Strictly Business Lincoln - April 2024

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JAKE

National Day Prayerof National Day Prayerof

Thursday, May 2nd

However you choose to worship, please join these Lincoln businesses in prayer on May 2nd.

(402) 499-2379

imageinflators.com

Matthew 22:36-38 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”

Don Montgomery

(402) 420-6020

edwardjones.com

(402) 417-3758

nebraskarealestategirl.com

Joshua 1:8: “Keep this Book of Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything writen in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful...”

(402) 601-5088

rentals4lincoln.com

2 Chronicles 7:14 “And My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

(402) 475-5282

runutsco.com/about-ahroma-coffee

Psalm 33:12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

(402) 480-6950

thewaterford.net

1 Corinthians 16 “Let all that you do be done in love.”

(402) 488-8934

hisautocare.net

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

(402) 405-2959

allprolincoln.com

Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

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A Paige From My Notebook...

Dear Strictly Business Readers,

As we embark on the journey into the blossoming month of April, I am thrilled to share with you the exciting theme we have curated for our upcoming issue of Strictly Business Magazine. This April, we are delving into two of my personal passions: Starting A Business and Women Owned Businesses.

Starting a business is an exhilarating endeavor filled with challenges, triumphs and endless opportunities for growth. It is a testament to the innovative spirit and unwavering determination of entrepreneurs who dare to dream and turn those dreams into reality. Through our April issue, we aim to provide invaluable insights, guidance, and inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs as they embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

we hope to inspire and empower our readers to support and champion women entrepreneurs in their endeavors.

At Strictly Business Magazine, our mission has always been to foster connections and cultivate a sense of community among local businesses and our readers. Through our April issue, we are dedicated to bringing you closer to the people behind the businesses, sharing their stories and igniting a sense of excitement and camaraderie as we celebrate their successes together.

...we are dedicated to bringing you closer to the people behind the businesses, sharing their stories and igniting a sense of excitement and camaraderie as we celebrate their successes together.

Moreover, we are shining a spotlight on Women Owned Businesses, celebrating the remarkable contributions of female entrepreneurs in our community and beyond. Women-owned businesses continue to redefine industries, break barriers and pave the way for future generations of aspiring business leaders. By showcasing their stories, successes and experiences,

Special thanks to Michael Carpenter for inspiring the name “A Paige From My Notebook.”

I invite you to join us throughout this issue on this journey of discovery, inspiration and empowerment as we delve into the vibrant world of starting a business and womenowned enterprises. Success is a collaborative effort, so we encourage you to support these remarkable businesses and make sure to tell them you found them here in Strictly Business.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing this exciting edition of Strictly Business Magazine with you.

Warm regards,

Paige Zutavern President, Strictly Business Magazine

Custom Cooling & Heating, INC (CCH) has been serving Lincoln & the surrounding communities since September 1982. Brad Ohlmann started his career at CCH in 1994 and has been in an ownership position since 2004. Even as the business has grown, he has kept the original intention of the founder: to provide superior service and comfort to its customers for an honest price.

Currently, CCH has an exceptional team of 16 people that embrace the qualities that leadership has built the foundation on. Their staff wants to exceed your expectations daily. In order to ensure that they live up to that integrity, which they define as doing the right thing when no one is watching, must be upheld as one of their core values. Everyone at CCH wants to provide the level of service & installation that they would expect in their own homes and businesses.

CCH provides a wide range of services in HVAC for their customers. Those services are not limited to, but include the following: residential replacements and service, commercial replacements and service, service agreements for residential and commercial, new construction and remodeling for residential and commercial, custom metal fabrication and commercial / industrial fume extraction.

Our team has over 240 years of combined experience in the HVAC industry. They are providing the right person for your project to ensure that quality and value are at a level their customers deserve. One of their biggest assets is that their existing customer base is constantly referring them to their family, friends, colleagues and community.

The HVAC industry is constantly changing. They have experienced the ebb and flow of new construction, inflation, energy efficiency & EPA mandates, ever changing technology, shortage of staff in the trades, indoor air quality (in which Covid-19 sparked a huge change), electrification & natural gas furnace efficiencies, social media and marketing changes and the AI influx. The air conditioner & heat pump units are trending towards high efficiency inverter driven compressors. The CCH team members have been installing these units for several years and are dedicated to the necessary training needed to stay current with that technology.

There are multiple choices for HVAC contractors in the Lincoln area. CCH strives to be the best for you. They hope that you give them an opportunity to exceed your expectations.

The Residence at Gramercy Celebrates a New Team and New Look

The Residence at Gramercy, along with their management team 12 Oaks

Senior Living, is celebrating a new team and a new look as they renovate select Independent and Assisted Living apartments within their community. They also have future plans to renovate the common areas of the building. These renovations are just one example of improvements being made to ensure The Residence at Gramercy remains a space where seniors can thrive in community.

Sitting on six acres of land, with over 140 apartments, the Residence at Gramercy creates a space where the main goal is providing quality care. Located at 6800 A St., the community boasts premiere amenities in a desired location.

The Residence at Gramercy is an Assisted and Independent Living Community that focuses on delivering excellence in all they do. Anyone interested is encouraged to call (402) 483-1010 today to set up a tour and experience all the community has to offer. You can also email LIN-Leasing@12oaks.net for more information.

The Residence at Gramercy, which opened in 1985 as Gramercy Hill, is dedicated to helping you achieve better health by offering an ideal combination of clinical and therapeutic outcomes and personal wellness goals. Learn more at www.theresidenceatgramercy.com.

Husker Rehab Owners Presented with Certificate of Recognition from Senator Mike Flood

Lincoln Demolition and Excavation Develops New Swim Spa/Hot tub Vault Systems

Lincoln Demolition & Excavation has developed a focus on a unique new service that incorporates nearly all of their services into a single project. They are proud to announce Swim Spa/Hot tub Vaults!

This project involves:

• Excavation: Excavate vault (hole in ground) to recess swim spa/ hot tub for ease, convenience and aesthetics.

• Concrete Installation: Base concrete pad for swim spa/hot tub to rest on.

• Drainage Solution: Install drain inlet into concrete pad to protect from snow melt, rain, splashing, overflow etc., with an outlet for the water to run to.

• Retaining Walls: Install a retaining wall around the perimeter of the excavation vault to retain the soils after excavation.

• Trenching: Trench for power wire running from house to provide power to the swim spa/hot tub.

• Grading: Finish grade around the swim spa/hot tub vault project to provide a clean, polished look.

Husker Rehab owners, Michael Zalman, Greg Cromer and Ryan Wade were presented with a certificate of recognition from Nebraska Senator Mike Flood in appreciation of 25 years of business in Lincoln. This is an exceptional honor for the owners and employees of Husker Rehab and a perfect way to help celebrate the 25th anniversary and many achievements.

Flood wrote, “Your contributions to your community and to Nebraska are part of what makes Nebraska the best place in the world.”

Zalman, Cromer and Wade couldn’t have done this without their dedicated staff, which is why Husker Rehab would also like to recognize the many dedicated employees they’ve had over the past 25 years:

• 25 years: Greg Cromer, MPT, Melissa Cromer, OT, Michael Zalman, MSPT, Patty Gerlach and Starla Post

• 20 years: Ryan Wade, MPT

• 18 years: Michelle Spicka, DPT

• 14 years: Ben Petersen, DPT

• 12 Years: Halie Trimble, PTA

• 9 years: Katelyn Huenink, PTA

• 7 years: Kelli Reilly, MPT

• 6 years: Sydney Wilson

• 5 years: Wyatt Scott, PTA

For more information about Husker Rehab and their services, visit huskerrehab.com.

These vaults are perfect for those who are wanting to age gracefully in home while still enjoying the leisure and warmth of a hot tub or swim spa, without having to climb up/down stairs risking slips or falls. They’re also great for entertainment spaces with being able to sit on the adjacent decking and dip your toes in the water without having to fully dive in.

Learn more about Lincoln Demolition and Excavation by visiting www. LincolnDemoAndEx.com or calling (402) 867-6152.

Club Pilates Announces Opening of New Studio

Club Pilates, Lincoln is excited to announce the opening of a new studio location in South Lincoln. The studio will be located at 56th St. and Union Hill, just South of Pine Lake Rd. Club Pilates anticipates that the studio will be ready to open within four to six months.

The studio will feature 12 stations with reformers, EXO Chairs, TRX, ballet barre and springboard wall to name a few.

Club Pilates, Lincoln believes that Pilates is the path to a fuller, more satisfying physical existence. They believe that being in control of your body helps you to be in control of your life. Best of all, they believe that you can start anytime. No matter your age or level of fitness, there’s a Pilates class that will work for you. See the options and find your perfect workout fit on their website clubpilates.com/ lincoln.

For more information call (531) 500-1456 or visit clubpilates.com/ lincoln. You can also email Christine.krueger@clubpilates.com.

Wax Buffalo Transforms South Lincoln Location into Trendy Cocktail Bar

Wax Buffalo, the beloved purveyor of pure soy candles, is delighted to announce the grand opening of its transformed South Lincoln location into a chic cocktail bar.

This exciting evolution marks Wax Buffalo's expansion into the realm of sophisticated nightlife, offering patrons an enchanting ambiance paired with flirty artisanal cocktails, now open until 10:00 p.m.

Known for its dreamy candle collections, and make your own candle lab, Wax Buffalo's South Lincoln spot has undergone a stunning makeover, emerging as a darling cocktail bar that promises to be the new hotspot for discerning locals.

"We're thrilled to introduce this exciting new concept to our South Lincoln community," says Alicia Reisinger, Founder and Creative Director of Wax Buffalo. "At Wax Buffalo, we've always been passionate about creating memorable experiences, and our cocktail bar is an extension of that vision.”

The Wax Buffalo Candle lab and Small Bar boasts an enticing menu curated by expert mixologists, featuring an array of signature drinks crafted with care and precision. Guests can also expect an impressive selection of wines, beers and non-alcoholic beverages to complement their evening. Whether you're planning a romantic evening out or simply seeking a stylish spot to unwind with friends, Wax Buffalo's Cocktail Bar promises an unforgettable experience.

For more information, visit Wax Buffalo's South Lincoln location at 4723 Prescott Ave., or follow them on social media @ WaxBuffalo or at WaxBuffalo.com.

Clear Vision to Host Annual Frame and Style Show May 3

Have you always wondered what shape and style is best for you?

Let Clear Vision Eye Care style you!

Their Annual Frame and Style Show is taking place Friday, May 3 from 1 to 6pm, at Clear Vision Eye Care at Fallbrook Town Center. Come and enjoy refreshments and free lunch grilled by Dr. Bateman!

The Spring Frame & Style Show includes exclusive one day only specials like 50% off all frames (with lens purchase) and Free Antireflective Coating ($165 value). The show features Tom Davies Eyewear, a London based company with handmade fully customizable frames. If you’re looking for BOLD frames where you pick everything, you will love Tom Davies. The show also features Woow Eyewear’s fun, bold and unique color combinations for their beautiful frames and sunglasses.

As an added bonus, Clear Vision will be offering free screenings to check your risk for macular degeneration. This equipment tests your carotenoid score by simply “reading” your finger. It’s non-invasive and quick!

Learn more about Clear Vision Eye Care at www.YourClearVision. 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.

5500

Two Locations

8320

Union Bank & Trust’s SBA Program Leads

Nebraska Lenders

Union Bank & Trust was Nebraska’s top Small Business Administration (SBA) lender for a number of loans in 2023 with 36 total, while also ranking second in total volume with just under $13 million.

UBT is an SBA Preferred Lender Partner (PLP), which allows its SBA team to approve loans on behalf of SBA to simplify and expedite the loan approval process. “We’re proud of this ranking, but moreover we’re proud of the businesses we’ve worked alongside as they obtained the necessary funding to realize their full potential in the local marketplace,” said Jason Herlitzke, UBT’s Vice President – SBA Administration. “We’re exhilarated to see which new businesses we can help launch or grow through our program.”

The SBA said that it guaranteed $140.5 million worth of loans in Nebraska during the 2023 fiscal year, which ended in September. UBT led both the 7(a) and 504 lending categories in total number of loans for the fiscal year. Nationally, the SBA guaranteed a total of $27.5 billion in 7(a) loans and $6.4 billion worth of 504 loans.

Union Bank & Trust is a privately owned Nebraska bank that offers complete banking, lending, investment and trust services, in addition to serving as program manager for Nebraska’s NEST College Savings Plan. The bank has 34 full-service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. It is the third-largest privately owned bank in Nebraska, with bank assets of $8.3 billion and trust assets of $48.0 billion as of December 31, 2023.

Southeast Community College President Selected as Finalist for 2024 AACC Award

The American Association of Community Colleges announced the 2024 Awards of Excellence finalists. Dr. Paul Illich, Southeast Community College (SCC) president, is a finalist for the Exemplary CEO/Board Relationship Award. Winners will be announced at the Awards of Excellence Gala on April 8 during the AACC Annual Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

Illich, who holds both a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Texas A&M University in College Station, was named SCC president on July 1, 2014. He is a visionary leader who believes in data-driven decision making and in the value of creating a culture of opportunity, creativity and intellectual and personal respect.

“Dr. Illich has worked tirelessly to develop and execute SCC’s first Strategic Plan,” said Neal Stenberg, former chair of the SCC Board of Governors. “Within SCC’s first strategic plan, he embedded a goal (Goal 9.6) to maximize a positive and engaging organizational climate by encouraging input, reflective and transparent communication and compassion and respect toward the views and ideas of others.”

Most recently under Illich’s leadership, the Higher Learning Commission granted reaffirmation of accreditation to SCC for a 10-year period expiring in July 2033. SCC hosted a team of six trained peer reviewers April 24-25, 2023.

“It’s quite evident that the visiting team recognized and appreciated our commitment to creating the highest quality student experiences through personal and sincere relationships with engaged and invested faculty, staff and administrators,” said Illich.

Learn more about Southeast Community College at www.southeast. edu.

Savvy Seniors Empowerment Seminar: Unravelling the Mysteries of Dementia

The Savvy Seniors Empowerment Seminar is thrilled to announce its upcoming session titled “Memories Matter: Unravelling the Mysteries of Dementia,” scheduled for May 1 at Suite

111 in the Clocktower shopping area, located at 70th and A St. This insightful and much-anticipated event is part of our ongoing series held every first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m., designed to enlighten and empower our senior community with knowledge and resources on crucial topics affecting their lives.May’s seminar delves deep into understanding dementia, providing valuable information on its effects, management strategies and support systems available for individuals and their families dealing with this challenging condition. The session aims to demystify the complexities of dementia, offering hope and practical solutions for those impacted.

Spaces are limited, so register early at NESavvySeniors.com. Secure your spot for a morning of engaging presentations, interactive discussions and the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences and interests.

