19 minute read
Personnel
Ambius Welcomes Jess Dooley to Staff of Plant Professionals Ambius announced the addition of Jess Dooley to their staff of plant professionals on June 25. Jess is a practicing yogi and a self-proclaimed, full-on plant nerd with passions for animals and reading. When asked what is favorite interior plant was, he said he couldn’t decide, but maybe either Schefflera arboricola (umbrella plant), Codiaeum variegatum (croton), or Dracaena trifasciata (snake plant)! Ambius is an interior landscaping company serving the Omaha and Lincoln areas. Their plant professionals can keep your plants looking happy and healthy, and their services include live and artifi cial indoor plant displays for businesses, complete offi ce-plant services, ambient scenting, commercial holiday decorations, green wall design, installation and maintenance, and more. Given all of the research showing that the presence of plants has positive effects on human psychology, Ambius believes that bringing more plants into your home and business is a smart choice in the modern era. Learn more at ambius.com or by calling (402) 999-4825.
JDRF Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Chapter Welcomes New Board Members JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, announces the appointment of new Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Chapter board members and says farewell to those retiring. Board members provide volunteer guidance to the chapter and the local T1D community, playing a vital role in executing fundraising, leadership and advocacy activities to benefi t local families and the 1.6 million Americans who live with this autoimmune disease. The new JDRF Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Board members include: Rod Doerr, Union Pacifi c; Brad Grabill, Sirius; Andrew Kluver, Technology Group Solutions; Nate Lindley, Union Bank & Trust; John Pryor, Diabetes Supply; Kaitlin Reece, Catalyst Public Affairs; and Jared Wills, Inspro. “We are delighted to welcome our new Board members to the Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Chapter,” said Laci Naber, executive director. “We’re confi dent their skills will provide the strengths needed to help advance JDRF’s goals of improving the lives of families and individuals living with type 1 diabetes as we continue to accelerate cures.” T1D can strike both children and adults at any age. About 40,000 people are diagnosed each year in the U.S. It comes on suddenly, causes dependence on injected or pumped insulin for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications such as kidney, nerve or eye disease. JDRF is committed to advancing lifechanging breakthroughs from development to the marketplace and into the hands of people with T1D. The Nebraska JDRF Chapters were formed in 1970 (Lincoln) and 1985 (Omaha) and have since merged to service the entire state of Nebraska and southwest Iowa. The Chapter has sustained an impressive track record in raising funds for T1D research, community outreach, public awareness, and advocacy. To learn more, visit www.jdrf.org/nebraska.
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Strictly Business Welcomes Tegan Colton Strictly Business recently welcomed Tegan Colton to the team as a sales intern. Tegan’s positive attitude and eagerness for learning makes her a perfect fit for the position. In addition to calling potential clients and setting up meetings, she will also take on writing assignments each month to gain experience within the editorial fi eld as well. Tegan is currently pursuing a master’s degree in journalism at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She is a passionate storyteller with a penchant for developing human connections. Tegan has worked in a variety of different industries, and she discovered her love for marketing through the art of storytelling and visual design. Tegan is proud to be a part of the Strictly Business team and is thrilled to be learning from the experts in content marketing and sales. Strictly Business has been a reliable news sources and effective advertising tool in Omaha for 13 years, publishing original content in print and online. To learn more, visit strictlybusinessomaha.com. Tegan can be reach directly at tegan@strictlybusinessomaha.com or by calling the offi ce at (402) 466-3330.
Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman, LLP Welcomes Attorneys Nelson and O’Neill Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman, LLP (AKC Law) recently welcomed David C. Nelson and Samuel R. O’Neill as attorneys at the fi rm. Nelson is a member of the fi rm’s Business Services Group. He has been practicing law in Omaha for over 30 years and regularly counsels clients on business matters related to real estate, development, construction, commercial transactions, and manufacturing. He has extensive experience in assisting clients with business formation, zoning, trademarks, copyrights, technology, loans, construction, warehousing and more. Nelson also has a wealth of knowledge in drafting, reviewing, revising, and negotiating complicated contracts.
