Strictly Business Lincoln - January 2024

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FEATURE STORIES

• NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS • BUSINESS PLANNING

CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS

• BLUE ROCK CONSTRUCTION • SP GROUP, P.C. • CUSTOM COOLING & HEATING INC. • GREENLEAF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

CHASE ORSBORN

TERESA NOVAK

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JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

1

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

What will the new year bring?

Strictly Business was blessed with a great year in 2023. And, as we start a new year, it’s a chance for new things, new beginnings and the possibility of making things even better. Our office has been changing a lot lately, but all of the change is exciting. Change isn’t always bad – it gives us the opportunity to get better, try new things and step out of our comfort zones; you never know what you might find. No matter what you’re planning for this year, we hope 2024 brings you success, happiness and lots of great memories.

As a business, we are striving to help our clients get the most out of their partnership with us. We’re constantly listening to feedback from clients, then thinking about and discussing how we can improve, adjusting how we work to get even better at what we do.

In regards to the New Year, we all put together our own resolutions for 2024: Paige: Traveling is a passion of mine and I look forward to continuing to travel in 2024. With new places come new adventures and memories, and I want to take advantage of everything the world has to offer while I can. I have been blessed with good health, but I still want to exercise and eat right in 2024 so I can keep doing the things I love. Lastly, I want to be more intentional with how I spend my time to ensure that I am spending more time with friends, family and the people I care about as well as dedicating more time to my faith. I want my quality of life to keep improving as I make time for the things and people that matter to me most.

Kacey: After having my son a year ago, I finally want to make myself a priority. Being a mom has helped me realize the importance of taking care of myself and prioritizing “me time” is something I want to do more of. Whether it’s a short exercise session or finding moments

to relax, I’m learning that by looking after myself, I’m actually improving things for my son too. It’s all part of this journey of being a mom while taking care of myself at the same time.

Shae: I have wanted to start my own book blog for years, but between college and now a full-time job, I haven’t been the best at dedicating myself to it. In 2024, I am going to block out more time in my schedule to launch it and make it successful. Aside from working on a blog that’s past due, I want to push myself to work to live instead of living to work. As much as I love my job, and my future blog, I have a bad habit of making work the center of my attention instead of focusing on friends, family and personal hobbies.

In 2024, I want to live more and enjoy being young.

Devan: Being 32 years old, I am lucky to have all of my grandparents still alive and present in my life.

After experiencing unexpected loss in recent years, it has been even more evident how fortunate I am to enjoy the company of many elderly loved ones. My New Year’s resolution for 2024 is to maximize and take advantage of any and every opportunity to engage with family and friends; specifically those that are of distant generations. I hope to discover stories that I haven’t heard before, but I also look forward to the stories that have been told on numerous occasions and listening intently like it’s the first time.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? Whatever they are, we wish you the best this year!

– The Strictly Business Staff

Change isn’t always bad – it gives us the opportunity to get better, try new things and step out of our comfort zones; you never know what you might find.

Let Strictly Business help you lock in your status as THE EXPERT in your industry, utilizing print, the internet and social media. Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330.

CONTENTS

NEWS 4 Business 35 Personnel 43 Nonprofit

SPOTLIGHTS 58 60 62 64

28 59 61 63 65

Star City Six Strictly Business Upcoming Events Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Downtown Lincoln Association Lincoln Independent Business Association

Blue Rock Construction SP Group, P.C. Custom Cooling & Heating Inc. Greenleaf Commercial Real Estat

FEATURE STORIES 66 New Year’s Resolutions 70 Business Planning 73 Supporting Nonprofits 2

COLUMNS

Strictly Business JANUARY 2024

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

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i a a

ABOUT THE COVER

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as we get closer to the election, inventory will move faster; if you see a product you want online, buy it immediately before it is gone!

he D.E. Guns’ website inventory boasts some of the most popular handguns, rifles and firearms as well as some of the most uncommon varieties that you may have a tough time finding elsewhere. Their online collection is astounding, and moves quickly! If you see something you like, order it before someone else does!

Their firearm product selection spans from all over the world. As an American company that operates in the heart of the USA, they strive to highlight manufacturers that make guns, ammo and accessories here in the United States by making it easy for customers to support them. You can shop sporting goods that are brainstormed, manufactured and boxed right here in the USA online and in store. Buy now to show your support! demand is going to be higher than ever, act quick!

By optimizing their new website to accommodate online shoppers, D.E. Guns has made shopping for deals more convenient than ever. If you prefer to browse an enormous selection of firearm merchandise online as opposed to in store, you’ll love how streamlined their new website is. Their outstanding website performance ensures that you can browse thousands of guns from anywhere in the world at any time of day or night – and place an order from anywhere at any time too! So what are you waiting for? Order now!

If you choose to order online, you’ll have the option to pick up your items in-store once they are ready, typically a few days later, offering a seamless shopping experience. By picking up your items in store, you’ll be able to conveniently ask knowledgeable professionals any questions that you may have. Don’t wait to place your order! If it’s in your cart, it should be yours!

D.E. Guns’ website is indisputably the perfect place for registered buyers to purchase used guns online. Professional shooters, firearm enthusiasts, amateurs or first-time gun handlers – there’s everything for everyone in their online gun store. D.E. Guns is devoted to delivering quality and safety-inspected used guns that they strive to provide in-depth education for. if you see what you want online, place So, stop waiting – go online and start shopping! The sooner you order, the sooner you can pick it up in store! Check out D.E. Guns new website at deguns.net. To speak an order and then pick up your items with a knowledgeable professional, call (402) 875-6500 or email ffl@deguns.net. at the store within only a few days!

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PRODUCTION TEAM: Director of Operations Kacey Russell – Kacey@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Devan Kirkpatrick – Devan@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Editor/Writer Shae Withington – Shae@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern – Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern – SZutavern@Yahoo.com

Kacey

Devan

Shae

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Email: Kacey@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Online: www.Strictly-Business.com/subscribe-strictly-business

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JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

3

BUSINESS NEWS UNICO Group’s 2023 Annual Meeting: Celebrating Success and Looking to the Future

Professional Realty Group Introduces Exclusive Showcase Listings in Lincoln

On October 12, 2023, UNICO Group, a clientfocused insurance broker, held its 2023 annual meeting. This year’s meeting was not only a celebration of the company’s successful fiscal year, but also marked a significant milestone – 35 years in business!

The day kicked off with a training session conducted by Nate Sannes from InCite Performance Group. Sannes provided valuable insight and strategies to UNICO’s advisor team, equipping them with the necessary tools to start the new fiscal year on a successful note.

Following the training, Scott Becker and Brian Klintworth from HBE took the stage to deliver an educational session on the impacts of the Nebraska Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) on 2023 tax filings. With the educational sessions concluded, team members from across the nation gathered to review the fiscal year’s results and discussed the goals and targets for the upcoming year.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of the annual Scotty Award. Initiated by UNICO’s past President, Scott Nelson, the Scotty Award recognizes team members who consistently embody UNICO’s core values – Positivity, Teamwork, Professionalism and Trust. This year, the award was awarded to Derek Holmquist, Brand Strategist, who began his journey at UNICO as an intern seven years ago and has since made significant contributions to the company’s success.

UNICO Group is a client-focused insurance broker headquartered in Lincoln. For more information, call (402) 434-7200 or visit unicogroup.com.

Professional Realty Group of BHHS Ambassador Real Estate (PRG) is proud to announce the launch of their exclusive new service, Showcase Listings, available only to a select few real estate agents in the Lincoln area. As of December 4, 2023, PRG is the only team in the area offering this innovative new sales feature to their clients.

Showcase Listings offer a unique and captivating way to display homes on Zillow, featuring scrolling header images, 3D tours and interactive floor plans that connect the rooms to the photos. This service not only increases online exposure of listings by up to 60%, but also provides home buyers with a more immersive and engaging experience.

With Showcase Listings, PRG’s clients can stand out from the competition and get their property seen by more potential buyers.

This exclusive feature not only enhances the online presence of listings, but also increases the chances of selling homes faster and for better prices with more prominent search results, features in Zillow's in-app notifications, fliers, postcards and “new property alert” emails from Zillow.

To learn more about PRG’s Showcase Listings and how they can help you sell your home, contact Team Lead Ben Bleicher at (402) 4196309 / ben.bleicher@PRG-NE.com. To read the full article, visit www. prg-ne.com/blog/professional_realty_group_introduces_exclusive_ showcase_listings_in_lincoln_ne/68224. For more information about PRG, visit prg-ne.com.

The Body Connection Completes Official Ribbon Cutting

LincolnHR Announces 2024 Q1 Programs

Congratulations to The Body Connection on the celebration of their official ribbon-cutting ceremony! The Body Connection is dedicated to fostering holistic health and well-being through the art of massage.

Discover the ultimate relaxation experience at their sanctuary of serenity! Clients are invited to indulge in a variety of rejuvenating services, including Swedish, Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue and Prenatal Massage. The pampering extends to specialized treatments such as Neuromuscular Therapy, Aromatherapy Wrap or the indulgent Hot Stone Treatment.

As a special welcome, first-time clients can enjoy 10% OFF on their initial massage, making it the perfect opportunity to unwind, de-stress and revitalize both body and mind.

At The Body Connection, you can immerse yourself in the transformative power of deep tissue massage. Their skilled and compassionate therapists are committed to releasing tension, targeting knots and restoring balance to your body. Whether you’re seeking relief from everyday stress, muscle tension or simply aiming to enhance your overall well-being, The Body Connection is here to provide a tailored and rejuvenating experience.

The Body Connection is passionate about helping their clients achieve holistic health and well-being through massage. To learn more, visit bodyconnectionnebraska.com.

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2024

There are so many great benefits that come with your LincolnHR membership, including networking, access to local salary surveys, HR certification classes and so much more. Their monthly programs continue to be a driving force for education and professional development for members. LincolnHR is eagerly working on their 2024 programs line up, and are excited to announce their Q1 speakers and topics.

On January 9, Kelli Thomptson will present: New Year, New You – How to Confidentially Advocate to Advance your Own HR Career.

On February 13, Coach John Cook will present: Dream Big, Dream Like a Champion.

On March 12, DEI Panel will present: DEI Panel.

LincolnHR strives to be a first-class resource on people management for the community. LincolnHR connects professionals to solve every day workforce problems, provides quality education, collaborates with community leaders and leads change for their industry. The organization comprises a large network of human resources professionals ranging from senior level executives to those just entering the profession and welcomes new members monthly.

The mission of LincolnHR, previously Lincoln Human Resource Management Association, is to provide for the interchange of ideas, experiences and methods concerning the relationships between management and employees and to provide professional ethics and acquaintanceship among those involved in professional human resource management. For more information, visit LincolnHR.org or contact membership@lincolnhr.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS LPED Opens Applications for 2024 LaunchLNK Startup Business Grants The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED) proudly announces the commencement of the application process for the 2024 LaunchLNK grants. The application window is now open and will continue through Monday, January 8.

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LaunchLNK grants are specifically tailored for high-growth companies seeking to start or expand their operations in Lincoln. This year, a total of six distinguished LaunchLNK recipients will each receive $20,000 in non-dilutive funding, accompanied by $2,500 in additional services. Moreover, successful applicants will gain access to invaluable connections with mentors and potential sources of early-stage capital and fundraising.

Given how the LaunchLNK grant is structured, grant recipients are well-positioned to leverage these funds in conjunction with other programs and financial resources in the ecosystem. For example, the Business Innovation Act programs through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and various other sources of capital require matching funds.

“We are excited to lean into the strengths of this grant program.

The LaunchLNK grant provides very early-stage funds in a way that yields dividends for the Lincoln community far beyond the initial investment,” stated Kathy Andersen, the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at LPED.

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Now entering its sixth year, the LaunchLNK grants have provided essential seed funding for 24 diverse startups in Lincoln. Notably, companies nurtured by this program have subsequently employed numerous individuals and raised over $92 million in additional capital, significantly contributing to the robust startup ecosystem and economic growth in Lincoln. The 2023 cohort of LaunchLNK recipients boasted impressive companies including BovEye, Curbside, Nave Analytics, Inc., InforMedic, and Cattle Kettle, LLC.

FEB 9-11 Fri. 1-9 Sat. 10-8 Sun. 10-3

This is the first year that six grants will be awarded. Five grants were awarded from 2021-2023, four grants from 2019-2020, and only one grant in the first year 2018. Companies will be prioritized that could contribute to economic impact in the city of Lincoln, as the goal of the grant is to spur revenue and job creation and attraction additional capital investment.

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More information on the program can be found at www.launchlnk. com. To stay informed about LaunchLNK announcements, including updates about the next round of applications, follow @StartupLNK on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

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For more information, contact Kathy I. Andersen, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, at (402) 436-2374 or kandersen@selectlincoln.org.

CALL 402-423-4225 OR VISIT TO RESERVE YOUR BOOTH TODAY!

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is Lincoln’s leading business organization, providing advocacy and connections to help businesses grow and thrive in Lincoln. Learn more at www.lcoc.com.

At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local professionals for their significant awards, promotions, achievements and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Lincoln community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha. com or submit your news at strictly-business.com.

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JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Nebraska Savvy Seniors Empowerment Seminars Announce Exciting Topics for January and February N eb r a s k a S a v v y S e n i o r s Empower ment Seminars is delighted to present two engaging and insightful seminars in the upcoming months.

January 3: "Squeezing the Most Out of Life as We Age to 100" - A panel of experts will share valuable tips for happy aging, providing practical insights into maintaining a fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle. As a special highlight, Bill Chrastil, the renowned Elvis tribute show provider, will be present to share his experiences on inspiring others and keeping oneself young at heart!

February 7: "Flipping the Money Switch" - Explore strategies for transitioning from a lifetime of saving to responsibly spending your nest egg for your best life. This session aims to empower seniors with financial knowledge.

Event Details: Seminars are held on the first Wednesday of every month at Venue Suite One-Eleven 6891 A St #111. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the seminars begin at 10 a.m. Free registration is available at NeSavvySeniors.com, by phone at (402) 499-8147 or via email to Alicia Chrastil at NeSavvySeniors@Gmail.com.

In addition to the seminars, Nebraska Savvy Seniors is excited to launch the Downsizing Club, a monthly gathering where members can explore downsizing plans.

For more information about Nebraska Savvy Seniors Empowerment Seminars and the Downsizers Club, please contact Alicia Chrastil at (402) 499-8147 or NeSavvySeniors@gmail.com. More information about Nebraska Savvy Seniors Empowerment Seminars can be found at www.NeSavvySeniors.com.

“Axe” SP Group About Taxes Recently, SP Group, P.C. went on an afternoon outing to do some axe throwing and team building before their year-end tax planning season took off. The team builder gave them the opportunity to take a break from Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) prepping and year-end tax planning and roll up their sleeves for some friendly axe throwing. Axes were thrown, wages were placed, fun was had!

Now that is 2024, it’s time to turn the page and begin thinking about tax season so using a delightful play on words, “Axe us about taxes!”

The team’s focused, ready, and looking forward to the upcoming tax season.

SP Group, P.C., a growing entrepreneurial accounting firm, was founded on these four core values: relationships, the power of team, life/work balance and competitiveness. They like to win at SP Group, and they believe competitive sports-minded culture makes a firm better at achieving success for their clients. This competitive-minded culture not only makes for a fun axe-throwing match, it also makes the firm better at achieving success for its clients.

Follow SP Group, P.C. on Facebook (@SP Group, P.C.) or Twitter (@ SPGroupPC). For more information, please call (402) 420-7758 or visit www.spgrouppc.com.

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2024

Center Sphere Lincoln Offers Free with Three Program Center Sphere Lincoln encourages members to grow their network and bring in individuals they know and trust. With their Free with Three program, for every three members someone recruits into The Network, they earn a FREE renewal!

Maximize your membership by growing your network!

Center Sphere is proud to offer members an EZ Pay subscription plan of only $34.95/month, making it affordable for any sized business! Center Sphere also offers a one-time annual payment option. Please note... there is a one-time activation fee at registration.

Be a part of a Nebraska founded organization that has, since 2010: • Raised over $600,000 for local not-for-profits • Provided over $250,000 in free memberships to members Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas and resources through genuine relationships. For more information about Center Sphere or to inquire about attending a complimentary meeting or event, visit www.CenterSphere.com or connect with Director of Membership Ashley Hinze at Ashley@CenterSphere.com / (402) 690-4434.

Winter Travel Tips from Lincoln Airport Authority: Soar Through the Season with Confidence As winter in Nebraska approaches, the team at the Lincoln Airport Authority aims to provide travelers with a seamless, enjoyable experience. Below are their top tips to make your winter journey as positive as possible: 1. Check the Forecast: Stay up-to-date on the weather conditions at both your departure and destination airports. Winter weather, including snow, ice and low visibility can lead to delays and cancellations.

2. Arrive Early: Winter weather conditions can slow down travel time, especially in snowy Nebraska. Arrive early to allow extra time for checkin, security and any potential delays.

3. Grab a Hot Drink from N-Flight: LNK’s in-terminal restaurant has tons of amazing food and beverage options. Stay fueled and keep warm with a delicious beverage and meal from N-Flight.

4. Reserve Garage Parking: Did you know you can reserve your parking before you arrive at the airport? Check out their website to reserve parking in their garage and enjoy easy access to the sky walk and no snow on your car when you arrive home.

5. Keep Your Devices Charged: Charge your phone the night before and bring any necessary chargers with you that you’ll need during your trip. Keeping your devices charged and connected to their high-speed terminal Wi-Fi is the best way to ensure you’re prepared for any delays or travel changes.

For more information about the Lincoln Airport, owned and operated by the Lincoln Airport Authority, visit lincolnairport.com or call (402) 458-2480. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS ALLO Shares Business Technology Solutions ALLO Business technology solutions are available to enhance your fiberoptic experience providing awardwinning technology that works for your business. ALLO Business offers technology solutions and cybersecurity with the following products: • Next-Gen Firewall: Comprehensive cybersecurity and enterprise security solutions that protect your business 24/7 beyond a traditional firewall. ALLO’s Next Gen Firewall provides deeppacket inspection, intrusion prevention (IPS), advanced malware detection and application control to ensure comprehensive security. With conventional firewalls, hackers can hide malware inside application traffic, where they can go unnoticed. However, ALLO’s Next Gen Firewall can detect such threats, keeping your organization safe from potential breaches.

• Technology Solutions: Simplify IT management with proactive and planned solutions with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity solutions. Fully comprehend your business objectives and align technology and security to support those goals.

• Feature-Rich Vice Solutions: With a Cloud voice telephone system from ALLO, you get features that will keep your customers and employees happy – savings, scalability, secure connectivity and more.

• Microsoft Teams Voice: Communications solutions in one space.

Use Microsoft Teams as your phone system and have one-stop for calls, documents and calendars, allowing your team to engage, chat and collaborate effectively from anywhere.

ALLO Business is excited to offer additional features in addition to the all-fiber network. For more information about ALLO Business technology solutions, visit AlloFiber.com/Business or call (402) 4806500.

Ashley Freese Agency of American Family Insurance Participates in Adopt a Family Ashley Freese Agency of American Family Insurance participated in Adopt a Family this holiday season through CEDARS. This program matches you with a family that is in need of basic necessities like clothes, shoes, cook ware, coats, hats, blankets, bedding, etc. Ashley was thrilled to be able to help a family in need!

CEDARS' Adopt a Family program links caring individuals or organizations, like the Ashley Freese Agency of American Family Insurance, with families requiring basic necessities. This thoughtful initiative extends beyond material goods, offering support to families in challenging situations.

For Ashley Freese Agency, being part of this program is not just about providing material support; it's about extending a hand to ensure that families in need experience comfort and joy during the holiday season. Their involvement showcases a commitment to making a positive impact within their community by spreading kindness and support to those who need it most.

You can expect honesty, exceptional customer service, quality coverage and a warm smile when you work with Ashley Freese Agency of American Family Insurance! As an American Family insurance agent, she is able to educate and recommend coverages to individuals and families for your unique needs. Learn more at www. amfam.com/agents/nebraska/lincoln/ashley-freese or by contacting Ashely at afreese@amfam.com / (402) 441-9227. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Ribbon Cutting for Sweet Things by Marcy Scheduled for January 3

Lincoln Demolition & Excavation Launches New Website

Sweet Things by Marcy has a ribbon cutting scheduled for January 3 in the ALLO Board Room of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce from 12:45 to 1 p.m. Join them in celebrating Marcy’s success!

Sweet Things by Marcy’s desserts are available at Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen and Lounge, Canyon Joe’s Barbecue, located in the Telegraph District; SoulFULL Cocina, located in the Havelock Community’ Pearson’s Pumpkin Place located in Eagle, Nebraska; and Ivanna Cone, located in the Haymarket. Marcy is currently speaking with other locally owned businesses to offer a couple of her southern staples in the near future.

With new pick-up locations on the way, Sweet Things by Marcy is excited for the ability to expand her menu as well. Sweet Things

by Marcy takes pride in her time-honored recipes, learned through many years of home cooking. Her recipes are both family-inspired and traditional with flavor combinations that surpass those that were passed down from generations of southern family cooks and bakers.

Sweet Things by Marcy is a home-based bakery in Lincoln that has a vibrant menu of sweet treats. Marcy’s desserts are sure to get your mouth watering. To check out their menu or make an order for pickup or delivery, go to www.sweetthingsbymarcy.com, or reach out to them directly at sweetthingsbymarcy@gmail.com / (402) 540-6982.

Lincoln Demolition & Excavation (LDE) has been wor king on developing a new website and is excited for the upcoming launch.

They started this process a couple months ago and look forward to implementing all of the new updates they made, and are proud of the final result. Some of the new features include a live chat box, advanced site analytics, interactive/user-friendly interface and an overall revamp of the website's appearance entirely.

The new website chat box opens a direct communication line between Lincoln Demolition & Excavation and site visitors. This feature adds another source of contact for customers and uses AI to help answer customer’s frequently asked questions. Another way their website was upgraded includes the addition of photo carousels and interactive before and after photos. These visuals will help better showcase their work and demonstrate the value they bring clients. LDE takes pride in the quality demolition and excavation services they offer and believe the new website conveys that message.

“I’m thrilled about the upcoming launch of our new website! It's not just a digital presence; it's a powerful tool that will help distinguish us from other demolition companies, showcasing our projects and expertise like never before,” shared Hannah McKinney, Website Developer.

Learn more about Lincoln Demolition and Excavation by visiting www.

LincolnDemoAndEx.com or calling (402) 867-6152.

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2024

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BUSINESS NEWS SCC Apprenticeship Program Celebrates Kawasaki Partnership The Southeast Comm unity College (SCC) Apprenticeship program and Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corporation, U.S.A., celebrated their partnership on November 15, 2023, at the Eicher Technical Center on the SCC Milford Campus as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

Kawasaki is the first employer to utilize SCC’s apprenticeship program by signing on seven employees to upskill at SCC. The employees in the apprenticeship program are: • Beni Buzi Mbo Nta – Electromechanical • Gary Baxter – Electromechanical • Khalid Ibrahim – Electromechanical • Jonathan Lass – Electromechanical • Humberto Ornelas – Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology • Aaron Rios – Electromechanical • Pio Tayphen – Professional Truck Driver Training SCC received $4.8 million in American Rescue Plan funds in 2022 from the city of Lincoln to create an office of work-based learning which includes the Registered Apprenticeship Program. This program meets the needs of both employers and job seekers by allowing individuals to earn a salary while they learn, gaining skills and knowledge in the classroom and on the job. Additionally, an apprenticeship offers employers the chance to strengthen and build their workforce by providing a high-quality talent pipeline.

Learn more about SCC’s apprenticeship program at www.southeast. edu/current-students/apprenticeships/index.php.

Learn more about SCC at www.southeast.edu.

Better Business Bureau Reveals the Programming for 2024 BBB Awards As of December 1, 2023, applications for the 2024 BBB Student of Integrity Scholarships, 2024 BBB Spark Awards and 2024 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics are being accepted. Applications are being accepted from now until April 5, offering ample time for contenders to throw their hats in the ring. The best part? All award submissions are completely free, and there's no requirement for businesses to be BBB Accredited in order to be eligible.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a community that values integrity and trust within the marketplace. Apply for 2024 BBB Awards today and let your commitment to these virtues shine!

As a friendly reminder, BBB Awards programming encompasses three distinguished categories: • BBB Torch Awards for Ethics: Honor businesses and nonprofits that put integrity into action.

• BBB Spark Awards: Honor new business owners under 45 who prioritize ethical decision-making.

• BBB Student of Integrity Scholarships: Honor high school seniors who exemplify values, leadership and integrity.

BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB services to consumers are free. Visit BBBinc.org for more information. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Katie Koester - Professional EOS Implementer Offers Business Mastermind with Arrive Coworking in 2024 Katie Koester, Professional EOS Implementer, is excited to announce a c o l l a b o ra t i o n w i t h A r r i ve Coworking to offer a Business Owner/Leader Mastermind for 2024. This mastermind is limited to 12 members in 2024 who are looking to grow their business, create working relationships that produce results, increase discipline and accountability, and create healthy, open and honest relationships with like-minded leaders. Applications are now being accepted at www. arrivecoworking.com/mastermind through January 15.

This 12-month program aims to teach participants the tools to create a solid vision for their business, increase discipline and accountability and execute that vision throughout 2024 and beyond using the tools of the Entrepreneurial Operating System. Additionally, you will engage with a community of entrepreneurs to share insights, strategies and industry knowledge.

A presentation recording is available for download on the website, or questions can be emailed to katie.koester@eosworldwide.com.

EOS Worldwide utilizes the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), which is a set of simple concepts and practical tools used by more than 190,000 companies around the world to clarify, simplify and achieve their vision. Look at your business in a whole new way – through the lens of the Six Key Components™. Learn more at www. eosworldwide.com/katie-koester or by contacting Katie Koester at katie.koester@eosworldwide.com / (402) 335-8244.