The Savvy Seniors Empowerment Seminars are committed to creating a supportive community where aging individuals can continue to learn, grow and thrive. By addressing topics relevant to the senior population, we aim to enhance their quality of life and empower them with knowledge they need to navigate the challenges of aging.

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

CBMC Lincoln to Host T-Factor Summit: A Livestream Experience May 16

Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC) Lincoln will be hosting an in-person, livestreaming experience at their Lincoln office for the t-factor Summit on Thursday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This virtual instructional initiative is designed for CEOs, leaders and influencers who have an interest in transforming their organization to a purpose-driven and faith-friendly workplace.

Frank Harrison, Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Consolidated, will be sharing the company’s story of transformation and how Coca-Cola Consolidated became a company that honors God, serves others, pursues excellence and is driven to grow profitably.

The Summit agenda is both informative and inspirational and features a line-up of experienced speakers. Topics include steps to transform your workplace, the legalities of faith-based programs, corporate chaplaincy and charitable giving. A testimony of personal transformation will be shared by Mark Whitacre, Executive Director of t-factor. Participants will have an opportunity to interact with speakers virtually. Resources to help transform your organization to a faith-friendly and servant-oriented workplace will be provided. Information about the t-factor event can be found at Lincoln.cbmc. com/events. Contact Larry at Lmiddendorf@cbmc.com for further information and registration.

For further information about CBMC Lincoln, connect with them on Facebook (@cbmclincolnne), visit Lincoln.cbmc.com or call (402) 204-1997.

Farris Engineering Wins 2024 ACEC Nebraska Honor Award

Alpha Zed Business Services Proud to Support Your Business Needs

Farris Engineering’s innovative design for the Central Community College Center for Science and Technology earned the 2024 American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Nebraska Engineering Excellence Honor Award. This project, doubling the existing space, required advanced engineering solutions to integrate mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and technology systems seamlessly.

The project’s success relied on integrating an energy-efficient HVAC system with the existing boiler/chiller system, enhancing energy performance while reducing operational costs and environmental impact. Students now enjoy a comfortable learning environment, fostering a passion for science and technology.

Beyond education, the Center for Science and Technology strengthens community ties by offering internships, STEM outreach programs and economic growth opportunities. Its modern facilities and technology integration provide students with unparalleled hands-on experience.

Featuring collaborative spaces and advanced technology integration, the facility prioritizes energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Despite its complexity, the project maintained operational functionality throughout construction, fulfilling both owner and client needs.

Collaboration between Central Community College and the design team, which included Farris Engineering, ensured the project aligned with the college’s vision, budget and timeline. Leveraging existing infrastructure offered a cost-effective and sustainable solution, emphasizing long-term operational efficiency.

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.

Sweet Things by Marcy Hosting Cake and Wine Pairing April 6

Sweet Things by Marcy, a locallyowned bakery that serves the Lincoln community with delicious cakes, pies and other desserts, is partnering with James Arthur Vineyard for a cake and wine pairing. The event will take place April 6 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 2001 West Raymond Road.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at jamesarthurvineyards. ticketspice.com/cake-wine-pairing. General admission tickets are $27.50. Don’t miss out on this delicious afternoon of LAV wines and Marcy’s sweet desserts.

Sweet Things by Marcy is a locally-owned 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.

Decades of working in administrative support and management roles have provided Kim Hazelton of Alpha Zed Business Services with experience in process improvement, strategy, systems selection and implementation, organization, data and records management, forms design, spreadsheets and training. Basically Kim has worked out how to make things run as smoothly as possible.

“While I loved doing all those things, I discovered I didn't really enjoy working in a traditional "corporate" environment,” said Hazelton. “Why couldn't I take my skills and put them to work for others like me? I know there are people who are looking to share their knowledge and passion with the world!”

Kim is proud to now share her love of spreadsheets, technology, automation and process improvement with those who know they need systems in their business but don't have the time, talent, or inclination to set those systems up themselves.

Recent client Aubrey Asher of Asher Tutoring says, "Kim has been simply wonderful to work with. Her organization, detailed eye, and get-it-accomplished mindset was exactly what I needed to get my small business off and running. I loved working with her and can't wait to have a new project to hire her for."

If you’re looking for help with your business needs or you want to learn more about Alpha Zed Business Services, visit systemssuperhero.com.

Swanson's Martial Arts to Host Open House and Free Trial Class April 27

Swanson's Martial Arts, at the corner of 48th and Old Cheney Rd., is excited to announce its upcoming Open House and Free Trial Class on April 27, from 2 to 3 p.m. This is a great opportunity for anyone who has been curious about martial arts classes and wants to see what classes are really like.

During the free trial class, participants will have the chance to delve into Taekwondo basics under the guidance of skilled instructors. Taekwondo is known for great kicks and all participants will receive hands-on instruction to learn these awesome new skills.

Once you have the basics down, they will finish the event with a thrilling kicking competition, where participants can showcase their newfound skills and compete for the highest jump kick and most kicks in 30 seconds. They will finish strong with all attendees breaking a board. Following the class, competition and board breaking, all attendees are invited to stay for treats.

For more information about the Open House and Free Trial Class, please contact Chief Instructor, Master Jason Swanson, at contact@ swansonsmartialarts.com / (402) 405-5964. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to kick start your martial arts journey with Swanson's Martial Arts! Please Register in advance.

Swanson's Martial Arts is a family focused school where parents are able to train with their kids. They offer Taekwondo, Hapkido and Kali with a wide range of classes. Learn more at swansonsmartialarts.com.

Lincoln Airport Authority Announces New Air Service Initiatives

This past month, Lincoln Airport Authority (LNK) has created several new initiatives to better position themselves to bring new air service carriers to Lincoln. The newly formed LNK Air Service Advisory Council was created in hopes of connecting with not only the air service providers, but also with community members.

The council will be spearheaded by LNK’s very own Rachel Barth, who has recently entered into a new role within the airport authority. Barth, formerly the airport’s Director of Communications and Customer Engagement, has become the newly minted Director of Air Service Development and Strategic Marketing. Additionally, the Air Service Advisory Council will feature LNK Executive Director David Haring along with fellow LNK Authority Board Members Nicki Behmer and Vanessa Emlich. Hand-selected community members will also have positions on the council and help guide LNK through the process of recruiting and retaining air service. Barth hopes to feature a wide range of individuals on the council saying, "We talked about making sure we had really good representation from all different demographics and walks of life in Lincoln...It might be somebody that rarely flies out of Lincoln or it might be somebody that flies 36 times — they fly all the time — because we have some of those people here, too."

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

Tobacco Free Lancaster County Highlights Lincoln Smoking Regulation Act

Tobacco Free Lancaster County (TFLC) reminds business owners and patrons in Lincoln about the Lincoln Smoking Regulation Act, which prohibits smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices in enclosed indoor workspaces and indoor public places. This may be a change for some, and change can be less frightening when planned for.

Here are some ways to plan for a significant life change - Quitting tobacco use – either as a first-time attempt or not:

Establish Support: As you plan to quit tobacco, plan to establish at least one reliable support system. This could be a family member, a friend, a co-worker or one of our seasoned counselors on the 1-800-QUIT-NOW line.

Define Boundaries: While quitting tobacco, there’s the need to define your boundaries with respect to certain activities (e.g. drinking alcohol), locations (e.g. bars) and interactions (e.g. other tobacco users) that could intensify cravings.

Keep Busy: One of the results of quitting tobacco use is having extra time on your hands. Plan how to fill that time with healthy and safer hobbies such as journaling, drawing, hiking, knitting, coding etc.

Visual Reminders: Mark your life change with an item as a reminder of your ‘why’. When it gets tough and you think you can’t go another day, let this item be the light that draws you back on the right path.

Funding for Tobacco Free Lancaster County is 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, go to tobaccofreelancastercounty. org.

Peace Studio Architects Celebrates 10 Years In Business

Peace Studio Architects is celebrating 10 years in business! Taking the leap from employment to entrepreneurship is never an easy task, but with the support of myriad wonderful clients and partners, Peace Studio Architects have made a name for themselves in the Midwest.

Peace Studios is licensed and practicing in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. They have worked on a variety of projects both commercial and residential, some being The Kindler Hotel, many restaurants, medical use buildings, veterinary clinics and a large majority of the homes in the Fallbrook neighborhood of Lincoln. Their motto is “Because Design Matters” due to their belief in the importance of well designed structures and their impact on surrounding communities. Their CEOs Sam and Gill Peace are the perfect team, with Sam also holding the titles of CFO, Project Manager and Architectural Photographer, and Gill being the Architect.

Visit their website peacestudioarch.com, or Instagram (@ peacestudioarchitects) to view more of their projects or give them a call at (402) 217-1831 with your architecture needs!

Ample Food & Sturdy Drink!

• 50 Irish Whiskeys

• 20 Beers on Tap

• Open Daily at 11am

Check out our menu!

From Shepherd’s Pie to Bangers & Mash, we have a

Kitchen open daily until 10 pm

151 N. 8th St. Ste 140 (In the Haymarket)

402-477-0021 • www.McKinneysPubLincoln.com

SCORE Lincoln Revving Up to Host “What’s Involved in Starting a Small Business” Workshop April 13

SCORE Lincoln is hosting a “What’s Involved in Starting a Small Business” workshop Saturday, April 13. 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.

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.

Center Sphere Omaha Announces April Events

Center Sphere invites you to start your day with some of Omaha’s most connected professionals at their Omaha NetworkWide Coffee & Connections on April 11 from 7:30 to 9 a.m., hosted by LDM Attorneys at Law at their office on 10306 Regency Pkwy Dr. Guests are welcome to attend this morning of networking!

If you’d like to learn more about Center Sphere, join them for Meet the Network on April 16 from 11 a.m. to noon. The event will take place at The Boardroom Omaha at 17121 Marcy St. #104. Take advantage of this great opportunity to learn and discuss how Center Sphere can be a platform for growth for your business this year.

Later in April, come make some new connections at the Network-Wide Social hosted by Pixel Fire on April 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will be held at Pixel Fire at 2424 S 130th Cir. STE 100.

Center Sphere Omaha encourages members to grow their network and bring in individuals they know and trust. If you would like to visit one of their chapter events or have any questions about the network, please contact Martina Niemeyer at martina@centersphere.com. For more information about Center Sphere, visit www.CenterSphere. com.

Lincoln Chapter of the American Marketing Association Celebrates 40 Years

On the evening of March 1, AMA Lincoln hosted The Legacy Gala to celebrate its 40th year of serving marketers in the Lincoln community.

The event, held at the Jasmine Room within the Grand Manse Building, drew around 100 people in the marketing and advertising industry, many of whom supported the AMA Lincoln chapter as volunteers or board members.

Past leaders were formally recognized during a presentation held over dinner and Dorothy B. Clark, who founded the chapter in 198384, was honored posthumously through a presentation and remarks from those who worked with her.

The Gala also included a silent auction of donated items and all proceeds from the event benefited AMA Lincoln’s scholarship and programming efforts.

“It’s humbling to think back on AMA Lincoln’s history — we’ve been nationally recognized many times in the past,” says current President of AMA Lincoln, Mandy Peterson. “This night was really about honoring that legacy. It was empowering and encouraging, but I’m even more excited about what our future has in store.”

For more information on AMA Lincoln, visit amalincoln.org.

What’s Your Air Score?

POWERED

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Introducing Independent Business Consulting, LLC “Making Your Business Dreams a Reality”

Independent Business Consulting, LLC (IBC) recently launched with a defined planning system that has been developed since 2018. IBC’s passion is assisting non-profits, small and medium sized businesses with formation, planning, training, financials, standard operating procedures, permitting, reporting, audits and training.

Small business owners and entrepreneurs are tasked with wearing multiple hats every day. From operations to marketing, finance to compliance, it's a juggling act that often leaves them with little time to focus on strategic growth or implementation initiatives. That's where Independent Business Consulting comes in.

IBC understands the unique challenges business owners face and is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that drive efficiency, profitability and scalability. They offer a comprehensive suite of services to support clients’ success, whether they are new or established in their business.

What sets IBC apart is their personalized approach. IBC takes the time to understand your specific needs, providing customized recommendations and hands-on support to ensure you achieve your desired outcomes. Our extensive network of strategic partners further amplifies our capabilities, giving you access to cutting-edge resources across technology, payroll, recruitment and more.

Don't go it alone. Let Independent Business Consulting be your confidential sounding board and growth catalyst.

Learn more about Independent Business Consulting at www. independentbusinessconsulting.com or contact Belinda Hagen at bhagen@independentbusinessconsulting.com / (402) 309-6701. You can also connect on Facebook!

Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery Hosts Memorial Weekend Event May 27

Wyuka Funeral Home and Cemetery will host a Memorial Day parade on May 27. The parade will begin at the front of the cemetery and proceed to the veteran section. There will be a flag ceremony honoring the veterans. There will also be a featured speaker.

Wyuca is the Legacy and Heritage of Lincoln commerce as well as listed as a national historical site, and would like to invite Lincoln businesses to show their support by sponsoring a watering station for our visitors throughout the cemetery on Sunday May 26 and joining in the celebration on May 27th. Visit wyuka.com for more details or Call Judi Peters at (402) 474-3600.

In the past, over 15,000 visitors have joined in this event honoring veterans.

Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery is a Legacy of Lincoln, they are a foundation of all small businesses. They are committed to preserving Wyuka Cemetery’s rich heritage and beauty. With their preplanning guidance and helpful staff, Wyuka can give you peace of mind in times of mourning. The cemetery is located at 3600 O St. For more information call (402) 474-3600 or go online to wyuka.com.

THE MERCATO & SHOOT 360

Elevate Your Team From Good to Great! Inspired Results Consulting’s Excellence Workshop is the key to unlocking your team's full potential and propelling them towards unparalleled success, regardless of your industry. Tailored with a peoplefirst approach, this workshop commits to reshaping your team dynamics and igniting exceptional results.

In today's ever-evolving business environment, achieving greatness goes beyond solo efforts—it relies on teamwork, unity and a shared vision. The Excellence Workshop offers a transformative experience, fostering a culture of unity where team members collaborate seamlessly towards common objectives. Through effective communication strategies and proven success habits, Pia & Gitzy empower teams to excel, delivering heightened productivity and sustained excellence.

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Pia & Gitzy bring a wealth of experience and expertise, guiding organizations towards the next level of performance through tailored coaching programs that instill a mindset of excellence and develop the leader within every team member.

Ready to witness the remarkable transformation of your team?

Schedule a Discovery Call today and embark on a journey towards outstanding success.

You can learn more about the Excellence Workshop under the coaching tab on inspiredresultsconsulting. com or email hello@ inspiredresultsconsulting.com. Elevate your team, elevate your success. Learn more about Inspired Results Consulting at inspiredresultsconsulting.com.