David C. Nelson
O’Neill joined the Litigation Team at AKC Law. Before joining the fi rm, he practiced Estate Planning, Litigation, Family Law, and Criminal Law for a fi rm in York, NE. O’Neill has focused on litigation since graduating from law school. He has represented clients through trial and has successfully argued in front of the Nebraska Supreme Court. As a litigator at AKC Law, his practice will include commercial, Samuel R. O’Neill landlord tenant, personal injury, and general civil litigation in addition to medical malpractice and political subdivision defense. In his estate planning practice, O’Neill prides himself on providing trustworthy and reliable advice to clients and their families. Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP is a full-service business law fi rm in Omaha. Their expertise is long-term strategic counsel on business, estate, and litigation matters. The fi rm was founded in 1944 and has a long history of providing clients with prompt and skillful legal services. To learn more, visit akclaw.com or call (402) 392-1250.
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Ash Banaszek Advances to Toastmasters International Speech Contest Semifi nals After presenting a video recording of her speech entitled “I Raise My Hand” for the Toastmasters Region 4 Quarterfi nals contest, Ash Banaszek of District 24 was selected as one of two winners in region four and will advance to the International Speech Contest Semifinals. Ash is one of 28 Toastmasters from worldwide competing in the semifi nals, which will take place during the 2020 Toastmasters International Virtual Convention, August 24–29. Ash’s semifi nal will take place on Tuesday, August 25, at 1 p.m. CST. A video recording of her presentation will be shown virtually and judged against other international speeches in one of four semifi nals, where a group of judges will choose two winners from each semifi nal to advance to the World Championship of Public Speaking. Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofi t educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding areas are served by Toastmasters District 24, grouping 70 Toastmasters clubs and 1,100 members. Learn more by visiting www.d24tm.org or the Facebook page (@D24TM). Full Region Quarterfi nals results and additional details about the 2020 Virtual Convention can be found on the Toastmasters International website at www.toastmasters.org/events/2020-international-convention. A 4315 South 120th St. P 402.334.4900 W echosystemsmidwest.com
Brighter Days Ahead. Jessica Frenzen Marks One Year with Clearwater Counseling Jessica Frenzen has recently celebrated one year with Clearwater Counseling, P.C. In her role as a certifi ed mental health therapist, Jessica works with clients to treat a variety of diagnoses. Through her methods, Jessica helps clients recognize their strongest and truest potential while identifying strategies that work best for them to break down any barriers that may be holding them back. Jessica obtained her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Nebraska–Kearney and her master’s degree in social work, clinical concentration, from the University of Nebraska–Omaha. Jessica has clinical experience working with children with past trauma/behavior issues, as well as teens and adults diagnosed with chronic mental health and substance use disorders. Clearwater Counseling works with clients who are struggling with a variety of mental health diagnoses, including depression, relationship issues, grief/loss/trauma, addiction and recovery, codependency, anxiety and phobias, parenting problems, sexual abuse and incest, physical abuse and violence, as well as various others. To learn more about staff, services, or resources, visit clearwatercounselingpc.org. To schedule an appointment with Clearwater Counseling or for more information about mental health services, please call (308) 210-8487 or email info@
clearwatercounselingne.org.
Imagine a home where innovation is seamlessly integrated to fit your lifestyle, a home and outdoor space that are customized to enhance your everyday life. The future is here, and Echo Systems is passionate about bringing the convenience and ease of smart technology into your space. Echo Systems specializes in integrating state-of the-art audio/visual systems and automated lighting and shade technology into your home and everyday life. Schedule a tour of our Experience Center and marvel at what is possible!