Lincoln Wedding and Celebrations Show Returns January 7 Lincoln Wedding and Celebrations Show will take place on Sunday, January 7, from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites Hotel located at 1040 P St. Visit dozens of event vendors all under one roof! The Lincoln Wedding and Celebrations Show is your one-stop-shop to find nearly everything you’ll need for your next big event. From facility rentals to photographers and everything in between, this show is a must see for anyone planning a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Advance registration is FREE at www.eventbrite.com/e/ lincoln-wedding-and-celebrations-show-tickets-748895274927?af f=ebdssbcitybrowse.

Vendors include: A/R Workshop, Alsa Sura Alteration and Sewing, Ascend Aesthetics, AV Dude LLC, Blue Bovine Baked Goods, Body Fit Training, Christa Schiessl Photography, Complete Wedding & Events, Cornhusker HotelDare to Dream, Elite Events Rentals, Ellynne Bridal, Embassy Suites, Express Life Chiropractic, Faux Glow Lincoln, First Presbyterian Church, Hidden Valley Golf Club, Hog Wild Pit BBQ, Husk Her Happy, Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery, JVC Music, La Vita Bella Salon, Maize Popcorn, Mark White - Bagpipe Player, Men’s Warehouse, Michelle Van Horn - CMG Home Loans, Mulberry BBQ, Nebraska Wedding Day Magazine, Platinum Vibes DJ Services, Russ’s Market, Scottys Grocery & Catering, Sesostris Shrine -Wild Orange Creations, Seven Willows, Sideshow Spirits / Kinkaider, Single Barrel, Stella Maris Studio, Studio SPS, The 1206 LLC, The Graduate, The Parthenon, The UPS Store and Wedding Barn.

If you have any questions regarding the show, please email one of the following: Katie: katie.philippi@alphamediausa.com; Joy: joy. patten@alphamediausa.com; Mollie: mollie.grant@alphamediausa. com.

JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business 9

BUSINESS NEWS Strictly Business Helping Host Speed Networking Event February 15

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy Recaps Secret Santa Happy Hour

Strictly Business, Center Sphere and Morrow Collision will be hosting a Speed Networking event on February 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Morrow Collision located at 2801 N 83rd St. Contact Ashley Hinze at ashley@centersphere.com to register for this free event.

Speed networking is a structured and fast-paced event where participants engage in brief, focused conversations with multiple individuals within a set time frame. This format enables participants to make efficient connections, share insights and explore potential collaborations in a condensed timeframe. The structured nature of speed networking aims to maximize networking efficiency and create a dynamic environment for building professional relationships.

The objective of this speed networking event is to embrace inclusivity by reaching out to individuals who may not traditionally participate in networking events. This gathering is intentionally designed to deviate from the conventional networking experience, offering a unique and more accessible opportunity for diverse participation.

As a news source, Strictly Business magazine supplies the area with relevant and current business information. If you want to keep up with Lincoln and Omaha’s business community, you need to read Strictly Business. Personnel changes or additions, information on new businesses, columns written by prominent area business people, profiles on important people in our community and features on subjects relevant to current business today are just some of the areas covered in Strictly Business. Learn more at strictly-business.com.

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy was thrilled with the turnout of their Secret S a n t a H a p py H o u r at Zipline Beer Hall December 13. The event was sponsored by AseraCare Hospice, Capital Care Staffing, Connected Care Services and Nebraska LTC Pharmacy.

During the event, the highlight was the conclusion of their Secret Santa for Seniors 2023 initiative, where attendees contributed donations aimed at benefiting local seniors facing various needs. This heartwarming effort not only brought the community together for a festive gathering, but also showcased the collective commitment of these organizations toward supporting and bringing joy to seniors in the region.

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy was created to fill a need in the community for a pharmacy that did more than just count pills and slap labels.

Their goal is to continue to offer the “small town” level of customer service while providing the highest level of care for their patients.

There are no automated systems or punching in prescription numbers – just great personal care. Nebraska LTC Pharmacy wants to help you with your medications and preserve your independence.

As a locally owned company dedicated to providing great personal care, Nebraska LTC Pharmacy strives to provide individualized patient care that sets them apart from chain stores and pharmacies.

They don’t just care about your medication, they care about you. To learn more, visit www.neltcpharmacy.com or call the Lincoln office at (402) 328-0231.

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24/7 Emergency: 800.928.3732 | Local: 402.318.3737 | jeff.carstens@1800waterdamage.com

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2024

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BUSINESS NEWS HBAL Announces 52nd Annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show Scheduled for February Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) is excited to announce that exhibitor contracts are available for the 52nd Annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show to be held February 9-11 at the Sandhills Global Event Center located at 84th & Havelock Ave. Show hours are Friday, 1-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. With over 50 years of history in Lincoln, it's a community favorite!

Reach a year's worth of customers in three days! Even with today’s online presence, most homeowners believe face-to-face contact is the best source of home improvement information. The Home & Garden Show, which is sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, provides a great opportunity to have "face-time" with potential customers. With over 12,000 attendees, it is the largest show in the market.

Professionals who display their products and services include: • New Home Construction • Remodeling • Kitchens & Bathrooms • Pools & Spas • Heating & Air Conditioning • Landscaping & Water Features • Fencing • Windows, Roofing & Siding • Financial & Professional Services Exhibitor contracts are available online at www.hbal.org/buildershome-garden-show/exhibitors or by calling the HBAL office at (402) 423-4225.

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T) 402-483-6656 1221 N Street | Suite 800 Lincoln, NE 68508 www.WillekeFinancialGroup.com

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Kenl Inn Introduces S.T.A.R. Puppy Classes Kenl Inn is excited to announce they are offering S.T.A.R. Puppy Classes for pups eight weeks to four months old.

Their experienced trainers will guide your puppy through socialization, basic obedience and potty training. Plus, they provide a fun and positive environment for your pup to learn in. Give your puppy the best start in life with their six-week program!

Wouldn’t it be nice if your dog didn’t jump up? Beg at the table?

Charge out the door when you open it? Good training is essential to provide for the safety and happiness of your dog as well as to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. When training, it's important to recognize that each dog is unique, with its own temperament and personality traits. Some dogs may be laid back, others hyperactive and some may be shy and in need of extra confidence. Understanding and adapting training techniques to suit the individual needs of your dog is key, as there isn't a one-size-fitsall approach. Patient and consistent training, tailored to your dog's specific characteristics, contributes to a harmonious relationship and a well-behaved canine companion.

Set on 44 acres just outside of Lincoln, Kenl Inn is devoted to providing the best possible care for your pets. For more information visit www. kenl-inn.com, or contact (402) 488-8190 / dian@kenl-inn.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

All furniture, equipment, & utilities included plus free parking!

We provide professional and affordable office space near downtown that fits your budget & schedule; giving you the leverage you need to pursue new opportunities without committing to a long term lease.

402.434.3300 | LincolnOfficeRental.com JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Nebraska Enterprise Fund to Host 2024 Legal Series for Business Owners Monthly

TradeGamz Operating in Seven States

Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF) will be hosting a hybrid Legal Series for Business Owners with experts from Cline Williams monthly. Topics will be announced as the events get closer.

Join NEF for an informative and engaging event designed specifically for small business owners like you! Their Legal Series for Business Owners is your opportunity to gain valuable insights and guidance on legal matters that may affect your business.

During this event, expert speakers will cover a range of legal topics relevant to business owners, including contract law, intellectual property, employment law and more. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and network with fellow entrepreneurs in a relaxed setting.

Event dates include: January 9, February 13, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12 and December 10. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your legal knowledge and protect your business. Reserve your spot today!

The Nebraska Enterprise Fund was launched in 1994 to assist in procuring grant and loan funds to meet long-term operational and lending needs. They provide business development services and financing to micro and small businesses across the state. For more information about NEF and their services, go to www.nebbiz.org or contact (402) 685-5500 / nef@nebbiz.org to inquire about what it looks like to be a client.

Did you know that TradeGamz has already gown to seven states?

Companies from Nevada, Minnesota, South Dakota, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska have shared content!

TradeGamz is a platform for helping students and job seekers find their path to a happy and successful career by connecting with businesses and professionals for career exploration and opportunities. Students and job seekers are able to explore different industries and career opportunities and learn directly from the professionals already doing it. TradeGamz works with educators and professionals to share their knowledge and experience as it relates to their career. With professional insight, experience and education, students and job seekers will be able to identify their areas of interest and connect directly with businesses on the platform.

Businesses and professionals have the opportunity to promote their company and their work. Your business will be able to accept resumes and applications from students and job seekers that have watched your content and are interested in your business, whether that be during high school, during college or when entering a career.

TradeGamz gives you a platform to help solve your workforce problems by offering student education and engagement, and the opportunity to expand your business and workforce.

Take the next step in educating the emerging workforce and promoting your business with TradeGamz at www.TradeGamz.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS McGill Law to Host Nebraska Collaborative Law Training February 2-3 McGill Law is exited to host a Nebraska Collaborative Law Training course February 2 and 3 at 3120 Pierce St. Omaha, NE, 68144. On Friday, February 2, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 3, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., they will focus on introductory interdisciplinary collaborative law.

In this step-by-step, interactive two-day training, attendees will learn the Collaborative Law approach to conflict resolution and how to incorporate this revolutionary process into their practice. This program will be valuable to all professionals interested in transforming their dispute resolution practice, including attorneys, financial specialists, mental health professionals and mediators.

This training is designed for family law attorneys, psychologists, therapists and other mental health professionals, and financial professionals, child development and co-parenting specialists as well as anyone assisting family clients in conflict.

Registration and Tuition Information: Attorney Registration: by January 26 – $700 Mental Health & Financial Professionals Registration: by January 26 – $500 A $50 discount is available if participants print and bring their own presentation material.

Meals and snacks are included in the registration fee. To register, visit mcgilllawyers.com/nebraska-collaborative-law-training.

McGill Law is a woman-owned and operated family law firm practicing collaborative law, collaborative mediation, mediation and litigation. To contact McGill Law, call (402) 548-5418 or email info@ McGillLawyers.com. For more information, go to McGillLawyers.com.

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Blue Kangaroo Packoutz Comes to Nebraska with New Location Opening Blue Kangaroo Packoutz (BKP), the contents cleaning and restoration service dedicated to restoring items to a pre-loss condition, is opening its first-ever Nebraska location in Omaha at 14539 Industrial Rd. The restoration services giant is backed by BELFOR Franchise Group, a brand management company based in Michigan that backs 13 different franchises and works with thousands of franchisees across the country.

The location opened in November, 2023 and is owned and operated

by Phillip and Leigh Daly. Whereas other businesses focus on restoring homes and business spaces after disaster strikes, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz is 100% dedicated to restoring the meaningful items that get damaged and destroyed during these disasters. The contents restoration company has a proven track record of expertly restoring various sentimental items, from furniture and valuable artwork to precious photographs and other beloved family heirlooms.

Since its founding in 2019, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz has successfully worked with property owners, insurance adjusters and restoration contractors to restore customers’ valued items as efficiently as possible. Since thinking outside the box starts with caring about what is inside the box, BKP has developed an extensive inventory and damage evaluation process to ensure each item is returned to its rightful home once their work is done.

To request a service from Blue Kangaroo Packoutz of Omaha/ Lincoln, call them at (402) 243-1600. For more information, visit bluekangaroopackoutz.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

A local-family owned residential remodeling company that specializes in kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling as well as flooring install and repair.

402-853-6713 • ctconstructionlincoln.com JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Sun Valley Lanes & Games Announces Winter Leagues and Activities

Krueger Development Announces Opening of Tenant The Body Lab

Fro m yo u t h t o s e n i o r s a n d recreational to competitive, Sun Valley Lanes & Games has a wide variety of leagues for all ages and skill levels.

Express leagues occur every Monday at 7 p.m. Their next express league will begin on Monday, January 15. It’s not too late to get your team registered. Register at form.jotform. com/232417178628058.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you step into their modern facilities. Just picture it: 32 top-notch bowling lanes, each outfitted with state-of-the-art Hyper Bowling technology, ensuring that you will have a blast, whether you’re a bowling pro or just looking for a recreational time on the lanes.

Though bowling isn’t an option for those not in a league a lot of times during the week, people are still welcome to come out and play laser tag and Lucky Putt as well as explore the arcade. Sun Valley Lanes & Games has plenty of fun options inside when it’s so cold outside.

Sun Valley Lanes & Games is a leading entertainment hub in Lincoln, offering various activities for individuals and groups, from state-ofthe-art bowling lanes to laser tag, Lucky Putt mini-golf and much more. To learn more, call (402) 475-3469 or visit sunvalleylanes.com.

K r u e g e r Development is thrilled to announce that The Body Lab is opening a new recovery and yoga studio. The Body Lab Chiropractic & PT is expanding to bring cutting edge recovery amenities to south Lincoln.

The Body Lab Recovery will be home to a stateof-the-art cold plunge tub, infrared sauna and yoga & mobility classes. Patrons will have the option of memberships or a la carte drop-in services.

For more information about The Body Lab, visit thebodylablnk.com or contact Rachel@thebodylablnk.com / (531) 510-0726.

For more than 30 years, the family owned and operated Krueger Development has contributed to Lincoln’s commercial and residential marketplace by developing communities, retail centers and multifamily residences. For more information about available commercial spaces, contact Krueger Development at (402) 423-7377 or visit kruegerdevelopment.com.

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2024

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BUSINESS NEWS James Arthur Vineyards Hosting Valentine’s Events February 9-10 James Arthur Vineyards (JAV) is looking forward to hosting several events F ebr uary in honor of Valentine’s Day. Nestled in the heart of picturesque vineyards, JAV is poised to create enchanting moments for visitors seeking a unique and memorable experience.

James Arthur Vineyards will be hosting a Valentine’s Buffet at 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m. on Friday, February 9. Enjoy a chocolate-inspired buffet of entrees, sides and desserts with your choice of a bottle of JAV wine.

Evening includes romantic music from acoustic artist Jerry Renaud.

Tickets are $80 per couple (or think of it as $40 per person). For more information or to purchase tickets for one of the three seating times, visit jamesarthurvineyards.com/valentine-buffets-feb-9.

James Arthur Vineyards will also be hosting Meet-You-Winemaker Valentine’s Dinner on February 10 starting at 6:30 p.m. The dinner will feature a five-course meal with select JAV wines paired with each course in their party room. Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased at jamesarthurvineyards.com/events/meet-yourwinemaker-valentines-dinner-2. Enjoy a romantic evening out with your significant other at James Arthur Vineyards!

LUNCH BUFFET & DINNER Monday - Sunday | 11am - 9pm Dine-in, Carryout, and Delivery available

8340 Glynoaks Drive Lincoln, NE 68516

(531) 500-5402 pizzavics.com

Looking into March, make sure your Saturdays are free. From noon to 9 p.m. every Saturday, James Arthur Vineyards will be hosting March Junk Food Pairings, where they will pair six wines from their menu with popular junk foods such as popcorn, Doritos and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The menu will change each week throughout March. No reservations necessary, and it costs $10.50 to try their unique pairings.

Established in 1996, James Arthur Vineyards is nestled amidst 400 acres of rolling hills and natural prairie grasslands minutes north of Lincoln near Raymond, NE. The surrounding beauty creates a picturesque setting for their winery, which houses an immaculate tasting room, a gift shop, a stunning party room and all the production facilities. Since opening its front doors, JAV has hosted thousands of visitors from all over the world. Everyone is encouraged to sample from a wide variety of wines, stroll the grounds or sit under the covered deck by the waterfall – or enjoy an intimate setting by a warm crackling fire in the tasting room during those cold winter days, all while sipping some of Nebraska’s finest. For more information about the vineyard and their holiday events, go to jamesarthurvineyards.com or call (402) 783-5255.

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

JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS SCORE Lincoln to Host “What’s Involved in Starting a Small Business” Workshop February 10

Your Ticket to Relaxed • Complimentary drinks and snacks.

• Noise-free productivity space.

• Grab-and-go menu.

Register as a Frequent Flyer & enjoy the Flyer Club Lounge.

APPLY TODAY!

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2024

SCORE Lincoln is hosting a “What’s Involved in Starting a Small Business” workshop Saturday, February 10. The event will take place at Turbine Flats from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. SCORE Lincoln’s workshop helps startups and small business owners get answers to essential questions necessary to starting or running a business. You will learn about: business plans, financing, accounting, marketing, legal and insurance.

The full day costs $49, including lunch.

The registration fee will be reimbursed

by Community Development Resources upon attendance at the workshop. To register, please visit www.lincoln.score.org. Attendees may also sign up with SCORE for FREE one-on-one mentoring. What other clients have found is that taking this class helped them gain valuable information.

Tentative Agenda: 8:15-8:25 a.m.

Welcome and Introductions 8:25-8:30 a.m.

Farshad Maltes, Executive Director, Community Development Resources 8:35-9:50 a.m.

Practical Accounting / Sales & Use Tax for Small Business (Rand Hansen, CPA) 10-10:50 a.m.

Business Plan (Steve Bors) 11-11:50 a.m.

Insurance Needs of Small Business (Colten Zamrzla, Cornhusker Insurance Agency) noon-12:30 p.m.

LUNCH 12:30-1:20 p.m.

Traditional Marketing (Kathy Reiter, The Career Academy/SECC) 1:30-2:20 p.m.

Legal Structures for Small Business (Trev Peterson, Knudsen Law Firm) 2:30-3:20 p.m.

Online Marketing (TBA) 3:30-4:20 p.m.

Financing Your Business (Jim Reiff, Nebraska Enterprise Fund) 4:20-4:30 p.m. Evaluations & Closing SCORE Lincoln, the local chapter of the nation’s largest network of expert business mentors, is a nonprofit organization and a partner of the SBA. Dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground and achieve their business goals, SCORE has provided FREE mentorship and education to more than 11 million entrepreneurs since 1964.

Services offered by SCORE include mentoring, webinars/courses on demand, a library of online resources and various local events. For more information about SCORE, or upcoming workshops and events, visit www.lincoln.score.org or call (402) 870-1821. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS

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Omaha Fashion Week Announces Designer Lineup for February 2024 AUDACIOUS Season O m a h a F a s h i o n We e k (OFW) is highlighting themes of reckless self-expression during their Spring 2024 AUDACIOUS Season. As they focus on fashion-for-good, they honor the audacity it takes to use our voices to create meaningful change in our communities. This season's designers draw inspiration from nature and unconventional materials while exploring themes of feminism and cultural heritage. Their inspirations manifest through streetwear, bridal gowns, eveningwear, avant garde and even swimwear lines! You’ll see global influence over the collection’s aesthetics from Japan to Ukraine, Kenya to Cuba, Colombia and India.

Throughout the week, they will be showcasing 20 Emerging Designers and 14 Featured designers who will present their collections during three nights of the Spring 2024: AUDACIOUS Season. OFW will be welcoming back beloved high school students from across the state as well as college students from University of Nebraska-Lincoln for their annual spring student night. Finally, they will be featuring multiple Headlining Designers including one of their Golden Shears award winners from the Fall 2023 season.

They have 13 designers returning to their runways as well as 21 designers who are brand new to their show. This group is from all over the U.S., including local Nebraskans, neighbors in Iowa, Kansas and Missouri, and a few making the trek from California, Texas, Louisiana, Illinois and Colorado.

OFW Spring showcases are scheduled for February 21-24 at Omaha Design Center. Tickets are currently on sale for Omaha Fashion Week.

For more information, please visit omahafashionweek.com.

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HealthcareX to Host Lincoln Career Fair January 8 HealthcareX will be hosting a Lincoln Career Fair on January 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This virtual job fair will occur with JobFairX, who match job seekers with employers who have registered for the event.

If your qualifications align with a job, you’ll receive an email inviting you to schedule an interview during the fair.

When you express interest in a specific career path, their system springs into action. If a job aligns with your career path and skills, you’ll promptly receive a notification through email. Within that email, you’ll find the opportunity to schedule an on-the-spot interview, ensuring you’re immediately on the radar of your potential future employer.

JobFairX provides a seamless virtual interview experience, allowing you to attend interviews effortlessly. No matter which device you prefer, you can conveniently interview on the day of the event. If you need to reschedule your interview, simply log into your JobFairX account and navigate to your dashboard. On the dashboard, you will find the scheduled interview section, where you’ll see the details of your interview. Alongside the interview details, you will find an option to reschedule. Click on the reschedule option, and you’ll be able to choose alternative times. It’s important to maintain open communication with the employer, so be sure to inform them of the situation and provide suitable alternative options.

To learn more or register for the Lincoln Career Fair hosted by HealthcareX, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/lincoln-job-fair-lincolncareer-fair-tickets-742526495737?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Free Home Visit Consultation by a Pharmacist + Free Delivery + Free Blister Packaging + Free Expired/Old Medicine Disposal + On Site Vaccines + No Automated Systems, Just Great Care!

We Accept All Insurance Plans neltcpharmacy.com | 402.328.0231 JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

17

BUSINESS NEWS Lincoln YPG to Host Mini Golf Tournament January 19

Embrace the New You in the New Year at Ovation Salon & House of Wigs

L i n c o l n Y P G ( Yo u n g Professionals Group) is excited to host a Mini Golf Tournament on January 19 at Sun Valley Lanes & Games. The event will occur from 3 to 5 p.m. Swing into a night of competitive fun with our Young Professionals Mini Golf Tournament! Whether you're a putting pro or a first-time swinger, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow young professionals in a relaxed and entertaining setting.

Learn more and register at www.lincolnypg.com/events/ event/13507495-mini-golf-tournament. Single Putter prices are $25/YP Member and $30/non-member. Get a team of four together for $100!

Lincoln keeps its young professionals here by fostering a collaborative community enriched with a bolstering economy, connectivity and endless opportunities for its people to flourish. Lincoln Young Professionals group believes in Lincoln, members can make the difference they want to see, develop a career that is pleasing to them and grow into the professional that they want to be.

The Lincoln Young Professionals Group is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership and networking opportunities. To learn more or join, visit LincolnYPG.com.

Ovation Salon & House of Wigs extends a warm invitation to kick start 2024 with a focus on self-care and rejuvenation!

With a commitment to providing exceptional hair, skin and wax services from expert stylists, they aim to be a go-to destination for a fresh start and revitalized you. Ovation Salon & House of Wigs also goes beyond these traditional salon services by offering specialized wig services from highly-trained experts who can help individuals facing medically induced hair loss or those seeking wigs strictly for fashion purposes, empowering everyone to embrace their desired look with confidence.

Step into the New Year with Ovation Salon & House of Wigs, where every visit is an opportunity to redefine your beauty and celebrate the unique essence of you.

Ovation Salon & House of Wigs offers a full menu of spa services to help you relax, refresh and renew. In addition to their salon services, they also offer an extensive selection of wigs and hairpieces. They’d love to assist in helping make the choice for the perfect hair style!

Consultations and fittings are done in a private room – for your comfort. Their experienced team provides the highest standards with quality products from the most trusted names in the beauty industry. To schedule an appointment, call (402) 467-4646. For more information, visit ovation.salon.

Happy New Year from Oak Electric!

402-440-5969 | www.oakelectriccompany.com 18

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BUSINESS NEWS TFLC Recaps 2023 Great American Smokeout The 2023 Great American Smokeout (GASO) campaign, celebrated during Cessation Week (November 12-18), saw collaboration across Lancaster County and beyond, with nearly 30 organizations participating, including Tobacco Free Lancaster County (TFLC). These organizations promoted quitting to their staff, clients and the community.

For over 40 years, the American Cancer Society has championed the annual Great American Smokeout event to empower people to become tobacco-free. Businesses like yours can help promote tobacco-free lifestyles by providing quit resources and information, implementing tobacco-free policies and creating a supportive atmosphere for those battling tobacco addiction.

A highlight of the 2023 campaign was distributing over 250 quit kits to participating organizations. The kits included mints, gum, toothpaste, a toothbrush, fidgets and materials for individuals ready to quit tobacco. Need quit kits for your organization? Contact TFLC at info@tobaccofreelancastercounty.org.

The campaign also supplied participating organizations with flavored coffee creamers, tea and hot cocoa products alongside education on the impact of flavored tobacco products. Providing this fun refreshment break allowed for learning and served as an opportunity to share quit stories, exchange resources and reinforce a sense of community.

GASO isn’t the only time people try to quit. Many individuals try to quit tobacco as a New Year’s resolution. Research shows that quitting tobacco may take several tries but remember that each try is gold and worthy of celebration! To start planning your quit, call the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. About 34 million American adults still smoke cigarettes, and smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. Smoking causes an estimated 480,000 deaths every year, or about one in five deaths.

While the rates of cigarette smoking have declined over the past several decades, from 42% in 1965 to 14% in 2019, the gains have been inconsistent. Some groups smoke more heavily or at higher rates and suffer disproportionately from smoking-related cancer and other diseases. These populations tend to be those who experience inequities in multiple areas of their lives, including those at lower socioeconomic levels, those without college degrees, American Indians/Alaska natives, African American/Black communities, LGBTQ communities, those in the military, those with behavioral health conditions and others.

No matter your age or how long you’ve been smoking, quitting improves health both immediately and over the long term. Giving up smoking is a journey, and it can be hard, but you can increase your chances of success with a good plan and support. Getting help through counseling and medications doubles or even triples your chances of quitting successfully.

Funding provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

For more information about Tobacco Free Lancaster County, visit tobaccofreelancastercounty.org.

At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local professionals for their significant awards, promotions, achievements and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Lincoln community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha. com or submit your news at strictly-business.com.