Children’s Day at Lost in Fun! April 30

Lost in Fun! Will host Children’s Day on Tuesday April 30, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Seventeen or more countries around the world celebrate the Children’s Day to raise awareness about the rights, education and welfare of children. In Mexico the Children’s Day takes place on April 30 and Lost in Fun! would love to recognize the importance of the children and the special place they hold in our hearts. Beginning at 3:00 pm, Lost in Fun! will grant a great discount to every child who would like to celebrate their day!

Lost in Fun! has been a Best of Lincoln recipient for 14 years in a row! They have also won the Lincoln Choice Award 11 years in a row! For more information about Lost in Fun!, contact Mónica Lieske at (402) 261-0440 or visit www.lostinfun.com.

Inspired Results Consulting Introduces the Excellence Workshop

Home Builders Associaiton Announces 2024 Tour Of Remodeled Homes

D'Covi Skin Care to Celebrate 10 Year Anniversary Party April 7

The Remodelers Council of Lincoln is excited to announce the 2024 Tour of Remodeled Homes which is set for April 20 and 21. For over 30 years, the public has toured everything from basic updates to incredible transformations of some of Lincoln’s finest homes.

This year’s tour will include 15 homes featuring kitchens, baths, living area, covered deck and outdoor living space. Admission is $5 and admits adults to all homes. (Children 12 years and under are free.) You may purchase tickets at any Tour home. For a complete list of entries or to view the online guidebook, please visit www.hbal.org/ events/tour-of-remodeled-homes.

The Remodelers Council of Lincoln is a group within the Home Builders Association of Lincoln that started in 1986 and today includes approximately 85 members. The Remodelers Council provides an array of activities for its members to promote their business and network with others in the residential construction industry. For more information, visit hbal.org/remodelers-council.

Legacy Retirement Communities Accepting Nominations for Jerry Joyce Living Legacy Award Through April 15

D’Covi Skincare is proud to have defied the odds. They are celebrating 10 years of success by hosting an anniversary party. The party will take place Sunday, April 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their store at 3900 S 6th St., STE 4. They are pulling out all the stops with food trucks serving up delicious bites, vendors showcasing amazing products, gift bag giveaways filled with goodies, new fragrances to tantalize your senses, throwback products that will bring back memories and who knows? Maybe they will even hire a band to keep the celebration going!

D’Covi’s mission to make products that will leave your skin with a feeling that is absolutely sublime. The truth is that handcrafted skincare products provide a safe and effective alternative. Learn more at dcovi.com.

For the past 14 years, Legacy Retirement Communities has partnered with KFOR to honor deserving individuals with the Jerry Joyce Living Legacy Award. Legacy Retirement Communities invites the public to shine a light on those unsung heroes in our community who are doing amazing things under the radar that benefit so many others. Legacy Retirement Communities is accepting nominations now through April 15. At the end of the nomination period, one or more nominees will be selected and later recognized at an event, where the Jerry Joyce Living Legacy Awards will be presented. The award recipients will also receive a donation of $2,500 to pay forward to the nonprofit(s) of their choice.

Nominations of 500 words or less can be submitted by filling out the nomination form at kfornow.com. Other options are to email your nomination to Cathy Blythe at KFOR at cathy@kfornow.com or mail to the radio station - KFOR Radio, 3800 Cornhusker HWY, Lincoln NE 68504 by April 15.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 at Legacy Arbors at 3777 N 58th St.

Learn more about Legacy Retirement Communities at www. LegacyRetirement.com.

Omaha Fashion Week Announces Spring 2024 Golden Shears Award Winners

Omaha Fashion Week (OFW) wrapped the AUDACIOUS season by focusing on fashion-for-good. The Omaha Design Center proudly hosted 34 emerging and featured designers, four headliners, 80 looks from high school programs, 92 looks from students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and 252 models on the runway this season!

Throughout the week, they showcased 20 Emerging Designers and 14 Featured designers who will present their collections. Designers competed nightly for prizes. Emerging Designers and Featured Designers were scored by an Omaha Fashion Week Selection Panel composed of Anthony Deon Brown, Brett Foster, Dan Ricters, Edelweiss Rothe, Jennie Mason, Jenny Pool, Kelli Molcyzk and Kylin Flothe. The panelists scored designs based on the creativity and innovation of the collections and overall presentation.

Each night, an Emerging Designer and a Featured Designer walked away with prize money, only one Emerging Designer and one Featured Designer took home the Grand Prize Packages! The winner of the Emerging Designer Golden Shears Award was Kaila Loew for her collection THENSO, and the Golden Shears Award for Featured Designer went to Terri Buckner for the NEUVINTAGE collection.

Behind the glitz and glamour of Omaha Fashion Week, you’ll find a commitment to education and a passion for supporting cultural vibrancy, creativity and innovation as drivers of economic stability and growth. For more information about Omaha Fashion Week, please visit omahafashionweek.com.

LIBA Free Enterprise Celebration April 11

The Free Enterprise Celebration is the Lincoln Independent Business Association’s biggest annual event. It’s also been rated as one of the city’s top five annual events. It’s open to anyone who registers, and is projected to have 550 attendees. The celebration is held at Pinnacle Bank Arena on April 11. It starts at 4:30 p.m. with “Business of Politics”, where registered individuals can meet with local politicians to discuss business and political matters.

Doors for the main event open at 5:15 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m., LIBA Awards at 7 p.m. and the Live Auction at 7:30 p.m. Tickets currently run at $75 and corporate tables at $750, and these prices are subject to increase to $90 for a ticket and $1,000 for a table after March 22.

If anyone would like to support the free enterprise system and our business community in Lincoln by making a donation for the Live Auction, please contact LIBA at (402) 466-3419, or anne@liba. org. Live ($1,000 plus) and Gold ($500 plus) donations are due by March 24 and Silent (below $500) donations are due by March 31. All proceeds from the LIVE Auction will support our Lincoln business community.

Learn more about LIBA at www.liba.org.

Luv It Gift and Flower Shop Celebrates Third Year in Lincoln

Luv It Gift and Flower Shop has seen consistent growth serving their clientele in Lincoln. They are thrilled to be celebrating their third anniversary. Luv It Gift and Flower Shop offers a large selection of Christian based gifts and wall art.

Come see their house plants and unique terrariums. They specialize in custom made flower arrangements for all occasions, funeral arrangements with person banners and wedding arrangements with all those special touches. They also have teddy bears and bakers’ chocolates to go with those birthday and anniversary deliveries. They even make meat and cheese baskets, fruit baskets and candy baskets for those looking for a heartier option.

Luv It Gift and Flower Shop is open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. They also deliver to the Lincoln area. Thu Goeckeritz is the florist and owns the store with her husband Tony. Customer satisfaction is Thu’s top priority. Thu says, “Making our customers happy means everything to us, that is why we have our store.”

Learn more at luvitgiftandflowershop.com or call (402) 770-7870.

Assemble Lincoln’s Downtown Convention Center Project Process to Continue with Proposals

Assemble Lincoln (AL), Lancaster County’s standing committee tasked with developing Lincoln’s Downtown Convention Center, has announced that four architectural teams responded to the Request for Proposals sought by Assemble Lincoln.

Upon issuance of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Conceptual Design services for the new convention center on February 8, AL received four responses. At AL’s meeting on March 7, a motion was made and approved on a unanimous vote to engage with the four architectural teams and begin a deeper analysis of their proposals.

The four teams are:

• HDR-LMN-Olsson

• BVH-TVS

• Populous-Clark & Enersen

• Fentress-Sinclair Hille

“The world-class caliber of the design respondents speaks to the clear demand for a Lincoln Convention Center,” says Senator Eliot Bostar, Chair of the AL committee. “I’m proud that this project represents an opportunity that both national firms and the very best local leaders in architecture and design are seeking to join.”

Assemble Lincoln and Legends remain committed to engaging with the public throughout the process of designing, building and completing Lincoln’s Downtown Convention Center. They note that engagement of the architectural teams is not only a crucial step in furthering the programmatic design of the convention center but also necessary to assist them through the site selection process.

For continued updates on the convention center project, please visit the website at www.assemblelincoln.com.

For more information, contact Chris Whitney, Communications Coordinator, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Visit Lincoln, at (402) 436-2376 / cwhitney@lcoc.com.

Professional EOS Implementer Hosting We Run on EOS Event May 3

Katie Koester, Professional EOS Implementer, is excited to host the We Run on EOS event for Lincoln. She is hosting alongside Dustin Behrens, fellow Certified EOS Implementer for the event on May 3.

Come join them for a fun and exciting event where they will talk all things EOS and dynamic Visionary/Integrator Duos! Whether you're an EOS beginner or have been Running on EOS for years, there will be something for everyone. The event will be held in person at Firespring - Conference Room (1201 Infinity Ct. Lincoln) from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Get ready to network, learn and have a great time with like-minded individuals who share a passion for EOS. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with others in the EOS community and take your knowledge to the next level.

Get your Free Tickets Here: www.eventbrite.com/e/we-run-on-eoslincoln-ne-tickets-865955424987?aff=oddtdtcreator.

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.

Save the Date: 12th Annual Garden Party September 6

On Friday, September

6 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., Strictly Business Magazine will host the 12th annual Garden Party to raise money for DomestiPUPS (www.domestipups.org), a local nonprofit organization that provides therapy and service dogs to persons with disabilities.

Party in Gardenthe Annual12th

Benefitting Domesti-PUPS

Bridge to Better Living Informational Sessions in Lincoln and Omaha

Have you ever asked yourself, “Is it time to consider a retirement community – Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Assisted Living or Long-Term Care?” If the answer is yes, Bridge to Better Living invites you to their up-and-coming Q & A Omaha and Lincoln Informational Sessions.

Each session is one hour. Sessions are offered monthly, but space is limited so reserve your spot today. For registration information visit BridgetoBetterLiving.com or contact Kaye Jesske at Kaye@ BridgetoBetterLiving.com/(402) 802-3301. For information for the Omaha office, contact Stephanie at (402) 218-5610.

Garden Party guests will enjoy free food and drinks, live music, a silent and live auction and a fireworks display. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages donated by local vendors will be served. Tables of six and eight will be available to reserve for your business or group!

More details to come about tickets and reservations so keep an eye out and follow us on Facebook (@strictlybusinessmagazine)!

To learn more about donating fare to serve at the event and/or auction items, contact the Strictly Business office at (402) 466-3330 / office@strictlybusinessomaha.com.

Sessions will be held on:

Lincoln session: May 21 at 2 p.m. – 4230 Pioneer Woods Dr. Ste. B Omaha session: May 23 at 2 p.m. – 4611 S. 96th St., Ste. 106.

Bridge to Better Living, a locally owned 14-year-old business, assists seniors to find the best quality of life when choosing a move to a senior living community, be that an independent, assisted-living, memory-support, or long-term care community. Serving Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding areas, this service is available at no cost to clients. For more information visit BridgetoBetterLiving.com or call Kaye Jesske at (402) 802-3301.

Biomagnetism for Life Celebrates 18 Years

Biomagnetism for Life celebrates 18 years of empowering individuals toward health and vitality.

Since 2006, Olga V. Caicedo has been practicing biomagnetic pairs therapy on thousands of individuals and families here in Lincoln. She offers this noninvasive, cost-effective modality to all individuals who are committed to improving their health and overall well-being.

Biomagnetic pairs therapy discovered by Dr. Isaac Goiz Duran of Mexico has been successfully implemented in countries such as Spain, England, Germany, Austria, Italy, Argentina, Chile and Ecuador. Several medical societies of these countries are supporting the therapy as an accessible and successful tool for the recovery of health, well being, and as a complementary modality to medical care. At Biomagnetism for Life, they provide health-restoring biomagnetic pairs sessions that target the root causes of life’s many ailments. New clients begin with a comprehensive one-on-one intake and 30 minute biomagnetic pairs session. From there, clients follow an individualized, cost-effect therapy plan.

Head to biomagnetismforlife.com to learn more about biomagnetic pairs therapy and read client testimonials. Call (402) 477-0469 to schedule your first session. 2024 will be a wonderful year of continued growth, joy, and vitality, as Biomagnetisam celebrates 18 years of business, they will be launching their new visual brand and are actively expanding their offerings to include Life Enhancing Body Scanner (LEBS) sessions and, in 2025, Energy Structure and Ayurvedic consulting.

Learn more about Biomagnetism at biomagnetismforlife.com.

ALLO Business Offers Tailored Services for Business Growth

Within two decades, ALLO Fiber has emerged as the preeminent fiber service provider, with an unparalleled blend of speed, reliability and control. Beyond their well-established fiber footprint, their team is dedicated to delivering tailored services and solutions designed to propel your business to new heights.

ALLO's comprehensive suite encompasses essential services, including Voice, Cybersecurity and IT Managed Services. Entrust ALLO to fortify your business with security and reliability across all operational facets, regardless of your geographical location.

They offer IT Managed Services, which are crafted with one goal in mind – to empower your business with a reliable and secure IT infrastructure. From PC and dark web monitoring to on-site, remote and automated support, they are committed to your business 24/7/365.

Their Cybersecurity Solutions are the digital armor constantly working and proactively defending against cyber threats. With a secure work-from-anywhere VPN, anti-virus, anti-malware and intrusion protection, this is just the tip of the features used to safeguard your business.

In communication, ALLO Business introduces voice solutions that transcend conventional limits. From Cloud Voice to Microsoft Teams integration, they guarantee seamless collaboration to align with your business goals. Trust ALLO to handle your communication needs expertly, liberating your time to concentrate on building meaningful client relationships.

For more information about ALLO, go to Allobusiness.com or call (402) 480-6500.

Spring Bowling League "Family 9's" Available at Sun Valley Lanes & Games

Sun Valley Lanes & Games is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated Spring Bowling League "Family 9's" set to bring families together for an unforgettable season of friendly competition and quality time. Registration is now open at www.sunvalleylanes.com.

The "Family 9's" league bowls for 11 exciting weeks. Priced at just $30 per team per week, participants will delight in the league's unique format, where each team consists of one youth bowler (under 18) and one adult bowler.

What sets "Family 9's" apart is its thrilling nine-pin no-tap format, where participants earn credit for a strike by knocking down nine pins on the first shot of the frame. Additionally, bumpers are available for all participants, including parents, ensuring a level playing field and a stress-free environment for all.

The league will meet to bowl on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., with the first session scheduled to begin on May 9. While the league consists of 11 bowling sessions, it spans a 12-week period due to not bowling on June 13.

For those seeking maximum value, Sun Valley Lanes & Games is offering a special pre-pay option. Teams can pre-pay $300 for the entire season, which earns them one week absolutely free. As an added bonus, pre-paid teams will also receive a free bowling ball (choice of Maxim, White Dot or T-Zone) with complimentary drilling, making it easier than ever to gear up for the season ahead! Learn more about Sun Valley Lanes & Games at www.sunvalleylanes. com.

