact Jeff or Jethro to get started! 402.217.2833 | WWW.NOCOASTBUSINESSADVISORS.COM Improve Your Marketing Approach If you find that your business has not received the recognition and positioning in the industry that you desire, it may be time to update your marketing approach. We spoke with Jon Weiss, founder of ShineForth, for more insight. “Our team has decades of experience working with clients from around the country,” Jon shared. “We love to code, develop our craft, and build solutions that help businesses grow. It’s our passion and Jon Weiss what drives us each day. Whether you ShineForth need a website, mobile app, enterprise platform, or a technology roadmap that works for your business, we want to be the partner that you trust.” Jon understands that business owners need to be flexible in their marketing approach to keep up with changing trends and technology advancements. “Innovation moves fast, technology can be complex, and getting it wrong can be an expensive setback to your business,” Jon stated. “What worked yesterday, or something that was built last year, may not be able to keep pace with the growth of your business. Having a firm grasp on the technology platforms that support your business is critical. Knowing where those platforms are going is even more important. For those reasons, it is more important than ever to have the right technology partner that can help you achieve your business growth goals with dependable technology solutions that are rock solid, secure, and scalable at the speed of business.” JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business
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Refine Your Budget and Financial Plans No matter the industry, one thing every business has in common is the need to budget. Especially at the outset of a new year, it is important to define your budget so that it aligns with your primary business goals. As you review your budget, you may find that certain expenses are taking a toll on your finances. Many businesses find credit card processing fees to be particularly burdensome, especially fees for large-ticket items. CurrencyPay with Sandhills Global offers solutions to this problem. CurrencyPay helps you unlock your business potential as the first payment platform designed for buying and selling large-ticket items. With CurrencyPay’s services, you can optimize large-ticket transactions with ease through multiple payment options so your customers always have a way to pay for larger purchases. In addition to traditional payment methods such as credit, debit, and ACH, CurrencyPay allows you to offer your customers flexible financing at the point of sales. There are no long-term commitments with CurrencyPay—you can process payments on your terms so you can focus on growing your business. Finally, CurrencyPay provides exclusive inventory finance programs for you, allowing you to take advantage of a custom-tailored experience, including 0% interest for 90 days and more. Take Care of Your Team! In all your planning, don’t lose sight of one of your most important assets—your employees! Consider services that can offer a little extra care and attention for your team. While this may not produce direct results to grow your business, it will create an atmosphere to help your employees thrive. They will then be more eager to pass on the good vibes to your customers. Elizabeth Hallgren, co-founder and CEO of Mission Direct Primary Care, shared her experience of helping business
owners improve their offerings for employees and positioning their business in the industry as one that employees want to stay with for a long time. “Business owners cannot overlook the need to build and retain their team in 2020,” she said. “Omaha has a very low unemployment rate which makes keeping your existing team happy and positioning your business as an employer of choice in your industry a major priority. Since health benefits regularly show up in employee surveys as one of the top three biggest concerns, 2020 should be the year you plan to up-level your health benefits.
Elizabeth Hallgren Mission Direct Primary Care
No matter what that means for your business, Mission Direct Primary Care can help. If your business currently doesn’t offer a health benefit or offers a high-deductible health plan, the addition of a Mission Direct Primary Care membership for your employees can eliminate their out-of-pocket cost for primary care and give them access to a doctor that can see them quickly and on-time and who will take their calls after hours for urgent needs. This type of access reduces lost productivity at work and ultimately saves the employer money. Membership is a relatively low-cost health benefit that your employees and recruits will see the direct value of in their wallet and in their health.” Business planning for the future is a great way to get a laser-like focus on where you are and where you’re going. A plan can help you identify what expert services you may be missing that can take your business to the next level. We hope 2020 is your most successful year yet!
Program Benefits: Optimize Large-Ticket Transactions Handle $10K+ transactions with ease. With multiple payment options, your customers always have a way to pay for larger purchases.
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Offer your customers additional flexibility with financing during checkout, on top of traditional payment methods (credit, debit, ACH, & e-Check).
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No Long Term Commitment Process payments on your terms so you can focus on growing your business.
Take advantage of our exclusive inventory finance programs custom-tailored for your business, including 0% interest for 90 days, and more.
Call or email to see what CurrencyPay can do for you.
844-724-7375 signup@gocurrency.com
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New Year’s Resolutions
As a new year unfolds, it is natural to look forward and envision the successes we hope to have. At Strictly Business, we are believers in the power of clear and compelling goals. Here are some tools we have found that can make this your best year yet! Clearly Define Your Goal and Start Today Set a deadline and begin today! You are much more likely to achieve success if you know you want to lose 10 pounds by April 1 through triweekly morning runs than if you merely say your goal is to lose weight. Tim Messina, gym manager at 9Round Fitness, shared his thoughts on the importance of creating a specific plan to master your goals. “My biggest piece of advice is to have a plan in place!” he said. “Many people set New Year’s resolutions that are outcome-based, such as I want to lose 15 lbs. What often gets forgotten is how exactly you plan on achieving that outcome. Setting detailed process-based goals (e.g. “I will exercise after work three times per week for 30 minutes”) will help you Tim Messina stay on the path toward self-improvement. The 9Round Fitness more specific and realistic you are with your goals, the more likely you are to find success. Write your plan down and put it somewhere you can see it every day, such as the bathroom mirror. Master the processes and the outcome will take care of itself. At 9Round Fitness, we provide solutions to many common obstacles that people find in establishing healthy habits,” Tim said. “In this day and age, people work longer hours than ever, and time is a precious commodity. Our workout is only 30-minutes long, and because of our circuit style, we also don’t have class times. That means we’re on YOUR schedule! Another roadblock is boredom or staleness, and we combat that by switching up the workout every day. At 9Round, there are always trainers available to take you through the workout. We work with members of all fitness levels and make sure you’re performing exercises safely.” Write Down Your Goals and Organize Your Space Did you know you are 42% more likely to achieve a goal if you write it down than if you do not? That’s a huge increase in the probability of success for such a small effort! If you find that your home or work space is cluttered and disorganized and this makes it difficult to keep your thoughts organized in working toward a new goal even if you write it down and post it, consider giving your space a makeover with some updates to improve organization. Closet & Storage Concepts can help you organize your space. Their 2,000-square-foot showroom is the largest in Omaha, with a design station that allows you to create a 3-dimensional plan on a flatscreen. “Customers love our design center,” Owner Ken Incontro said. “We have beautiful displays ranging from custom walk-in closets to pantries and even garages! Customers can pick from a variety of colors, features, hardware, and door samples. It’s great.” Closet & Storage Concepts offers free inhome estimates for anyone interested in enhancing their space but unsure of how to Ken Incontro Closet & Storage Concepts go about it. Their team of experts will assess #PrintProudDigitalSmart
FITNESS THAT EMPOWERS 9Round offers a kickboxing themed fitness program that incorporates functional, interval, cardiovascular, and circuit training regimens.