Omaha Public Library Board of Trustees Elects New Offi cers, Welcomes New Member During their June 18 board meeting, the Omaha Public Library (OPL) Board of Trustees elected a new slate of offi cers. Offi cers hold their position for one year beginning on July 1, 2020. President – Mike Kennedy, attorney at Kennedy Law; vice president – Keegan Korf, smart cities coordinator at Omaha by Design; secretary/ treasurer – Jen Rae Wang, head of government and regulatory affairs at Cox Communications; and outgoing president – Carol Wang, executive director of the Metro Omaha Medical Society, served six years on the board. Her vacancy will be fi lled by newly appointed board member Kristin Williams, director of community initiatives at The Sherwood Foundation. Additional OPL board members include: Michael Alley, principal at Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture; John R. Barrett, director of government affairs at Great Plains Communications; Keith Lutz, former superintendent of Millard Public Schools, retired; Adrian SuarezDelgado, Subway business franchisee; Jesse Sullivan, senior director of accounting policy at First National Bank of Omaha. Omaha Public Library is governed by a nine-member board. Board members are appointed by the mayor and confi rmed by city council to serve a three-year term. In accordance with the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, OPL board meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. at different library locations. Schedules, agendas, and minutes from these meetings can be found at omahalibrary.org.
Rejuvenating Women Announces Tim and Sue Dunning Honorary Chairs Rejuvenating Women is pleased to announce Douglas County Sheriff Tim and his wife Sue Dunning as Honorary Chairs for the 6th annual Restored Wings, Beautifully Broken Gala, which will be held on September 10 at Embassy Suites – La Vista Conference Center (doors open at 5:30 p.m.). The keynote speaker is Cyntoia BrownLong, a human traffi cking survivor, author, and advocate for criminal justice reform. Brandi (Petersen) Paul is lined up as the emcee for the evening. Tim and Sue have been married for 49 years and have four children and eight grandchildren. Sue is retired from Millard Schools after teaching fi rst grade at Montclair Elementary for 20 years. Tim has been the Douglas County Sheriff for the past 26 years and has been in law enforcement since 1971. His other involvements include: past president, Nebraska Sheriff’s Association; past president, Metro Chiefs Association; commissioner for the Commission on Accreditation Law Enforcement Agencies; past chair, Domestic Violence Coordinating Council; member of Governor’s Task Force on Human Traffi cking; advisory board member of Attorney General’s Task Force on Human Traffi cking; board member of Coalition on Human Traffi cking; and a multitude of other Boards locally and nationally, past and present. Rejuvenating Women provides hope and restoration for individuals of human traffi cking and exploitation while empowering the individuals to lead healthy and independent lives. They are committed to developing long-lasting relationships with the girls and women who have been deeply traumatized by “loving her right where she is at in life.” To learn more or purchase a ticket/table to the gala, visit www.rejuvenatingwomen.com. For a limited time, there is a discount on tables of eight by using the code: RWFLASH2020. Further questions can be directed to CEO Julie Shrader at (402) 522-6811 / julie@ rejuvenatingwomen.org.
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Nikki Wulff of Assisted Living Locators Omaha Completes Dementia Care Training
Nikki Wulff, local owner of Assisted Living Locators in Omaha, recently completed the Dementia Care Certifi ed ® training, a national model for educating caregivers, administrators, case managers, social workers, nurses, support group leaders, educators, and senior professionals. The CDC ® (Certified in Dementia Care) designation represents Nikki’s dedication to the senior industry and senior health. Nikki earned her bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Nebraska–Omaha. After a successful career in telecommunications and healthcare, she stepped into the role of an Assisted Living Locators franchise owner for all of Omaha to provide care and guidance to seniors and families in the community. She is going on three years with the company. Nikki’s passion for seniors comes from her own family experience and knowing that there is a huge need for a senior referral and placement service in Omaha. Assisted Living Locators is a community-oriented service that frees you to focus on the best care options, information, and resources available to you in fi nding care for your loved one. Without cost or obligation, and with no contract to sign, you can depend on Nikki to make fi nding an ideal community as simple and fast as possible. To learn more, visit assistedlivinglocators.com/omaha or contact Nikki at (402) 926-9505 / nikkiw@assistedlivinglocators.com.