Touch Down

SAMANTHA STAR CITY SIX

Samantha Kelly MADONNA PROACTIVE

Meet Samantha Kelly, General Manager at Madonna ProActive

Tell us a little about your business. - Madonna ProActive is a medically based fitness facility with a holistic approach to health and wellness. We focus on the whole person rather than just physical activity alone. We are a full-service gym with a variety of equipment, 90+ weekly group fitness and yoga classes, personal training, wellness coaching, nutrition coaching with a registered dietitian plus medical services. The medical services include physical therapy, cardiac rehab, cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure checks and more! It’s a one stop shop for health and wellness!

How did you get started in the business? - My start in the fitness industry began with a personal passion to understand the human body, physically, mentally and emotionally. I achieved my undergrad and graduate degree in nutrition and health sciences with a specialization in exercise physiology and minor in psychology. Eventually, I became an exercise physiologist, worked with a variety of clients and managed multiple fitness programs. Now, as Madonna ProActive’s General Manager, I have the opportunity to continue in the health and wellness industry through positively impacting staff, the members and general public by ensuring Madonna ProActive maintains its mission of providing a welcoming environment and holistic health services to the Lincoln community.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - COVID. The pandemic was extremely challenging for the health and wellness industry. The fear of going out in public, let alone going to a gym, made it challenging for the business but also the community to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It took three years to rebuild.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Leading a team through a pandemic and rebuilding the business. Tell us a little about your family. - My little family includes myself, Spencer, my fiancé and our dog, Lana. Spencer and I are from Lincoln and we are close with both of our immediate families, often times we are hanging out with them!

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?When I decided I no longer wanted to pursue a career in medicine. Instead I decided preventative health and wellness is more impactful and what is missing in the United States. There is a lack of importance focused on how we can prevent or mitigate disease states through lifestyle choices. Instead, individuals do not take responsibility for their lifestyle choices nor corrective action and many rely on insurance. Sadly, health insurance is what dictates how some people choose take care of themselves from day to day because of how insurance is structured. This sent me in a new trajectory and positively changed my life.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - In college, I was a competitive Olympic-style weightlifter at the national level. I used travel to competitions and at one time had VERY lofty goals of going to the Olympics one day.

Who inspires you? - My brother. He has faced a variety of adversities throughout his life and continues to push forward. Within the last few years he started his own automotive business, out grew the first location and always strives for progress personally and professionally.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - The Oven.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?(402) 413-4011 | skelly@madonna.org | madonnaproactive.org

Matt Lehnert CONCORDE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT

Meet Matt Lehnert, Senior Associate, Sales and Leasing at Concorde Management & Development, LLC.

Tell us a little about your business. - Concorde Management & Development, LLC offers comprehensive real estate services for both commercial and residential clients. I am associated with the brokerage are which offers representation for asset acquisition and dispositions along with Landlord and Tenant representation for commercial leasing. Concorde also offers property management and full construction services.

How did you get started in the business? - I've been in sales most of my professional career and after a long tenure as a Business Manager for DuTeau Subaru, I was ready to make a change. I have known my managing broker, Aaron Fenton, for quite some time and when an opportunity became available at Concorde, we both felt like it could be a good fit.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I think my biggest challenge, especially early on, was learning the terminology associated with commercial properties. I'm sure my colleagues became annoyed with me, at some point, with the amount of questions I had.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- I am very proud of what I believe to be, very good working relationships with cooperating agents at the different brokerages across Lincoln and Omaha. We may not have the same logo on our business cards, but I do consider them co-workers.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to my wife, Amy, for 18 years. We have two daughters; Kendal age 15 and Camryn age 12. We also have a small zoo at home with two dogs, two cats and a pet hedgehog.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - With my time off I enjoy golf, spending time with friends and family and seeing the live music acts that come through Lincoln.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - While attending UNL, I was a member of the UNL Yell Squad from 1999-2004.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Genuine...for better or for worse.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Time travel. I think being able to re-enjoy great times from the past and to right any wrongs that are need righting. Hindsight is most definitely 20/20. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - My dream occupation would certainly be Touring Musician, but I know that would be incredibly tough with a family at home.

What is your favorite movie? - It's very hard to choose just one, and even harder to choose one appropriate for a business magazine profile, but I will say Tombstone. However, definitely know as that The Dude Abides.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - Lazlo's is always a family favorite and I am also a big fan of Copal and Bison Witches. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Jeff Bridges.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - concordemgmt.com | matt@concordemgt.com | (c): (402) 540-8050 | (o): (402) 476-0086

“We

Madonna

Taylor Matthias McGILL LAW

Meet Taylor Matthias, Associate Attorney at McGill Law.

Tell us a little about your business. - McGill is a female focused family law firm with locations in Lincoln and Omaha. We’re different from other family law firms in that we specialize in collaborative law for divorce and mediations while also having a team of litigators.

How did you get started in the business? - I joined McGill Law in September 2023. I first heard about the firm about a year before that and was interested in the female focus and doing law collaboratively. The firm came highly recommended from a friend and colleague.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The biggest challenge I have faced professionally is being a younger woman in the litigation field. I have worked hard to earn the respect I deserve inside and outside the courtroom.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- My most important achievement is helping very deserving people reach their goals when the law impacts their most important relationships. I had the opportunity to help a mature seventeenyear-old girl navigate the legal system to get out of an unsafe living environment and become emancipated.

Tell us a little about your family. - I married my husband, Tylan, in May of 2023, after knowing each other since the seventh grade. I was raised by a single mother and my grandma in a multi-generational household. Our small tight-knit family is very close. I prioritize spending quality time them often.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - When the weather is nice, I enjoy spending as much time being active outdoors as possible. I enjoy running while listening to podcasts and playing tennis or pickleball with my husband and friends. When the weather isn’t nice enough to be outside, there is nothing better than curling up with a hot cup of coffee and reading a book.

Who inspires you? - My mother is my biggest inspiration. When I was only eight years old, she was involved in a car accident that she was lucky enough to survive. It was a long road to recovery, but her resilience and perseverance has inspired me to always keep going and focus on the positives.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Recently, I was given this piece of advice: “You can go faster alone but farther together.” This quote really resonated with me as I work with a group of all women, who are always stepping up to help each other out.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - I hope to be remembered as a compassionate person.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - My theme song would be “Shake it off” by Taylor Swift.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - I would choose teleportation for many reasons. Teleportation would allow me to avoid the monotonous commutes to work and running errands. It would also allow me to visit my family more and travel the world.

What is your favorite movie? - I cannot pinpoint a favorite movie, but it would have to be in the romantic comedy genre. I could watch any romantic comedy movie.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 548-5418.

TYLER STAR CITY SIX

Tyler Reeder KENL INN

Meet Tyler Reeder, the Manager, Special Projects & Safety Coordinator at KENL INN.

Tell us a little about your business. - KENL INN is the “go to” for pet boarding, daycare, grooming and training in the Lincoln Nebraska area. We’re the only business that does it all in one location! Set on 44 acres just outside of town, we are devoted to providing the best possible care for any pet. Our trained staff and state-of-the-art facilities ensure pets receive the best possible care, whether they are staying for the day or for a week.

How did you get started in the business? - I began my career in animal care at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo as an Interpretive Guide. In this role, I gave presentations at various animal enclosures informing zoo guests. Later, I joined the Lincoln Children’s Zoo as a Keeper Associate, which served as a more hand’s on approach to animal care. This ultimately brought me to KENL INN where I felt I could grow professionally in the animal care business.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - My educational background is in advertising and public relations. When I decided to switch career paths, it was a big change. I had to learn a lot in a short period of time. It was also a big shift from working in an office all day to being on my feet most of the time!

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- The fact that I have learned so much in a few years and have grown professionally at an accelerated pace. I’ve done my best to assure my superiors and fellow co-workers know my quality as a worker from the start. I started as an interpretive guide and have risen to manager in a few short years.

Tell us a little about your family. - My family is originally from Nebraska. I’ve lived here all my life. My parents and younger brother reside in Lincoln. My sister (my brother’s twin), her husband and little boy live in Hickman. Much of my other family is spread across the U.S., but frequently make it back to Lincoln to celebrate holidays and birthdays at my grandmother’s house.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - When I realized advertising and public relations was not a career path I wanted to pursue. While I still do some of this work in my current role, it is not my primary focus. After all the schooling, money and time devoted to a specific degree, it was hard to admit I needed a change.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy spending time with my wonderful wife and baby girl. I also like building and painting models. Anything from Star Wars, 40K, or Jurassic Park Also, taking a walk on a nice day through some of my favorite parks.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - For about eight years, I worked for the National Conference on Weights and Measures. It is a professional not-for-profit association of state and local weights and measures officials, other government officials (foreign and domestic), manufacturers, retails and consumers. The meet each year to discuss and vote on weights and measures standards that are voluntarily adopted by each state. It was amazing to see the passion of the individuals who participated in the organization, at all levels. It is regarded as a “thankless” job and are severely underrecognized. I take any opportunity to tell people about NCWM and the wonderful people who support it.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - El Torro.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - tyler@kenl-inn.com

Protecting Today

Building Tomorrow

STAR CITY SIX JAKE

Jake Thiessen HUB CAFÉ

Meet Jacob Thiessen, Owner and Executive Chef at the Hub Café.

Tell us a little about your business. - The Hub Café is a farm-to-fork breakfast, brunch, and lunch café located close to downtown Lincoln since 2016, which sits on the convergence of many city bicycle trails overlooking the Antelope Valley. One of our main missions is seeking and maintaining relationships with small farmers and local growers in the area whenever possible to source the primary ingredients for our chef-driven dishes. We also value community partnerships and strive to be a hub for community members to gather, whether it be through our weekly Wednesday night Farmers Market (May through October), our monthly summer concert series, Hub & Soul, or through our support of various organizations that are dedicated to bicycling, sustainability, women’s entrepreneurship, small farming and other community-minded endeavors. This winter, we introduced our new Friday night Pizza & Pints night, with our pizza and small bites menu rotating monthly.

How did you get started in the business? - I started working in restaurants as a teenager and moved into kitchen management in my 20s while living in Missouri. We moved to Japan for three years and I ran the kitchen for an Aussie-run restaurant, so that was a great experience working with ex-pats and with local Japanese service industry folks, as well as in broadening my range within my cooking repertoire, from Japanese to Southeast Asian to Australian bar and comfort foods. I moved to Lincoln in 2011 and began working for my cousins’ bakery, Le Quartier, eventually becoming the head baker there. In 2016, I left Le Quartier to start on with Doug and Krista Dittman at their new farm-to-table café as the Sous Chef and became the Executive Chef in 2018. We purchased the Hub in July of 2023 and have been enjoying running the restaurant our own and putting our own mark on the place.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - For someone who had to work his way up through the industry without a culinary degree, it did take longer to get to where I am today. While that was definitely a challenge in and of itself, that longer journey provided me with experiences, connections and skill-building that I wouldn’t trade for one that might have been a little faster with that certified piece of paper.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?Definitely being able to finally purchase and own my own restaurant! Tell us a little about your family. - My wife (and co-owner), Crystal, teaches English as a second language at the University of NebraskaLincoln, and trains English language teachers abroad as a contracted English Language Specialist for the State Department. Since taking over the Hub, she also is the contact for events and space rental and does work on the back end for ordering and invoicing. She loves art, photography and traveling (has visited 53 countries), so she has been able to put her mark on the Hub as well.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Living and working in Japan for three years was a big turning point in my life in many ways. Personally, I was challenged everyday navigating the culture and language, yet it was so rewarding as I met people and gained perspectives I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. Professionally, I got to work with some incredible people from all over the world and cook with ingredients and in ways I have never done before, which pushed me to take more chances with dishes and flavor profiles.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - hubcafe.com | @HubCafeLincoln

Lindsay Kirkendall WEST GATE BANK

Meet Lindsey Kirkendall, Assistant Vice President, Business Banking Solutions Officer at West Gate Bank.

Tell us a little about your business. - West Gate Bank is a familyowned, community bank committed to serving Nebraska. Founded in 1968, West Gate started with a single location in Lincoln, NE and has grown tremendously over the last five decades. Today, West Gate has 10 branches in Lincoln and Omaha, employs over 250 associates, has over $1B in assets and is well represented on over 100 local non-profit organizations. West Gate is extremely well capitalized and proud to be one of the strongest and most secure banks in the country.

How did you get started in the business? - Just after high school graduation, I applied for a part-time teller position or to become a flight attendant, while also pursuing a business management degree. Turns out, I would find my career in banking and here we are nearly 20 years later doing what I love, building relationships and helping customers pursue their financial goals and dreams. I have been in business development and cash management for the last five years.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - In March of 2020, I transitioned to West Gate Bank, just one day prior to the covid pandemic spreading to the Lincoln community. I worked one day onsite then started working, learning and teaching from home with four little kids, a husband that is a UPS driver working around the clock, no family in town while also providing PPP loan assistance to customers and businesses in need.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- I lead and managed five Lincoln retail branch locations, a team of about 50, after coming back full-time from maternity leave with my twins. At the time, all four kids were under the age of four.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to my husband, Erick for 11 years and we have four children, Jeslyn (10), Styles (eight), and twins- Swayze & Jaiya (seven) plus a three-year old Miniature Poodle, Jasper. We are generally running to, there and everywhere with their various sports, school activities and social lives. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Being on top of Pike’s Peak when a tornado came through.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Sleep in, shopping and self-care! If my family is off too…then a “YES” day for the kids. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I am originally from a town with a population of 550 people.

Who inspires you? - My grandparents, parents and children inspire me. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of why I am inspired by my family. They showcase integrity, portray accountability and provide listening ears and shoulders to cry on. They influence, motivate, and make me a better person. I value who they are, where they’ve been, and they are my WHY!

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Authentic.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - I’d like to believe it would be, "Superwoman" by Alicia Keys.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 434-7810 | lkirkendall@westgate.bank | westgate.bank

UNICO Group Welcomes Angie Hoffschneider as Executive Vice President of Integration

UNICO Group is pleased to announce the addition of Angie Hoffschneider to the team as Executive Vice President of Integration. Angie joined UNICO in January and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role.

At UNICO, Angie will serve on the executive team and play a crucial role in aligning the company to maximize its vision for continual growth. Her responsibilities include providing leadership to ensure organizational clarity and that we have the right personnel and resources in place to maximize UNICO's value. She will also play a pivotal role in the execution of strategic projects.

Ric Stoakes, CEO of UNICO Group, expressed excitement about Angie's addition, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Angie as our Executive Vice President of Integration. Her extensive experience in talent management and leadership, coupled with her proven track record of driving organizational growth, makes her a valuable addition to our executive team. We are confident that Angie's strategic insights and expertise will play a pivotal role in driving UNICO towards continued success and growth."