30 minute full-body workout NO CLASS TIMES! New workout each day A trainer is always included
Stop in and mention Strictly Business Ad and receive a 10-day unlimited pass with trainers at the North 9Round gym! 402.415.2970 | 304 Olson Dr, Ste 109 | Papillion, NE 68046 @9RoundOfficial | 9Round.com
Get back to your most active self! It’s easier than you may think to treat tired, achy or swollen legs. Call today! Treatments are covered by medical insurance. 9202 W Dodge Road, Ste 303 Omaha, NE 68114 | 402-979-VEIN(8346) venusveinclinic.com
your space for you and give you options and suggestions for space optimization. Set Goals That Benefit You in Multiple Areas Something that many people don’t think about when setting goals is the impact a single goal could potentially have on multiple areas of life. Dr. Kelly Schroeder with VENUS Vein Clinic shared her thoughts on this idea: “Are you looking to improve your health this year? Because if you have pain in your legs, swelling, or restless legs that rob you of sleep, the best thing you can do to meet your New Year’s goals is to have your veins evaluated. If you aren’t sleeping well because your legs are restless and throbbing, you’ll be Dr. Kelly Schroeder performing less than your best self. Many VENUS Vein Clinic people don’t know that vein disease is covered by medical insurance, and correcting vein disease can improve your life by allowing you to be more active, lose weight, or just get those solid nights of sleep you have needed for so long. If you are suffering from vein disease and struggling with varicosities or spider veins or dealing with any other unpleasant symptoms of poor vein health, we can help! At VENUS Vein Clinic, we can suggest a treatment plan to treat vein disease and we specialize in the most advanced procedures. We are one of the only clinics in the Omaha metro area to offer state of the art VenaSealTM ablations. We also offer a variety of other treatments such as radiofrequency ablations, Varithena ® ablations, sclerotherapy, and specialized compression therapy. Treating this condition is fairly simple, and no down-time is required. Any steps you take today toward improved health will benefit you tomorrow and the day after,” she said. As you plan success for a new year, be clear in your intentions. Remember that you don’t have to achieve your goals alone. Skilled and caring professionals are ready to assist you in having the best year yet! JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 37
Your pet will be handled & returned in the respectful manner you both deserve.
2660 Ed Babe Gomez Ave | Omaha (402) 932-0962
daycare pricing full day - $23 Half day - $15 10 day pass - $200 20 day pass - $350
daycare hours monday-friday 6:30a-7P
barks n brews dog daycare
dog friendly bar
full bar with off leash indoor space for your pup! Register here!
Bar Hours Monday-Thursday: 5P-9p Friday & saturday: 12p-11p Sunday: 12p-9p
barks-n-brews.com 402-819-7769 13730 P st, Omaha Winter is a natural time of stillness and reflection, a time for recalling special relationships and memories. As you reflect on your memories of the past year and make your plans for a new year, don’t forget to take some time to think about the pets in your life that have brought you joy, comfort, and companionship, and remember to include their needs and wellbeing in your planning. We talked with two pet lovers and experts in the community who shared their thoughts and wisdom on celebrating and caring for our furry four-legged friends.
Danielle Nielsen Barks n Brews
“To me pets are not just important for the family but they are part of the family,” said Danielle Nielsen, owner of Barks n Brews. “The bond between a pet and an owner is unimaginable. Pets are always there for you, whether you’re thinking about it or not. Take care of your pet! In addition to providing basic needs such as food and shelter, make sure your pet is mentally and physically stimulated. If your pet is older, up the mental stimulation (mind games, lick mats, treat balls etc). If you have a highenergy dog, make sure it gets the exercise it needs to be a happy pet for you.
For anyone who is considering getting a pet, educate yourself on its general needs before bringing it home. This is one of the best things you can do. At Barks n Brews, we offer daycare during the day to help your pup not be stuck in a kennel every day while you are working. That way your dog is tired and more manageable at night. We also offer indoor socialization for pets and their people! No one wants to or should be out when it is freezing cold. We offer a unique space for owners to bring their dog and to interact with it in a climate-controlled environment. Not only do we strive for the
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Pets dog and human to interact and bond in a safe environment, we also are connecting dog owners with each other, which is so fun for us to see!” Jason Elmore, owner of Paws & Remember, also shared his thoughts on pets: “Pets are very important for the happiness and wellness of their families. They offer comfort, companionship, and affection, and they’re always there for you when you have a bad day. There are so many benefits to having a pet. Not only do they bring a sense of connectedness and wellbeing to their owners, but they can also offer protection. If you have kids, they can be a protector, companion, and playmate for them as well.
Jason Elmore Paws & Remember
One of the most important ways to take care of your pet is to offer them attention. Don’t leave them outside alone, especially in the cold! Take them to the park. Play with them. Give them a rub and some physical affection. They have many of the same needs as humans. Show them that you care about them, and they will love you for it. At Paws & Remember, we offer the gift of final comfort and peace after a beloved pet’s passing. Losing a pet is like losing any other family member. We provide compassionate cremation services for pets along with the highest quality of care for grieving pet owners. We handle every pet with the dignity and respect they deserve and treat each pet as if it were our own.” Remember to take time to be grateful for your pets this winter, and take advantage of the professional services that help you honor their lives and provide for their wellbeing. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Supporting
Nonprofits At Strictly Business, we think it is so important to support local nonprofits! Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in maintaining the “Good Life” here in Nebraska. Charitable groups and their staff, along with volunteers and donors, provide essential services and resources all across our state. These organizations also create jobs in our community, allowing many people to fulfill their greater purpose by doing what they love while touching lives and truly making a difference. As businesspeople, we are invested in the efforts of our local nonprofits because they allow us to cultivate an environment of support and relationship building. One of the keys to engaging local communities is to understand the issues that affect them the most, and nonprofit leaders often understand better than anyone the needs of the community they’re in and the best ways to meet them. When our nonprofits receive enough support to lift them up to the decision-making infrastructure here in Omaha, they can catalyze positive growth and opportunity. Oftentimes, their reach extends beyond city limits to make an impact at the state, national, and/or global level. Here in the Greater Omaha area, you’ll find many people working together to care for one another, to give a hand up to those in need for the greater good, to protect our environment, and to make our city the best place to live and work it can possibly be. In a community that understands the importance of giving back and places a lot of value in it, you’ll also find it to be a big part of corporate culture here in small and large businesses alike. There are many reasons why a business should make charitable giving a part of their corporate structure. Not only does it result in tax deductions and free publicity, it increases networking opportunities! If you sponsor a fundraising event and show your support by attending as well, you open the door to meet many other people from around the community who either also support the organization or have been touched by the organization’s efforts. It doesn’t require a huge corporation with an expendable budget to make a difference. Monetary donations aren’t the only form of giving. There are a variety of ways to support the valuable work that our nonprofits are doing everyday throughout the year, such as hosting a donation drive, volunteering time and skills, participating in special events, helping to raise awareness, and so on. Ultimately, supporting a nonprofit that aligns with the values of your business will generate positivity around your brand. Since our local nonprofits do their part to help everyone in our community lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives—making our tiny part of the world a better place for all—we want to do our part to bring awareness to their efforts. We do this through our Supporting Nonprofits feature and sharing their exciting news with all our readers throughout the year. We encourage our readers to flag the names, logos, and mission statements of the nonprofits highlighted in this feature. Keep them in mind when considering ways to give to back, whether it’s through your business, referral/tips group, membership-based association, or it’s something you choose to do on your own time. As consumers, we need to be conscious of our purchasing decisions, staying informed, and choosing to do business with companies that make an effort to support nonprofits in the community. This is something we can all do. Leveraging resources to further reinforce the mission of an organization that you are passionate about has a ripple effect, as does setting an example, participating in events, and getting others involved. Thank you to all the following nonprofit organizations for all the amazing work you do here in the Omaha area! Together, we can continue to make Omaha the best place to live, work, and play. #PrintProudDigitalSmart JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 39
Angels Among Us provides financial assistance to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply. Once approved, families are provided with $500 a month for the length of their entire treatment plan, up to three years, to help them stay financially stable during treatment. Funds are paid directly to the creditor, which ensures that funds are used for their intended purpose. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, a family’s life as they know it comes to an abrupt halt. Unfortunately, their monthly expenses do not. Since 2006, Angels Among Us has assisted nearly 450 families with $1.9 million in support. There are angels among us. Will you be one? Gifts of any amount are welcome and encouraged. There is strength in numbers. There is also hope, help, and monetary relief. For more information, contact Angels Among Us at (402) 934-0999 or visit the website at www. myangelsamongus.org.