FAMILY, Inc. Appoints Mark Draper New Board President FAMILY, Inc. is honored to announce that Mark Draper, EdS, PRSE, is their new Board president. Mark is a semi-retired education consultant, who served as a teacher, consultant, and administrator in both general education and special education for more than 40 years. A native of Council Bluffs, IA, Mark’s career in education led him to positions in Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa. An active community volunteer, Mark also is on the Board of Directors of the Concord Mediation Center and is an active member of Countryside Community Church, the Christian partner in the Tri Faith initiative in Omaha. Mark has supporte d FAMILY, Inc. from its beginning, as family support services were fi rst offered under the umbrella of the local Area Education Agency in 1991. Since then, he served as interim executive director from 2017-2018 and has been a member of the Board of Directors for the last two years. Much like his commitment to ensuring quality education for all children, Mark’s dedication to FAMILY, Inc. has been unwavering. He is a tremendous asset to children, community, and the FAMILY organization. FAMILY, Inc. provides public-health and family-support services to women, children, and families. Their primary goal is to assist parents in becoming their child’s fi rst and most infl uential teacher through education, empowerment, and wellness. To learn how FAMILY, Inc. can help you build a strong foundation and healthy future, visit familyia.org or follow them on Facebook (@ familyincia) and Twitter (@FAMILYIowa).
AUGUST 2020 Strictly Business 25
Cobalt Credit Union Appoints Steve Johnson as Business Relationship Manager Cobalt Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Johnson as business relationship manager. Johnson will be responsible for business development and will work with business owners, assisting them in utilizing a full array of business services including; depository solutions, payment and cash fl ow tools, online, mobile banking and lending solution tools. Johnson brings several years of banking and business lending experience to the credit union. He attended Oklahoma State University and has over 20 years’ experience working with small businesses. Steve understands the challenges business owners face and works to eliminate barriers to improve their bottom line. As an avid outdoorsman, Steve supports several outdoor organizations that provide opportunities for veterans. He has two sons with his wife of 25 years, Amelia. In his spare time he enjoys hunting and spending time helping on his family’s cattle ranch. Cobalt Credit Union is locally owned by its members and recognized for its community involvement. Motivated by member service rather than profi t, Cobalt’s focus is on providing safety, soundness, and convenience to its members. Cobalt Credit Union is a fi nancial partner for life, helping members with better banking, fi nancial planning, home buying, investing, education, retirement planning, commercial banking services, and more. Anyone can join based on Cobalt’s fi eld of membership; they currently serve over 110,000 members and have branch locations throughout Nebraska and Iowa. For more information, visit www.cobaltcu.com. Outlook Business Solutions Hires Greg Rogers as Accessibility Testing Manager Outlook Business Solutions recently announced the hiring of Greg Rogers as the company’s accessibility testing manager. Greg specializes in helping businesses make their websites and apps accessible to people with disabilities. He has worked for 12 years with organizations to create inclusive workplaces that are compliant with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which serves the some 20 million working-age adults in America who i dentify as disabled. Greg earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baker University and is certifi ed in a variety of screen-reading assistive technology applications, including NVDA 17.3, Jaws, and ZoomText 2019. He also has experience in product development to ensure compliance with federation regulations and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, and earned Web Accessibility Specialist and Document Accessibility certifi cates from Deque University. Outlook Business Solutions, a sister company to Outlook Nebraska, provides marketing and customer-care services to businesses while creating knowledge-based jobs for people with vision loss, who face an unemployment rate of 70%. The company’s goal is to have 50% of its billable hours fulfi lled by visually impaired professionals with skills in customer service, graphic design, copywriting, and videography. For more information about working with Outlook Business Solutions to make your website ADA-compliant and accessible, visit outlookbusinesssolutions.com/accessibility-services or call (531) 365-5055.