Before joining UNICO, Angie was the Chief People Officer at Metcalf Coffee, operating under the business name Scooter’s Coffee. Prior, she held a pivotal role as Chief People Officer at LI-COR Biosciences, an international biotechnology and environmental technology firm. Her 16-year tenure at LI-COR Biosciences was marked by significant contributions to the organization's growth and success. Angie commenced her career at Talent Plus, an International Human Resources consulting firm where she coached clients on talent-based selection and development strategies.

Angie holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and a Master of Arts in Leadership from Bellevue University. She is also actively involved as a Board Member for The Christ Lincoln Foundation, Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Autism Family Network.

This addition will continue to strengthen UNICO’s strategic capabilities and contribute to its ongoing success and growth.

UNICO Group is a client-focused insurance broker headquartered in Lincoln. Their consultative and relational approach develops customized solutions for clients all around the nation. For more information, call (402) 434-7200 or visit unicogroup.com.

At

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.

The Residence at Gramercy Welcomes New Leasing Team

The Residence at Gramercy, an Assisted and Independent Living Community, is proud to welcome a new leasing team! Jordyn Ready, CSW is stepping in as the new Director of Sales & Marketing and Kirby Howerter is the new Move-In Coordinator.

Jordyn Ready seamlessly integrates her background in medical social work with healthcare marketing expertise. Also serving as the chairperson for the Lincoln Walk to End Alzheimer’s, she brings a compassionate commitment for community impact and senior care. Jordyn’s leadership is marked by a perfect blend of empathy and strategic vision.

Kirby Howerter has experience in the nonprofit and home care settings and leads with her heart. She knows that everyone has had a different life experience and strives to support individuals and their families through the moving process and all its attached emotions.

Jordyn and Kirby, as a team, are devoted to making the challenging transition to senior living more manageable for individuals and their families. They are excited to connect with more people and continue to represent The Residence at Gramercy and all the love it houses.

The Residence at Gramercy, which opened in 1985 as Gramercy Hill, is dedicated to helping you achieve better health by offering an ideal combination of clinical and therapeutic outcomes and personal wellness goals. Learn more at www.theresidenceatgramercy.com.

Strictly Business Welcomes Kimberly Stutzman as New Editor

Strictly Business would like to welcome Kimberly Stutzman to the team as the newest Editor. Kimberly has several years of experience in journalism and publishing, including blogging, ghostwriting and copyediting. Kimberly will be responsible for all of the content in both the Lincoln and Omaha publications, including press releases and feature stories.

Kimberly just relocated to Nebraska from Phoenix, AZ, along with her husband Jerrad and their four children Juliet, Elliot, Cooper and Oliver. Outside of work, Kimberly writes, runs her own blog and loves to cook. She is very active on social media and would love to connect! She holds a BA in English Literature and two Master’s Degrees, the latest of which is an MFA in Creative Writing and Professional Editing.

“I’m so excited to get to know Lincoln and Omaha better through my new role at Strictly Business,” shared Kimberly. “Moving here has been a completely new adventure and there is so much I want to see and do.”

Please help Strictly Business welcome Kimberly! She can be reached at the office at (402) 466-3330 or by email at kimberly@ strictlybusinessomaha.com. To view monthly articles and stories on Lincoln businesses and other local professionals, visit strictly-business. com.

Soulfull Cocina:

Family Owned BBQ with a Twist

Nestled in the Havelock area of Lincoln, Soulfull Cocina is a hidden gem of culinary excellence, offering a tantalizing array of smoked meats, handmade sides, and flavorful sauces that leave taste buds yearning for more. As a cherished family-owned and operated establishment, Soulfull Cocina infuses every dish with a generous serving of love and passion. Spearheaded by the culinary prowess of Chef Chubb, this BBQ haven is more than just a restaurant—it's a celebration of tradition, innovation, and community.

At Soulfull Cocina, the commitment to great food extends beyond the confines of its vibrant and fun dining space. Whether it's a company picnic, special event, or gathering of any kind, Soulfull Cocina's food truck and catering services are primed to deliver an unforgettable BBQ experience. Unlike any other, their food truck is a mobile testament to Chef Chubb's culinary ingenuity, boasting an array of innovative dishes crafted daily with the freshest ingredients.

One glance at Soulfull Cocina's menu reveals a treasure trove of mouthwatering delights that redefine the BBQ experience. They offer traditional BBQ fare like ribs, fried chicken, tri tip and more. However, what sets them apart are their unique specials. Take, for instance, the ‘Phor-13,’ a culinary masterpiece featuring a succulent smashed burger adorned with pineapple, pulled pork, coleslaw, BBQ sauce and a tantalizing drizzle of Sriracha mayo. Get your burger with a ‘BBQ Sundae’ on the side. This is a delectable combination of pulled pork, baked beans, mac n' cheese, coleslaw and BBQ sauce, served up ice cream sundae style. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t forget the ‘Chubb-A-Dilla’ a giant quesadilla filled with your choice of pulled pork or smoked chicken, baked beans and mac n' cheese, it’s a little bit of everything and a whole lot of flavor! Another stand out side is the ‘smashed potato.’ A baked potato, pulled pork, mac n' cheese, butter, BBQ sauce and jalapeños. Move over bacon bits and sour cream…there’s a new potato in town.

At the heart of Soulfull Cocina’s is Chef Manuel Hurd (Chubb). Chef Chubb was born with the gift of cooking. That gift turned into a passion that would ultimately grow into the desire to create food that would warm the soul and bring great pleasure to all. Food with soul is his motto. As he likes to say 'Dreams Come True, Hope Exists, and Love Is Served.' His mission is to put a smile on everyone's face through his food and share his passion with the world. Chef Chubb has a huge personality that provides an exciting, fun, and enjoyable atmosphere that completes your dining experience.

In his own words, “I moved to Lincoln from California 9 years ago with a dream to help bring quality barbecue to Lincoln. I have a passion for my family, church, and bringing people around the table and now our food trailer for a good meal.”

Soulfull Cocina isn't just a restaurant; it's a family legacy. With each savory bite, patrons are transported to a realm where flavor reigns supreme and every dish tells a story. So, whether you're craving a taste of the South or simply seeking a dining experience unlike any other, Soulfull Cocina invites you to savor the essence of true BBQ bliss in the heart of Lincoln.

6105 Havelock Ave | soulfullcocina.com | (402) 730-3563

YA DIGG??

Visiting Angels Celebrates Team Member Anniversaries

Visiting Angels Comprehensive Home Care would like to congratulate Kimberly Hopkins and Crissa Obermier on their work anniversaries! Both of these women are integral parts of the Visiting Angels Lincoln team. Their insights and ideas propel the employee experience.

Kimberly Hopkins, Scheduling Manager, celebrated her five-year anniversary with Visiting Angels in February. She takes care of the caregivers who take such great care of their clients. Everything from the caregiver match process to scheduling and covering shifts is under Kimberly’s wheelhouse. Visiting Angels thanks Kimberly for her dedication and service.

Crissa Obermier, human resources Manager also celebrated her first work anniversary in February. Recently she passed her SHRM exam, which is the highest accolade in the human resources field. Her role with Visiting Angels is to oversee employee relations and company compliance. During the past year, she has primarily worked with recruiting, but she is eager to begin overseeing employee relations. Her favorite part of this role is getting to work with such wonderful caregivers!

At Visiting Angels, comprehensive home care is customized for seniors based on their individual needs and preferences. Their dedicated and reliable caregivers have helped thousands of older adults live happily and safely in the comforts of home while providing their families with peace of mind. If you would like to learn more about Visiting Angels, call (402) 735-0999 or visit www.visitingangels. com/lincoln/home.

Buddy Goodenkauf Joins True North Technologies as New Sales Executive

True North Technologies is proud to welcome Buddy Goodenkauf as the new Sales Executive. Buddy started with the company this February. He is looking to help solve the marketing needs of the Lincoln community.

True North Technologies is more than just a marketing company. They are a local business looking to support other local businesses. When you call True North, you know who you are talking with. Their goal is to be your partner and ensure that your business is growing.

Please feel free to connect with Buddy at buddy@go-tnt.com / (402) 420-5101 if you have any questions about the services True North provides.

Founded in 2019, True North began with website and mobile app development, but over the years they’ve expanded to accommodate the ever growing needs of their clients by including a text marketing platform. This innovative solution allows companies to reach their very own audience of loyal consumers.

True North Technologies also enjoys supporting the online efforts of local companies. They provide affordable marketing services such as custom website and mobile app development, branding, SEO and digital advertising. Visit www.go-tnt.com or call (402) 420-5101 to learn more about them today.

McGiIl Law Welcomes Peyton Rohlfs as Receptionist and Office Assistant

McGill Law is happy to share that Peyton Rohlfs recently joined their Omaha office as Receptionist and Office Assistant!

Peyton is the smiling face at their front desk and often one of the first people clients talk to on the phone. Peyton’s sense of humor, intelligence and organizational skills make balancing the front door, phones, scheduling and assisting with daily office operations look easy! She is an integral part of the McGill Law team, making sure the office and clients receive efficient and compassionate care.

Peyton was born and raised in Omaha. Following completion of high school, she moved to North Carolina to attend Elon University for her undergraduate studies. Graduating with two bachelor’s degrees in religious studies and English with a concentration in Literature, Peyton aims to pursue a career in the law and literature industry. She is currently attending school to gain her paralegal certificate to specialize in litigation.

Peyton enjoys traveling, experiencing new things and reading a good book. With a little over 15 countries under her belt, she continues to explore and learn from the people around her and the experiences she creates.

McGill Law specializes in helping families through legal issues like divorce, adoptions, child custody and modifications. To contact McGill Law, call (402) 548-5418 or email info@McGillLawyers.com. For more information, go to McGillLawyers.com.

The Arc of Lincoln Announces Danielle Alferink as New Program Coordinator

The Arc of Lincoln proudly announces Danielle Alferink as their new Program Coordinator. Danielle has been working in the mental health field for over seven years. She's worked with a variety of different DD services and individuals.

In 2023, Danielle volunteered with The Arc of Lincoln for the first time and quickly became invested. She is passionate about providing top tier services to people of all walks of life. She loves to travel and get involved in community events which helps her provide resources to the people she supports. While raising a family and volunteering she's also been committed to her career. She's excited to take on this role and use her creative skills to come up with new and exciting events, build relationships with people and help push The Arc of Lincoln's mission forward.

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. To learn more or to inquire about The Arc of Lincoln, visit www.arclincoln.org or contact Executive Director Jennifer Stuhmer, at director@arclincoln.org / (402) 421-8866.

SP Group, P.C. Welcomes Tammy Johnson and Laurie Sipple to the Team

SP Group, P.C. is excited to announce the addition of Tammy Johnson and Laurie Sipple to their team.

Tammy began her career as a legal secretary obtaining an Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies. After working in the legal field for almost 20 years, she spent the next 11 years in the non-profit sector. That experience piqued her interest in a new field, exposing her to the world of finance, where she worked closely with a financial advisor. Most recently, Tammy was a Client Implementation Manager at a large international company.

Laurie’s skills in customer service began at age of 12 selling lake resort tickets for swimming and camping. Having personally been touched by family members with special needs, she was an Elementary School Para for Lincoln Public Schools and most recently in Disability Services at Nebraska Wesleyan University. She pursued an Art degree from UNL and worked as a Special Events Coordinator at UNL’s Sheldon Museum of Art. She continues to express her creative side, finding joy in building, remodeling and using her power tools. With her varied background, she brings a unique perspective on customer service that will be a benefit to the team’s relationships with clients.

Laern more about SP Group or read complete bios on their team at spgrouppc.com/meet-theteam or follow SP Group on Facebook (@SPGroup,P.C.) / Twitter (@SPGroupPC) or call (402) 420-7758.

Caring Friends In Home Care Welcomes

Annette Maguire as Site Coordinator

Caring Friends In Home Care is thrilled to announce the addition of Annette Maguire as the Site Coordinator for the Gage, Jefferson, Thayer and Nemaha counties in SE Nebraska.

Annette joins them with over 25 years of health care experience and a wealth of knowledge in serving others in and around her area. Caring Friends strives to provide in home care to help individuals to improve their function and mobility to live with greater independence, to promote the client’s optimal level of well-being and to assist the client to remain at home for as long as possible. Annette has one daughter and in her free time she loves spending time with her two dogs and being outside as much as possible.

With over 20 years of experience within the healthcare field, Caring Friends In Home Care strives to go above and beyond. Your care will be directed by you and your own individualized choices. Give them a call and make a plan that will allow you your independence in the comforts of your own home. For more information, visit caringfriendsinhomecare.com or call (402) 207-1050.

Celebrate

HopeSpoke’s 75th Year at the Gourmet Comfort Classic

You’re invited to celebrate a big birthday at HopeSpoke’s 2024 Gourmet Comfort Classic!

Celebrating HopeSpoke’s 75th year, the 2024 Gourmet Comfort Classic features five chefs competing for your vote for Best Birthday Party Finger Food.

The event is Friday, May 3, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Scottish Rite Ballroom in downtown Lincoln. Featured chefs represent Billy’s Restaurant; ChefAuChef; Chez Hay; Doorstep Diner and Venue. Proceeds from the Gourmet Comfort Classic allow HopeSpoke to provide mental health services for approximately 1,000 children, teens, adults and families in the coming year.

Thanks to generous gifts made through this event, HopeSpoke is able to provide a sliding fee scale as low as $0 for families to access therapy regardless of ability to pay.

Since 1949, HopeSpoke has responded to community need with a variety of therapeutic programming including outpatient services; therapists based within 15 Lincoln Public Schools; an after-school program with a higher level of care for elementary-age children; crisis services at the Lancaster County Youth Services Center and a group home for teenage boys.

Individual tickets are $75. This event sells out quickly; visit hopespoke. org for tickets or sponsorship opportunities.

For more information about HopeSpoke, contact Becki Roberts at broberts@hopespoke.org or (402) 475-7666 or visit hopespoke.org.

Vision Maker Media and The Ross Media Arts Center Present Native American Film Series 2024 April 8

Vision Maker Media and The Ross Media Arts Center

Native American Film Series

2024 Present Apache 8, the story of the courageous allfemale Apache 8 firefighting unit which has protected their reservation and responded to wildfires around the nation for 30 years. This group, which recently became co-ed, earned the reputation of being fierce, loyal and dependable–and tougher than their male colleagues.

The screening takes place April 8, at 7:10 p.m. at The Ross Media Arts Center. Admission is free and open to the public. For all shows and times, visit theross.org or the Ross hot line at (402) 472-5353.

The Native American Film Series features artist profiles, musical performances, family stories and documentaries on historical figures and traditions. Screenings in this monthly series will take place the second Monday of each month in 2024.

The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center brings independent, documentary, international and classic films to Lincoln and the University community. Located at 13th and R St., The Ross shows movies seven days a week and hosts events including visiting filmmaker talks, post-show discussions, theatre and opera broadcasts and film festivals.

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.

A/C SEEN BETTER DAYS?