Friendship Program, Inc. is a communitybased nonprofit agency dedicated to providing quality services for adults with aging and/or mental health needs in Omaha and surrounding areas. The agency provides three distinct programs: Adult Day, Day Rehabilitation, and Community Support Services. In addition, the agency offers social services, health services, peer support services, transportation, and agency support services as part of wrap-around care. All services are based on the belief that each individual can maximize his or her ability to live independently within the community. Furthermore, the services promote health and wellness including education and activities in areas such as physical fitness, nutrition, mental health, socialization, recreation, and safety. The name of the agency, “Friendship,” was chosen by participants in 1979 and perfectly describes the programs which offer care, compassion, and companionship to adults. For more than 40 years, Friendship Program has served the Omaha community providing care from the heart. Learn more online at www.friendshipprogram. com or call (402) 393-6911.
Founded in 1989, Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy’s (HETRA) mission is to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally of adults and children of all ability levels through equine assisted activities. Therapeutic Riding, Therapy Services, Carriage Driving, Life Skills, Veterans, and Equine Facilitated Learning programs are at the heart of HETRA’s services. The organization employs occupational, mental health, and physical therapists and 16 PATH Int’l Certified Riding Instructors, and is the only Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International Accredited (PATH) facility in Nebraska. Today, as a result of over 30 years of dedication and commitment, HETRA serves over 140 participants weekly with the help of over 250 dedicated volunteers who donate over 18,000 hours annually. HETRA offers year-round programming, works with a herd of over 20 horses, and is situated on 25 beautiful acres in Gretna. Learn more at www.HETRA.org or call (402) 359-8830. 40 Strictly Business JANUARY 2020
Through a growing grassroots network of volunteers who hail from every corner or the state, Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a greater Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln with employees working from hometowns all across the state, Nebraska Community Foundation provides financial management, strategic development, donor education, and training in partnership with 1,500 volunteers serving 258 Nebraska communities. In the last five years, 44,476 contributions were made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $355.3 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330.
Wear Yellow Nebraska provides service, support, and community for Nebraska’s cancer survivors. Their purpose, from the very beginning, is to bring together people passionate about cycling, celebrating life, and being an advocate in the fight against cancer. Since the organization’s beginning days, Wear Yellow Nebraska has continued to grow and cultivate their mission and vision. In 2012, they launched a free transportation program, which has directed more than $150,000 dollars in providing more than 9,300 cab rides to cancer patients in need. The Wear Yellow Cab Ride program, Powered by Lyft, is the primary initiative of the organization and is funded by their signature event, the Wear Yellow Ride, Run & Walk. Transportation to and from treatment is essential because patients are often unable to drive themselves, which also leaves them vulnerable to additional medical challenges. Even when patients have family and friends who can help, they are not always available and sometimes they just don’t want to ask for one more thing. Wear Yellow Nebraska touches lives in Omaha, Fremont, and Lincoln— help them keep growing! Learn more online at WearYellowNebraska.org.
For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has been helping people find businesses and charities they can trust. People today are overwhelmed with choices—and often unsure about where to find verified, unbiased information. There are more than 32 million businesses in North America alone, and hundreds of thousands of sites around the world where people shop online. Thousands of free and subscription websites offer a range of information, including reviews, reports, directories, listings, and gripe sites. Where can you go to find trusted information? Last year, people turned to BBB more than 173 million times for BBB Business Profiles on nearly 5.4 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free on the BBB’s website. Nearly 400,000 BBB Accredited Businesses support BBB’s mission of advancing marketplace trust, and their dues and contributions allow BBB to offer its information and services to consumers at no charge. The Better Business Bureau offers its services by creating a community of trustworthy businesses through accreditation, setting standards for trust, encouraging and supporting ethical business practices, celebrating community role models, and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior. Learn more by going to www.bbb.org or calling (402) 391-7612. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
MENTOR Nebraska is focused on improving the number and quality of mentoring programs available for Nebraska’s youth. For more than 20 years, MENTOR Nebraska has led the mentoring movement to ensure youth and mentors have access to high-quality mentoring experiences. MENTOR Nebraska does this by raising awareness, standards, and numbers around mentoring. In addition, MENTOR Nebraska provides training, support, technical assistance, and background checks to mentoring programs throughout the state. MENTOR Nebraska’s vision is for every young person to have the supportive relationships they need to grow and develop into thriving, productive, and engaged adults. For that to happen, they need caring adults like you to volunteer your time. Please help them make a difference in someone’s life. Visit MENTORNebraska.org to learn how you can become a mentor. Kids Can Community Center’s mission is to educate, engage, and inspire children through early childhood care and outof-school experiences. Kids Can serves children ages 18 months to 13 years old. They offer a variety of programs including early childhood education, before- and after-school programs, summer and non-school day programs, tutoring, and mentoring. Kids Can utilizes the Creative Curriculum and Handwriting Without Tears activities for their youngest students with the goal of ensuring all students are prepared to enter Kindergarten. Schoolage children participate in the STEMsmart Academy which focuses on science, technology, engineering, math, strength, music, art, reading, and tutoring supporting well-rounded children. Founded in 1908 as Social Settlement Association of Omaha, Kids Can! has a long history of making a meaningful impact in the community. Kids Can is located on 49th and Q Streets in Omaha. For more information about Kids Can Community Center, visit KidsCan. org, call (402) 731-6988, or email jgillman@kidscan.org. NAMI Omaha is a nonprofit corporation composed of peers, family members, professionals, and friends who have come together to share and take comfort in the commonality of their experiences and to educate members of their communities about serious mental illness. NAMI Omaha actively advocates at the local, state, and national levels to improve the services and the lives of those affected by mental illness and their families. NAMI Omaha offers periodic classes of one of NAMI’s signature programs, including their Family to Family 12-week evidence-based educational course for family, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions. NAMI Omaha also offers support groups for both peers, family, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions. The Connections support groups is another NAMI signature program and offers support for peers with mental health conditions. NAMI Omaha also hosts monthly affiliate meetings where speakers are invited to speak about current mental health issues in the community, including active state legislature bills, mental health services, alternative forms of mental health treatment, etc. For additional information, go to www.namiomaha.org or call (402) 3458101 / (877) 463-6264. For additional information on NAMI Omaha and other helpful articles on mental illness topics, please follow/like on Facebook (@NAMIOmaha). #PrintProudDigitalSmart
OHB (Omaha Home for Boys) has served as a pillar of hope for at-risk youth and families for 100 years! What began as an orphanage for young boys in 1920 has evolved into an organization serving more than 500 youth, young adults, and families annually. OHB’s continuum of care is aimed at empowering individuals and families with the skills and confidence needed to transition from a state of crisis to one of safety and growth. OHB’s programs focus on helping clients achieve self-sufficiency and offer support in the areas of basic life skills, education, employment, housing, transportation, and behavioral and mental health. As OHB enters its next century, the organization’s commitment to adapt and grow to meet the ever-changing needs of the community continues, thanks to supporters like you. Together, we can transform a life and strengthen a community! Learn more at OHB.org or call (402) 457-7000.