Quinten White State Farm Insurance Expands Services to Kansas Recently, Quinten White State Farm Insurance announced that their offi ce will now be providinbg State Farm coverage in Kansas. It means a lot to Quinten to be able to service his hometown. Quinten White Insurance Agency has experienced extensive growth since its inception and is happy to be able to continue that progress. Their offi ce already provided fantastic State Farm Insurance to Nebraska and Iowa residents. Quinten White Insurance Agency prides themselves on developing strong relationships with their clients while making sure they know how every dollar helps their family. They take the time to get to know all their clients in order to provide the best individualized insurance plan possible. Quinten White State Farm Insurance provides auto, home, property, renters, business, life, and health insurance as well as banking and annuities services. Their team is comprised of compassionate and hardworking people dedicated to protecting their clients and saving them money. To learn more, visit lifeomaha.com or contact State Farm Insurance Agent Quinten White at (402) 885-8569. You can also stop into the offi ce located at 3205 N 90th St., STE 105.
True North Technologies Brings on Jen Potters as Chief Operations Offi cer True North Technologies, a Lincoln-based business launched by Renee Sobotka, recently brought Jen Potters onto the team as chief operations offi cer. Jen is ecstatic to return to her roots of strategic digital marketing for small- to medium-sized businesses. Jen, a Nebraska native from North Platte and UNL alumni, has held several positions throughout her career in leadership, business-to-business sales, and project management. After graduating, Jen started her career by joining Enterprise Rent-A-Car in their manager trainee program. She quickly advanced and was promoted to an assistant manager and later branch manager of many locations throughout Lincoln. At Enterprise, Jen gained the skills necessary to grow her branches through marketing efforts to local body shops, dealerships, insurance agencies, and other corporate renters. After Enterprise, Jen worked for several years for two different marketing companies as an outside sales representative. She helped many businesses develop digital marketing strategies dedicated to advancing their business’s growth and customer base. In 2017, Jen began working as a sales representative for Infogressive, a cybersecurity company located in Lincoln. Her focus was to build and nurture the north west territory of over 13 states. In 2019, Jen advanced her career beyond sales by eagerly accepting a position as a project manager for Toast Inc. in Omaha. This career shift increased her knowledge and experience in internal workfl ows and the importance of operational organization and its impact on a company’s growth and customer experience. True North Technologies makes technology simple with website and mobile app development, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), branding, and social media marketing. Learn more online at www. go-tnt.com or call (402) 420-5101.
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Madonna Rehabilitation Adds Gromowsky, Promotes Hedderman and Heydon Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals is proud to welcome Jeff Gromowsky as vice president and physician practice administrator; and announce the promotion of Michael Hedderman to vice president and chief fi nancial offi cer and Robert Heydon to chief information offi cer. Gromowsky brings extensive leadership experience, most recently at Lyman-Richey Corporation where he held positions as director of information technology, vice president of administration, and chief Jeff Gromowsky fi nancial offi cer. He previously worked as a consulting manager for Arthur Andersen. In his new role at Madonna, Gromowsky collaborates with the vice president of medical affairs/chief medical offi cer to ensure the delivery of quality physician services. Additionally, he is responsible for coordinating effective physician clinic operations, managing the hospital’s contracted services and assisting with development of institutional affi liations and other business opportunities. Michael Hedderman Hedderman joined Madonna in 2017 as administrator of fi nance. His 30-plus years of healthcare fi nance expertise includes leadership roles at Chicago Lakeshore Hospital, Michael Reese Hospital, and a lengthy career at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital serving as senior vice president and chief financial officer and chief operations officer. In his new role at Madonna, Hedderman directs the fi scal operations and serves as the chief fi nancial spokesperson for the organization. Robert Heydon In his 20th year at Madonna, Heydon oversees the leadership, organization and direction of the communication and information system, including Information Technology Services and Telecommunication Services teams and related operations for the Lincoln and Omaha Campuses. Heydon most recently served as director of Technical Services. Prior to Madonna, Heydon worked for 15 years at First Commerce Technologies in various roles, including vice president of Data Center. Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, located at 17500 Burke St. in Omaha, offers world-class physical and medical rehabilitation and research, specializing in brain and spinal cord trauma, stroke and neurological conditions for adults and children. Learn more by calling (402) 401-3100 or visit www.madonna.org.
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 signifi cant 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) 466-3330 or submit your news via www.strictlybusinessomaha.com.