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JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

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WAS YOUR BUSINESS

FOUNDED LINCOLN? IN

CELEBRATING BUSINESSES THAT BEGAN IN LINCOLN & STRIVES TO BETTER THE COMMUNITY

Strictly Business Magazine is preparing to run our

FOUNDED IN LINCOLN special feature in the February issue!

Inclusion in the feature involves a 200-word write-up sharing the story of how your business was founded as well as your business logo!

Contact Strictly Business

TODAY if your organization qualifies! editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com | (402) 466-3330 20

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BUSINESS NEWS LIBA to Host Luncheon January 16 Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) will host their monthly LIBA Luncheon on Tuesday, January 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Jasmine Room by Venue located at 129 N 10th St. Registration prior to the event is highly encouraged.

LIBA believes in: • A pro-growth environment that gives entrepreneurs more control and makes it easier to do business.

• Cooperation and transparency in government to solve the most pressing issues.

• An inclusive and interconnected business community to create meaningful connections and support small businesses.

The Lincoln Independent Business Association is always invested in providing development and educational opportunities to their members with front-row access to leaders and decision makers in the Lincoln business community. Among their many mission-driven efforts, LIBA strives to support political candidates who understand and promote the free enterprise system. Learn more about becoming a member and other upcoming events at liba.org. You can also call the office, located at 3601 Calvert St., at (402) 466-3419.

Craft Axe Throwing Lincoln Offering Promotion during Law Enforcement Appreciation Week In recognition of Law Enforcement Appreciation Week, observed from January 7 to January 13, Craft Axe Throwing, a leading provider of axe throwing experiences, expresses heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated men and women in law enforcement who tirelessly serve our communities. As a gesture of gratitude, Craft Axe Throwing is pleased to announce a special offer of 20% off throwing experiences for all law enforcement officers during this week.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Week is an annual event held to honor and thank law enforcement officers for their unwavering commitment to public safety. Craft Axe Throwing acknowledges the sacrifices and hard work of law enforcement officers and aims to provide a unique and enjoyable experience as a token of appreciation.

“We are immensely grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers. Law Enforcement Appreciation Week gives us the perfect opportunity to express our gratitude and offer a token of appreciation,” said Travis Cornelius, Founder of Craft Axe Throwing. “We invite all law enforcement officers to join us for an unforgettable axe throwing experience as a small gesture of thanks for their service to our communities.”

To avail the 20% discount, law enforcement officers simply need to present their valid identification at any Craft Axe Throwing location during the specified dates. The offer is valid exclusively from January 7 to January 13.

Craft Axe Throwing Lincoln encourages our community to come together to support and appreciate law enforcement officers during this important week. For more information about Craft Axe Throwing and the Law Enforcement Appreciation Week offer, please visit craftaxethrowing.com/event/law-enforcement-appreciation. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Nebraska Christmas Lights Show Open through January 3 The highly anticipated Nebraska Christmas Lights Show returned to Lincoln this holiday season with a spectacle of lights, music and enchanting displays that captivated visitors of all ages. Through January 3, the event will be open at Star City Shores, 4375 S 33rd St., offering an ideal drive-through route for attendees to enjoy the magic of the season from the comfort of their vehicles.

Ticket pricing for this exceptional event is structured per vehicle, making it an excellent value for both large groups and families looking to create cherished memories together. Further ticket details and online reservations can be found at the official website, www.

NebraskaChristmasLightsShow.com.

The Nebraska Christmas Lights Show has curated a truly remarkable display, featuring an abundance of lights, props, and computerized effects all choreographed to a festive soundtrack. Adding to the charm, the show includes appearances by beloved characters such as the Grinch, Yeti, Santa and his elves, creating a magical experience for onlookers in their vehicles. For additional information and updates, interested individuals can visit NebraskaChristmasLightsShow.com.

Brewsky's Food & Spirits Presents Blazin' Pianos Dueling Piano Show Brewsky's Food & Spirits is thrilled to offer Blazin' Pianos Dueling Piano Show every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight – the doors open at 7 p.m.. Located at 201 N 8th St., Bewsky’s brings in some of the nation's BEST dueling piano players. There is a $5 cover charge with other items available for purchase.

This is a fun SING-ALONG that gets all ages involved. Birthday parties, bachelorettes, anniversaries, graduations – you name the occasion and you can celebrate at Blazin' Pianos! Make reservations online or by calling (402) 328-2739.

The founders are individuals who appreciate excellent cuisine, quality beer, thrilling sports and the company of great people. This shared passion led to the inception of the inaugural Brewsky's sports grill and bar in 1990, a concept that persists and thrives under their guidance to the present day. Today, Brewsky's sports bar has grown from its first location at 16th and South Streets in Lincoln to include five venues throughout Lincoln and Omaha. Learn more at brewskys.com.

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

JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business 21

BUSINESS NEWS Two More Casey’s Convenience Stores Coming to Lincoln

Make-A-Wish Nebraska Presents Wish Ball: Dare to Wish February 17

Casey's General Stores, one of the largest convenience store chains in Lincoln, is expanding its footprint with the recent acquisition of two former EZ GO stations in December 2023, according to real estate transactions. This strategic move suggests Casey's continued commitment to growth and service expansion in the Lincoln area, potentially offering customers even more convenience and a broader range of products and services. The acquisition reflects the dynamic nature of the convenience store industry and Casey's dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its clientele in the region.

Casey's General Stores is a well-established and prominent convenience store chain with its roots dating back to its founding in 1959 in Des Moines, IA. The company has since grown to become a leading provider of fuel, food and convenience products, serving communities primarily in the Midwestern and Southern regions of the United States.

Headquartered in Ankeny, IA, Casey's is known for its extensive network of convenience stores strategically located in rural and suburban areas. These locations cater to communities where larger retail chains may be less accessible, emphasizing the company's commitment to providing essential products and services to a diverse customer base.

Casey's General Stores, commonly known as Casey's, is a chain of convenience stores that offers a variety of products and services.

Learn more and find a location close to you at www.caseys.com.

Make-A-Wish Nebraska is excited for their Wish Ball: Dare to Wish on February 17 at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln. The event costs $150 per ticket and is set to occur from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Throughout the evening, event attendees will be able to take part in their silent and live auctions, and hear about the impact a wish can have on local children battling critical illnesses.

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For more information, including how to purchase tickets, please visit daretomakeawish.org.

A wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with a critical illness. This belief guides everything those at Make-A-Wish do. It inspires them to grant life-changing wishes for children going through so much. It compels them to be creative in exceeding the expectations of every wish kid. It drives them to make donated resources go as far as possible. Most of all, it's the founding principle of their vision to grant the wish of every eligible child.

Wishes are more than just a nice thing. And they are far more than gifts, or singular events in time. Wishes impact everyone involved – wish kids, volunteers, donors, sponsors, medical professionals and communities. For wish kids, just the act of making their wish come true can give them the courage to comply with their medical treatments.

Parents might finally feel like they can be optimistic. And still others might realize all they have to offer the world through volunteer work or philanthropy. Learn more about Make-A-Wish at wish.org.

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JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Roxxy and The Stuffed Olive Invite You to the Grand Opening in The Capitol District January 10 Both Roxxy and The Stuffed Olive venues are cutting the ribbon for their Grand Opening on January 10 from 4 to 6 p.m.! You will find both awesome venues next to each other at 1100 Capitol Avenue, Suites 104 and 105 in the Downtown Capitol District.

These unique bars are hand-built from artists and enthusiasts with a passion for creativity and design. Both venues will pull you out of the ordinary and into a world of imagination. Whether you are looking for a time warp back to the 80s and 90s with groovy vibes or a modern, elegant lounge for martinis and shareable plates with friends or colleagues, they have it in the downtown Capitol District.

Roxxy is an upscale, retro food and beverage concept that features nostalgic-themed décor from the era of the ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000’s. For more information about Roxxy, visit www. roxxyomaha.com.

The Stuffed Olive is a modern and sophisticated martini bar with over 100+ hand crafted martinis, cocktails and shareable tapa plates. For more information about The Stuffed Olive, visit www. thestuffedolive.com/omaha.

Harmonic Hospitality Group is committed to three things: people, service and experience, all while taking whatever steps necessary to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for both guests and employees at any of their locations. Learn more about all their exclusive venues at www.harmonichg.com.

ECHO Collective Helps a Woman in Lincoln Expand her Business ECHO Collective is proud to have helped Carmen Castillo expand her business. The organization connects immigrants and refugees with one another and helps them with their business ventures.

Carmen Castillo kicked off her party prop and decorating business, RC Party Accents, at her daughter’s seventh birthday party almost five years ago. She wanted to build party props and rent them out, but she learned people needed her help to see the final vision. When Castillo wanted to take her business further, she discovered ECHO Collective. She finished the ECHO Collective program in May 2022.

ECHO Collective connects and empowers refugee and immigrant women by providing opportunities for personal growth and building cross-cultural relationships in a nurturing environment.

ECHO Collective helps refugee and immigrant women overcome the barriers that they face in rebuilding their lives in the United States.

Their entrepreneurship and creative programs focus on sparking connections that surpass language, and their desire is to see every refugee and immigrant confidently call Lincoln “home.”

Part of ECHO Collective is The ECHO Shop, a unique retail experience offering artisanal products made by entrepreneurs who have graduated from their entrepreneurship programs. Learn more at echocollectivene.org/the-echo-shop.

ECHO Collective envisions a world where women can grow and belong within themselves and their communities. Learn more about ECHO Collective at echocollectivene.org.

St Paul United Methodist Church Present Concerts by Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center Swift Announces January Events Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Lincoln. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Taylor Swift at St Paul United Methodist Church under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift will be held at St Paul United Methodist Church on January 12 at 6:30 and 8:45 p.m. Each performance will last for one hour. The doors will open 45 minutes prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted. Children must be at least eight years old and anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can be purchased at tinyurl.com/lincolncandles. Reschedule hassle-free or claim a refund when you cancel up to 48 hours before the start time.

Ticket pricing for the 6:30 p.m. show is as follows: • Balcony: $24 • Zone C: $33.50 • Zone B: $43.50 Ticket pricing for the 8:45 p.m. show is as follows: • Balcony: $24 • Zone C: $25 • Zone B: $34 • Zone A: $46 Concerts by Candlelight offer an intimate and unique musical experience set in beautiful and historic venues lit by the gentle glow of candles. Talented musicians perform a wide range of music genres, from classical to modern, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the performance and relax in the soothing atmosphere. Learn more at tinyurl.com/lincolncandles. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center is thrilled to announce their upcoming events, including their Winter Walkabout on January 6 and New Year Holiday Open House January 14.

Winter Walkabout Join Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center for their Winter Walkabout event on Saturday, January 6. The walk will take place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center located at 11700 SW 100th St., Denton, NE. This leisurely stroll through the winter tallgrass involves looking for animal tracks and chatting about what birds and beasts do to survive the winter. This event has free admission (donations welcome). Please register so they know how many people to plan for. Learn more and register at springcreek.audubon.org/events/winter-walkabout.

New Year Holiday Open House Join Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center for their New Year Holiday Open House on Sunday, January 14. The open house will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center located at 11700 SW 100th St., Denton, NE. Their New Year Holiday Open House features live music, delicious homemade treats and cider, a craft room for all to make repurposed and recycled decorations and time to chat with all of their amazing friends. The outdoor trails will also be open for a winter walkabout through the tallgrass prairie. Admission is free and all are welcome!

Learn more at springcreek.audubon.org/events/new-year-holidayopen-house.

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center strives to conserve and restore the habitats we share with all wildlife, focusing on the needs of birds.

Learn more at springcreek.audubon.org.

JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS LUX Center for the Arts Presents Gifted: Annual Holiday Show 2023

Constellation Studios Presents Holiday Show and Sale

Join LUX Center for the Arts for a magical holiday experience at their Annual Holiday Show, Gifted! This free show will be recurring daily from 5 to 8 p.m. until February 17 at LUX Center for the Arts located at 2601 N 48th St. Learn more at www.luxcenter.org/ exhibitions/gifted-annual-holiday-show-2023.

Constellation Studios is thrilled to present their Holiday Show and Sale: 10 Years/100 Works/$100 through January 16. They will be having an Anniversary Party Event on Tuesday, January 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.

This special showing and sale event celebrates the season and the 10th year Anniversary (January 2014) of Constellation Studios gallery and print, paper & book art facility. Help to celebrate their accomplishments and learn about their exciting future goals. Choose an outstanding work of art by artist members and guests, featured pieces are $100 each. This will support programs, artists-in-residence, national level exhibitions and the creative future for Constellation Studios! Your support helps to further opportunities and enrichment in our community.

For further information contact karen@constellation-studios.net / (402)429-8239.

Constellation Studios connects creatives through art. They harness passion and facilitate collaboration. They provide tools, teach history and cheer innovation. Through traditional and innovative print crafts, Constellation Studios connects passion to production, handcraft to trained eye. They transmit knowledge and offer curatorial insight. They create and educate. They develop artists and engage community. In an electric atmosphere, Constellation Studios puts energy to work. Learn more at constellation-studios.net.

This enchanting show will immerse you in the festive spirit as you explore a stunning collection of art and fine crafts from over 40 local and national artists. Gifted is set to be a holiday shopping extravaganza like no other, featuring an array of unique and handcrafted treasures that will make perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Lux’s carefully curated selection includes exquisite handmade pottery, festive holiday ornaments, stunning jewelry, captivating paintings, elegant prints, beautiful textiles and creative toys for the little ones. You'll discover that one-of-a-kind, thoughtful gift that will bring joy to your loved ones this holiday season.

Don't miss this opportunity to kick off the holiday season with style and substance. Gifted is where magic and artistry meet, and your presence is the final touch that will make it truly unforgettable. See you there!

The LUX Center for the Arts makes art happen in Lincoln. In their classrooms, youth and adults discover the joys of pottery, printmaking, painting, jewelry, drawing and more. Learn more at luxcenter.org.

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Cruise & Associates We Work For People Who Work Tax • Payroll • Accounting 402-466-1969 | Cruise-Associates.com 26

Strictly Business JANUARY 2024

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New Year, New Team,

New Opportunities The Strictly Business team is excited for another year of serving our clients, readers and friends! Most of all, we’re looking forward to all the new businesses and organizations we’ll have the opportunity to partner with in 2024. If you’re goals include increasing profitability, credibility, likability and your online presence, it’s time to call us!

When working with us, you’ll also be impressed with our team – for those already working with us, we have a new team coming into 2024 that we didn’t have last January.

We are small but mighty, and we’re 100% dedicated to giving our advertisers the best experience possible.

Make us a part of your 2024 marketing plan! shae@strictlybusinessomaha.com | (402) 466-3330 #PrintProudDigitalSmart

JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

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STAR CITY SIX

CHASE

Chase Orsborn

GENERAL FIRE AND SAFETY Meet Chase Orsborn, Fire Safety Specialist at General Fire and Safety.

Tell us a little about your business. - For six decades, General Fire and Safety has been a consistent partner in safeguarding businesses with expertise in an array of fire protection services. From Fire Sprinkler and Fire Alarm systems to specialized Fire Suppression including Restaurant Ansul Systems, Clean Agent Fire Suppression and Portable Fire Extinguishers, we continue to provide our clients fire protection solutions. Guided by a commitment to excellence, our team has steadily expanded in Lincoln, driven by our dedication to exceptional customer service.

How did you get started in the business? - A close friend who worked as a supervisor for fire alarm installations approached me with an intriguing opportunity. He proposed venturing into the fire safety industry, emphasizing the chance to contribute to keeping businesses secure and protected.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Gaining knowledge from challenges and setbacks, utilizing them as steppingstones for personal and professional growth.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Professionally, my most significant accomplishment has been contributing to the establishment of General Fire as a compassionate and reliable fire safety company within our local community.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I find joy in either watching my three boys participate in their extracurricular activities or engaging in active pursuits myself.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - Something interesting that people generally don’t know about me is that I am very artistic. I really enjoy painting acrylic as well as air brushing. Something unique is that I can design and make wedding cakes. It’s a hobby I picked up from my mother when I was young.

Who inspires you? - People who’ve faced severe adversity yet persisted, refusing to surrender and ultimately triumphed by conquering their challenges.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.” – Confucius.

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Precognition: The ability to foresee events or perceive information about the future, aiding in strategic planning and decision-making.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Sprinting. It’s not something that I’ve had to use yet in the fire safety industry and hopefully never will.

Which talent would you most like to have? - Creative writing.

Being able to put words on paper in a way to give them meaning and power.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Health and Nutrition Coaching: I’m deeply passionate about embodying and teaching a healthy lifestyle, finding immense fulfillment in helping others overcome health obstacles they might face.

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

- (402) 261-0116 | chaseo@lincolngfs.com | www.lincolngfs.com

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STAR CITY SIX

TERESA

Teresa Novak

ACCESS FAMILY MEDICINE Meet Teresa Novak, PA-C, Family Practice Physician Assistant at Access Family Medicine.

Tell us a little about your business. - Access Family Medicine was founded by Dr. Todd Johnson and was the first Direct Primary Care clinic in Nebraska. DPC is a health care model which has become increasingly popular, due to both the high levels of patient satisfaction as well as healthcare cost savings. Ours is a membership-based, fullservice family practice that offers increased access to your doctor or P.A. This includes the ability to call or text your provider directly, minimum 30-minute office visits with no copays, same or next-day appointments, wholesale prices on generic medications and lab tests and little or no wait time in the office. We have about 50 businesses who offer membership payments for their employees to provide healthcare benefits.

How did you get started in the business? - It was divine intervention!

My last clinic position was not a good fit for me, my patients or my family. I heard about Access Family Medicine from a colleague. I shadowed Dr. Johnson at the clinic, where I found that direct primary care was not at all what I’d expected. I’d assumed it would be mostly for wealthy people who wanted extra attention and convenience from their doctor. I quickly learned that it is for people of ALL income levels. It gives them those same conveniences, and the membership costs often pay for themselves.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Trying to find a life outside of work! Over my career, the demands from Medicare and health insurance companies have escalated. We’re working harder and longer every year, spending less time with each patient, and running farther behind with longer wait times. Each hour of time spent on direct patient care generates 30 to 60 minutes of paperwork for the provider. When an eight-hour day becomes a 15hour day, no one can keep that pace without burning out. Clinicians change clinics, hoping (in vain) that it will be better at the next place.

I am extremely grateful that I finally found DPC! What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- I’ve been so lucky to have had patients and families follow me for many years through several clinics, and who’ve recommended me to their friends and family members. This has been a huge honor, and those are the only accolades I need. I am disheartened that so many of them don’t know where I’m practicing now, and some others know, but don’t understand what DPC is about.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Making the decision to go to P.A. school. I was a premed major in college at Doane, where I worked nearly full time to pay my own way through. After graduating, I was unable to afford medical school because I had maxed out my allowance for student loans. I didn’t initially consider P.A. school, as my college advisor told me it was a fad that wouldn’t be around for long. I took some lowpaying, science-related jobs for two years after college. One day, I heard about a sorority sister who was attending P.A. school, and she described all the procedures and other cool things she got to do there (basically, the same things that I would have learned to do as an M.D.). It was less expensive, and the allowance for student loans had been increased, so I took the leap, hoping I could just make it work. The course work was brutal! Near the end of the program, I had to take out some “emergency loans” with 12% interest rates, but I paid every cent. Now, 33 years later, I am happy to have proved my college professor wrong!

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

- info@accessdpc.com | (402) 858-1510 | accessdpc.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSHING DEMOLITION

(402) 610-6057

pershingdemolition@gmail.com

Serving Lincoln for 30 + Years

For all your In-home Care needs Our Services are tailored to an Individuals’ specific needs

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Our mission is to design, develop and deliver education and training to assist businesses, industries and organizations to excel.

Quality Our team works with your company to focus on your specific training needs.

Flexible We deliver training where it is convenient for your organization.

Contact Robin Schoettlin at 402-437-2293 or rschoettlin@southeast.edu to learn more!

JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

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“YOUR YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING IS OUR PASSION PASSION”

STAR CITY SIX

ASHLEY

Ashley Freese

AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

luxurylandscape.ne@gmail.com 402.440.7721 | luxurylandscape-llc.com

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Meet Ashley Freese, an Agency Owner at American Family Insurance in Lincoln.

Tell us a little about your business. - We are an insurance agency offering home, auto, life and business insurance. Before becoming an agent, I was on the customer service side of the agent office. I pride myself in providing exceptional customer service with a warm smile.

How did you get started in the business? - I started with American Family in 2015 working for another American Family agent as a customer service representative before being promoted to Office Manager in 2017. In early 2023, I received an amazing opportunity to become an American Family Agency Owner in Lincoln. Helping people is a passion of mine, and being an insurance advisor, I am able to help individuals identify gaps in coverage and recommend endorsements or policies for their unique needs. I honestly never pictured myself being in the insurance business but it turned out with my kind, down to earth personality it turned out to be great fit!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I am a work-a-holic… It has been a challenge to run a small business and separate that from time with my family. However, I am learning to be more disciplined about it. Time with my family comes first and I always need to remember that as my family is my biggest support system in what I do for a living.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to my amazing husband, Max, for the past five-and-a-half years. We have lived in south Lincoln since 2015 and have two children. Our daughter, Adrea, is 14 years old. She attends Lincoln Southwest High School. Our son, Jace, is three years old. We also have two dogs named Edie and Sofie. They are eight years old.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Having one-onone time with each of my kids. My daughter and I enjoy shopping and getting our nails done. We love taking our son to the zoo and the park along with taking walks with our dogs.

Who inspires you? - My parents are my inspiration. They always worked HARD to provide for us kids growing up and made a lot of sacrifices. They instilled the idea that hard work will get you where you want to be and hard work got me to where I am today. I will forever be grateful and wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - If it is to be, it is up to me.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Kind. Our world needs more kindness. I instill this in my children on a daily basis. You don’t know what other people are going through so always be kind.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I speak Spanish. That’s actually what I went to college for and majored in. I don’t use it on a daily basis but I do have a few clients that are Spanish speaking so I do utilize it a bit but not as much as I should.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would love to be a sports commentator or on field sports new reporter… the next Erin Andrews. I am an avid football fan.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - MoMo, hands down! I love Italian food and wine.

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

- www.amfam.com/agents/nebraska/lincoln/ashley-freese | (402) 441-9227 | afreese@amfam.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

Book an EStimatE today!

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Meet Chris Clymer, Sales and Business Development Manager at Hamilton.

Tell us a little about your business. - At Hamilton, we specialize in a diverse array of technology solutions tailored for businesses, including managed IT services, hosted phone systems and cybersecurity.

We pride ourselves on understanding the distinct challenges that businesses encounter and are dedicated to delivering customized, scalable and budget-friendly technology solutions. Our aim is to elevate productivity and optimize operations for our clients by providing tailored, efficient and cost-effective technology solutions.

How did you get started in the business? - I've always found pleasure in comprehending challenges and devising solutions that propel individuals and businesses towards advancement and success.

My fascination with how technology can serve as a protective and progressive asset for businesses made it a seamless and natural fit for me. I'm passionate about leveraging technology to safeguard and enhance businesses, ensuring their growth and success.

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

- While I've always been driven, becoming a parent to my daughter ignited a profound sense of focus on my professional aspirations. It crystallized what I truly wanted to pursue in my career, while also reinforcing the importance of imparting the values of hard work to her. Striving to make her proud has become a guiding force in both my personal and professional life.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy being part of Husker events, whether in person or watching on TV. Spending time with friends, family and our two rescue dogs brings me a lot of happiness. Vacationing near the beach holds a special allure for me; there's something about the ocean that is incredibly relaxing and calming.

Who inspires you? - My dad has always been a dedicated, hard worker who extends a helping hand to anyone in need. He's instilled in me many of the qualities that shape who I am today. I'll forever cherish his selflessness, as he always ensures everyone else is taken care of before himself.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Prefontaine's quote, “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift,” has stuck with me since my running days in high school and college. It reminds me that life gives us one chance, urging me to always strive for my best no matter the challenges. This mindset guides me to give my all and seize every opportunity with dedication and excellence.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Running Down a Dream” by Tom Petty. The song's theme of chasing after dreams despite obstacles and challenges is relatable to various aspects of life. Whether it's striving for personal goals, pursuing a career or navigating life's journey, the message encourages resilience and the willingness to keep pushing forward.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Recognizing songs from the '80s to the 2000s within a five-second snippet of hearing them.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - I love Honest Abe's! It's my top spot for burgers in Lincoln. Their parmesan truffle fries are always a hit.

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

- www.hamiltonisbusiness.com | (402) 580-5567 | chris.clymer@ hamiltontel.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Meet Laura Gain, Certified Pharmacy Tech at Nebraska LTC Pharmacy.

Tell us a little about your business. - We are an independent retail pharmacy that specializes in blister packaging to aid in med compliance and organization of medications.

How did you get started in the business? - Former co-workers asked if I would be interested in joining the team and it was the greatest decision to join the team.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Trying to keep up-to-date with all the knowledge of an ever-changing field.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Being able to help and connect with people on a daily basis.

Tell us a little about your family. - I am a mother of three; my two daughters are 10 and 16, and then my son is almost 11.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Realizing what's important in life and beginning to learn my self-worth.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - What's a day off?!

I bowl in a few leagues and tournaments as well as go to hockey, races at Eagle Raceway and spend time with my kiddos.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I can write backwards in both print and cursive.

Who inspires you? - Any and all, who don't give up.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My favorite quote would be, "Good or bad, everything happens for a reason." The best advice I have received stems from my grandpa teaching me to always meet people and always network.

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “I'll Be Here” by Colbie Caillat and Sheryl Crow.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To create more time... more time in a day... more time in life.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I am artistic.

Which talent would you most like to have? - To be able to do more.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Either a Professional Bowler (just kidding)... an Inspirational Leader.