Catholic Social Services, ECHO Collective Launch Textile Collection Bin

Catholic Social Services (CSS) and ECHO Collective have collaborated to launch a textile collection bin at Turbine Flats, located at 2124 Y St. The bin sits on the SW corner of the Turbine Flats parking lot. The public is encouraged to drop off new or used clothing, towels, shoes, belts and fabric scraps, no matter their condition. The donated clothing and textile items are then processed by the CSS Sustainability Team.

This is a partnership between CSS, ECHO Collective, Turbine Flats and OMT! Divine Women’s Resale will help divert donations based on the best use for items and keep them out of the landfill. Funds raised from this partnership will help support the work of CSS and ECHO Collective in the community.

Catholic Social Services 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. Learn more at www.csshope.org.

Pregnancy Center to Host Partnership Dinner April 9

Pregnancy Center is pleased to announce their annual Partnership Dinner will be held Tuesday, April 9, featuring Dr. Marc Newman as keynote speaker, who will be sharing his story about the work God is doing through Pregnancy Center. The event will be held at the Embassy Suites in downtown Lincoln, and doors will open at 5:45 p.m. with dinner and the program to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Marc Newman is Founder and President of Speaker For Life, a training firm dedicated to equipping pro-life advocates nationwide with public speaking skills. He has spoken at nearly every major pro-life convention in the nation. He is the former Director of Speech and Debate at the University of California at Irvine, and currently teaches in the doctoral program in the School of Communication and the Arts at Regent University.

This year’s event is extra special as Pregnancy Center is celebrating 40 years of ministry. Tickets to the event are $50 per seat. The price includes dinner. Tickets for the event can be purchased at pregnancycenterpartners.org.

The Pregnancy Center is a nonprofit, faith-based organization located in the heart of Lincoln, just off O St. They offer comprehensive information about every option available to a woman facing an unintended pregnancy. They also provide confidential counsel, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, materials support and parenting classes, all at no cost to their clients or taxpayers. Learn more at pregnancycenterlincoln.org.

Voices of Hope to Host Annual Strike out Sexual Assault Bowl-a-Thon April 13

Voices of Hope is hosting its annual Strike out Sexual Assault Bowl-a-Thon on April 13 at Sun Valley Lanes from 4 to 6:30 p.m. They invite you all to gather a team of four to six players and join them to raise awareness and funds for victims of sexual assault.

“Together let’s break the silence and speak out against sexual assault to create a society free from violence.”

– Voices of Hope

There will be raffles and prizes during the event. To register for a general admission of $40, visit www.voicesofhopelincoln.org. If you have questions please contact Marla Sohl at (402) 476-2110 / marla@ voicesofhopelincoln.org.

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.

Nebraska Sports Council Shares Cornhusker State Games Price Increase Ahead of 40th Anniversary

Girls on the Run Gearing Up for Fall Metro Programming

Girls on the Run of Nebraska (GOTR), an after-school program that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident with running, is gearing up for another fun fall season of friendship, “girl power” and 5K fun at schools across Lincoln and Omaha. More than 25,000 girls across the state have participated in GOTR since its inception with 11 girls in Lincoln in 2003.

GOTR combines exercise, education and mentoring to build confidence and character in third- through sixth-grade girls. Teams meet twice weekly after school for two months to play running games that help train them for a 5K run/walk. Lessons on teamwork, decisionmaking and goal-setting are incorporated with physical activity, so participants get much more than exercise. The season highlight will be the Metro regional GOTR 5K Nov 3 in Lincoln.

Volunteer coaches are needed for sites across Omaha and Lincoln. You don’t have to be a runner to be a great GOTR coach and teach girls valuable life lessons. Coaching is a fun and rewarding short-term opportunity and you’ll have just as much fun as the girls. Training is required.

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.

American Heart Association and Greater Omaha Heart and Stroke Walk Saving Lives May 11

Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) has announced that as the Cornhusker State Games (CSG) gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary, participants are encouraged to take advantage of early registration before prices increase on April 24. The CSG, Nebraska's premier multi-sport event, has been a staple of athletic excellence and community engagement for four decades, showcasing the talent and dedication of athletes from across the state.

Since its inception, the Games have served as a platform for athletes of all ages and abilities to compete, connect and celebrate the spirit of sport. From track and field to basketball, pickleball to cornhole, they offer a wide array of sports for participants to enjoy, fostering camaraderie and healthy competition within the Nebraska community. With the 40th anniversary on the horizon, the CSG is proud to continue their tradition of excellence, providing participants with the opportunity to showcase their skills and achieve their athletic goals. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be a part of history and join them in celebrating 40 years of athletic achievement at the CSG!

For more information and to register, visit CornhuskerStateGames. com.

The Nebraska Sports Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy and active lifestyles for Nebraskans of all ages and abilities. Since its establishment, the NSC has been committed to organizing events and programs that bring communities together and inspire individuals to achieve their personal best. Learn more at nebraskasportscouncil.com.

The American Heart Association (AHA) signature event invites participants to sign up and step out for health. AHA and more than 3,500 community members will walk at the Greater Omaha Heart and Stroke Walk on Saturday, May 11 at Miller’s Landing. Everyone is encouraged to dress in their Heart Walk best and come out to move more.

Local businesses, along with top sponsor OrthoNebraska, American Heart Association volunteers and heart disease and stroke survivors will participate.

Participants can register for the Heart Walk by visiting OmahaHeartWalk.com. From there, participants can create personal fundraising pages, download the Heart Walk mobile app and encourage family and friends to join.

Every walker who joins, every dollar donated, means more lives saved. More research. More people trained in CPR. More medical breakthroughs. More lifesaving moments for hearts big and small. By participating and donating to Heart Walk, participants are supporting the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association and safeguarding that fewer people die from stroke and heart disease.

The theme of this year’s Heart Walk is, “I Walk to Save Lives.” Heart disease and stroke impact people in very personal life-changing ways. Through the Heart Walk, participants are invited to express, share and be inspired by the reasons WHY they walk.

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.

Angels Among Us Recipient of 100+ Men Who Care Omaha Gift

Angels Among Us was honored to be chosen as the 100+ Men Who Care Omaha quarterly gift of $5,700. This was an unexpected surprise to the organization and will make an important impact for local pediatric cancer families.

100+ Men Who Care is new to the Omaha community. They use the simple concept of the power of numbers to raise donations for local Omaha charities.

The organization is based on quarterly social hour events. Each attendee commits to donating $100 at to an unknown charity. During the event, three nominated charities are drawn. The members who nominated these charities each receive two to three minutes to explain why the group should support their nominated charity. After the presentations, members present vote on which charity they believe most deserves support. The winning charity then receives 100% of the donations from the event.

Angels Among Us is thankful for new partnerships such as this. Thank you to all 100+ Men Who Care attendees, in particular, Dave Lakin (VirtuActive) for nominating Angels Among Us.

Angels Among Us is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide financial and emotional support to any family whose child is battling pediatric cancer living in or being treated in the state of Nebraska. For more information, please contact Aly Goedeken at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org or by calling (402) 934-0999.

TeamMates Connection Academy Boosted by Local Partners

In February, TeamMates hosted a Connection Academy with over 50 TeamMates in attendance, including both mentors and mentees. These TeamMates matches gathered at the Don Clifton Professional Learning Center in an out-of-the ordinary time to connect, outside of their normal meetings at schools. A big thanks to local partnering organizations –MakitTakit, Linked 2 Literacy, Great Plains Gaming Project (GPGP), and Husker Athletics – who helped make this event a success.

Jess Vraspir, the TeamMates Organizer of the event was thrilled, “We are so grateful these local community partners donated their time to teach exciting new activities that will liven their meetings together.”

The various activities included: watercolor paintings by Makit Takit; art cards by Linked 2 Literacy; various new games by Great Plains Gaming Project and competitive table sports by Husker studentathletes.

Not only did they engage in fun activities, they also enjoyed delicious food generously donated by Slim Chickens. Vraspir confirmed, “We greatly appreciate their donation; it’s more than just food, it provides a great atmosphere.”

Partnerships with local businesses and organizations are one reason TeamMates can provide the support and structure needed for young people to be matched with great mentors in the program.

Will you and your business partner with Lincoln TeamMates to impact the community through mentoring? Contact Jim Bennett at (402) 436-1990 for more information about partnering with TeamMates. Additional information can also be found at LincolnTeammates.org.

Friendship Home Invites Businesses to Partner in

Preventing Domestic Violence

Friendship Home invites businesses to empower freedom from domestic violence by requesting a Friendship Home representative to come to speak to them and their employees. By requesting a speaker, businesses can provide employees with the opportunity to learn about the many complexities and barriers associated with domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking on an individual level and a community systems level.

To request a speaker for a presentation at your business, visit www. friendshiphome.org/contact.

It is Friendship Home’s vision that someday, the need for their services will cease to exist, that domestic violence will not be tolerated by anyone in the community, and that all homes will be places of love, support and safety. This is why Friendship Home also invites community members, neighbors and friends to please join in their commitment to survivors by taking bold action to effect change.

Friendship Home envisions a community that embraces any survivor or child who experiences domestic violence, foreseeing a society that courageously holds batterers accountable for the crimes they commit and allows survivors of domestic violence to stay in their own home and rebuild their lives free from fear.

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. Learn more at friendshiphome.org.

NONPROFIT NEWS

Shoe Distribution Kick-Off for 14th Annual Day Without Shoes to Benefit People’s City Mission

The Shoe Distribution KickOff for the 14th Annual Day Without Shoes Shoes Drive will happen Friday, April 26 at 11 a.m. at People’s City Mission (PCM) Help Center at 6800 P St.

Since 2011, Cornhusker Bank and PCM have partnered to help raise awareness of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a person’s life by hosting an annual Day Without Shoes event. At Thursday’s event, Cornhusker Bank will present a check to PCM, followed by a press conference. Then, PCM guests will be able to choose shoes for themselves and their families. The remainder of the shoes collected will be distributed over the next several weeks to needy families who are served at the Help Center.

Please refer to the following schedule for the day:

11:00 a.m. Check presentation and press conference

11:15 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Shelter guests will shop for shoes first

12:30 -1:00 p.m. Local non-profit connection clients will shop for shoes.

1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Community shoppers shop for shoes

“We are so incredibly thankful for Cornhusker Bank’s dedication to this drive every year. Thousands of folks in Lincoln will be helped because of all of the shoes and money collected this year,” said Pastor Tom Barber.

If you or someone you know is in need of shoes, go to pcmlincoln. org/help-center to see public shopping times at the Help Center. For more information about People’s City Mission, visit pcmlincoln.org.

YMCA of Lincoln Kicks Off Summer with Healthy Kids Day Event April 13

On Saturday, April 13

the YMCA of Lincoln will celebrate Healthy Kids Day, the Y’s national initiative aimed at improving the health and well-being for kids and families. Held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Cooper YMCA, 6767 S. 14th St., this year’s event features healthy activities from community vendors, cooking demonstrations, crafts, and friendly competitions to motivate and teach families how to incorporate healthy routines at home.

Karla Hudson, Cooper YMCA Associate Executive Director siad, “Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free community-wide event that encourages families to take advantage of all the great summer resources that the Y has to offer.”

The Y hopes to use the day to get more kids moving and learning, creating healthy habits they can continue while they’re away from the classroom. It is a reminder to families that we can help ensure all children have access to what they need to reach their full potential, even during out-of-school time. For more information on YMCA Healthy Kids Day, please visit ymcalincoln.org/hkd24.

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 on the Lincoln YMCA along with a list of branch locations, visit ymcalincoln.org.

Help Matt Talbot Feed the Soul of the City April 25

Matt Talbot’s 18th annual Feeding the Soul of the City fundraiser will be held at the Scottish Rite Ballroom on April 25. This fundraiser powers and sustains the life-changing services that give Matt Talbot’s guests hope every day of the year.

The fundraiser will include a social hour, silent auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a short program including inspiring stories of hope and a live auction. There will also be a new, interactive experience with Matt Talbot staff to learn how our four key programs: hunger relief, outreach, housing and substance use are moving our community closer to defeating hunger and homelessness.

Event tickets can be purchased at mtko.org.

Your support for Matt Talbot will change lives. With your help Matt Talbot can continue to offer vital services such as meals to families struggling until their next paycheck, drug and alcohol counseling and assistance to the chronically homeless. Plus, you will know that you are supporting one of Lincoln’s most compassionate and effective nonprofits!

For the past 31 years, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach has been helping individuals and families facing poverty and homelessness find possibilities when things seem impossible. Learn more at mtko.org.

Healthcare Professionals: Get Tickets to the HCF’s Oncology Symposium and Earn CEUs April 17

Heartland Cancer Foundation (HCF) is hosting their Oncology Symposium on

Wednesday, April 17 at the Southeast Community College’s Jack Huck Continuing Education Center. The symposium brings together physicians, nurses, social workers and advanced care practitioners for an evening of education, networking and support. Attendees will enjoy presentations, dinner, vendor booths, networking, prizes and have the opportunity to earn CEU credits.

This year’s event features two keynote speakers, Adam Mills, Ph.D. and Tracy Bender, OTD, OTR/L, CLT, CMF.

Dr. Mills is a Clinical Health Psychologist at Nebraska Medicine. In 2017, he brought dedicated psychological support to the Buffett Cancer Center. Since then, he has been the primary psychologist in cancer care at Nebraska Medicine. His presentation, Psychological Distress Through the Cancer Process, will include these objectives: describe various types of cancer-related distress through the cancer process, describe specific stressors unique to individuals dealing with cancer, describe evidence-based treatment approaches to improve distress and how to adapt treatment for cancer care.

Dr. Bender is an occupational therapist and the Director of Rehabilitation and Durable Medical Equipment at Cancer Partners. She received her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Creighton University. Her presentation, Cancer Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Approach, will include these objectives: define Cancer Rehabilitation in all stages, discuss the comprehensive nature and benefits of cancer rehabilitation, discuss relevance and importance of rehabilitation in relation to overall survivorship and discuss how referrals to rehab occur within the interdisciplinary team.

To register, visit heartlandcancerfoundation.org/oncologysymposium. Learn more about how you can support the Heartland Cancer Foundation at heartlandcancerfoundation.org.

Stacia Steph

Dr. Jim Harter, Chief Scientist at GALLUP to be Keynote at 46th Annual Nebraska Safety Council Conference

Camp Quality Seeks Sponsors Through Making Camp Possible Campaign Through July

The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) welcomes Dr. Jim Harter, Chief Scientist for Workplace Management and Wellbeing at Gallup as our keynote for day one of the 46th Annual Nebraska Safety Council Conference. In addition to his address, Dr. Harter, along with Nebraska Safety Council Executive Director, John Lefler, Jr. will host a CEO Breakfast and the annual awards luncheon.

Dr. Harter is the author of Wall Street Journal Bestsellers Culture Shock and Wellbeing at Work, to name a few. His work has appeared in many publications, including Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company and Time Magazine.