Quest Forward Academy Omaha is now offering private tours for interested f a m i l i e s . Pa r t o f a global network, Quest Forward Academy is an independent, forward-thinking high school that prioritizes integrated life skills along with mastery of academics, empowering success well beyond high school. During a private tour, you will meet with the Director of Recruitment to discuss your student’s specific needs, interests, and goals, as well as see the Academy’s state-of-the-art university spaces. At Quest Forward Academy, students benefit from: • 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio • Project-based learning • Curriculum with real-world relevance • Mentoring and a personalized pace • A robust scholarship program • A 4-year internship program Discover for yourself what a forward-thinking education looks like. To schedule your tour today, contact Lauren Dombrowski at (402) 4031267 or visit www.questforward.academy/omaha.
The mission of the Jennie Edmundson (JE) Foundation is to improve the quality of life by caring for the body and mind. Jennie Edmundson Foundation is the fundraising arm of Methodist Jennie Edmundson (MJE) Hospital. By engaging philanthropic leaders, they are able to help make certain that the equipment, facilities, programs, services, and educational initiatives at MJE continue to meet community needs. The JE Foundation relies on donations and grants from our community. These funds go to help their Cancer Center, Cardiac Center, Charitable Patient Care Fund, Medi-Bus Transportation, and Scholarship Funds, to name a few. Generous contributions provide education, care, and services to many who may not otherwise have access to healthcare services. Individual or planned gifts, memorials, or becoming an event or corporate sponsor are also a few ways to help. Becoming a MJE Teen or Adult Volunteer gives you the opportunity to be involved in many facets of volunteerism. It is a wonderful way to meet new people, develop new skills and interests, and be rewarded through the experiences of helping patients, family members, and hospital staff. To find out more about the Jennie Edmundson Foundation and how you can get involved, call (712) 396-6040 or visit www.jehfoundation.org. JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 41
For more than 140 years, Heartland Family Service has been the area leader in helping individuals, children, and families create their paths to a better tomorrow. In 2018, Heartland Family Service connected with more than 54,000 individuals and families through direct services, education, and outreach. With over 50 programs, they are able to craft an integrated, multi-service approach to guide clients toward safety, well-being, and, ultimately, self-sufficiency. When life improves for one of us, life improves for all of us. To support the mission of Heartland Family Service of strengthening individuals and families in our community through education, counseling, and support services, visit HeartlandFamilyService.org or contact Chief Development Officer Marzia Shields at (402) 5527443 / MShields@HeartlandFamilyService.org.
Established in 1972, Santa Monica has been providing long-term residential services to thousands of chemicallydependent women, partnering with them on their journey to recovery. The program relies on the disciplines of the twelve step program of Alcoholics Anonymous® while incorporating mental health and trauma treatment along with life skills. Santa Monica provides food, shelter, rehabilitative counseling, job acquisition guidance, and re-socialization training. Santa Monica provides a Halfway House program, followed by a ¾ way house program and transitional apartment living. This approach to step-down levels of care for the women provides a more holistic continuum of care. These services will give the women more support as they transition back into the community. Donations are always valued at Santa Monica and the women benefit from toiletries, clothing, and paper products. Visit Santa Monica’s new website at www.santamonicahouse.org for more information about the agency, what the future holds, and how to help.
Did you know…Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) helps donors achieve their philanthropic goals and “Invest in the Power of Community.” MCF plays an integral part in the community by serving Sarpy and Cass counties in the area of health care, arts, culture, community, economic development, education, and human services. For example, MCF: • Helps provide shelter for the homeless and stocks shelves at the local food banks • Underwrites scholarships for collegebound students • Maintains and supports local libraries • Provides funding for health fairs • Updates parks and recreational areas • Treats school children to educational field trips • Supports and assists in disaster relief for victims affected by Mother Nature In addition, MCF manages 135 charitable funds that serve an array of needs. This past year, more than $1.3 million has been distributed into the community through these charitable funds, MCF grants, and discretionary gifts. To learn more, visit www.midlandscommunity.org or call (402) 991-8027. 42 Strictly Business JANUARY 2020
CHAD (Combined Health Agencies Drive) is a local, donor-designation driven organization that has been raising funds for Nebraska’s premier health charities since 1972. Through workplace partnerships, they promote charitable giving, employee engagement and wellness and connect people with health causes they care about. Formerly Community Health Charities of Nebraska, they work with United Way of the Midlands through a contractual agreement. Donors who give so generously every year ensure our 21 member charities are funded on a consistent basis, and 100% of donor-designated dollars go directly to full-member charities. Valuable donations help Nebraskans in need by providing care and support for those affected by a health diagnosis; funding education and prevention programs in our communities; and supporting advocacy and medical research. Omaha Office: 212 S. 74th St., STE 205 | (402) 614-8500 | www. chadnebraska.org | Social media: @CHADNebraska
N eb r a s k a C o m m u n i t y Blood Bank (NCBB) has b e e n s a v i n g l i ve s i n Nebraska since 1968 as an independent nonprofit. NCBB relies on the Omaha community to donate blood and help ensure a stable supply for Nebraska’s major healthcare systems. Nearly all blood donated with NCBB is transfused to patients in Nebraska hospitals — and every two seconds, someone needs blood. By giving blood, having a blood drive, or gathering a group to donate blood together for a Donor Day, you and your business can join NCBB’s life-saving mission. Their newly-opened Omaha donor center at 12100 Pacific St. makes it easier than ever to help save lives. Operating four donor centers and conducting dozens of community blood drives each month, NCBB also provides comprehensive testing and expert technical services as a national leader in transfusion medicine. Learn more about getting your organization involved at 1-(877) 486-9414 or NCBB.org. Please, give where the heart is.
At Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha (RMHC), they focus on keeping things as ordinary, unperturbed, and boring as possible. Why? The families they serve are regular folks facing unfamiliar situations as their kids have been diagnosed with medical issues that are sometimes rare, sometimes chronic, and sometimes both; and they’re often hundreds of miles from home. The last thing they need is more stress, which is why the team at RMHC works extra hard to make sure each family’s new normal is as normal as can be. In other words, RMHC takes extraordinary measures to create ordinary times. With 40 rooms and more than 14,600 lodging nights annually, RMHC establishes normalcy by providing all of the basic essentials of a home such as warm beds, family rooms, and meals. They also provide educational and artistic programs for all members of the family. Additionally, the environment includes a built-in support system where families are able to connect with each other forming an interdependent network of resources and collaboration. RMHC is so much more than a house. Consider them the made-to-order, one-of-a-kind, double home with everything. Ronald McDonald House Charities is located at 620 S. 38th Ave. For more information, please call (402) 346-9377 or visit www.RMHCOmaha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center is a sober campus of resources for those battling mental health and addiction issues. The clients they serve are the homeless, addicted, and those in poverty. Their mission is to partner with the community, families, and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Founded in 1984, Stephen Center is celebrating 35 years of services, and they cannot do it without their amazing group of volunteers. Volunteers make an impact on the lives of clients served by the campus every day. Activities ranging from direct client contact to helping behind the scenes ensure that Stephen Center provides the best possible experience. For more information, please visit stephencenter. org or follow on Facebook (@StephenCenterOmaha).