What local nonprofit organization are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Pink Ladies.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. What is your favorite movie? - It's hard to choose just one, but probably either Save the Last Dance, Elf or a good ol' Hallmark movie!

What is your favorite TV show? - I don't have much time to sit and watch TV, but I do love Criminal Minds.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - Hiro 88 or Olive Garden.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - gainlaura@gmail.com | neltcpharmacy.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

AMANDA

Amanda McKay-Rabe TALON ROOM

Meet Amanda McKay-Rabe, Events Manager at Talon Room.

Tell us a little about your business. - The Talon Room is located in the old Spaghetti Works building downtown Lincoln. With its rich heritage and charm, we are more equipped than ever to execute the event of your dreams. We have a variety of price ranges to fit every budget and event type. Our main focus is all-inclusive wedding weekends, including the rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception. Our second focus is corporate events such as full-day meetings, luncheons, continuing educations, client appreciation events and holiday parties. We are also perfectly located for your Husker tailgate event. Or, let us bring our bar and/or offsite catering to you for your wedding reception, business after-hours, outdoor event or other destination where you’ll need to arrange for one.

How did you get started in the business? - I grew up watching my Mom work, mainly as a second job, in the service industry to make ends meet as a single mother while raising me and my two siblings. She even worked at the Nebraska Club in their early days.

At 14 years old, I started working at the OG Amigos on 55th and O St. and worked there throughout high school. I continued to work in the service industry, as a second job, over the last 20 years at various local establishments while working full-time during the day in office management, sales and customer service for mostly nonprofit organizations in the Lincoln community. I am excited to combine all my previous career experiences together as the new Events Manager at the Talon Room in order to provide the best experience for our clients and guests.

Tell us a little about your family. - I recently married my husband, Dave, in August 2023. He works in the landscaping business and is also a volunteer DJ at KZUM 89.3FM on Thursday mornings hosting The Slacker Morning Show. We have two adorable cats, Etta and Mavis, who have us wrapped around their little cat paws on the daily.

My amazing daughter, Morgan, is in her junior year of nursing at Methodist College in Omaha.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Rest, relax and recharge as we give our absolute all at Talon Room to make sure our events are the best they can be! I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, and supporting music and arts in the downtown scene. You can often find me catching some live music at the world famous Zoo Bar… where I also fill in as guest bartender on occasion.

What local nonprofit organizations are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I have been fortunate to be involved with so many amazing nonprofits in our community it is hard to choose just one. Since joining the Talon Room team I have been impressed with how we support nonprofits, from donating leftovers on Tuesdays to the Gathering Room after hosting Lincoln’s Downtown Rotary Club meetings, to offering a 50% discount to nonprofits hosting events. Giving back to our community is a huge passion of mine and I love being part of a local business who believes in giving back as much as possible.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - Vincenzo’s… the Chicken Soto cannot be beat!

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Taylor Swift… I’m currently obsessed!

I’m anxiously waiting for a Swiftie to come my way and book her special day at the Talon Room.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - amanda@talonroom.com | (402) 499-5191 | talonroom.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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PERSONNEL NEWS Joel Green of Robber’s Cave Tours Wins Tom Lorenz Tourism Development Award

Zane Zutavern Joins Shayne Zutavern at BigIron Realty

Joel Green of Robber’s Cave Tours won the Tom Lorenz Tourism Development Award at the 2023 Celebrate Business Awards.

Green has been giving daily tours for the past seven years. The Tourism Development Award recognizes the business that has showed creativity in the development of Lincoln’s tourism industry. Green has worked to bring the legend of Robber’s Cave back into not only Lincoln’s mind, but to those outside of the community as well, including bands, athletes and movie stars! A landmark cave full of history and plenty of stories, Robber’s Cave is open to tours year-round.

Green has utilized his expertise in public relations, along with his writing talents, to transform Robber’s Cave from a vacant lot that was nearly bulldozed to one of the top tourism destinations in the state (Robber’s Cave Tours won the 2022 Outstanding Tourism Attraction of the Year in 2022).

Green also was able to get Robber’s Cave Tours selected as a Nebraska Passport location in 2021, and he was ecstatic when he learned that Robber’s Cave was to be included in Atlas Obscura’s popular app that features some of the most unique places in the world. (Atlas Obscura is a “New York Times” Best seller).

Green published Robber’s Cave: Truths, Legends, Recollections, which would go onto win a Nebraska Book Award in 2019.

For more information about Robber’s Cave Tours, visit www. robberscavetours.com.

Shayne Zutavern is delighted to announce the addition of his son, Zane Zutavern, to the BigIron Realty team as a Realtor.

Specializing in a diverse range of real estate sales, including farmland, ranches, commercial and residential properties, BigIron Realty sets itself apart through its distinctive expertise in conducting online real estate auctions. With a commitment to excellence, Shayne and Zane Zutavern look forward to bringing their collective skills and knowledge to serve clients in the dynamic real estate market.

Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest Announces Promotion of Neil Davidson to Chief Operating Officer Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest is excited to announce the promotion of Neil Davidson to Chief Operating Officer (COO).

“Neil has been an integral part of our team, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership, strategic thinking and a deep commitment to our company's core values and success. Through his dedication and hard work, Neil has played a key role in driving our commitment to operational excellence, fostering collaboration across our operations and contributing to Commonwealth’s overall growth and success,” said President and CEO T Michael Price.

As COO, Neil will be responsible for overseeing operations at all locations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects of the business.

Neil has been working for Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest for 26 years. During this time, he has served Commonwealth in many different roles including as an Estimator, Project Manager, Branch Manager, Vice President, Executive Vice President and now as COO. Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest is a 100% employee-owned, full-service electrical and low voltage contractor located in Arizona, Iowa, Nebraska and Utah. Specializing in large and small-scale commercial and industrial electrical work while offering 24/7 service, design and build assist and pre-fabrication to ensure every project is completed with efficiency and expertise.

Learn more at www.commonwealthelectric.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

“My dad is also a Real Estate Agent with BigIron and helped me realize the value of the opportunity to work with them,” shared Zane. “Getting my real estate license is a huge accomplishment. It has always been the goal to have my own business someday and this was the first step.”

BigIron Realty is a real estate company that specializes in rural and agricultural properties. They focus on farm and ranch real estate, providing services for buyers and sellers of rural land, farmland and agricultural properties. Keep up with what’s happening on Shayne Zutavern’s Facebook page at tinyurl.com/BigIronRealtySENEBR. Get in touch with Shayne today by emailing him at shayne.zutavern@ bigironrealty.com or calling him at (402) 770-1220. Get in touch with Zane by calling him at (402) 617-7964.

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2024

PERSONNEL NEWS Hansen Joins Lincoln Community Foundation The Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) is pleased to welcome Sandi Hansen to its team of professionals who are committed to building a better, stronger community for people today and generations to come.

As LCF’s new Senior Director of Development, Major and Strategic Giving, Sandi will lead efforts to support community initiatives and cultivate strategic philanthropic partnerships.

Hansen has more than 15 years of major giving experience, most recently with Arbor Day Foundation. Sandi is passionate about creating and fostering meaningful relationships to build the Lincoln community and is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“We are thrilled to have Sandi join our team,” said LCF President/ CEO, Alec Gorynski. “Her energy, experience and expertise are a significant boost to the Foundation as we take important steps to facilitate strategic philanthropic investments so that everyone in Lincoln has the opportunity to thrive.”

Lincoln Community Foundation, established in 1955, provides leadership and tools that connect donor generosity to local needs and passions. The Foundation has distributed more than $230 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of thousands of residents. To learn more, visit www.lcf.org.

Farris Engineering Promotes Kate Breitenfeld to Omaha Office Manager Farris Engineering, Inc. has promoted Kate Breitenfeld to Omaha Office Manager.

Kate joined Farris Engineering in 2018 as the Controller. Because Farris Engineering is a small business, she has taken on various roles and responsibilities over the years.

With her promotion to Omaha Office Manager, Kate will lead the Omaha office team.

“I am excited to embrace the responsibility that comes with overseeing the daily operations of our Omaha office. I look forward to leading the Omaha office in wide-ranging improvements that will be sustainable in the future as well as enhancing and strengthening the areas where we excel. The Omaha office is filled with a great group of people. My role at Farris Engineering brings me joy. I’m having the time of my life and am looking forward to wholeheartedly serving this organization for years to come,” said Kate.

In addition to overseeing benefits for the entire company, her responsibilities will include ensuring efficient day-to-day operations, project coordination and budgeting and consulting with Farris Engineering’s other offices to facilitate smooth workflow. Kate will also work closely with the president/CEO to contribute to strategic planning, assist in project management and help implement effective communication within their leadership structure.

“Kate’s dynamic personality and unwavering drive are poised to inspire transformative changes in Omaha. Her commitment promises both immediate and enduring results,” said President and CEO Michael Wallace. “I look forward to our collaborative journey ahead.”

Farris Engineering is an industry leader in mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering with additional expertise in fire protection engineering, lighting design, building commissioning services, technology systems design and life safety systems engineering. To learn more, visit farris-usa.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Legacy Retirement Communities Recognizes Nikki Hanson with 2023 Mission & Values Award Legacy Retirement Communities is proud to recognize Nikki Hanson, a Medication Aide at Legacy Terrace, with the 2023 Mission & Values Award. Each year, residents, staff members and friends of Legacy communities nominate the person they believe lives out their company’s mission and values by enriching the lives of residents. A panel of judges reads through the nominations and the award is presented at Legacy’s annual Employee Appreciation Event, which was held last year on November 9.

Greg Joyce, CEO of Legacy Retirement Communities presented Nikki Hanson with the 2023 Mission & Values Award and surprised her with a video of the residents who nominated her for it. In their nominations, they each praised Nikki for her compassion and patience. “She is fun to be around, and we have great conversations with her while she assists us,” said one resident. “She is a wonderful person and makes me feel so special.”

Legacy Retirement Communities continues to provide Lincoln with award-winning elegance, superior care, and countless reasons to live an enriched life. Independent living and assisted living are offered at three locations: The Legacy at 5600 Pioneers Blvd., Legacy Terrace at 5700 Fremont St. and Legacy Estates at 7200 Van Dorn St. Memory Care is offered exclusively at Legacy Arbors at 3777 N 58th St. Learn more at www.LegacyRetirement.com.

True North Technologies Partners with Natalia Wiita Natalia Wiita, a seasoned leader with a 20-year history in sales, marketing and business operations, has teamed up with True North Technologies to provide fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) services. The collaboration between Natalia Wiita and True North Technologies marks a strategic alliance aimed at revolutionizing digital marketing for companies seeking a competitive edge. Wiita's deep understanding of marketing strategy and True North Technologies' cutting-edge solutions promise a transformative experience for clients.

As the Founder of Fractional Business Solutions, Wiita specializes in delivering C-suite-level expertise in marketing, business development and operations. The mission of Fractional Business Solutions is to propel businesses to new heights by offering tailored solutions at a fraction of the cost of hiring full-time executives. Wiita is passionate about helping companies like True North achieve their goals through strategic initiatives while maintaining a healthy bottom line.

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Wiita's accolades include being named one of Editor and Publisher's 25 under 35 in 2016 and receiving numerous president's awards for her substantial work in innovation and leadership at Lee. She also serves on several boards, including the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools and United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County.

Natalia Wiita and True North Technologies are dedicated to helping local businesses grow by offering clients a unique blend of strategic vision and technical expertise.

Visit www.go-tnt.com or call (402) 420-5101 to learn more about True North Technologies. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

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PERSONNEL NEWS Lutz Announces Transition of Alex Cassidy to Business Development Representative

Husker Rehab Welcomes Paul Craig to Beatrice Team

Lutz is thrilled to announce that Alex Cassidy has transitioned to a Business Development Representative position. In her new role, she is responsible for helping drive the firm’s growth initiatives by building and maintaining strong relationships with current and future clients. She also assists in designing and executing business development plans.

Cassidy joined the firm in 2015, spending seven years as a Client Relationship Manager with Lutz Talent. She received her JD from the University of Nebraska College of Law. Lutz is a business solutions firm for people seeking a partner to help energize and heighten economic and organizational success. Their experienced team provides accounting, financial, talent, M&A and technology services. They work to simplify complexities, help make critical business decisions and focus on the things that are truly important to you. Lutz embraces your business as their own to spark the right solutions and help you thrive. That’s their promise: to mind what matters. Learn more at www.lutz.us.

Husker Rehab is thrilled to welcome Paul Craig, DPT to their team in Beatrice. Paul has been practicing Physical Therapy in the Kansas City area since graduating from Rockhurst University in 2014 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Paul has a passion for learning and improving his skillset in order to guide patients to achieve their goals quickly and efficiently. He has a passion for helping athletes recover and optimize their performance, which has led him to specialize in cutting-edge techniques.

Paul’s areas of expertise include orthopedics, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, manual therapy, dry needling and blood flow restriction training.

Paul is originally from Lincoln and is excited to return to Nebraska where he will be closer to his family. Paul enjoys spending time with his two daughters, weight training, playing pickleball, woodworking and cheering on the Huskers and Chiefs.

Husker Rehab proudly offers therapy services in five clinics in four different Nebraska cities, where they serve physicians and their patients with unique, highly-intensive, highly-customized rehabilitation, wellness and preventative care therapies that make a difference in people’s lives. They listen to every patient’s needs and desires, analyze the problem and figure out ways to get people moving again. For more information about Husker Rehab and their services, visit huskerrehab.com.

At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local professionals for their significant awards, promotions, achievements and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Lincoln community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha. com or submit your news at strictly-business.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS John Linscott and Adam Lowney of Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate Recognized with Award John Linscott and Adam Lowney of Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate were recognized by CoStar Group, Inc. as Quarterly Power Brokers with the top sale of Walgreens at 8300 Northern Lights Dr. John and Adam represented the buyer, who purchased the Walgreens in the Northern Lights Shopping Center on August 23, 2023, from Village Development.

To be considered for a Power Broker Award, CRE professionals submit their closed sale and lease transactions, which are then verified and analyzed

by CoStar to identify market winners.

Power Broker Quarterly Deals recognize brokers and their top deals in each market every quarter. Award winners are based on price and square footage.

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate has helped local business owners purchase, lease and manage commercial properties since 1973. Their focus on relationship building and understand each client’s unique circumstances and objectives allow them to tailor a strategy specifically designed to accomplish their client’s goals.

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate is a full-service commercial real estate company offering professional asset management services and brokerage services including leasing, sales, acquisitions, consulting and development. Whatever your commercial real estate needs might be, Greenleaf’s team of professionals is here to help you succeed.

For more information on Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate, call (402) 467-2525 or visit www.greenleafcommercial.com.

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The Bridge Behavioral Health Welcomes New Staff The Bridge is thrilled to welcome Jeanne Sidel, Director of Finance and Operations, and Brianna Georgeson, Director or Development and Marketing, to their leadership team.

Sidel comes to The Bridge several years of experience in Billing and Administration, primarily in a medical setting. She has her Masters in Healthcare Administration and looks forward to diving into this new role.

Georgeson was with The Bridge back in 2021, and returns to the same role after a few years away. She has her bachelors in Journalism and brings several years of sales and fundraising experience to the organization.

The Bridge Behavioral Health is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Their mission is to provide hope and a strong foundation for recovery through substance use and behavioral health intervention. Programs include detox and medically monitored withdrawal, respite, residential treatment, outpatient counseling and substance use evaluations. For more information, visit www.thebridgenebraska.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Here at Wyuka, it is an honor to care and a privilege to serve. We’re Wyuka Funeral Home and Cemetery, a place of rest.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Mosaic Elects Lincoln Resident Monica Balters to its Foundation Board of Directors

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2024

Mosaic has elected Lincoln resident Monica Balters to serve a three-year term on its Mosaic Foundation Board of Directors.

One of Mosaic’s many Nebraska locations, Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska, is also in Lincoln.

Balters, now retired, has a strong and lengthy background in commercial banking and financial analyses. Importantly, she’s also very familiar with Mosaic as its former Wells Fargo relationship manager for more than 20 years. “I’ve always been an ardent supporter of Mosaic, because it serves those who are often so vulnerable,” she said. “By having a wonderful history with them, I bring a long-term perspective of how Mosaic has led – and been quick to respond to – ongoing changes in their industry.”

Mosaic CEO and President Linda Timmons said, “We’re happy to welcome Monica as a new volunteer board member. Each one brings impressive expertise and a unique perspective to Mosaic. They will help us further sustainability and growth to best serve those we support now and others in the future.”

The Mosaic Foundation Board of Directors receives gifts on behalf of Mosaic and oversees the disbursement of charitable gifts and investment income to Mosaic. The board is also responsible for the prudent investment and management of funds held in the Foundation.

Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska is part of Mosaic, a whole-person healthcare organization empowering people with disabilities, mental and behavioral health needs and autism, as well as aging adults, to live their best life. Learn more at MosaicInfo.org.

Christian Record Services Announces Two Job Title Changes Christian Record Services, Inc. is pleased to announce new job titles for two current employees.

Marci Baker is now Assistant Director of Development. As Assistant Director, she stewards the gifts Christian Record Ser vices receives from nearly 7,000 donors each year and makes sure donors are acknowledged promptly for their kind support. In addition, she helps communicate the impact of donors’ gifts by writing stories for the National Camps for Blind Children bimonthly newsletter. Baker has worked at the Lincoln-based ministry for the past six years.

Brian Carlson was promoted to Director of Communication. In this new position, he will guide the internal and external communication for Christian Record Services.

From generating awareness via social media posts, press releases, content for the website and communication strategies with members and supporters throughout North America and the world, Carlson tells the story of Christian Record Services and the array of programs and services offered to members. Carlson has served the Lincoln-based ministry for a total of four years over two different stints.

Christian Record Services continues to move forward with its mission to “empower people who are blind to engage their communities and embrace the Blessed Hope.” For more information, please visit www.christianrecord.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Nebraska Community Foundation Welcomes New Board Members The Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) Board of Directors recently welcomed three new members whose wealth of experience will further the nonprofit’s ability to serve communities across the state.

“We are thrilled to announce Tyler Pribbeno, Sarah Sinnett and Jim Welniak as the newest additions to our board of directors,” said NCF President and CEO Jeff Yost. “Their deep roots in Greater Nebraska and unwavering commitment to community development will be instrumental in advancing our mission to make Nebraska a vibrant place to live, work and raise a family. Their expertise and passion will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of NCF and the communities we serve.”

Tyler Pribbeno is the City Administrator and Community Development Director for Imperial, where he was born and raised.

He graduated from Chase County High School in 2003, then earned a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from Chadron State College. After obtaining his undergraduate degree, Pribbeno obtained a law degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in Lincoln. He returned to Imperial in 2010 and has been a member of the Imperial Community Foundation Fund, an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation, since 2011 – serving as chair of the fund advisory committee for the past three years. Pribbeno also serves on the Board of Governors for Mid-Plains Community College.

Sarah Sinnett, a Sidney native, gained a diverse background through roles in human resources, strategy, project management, merchandising, analytics, e-commerce, marketing, finance and insurance during her tenures at Cabela’s, Bass Pro, G.L. Huyett and her current position as an agent for Plummer Insurance. She received her master’s degree in Isndustrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha before returning to Sidney with her family in 2014. As an advocate for Sidney and rural prosperity, Sinnett has been an active proponent of Sidney’s Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems chapter and the community’s inclusive park project.

Jim Welniak grew up on a family farm and ranch in Valley County, where he graduated from Ord High School. After earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of NebraskaLincoln, Welniak embarked on a 36-year engineering career that took him to Kansas City and later Omaha, where he served as the Vice President of Engineering and Construction at Tenaska, an independent energy company. In that role, he was responsible for the development, construction, operation and acquisition of domestic and international power projects. Welniak and his wife, Kathy, live on their ranch near Taylor and are active members of the Calamus Area Community Fund’s advisory committee, for which he currently serves as secretary for the affiliated fund benefiting Loup and Garfield counties. Most recently, Welniak served as a member of the Digital Equity Planning Committee for the Central Nebraska Economic Development District Region.

For information about the Nebraska Community Foundation, visit NebraskaHometown.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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The Professional Pathway Network TradeGamz is a network that brings Businesses, Educators, and Students together for the purpose of showing Students what each profession does and giving them advice on how to get there.

Promote Your Business Businesses sign up to promote themselves through video and photo content. Students in the network are introduced to industry specific content straight from the professionals, and from there are shown the opportunities for moving into that career. This means TradeGamz is an easy way to teach potential hires about what you do.

Educate The Emerging Workforce Educators can use TradeGamz in the classroom as a tool to help Students in their career exploration journey. While Students are exploring the amazing opportunities the world has to offer, they are building their resume and portfolio to be shared with industry professionals.

Empower Students Students want to be successful! With the freedom to privately search any career they choose, it’s important to show them what they need to know to get started in your industry. TradeGamz makes it easy for them to reach out when the time is right for them to take the next step. Have your opportunities ready.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Community Action Receives BBB® Accredited Charity Designation Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties was recently designated as a BBB® Accredited Charity, demonstrating that the agency meets all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB®) Charity Standards in the areas of governance, measuring effectiveness, finances and fundraising and information.

Jim Hegarty, BBB President & CEO said, “By meeting BBB Standards for Charity Accountability and displaying BBB’s seal, it gives donors the confidence needed to support Community Action’s mission.

Charities that meet these best practices go above and beyond legal requirements, putting them in an elite group.”

As a recipient of this accreditation, Community Action is committed to upholding the BBB®’s Charity Standards, a list of which are available on the BBB®’s website, www.bbb.org.

“Our charge every day is to uphold the highest ethical standards in everything we do and with whom we interact – our participants, donors, volunteers, employees and community,” said Heather Loughman, CEO of Community Action. “We are proud to be a BBB® Accredited Charity.”

Established in 1965, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties’ mission is to empower people living in poverty to reach economic stability. This anti-poverty work occurs across four main impact areas: early childhood education, homelessness prevention, financial and family well-being and hunger relief and healthy food access. In 2022, Community Action provided over 100,000 services to more than 18,000 individuals. For more information about Community Action, visit communityactionatwork. org.

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GOTR Gears Up for Spring Across Nebraska Girls on the Run (GOTR) is seeking sites and coaches to for the spring season, which runs from March through early May in Lincoln and Omaha. GOTR is also implementing a brand-new curriculum for the spring season called “Hello, Superstar!”

The “Hello, Superstar!” curriculum will boost confidence with a series of lessons teaching girls to embrace their individuality. A lesson called “My Body Rocks” focuses on addressing body-shaming and promoting a healthy body image. Another lesson, “The Recipe of Me,” encourages selfreflection and asks girls to identify what makes them uniquely them.

The innovative after-school program combines exercise, education and mentoring to promote confidence and character in third- through fifth-/sixth-grade girls. GOTR teams meet for 75 minutes twice a week for eight weeks to play running games that help train them for a 5K run/walk.

Character-development lessons on values, teamwork, communication, goal-setting and health are incorporated with the physical training, so participants get much more than exercise. GOTR is as much about good health, friendship, positive body image and self-esteem as it is about running.

Help your girl put her best foot forward with Girls on the Run this year. Visit www.GOTRNebraska.org to bring GOTR to your school or to get involved. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Nebraska Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-833-238-6837 National Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-522-4700 CHOICES Treatment Center | 402-476-2300 These 24/7 helplines are confidential and will direct you to a certified counselor who can provide immediate help. The Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program (GAP) pays for the assessment and treatment of problem gambling for Nebraskans struggling with problem gambling and their families.

For more information go to: www.ChoicesTreatmentCenter.com www.ProblemGambling.Nebraska.gov If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available.

127 S 37th Street, Suite B Lincoln, NE 68510 402-476-2300 CHOICES Treatment Center is certified with GAP

JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

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NONPROFIT NEWS Family Health Services Inc. Scheduling Appointments to Diagnose Endometriosis

Your Workplace Can Tackle Hunger with Matt Talbot during Souper Bowl of Caring

Family Health Services Inc. is proud to be able to diagnose endometriosis so that people can start treatment as soon as possible. Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where endometrial tissue (tissue similar to the lining of the uterus) grows outside of the uterus. It is estimated that one in 10 women have endometriosis. Endometriosis frequently presents with the symptoms of painful periods, pain during or after sexual intercourse, heavy bleeding, chronic pelvic or abdominal pain and infertility. Women with endometriosis have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

It takes an average of seven-and-a-half years for endometriosis to be diagnosed. But you can get help immediately at Family Health Services if you are experiencing symptoms. Their caring and comprehensive providers are available Monday-Friday in Lincoln for all your reproductive health needs (preventative health screenings, cervical cancer screenings/PAPs, breast cancer screenings, contraceptives and many other services). Call today to schedule your check up or for more information!

Family Health Services is a non-profit healthcare organization that serves people in nine southeast Nebraska counties. Patients can get reproductive healthcare on an income-based sliding fee basis.

The clinic also accepts most private insurance, Medicaid and Every Woman Matters. They believe everyone should have access to reproductive and sexual healthcare regardless of ability to pay. Visit LoveSafely.com or call at (402) 466-1012 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

On Sunday, February 11, people will come together to celebrate the biggest football game of the year with food and fun – and Matt Talbot will tackle hunger with their Souper Bowl of Caring event. What if everyone in the United States watching the BIG GAME donated just one dollar or one can of food to help their neighbors in need? That would provide millions of meals from just one event!

The Souper Bowl of Caring is an annual national event that encourages people to give locally and make a collective impact on hunger. In the weeks leading up to the Souper Bowl, there are many ways you can participate and help end hunger in our community!

1. Collect donations of cash, food or other needed items for Matt Talbot.

2. Create a contest at your workplace! Which team can collect the most food?

3. Start a Facebook fundraiser and invite friends to join your team!

Choose a game plan, huddle up and tackle hunger with Matt Talbot!