“Dr. Harter’s research has helped employers worldwide recognize the factors that allow their people to strive, rather than struggle in the workplace,” explains Lefler. “The opportunity to take a deep dive into the critical role financial, social, and physical wellbeing play.”

The 46th edition of the NESC Annual Conference will be held April 2425. The conference features two days of speakers, breakout sessions, panels, an awards luncheon, an opportunity to earn Continuing Education Credits and an evening of networking and entertainment.

To learn more and register for the Annual Conference, visit nesafetycouncil.org-Annual Conference.

To learn more about the Nebraska Safety Council, visit nesafetycouncil. org, call (402) 483-2511 or email info@nesafetycouncil.org.

Camp Quality is proud to announce their annual giving campaign, Making Camp Possible, which is taking place now through July. Camp Quality provides free year-round support activities for children with cancer and their families. 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.

Camp Quality’s program includes a week long overnight summer camp. This year’s camp will be held at Calvin Crest in Fremont July 7 to 11. Campers range from ages 5 to 17 and vary in stages oftheir treatment or remission. These programs are also offered to siblings as well.

All of this is made possible through the Make Camp Possible Campaign, which relies on sponsors like you. Your contribution will provide events and activities that foster a caring environment for Camp Quality’s families. Most importantly, donations help ensure that all Camp Quality Heartland sponsored events, including the week of camp, are free to the children and families they serve.

Sponsorship packages range from a $25 Backpack sponsorship to a $1000 Cabin sponsorship. To become a sponsor, contact Camp Quality at heartland@campqualityusa.org / (330) 968-8924 or donate online at www.campqualityusa.org.

Camp Quality Heartland began in 1994 and is one of 19 camps in the Camp Quality USA family. For more information visit www. campqualityusa.org.

Family Health Services Inc Recognizes Stress Awareness Month

In observance of Stress

Awareness Month, Family Health Services Inc (FHSI) highlights the crucial role of comprehensive reproductive healthcare in stress reduction, emphasizing the significant impact of regular testing and annual examinations on overall well-being.

FHSI’s commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services is instrumental in alleviating stress associated with uncertainty about one’s health.

FHSI has locations in Lincoln and Tecumseh and provide clinics once or twice a month in Beatrice, Peru and Crete. Hours vary by location.

Key Services Offered:

• Stress-Free Testing Environment: FHSI provides a welcoming and stress-free environment for all testing services, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV, and more.

• Annual Examinations for Holistic Well-being: Annual examinations at FHSI go beyond physical health; they encompass mental well-being. The clinic recognizes the interconnectedness of reproductive health and stress and offers comprehensive exams to address both aspects, promoting a holistic approach to overall wellness.

• Telehealth Services for Convenient Consultations: FHSI embraces modern healthcare solutions with telehealth services, enabling individuals to consult with healthcare professionals conveniently.

• Teen Mental Health Services: Recognizing the unique stressors that teens encounter, FHSI provides confidential reproductive health services to support adolescents in managing stress and building resilience during this critical developmental stage.

• To access testing, annual examinations or schedule an appointment visit LoveSafely.com or contact (402) 466-1012. For existing patients, telehealth services can be accessed for consultations.

Learn more about Family Health Services at LoveSafely.com.

Experience "An Afternoon with the Huskers" at Lincoln Children's Museum

The Lincoln Children's Museum is excited to host "An Afternoon with the Huskers," on Saturday, April 20 from 1 to 3 p.m., which will give children the chance to meet some real Huskers!

Children and their caregivers will have the unique opportunity to meet beloved Husker mascots and Husker kicker, Tristan Alvano, in person. Alvano will be on hand to take pictures, sign autographs and share his expertise by teaching kids how to kick a football, making this event both entertaining and educational.

Families are encouraged to mark their calendars for this exciting event, which promises fun for all ages. This event is free for members and included with regular museum admission.

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

Tickets and Sponsorship Packages Now Available for 2024 BBB Torch Awards Luncheon

Your Vision, Our Expertise: A Partnership Beyond

Expectations

The BBB Torch Awards Luncheon is back for its 27th year and this year will be the best yet. Enjoy a fantastic lunch, which features Omaha Steaks, and a thrilling keynote speech from Aaron Davis about the importance of integrity and ethics in organizational decision-making. Plus, celebrate the latest class of winners of the Torch Awards, Spark Awards and Student of Integrity Scholarships.

The event will be held on Tuesday, September 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at A View West Shores, 110 S 243 St., Waterloo. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m.

Secure your event ticket at bbb.org/omahatorch. Sponsorship packages are still available!

More information can be found at bbb.org/omahatorch. Questions can be directed to communications@bbbinc.org.

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.

Making Great Strides with Outpatient Rehabilitation at Tabitha

As Nebraska’s Answer for Senior Care, Tabitha Rehabilitation is setting out to rejuvenate the aging process for older Nebraskans through exceptional-quality, by-appointment outpatient rehabilitation services.

At Tabitha Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (TNRC) in the heart of Lincoln, two state-of-the-art gyms are utilized by Tabitha experts to provide support to outpatient clients.

“Being proactive with your health can reduce the risk of injury in the long run and overall, help you bounce back quicker if an accident does occur,” said Erinn Golick, Director of Rehabilitation at TNRC. “That’s what makes outpatient rehabilitation so valuable and necessary for many adults. Tabitha Rehabilitation is currently accepting new clients. Our team is well-versed in setting, working towards and hitting goals so clients can reach the peak of their physical abilities.”

To learn more about Tabitha Rehabilitation physical, occupational or speech therapies or to schedule an outpatient appointment today, visit Tabitha.org/Rehabilitation.

As the state’s quality award-winning expert for older adults, nonprofit Tabitha 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 and compassionate hospice services. Tabitha is Your Answer; learn more at Tabitha.org.

The Bridge Behavioral Health Highlights Alcohol Awareness Month in April

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and The Bridge Behavioral Health is bringing awareness to the impact alcohol has on health and society. In the US, more than 140,000 people die each year from misuse, making it one of the leading causes of preventable deaths, according to NIAAA.

Alcohol misuse is linked to more than 200 disease and injury-related conditions, meaning alcohol misuse contributes substantially to health care costs and lost productivity and affects people’s health in many ways. Alcohol misuse can also have painful emotional impacts on individuals and their loved ones.

The good news is that The Bridge Behavioral Health is here to help. The Bridge 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. Learn more at www.thebridgenebraska.org.

Questions About Nebraska’s New Voter ID Law? Disability Rights Nebraska Has Answers!

Starting this year, with the May primaries, all Nebraska residents will need to bring a photo ID with them to the polls. Disability Rights Nebraska has just launched a new three minute Voter ID explainer video to help you through the process. The video provides tips on how to prepare so you can cast your vote with ease.

The good news is that a lot of different types of ID will be accepted. For people who are unable to afford the fee for a state ID card, the legislature has made state ID cards free, through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), for voting purposes to make sure people can still exercise their right to vote.

If you don’t already have a Nebraska photo ID, when you go to the DMV, you will need to bring:

your social security number, a copy of your birth certificate, and two documents that show your name and address (such as pieces of mail you’ve received at your current address).

Nebraska birth certificates can also be attained for free through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ Vital Records division.

More information is covered in the new video explainer at www. disabilityrightsnebraska.org. Just look for the “Voting Information Here” banner at the top of the home.

For more information call Disability Rights Nebraska at 1-800-4226691 or visit www.disabilityrightsnebraska.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.

Bright Lights Hosting 2024 Star

Search

Scavenger Hunt April 19

Bright Lights is excited to announce that this year’s Star Search will be taking place on Friday, April 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Gather up your team and get ready for a fun, family friendly and team-based scavenger hunt around Lincoln! All proceeds from the event will benefit Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures, a local nonprofit that has been offering hands-on summer learning camps for K-8th grade students for over 35 summers.

Teams will need to check in at 5 p.m. for Star Search. After checking in, the teams will take off using a scavenger hunt app to follow missions around Lincoln and earn points. A team may consist of families, friends, coworkers, neighbors and anyone else as long as everyone can fit into one vehicle. You can even put together two teams and compete against each other! When the game ends at 7:30 p.m., teams will meet up and prizes will be awarded to the top teams. Costumes are encouraged, as well as an adventurous spirit and a willingness to have fun! Register your team online at brightlights.org/events.

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.

Banking Matters

West Gate Bank® provides the solutions you need to succeed. As a business owner, you understand the importance of having strong financial health. And the bank you choose to partner with, matters.

The Business Banking Solutions team at West Gate Bank® works to understand your unique challenges, and provide you with a custom, solutions-based approach to all of your financial needs. We are here to support you so you’re free to focus on the things you want to do. Contact us today to learn more!

Community Action Thanks Volunteers for Year of Service

Building a vintage dollhouse, folding newsletters, installing artificial playground turf and cleaning out a storage facility – these are just a few of the activities that volunteers accomplished in the last year at Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties. From serving a meal at the Gathering Place each night to mentoring young children in Head Start classrooms, volunteers have an impact in every corner of Community Action.

In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 21 - 27), Community Action wants to thank all of the volunteers who have given of their time in the last year. In the past 12 months, over 700 volunteers served nearly 11,500 hours with Community Action programs. This incredible dedication to community service plays a major part in how the agency is able to provide over 100,000 needed services each year.

“We’re grateful for the commitment and care that our volunteers show for our programs and participants,” said Sam Bates, Community Engagement and Partnerships Coordinator. “It’s a testament to this community that we always know we can find people to help us out. Thank you, volunteers!”

Community Action’s programs and services address the causes and conditions of poverty in four impact areas: early childhood education, homelessness prevention, financial and family well-being, and hunger relief and healthy food access. Learn more about Community Action volunteering and complete a volunteer application at www. communityactionatwork.org.

Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska Calls for Volunteers

Christian Record Services Pleased to Announce Scholarship Application Window is Still Open

Christian Record Services, Inc. is pleased to announce the application for Anne Lowe Scholarship is still open for the 2024-25 school year. The Anne Lowe Scholarship is awarded to college students and is based on academic achievement, need and goals for the future which is supported through an essay, reference letters, a projected budget and verification of blindness.

Tom Lowe established the scholarship in 1989 in the memory of his wife, Anne, who loved education and the mission of Christian Record. “Our scholarship committee reviews applicants each year and we are thrilled to award scholarships to six outstanding individuals,” said Diane Thurber, President of the 125-year-old organization. “Through the ongoing generosity of donors, we are able to support the education of each of the selected recipients of the Anne Lowe Scholarship.”

Those interested in applying, please visit christianrecord.org/ member-services/scholarship/application.html. Applications will be accepted until April 15.

Christian Record Services, Inc. is an international ministry to people who are blind. The nonprofit was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Lincoln. To learn more, visit www.ChristianRecord. org, call (402) 488-0981 or connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn (@CRSBfriends).

As National Volunteer Week is April 21 through April 27, Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska is calling for more volunteers to help fulfill its Mission of empowering those the nonprofit supports—people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other diverse needs—to live full and meaningful lives.

“Volunteers are a vital part of Mosaic,” said Mosaic Community Relations Manager, Malindi Gabelhouse. “Our work wouldn’t be possible without volunteers who, for example, advocate for disability rights, provide companionship to people we serve, support Mosaic staff and help advance our community relations work.”

“Specifically for Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska, we need volunteers who will do a variety of things such as helping organize and set up for events hosted by Mosaic or our community partners ,” said Gabelhouse. “Also, when a volunteer gives someone we serve the encouragement to learn a new skill or achieve a goal, that volunteer is our mission in action.”

Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska welcomes volunteers of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in empowering people to live full lives. To learn more, contact Malindi Gabelhouse, Malindi. Gabelhouse@MosaicInfo.org, or call her at 402.429.0088.

Mosaic is a whole-person healthcare organization reaching across 13 states in more than 700 communities and providing supports to nearly 4,500 people. Mosaic is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.mosaicinfo.org.

Promote Your Business

The Career Pathway Network

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 CareerPathway.com is an easy way to teach potential hires about what you do.

Educate The Emerging Workforce

Educators can use CareerPathway.com 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.

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. CareerPathway.com makes it easy for them to reach out when the time is right for them to take the next step. Have your opportunities ready.

Empower Students and Job Seekers We help

Position your business in front of the emerging workforce by joining today at CareerPathway.com

- Businesses recruit employees

- Students explore careers

- Job seekers find opportunities

- Educators guide students

- Colleges fill classrooms

- Community career connections

Community Raises More Than $685,000 for Early Childhood Education

Habitat for Humanity Continues 2024 Women Build Campaign

The Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) announced that its recent annual giving campaign for Lincoln Littles raised more than $685,000 in community support of early care and education. Since 2019, nearly $4.7 million has been raised in support of Lincoln Littles programs, operations and initiatives –including tuition assistance for infants, toddlers and preschoolers to attend quality early childhood education programs throughout the community.

“In Lincoln, we know that access to quality care and education means healthy growth and development for our children, a more available workforce and ultimately more opportunities for our families to thrive,” said Alec Gorynski, LCF president/CEO. “Our community continues to make this a priority with their generous support of Lincoln Littles.”

In addition to increasing affordable childcare options for families, Lincoln Littles’ work focuses on increasing quality in early care and education, educating and engaging businesses and the larger community, supporting workforce development in the childcare sector and influencing policies to be responsive to the needs of young children and their families.

“This community investment means the world to Lincoln’s children and families,” said Anne Brandt, Executive Director of Lincoln Littles. “With childcare costs at an all-time high, these funds will allow us to continue to fill the critical need of affordable, high-quality early care and education for working families.”

To learn more about the Lincoln Community Foundation, visit www. lcf.org.

The Habitat for Humanity continues their Women Build Campaign, a fundraising and volunteering initiative to help build homes for families in need.

Participants help build homes for families in need of safe, affordable housing and assist families in need of repairs and yard maintenance. All participants are asked to raise a minimum of $500 and to volunteer one day either on a build/job site or on a Rock the Block neighborhood revitalization project.

For those interested, Habitat will host several informational networking opportunities including:

Hard Hat and Heels, a kick-off celebration recognizing the achievements of this year’s Women Builders and sponsors. It is a rally party for all that they have done and the culmination of everyone’s efforts for the Women Build Campaign. This year’s party will be held at the Del Ray Ballroom, 817 R St. on Thursday, April 25 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The evening will include music, heavy apps, complimentary signature cocktails and prize drawings. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at secure.givelively.org/event/lincolnlancaster-county-habitat-for-humanity-inc/women-build-2024/ hard-hat-heels-women-build-2024-kick-off-party.

UBT will host a Women Build Wealth event on Thursday, June 20 at their downtown location at 1248 O St. This event will be a great networking opportunity and will include an educational presentation about building wealth by the experts at UBT.

Learn more about The Habitat for Humanity at LincolnHabitat.org.