MVP4Life is a nonprofit group that teaches life skills through the game of baseball. One program of MVP4Life is the Corn Belt Collegiate Summer Baseball League. From the College World Series to TD Ameritrade’s Home Run Derby, college baseball is at its finest in Omaha and this league is no exception. College players from all over the country come to develop their game. MVP4Life utilizes these players to mentor the youth of our community. What better role model than a college athlete and his quest to play in the MLB. The league relies on families in Omaha to open their home and become host families to these players. The league has grown to be the premier college developmental league in the Midwest, and plans to expand the league are set for the 2020 season. This will bring a greater need for sponsors and host families. Please help! For more information and schedules, visit www.CornBeltLeague.com / www.MVP4Life.org.
For 20 years, the La Vista Community Foundation (LVCF) has been making our growing community a great place to live, work, and play. The word “community” is the key, and it is what makes things happen in La Vista, Nebraska. LVCF has been a leader in funding activities through collaboration and cooperation of its citizens, businesses, civil representatives, and community sponsors. LVCF facilitates Community Impact Grants each fall. They have supported and shared in the success of many area charities, educational programs, human service organizations, and civic/recreational activities. Yearly contributions, sponsorships, and several donor-advised funds are used to support community engagement and the annual grant program. Since its early years, the LVCF has been able to give back over $300,000 to the La Vista community! The Foundation promotes a fun and engaging LVCF Golf Classic fundraiser each summer, and they work to raise additional funds from the proceeds at a local fireworks tent each year. You’ll see their efforts at City Hall for the Salute to Summer and at the Library for summer Concert & Movie nights! Additionally, LVCF›s highlight event is honoring U.S. Veterans at a Salute to Veterans Dinner held every November at the Embassy Suites – La Vista Conference Center. This event is no charge for veterans who attend. For more information about the La Vista Community Foundation or to support their mission with a donation or a donor-advised contribution, please contact Executive Director Jill Lukes at (402) 960-9625. You can also email info@LaVistaCommunityFoundation.com or visit www. LaVistaCommunityFoundation.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Founded in 1989, BLUEBARN Theatre is dedicated to theatre’s most important tradition: to provoke thought, emotion, action, and change. BLUEBARN has established itself as Omaha’s only professional regional contemporary theatre company. Each year BLUEBARN produces five plays in a season that runs from September through June. Come join BLUEBARN Theatre for Season 31, featuring bold new creations and theatrical events as diverse and surprising as the world we live in. They remain committed, now more than ever, to cheerily subversive experiences that connect us all to our shared humanity. Learn more at bluebarn.org or call (402) 345-1576.
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from two of our nation’s top killers, heart disease (No. 1) and stroke (No. 5). Powered by millions of volunteers nationwide, the Association’s goal is to improve the cardiovascular health of Americans by 20% by 2020, while reducing deaths from heart disease and stroke by 20%. Currently, one person dies every 40 seconds from heart disease and stroke. Through events right here in Omaha like the Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk, Go Red for Women Expo, and Heart & Stroke Ball, that startling statistic can change. For more information about the American Heart Association and their events, visit www.heart.org/omaha.
Outlook Nebraska helps anyone with vision loss find the resources they need, learn how to use technology to stay independent, find out about employment opportunities, and stay active through recreation and cultural activities. From teaching the blind to use technology to helping them enjoy a theater performance with audio description to being their eyes when biking, Outlook Nebraska strives to enhance the lives of our blind neighbors. Through enrichment programs, the visually impaired participate in cultural and recreational activities they otherwise could not enjoy. Outlook’s employment opportunities improve their self-sufficiency. Outlook Nebraska is the largest employer of the blind in Nebraska, through production of janitorial paper products and their business support center, Outlook Business Solutions. The Need: • 15,000 people in the metro area have vision loss that interferes with daily activities. This will more than double because of the prevalence of diabetes and our aging population. • More people in our region experience vision loss than homelessness, and most vision loss cannot be corrected. • 1 in 4 people are at risk of severe vision loss today. Giving Opportunities: • Be a Vision Monthly Partner with a $20/month automatic donation. Choose this option at outlookne.org/support. • Make a cash donation at outlookne.org/support or mail a check to Outlook Nebraska. • Sponsor an event such as the June Tee It Up Fore Sight golf tournament. • Plan a future donation through Outlook’s Legacy Fund. Help those with vision loss in the community live life to the fullest with a donation to Outlook Nebraska. Visit outlookne.org to learn more. JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 43
For over 20 years, Domesti-PUPS has been supporting people in our local, regional, and national communities through the assistance of animals. From therapy dogs in the classroom motivating children to excel in their learning environment to pet therapy visitations in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living centers, Domesti-PUPS pet therapy teams bring a bit of brightness through their furry encounters. Their service dog teams provide increased independence when paired with a disabled partner. These highly-skilled canines can turn on lights, provide balance and mobility, retrieve dropped items, bring a bottle of water from a refrigerator, respond to medical emergencies such as responding to a seizure or alerting to a diabetic high or low, and open doors both literally and figuratively. Some even provide life-saving measures for their disabled partners. Connect by calling (402) 465-4201or go online to www.domesti-pups.org. The Daily House Respite B&B is a respite bed and breakfast for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As a compliment sister company to Daily Yaymaker, LLC, an event and travel consulting business for individuals with unique needs, The Daily House Respite B&B looks forward to opening a lodging facility for differently-abled individuals and their families in and around the Omaha area. The vision of The Daily House Respite B&B is to also provide jobs to people with disabilities, such as a cook, barista, security guard, or a landscape manager at the bed and breakfast! All of these things are possible once The Daily House Respite B&B is up and running. Right now, the nonprofit is looking for volunteer board members and fundraising champions to help them turn their vision into a reality. Please contact Dawna at (402) 206-3092 / dailyyaymakerne@gmail.com if you would be interested in helping to organize and solicit on behalf of The Daily House B&B. Visit the Facebook page (@thedailyhouse) or go online to www.dailyyaymaker.com to learn more. With Best Care EAP as a b u s i n e s s p a r t n e r, y o u can provide suppor t to help employees focus on their jobs when problems in their personal lives get overwhelming. Best Care EAP provides a wide variety of wellness and online services that will boost your employees’ productivity and morale. All of their services can be tailored to meet the individual needs of your company. Flexible training formats—Best Care EAP’s training programs are available online and in person. Your employees have access to prerecorded webinars 24 hours a day. They can also tailor training to your company and deliver it on site or online. Counseling for a wide variety of issues, concerns, and stressors—Their licensed counselors provide one-on-one, couple, and family counseling close to your work or home. Professional help coping with a critical situation—For over 40 years, Best Care EAP has provided immediate support for members during times of crisis. Whether caused by an unexpected injury or death, crime, or environmental impact, Best Care EAP is available to you and your employees with immediate support following a critical incident. If you are interested in learning more about Best Care EAP or have questions about their services, visit www.bestcareeap.org or call (402) 354-8000 / (800) 801-4182. 44 Strictly Business JANUARY 2020
Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission founded in 1954 committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 917 safe, shelter beds to homeless men, women and c hildren, ser ves over 3,500 nutritious meals and provides homeless preventive measures to more than 1,000 people living in poverty. Visit www.opendoormission.org or call (402) 422-1111 to see how you can make a difference in our community. Child Saving Institute (CSI) has had notable roots in the Omaha community since 1892. Since its founding, more than 127 years ago, the mission “Responding to the cry of a child” has been the beacon from which the agency works toward the disruption of poverty and the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse and neglect. CSI recognizes and realizes its vision statement, “All children in our community have homes where hope is kindled and dreams can be achieved. This is our work and they are all our children.” Children brought up in environments of abuse, neglect, trauma, poverty, and substandard education face dire obstacles to becoming positive contributors to the community. CSI strengthens the Omaha metropolitan area through programs designed to deliver stellar outcomes for children and families in the primary focus areas: education and self-sufficiency, child development, abuse, neglect and trauma, home and family, parenting and teacher skills, and safety and stability. Connect with Child Saving Institute by following on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also visit childsaving.org or call (402) 553-6000 to learn about how you can respond to the cry of the children who live in our community. The mission of Cross Training Center is to empower and equip unemployed and undereducated men and women through character development, vocational training, and work experience. The organization exemplifies the message, “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, but if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” The students at the Center are youth and adults who are unemployed because of challenging backgrounds and circumstances. They have experienced setbacks in life due to incarceration, homelessness, generational poverty, and other challenging conditions. Cross Training Center provides vocational training and hands-on work experience so they gain skills and knowledge to overcome the barriers of employment. They are able to acquire a job on a career path and break the cycle of poverty for generations to come. Students receive real work experience while providing valuable services to the community in the following areas: • Electronics recycling • Computer refurbishing and repair • Computer and electronics retail store • Appliance sales • Automotive maintenance and repair services • Banquet facility Cross Training Center’s mission is to provide “Solutions to Poverty through Work.” Their work experience program not only helps our students succeed but also keeps our environment safe and clean. Contact Brenda Banks at (402) 590-2100, via email at brenda@crosstc.com, or visit www.crosstc.com for more information. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
CEDARS has been a vital part of the community for over 70 years. What started as a grassroots effort to help kids in crisis has grown into a dynamic and dedicated team of over 200 professionals and a network of loving foster parents serving over 2,000 kids and families each year. Thanks to community support, CEDARS is there for children and youth who are unable to live at home; for families in need of resources, support and education; and for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. CEDARS is accredited through the Council on Accreditation and the National Association for the Education of Young Children, is a United Way partner, a four-star charity with Charity Navigator, a top-rated charity with the American Institute of Philanthropy, and a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Today, CEDARS will serve nearly 800 children and youth. To learn more, call (402) 434-KIDS (5437) or visit www.cedarskids.org.
Entering its 21st year, Omaha Street School, Inc. is a private, faith-based high school for struggling teens. It is the only area high school that: • Enrolls students no one else wants. Most are on probation due to truancy. • Provides therapeutic-educational groups (HUDL) led by a Licensed Mental Health Professional. All students participate in a HUDL group. • Offers one-on-one attention for each student. The small size (8:1 student/instructor ratio) allows Omaha Street School to address academic, emotional, and behavioral issues. • Offers programs for students to obtain a diploma (high school), prepare for life after graduation (Leadership Academy), and prepare for adulthood after graduation (GAP U). • Brings faith into the everyday life of the student, letting them know that God loves them and has a purpose for their life. At Omaha Street School, they celebrate the smallest victory, and through their comprehensive programs, they offer teens the opportunity to become successful members of the community. To learn more, visit omahastreetschool.com or call (402) 451-5234.
Youth Emergency Services (YES) is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole mission to help youth experiencing homelessness and near-homelessness in our community. Last year, YES provided support and services to more than 3,000 youth in the Omaha metro. YES also provided 7,106 meals to youth through our Street Outreach Center. Many of these youth have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused, making it unsafe for them to return home. Without YES, these vulnerable young people cannot succeed independently. YES offers a full continuum of care to ensure all youth receive the support they need, no matter their situation. This includes a Street Outreach Center, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Program, Maternity Group Home, and a new program for 2020, Rapid Rehousing. Through these programs, YES offers case management, job readiness classes, group activities, support for the LGBTQ+ community, and specialized services for trafficked survivors. To ensure youth are successful once they leave their care, YES requires the youth in their program to set short- and long-term goals; be enrolled in school; have a job, or both; and do community service. For more information about YES’ programs, please visit www.yesomaha.org or call (402) 345-5187.You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally-supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Big Brothers Big Sisters strives for all youth in the program to reach their full potential. A Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple provides youth with a sense of safety and security, emotional support and social skill promotion. Bigs and Littles are matched based on common interests so they can have the benefit of doing activities together that they both enjoy. With a Big by their side, more Littles are discovering who they are and what they can achieve in life. Big Brothers Big Sisters is working to clear the path for our youth’s biggest possible futures. To learn about how to become a Big, make a donation, or learn about getting involved, go to bbbsomaha.org or follow them on social media.
Incorporated in 2002, the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) started with the goal of helping nonprofits help their communities. CEO Anne Hindery has led the organization since 2008. “We serve and strengthen more than 600 nonprofits of all sizes and missions in Nebraska and western Iowa. By connecting organizations with information, education, advocacy and collaboration, we help our members representing health and human services, the arts, education and other areas make an impact in the communities they serve,” Hindery said. NAM’s signature Guidelines and Principles Program provides legal compliance and best practices information in 12 major areas of nonprofit management: communication, evaluation, financial management, fundraising, governance, human resources, information technology, planning, public policy and advocacy, strategic alliances, transparency and accountability, and volunteer management. The National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits, recognizes NAM as the state association for Nebraska. Learn more about NAM at www.nonprofitam.org.
At the Heartland Hope Mission South Omaha and Millard food pantries, working poor families choose a week’s supply of nutritious groceries including milk, frozen meat, and fresh produce to prepare wellbalanced meals at home. However, Heartland Hope Mission is more than a pantry. Clients also receive clothing, hygiene items, diapers, and access to a Client Service Specialist who assists with SNAP (food stamp) applications and navigational services. The Mission’s Jobs Paths Program provides access to current job postings and on-site interviews with employers. Clients can also participate in financial classes and a community garden. The goal is to provide programming and wraparound services to prevent families from becoming homeless and to help people achieve or rebuild self-sufficiency. Pantry Hours: • South Omaha (2021 U St.) — Tuesdays 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Thursdays 1:30–4 p.m. | Saturdays 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. • Millard Pantry (5321 S. 139th Plaza) — 2nd Saturdays 10:30– 11:30 a.m. | Last Wednesday 1:30–3:30 p.m. Find out more about Heartland Hope Mission online at HeartlandHopeMission.org or call (402) 733-1904. JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 45
Young Life is a world-class organization for adolescents. Their staff and volunteers enter the world of kids, focusing on what matters to them—fun, adventure, friendship, and a sense of significance. In doing so, they earn the privilege of talking to them about something that they believe matters most— the truth about God and His love for them! Young Life has had a presence in Omaha since the 50’s and today they continue to meet kids where they are at and build relationships with students from middle school through college. If you were impacted by this ministry, their staff would love to reconnect with you! They are eager to expand their impact to kids of all abilities and all backgrounds. Young Life is currently looking for volunteers to get involved with one of their local teams, or be a buddy to one of the kids with special needs, or be a part of their local committee! For more information, visit the website at www.omaha.younglife.org or call the Omaha office at (402) 391-4994.