Please reach out to Jenn Boettcher with any questions at jenn. boettcher@mtko.org or (402) 817-0615.

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach helps individuals and families facing poverty and homelessness find possibilities when things seem impossible. Learn more at mtko.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS American Heart Association to Host Lincoln Heart Ball February 3 The American Heart Association will be hosting a Lincoln Heart Ball on Saturday, February 3, starting at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy dinner, auction and dancing at the Scottish Rite Event Center. Join the American Hear t Association for a celebration of survivors, Heart Ball supporters and sponsors in this community and the meaningful changes they are making alongside the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association Lincoln Heart Ball will recognize and celebrate the progress community supporters have made to ensure longer, healthier lives for all people. The American Heart Association is committed to investing in and advancing health equity by removing barriers to health through community impact, scientific research, advocating for healthy policies and more.

Funds raised will support local efforts aimed at saving and improving lives from heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association is committed to investing in and advancing health equity by removing barriers to health through community impact, scientific research, advocating for healthy policies and more.

The Lincoln Heart Ball is part of the Heart of Lincoln campaign, which supports the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association.

Visit www.heart.org/LincolnHeartBall to learn more.

The American Heart Association’s mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. For more information, visit www.heart.org.

Save the Date for Stuff the Bus Benefiting Friendship Home At Friendship Home, the support of the community helps them provide safe shelter for survivors of domestic violence. Thanks to generous community support throughout the year, they are able to serve over 1,500 individuals annually. Friendship Home holds various events throughout the year to raise funds, spread awareness and collect highly needed items.

In partnership with StarTran and Alpha Media, Friendship Home is celebrating the 25th year of Stuff the Bus! Mark your calendar for April 20 and April 21 to help Friendship Home stuff 4 StarTran buses full of highly needed items like laundry detergent and shampoo.

This event helps raise awareness about domestic violence and is an opportunity for community members to provide needed items for families served by Friendship Home.

Friendship Home asks for your help stuffing the bus by purchasing items or signing up for a volunteer shift. If you want to learn more about Stuff the Bus or volunteer, please contact Development Coordinator Whitney Wegner at whitneyw@friendshiphome.org / (402) 434-0167.

Friendship Home provides crisis services, emergency shelter and transitional housing to survivors of domestic violence and their children. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic violence, please call Friendship Home's 24/7 crisis line at (402) 437-9302. To learn more, visit www.friendshiphome.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Hi, I’m Ben Bleicher with Professional Realty Group of Woods Brothers. So far, my experience with Strictly Business has been great. We’ve been advertising with Strictly Business for a couple of years now, and I feel like the return on investment I get from it and the exposure is just phenomenal. The value that print advertising brings to my business is a little more of a sustainable reach. I have a very extensive background in advertising and definitely understand the need to have a constant presence in certain facets of advertising. This is a long-term one for me that has served me very well. But, again, the value comes from branding.You have to have branding in your business and this has really, really helped us. If you’re a small, medium or large business owner in Lincoln and you want to reach potential customers, this is an absolutely great place for you to advertise.

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NONPROFIT NEWS YMCA of Lincoln’s Giving Tree Program Brings Holiday Cheer to Students

Youth for Christ – Lincoln Breaks Ground on New Campus Life Youth Center

The YMCA of Lincoln made the holidays a little brighter for children at Elliott and Pershing Elementary Schools.

Their annual Giving Tree program collected over 1,300 gifts for children in preschool through fourth grade so that every student would receive a special holiday gift this year.

Gifts were distributed by YMCA staff and volunteers through the Y’s Community Learning Center (CLC) program on Friday, December 15.

“Despite the daily challenges we all are facing, the holiday season remains a time of joy and generosity,” shared Renee Yost, President & CEO of the Lincoln YMCA. “Our YMCA Members and the community continue to make a difference in the lives of so many students by supporting this annual effort. It’s truly one of the most special events we host as an organization.”

The YMCA of Lincoln leads the schools’ CLC program in providing after school care and summer programing to keep students safe, learning, and active while supporting their families. This program has helped thousands of students improve academically and provided enriching experiences that they may not have had otherwise.

The YMCA of Lincoln has served the community for over 150 years, promoting positive values through programs that build spirit, mind, and body for all. For more information about the YMCA’s Community Learning Center programs, visit YMCALincoln.org.

On October 31, 2023, Youth for Christ broke ground on its new Campus Life youth center.

The new youth center will be a 10,000-square-foot building with a gym, two classrooms, kitc hen, restrooms and other supporting facilities.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Mike Anderson, Owner of Anderson Auto, said, “This is a great thing for the city of Lincoln to have a building where more teens can come and hear about God’s love for them.

There is nothing more important in this world than giving teens the chance to hear the truth. The name of this campaign is ‘Geared to the Times. Anchored to the Rock.’ I couldn’t think of a better campaign name because we want to anchor kids to the rock of Jesus Christ.”

To date, the campaign has raised $2.5 million toward the $3.25 million project. To learn more about the project and get involved, visit yfclincoln.org/capital-campaign.

Through regular programming and special events, Youth for Christ Lincoln Area works with over 2,400 local youth with the goal of engaging them in a healthy relationship with mentors, friends and God. For more information about Youth for Christ’s mission and how to get involved, go to yfclincoln.org or contact the YFC office at (402) 420-7475 / info@yfclincoln.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS

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Disability Rights Nebraska Trains Five New Advocates to Assist Families with Special Education Issues Disability Rights Nebraska is excited to announce that five new advocates from the Lincoln and Norfolk areas successfully completed their training in October 2023. These five individuals have joined 31 others across the state in their mission to assist families in understanding special education processes, empowering them to effectively advocate for their children. They are currently seeking budding advocates to consider joining the next class, set to commence on March 12.

The training will take place online over a six-week period, conducting sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Participants will engage with experts covering various pertinent education topics, including Special Education Law, Evaluations, Assistive Technology, School Cultures and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting requirements and processes.

Upon the completion of the training, new advocates commit to supporting others for at least a year, benefiting from access to and guidance from Disability Rights Nebraska staff. Interested individuals are encouraged to join and share this information widely!

The Inclusive Education Lay Advocacy Program provides training in education advocacy to assist families and schools in developing effective Individualized Education Plans for students with disabilities.

Training occurs twice per year through an interactive series of free online classes.

Families in need of assistance with the educational process for their child with a disability can access advocates through Disability Rights Nebraska at (402) 413-2016 / 1-800-422-6691 or online at www. disabilityrightsnebraska.org.

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Fresh Start in Need of Donations to Give a “Fresh Start” to Women Fresh Start has given a “fresh start” to over 1,800 women who were striving to live a better life.

As a nonprofit transitional housing program for women, Fresh Start offers more than just a safe place to live. It’s a goals-based program that empowers women to change their lives by recognizing and overcoming barriers to self-sufficiency. With Fresh Start, women 19 years and older who are experiencing homelessness for any reason have the opportunity to live in a safe, supportive environment for up to a year, affording them more time to focus on their long-term goals, address barriers and enact change Donation Needs: Laundry detergent and paper products Get involved with Fresh Start by visiting their website at FreshStartHome.org or connecting on social media (Facebook: @FreshStartHomeLincoln; Twitter: @FreshStartLNK). To donate or volunteer, Contact Monica at (402) 475-7777 / monicaz@ FreshStartHome.org.

At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local professionals for their significant awards, promotions, achievements and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Lincoln community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha. com or submit your news at strictly-business.com.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Voices of Hope Supports National Stalking Awareness Month

People's City Mission Collaborates with Uniform Connections for January Drive

In honor of National Stalking Awareness Month in January, Voices of Hope will share valuable information about stalking.

Their efforts aim to raise awareness and provide essential insights about this serious issue throughout the month.

Voices of Hope's dedication during National Stalking Awareness Month involves using their social media channels as a platform to educate and inform the public about the nuances and impacts of stalking. By disseminating crucial information, they aim to empower individuals to recognize signs of stalking, understand its effects and know how to seek help or support. Through their advocacy and outreach, Voices of Hope endeavors to create a safer and more informed community regarding this often overlooked but significant issue.

Connect with Voices of Hope on Facebook at facebook.com/ voicesofhopelincoln and on Instagram at instagram.com/ voicesofhopelincoln.

Voices of Hope’s vision is that all survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as their families and communities, receive responsive, empowering services and support that meet their needs, both individual and cultural, through advocacy and education aimed at eliminating recurrence, challenging oppressive social institutions and reducing violence and oppression. Learn more at voicesofhopelincoln.org.

People's City Mission (PCM) is excited to once again collaborate with Uniform Connections for a January drive.

Uniform Connections has been doing a drive for PCM and other nonprofits since 2009. They collect used scrubs from their customers (some completely worn out, some with a lot of life left in them). PCM then either gives them away or recycles them. They do this drive every January and July. Many of the customers at Uniform Connections have learned to expect this promotion and actively save their donations throughout the year.

Upon collecting the traded scrubs, it became evident that many were not mere "junkers" but rather in good condition. Realizing the potential impact donating them could have on the community, the team at Uniform Connections decided to repurpose these scrubs by donating them to local shelters. However, it wasn't until one of the managers reached out to PCM that the true depth of this initiative became apparent. The scrubs with imperfections – holes, stains and wear – found a new purpose. PCM was willing to purchase these scrubs in bulk and sell their fabric, with the proceeds directed towards funding the PCM Free Medical Clinic that provides free dental, mental health and podiatry.

Learn more about Uniform Connections and how to get involved at uniformconnectionscrubs.com/community.

As Lincoln’s homeless shelter, People’s City Mission’s work is more than 97% funded by community donations. For more information or to donate, visit pcmlincoln.org.

Sponsors of HopeSpoke’s Gourmet Comfort Classic Supports Mental Health for Youth and Families HopeSpoke’s annual Gourmet Comfort Classic will be an especially celebratory evening this year, as the nonprofit celebrates 75 years of providing mental health care for children and families. Save the date for May 3, as the Gourmet Comfort Classic returns for HopeSpoke’s Diamond Jubilee!

Sponsors of this popular event support mental health services for our community’s most vulnerable youth. These funds allow HopeSpoke to make sure no one is turned away due to inability to pay for mental health therapy. Every year, HopeSpoke serves nearly 1,000 individuals of all ages, with an array of services to help build hope and healing.

Sponsorships feature a variety of benefits, including tickets to the Gourmet Comfort Classic and recognition in a variety of print and digital platforms. Sponsorship levels are: • $10,000 Benefactor • $5,000 Visionary • $2,500 Champion • $1,000 Advocate All of the Gourmet Comfort Classic sponsors help fulfill HopeSpoke’s mission to inspire healthy futures for children and their families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services. To learn more about becoming a sponsor or about the Gourmet Comfort Classic, please contact Becki Roberts at broberts@hopespoke.org.

For more information about mental health services available at HopeSpoke, visit hopespoke.org or call (402) 475-7666.

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Tabitha Celebrates “Good Neighbor” New Year’s Resolutions Tabitha, Nebraska’s industry-leading senior care provider, is encouraging the communities it serves to embrace a “Good Neighbor” resolution this New Year’s.

As a Lincoln-based, local nonprofit, one of Tabitha’s major philosophies is supporting older neighbors. An example of this is Tabitha Meals on Wheels, a program that delivers weekday meals, well-being checks and friendly interactions to over 300 recipients within Lincoln city limits. 81% of recipients cannot afford the total $7.50 cost of each meal, but 90% of recipients report that the delivery service keeps them independent in the comfort of their home.

Tabitha hopes to inspire Nebraskans to put older neighbors first in 2024 with gifts of time, talents and treasure.

“With each year, retiring Nebraskans’ needs are growing exponentially,” said JP Lauterbach, Director of Development, Tabitha Foundation. “Around 10,000 baby boomers are reaching retirement age in the United States every day through the year 2030, which means Tabitha is gearing up to provide award-winning and exceptional-level care to more and more seniors.”

Start 2024 with purpose: visit Tabitha.org/Give to provide meals for Tabitha Meals on Wheels recipients or supplement the cost of crucial care for older adults who have outlived their means. Or learn how YOU can brighten seniors’ days by contributing your unique talents and abilities with a volunteer experience – visit Tabitha.org/ Volunteer for more information. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Angels Among Us Sets Dates for 2024 Events Angels Among Us is excited for what is ahead in 2024 – including bringing back their wine event, which has been asked about since it was last hosted in 2019!

Mark your calendars: February 11 – Perfectly Paired: A wine lovers dream come true! This event, hosted at Dante, will be full of high-end wine tastings along with charcuterie pairings. The wine represented at the event will be available for purchase at discounted pricing for event attendees only. Details coming soon.

April 18 – Birds & Beer: It’s back again! This year, Angles Among Us will be hosting it at a new location... stay tuned. If you enjoy craft beer, chicken wings and doing good, then this event is perfect for you.

July 8 – Bland Cares Golf Outing: Come swing and spend a day at Champions Run supporting local pediatric cancer families. Be sure to watch communications closely as this sell-out event registration opens in February!

October 4 – An Evening Among Angels, A Black-Tie Affair: This formal gala hosted at View Westshores will be an event you do not want to miss. It is being catered by Salted Edge and Executive Chef Joel Hassanali and his team.

To stay in the know about all upcoming events with Angels Among Us, please visit www.myangelsamongus.org. If you are interested in attending and/or sponsoring any of these events, please contact Aly Goedeken at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org or by calling (402) 934-0999.

Heartland Cancer Foundation’s Annual Mardi Gras Gala Set for February 17 Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening o f g l a m o u r, entertainment and philanthropy at the Heartland Cancer Foundation’s ninth Annual Mardi Gras Gala, presented by Oncology Supply! Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 17, as the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel transforms into a Mardi Gras extravaganza.

Indulge in the excitement of the live and silent auction, try your luck at the bourbon pull and savor a delectable dinner featuring steaks generously provided by Omaha Steaks. The night promises to be a feast for the senses, with vibrant themed festivities and audience entertainment.

The true magic of the evening lies in the impact it will have on the cancer community. By attending, you become an integral part of the Heartland Cancer Foundation’s mission to provide practical and immediate financial assistance to eligible cancer patients in our community so they can focus on healing. The funds raised will go towards providing housing and transportation grants for local cancer patients in need, offering crucial support during their treatment journey.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to make a difference while enjoying a spectacular event. Join the Heartland Cancer Foundation in supporting a great cause and creating a night to remember.

To join this impactful cause, learn more about sponsorship opportunities or secure your tickets, as well as to learn more about the Heartland Cancer Foundation, visit heartlandcancerfoundation.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS Bright Lights Seeking Camp Sponsors Looking for a great investment in the future? Sponsor a Bright Lights camp! For more than 35 summers, Bright Lights has been providing fun plus learning through amazing summer camps for elementary and middle school students.

day o T g n i t Protec

Building

Tomorro w

Commercial, Employee Benefits, Life, Health, Home, Auto, and More kevin@fumafinancial.com 402-253-6926

To sponsor a summer 2024 camp, visit brightlights.org/support or contact Megan Ockander, Development Specialist, at mockander@ brightlights.org so that she can create a custom sponsor package to fit your budget.

Serving K-eighth grade students, Bright Lights provides energized, engaging and fun summer learning opportunities. Their week-long half-day and full-day camps allow students to learn and create, master new skills and build new relationships. Find out more about these opportunities at BrightLights.org.

Offering Kevin Harrington

Sponsors from local businesses like yours have helped keep the program vibrant through many generations of campers (some are now the parents themselves and bringing their young campers!). You can pick a specific camp you’d like to sponsor or just choose a sponsorship level to help cover the cost of materials, teacher salaries and rental space – all while giving students the best camp experience possible.

Mark Kavan

mkavan@fumainsurance.com 402-421-1921

Domesti-PUPS Now Accepting Therapy Dog Applications Domesti-PUPS is now accepting therapy dog applications. They currently have one dog available for a Facility Dog or Edu-PUP. Facility Dogs – These dogs are trained to work in a professional setting like a nursing home, care facility, hospitals, etc. The dogs work daily within the facility to provide therapy services to the residents.

Edu-PUPS – These dogs are placed in a school setting to help provide a unique approach to education. These dogs work in the classroom alongside students.

To request an application, please email info@domesti-pups.org.

Domesti-PUPS is a service organization that provides assistance dogs for persons with disabilities, pet therapy programs, classroom dogs and educational programs and a rescue dog training/adoption program. It’s their hope that this event will help the general public better understand and appreciate the many ways that dogs enrich our lives. For more information, email info@domesti-pups.org or visit domesti-pups.org.

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You! Jennifer Larabee

Jennifer@fumafinancial.com 402-560-0047

mkavan@fumainsurance.com | fumafinancial.com

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At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local professionals for their significant awards, promotions, achievements and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Lincoln community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com or submit your news at strictly-business.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS CBMC Lincoln Announces Opportunities and Activities for 2024

Lincoln Children’s Museum Offers Corporate Membership Program for Local Businesses

CBMC (Christian Business Men’s Connection) continues to expand the number of groups and activities for personal, professional and spiritual growth for men in the workplace.

Peer Advisory Groups, one of their core offerings, continues to be a major focus and openings are available for new members. These include Trusted Advisor Forums (TAF), an Executive Roundtable and Young Professionals (YP) groups. TAF’s and the Executive Roundtable consist of eight to 12 men who are business owners, senior leaders or professionals.

Their purpose is to provide Godly counsel, mutual support and accountability, as well as insights and solutions to business and life challenges or new opportunities. These groups help young men navigate the challenges, pressures and priorities of family, work and faith. Members also learn from guest speakers who are seasoned business owners and/or C-level leaders.

Connect-3 teams and Bible studies are also available to provide an environment where men can connect to God, connect to one another and connect to the mission to bring biblical principles and the Gospel into the workplace. Additional 2024 activities will include Business Connection luncheons, the annual golf classic, leadership coach training, social events and workshops. A national CBMC Men’s Conference will be held October 3-5 in St. Louis and is expected to draw about 500 men from around the country. Attendees need not be members of CBMC. Information about CBMC can be found at lincoln.cbmc.com. Connect with them at (402) 204-1997 or on Facebook (@cbmclincolnne).

The Lincoln Children’s Museum is expanding their Corporate Membership Program, designed to foster partnerships with local businesses and extend the joy of discovery and learning to their employees and their families. This initiative allows businesses to offer museum memberships to their staff at an exclusive 25% discount on all membership options.

Recognizing the invaluable support received from the community's businesses, the Lincoln Children’s Museum aims to reciprocate by providing an opportunity for employees and their families to enjoy the museum. "We've been fortunate to have unwavering support from our local businesses, and now we want to extend the experience of exploration and fun to their teams," stated Ken Dobbs, Chief Development Officer at the Lincoln Children’s Museum.

A museum membership grants access to 23,000 sq. ft. of interactive exhibits including the all-new ‘Here We Grow’ exhibit, along with discounts on museum programming, birthday parties, rentals and more. Through this partnership, businesses can contribute to the enrichment of their employees' lives while promoting family bonding and fun outside the workplace.

Businesses interested in participating in the Corporate Membership Program can contact the Lincoln Children’s Museum by calling (402) 477-4000 or emailing kdobbs@linconlchildrensmuseum.org for further details.

The Lincoln Children’s Museum invites children to create, discover and learn through the power of play. Every visit, membership, donation or in-museum purchase helps to support their mission. For more information, visit www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.

Lincoln TeamMates Partners with Hudl and Nelnet Hudl and Nelnet both par tner with TeamMates mentoring and decided to show a p p r e c i a t i o n by hosting a TeamMates Mentor appreciation breakfast November 28.

Ben Kiser, Executive Director – Corporate Communications and Marketing, with Nelnet shared, “The breakfast served as a gesture of appreciation for our associates engaged in mentoring with TeamMates. At Nelnet, our commitment to giving back in our communities aligns with the dedication showcased by our mentors in the TeamMates program. Nelnet stands firmly behind this program, recognizing its pivotal role in empowering young individuals to embrace their strengths, nurture confidence, foster positive decisionmaking and envision a promising future.”

Employees at Hudl and Nelnet are allowed to stay on the clock to go visit with their mentee once a week. The breakfast celebrated some employees who’ve mentored with TeamMates for two years, five years and some over 10 years. A handful of employees signed up for the first time to become a TeamMate.

"I recently joined the board for TeamMates, so I’ve had the chance to see firsthand how impactful mentorship through the organization can be” shared David Graff, CEO and Co-Founder of Hudl. “At Hudl, we’ve been able to capitalize on our flexible work policies to make it easy to be that person. It’s awesome to see so many people on our team take advantage of this and invest their time back in the community.”

To learn more about Lincoln TeamMates, visit LincolnTeammates.org or call (402) 436-1990. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Carole Fest Raises Funds for Catholic Social Services’ St. Gianna Program On December 10, 2023, area choirs gathered for the annual Carole Fest, a benefit for the St. Gianna Program of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS). The choirs performed Advent and Christmas songs of the season at St. John the Apostle Church in Lincoln. Performers included the North American Martyrs choir, the St. Teresa Men’s Club choir, Ellen and Carolyn Soukup, the St. Patrick’s choir, the St. Thomas Aquinas Chamber choir and the St. John the Apostle choir. Free-will offerings were accepted with all proceeds going to the support of St. Gianna Program. St. Gianna Program is a domestic violence and crisis pregnancy of CSS offering services in Lincoln, Hastings, Auburn and Imperial. You can enjoy a recording of Carole Fest at csshope.org/carolefest.

CSS is a nonprofit organization that has been around for nearly a century helping people in need of all backgrounds and faiths across 24,000 square miles of southern Nebraska. CSS programs include Family Support Services, providing crucial financial assistance; the St. Gianna Program; Food Market and Meal Services; Refugee Resettlement; Immigration Legal Services; and Employment Services.

CSS can be found at www.csshope.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS SCIP to Raise Community Awareness on “Keeping Current: Vaping Nicotine Among Youth” January 25 “Keeping Current: Vaping Nicotine Among Youth” will be the topic of the upcoming Promoting Healthy Behaviors Community Awareness series on January 25. Sponsored by School Community Intervention and Prevention (SCIP), Bryan Medical Center, Lincoln Public Schools, Region V Systems and Tobacco Free Lancaster County, the presentation, which will be held in the Vrbka meeting rooms at Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, 4600 Valley Rd., will feature Dr. Doug Fiedler, FCCP, pulmonologist with Nebraska Pulmonary Specialties and Sadie Jensen, Public Health Educator with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. Dr. Fiedler will discuss the effects of vaping on physical health and Ms. Jensen will discuss resources for parents and school personnel to support youth quitting vaping. The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m.

SCIP is a program designed to bring together families, school and the community to support student behavioral and emotional health.

SCIP’s mission is to provide effective prevention education for schools, families and communities, equipping schools with early intervention tools for students with behavioral health concerns so they may achieve healthy and productive lives.

SCIP is supported in part by Grant #2Bo8T1010034 under the SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and the Nebraska Division of Behavioral Health and monies passed through by Regions 4, V & 6 to prevention providers ($168,665 or 63%) and $99,531 or 37% from non-governmental entities. For more information, go to www.scipnebraska.com or contact Duncan Tucker at (402) 327-6843.

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Lincoln Community Playhouse Presents Simply Simone Lincoln Community Playhouse is excited to present Simply Simone - The Music of Nina Simone. It was created by David Grapes and Robert Neblett, with arrangements by Vince di Mura. This play will be available January 26-28 and February 2-4 at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays/Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Purchase tickets at lincolnplayhouse.com.

Child prodigy. Jazz superstar. Civil rights activist. Political exile. Nina Simone was all of these things, and more. One of the true divas of the 20th century and a genuine musical powerhouse, she defined a generation and defied classification. Silky, soulful, and untamed, her voice will put a spell on you. She’ll melt your heart, she’ll chill you to the bone. But watch out! Cross her and she’ll lash back, leaving you singing the blues!

Four women embody Nina Simone in this musical revue featuring 30 songs including “Strange Fruit,” “I Loves You, Porgy,” “The Look of Love,” “Here Comes the Sun” and “Mississippi Goddam.”

Lincoln Community Playhouse has been an integral part of the arts community since April 24, 1946. The Playhouse purchased its current located at 2500 S. 56th St. and opened with its first production on February 4, 1972. A building addition, the Gallery Theatre, was completed in 1976 and in 1980 the Children’s Theatre was opened (now known as the Studio Theatre). Learn more at lincolnplayhouse. com.

At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local professionals for their significant awards, promotions, achievements and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Lincoln community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha. com or submit your news at strictly-business.com.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Sign Up and Save on Training with the Nebraska Safety Council One of the most effective ways to engage employees in your business is providing them with the skills and training to live safe and healthy lives at home and in the workplace.

The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) offers a variety of safety training and wellness services.

Public and on-site training is available. On-site training offers the flexibility for employers to host training over the lunch hour, during weekly, monthly or quarterly meetings, or after-hours.

Training from January-March includes: Confined Spaces, CPR/AED Only, D.O.T. Hazardous Materials Refresher, First Aid Only, First Aid/ CPR/AED, Forklift Safety, HazWoper, IATA/ICAO Dangerous Goods Air Transportations, Incident Commander, Job Hazard Analysis, OSHA, Recognizing Drug Impairment and Worker 360 Workshop.

Nicotine Cessation Classes are available in two sessions, with session number one occurring January 10 - February 14 and session number two occurring February 28 - April 3.

Additionally, more than 27 topics are available for one-hour lunch and learn presentations. Topics range from healthy eating, emotional well-being in the workplace, holistic wellness and more. View a full list of topics on the website at nesafetycouncil.org – wellness – education – lunch and learn.

Sign up for an Annual Membership and save on training. Membership rates start as low as $99 annually. View a full list of benefits and discounts online at nesafetycouncil.org.

To learn more about NESC or to sign up for a membership today, visit nesafetycouncil.org, call (402) 483-2511 or email nesc@ nesafetycouncil.org.

Vison Maker Media Announces 2024 Native American Film Series at Ross Film Theatre Vision Maker Media and the Ross Film Theatre are proud to present a Native American Film Series. Each month at the Ross Film Theatre, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, a series of short historic films will be seen the second Monday of each month beginning January 8, and will be free and open to the public. The series is in honor of Native American Public Television founder at Arizona State University, Frank Blythe, whose vision combined with Nebraska Public Media, resulted in the current Vision Maker Media, a source for engaging Native American filmmakers and their stories.

This series of historic films will be sourced from the collection of Native American films in the Vision Maker Media archive. The series begins with the CPB, PBS and Arizona Public Television creation of “Native American Artists Series,” which aired originally on Arizona Public television in the 1970’s. The historic films span nearly 50 years of Native American content and will be presented free to the public at the Ross.

Opening the series are two films from the Native American Indian Artist Series; “Grace Medicine Flower and Joseph Lonewolf,” and the second film is “Juane Quick-To-See-Smith.” The opening films will be followed by “movie talk” from Vision Maker Media Executive Director, Francene Blythe-Lewis.

Vision Maker Media envisions a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate. For more information, visit visionmakermedia.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

DISCOVER THE POSSIBILITIES with Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska Join us for a free lunch and tour of our mission and discover how Mosaic pursues opportunities for people with disabilities in our communities. Tours are held on the third Wednesday of each month from 12–1 p.m.

For more information, contact Amber Nore at amber.nore@mosaicinfo.org or 402.617.5932.

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NONPROFIT NEWS In 2024, the Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) c e l eb ra t e s i t s 4 0 t h year, embracing growth and transfor mation.

The council witnessed strategic promotions, new hires and years of service. Recent team additions include Luke Mieska as Director of Events and Alayna Bergt as Assistant Director of Operations.

Ashley Kramer, in her fifth year, ascends to Director of Operations, showcasing her versatility in marketing and event logistics. Longserving members Scott Ash and Pat "Linus" Hagedorn, with 30 and 28 years of service, respectively, receive well-deserved promotions.

Ash's extensive experience in sports management and event execution has been integral to the council's success, while Hagedorn's commitment to community engagement and partnership-building has played a pivotal role in shaping the council's growth and impact.

Jess Framke's impending one-year milestone as Director of Administration underscores ongoing internal cohesion efforts. These appointments reflect the NSC's commitment to legacy and future growth, combining fresh perspectives and seasoned expertise.

In a recent development, Scott Haas, Division Director for Orthopedics at CHI Health, assumes the role of the 17th Chairman, succeeding Rob Trebilcock, Senior Manager – Public Affairs at Cox Communications.

Also elected as officers were Amy Reynoldson, Vice Chair, Executive Vice President – Nebraska Medical Association; and Aaron Sundberg, Secretary/Treasurer, Loan Officer – Pinnacle Bank. Newly elected Board members include Kimberly Barrett, Wellbeing Consultant at Ameritas; Derek Bombeck, Sports Director at Visit Lincoln; Miranda Long, Aquatics Director at the Fremont YMCA’s Dillon Aquatic Center; and Claire Reeves, an attorney with Bruning Law Group.

For information on NSC's initiatives and the 40th-anniversary milestone, visit NebraskaSportsCouncil.com.

The Arc of Lincoln Announces 2024 Programs The Arc of Lincoln is excited to announce their 2024 programs: Come Together and Friendly Faces: On the fourth Friday of each month, adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities are invited to Come Together social gatherings. On the third Thursday of the month, school age teenagers with intellectual/developmental disabilities are invited to Friendly Faces social gatherings. Both the Come Together and Friendly Faces groups will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. To register, call (402) 421-8866 or email director@arclincoln.org.

Parenting Network Group: The Arc of Lincoln announces a new series, Networking Nights for Parents meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at various local coffee shops around Lincoln. Networking Nights provide a time to gather as parents of individuals with Intellectual/developmental Disabilities to share stories and ideas as well as tips about how to nurture and support our children. The Arc of Lincoln also invites speakers of current topics selected by the parents. To register, call (402) 421-8866 or email director@arclincoln.org.

To learn more or to inquire about The Arc of Lincoln, visit www. arclincoln.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Hi, I’m Craig Willeke and I am the President of Willeke Financial Group. The benefits of working with Strictly Business that stand out to me are really the press releases.

I’m able to get news out about my business and it’s well read. People will come up to me and say “Hey, I heard you qualified for this award!” or “Your business is doing such and such!” and that’s a really good way to get the word out to my clients and potential clients about what’s going on in my business. I chose to work with Strictly Business because I met Paige at quite a few different events and I see their magazine everywhere and I knew it would be a good way to get the word out. I enjoy working with them because I know they have my best interest at heart. I know everybody there. They are a locally owned magazine and it’s something Paige and Shane have created from scratch. It’s homegrown and I’ve grown with them.

Craig Willeke Willeke Financial Group

office@strictlybusinessomaha.com | 402-466-3330

JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

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JAN 31, 2024

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STRICTLY BUSINESS UPCOMING YEAR The Value and Importance of Print Advertising in 2024 In 2024, print advertising continues to hold significant value in the marketing landscape, offering unique advantages in an increasingly digital world.

Tangibility and Credibility: Print materials, including our magazine, provide a tangible and credible presence that digital media cannot replicate. Consumers often perceive printed materials as more trustworthy, establishing a sense of credibility for the advertised content.

Targeted Marketing: Print allows for highly targeted advertising, reaching specific demographics through niche publications. This level of precision enables businesses to tailor their messages to a welldefined audience, increasing the effectiveness of their campaigns.

Less Clutter, More Attention: With the digital space saturated with advertisements, print materials stand out by offering a respite from online clutter. A well-designed print ad captures attention more effectively, as it competes in a less crowded environment compared to the online realm.

Brand Recall and Engagement: Print advertising contributes to stronger brand recall. Physical materials often leave a lasting impression, as readers engage more deeply with printed content, leading to enhanced retention of the brand message.

Permanence and Longevity: Print materials have a longer shelf life compared to digital content, especially when featured in magazines or periodicals. This longevity ensures that the advertisement continues to reach audiences over an extended period, providing sustained visibility.

Enhanced Creativity and Aesthetics: Print allows for creative and visually appealing designs that can make a strong impact.

INVOLVED IN AN ORGANIZATION? Strictly Business Magazine is preparing to run our JOINING ORGANIZATIONS special feature in the March issue!

Inclusion in the feature involves a

Complementary to Digital Strategies: Print advertising works synergistically with digital marketing efforts. Integrated campaigns that incorporate both print and digital elements offer a comprehensive and cohesive brand presence. Our print magazine combined with our strong online presence and back linking give you a phenomenal advertising presence!

150-word write-up about your

Local Targeting: Print advertising is particularly effective for targeting local audiences and connecting with residents on a more personal and localized level.

six consecutive months of

Trust and Authority: Print materials, especially in established publications like ours, contribute to building trust and authority for a brand. Being featured in reputable print media enhances a business’s credibility, positioning it as an industry leader. We help paint you as the expert in your industry.

Sensory Experience: Print engages the sense of touch, providing a multisensory experience that digital channels cannot replicate. The tactile nature of print materials adds a layer of connection, making the advertising message more memorable.

While the marketing landscape evolves, print advertising in 2024 remains a valuable component of a well-rounded marketing strategy, offering distinct advantages in terms of credibility, targeting and engagement. Businesses that strategically integrate print into their marketing mix can enjoy a competitive edge by reaching audiences through a diverse range of channels. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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shae@strictlybusinessomaha.com | (402) 466-3330

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

A DYNAMIC DUO B r i n g i n g

Y o u

U n r i v a l e d

R e a l

E s t a t e

S o l u t i o n s

Concorde Management & Development, LLC in partnership with Blue Rock Construction is a dynamic duo that will leave no stone unturned as they strive for unparalleled service.

Blue Rock Construction Services, LLC, Concorde’s affiliated company, oversees all construction and maintenance projects for the firm and third-party clients. With extensive experience in the Lincoln area, Blue Rock has constructed a wide array of structures, encompassing commercial (multi-family, office, retail, industrial, medical, hospitality, etc.) and residential properties. Their portfolio includes tenant improvement build-outs, significant redevelopments, remodels and ground-up construction.

At Blue Rock, client satisfaction is paramount. They prioritize understanding client needs, explaining construction processes thoroughly and approaching projects conscientiously.

Collaborating closely with clients, Blue Rock endeavors to solve complex challenges creatively and cost-effectively while aligning with clients’ visions, goals and expectations. You can rest assured that all construction endeavors undertaken by Blue Rock adhere strictly to building codes and are delivered within the agreed budget and timelines.

Blue Rock’s commitment to efficient work was evident in their recent collaboration with Beleve Dance Studio, where they managed an accelerated schedule to minimize downtime for the studio’s operations. Additionally, Blue Rock facilitated temporary space for the business to continue functioning during the construction phase. They value the opportunity to work with Beleve and contribute to the establishment of a cutting-edge dance studio.

If you would like to have Blue Rock Construction look at your next project, please call (402) 476-0086.

(402) 476-0086 info@concordemgmt.com 1314 O St. Suite 101, Lincoln, NE 68508 concordemgmt.com/real-estate-development 58

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FRIENDS

STRICTLY BUSINESS UPCOMING EVENTS

BUSINESS JANUARY EVENTS FRIENDS

For January, we will heading to a fanfavorite destination for cocktails and nibbles downtown, The Copper Kettle for Friends4Drinks! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 31, from 4 to 6 p.m. and help us celebrate our President Paige’s birthday! Not only does Copper Kettle have a delicious range of Moscow mules and other cocktails, they also have an impressive bites menu. You’ll have to wash down a few tacos while you’re there, or maybe some Kettle Nachos. The Copper Kettle is located at 230 N 12th St.

Last Month Recap

JANUARY 2

PNG Business Unplugged | Professional Networking Group

JANUARY 3 Chamber Coffee | Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

JANUARY 9 How to Advocate for Your Own HR Career | LincolnHR

JANUARY 10 Women in Sales and Business Monthly Meeting | WISB

JANUARY 11 RISE 2024 Kickoff | Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

JANUARY 16 Monthly Luncheon | LIBA

JANUARY 17 Hot Topics Discussion | Leadership Lincoln

JANUARY 18 Alumni Social | Leadership Lincoln

JANUARY 19 We had such a great time at Mi Tierra’s for our last Friends4Lunch of 2023, and yes, we ate way too many chips. HUGE thank you to everyone who came out, it was one of our biggest turnouts of the year! It was so great to catch up with everyone and meet all the new faces, and we hope to see you again this month. Mi Tierra’s is located at 8320 Northwoods Dr. We hope you’re able to join us and get in on the fun. Our networking events are an amazing opportunity to have a nice relaxing time while also getting connected with other Lincoln businesses. You can find more information on our Facebook page (@StrictlyBusinessMagazine).

As always, these events are free to you – you only pay for what you order! We’ve been loving the energy you all have been bringing to our meetings recently, and we can’t wait to see you and your friends at the next one. If you have any questions, reach out to kacey@ strictlybusinessomaha.com / (402) 466-3330.

Young Professionals Mini Golf Tournament | Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

JANUARY 25 The HIVE | Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

JANUARY 31 Friends4Drinks | Strictly Business

For specific event details including time, location and contact information, visit our event calendar online at strictly-business.com/calendar-of-events.

Don’t see your event? Submit your events on our calendar!

RSVP is encouraged for these events. Please let the Strictly Business team know if you plan to attend by calling (402) 466-3330, emailing office@strictlybusinessomaha.com or marking yourself as “Going” on the Facebook event pages. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Bul l Se

o

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP ye o.

SP Group, P.C. opened for business 20 years ago on November 14, 2003. Our first office space, operated by four employees, was located at 27th and Old Cheney. In 2010, as the business expanded, we moved to our current location at 1230 Aries Dr. Suite A. Our Team of seasoned and knowledgeable professionals want to make your experience simple and hassle-free. We want to provide you with the service you deserve from a Team that truly cares about you. Our approach is to build long-term relationships with our clients and their families that lead to sustained success. Our firm’s simple beginnings have kept us humble. Our pride is in the success of our clients and the path we have traveled together as we’ve grown alongside them.

We believe in the power of positive relationships. With each client we pour our energy into getting to know how we can help you reach your financial goals. At SP Group, we have a capacity to develop long-term relationships in order to understand what success means to you and how we can help you achieve it. Get in touch with us and start developing our winning relationship today.

Our success has been the result of doing good work, for good people, that frequently become good friends.

We are fortunate to have good clients, good team members and various community relationships that have helped us grow and expand. We plan to continue to be a valuable resource for tax planning and building wealth for our clients for years to come.

– Dave Swan, Managing Partner

– Darin Petersen, Partner

FOUR CORE VALUES RELATIONSHIPS We create and foster long-term relationships to help develop a deeper insight into who you are and what drives you to succeed.

POWER OF TEAM We serve your needs most effectively and efficiently when we combine the unique talents of each individual member of our group into one strong and cohesive Team.

LIFE/WORK BALANCE We strive for successful Team members who serve our clients through the years. By encouraging healthy life/work balance we aim to give the same energy to serving our clients as we devote to our personal interests, our family and friends and our communities.

COMPETITIVENESS We like to win at SP Group and we believe our competitive sports-minded culture makes our firm better at achieving success for you.

spgrouppc.com

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(402) 420-7758

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LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

by Jason Ball President

(402) 436-2350 www.lcoc.com

Celebrating a Year of Great Accomplishments for Lincoln 2023 was a year full of accomplishments for the Lincoln community. As I reflect on the accolades of the year, I am filled with gratitude for the work that was done to pave the way for a successful 2024.

Together, your Lincoln Chamber team and the business leaders of our community made a significant impact on our city.

Among the many successes of 2023, several noteworthy accomplishments stand out, including: Introducing Vitality Lincoln – In collaboration with our board of directors, the Lincoln Chamber joined forces with two premier consulting firms to craft a comprehensive plan for the future of Lincoln. Vitality Lincoln is a culmination of the insights of over 3,500 community members and the thoughtful guidance of a 42-member steering committee of business and community leaders. This blueprint outlines our city’s trajectory and includes the creation of a downtown Lincoln convention center, the establishment of a coordinated career pathway system, support for workforce expansion, prioritization of an East Lincoln Beltway and the innovative promotion of our community to external markets. While considerable progress has already been made, more work remains in the years ahead. Visit lcoc.com/vitalitylincoln to learn more.

Hosting the Guardians of Freedom Airshow – This summer, Lincoln served as the proud host to the Guardians of Freedom Airshow. Your Lincoln Chamber of Commerce team was honored to partner with the Nebraska Military Department and the Lincoln Airport to welcome over 340,000 attendees to the record-breaking event. Headlined by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, the Guardians of Freedom Airshow demonstrated the power of partnerships and significantly impacted our local economy.

Breaking Ground on the Sandhills Global Youth Complex – This fall, the Sandhills Global Youth Complex became one step closer to reality. Plans for this cutting-edge baseball and softball facility were unveiled by our Visit Lincoln team last year in collaboration with Nebraska Wesleyan University, the City of Lincoln, Lancaster County and other community partners. The complex will feature eight turfed fields, including two championship fields for baseball and softball, along with a dedicated field for Homers Heroes. The addition of this complex in our community will offer a positive impact on the experience of athletes and further solidifies Lincoln as a top-tier destination for youth sports.

Making Strides in the Legislature – As your voice for local business, the Lincoln Chamber’s public policy team had a successful year lobbying for the issues we prioritized for 2023 and beyond. This included supporting accelerated income, corporate and property tax relief, helping to secure funding for a secondary source of water for Lincoln and supporting reinstating convention center assistance through sales tax turnback funding opportunities. Additionally, the Chamber policy team made two trips to Washington D.C. to lobby on efforts related to infrastructure, university research, tax provision and immigration reform.

On behalf of our entire team at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, thank you to the Lincoln business community for your ongoing dedication to moving our city forward.

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The Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. For more information, contact Derek Feyerherm at dfeyerherm@lincoln.org.

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Exceeding Your Expectations Daily Custom Cooling & Heating, INC strives to educate & inform their customers while giving them the service they deserve.

CUSTOM COOLING & HEATING, INC is a local family owned HVAC business that has been serving the Lincoln & surrounding areas since 1982. Our staff prides itself on listening to the customer to give the best possible experience while serving them. Our services range from service and installation of all types of residential & commercial HVAC equipment, as well as residential & commercial new construction, remodels and full system replacements. Rooftop, Geothermal & mini-split system service and installation are 2 areas that our staff has excelled in recent years. We also have a commercial / industrial fume extraction division to respond to our customers needs.

Custom Cooling & Heating, INC is a Tempstar Elite Dealer, a Daikin Comfort Pro Dealer and a Daikin Elite Development Dealer. We cultivate long standing relationships with our suppliers, manufacturers and our customers.

CLIENT REVIEWS Thank you for quick & efficient service!

The tech’s that did the work were fantastic!

They go the job done quickly & didn’t leave a trace. Would highly recommend you in the future!

STACY

Thank you once again for your quick service. Hoping the AC unit & furnace will last for many years!!

TOM

Thanks for coming to fix our A/C the same day! We appreciate it a lot.

GINA

Thank you for the prompt service! Grady was very efficient and a personable young man.

TOMMY

Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! Your paternshio allows us to support our neighbors and our community through Christ-based mentorship and peer support. So many folks are struggling with various life difficulties and don’t have supportive relationships to walk with them through thier difficult times. Your donation allows us to provide relationships that can change liced!

GRACE & PEACE, BRODY & ATLAS

Scott B. did an amazing job helping us on the phone. He gave great customer service!

LORI

Great job Ross! He is the reason we will always call you guys. I am was very impressed with his knowledge and his amazing customer service!

MELANIE

402.489.9227 CustomCooling.net

11720 O St., Lincoln, NE 68520

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DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ASSOCIATION Count on us for EVERY Season (402) 434-6900 • downtownlincoln.org

by Todd Ogden, President Who Let The Dogs Out? Off Leash Dog Bar Did.

No one likes leaving their dogs at home, but sometimes it can be tricky to find a space to enjoy yourself with your fur family. Now there is.

Off Leash Dog Bar is a place for customers to take their furry friends, kick up their feet and loosen up. Nothing is more comforting than relaxing with your chosen family. Off Leash Dog Bar opened its doors on Memorial Day. Its Owner, Brandon Akert, also owns Gate 25 Bar and Restaurant located in the Railyard.

For those bringing their dogs, Off Leash offers a Day Pass for $10, and a 10-visit Punch Pass is $80. Additional Day passes for dogs are $5 each for up to three dogs. If you plan on leaving your furry friend at home, the entry is always free.

Upon entering, you must provide up-to-date dog vaccination records and pet licensing. Off Leash will call your vet to verify the information needed to make sure your dog is safe and vaccinated.

Manager Luke Greene has been there since the bar’s inception.

Whether he’s doing drink development or participating in Paw Patrol, Greene helps out in any way he can.

“Some dogs won’t get along – just like humans,” Greene said.

“But we have some of our staff –our Paw Patrol – and they look for any sort of behavior, any body language that looks like a situation could happen and we correct it before it happens.”

Paw Patrol monitors dogs that might act out. They are trained to use tactics like squeaky toys, shakers or clap sounds to help break the doggy tension. The Paw Patrol also helps clean up any unexpected messes that occur on the premises.

“I have a pug, and I’m a shorter guy, so I kind of get it, and it’s that Napoleon Complex will come out with smaller dogs,” Greene said.

“The thing with [smaller dogs] is they’ve got little spaces that they can hide under, like picnic tables. For those bigger dogs, they will play hard, they will jump in the pool together, but we have our staff in a position looking for any behavior.”

Off Leash is split into three areas. The outside off-leash park is for dogs to soak up some vitamin D and splash in the pools, the indoor off-leash area for dogs to enjoy the shade, and the indoor on-leash bar where the food and drinks are located. There is no food allowed in the off-leash areas.

Off Leash offers a full bar, specialty cocktails (that are often inspired by a certain dog breed), coffee and smoothies. They do not serve tea at this time. Off Leash does not operate with a full kitchen, so they offer a variety of snack options including nachos, popcorn and candy.

“We do have to operate things a little bit differently [to follow the FDA Food Code],” Greene said. “So for instance we don’t have an ice well where most bars would, we get ours from the soda machine, that way it’s enclosed and protected from any dog hair.”

Off Leash Dog Bar is only available for dogs – cats are not allowed.

Off Leash Dog Bar is open Tuesday through Thursday from 3 to 9 p.m.; Friday 3 to 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from 12 to 8 p.m.

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

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

DEVELOPING

Relationships

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate is a full-service commercial real estate company offering brokerage, management and consulting services. We assist clients with every aspect of commercial real estate, from leasing to sales and acquisitions, valuations, portfolio evaluations and facility and asset management.

As a smaller company, we strive to develop client relationships that span more than one transaction with much time and attention devoted to understanding each client’s specific and unique commercial real estate needs and goals.

To provide clients and the public with the best available local market data and knowledge, we produce a semi-annual market report in-house. This also places the best market data in the hands of our agents, allowing them to serve our clients with the highest level of insight and professionalism.

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

2017 - Realtor Commercial Service award 2018, 2019 - CoStar Powerbroker award 2022 - BBB Honor Roll Member of the 2022 and 2023 Community Pacesetter in the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development 2022/2023 Brett Harrris, Nebraska Chapter CCIM President John Linscott, 2023 Q3 Winner - Powerbroker Quarterly Deals John Linscott, 2023 Q3 Winner - Powerbroker Quarterly Deals Adam Lowney, 2023 Q3 Winner - Powerbroker Quarterly Deals Donald Linscott, 2023 Summit Hall of Fame

QUOTES & TESTIMONIALS “We first met them when we were attempting to purchase a commercial building and Greenleaf represented the seller as agent.

We were so impressed we hired them as the property manager after closing. We have been happy with our decision and appreciate having them guide us through the intricacies of owning a multi-tenant commercial building. Based upon my first-hand knowledge of how they handle matters, I recently recommended them to a client to manage a shopping center.”

Kent Endacott | Client

“Working at Greenleaf is great for so many reasons. We are a small, close-knit team who work hard to deliver that same family-like loyalty and respect to our clients, tenants, and vendors.

We also get to be part of a team that has played a major role in the growth of Lincoln for several years. Getting to see that growth firsthand is a fun and special perk of the job. Greenleaf is a workplace full of opportunities for personal and professional growth; making it a great place to build a fulfilling career.”

Talisha Parsley | Proper ty Manager

“Greenleaf, as well as the city of Lincoln, has seen many productive changes over the 17 years I’ve been employed here. It’s honestly a wonderful place to work with a genuine family atmosphere where everyone cares about each other. This culture extends from our clients to our tenants to our vendors to our agents on down to our staff. The foundation of Greenleaf is family.”

Amy E. Bretta | Accounting

“I have been an employee of Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate since October 2022; my job has been wonderful because I get to split my time between creative and organizational tasks. I love having that duality. I love that my bosses are very effective managers. They understand the importance of hiring great people therefore I feel as if I am a part of a close family. I am incredibly lucky to be a part of the Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate Team!”

Halie Hollowell | Marketing Director

“Working at Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate has provided me with the opportunity to maintain a great balance between work life and home life. I enjoy working for a company that values its employees and where I feel appreciated every day.”

Cleo Styskal | Brokerage Assistant

(402) 467-2525 | greenleafcommercial.com

300 N 44th St. Unit 112, Lincoln, NE 68503

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LINCOLN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

by Bud Synhorst, President

(402) 466-3419 • www.liba.org

City Must Focus on Business During her recent State of the City Address, Mayor Gaylor Baird made the claim that Lincoln is entering into its “Golden Era.” The Mayor proposed a “13 Pillar” plan to make Lincoln a better place to live and work. The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) found this plan falls short of the improvements Lincoln needs for its businesses and their employees. Below are proposals we believe will improve the business climate and improve the lives of all citizens.

Economic development is the cornerstone of growth for our future. We urge Mayor Gaylor Baird to consider our list of pillars for Lincoln’s economic development and to improve life in our city. These priority pillars would be instrumental in cultivating economic prosperity and creating a real “Golden Age” for Lincoln’s businesses: 1. Reduce government regulations that deter and obstruct business growth.

2. Expedite local permitting processes that can delay business and development projects for months.

3. Reduce taxes so our elderly population will not feel it necessary to leave their homes and move away from our city. Lower property taxes will make it easier for younger families to own a house and start families in our city.

4. Increase the downtown police presence to combat the rising downtown crime rate so that more families and elderly feel safe going downtown and providing patronage.

5. Increase the number of police officers to improve Lincoln’s caseclosure rate and get criminals off our streets.

6. Reduce flood plain restrictions so that local standards do not surpass state and federal standards.

7. Protect downtown businesses from those who loiter, sleep, and defecate in businesses’ doorways.

8. Change design standards to allow businesses and developers to control what their projects will look like without influence from regulatory boards with no interest in the business.

One of the Mayor’s 13 pillars for the city to “work to become an AARP friendly city.” At the recent “pink card” meetings where the public provided testimony to the government subdivisions raising their property tax asking, we saw many citizens of all ages concerned about the large increases in property taxes this year. Lowering property taxes seems like a great way to “work to become an AARP friendly city.”

The Mayor also mentioned SmartAsset.com ranking Lincoln as the 10th best city in the country for young professionals. Yet, at the pink card meetings, young people said they can’t afford a house for their young families and may need to look to other cities as their future place to work and raise a family.