Founded in 1986, the Papillion La Vista Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works closely with Papillion La Vista Community Schools (PLCS) to enhance educational opportunities for students and staff by offering opportunities and programs that otherwise would not be possible if only tax dollars were available. Close ties with PLCS District and surrounding community ensure that the best ideas to support students, teachers, technology, and programs become a reality. The Foundation upholds this mission by reaching out to staff, parents, alumni, and the community to create financial and supportive resources needed to augment the overall educational experience for Papillion La Vista Community Schools. Immediate and endowed support is provided by donors, alumni, and parents through the Foundation to ensure these opportunities and programs will be available to the District for generations. To learn more about the Papillion La Vista Schools Foundation, visit plvschoolsfoundation.org or call (402) 829-1340.
Nebraska Safety Council’s mission is simple: For more than 60 years they have provided education and leadership to empower people to live safe and healthy lives. The Nebraska Safety Council’s comprehensive programs, training courses, events, and services are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel, and off the job. Their unique Worker 360° approach provides integrated risk management to improve overall worker quality of life and positively impact an organization’s bottom line. Their members include organizations throughout Nebraska and surrounding areas, across a variety of industries. There is no onesize-fits-all option; each company’s safety and wellbeing program is customized for their needs and size. Demonstrate your commitment to employee safety and health by becoming a member of the Nebraska Safety Council. You will receive access to training, guidance, and resources to establish or enhance your safety and wellness programs and policies. Providing leadership and resources for a safe and healthy workplace and community, Nebraska Safety Council – (402) 483-2511 / nesafetycouncil.org.
You probably know that when a worker is injured on the job, workers’ compensation pays the medical expenses and lost wages. What you may not know is that workers’ compensation does not take into account the costs of post-secondary education for children of the injured worker. Often, families who have suffered such a tragedy are forced to care for the injured individual and do not have the funding to send their children to college. Kids’ Chance of Nebraska’s mission is to provide scholarships to children whose parents have suffered a workplace injury or death. They want to do what their name suggests: Give the kids a chance. One way they accomplish this is through their annual Kids’ Chance Bowling Fundraiser. This year’s event will be held this month on Monday, January 20 at The MARK in Elkhorn. Kids’ Chance of Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Eligible students and families are encouraged to go to kidschanceofne. org for information, no matter the age of the children. If you are interested in making a donation, go to www.kidschanceofne.org/ make-a-donation.
Parkinson’s Nebraska is the primary source of education, support, and services for those whose lives are affected by Parkinson’s Disease in Nebraska. Their goal is to create a community of patients, caregivers, and resources so that the journey of Parkinson’s is “A Journey Shared.” Since 2016, Parkinson’s Nebraska has sponsored nearly 2,000 specialized exercise classes; supported the community through support groups and programming grants; provided educational opportunities to patients, caregivers, and professionals; and connected families with important resources. This organization is state-based, passionate, and proud that all funds stay in Nebraska to benefit the Parkinson’s community. Parkinson’s Nebraska recognizes the lack of Parkinson’s resources in Nebraska’s rural and underserved communities and are working hard to meet that need. In 2019, the organization hosted a Delay the Disease training in Grand Island to train health and medical professionals how to design and implement a community-based Parkinson’s exercise class. As a result of the training, more than 20 new classes began across Nebraska, including rural and underserved communities. They plan to carry this momentum in 2020 as they strengthen relationships in the community and continue to grow a network of resources through the state. Learn more online at www.parkinsonsnebraska.org or call (402) 715-4707. 46 Strictly Business JANUARY 2020
The First Responders Foundation is a social impact organization that directly supports first responders and their families. First responders put their lives on the line for us every day. They are first on the scene when an emergency occurs. While everyone else is running away, these brave men and women are running towards dangerous situations to save and protect the people of our community. The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our first responders and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety. Programming includes: The First Responders Support Team—mental and emotional well-being; Awards of Excellence Scholarships for first responders children; Appreciation Lunches; JAVELAN—service dogs; Home Safety Program; Tri County Fire Corps; Officers on 4 Legs—K-9 & Mounted Patrol. Major events include the 9/11 Luncheon of Honor and Guns & Hoses Boxing Challenge. Your financial gifts help the First Responders Foundation provide programs for first responders and the community. For more information or to volunteer, contact Jodi Teal at jodi@firstrespondersomaha.org / (402) 218-1234. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (ENCAP) is a nonprofit community based organization that has been providing social and human services to people facing poverty since 1965. Last year, ENCAP provided 21,590 to 6,557 people living in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. ENCAP is a member of a national network of over 1,000 Community Action Agencies dedicated to providing programming that meets community needs, that responds to the voices of the low-income community, and that demonstrates continuous quality improvement. ENCAP’s service areas include: Emergency rent and utility assistance, community response, emergency food assistance, transportation, and mental health and substance abuse treatment. For more information, please visit www.encapnebraska.org.
Grief’s Journey (formerly Ted E. Bear Hollow) exists so that no one has to walk their grief journey alone. Since 2001, the agency has provided a free and welcoming safe place for grieving children, teens, and adults to offer each other hope and support. Research indicates that unresolved grief correlates to issues such as poor school and work performance and emotional and behavioral concerns, whereas healthy coping leads to long-term successes for children, families, and communities. Carefully measured outcomes indicate that the programs of Grief’s Journey effectively move participants to health and resilience. As the region’s cornerstone for grief support, Grief’s Journey provides free peer support groups, family days, and camps as well as professional training, education, and consultation throughout Nebraska and Iowa. The agency relies on charitable contributions, special event income, and volunteerism to support its free programs. Together, hope grows.
Camp Summergold is a resident summer camping experience where girls explore science and arts learning mixed with the campfires and swimming of a traditional camp. The mission of Camp Summergold is to bring together a diverse community of girls in a fun and safe environment, to encourage both independence and teamwork, foster meaningful relationships, and build confidence, while exploring a variety of interests and new ideas as they create memories that will last a lifetime. Camp Summerfold’s 2020 session runs May 31 through June 6, and their theme is TEAMWORK. Camp Summergold’s new camp home is the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center located in Gretna. Registration information and program details can be found on the website at www.campsummergold.com.
The Rose Theater is committed to enriching the lives of children and families through live theater and arts education. With live performances of plays and musicals specifically for children and a wide range of classes designed to inspire budding performing artists, a lifelong love of theater starts at The Rose. The Rose is one of the largest and most accomplished children’s theaters in the nation. In 2016, American Theatre magazine named The Rose one of the top 20 children’s theaters in the country. The theater presents a variety of family-friendly productions on its main stage each year. The Rose’s First Stage series features plays specifically for very young children in a smaller, shush-free, sensory-friendly environment. In addition, students from age two to 18 can participate in performing arts classes such as creative drama, dance, musical theater, acting, voice, and more. For more information, visit www.rosetheater.org or call (402) 345-4849.
For more information about Grief’s Journey, please visit www. griefsjourney.org or call (402) 502-2773.