Carrying out these priority pillars will bring Lincoln more commerce, create more jobs, improve the quality of life for all citizens of Lincoln and achieve a more prosperous economic future.

Mayor Baird was elected to represent the people of Lincoln, including the businesspeople and their employees. Now, we ask for Mayor Gaylor Baird to help make Lincoln the best place to build a business and hire and retain quality employees to ensure a Good Life for all.

LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining, please call LIBA at (402) 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses.

We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.

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New Year’s resolutions are powerful tools for personal growth, but often fall by the wayside as the year progresses. Businesses in Lincoln suggest key strategies to stick to 2024 goals. Start by setting realistic and specific objectives, breaking them into smaller achievable steps.

Find support through friends, family or communities with similar goals, fostering accountability and motivation. Make sure to regularly track progress, whether through apps or check-ins, and remember to be compassionate toward setbacks, viewing them as opportunities for learning and growth.

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January is the month for New Year's resolutions, and one of the most popular ones is to lose weight or get into shape. This trend stems from a desire to start the year on a positive note by prioritizing personal well-being and making lifestyle changes to achieve a healthier body.

Recognizing how important the goal of a healthier lifestyle is, Club Pilates in Lincoln focuses on helping people both lose weight and get into shape. “We offer reformer based Pilates with 12 stations for classes as well as private training. Pilates focuses on the core, so it helps with balance, flexibility and strength. All of these things help to make you healthier and happier in the New Year,” shared Christine Krueger.

Pilates, once primarily associated with dancers and elite athletes, has evolved Christine Krueger into an inclusive exercise option accessible Club Pilates to individuals on diverse fitness paths. Its attraction stems from being a low-impact workout, reducing strain on joints and accommodating varying fitness levels. Club Pilates, a notable provider, caters to this expanded audience by offering classes designed for both novices and experienced Pilates enthusiasts.

Their comprehensive class spectrum ensures suitability for everyone, allowing individuals to engage comfortably and progressively in this exercise regimen, regardless of prior experience.

When prioritizing working out and attending sessions regularly, it is important to set realistic goals for how often you can fit it into your schedule. Maintaining a consistent routine while acknowledging that life's demands may occasionally disrupt it is just as important as setting a goal that will produce results.

Flexibility and self-compassion play crucial roles; missing a session or two shouldn't be seen as failure, but instead as a natural part of the process.

If anyone knows a thing or two about sticking to a goal, it’s the team at Husker Rehab. The team at Husker Rehab has honed their expertise in helping individuals persevere and ac hieve their goals effectively.

Operating across five clinics spread across four cities in Nebraska, they specialize Michelle Spicka in providing tailored therapies aimed at Husker Rehab rehabilitation, wellness and preventive care.

Michelle Spicka, DPT at Husker Rehab, firmly believes, “You deserve to feel better, so we will help you feel as good as we can in 2024.”

Like the rest of the Husker Rehab team, Michelle believes that the New Year is a great time to start working on your health, but that January 1 doesn’t have to be the day you start. The most important thing is to start at a time when you are most likely to stick with it, such as after the holidays or a vacation so you don’t have to worry about how that will impact your routine.

When you're ready to hit the gym, consider Madonna ProActive.

They've got a special offer for new members until February 29: sign up for an annual agreement and get one month free! If you're unsure about committing for a whole year, they also offer a one-week free trial to test things out. It's a great way to see if they're the right fit for you before making a longer commitment.

“The new year is a great time to re-establish current goals or create a new goal! All new members of Madonna ProActive receive complimentary sessions with the personal trainers and registered dietitian. A variety of services, classes and programs begin in January and February to provide additional exercise ideas, education, training and guidance to help you achieve your goals!”

Samantha Kelly shared Samantha Kelly, General Manager Madonna ProActive and Exercise Physiologist. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

MORE THAN A GYM! As a holistically based health and wellness facility Madonna ProActive offers everything from gym memberships to medical services and massage. Similar to many gyms New Year’s joining promotions are available. Now through February 29th receive one month free when signing an annual agreement!

GYM MEMBERSHIPS include access to the entire facility with 100 pieces of cardio equipment, 2 weight rooms, over 90 fitness and yoga classes each week, towel service and locker rooms with a dry sauna, steam room, whirl pool and amenities.

MEDICAL SERVICES available on-site are physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, cholesterol and blood glucose checks, plus more.

MASSAGE is one of the most popular services at Madonna ProActive and members receive discounts.

Choose from four licensed massage therapists, a variety of availability and types of massages. Treat yourself to a massage in the New Year!

Call (402) 420-0000 today to ask about pricing and availability. proactive.madonna.org

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Whether it's getting personalized workout routines, nutritional guidance or participating in various fitness classes, Madonna ProActive aims to empower individuals in reaching their fitness milestones. Fusing a cutting-edge facility, a team of seasoned professionals and a holistic wellness approach, Madonna ProActive embodies a distinctive methodology. This approach, complemented

by Madonna's proficiency in enabling individuals to accomplish their desired activities, not only sets it apart, but also paves the way for unparalleled success among its members.

Another awesome gym that works hard to keep you engaged and stick with your goals is Capital City Fitness & Performance. They stand out for their commitment to helping individuals achieve their fitness goals. As the exclusive Training for Warriors (TFW) affiliate in the city, they offer a comprehensive group training program encompassing warm-ups, speed and strength training, endurance workouts, flexibility exercises and nutrition guidance, all within a supportive and motivating environment.

Owner Mike Bevard emphasizes the importance of goal setting, stating, “If you want to be a goal getter, you’ve got to be a goal setter!” He encourages the practice of physically writing out specific goals across various life areas like fitness, finances, family, personal development and career on an index card. This act serves as a powerful daily reminder to progress in these key areas.

TFW's approach caters to individuals of all Mike Bevard fitness levels, aiming to enhance muscular Capital City Fitness strength, endurance and mental resilience & Performance necessary for both fitness pursuits and life's challenges. Their philosophy revolves around "Bringing Out the Warrior Within," inviting you to embrace your inner strength and make 2024 a year dedicated to finding your inner "Warrior."

In addition to finding your inner strength, adopting an “ultra-runner mindset” can help you conquer what’s left of winter and prepare for spring. According to Lincoln Running Co., the key to successful resolutions lies in setting specific and time-sensitive goals.

Often, vague resolutions like "read more" or "watch less TV" are easily forgotten and tend to slip away. To make meaningful progress, Lincoln Running Co. Manager Ann Ringlein suggests aiming for distinct objectives, urging individuals to check off items from their bucket lists this year.

The marathon classes offered by Lincoln Running Co. aim to address a common c hallenge in sticking to resolutions: Ann Ringlein accountability. With 25 years of experience, Lincoln Running Co. the classes focus on providing runners with a sense of accountability, a vital factor in maintaining consistency.

“We meet on Tuesday mornings for some fast stuff, Thursday evenings for a run and a speaker and the Saturday morning long runs. You don’t have to make any decisions about what to run, where to run or how to run. Those have all been made for you. Taking all that decision-making out of running is a huge plus, and our training partners become your best friends for four months!” shared Ann. Between the Lincoln Running Co., supplying you with the proper shoe for your feet and the right apparel to get you out the door feeling confident about fighting off the cold weather, and The Movement Academy setting you up with the proper strength training for running, you can’t go wrong!

Anyone who has taken a break from working out and gotten back into it knows how sore your muscles will be the first few weeks. To ease muscle soreness during this transition period, it’s essential to incorporate proper warmups, cool-downs and stretching into your routine. Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of workouts can also help minimize soreness. Additionally, staying hydrated and getting enough rest are crucial for muscle recovery.

The act of setting resolutions encourages introspection and reflection on the past year.

It’s a chance to evaluate what worked well, what could be improved and where personal growth is desired.

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Five Tips For Achieving New Year’s Resolutions 1. Start Small: Begin with small, manageable goals.

Setting realistic objectives allows you to build momentum and gain confidence as you accomplish each milestone, setting the stage for more significant achievements.

2. Establish a Routine: Integrate your resolutions into your daily routine. Consistency is key to forming habits, and incorporating your goals into your daily life makes it more likely that you’ll stick with them over the long term.

1213 Q St. | 402-474-4557 lincrunningcompany.com

3. Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your achievements and setbacks. Regularly assessing your progress allows you to celebrate successes, identify patterns and adjust your strategies as needed.

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4. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Celebrating milestones, no matter how small, reinforces your commitment, boosts motivation and makes the journey towards your resolutions more rewarding.

5. Don’t Give Up!!! Perseverance is the key to positive change.

If you want an extra nudge towards feeling better, consider adding massages to your routine. According to The Body Connection and anyone who has ever gotten a good massage before, integrating massages into your routine can offer a valuable and targeted approach to achieving overall well-being and improved recovery post-workout.

“We have over 40 years of experience between all our therapists here, and I alone have 25 years, which is how long The Body Tammy Helzer Connection has been in Lincoln,” shared The Body Connection Tammy Helzer, Owner, LMT. One of the primary benefits of massages lies in their ability to increase blood flow throughout the body. By stimulating circulation, massages facilitate the efficient transport of oxygen and essential nutrients to the muscles. Massages also play a crucial role in reducing muscle tension. Through the application of pressure and various massage techniques, areas of tightness and knots in the muscles are addressed, promoting a sense of relaxation and alleviating discomfort. By targeting muscle imbalances and promoting joint mobility, massages enhance overall flexibility.

Beyond the physical benefits, massages offer a unique avenue for stress reduction. The calming effects of massage therapy extend beyond the muscles to positively impact mental well-being. This holistic approach to recovery acknowledges the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, providing a comprehensive strategy for individuals seeking an extra nudge towards feeling better.

In the pursuit of New Year's resolutions, businesses in Lincoln offer valuable strategies for maintaining and achieving goals throughout 2024. Setting realistic and specific objectives, breaking them down into manageable steps and seeking support from communities or loved ones are effective methods for success. Regular progress tracking and a compassionate approach to setbacks are also crucial elements for sustained progress and growth.

Specifically concerning the common aspiration for better health in the New Year, it's essential to establish achievable objectives. By following the strategies suggested by local businesses, you can set yourself on a path toward accomplishing your health goals in the coming year. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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“I recently finished the Homestead Running Club’s Hoppy 5K, thanks to Physical Therapist, Ryan Wade at Husker Rehab in Beatrice.”

I was having pain and he immediately diagnosed the cause of the problem. During therapy, I continued to run every day and quickly was able to increase my mileage while feeling less pain.

Visit HuskerRehab.com for more info

Danny Delong

Placed First in the Men’s 70+ Class

― Locations ― North Lincoln

Nebraska City

(402) 477-3110

(402) 873-5151

South Lincoln

Fairbury

(402) 261-4739

(402) 729-2639

Beatrice

Serving Lincoln and SE Nebraska for 24 Years

(402) 228-9292

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Preparing a comprehensive business plan for the upcoming year is crucial for any business aiming to capitalize on new opportunities and navigate potential challenges. A well-crafted business plan enables businesses to outline clear goals, define actionable steps, allocate resources effectively and adapt strategies to changing environments. Flexibility within annual business plans is critical, allowing for adaptability in the face of unforeseen changes and market fluctuations. Ultimately, having a robust business plan in place ensures that businesses are better equipped to seize opportunities and optimize their operations.

The business experts in Lincoln advise businesses to consider integrating professional coaching into your business agenda alongside financial guidance to start 2024 off right.

Finances are the foundation for any business, regardless of its size or industry. They form the bedrock upon which all operations, decisions and strategies are built. At its core, effective financial management ensures the stability and sustainability of a business. It allows for informed decision-making by providing insights into the company's financial health, profitability and areas for potential growth.

To ensure positive financial standing in 2024, we recommend meeting with SP Group to discuss taxes and the new options available. One such new option is available through the Nebraska Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET), which represents a significant change in the state tax law, has the potential to benefit shareholders in S-corporations and partners in partnerships. This tax legislation allows pass-through entities, such as S-corps and partnerships, to elect to be taxed at the entity level rather than at the individual owner level.

The recent PTET legislation offers an additional advantage by allowing S-corporations and partnerships to retroactively claim credits for tax years 2018 through 2022. This provision permits eligible entities to apply for credits based on their prior year tax returns, provided they pay the tax that aligns with the new rules introduced by this legislation. In addition to the tax credits, the business will be able to deduct the payments. The timeframe to take advantage of this opportunity to claim credits and take the deduction for previous tax years is set to expire on December 31, 2025.

Jason Hardy, CPA with SP Group, recommends considering all of your options before settling on if and when you take advantage of the PTET legislation.

Jason Hardy “Managing business cash is crucial for SP Group #PrintProudDigitalSmart

success, and to effectively manage your finances, you have to understand why you are writing checks and when it is best for you to do so.”

Once your financials are planned and situated, you can better plan for the year ahead. When prioritizing the needs of your business, one of the first things you should consider is if you are equipped with everything you need to operate smoothly and efficiently, including the location of your office.

Real estate decisions wield substantial influence, impacting a business across multiple facets. Location choice directly affects accessibility to customers, suppliers and talent pools, crucial for boosting productivity and expanding market reach. Additionally, decisions about office space size and layout as well as warehouse facilities significantly shape workflow. Financially, lease negotiations or property acquisitions affect costs, cash flow and long-term financial commitments. These decisions play a pivotal role in shaping the company's bottom line, influencing its capacity to invest in growth initiatives.

“As businesses assess their space needs for 2024 and beyond, we can assist them with decisions relating to relocation, expansion, lease negotiation or property acquisition.

Given the current interest rate environment and economic uncertainty, the right real estate decisions play a critical role in a business’s success,” shared Brett Harris, Director of Brokerage Services at Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate.

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate is a Brett Harris comprehensive provider of commercial real Greenleaf Commercial estate solutions, offering a wide array of Real Estate professional services tailored to meet various needs. Whether you require assistance with leasing a property, buying or selling, seeking expert advice or navigating property development, Greenleaf's team of skilled professionals is dedicated to supporting your success in the commercial real estate sphere. Their diverse expertise and services aim to address a spectrum of commercial real estate needs, ensuring tailored solutions to help achieve objectives.

With your physical location under wraps, you can move onto the logistics of your IT. As the New Year begins, now is the time to consider your business's IT strategic plan for 2024. Much like you plan annual budgets, sales goals and growth opportunities, having a strategic plan for your IT needs is equally as essential. Do you have a cyber incident response plan in place? What about a consistent server and network backup plan? These tasks are not only important, but they are vital to the success of any business.

As such, Hamilton Information Systems recommends working with a Managed IT service provider to increase operational efficiencies and enhance your cybersecurity posture. “Working with a Managed IT service provider enables you to be better prepared for business growth with a unified Managed IT solution that proactively meets your strategic IT plan. Our clients benefit from consistently monitored hardware, regularly backed-up data and extensive safeguards to protect their businesses against the ever-changing Ryan Wineteer cyber landscape. Our Managed IT solution Hamilton allows our clients to focus on what they do best – growing their business," shared Ryan Wineteer, Hamilton Information Systems Sales Manager.

Hamilton Information System’s unified Managed IT solution empowers businesses to focus on their core competencies while efficiently fortifying their IT infrastructure for growth and security. Without this foundation, businesses would be at risk of losing important information that could set them back farther the longer the problems go unaddressed.

With a strong foundation for your business to grow upon, the next thing to consider is how to strengthen your business. This #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Amazing Images, Inspiring Video (402) 417-0678 altitudemotion.com team@altitudemotion.com

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DO YOU HAVE A GRIP ON YOUR BUSINESS? OR DOES YOUR BUSINESS HAVE A GRIP ON YOU? Get a FREE 90-minute meeting to learn how your team and your business can benefit from EOS.

KATIE KOESTER 402.335.8244 | katie.koester@eosworldwide.com eosworldwide.com/katie-koester

JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business

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a successful business year is not a stroke of luck; it’s the result of meticulous planning, relentless execution and the resilience to adapt

MANAGED IT & CYBERSECURITY 402.694.5101 HamiltonISBusiness.com info@hamiltonisbusiness.com

Aurora • Grand Island • Hastings • Kearney • Lincoln • Gibbon • Burwell

We Are SP Group | Taxes are a TEAM Sport

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2024

involves optimizing operational efficiency, expanding into new markets, maintaining healthy finances, fostering innovation and adaptability, nurturing talent and prioritizing customer relationships.

According to Katie Koesteer, a Professional EOS Implementer with EOS Worldwide, “The markets are ever-changing and can present new obstacles and challenges that your business may have never encountered, so strengthening your business is imperative.

As a coach, I work closely with my clients Katie Koesteer to create a robust and flexible plan that EOS Worldwide focuses on strengthening the Six Key Components of their business: vision, people, data, issues, process and traction.”

By prioritizing accountability and discipline across the organization, Katie empowers her clients to construct a resilient framework capable of navigating any challenges that arise, fostering a business foundation capable of withstanding unforeseen adversities and ensuring sustained growth and success.

EOS Worldwide, through its Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS), aims to facilitate businesses in aligning their vision, fostering operational traction and cultivating a robust leadership team to drive business excellence. By employing EOS, the focus lies in getting everyone within the business on the same page regarding the overarching vision and objectives. This process involves crystallizing a clear business vision and determining key priorities essential for enhancing operational efficiency and profitability. By establishing a unified direction and addressing core priorities, EOS helps businesses operate more smoothly and profitably while building a cohesive and effective leadership team to steer the company towards success.

To further strengthen your business, you have to strengthen your presence and get in front of as many potential customers as possible – a strong online presence and effective exposure are pivotal for business growth. One way for businesses to expand their reach and customer engagement is through the use of well-crafted, attention-grabbing videos that communicate brand stories, products and services.

Altitude Motion Media specializes in producing high-quality, attention-grabbing videos designed to elevate businesses. They prioritize collaborating closely with business owners to craft a personalized video strategy aligned with their specific preferences and requirements, enabling an effective showcase of offerings across various platforms such as social media, emails and websites.

“We are here to help businesses tackle 2024 by helping them meet their video marketing and social media goals. We love to help businesses tell their story, and with the New Year comes a new way for them to do that,” explained CEO/Creative Director Ryan Lindbeck. “The newest offering in our industry includes short-form content such as reels. Short-form content is a great attention grabber, making it perfect for social media.

Ryan Lindbeck As such, we include them with all of our Altitude Motion Media video projects.”

The integration of short-form videos into all video projects ensures that Altitude Motion Media’s clients have engaging content optimized for diverse platforms, enabling them to effectively connect with their audiences and stand out in the digital landscape.

Annual business planning is a must for any company's well-being.

Having a solid foundation and mission is vital for successful planning.

We recommend seeking expertise to guide you towards success and encourage you to connect with the featured experts for timely and meaningful planning. Wishing you and your business a fantastic year from all of us at Strictly Business, let’s make 2024 a good one! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

S U P P O R T I N G

At Strictly Business, we believe it is so important to support our local nonprofits.

Our commitment to supporting local nonprofits stems from recognizing their pivotal role in addressing the pressing needs of our community’s most vulnerable segments. Nonprofit organizations understand the needs of those who are vulnerable in our community and work to help support causes many of us connect to.

These organizations not only champion causes that resonate deeply with us, but also play a significant role in job creation, providing invaluable opportunities for individuals – be they workers, volunteers or donors – to contribute meaningfully to causes larger than themselves. When we pitch in to help nonprofits, we’re helping our communities and neighbors, keeping a culture of humanity, art and philanthropy alive.

In this Supporting Nonprofits feature, we’re highlighting a host of Lincoln’s most impactful nonprofits, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share their stories and promote the work they do throughout the year. We encourage our readers to keep these nonprofits top-of-mind when choosing how to give, whether it’s money, time or skill. By engaging in these acts of generosity, we collectively uphold a tradition of giving back to our community and fortify the crucial missions of these organizations, contributing to making Nebraska a great place to work and live.

Our Supporting Nonprofits feature is a biannual initiative occurring in January and July, designed to showcase and highlight the work of numerous nonprofits within our community. While many nonprofits actively engage with us throughout the year, some opt for participation during specific periods, aligning with significant milestones or events. For January, we have some excellent nonprofits, all of which need and welcome your support, and we encourage you to get involved in their events and efforts!

N O N P R O F I T S Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln has helped families build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership families like Blanca and her four children.

Habitat strives to help families like Blanca’s achieve homeownership through an affordable mortgage. Homeownership strengthens neighborhoods and improves the entire community. Children of homeowners have better success rates in school, and families are able to build generational wealth putting them on a path out of poverty.

Habitat Lincoln has partnered with more than 199 local families, serving more than 812 men, women and children through the construction of new single-family homes, as well as simple and critical repair projects. Get involved at lincolnhabitat.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

The Nebraska Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is part of the world’s largest and oldest children’s youth ministry. Established in 1937, the global ministry has reached over 250 million children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are unique in that they focus specifically on elementary children ages five to 12. CEF of Nebraska’s Good News Clubs (GNC) are after-school clubs during the school year that primarily meet in local public schools.

During the summer, their Five-Day Clubs go where the children are – neighborhoods, homes and parks.

CEF of Nebraska brings the gospel of Jesus Christ to children for an opportunity in which to make a life-changing decision for Christ in a safe and loving environment. If you would like to know more, please contact Matt Anderson at matta@cefnebraska.org / (402) 480-5515.

As the state’s quality award-winning expert for older adults, n o n p ro f i t Ta b i t h a empowers people to live joyfully, age gratefully. Supporting families since 1886 across Nebraska, Tabitha offers a range of services, from results-driven rehabilitation, accessible at-home home health care, innovative living communities, compassionate hospice services and Tabitha Meals on Wheels (Lincoln). For all Senior Care needs, ‘Tabitha is the Answer.’

Each year Tabitha must fundraise to supplement the cost of Seniors’ care. Medicaid and Medicare do not come close to fully reimbursing Tabitha to cover costs.

Connect with Tabitha’s Foundation to make a donation to support Seniors TODAY. Call (402) 486-8520 or go to Tabitha.org/Give.

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Filament Essential Services is a nonprofit dedicated to enabling other nonprofits to make a greater impact by easing the burdens of administrative tasks. Our fractional business services will free you up to concentrate on what truly matters – fulfilling your mission and changing the world.

Improve Organization Visibility by defining your brand identity, upgrading communications materials, producing captivating videos and creating targeted campaigns.

Ensure Financial Stability with our meticulous bookkeeping, payroll processing, financial reporting and compliance guidance.

Safeguard Donor Information following our certified vCISO and CISSP support that establishes compliance with industry standards.

Resolve Technology Issues by subscribing to our Managed Services Program to support your software and hardware infrastructure.

For more information about Filament Essential Services, visit filamentservices.org or call (402) 219-9600.

The Malone Community Center was founded in 1955 through a reorganization of the Lincoln Urban League. Initially founded during a time in history when civil rights for African Americans were extremely limited, the league founders, both black and white, were determined to improve social and economic conditions and increase understanding between all races. They believed that enhanced understanding between all groups of people would create a better community.

For decades, the Malone Center has served neighboring families, youth, seniors and the Lincoln community through programs and initiatives that extend well beyond the community center to uphold their mission to end multigenerational poverty. Their holistic community programming reflects their commitment to advancing equality through education, health initiatives, community outreach, advocacy and leadership development.

For more information about the Malone Community Center, please visit MaloneCenter.org or call (402) 474-1110.

Voices of Hope provides 24-hour services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, incest, stalking and related forms of abuse. They have provided free and confidential services to victims of these crimes in Lincoln/Lancaster County for 48 years. Their services include a 24-hour crisis line, (402) 475-7273, and victim advocacy at hospitals. Voices of Hope also offers support groups, crisis counseling, safety planning, assistance with protection orders and basic needs as well as providing a campus advocate for students. They answer more than 8,000 crisis line calls a year and provide face-to-face services to approximately 2,500 unduplicated survivors. Their free and confidential services are available to women and men. Voices of Hope is in need of financial donations, gift cards, gas cards and donations of basic needs items such as personal hygiene items, household items, diapers and wipes and office supplies. To learn more, visit www.voicesofhopelincoln.org.

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T h r o u g h a g r ow i n g grassroots network of volunteers who hail from every corner or the state, Nebraska Community Founda tion (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 over 270 Nebraska communities. In the last five years, 45,993 contributions were made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $517 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330.

The mission of the Apace, previously Region V Foundation, is to support and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Southeast Nebraska. Apace helps provide services that may not be available through usual funding methods, including day services, transportation, housing, job coaching and other programs and experiences. Apace has been serving the Lincoln area and Southeast Nebraska for over 45 years. We strive for a community where those who experience disabilities are included. By providing tools and resources, we educate the public and connect members of the community.

To learn more, please visit GoApace.com or call (402) 471-6400.

The Bridge Behavioral Health is a nationally accredited substance use treatment center.

Their mission is to provide hope and a strong foundation for recovery through substance use treatment and behavioral health intervention. Since 1984, The Bridge has served as an essential part of the community’s safety net, providing compassionate support and treatment to people struggling with substance use and related mental health disorders. The Bridge offers a continuum of services including medically-monitored withdrawal, substance use and mental health respite, residential treatment and outpatient counseling.

For more information, contact Brianna Georgeson at development@ thebridgenebraska.org or visit thebridgenebraska.org.

The Pregnancy Center is a nonprofit, faith-based organization located in the heart of Lincoln just off O St. Every month, over 400 young women in our community come to the Pregnancy Center for answers. These women desperately need our love and support. Many of them are afraid and feel like they have no options. The Pregnancy Center offers complete information about every option available to a woman facing an unintended pregnancy. The Pregnancy Center also provides confidential counsel, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, materials support, parenting classes and character-based relationship education in schools, all at no cost to our clients or taxpayers. Learn more at pregnancycenterlincoln.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

People’s City Mission (PCM) was started in 1907 by local churches, o f f e r i n g fo o d a n d shelter for transient and impoverished men, women and children. In 1987, PCM moved to their current location and now houses on average 350 men, women and children nightly in their emergency shelters and the Curtis Center permanent supportive housing program. The Help Center offers free clothing, housewares and food to Lincoln’s needy, to aid in preventing homelessness. The Free Clinic offers quality dental and other services to the uninsured.