Goodwill Industries, Inc., Serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa, has been a leader in helping people fulfill their dreams through work since 1933. Their mission is to train and employ people with disabilities and others who may be at a competitive disadvantage in the job market. They do this by selling value-priced merchandise at 17 convenient locations in Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, Fremont, Blair, Gretna, and Council Bluffs. Although many people know Goodwill as a place to donate used clothing and household items, they may not realize that their donations sold in Goodwill retail stores fund programs that give thousands of formerly unemployed individuals the opportunity to earn a living and the chance to succeed in life. Goodwill provides opportunities for individuals with barriers to self-sufficiency through a variety of job opportunities and employment programs, including AbilityOne, YouthBuild AmeriCorps, Employment Solutions, and Work Experience. Goodwill is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) agency governed by a local board of trustees. They are a member agency of Goodwill Industries International of Gaithersburg, MD. Goodwill is also affiliated with the federal Ability One program, which provides jobs for people with severe disabilities at federal facilities. Goodwill is accredited by CARF, the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission. For more information about Goodwill’s programs, visit GoodwillOmaha. org, email info@goodwillomaha.org, or call (402) 341-4609. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Rejuvenating Women is a nonprofit organization p ro v i d i n g h o p e a n d restoration to victims and survivors of human trafficking. Rejuvenating Women’s vision is to empower survivors to lead healthy and independent lives. Rejuvenating Women raises awareness of human trafficking in the community as well as invests in the lives of girls and women who are living in their residential home as well as those participating in their day program. Rejuvenating Women’s two-year, residential therapeutic program (the Restored Wings Recovery Program) is free-of-charge to survivors and includes: • Individual complex trauma therapy, relapse prevention, and addiction therapy • Group therapy (specific to survivors) • Individual empowerment plan with case management • Community equine therapy, life-skills classes (nutrition, budgeting, etc.), GED classes, career training and preparation, tattoo branding removal, legal services, and fitness • Staff coordination and attendance at all medical, dental, psychiatric, and vision appointments • Mentorship with a loving and trauma-informed mentor • Staff coordination to acquire resident’s birth certificates, ID’s, and other state-required documentation as needed • Weekly social outings where residents experience “normal” life doing activities such as going to the zoo, museum, library, baseball games, art classes, etc. Learn more about Rejuvenating Women online at rejuvenatingwomen. com or call 1-(800) 402-0601. JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 47
The mission of the Veterans in Business Forum (VIBF) is to provide business support, education, and advocacy to help veterans succeed in business and increase community awareness of veteran-owned business activities. Veterans, active duty, reservists, and civilians are welcome to join and support each other and veteran-related goals. The VIBF meets the first Friday of every month (0800-0900) and serves the Omaha area. Speakers may be from VIBF members, business groups, veteran groups, NBDC, PTAC, SBA, SCORE, or private sector and government agencies on a wide range of topics. VIBF encourages collaboration through networking. Each month, members can bring up issues and concerns to discuss with the group to get recommendations to help come up with effective solutions. Contact us to learn more: Michel Thornhill, (402) 932-7243, info@ littlemountainwebdesign.com. Mailing Address: VIBF c/o Little Mountain Web Design, P.O. Box 461235, Papillion, NE. The YMCA of Greater Omaha is dedicated to building healthy, confident, and connected communities through recreation and personal growth while fostering environments that encourage youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. With 10 branch locations, the YMCA provides easy access to youth and adult sports, aquatics, wellness centers, early learning and healthy living centers, group fitness classes, and so much more. The Strong Communities campaign raises $800,000 every year in donations, helping the YMCA provide $2.3 million in charitable programming, providing memberships and access to those who might not otherwise be able to participate. Over 24,000 Omaha children participate in YMCA youth sports programs, 2,000 kids enjoy summer day camps, 10,000 people have learned lifesaving swim safety education and instruction, and nearly 64,000 families and individuals call the YMCA of Greater Omaha their choice for a healthier lifestyle. For more information on the YMCA of Greater Omaha and the Strong Communities campaign, visit www.metroymca.org/give. Volunteers serve for a variety of reasons, but those interested in skills-based ser vice are looking to (a) gain careerrelated experience, (b) develop personally or professionally, and (c) enhance skills and competencies. ThriVinci maximizes the volunteering experience by offering committed skills-based volunteers an exciting, meaningful service opportunity. Their volunteers, who are trained in lean six sigma philosophy, use management expertise to provide support to transitioning agencies as they implement strategies to maximize efforts. Additionally, their skills-based volunteers can be matched with opportunities to serve on nonprofit governing boards. ThriVinci is a volunteer-led initiative that is made possible by utilizing lean project management best practices. Because skills-based volunteers are 27% more likely to land a job than those who don’t volunteer, ThriVinci supports workforce development through their projects and professional development training. Are you an individual interested in getting involved? Is your company looking to become more socially responsible? ThriVinci offers individuals and businesses a chance to sponsor a ThriVinci project and/or provide their employees professional development by facilitating a skills-based volunteer project that will further develop employee talents while enhancing a nonprofit’s capacity and extending the reach of their valuable missions. Contact ThriVinci today at info@thrivinici.org or visit their website at thrivinci.org. 48 Strictly Business JANUARY 2020
MICAH House, a homeless shelter in Council Bluffs, has provided safety and security to children, families, and women for more than 30 years. Located on the Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus, MICAH House serves hundreds of homeless individuals each year – and more than half are children. Our focus is to keep families together, while reducing the amount of trauma children experience during a difficult time in their lives. The BUDDY program provides an opportunity for MICAH House children to play, learn, and grow. In January 2019, MICAH House expanded services to include a 26-bed women’s shelter and health care clinic. The shelter offers a therapeutic healing environment and includes a full-time therapist on-site. The three-exam room clinic will allow MICAH House clients and community members access to medical and dental services five days a week. For more information, please visit www.themicahhouse.org. Midlands Latino Community D e ve l o p m e n t C o r p o ra t i o n (MLCDC) provides low-income new immigrant individuals with opportunities to generate economic growth by providing financing products, development services, and community development that advances their ability to develop a sustainable future in the Midlands. The top programs the organization provides are business development, childcare creation, micro-lending, and financial capability programs. They have been serving the community for about 11 years with these programs. Since 2009, MLCDC has provided ongoing education to more than 5,217 clients, launched 325 small businesses, awarded 128 micro-loans, and created and maintained 1,260 new jobs in the Omaha metro area. MLCDC educates and offers one-on-one coaching to low-to-moderateincome new immigrants seeking to build assets through affordable homeownership and build a plan to improve their financial capability through personalized financial coaching, financial literacy, and the responsible access to financial products. For more information, visit www.midlandslatinocdc.org.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone needed to get energy from food. T1D strikes children and adults suddenly and is unrelated to diet or exercise. At present, there is no cure. JDRF works every day to change this reality. As the largest global funder of T1D research, JDRF’s mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. You can help make a difference by participating, volunteering, or fundraising. 2020 Events: • JDRF Promise Gala – February 22 • JDRF TypeOneNation Summit – April 24 • JDRF One Walk, Omaha-Council Bluffs – August 15 Programs: • Advocacy – Advocate for government support of research and policies for affordable and accessible therapies • Empower1 – Connecting the adolescent T1D community • Give Back at School – School education and fundraising opportunities • Outreach – Resources and events for individuals and families • Ride – Destination cycling experience for all fitness levels • YLC – Young professionals raising awareness and funds for T1D Learn more at jdrf.org/nebraska or call (402) 397-2873. #PrintProudDigitalSmart