As Lincoln’s homeless shelter, People’s City Mission’s work is more than 97% funded by community donations. When you give a little, you can change a lot.

Contact info@pcmlincoln.org or call (402) 475-1303 for more information. You can also visit www.pcmlincoln.org or @pcmlincoln on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information.

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 pet therapy visitations in nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living centers, DomestiPUPS pet therapy teams bring a bit of brightness through their furry encounters. The organization’s service dog teams provide increased independence when paired with a disabled partner. These highlyskilled 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 a seizure or a diabetic high or low and open doors both literally and figuratively. Some even provide lifesaving measures for their disabled partners. Learn more online at www.domesti-pups.org.

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives – devoted to saving people from two of the nation’s top killers: heart disease and stroke.

Powered by millions of volunteers, global and local collaborators, their goal is equitably increase worldwide healthy life expectancy from 64 to at least 67 years by 2030.

Through events right here in Nebraska, like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women and Heart Ball, the American Heart Association is making an impact. For more information, visit www.heart.org/nebraska.

Since 1952, The Arc of Lincoln has been a resource for parents, schools, agencies and individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to promote and protect their rights and interests, while enriching the quality of their lives. They believe that all people deserve opportunities and to be contributors and influencers in their communities. Questions can be directed to Jennifer Stuhmer, Executive Director, at (402) 421-8866 / director@arclincoln.org. Visit www. arclincoln.org for more information. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Camp Quality Heartland began in 1994 and is one of 19 camps in the Camp Quality USA family. We are a 501(c)(3) that provides year-round support activities for children with cancer and their families at no cost.

Our program includes a week-long summer camp and other activities held throughout the year. We currently provide programming for families across the states of Nebraska and Iowa. Campers range from ages five through 17 and vary in stages of their treatment or remission. They are children who smile, laugh, play and have dreams for a bright future.

Understanding that a cancer diagnosis impacts an entire family, our programming includes siblings as well. Surrounded by new friends that can relate, loving volunteers who care and loads of fun experiences, Camp Quality campers find joy, courage and renewed hope for their future.

For more information on how to register, volunteer or donate, contact heartland@campqualityusa.org / (330)968-8924 or visit www. campqualityusa.org.

Vision Maker Media (VMM) envisions a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate.

What began as a film archive to conserve and document Native American stories transformed into the nation’s leader in content by and about Indigenous people for public broadcasting. For over 47 years, VMM has helped develop, produce and distribute programs to educate and engage audiences.

Through programs like the Creative Shorts Fellowship, Public Media Fund and the Native Youth Media Project, VMM provides mentorship, training and funding to nurture the next generation of filmmakers, and has a catalog of films available for purchase to use in the classroom and other educational spaces. Vision Maker Media shines a long-overdue light on the foundation of American history with Native American perspectives, while empowering and engaging the next generation of Native filmmakers to share their stories. For more information, visit visionmakermedia.org.

Lincoln Medical Education Partnership (LMEP) is a leader in healthcare education, patient care and b e h a v i o ra l h e a l t h ser vices through a variety of programs designed to meet community needs. These include the training of Family Medicine resident physicians and the delivery of exemplary patient care through the Lincoln Family Medicine Residency Program and the Lincoln Family Medicine Center, exposure to integrative medicine through Lincoln Medical Acupuncture, outpatient mental health and substance use counseling services for adults through Stepping Stones, the provision of training and technical assistance to help schools identify and assist students with behavioral health issues through School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP) and the delivery of expert medical care to pediatric patients in Lincoln’s hospitals through Lincoln Pediatric Hospitalists. To learn more about Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, visit www.lmep. com or call (402) 483-4581.

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The Junior League of Lincoln (JLL) is an inclusive organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving our community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Junior League of Lincoln currently runs community impact projects – Clothesline, HomeStart and the JLL Diaper Bank – which foster the well-being of women and children in Lincoln through education, direct service, fundraising and advocacy. The league’s goal is to create an environment that welcomes a diverse group of women where all members feel connected to each other, to the JLL mission and to the community. JLL provides significant training to all provisional, active and sustaining members, which encourages them to make a unique, valuable and lasting contribution to JLL and the community, and to ensure continuity of leadership and establish the JLL as a leadership development resource in the community. For more information, visit jll.org.

Lincoln TeamMates matches an adult volunteer with a student in grades three-12 to help them realize their strengths, grow hope for their future and to simply be heard. Matches share common interests and/ or lived experience. Mentor’s may choose the school and/or grade level that fits best for them. Visits last one class period, once each week and take place at school. TeamMates began in 1991, thanks to Dr. Tom and Nancy Osborne. In 32 years, program outcomes have confirmed their belief that caring adults help students – especially those with multiple life challenges – stay engaged in school, graduate high school and make post-secondary plans. Mentors help students expand their aspirations, develop visions for their futures and realize their full potential. To discuss the benefits of mentoring for associates in your business or to offer donations of food for trainings, reach out by calling (402) 436-1990. You can learn more at lincolnteammates. org.

Break away from the pack of ordinary after-school programs with Girls on the Run of Nebraska (GOTR), which celebrated its 20th anniversary this last school year.

Girls on the Run teams meet twice weekly each season to build skills in goal-setting, communication and decision making while they train to complete a 5K run/walk with other GOTR teams. Since its inception with 11 girls in Lincoln in 2003, GOTR-Nebraska has expanded to serve more than 24,000 girls at 100+ sites across the state.

Teams of third through sixth grade girls are coached by volunteers who help girls put their best foot forward with friendship, physical activity and a 5K fun. The GOTR 5K is a celebration of every girl’s hard work, and the entire GOTR experience is valuable to promote physical, social and emotional growth.

“GOTR is an excellent way for my daughter to develop relationships with other children, as well as promote good health and exercise,” wrote one parent. “She absolutely adored her coaches, who were always supportive and helpful.”

To learn more about Girls on the Run, visit www.GOTRNebraska.org.

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is dedicated to helping the homeless and near homeless find possibilities when things seem impossible. Our vision is to defeat hunger and homelessness and restore hope!

Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, Matt Talbot is a hunger relief and outreach center. In a typical year, Matt Talbot provides approximately 180,000 meals through onsite prepared meals, emergency food pantries and distribution of donated high-quality food and 45,000 outreach and homeless prevention services to the working poor and homeless such as housing, case management, drug and alcohol evaluations, RentWise classes, diversion and help with obtaining vital identification documents. Matt Talbot has maintained a four-star Charity Navigator ranking for nine consecutive years, received the 2023 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics and was recognized for transparency with a Gold Seal on our GuideStar Nonprofit Profile.

Learn more at www.mtko.org.

The Nebraska Spor ts Council (NSC) stands as a premier organization fostering community engagement through sports and physical activity. At the heart of its initiatives are the Lincoln and Omaha Corporate Games, events that unite businesses in friendly competition, promoting teamwork and healthy lifestyle. These games serve as a platform for corporations to build camaraderie among employees while emphasizing the importance of fitness and well-being.

The NSC, committed to enriching sports culture in Nebraska, actively seeks partnerships and sponsorships. Corporations aligning with the NSC gain exposure and contribute to the development of a healthier and more connected community. Sponsorship opportunities encompass a range of engagement levels, from event-specific branding to sustained partnerships, allowing businesses to tailor their involvement according to their marketing and charitable objectives. By supporting the NSC and the Corporate Games, sponsors play a vital role in fostering a dynamic, active and interconnected Nebraska community.

Learn more at NebraskaSportsCouncil.com.

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Disability Rights N e b r a s k a a d vo c a t e s alongside and on behalf of people to help make sure the legal rights, human rights, dignity and worth of all individuals with any kind of disability are recognized, promoted and defended. As an independent nonprofit organization, we are not connected to any public or private service-providing agency. We have the authority to protect and advocate for the rights of Nebraskans with disabilities through the following: • legal advice and representation • public policy advocacy • systems change • relationship-based advocacy (Citizen Advocacy) • self-advocacy skill development • training for inclusive education volunteer lay advocates Established in 1977 as part of the national Protection & Advocacy network mandated by Congress, our current focus areas are Freedom from Harm (Abuse & Neglect), Inclusion in the Community and Engaging People with Disabilities in Advocacy. For more information, visit www.disabilityrightsnebraska.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

T h e L i n c o l n C h i l d r e n’s M u s e u m (LCM) invites children to create, discover and learn through the power of play.

In 1987, a group of committed parents and educators came together to conceive a hands-on learning museum for children in Nebraska. A permanent Museum opened in December 1989 containing a dozen simple, handcrafted exhibits.

Now, the Lincoln Children’s Museum offers three floors and 23,300 square feet of interactive learning through numerous exhibits along with day and summer camps and learning programs offered at the Museum and throughout the Lincoln community.

The Lincoln Children’s Museum is a member of the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM). ACM has nearly 200 children’s museums nationwide.

The Museum is a private nonprofit, 501(c)(3), and receives no city, state or federal tax dollars. When you support the Lincoln Children’s Museum, you’re supporting a future of limitless possibilities to the children of Lincoln. To learn more, visit www.lincolnchildrensmuseum. org.

Through partnerships and collaboration, Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) facilitates positive change for the common good. LCF’s mission is to inspire our community to give, act and lead.

Since 1955, LCF has been privileged to be part of many wonderful legacies by connecting donor generosity to local needs. The organization serves as a faithful steward for many types of philanthropic gifts and helps donors create lasting legacies of giving. With gifts of all sizes from thousands of donors over the years, the assets of LCF have grown to more than $185 million.

LCF has distributed more than $230 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of our residents.

The success of Lincoln Community Foundation is measured by the quality of life achieved for people today and generations to come.

Find out more online at www.lcf.org or by calling (402) 474-2345.

More than 11,000 Nebraskans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The Heartland Cancer Foundation’s (HCF) mission is to provide practical and immediate financial assistance to eligible cancer patients in our community so they can focus on what matters most: healing.

If YOU are passionate about supporting local cancer patients who are struggling with both a cancer diagnosis and financial hardship, YOU can get involved by sponsoring one of HCF’s signature events like the Mardi Gras Gala, Oncology Symposium or Heartland Golf Classic, or by becoming an Impact Partner and having a presence at all events year-round.

Other ways YOU can show your support include volunteering, joining the Impact Guild, setting up a recurring gift or including HCF as a beneficiary in your legacy plans.

Chances are, cancer has had an impact on your life. If you’re ready to provide hope, learn more and reach out at heartlandcancerfoundation. org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

One of Lincoln’s largest nonprofit organizations focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility is the YMCA of Lincoln.

The YMCA has served the community for over 150 years – promoting positive values through programs that build spirit, mind and body for all. Today, the YMCA serves the community with facilities in all quadrants of Lincoln through programs including swim lessons, YMCA Youth Sports, YMCA Camp Kitaki, after school programs, health and wellness offerings and more.

While the names and program offerings have changed over the past 150 years, the cause remains the same – strengthening the community. As one of the country’s most storied nonprofits, the YMCA knows that lasting personal and social change comes about when everyone works together. Every day, the YMCA works side-by-side with their neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For more information on the YMCA of Lincoln, visit YMCALincoln.org.

Christian Record S e r v i c e s, I n c . , located in Lincoln, is a ministry of compassion of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to children and adults who are blind, with nearly 18,000 members throughout the United States and in countries around the world. Our mission is to empower people who are blind to engage their communities and embrace the Blessed Hope.

Christian Record Services offers an array of services and programs, including Bible study lessons, books, magazines and Bibles in audio, braille and large print from a library of more than 2,000 titles.

Members also have the opportunity to deepen social, educational and spiritual connections through PhoneFaith, scholarships for higher education and National Camps for Blind Children.

These services and programs are free of charge to people who are legally blind, regardless of spiritual beliefs or faith background.

For more information, visit www.christianrecord.org, call (402) 4880981 or email info@christianrecord.org.

The Branched Oak Observatory (BOO) is a unique astronomical park located conveniently just 20 minutes from downtown Lincoln near Branched Oak Lake Recreation Area. Established in 2015, they offer a unique viewing experience and learning opportunity for young and old alike.

Whether viewing the sun, the moon or deep-space star clusters and nebulae, the Observatory’s staff of volunteers – amateur and professional astronomers alike – help to “Bring the Night Sky Down to Earth.”

The Observatory has a radio telescope to view the electronic spectrum of the universe, a SATCOM array for communications with the International Space Station and other satellites, a Cosmic Ray Detector and an Earth Moon Earth EME array that will allow them to bounce radio signals off the surface of the moon and back to Earth!

Please follow the Branched Oak Observatory on Facebook (@ BranchedOakObservatory). If you would like more information, visit theboo.org or contact Matt Anderson at matthew@ branchedoakobservatory.com / (402) 480-5515. Branched Oak Observatory is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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Aiding Angels is a local, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing FREE, professional house cleaning to the cancer heroes in our community during one of the most stressful times of their lives. A clean home and environment contributes to the welfare and recovery of patients.

Brenda Schwery, local business owner of Maid to Please, has provided free home cleaning services for years through another foundation where women with cancer are the only recipients. In response to an overwhelming number of requests from not only women, but also men and children, Brenda founded Aiding Angels. Now, the void is filled and the muchneeded help is extended to everyone – men, women and children regardless of financial status – going through cancer treatment or hospice due to cancer.

For more information on Aiding Angels, please visit www.aidingangels. com or contact Brenda at (402) 434-2472.

HopeSpoke inspires healthy futures for c hildren and families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services. Emotional issues and trauma are hard for anyone to overcome, especially for kids. When things feel hopeless, HopeSpoke can help.

HopeSpoke provides mental health services for individuals and families across the lifespan, including: • Outpatient counseling • School-based therapy • Extended day treatment • Crisis and residential services Outpatient counseling is available in-person or via telehealth to best fit each individual’s needs. Caring for children’s mental health since 1949, HopeSpoke continues to provide expert, innovative services to grow a community of happy, hopeful, healthy families.

For more information about HopeSpoke’s programs, or to make a gift to support mental health for children and families, please visit hopespoke.org or call (402) 475-7666.

The mission of the Nebraska Safety Council 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. Members of the Nebraska Safety Council include organizations throughout Nebraska and surrounding areas, across a variety of industries. There is no one-size-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. The Nebraska Safety Council provides leadership and resources for a safe and healthy workplace and community. To reach their team, call (402) 483-2511 or visit nesafetycouncil.org to learn more.

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Based in Lincoln, nonprofit Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska is part of a wholeperson healthcare organization across 13 states in more than 700 communities serving people with intellectual and developmental needs. Mosaic’s purpose is to “love and serve” and its mission is to “embrace God’s call to relentlessly pursue opportunities to empower people.” The values woven through Mosaic’s work are belonging, connection, faithfulness and grit.

At Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska, “to empower” means providing truly personalized services to those it supports to achieve their best or most meaningful life, working with them and their families to create closer ties to the community in order to open up volunteer and employment opportunities and Mosaic standing alongside them to advocate with and for them to bring awareness to issues that affect their lives and promote public policy that positively impacts them.

This empowerment of people ranges from helping someone communicate for the first time to helping another gain enough independence to secure a job and live in their own home. If you would like to learn more about Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska’s services, to donate, volunteer or inquire about employment, please go to mosaicinfo.org/southeastnebraska.

Hundreds of children and youth in Lancaster County are victims of abuse and neglect. Cour t Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Lancaster County is a local nonprofit that recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused, neglected, truant or ungovernable children in Juvenile Court. CASA volunteers get to know the children and the circumstances and issues surrounding the family. They gather information and report their findings and recommendations directly to the judge. CASA volunteer advocates provide a voice for children in court, expedite permanency, share with the judge the needs and wishes of the children and ensure that children have safe, permanent homes. Help us “Change a Child’s Story™” by becoming a CASA volunteer or by donating today!

To volunteer, donate or for more information, please contact CASA for Lancaster County at (402) 474-5161 or visit www.casa4lancaster. org / Facebook @CASA4LancasterCo.

The mission of t h e A m e r i c a n Re d Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face o f e m e r ge n c i e s by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

The Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters from home fires to major events such as hurricanes, floods or tornadoes. About 40% of the nation’s blood needed by patients is supplied by the Red Cross. The organization teaches skills such as CPR and First Aid that save lives. Additionally, the Red Cross provides international humanitarian aid and supports military members, Veterans and their families.

Every day, the American Red Cross is active in the community, serving those in need. Visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) REDCROSS to support Red Cross efforts by volunteering, donating financially or giving blood. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Since 1978, Friendship Home has helped survivors of domestic violence find physical and emotional safety by offering possibilities to help change their lives when things are at their worst. Friendship Home’s current facilities have expanded shelter options including transitional housing and single-family shelters and a variety of different crisis services.

Friendship Home offers emergency shelter in a communal shelter setting, apartments for families and transitional living for families who need more time to rebuild their lives – free from violence.

Friendship Home continues to empower everyone who comes through their doors to achieve safety, independence and freedom from domestic violence.

Friendship Home is Lancaster County’s only safe, confidential emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Services include emergency and transitional shelter, as well as supportive services, through safety planning, crisis intervention, support groups and mental health counseling. To access safe shelter and services, call (402) 437-9302. Learn more about Friendship Home online at friendshiphome.org.

The Foundry Community exists to support, educate and develop the Nebraska purpose-driven community.

We o f f e r a r a n g e o f resources, including internship opportunities through Intern Foundry, meeting rooms, event spaces and a specialized coworking environment tailored for nonprofits.

By joining our community, organizations can accelerate their impact pathway through fiscal sponsorships, benefiting from reliable services and added capacity with internship partnerships with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Honors program. Our commitment extends beyond physical spaces; we deeply value our members, working hard to provide infrastructure support that sets up Lincoln-based nonprofits and purpose-driven businesses for success. The Foundry Community enables small organizations to focus on their core missions, empowering them to make a direct and positive impact on the world.

Join us today to become part of a collaborative network that fosters growth, community and success. For more information and to become a member, visit thefoundry.co.

“Poverty limits opportunity.

We d o n ’ t .” S i n c e 1965, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties has been empowering people living in poverty to reach economic stability.

Community Action provides unique programs and services in four impact areas: Early Childhood Education, Homelessness Prevention, Financial and Family Well-Being and Hunger Relief and Healthy Food Access. Just some programs include Head Start, which supports children from at-risk backgrounds and their families in building skills for success; Emergency Services, which provides rent, utility and deposit assistance to those at-risk of experiencing homelessness; and the Gathering Place, which provides free hot, nutritious meals to anyone experiencing hunger in Lincoln.

In 2022, Community Action provided over 100,000 povertyfighting services to over 18,000 individuals in Lancaster and Saunders Counties. To connect, call (402) 471-4515 or visit www. communityactionatwork.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

For 92 years, Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. has been strengthening the Lincoln community by providing services for individuals who face barriers to employment and by offering residents an outlet for recycling unused household items and clothing. The sale of donated items in Goodwill’s retail stores remains the largest source of funding for its programs and services.

Goodwill recognizes that services provided by peer agencies prepare people served by Goodwill to better succeed in Goodwill’s employment programs. It is with this understanding that Goodwill provides funding to colleague agencies to help with their own programs that align with Goodwill’s mission of keeping willing workers employed and community resources maximized. To learn more, visit lincolngoodwill.org.

Christian Businessmen’s Connection (CBMC Lincoln) is part of a global network of men in the marketplace who want to develop personally, professionally and spiritually. These are men who aspire to honor God in their businesses and work. CBMC encourages men to connect with Christ and with others who are growing and discovering how to represent Christ in life and work.

CBMC offers one-on-one mentoring, challenging growth groups, leadership development, networking and events throughout the year.

They also serve business owners and leaders through Peer Advisory Groups geared to equip members to lead lives and businesses which honor Christ and serve the community. Young Professionals (YP) groups offer opportunities for men from all areas of the workplace to engage with other YP’s as well as learn from senior leaders and business owners. When men connect with CBMC, they become part of a trusted band of brothers who are there to provide encouragement and accountability and share wisdom.

To learn how CBMC Lincoln can serve you, please contact CBMC Lincoln at (402) 204-1997, connect with them on Facebook (@ cbmclincolnne) or visit lincoln.cbmc.com.

Summer should be fun and filled with new experiences, and Bright Lights provides all of that!

Ser ving kindergar teneighth grade students, Bright Lights provides energized, engaging and fun summer learning opportunities. Their weeklong half-day and full-day camps allow students to learn and create, master new skills and build new relationships.

For Summer 2024, camps take place June 3-7; June 10-14; June 17-21; June 24-28 and July 8-12. Camp topics include science, technology, math, art, literature and music with most having a STEAM connection.

The full Summer 2024 camp schedule will be available online in February, and registration will open on Saturday, March 2, at 8:00 a.m. at BrightLights.org.

Bright Lights provides Before Care and Lunch Care at some camp locations. Need-based scholarships are available. There is also an international experience for middle school students and a Camp Assistant program for high schoolers. Find out more about these opportunities at BrightLights.org.

JANUARY 2024 Strictly Business 79

Angels Among Us 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.

Once approved, families are provided with $500 or $750 a month, depending on household income levels, 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.

In addition to financial support, Angels Among Us launched 11 emotional support programs to provide wrap-around services for all members of the pediatric cancer family. Programs for teens, kids, siblings and caregivers; events for the family to attend together; and bereavement support services are now offered. These emotional support programs allow Angels Among Us to better fulfill its mission of BOTH financial and emotional support.

Angels Among Us recently moved into its new space, The Harper Hope Center. This space allows Angels Among Us to conduct programmatic events and support groups for the pediatric cancer families they serve, on site, for the first time. We are now located on 89th and Indian Hills Drive at 220 N 89th St. STE 101 in Omaha.

Since 2006, Angels Among Us has assisted over 700 families with over $5 million in support. Gifts of any amount are welcome and encouraged. For more information, contact Angels Among Us at (402) 934-0999 or visit the website at www.myangelsamongus.org.

Family Health Services is here to help! Our nonprofit healthcare organization serves nine s o u t h e a s t N eb r a s k a counties. Patients can get reproductive healthcare on an income-based sliding fee basis. More than half of the 1,500 patients that Family Health Services cares for every year are uninsured or underinsured which qualifies them for free or reduced-price services. We also accept private insurance, Medicaid and Every Woman Matters.

We believe all our neighbors should have access to reproductive and sexual healthcare regardless of ability to pay. Our caring and comprehensive providers are available Monday-Friday for all your reproductive health needs (preventative screenings, women’s gynecological visits, birth control consultations, STD/STI testing and treatment, cervical cancer screenings/PAPs, breast cancer screenings and many other services).

Visit us at LoveSafely.com or call (402) 466-1012 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Visit us in Lincoln at 630 N Cotner, STE 204 (near Gateway Mall).

Yo u t h f o r C h r i s t Lincoln reaches young people who are: pregnant, in jail or walking the hallways of a local school. At pivotal moments we want to be there for teens, to walk alongside them and give them a chance to hear about God and make an informed decision about Him. Our largest program is Campus Life. We are currently building a new Campus Life youth center on our property on Pine Lake Rd. Learn more about our ministries and our project at www.yfclincoln.org.

80 Strictly Business JANUARY 2024

City Impact is a faith-based nonprofit organization in Lincoln focused on empowering and equipping kids and families to rise above vulnerable circumstances through a Christ-centered biblical worldview, radically transforming them into who God created them to be. With diverse programs and initiatives, this organization tackles various issues impacting youth and families.

From transitional housing for families to educational opportunities for youth, and from mental health and wellness programs to mentoring and guiding young people toward a brighter future, City Impact’s holistic approach addresses the needs of individuals from all walks of life. City Impact aims to catalyze positive change through core values of community, excellence and a growth mindset. It creates a ripple effect that instills hope, purpose and a sense of belonging in those it serves.

Needs: Weekly literacy tutors, weekly faith program volunteers, donations and sponsorships to help support City Impact’s free community programs.

For more information about City Impact, call (402) 477-8080, email info@cityimpact.org or visit www.cityimpact.org. Follow on Facebook and Twitter to stay connected.

Fresh Start has given a “fresh start” to over 1,800 women who were striving to live a better life.

As a nonprofit transitional housing program for women, Fresh Start offers more than just a safe place to live. It’s a goals-based program that empowers women to change their lives by recognizing and overcoming barriers to self-sufficiency. With Fresh Start, women 19 years and older who are experiencing homelessness for any reason have the opportunity to live in a safe, supportive environment for up to a year, affording them more time to focus on their long-term goals, address barriers and enact change.

Donations of toilet paper, tissue and disinfectant cleaning items are needed.

Get involved with Fresh Start by visiting their website at FreshStartHome.org or connecting on social media (Facebook: @ FreshStartHomeLincoln; Twitter: @FreshStartLNK). To donate or learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Monica at (402) 475-7777 / monicaz@FreshStartHome.org.

Founded in 1932, Catholic Social Services (CSS) of Southern Nebraska is the charitable arm of the Diocese of Lincoln, serving all individuals regardless of faith in the southern third of Nebraska. Their services cover 24,000 square miles and touch the lives of nearly 30,000 people annually.

Catholic Social Services provides food market and meal services, family support services – which include rent and utility assistance, disaster relief, refugee, immigration services and St. Gianna Program (a program for women and their children escaping violence and domestic abuse). Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska has offices and Gift & Thrift stores in Lincoln, Auburn, Hastings and Imperial. To connect, donate or volunteer with CSS in bringing Hope in the Good Life, visit www.csshope.org or call (402) 474-1600. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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