CLIENT

For two decades, ALLO has been dedicated to the thriving of businesses. It’s not just a business for us; it’s a mission. ALLO has set out to instigate a positive transformation in the communities we serve. We firmly believe that fiber is the key to unleashing boundless innovation potential. To make this belief a reality, we’ve built a world-class regional network, not merely to expand business opportunities, but to breathe life into the communities and secure their future.

ALLO is here to dissolve technology barriers, enabling you to focus on what truly matters – the people in our fiber-rich communities. By providing forwardthinking technology to local businesses, we’re igniting an unstoppable wave of economic growth, fostering business development, and opening doors to countless career opportunities.

But that’s not all. Beyond offering voice, data, and TV, ALLO proudly presents its Business Solutions – the shield to safeguard your business while supercharging productivity. ALLO Business brings you the same unwavering reliability you’ve come to trust from ALLO, fortified with cutting-edge cybersecurity and tech solutions. In this digital age, cybersecurity is not just an option; it’s a necessity to ward off the relentless cyber threats. ALLO Business doesn’t just stop at a network firewall; we harness nextgeneration firewalls, cloud-based artificial intelligence, real-time monitoring, event logging, and advanced techniques to safeguard your business from today’s sophisticated global threats.

Elevate your fiber-optic service experience with Microsoft Teams Voice, Next Gen Firewall, and Managed Services Provider, achieving a seamless blend of connectivity and ironclad security.

In a world where technology is in constant flux, we, at ALLO, understand that it’s the people behind the technology who truly matter. That’s why the love and trust our customers share with us mean the world. We don’t expect you to simply take our word for it. Here’s what a local Lincoln business has to say: ‘Our service with ALLO is dependable; it’s faster. They’re really quick to respond. We can download data much more quickly and be more efficient. It really helps handle the growth that we’ve experienced in recent years.’ – Matt Ashmore

ALLO specializes in crafting world-class communication and entertainment services, all the while creating gigabit communities. Our fiber-optic network may shine brightly, but it’s the powerful synergy of this state-of-the-art network combined with a local support team deeply rooted in the communities we serve that makes the ALLO Fiber difference. The ALLO team is at your service round the clock, ensuring that your connection is the last thing you need to fret about.

or call

by Jason Ball President

Join us on an Intercity Visit to Boise

Earlier this year, we announced plans for an exciting intercity visit to Boise, Idaho in collaboration with our friends at the Greater Topeka Partnership. Set to take place from July 16 to 19, I am excited to share that tickets are now on sale for this dynamic exploration of innovation and learning in one of the nation’s fastest growing cities. Tickets are $1,800 and can be purchased on topekalincoln.com. This registration fee includes hotel accommodations, access to the full schedule of events, transportation to and from The Grove Hotel in Boise and several meals while in Boise.

We are so excited to welcome members of the Lincoln community on this unique trip, which will unite community and business leaders from both Lincoln and Topeka and offer exclusive opportunities to build relationships and explore new pathways to advance our communities. This upcoming intercity visit pioneers a collaboration between two communities visiting a third city together and opens doors to share best practices and foster incredible connections. Additionally, this visit to Boise also offers exceptional sponsorship opportunities for businesses, offering valuable visibility and engagement with diverse stakeholders spanning multiple communities. Selected after extensive research on various thriving communities across the country, Boise provides an ideal backdrop for collaboration and learning. Renowned for its vibrancy, acclaimed downtown and arts districts and its incredible strides in entrepreneurship, attendees from both Lincoln and Topeka will be positioned to gather truly impactful takeaways from this growing, forward-looking community.

The recently released trip schedule boasts an impressive lineup of networking and educational opportunities, including a panel discussion featuring Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, Topeka Mayor Mike Padilla and Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in specialized interest tracks on downtown branding and placemaking, Urban Renewal Districts and TIF, philanthropy and more. A variety of ongoing networking opportunities will also be key components of the agenda for the trip.

I am so excited for members of our community to establish connections with local leaders and elected officials from Lincoln, Topeka and Boise. You won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to join the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Topeka Partnership on this transformative journey.

I hope you will join us on this educational experience as we collectively elevate the economic vitality of Lincoln for years to come. Visit topekalincoln.com for additional information and for the full agenda for the visit, or contact me at jball@lcoc.com to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

We Work For People Who Work.

“We Work For People Who Work,” sums up exactly what we do at Cruise & Associates. Our clients all get up in the morning and go to work every day just like us. You won’t find them out on the golf course, but they can be found in their business cooking, changing oil in a car, mowing lawns or taking pictures. We want to help our clients to be better business owners, so their business can succeed instead of fail.

The difference you will find at Cruise & Associates is that all our clients receive face-to-face interviews with one of our tax professionals. We are not a black hole firm where you drop your information at the front desk and within a few weeks it comes out mysteriously done and you have not had any contact with your tax preparer. We want to establish a personal relationship with you, so your accountant can understand your unique business situation and help find ways to reduce your tax liability and make your business more profitable. You will receive free year-round questions and we don’t send a bill every time you email or call.

As a business owner you know how to do the job, but you don’t always understand all aspects of your business and this can be the difference between success and failure. Through our consulting programs, we can help make your business more efficient and effective, more profitable and improve cash flow. We spend time with our clients to develop a custom strategy. What makes our programs unique is we sit down with you one-on-one and do the training. We are there to answer questions specific to your business. We can help anyone from those just starting out in business to those who have been in business for 10 years and want to take it to the next level.

“Our clients are very good at balancing tires, fixing a broken pipe, or preparing a meal, but they don’t always understand nor have time for the business side of owning a company,” said Rob Cruise, Cruise & Associates President. “To successfully grow, you need to know how to run your business efficiently. We will never tell you how to run your business but will give you the information to help you make good business decisions. With the continuously changing world, we can create a customized package that meets your specific needs. This will give you more time to focus on what you do best and that is running your business.”

Small to midsize businesses are the clients we serve best. Our goal is to meet the accounting needs of businesses and ensure their finances are streamlined and efficient. We specialize in income taxes, tax planning, bookkeeping, payroll, business controls and wealth management. We want to increase their income and reduce their tax liability. In addition to Lincoln, we also have locations in Albion, Columbus, Grand Island, Omaha, Norfolk and Wayne.

Phone: 800.401.4284

Fax: 402.562.6134

Email: cadesk@cruise-associates.com

byTravis Filing Executive Director

Lincoln Independent Business Association Thrilled to Welcome Back Laurie Dunn

The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) is thrilled to welcome Laurie Dunn as our newest team member. Laurie is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience working with businesses in Lincoln and Omaha in the areas of sales, marketing and insurance.

If Laurie’s name sounds familiar to you, it should. Laurie worked with LIBA for several years in the mid 2010’s and was very successful in helping Lincoln small businesses as LIBA’s Development Director. She has continued to build extensive career experience in sales since then, and LIBA is thrilled to have her expertise and passion for the organization once again.

Laurie also previously served on the LIBA Board of Directors and served on the LIBA Membership Committee, Ambassador Club, and as the coordinator for BizNet and referral groups. She was also the Nebraska Assistant Director of Business Network International (BNI).

This is the perfect time for us to bring Laurie on board, as LIBA is gearing up for its annual Free Enterprise Celebration on April 11 which will bring together business leaders from across the city. Laurie will play a key role in helping to get the word out to prospective members and ensuring that the event is a great success.

The start to the year has shown significant progress for the organization. In addition to bringing Laurie back, LIBA has also testified on more bills than ever before during this legislative session, advocating strongly for the local business community. Our representation of our local businesses will contribute to helping shape a business-friendly environment and economic growth.

LIBA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting local businesses in Lincoln and the surrounding area through educational and networking opportunities, while also acting as the voice of the business community in local government and the state legislature.

LIBA looks forward to Laurie's contributions and we are confident that her experience and dedication will help the organization continue to thrive and support our local business community.

By Travis Filing, LIBA President, CEO

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Introducing Lincoln Airport's newest gem: N'Flight Pub and Market! Step into a culinary adventure celebrating local flavors and community spirit. N'Flight offers a curated selection of local favorites, from delicious smoothies, gourmet coffee, local craft beers to the fan favorite Great Plains Burger and the Nebraska Nachos.

Before your next flight, come early as N'Flight welcomes you with its cozy ambiance and tempting menu. Savor the taste of Lincoln with every bite as you gear up for your day ahead; whether it’s a routine business trip or vacation with friends Lincoln Airport has you covered.

From the sleek architecture to the cozy atmosphere, every detail reflects Lincoln's unique blend of sophistication and down-to-earth hospitality. N'Flight Pub and Market: where the spirit of Nebraska takes flight. We know you love traveling, but not the airport hassle. LNK puts convenient, affordable flights right at your doorstep, minus the big crowds and long drive. With nonstop service to major cities; you can connect almost anywhere—whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a long getaway. All from an airport that’s relaxed and hassle-free. For your next trip, choose the convenience of flying local and try out a beer or two.

lincolnairport.com

DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ASSOCIATION

From Kitchen to Brick and Mortar: Birria Boss' Rise in Popularity

Birria Boss opened the doors to its first brick-and- mortar location in late November. Since opening up a storefront, Birria Boss has quadrupled their sales.

Growing up in the South Bottoms of Lincoln, Nebraska Jordan Jackson has a background in horticulture and landscaping before life as a restauranteur.

Owner, Jordan Jackson, 31, started his birria journey pre-pandemic in 2019.

“I started selling tacos out of my house, to my friends,” Jackson said. “I try to perfect anything that I cook.”

Once COVID spread and lockdown occurred, Jackson spent a lot of his free time perfecting his recipe. This meaty obsession started after Jackson saw TikToks and short videos showing the process of making birria.

“I tried a couple different recipes before I found my own,” Jackson said. “I love cooking, but I filled my time perfecting my recipe.”

In 2022, Jackson purchased his trailer for pop-ups.

Originating from Jalisco, Mexico, birria is a meat stew or soup that is made with meat and cheese–usually with goat, lamb and/or beef. The meat is seared and marinated for six to eight hours with a blend of seasonings and six different types of chilies.

After slow cooking for several hours, the meat becomes so tender that it can be pulled apart with your fingers. Then the consummé or broth is clarified. The staff then fries their corn tortillas with chili oil giving it that signature orange look.

“Usually I use beef,” Jackson said. “I tried lamb and it wasn’t super popular. But I am excited to experiment.”

The most popular item on the menu is the Queso Birria Taco–beef birria with mozzarella cheese fried in a corn tortilla and served with onion, cilantro, salsa verde and consummé.

The most talked about item is the Birria Ramen–ramen noodles cooked in consummé topped with beef birria, onions, cilantro, crema and lime.

Birria Boss plans to stay strictly birria, but they do offer some sides including baked potatoes and elote. Don’t be shocked to see some specialty fusion items from time to time.

“We do a lot of fusion stuff,” Jackson said. “It’s important to me that we are pretty authentic. We once sold birria teriyaki wings.”

Jackson lucked out on his Downtown Lincoln location. Previous owner Charles Brewer (Stur22), reached out to Jackson personally after deciding to close Stur22’s doors.

“[Brewer] reached out to me and he was like ‘Hey man, I don’t think I’m going to be [on O St.] much longer,’ he wants to move in a different direction,” Jackson said. “He asked me if I wanted to come in, try opening a brick and mortar as a trial run.”

Visit Birria Boss for the funky atmosphere alone. Art from local artists line the walls, and Stur22’s signature green stools liven up the place.

“I feel extremely blessed,” Jackson said. “To even think of me? I’m just blessed. [Most businesses] come in, you sign a three-year lease and that’s it. I am thankful for him. I had a few months to come in and feel it out.”

Birria Boss also caters. Jackson has been asked to do weddings in the past and described it as an honor and a great experience.

“When I was doing [pop-ups], Craft Axe Throwing let me use their electricity,” Jackson said. “All the support I have gotten has gotten me to where I am now, and I’m blessed.”

Jackson has been extremely fortunate to have had people supporting him along the way.

“I was about to close up shop by the end of 2023 if I didn’t get a brick- and-mortar,” Jackson said. “And then [Brewer offered], I would’ve been a fool not to take it.”

Jackson’s next steps are obtaining a liquor license and looking for people to help out. Jackson plans on retiring his trailer until he has staff set up at the physical location.

“Right now it’s really just about building up my staff,” Jackson said. If you are interested in joining the Birria Boss team, email your resume to thebirriaboss@gmail.com.

Jackson explains the inspiration behind his logo, an ode to where he grew up.

“If you know that gorilla [statue] in the parking lot [on 16th and F],” Jackson said. “That gorilla is why my logo is a gorilla actually.”

Birria Boss is closed on Sunday and Monday. Birria Boss is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Thursday. They are also open late on Friday and Saturday. For more information visit their Facebook.

“I feel it in my bones,” Jackson said. “Birria Boss is sticking around.”

Foundedin1967,theDowntownLincolnAssociationprovidesservicesandchampionsinitiativesfor maintainingandenhancingourvibrantdowntown.Ourvisionistocreateanenergeticdowntown environmentwherewelive,learn,work,investandplay.DLAhasevolvedintoamulti-faceted organizationsupportingawiderangeofprogramsandactivitiesincludingmaintenance,economic developmentandadvocacy.Foracompletelistingofdowntownbusinesses,eventsandresidences visitdowntownlincoln.org.‘Like’usonFacebookatfacebook.com/downtownlincoln.

APRIL BUSINESS EVENTS

APRIL 2

Friends4Lunch at Hub Cafe| Strictly Business

APRIL 3

Chamber Coffee | Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

APRIL 4

Congressional Report with Senator Pete Ricketts | Lincoln Chamber of Commerce BizNet | LIBA

APRIL 5

GenLNK | LIBA

APRIL 9

Inclusive Mindset - Why a Guided Journey to Becoming Inclusive is Essential | LincolnHR

APRIL 10

Face the Chamber | Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

APRIL 11

Free Enterprise Celebration | LIBA

Signature Speaker Luncheon at The Talon Room | AMA Lincoln

APRIL 13

What’s Involved in Starting a Small Business | SCORE Lincoln

APRIL 16

Career Ladder - Supporting and Including Skilled Immigrants in the Workplace, Session 2 | LincolnHR

APRIL 17

Level Up with Doane University | Lincoln Young Professionals Group

APRIL 18

PNG Company-Wide Networking Event | Professional Networking Group

Friends4Drinks at Mi Tierra| Strictly Business

APRIL 23

Coffee & Contacts | LIBA

APRIL 30

Coffee Happy Hour at Mo Java Cafe | AMA Lincoln

For

Don’t

Mark your calendars! Strictly Business will host our Friends4Lunch networking event on Tuesday, April 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Hub Cafe. The Hub Cafe is a farm-to-fork breakfast, brunch and lunch cafe. We are so excited to have fun and celebrate with our friends, clients, guests and anyone who wants to grow their professional and personal circle. The Hub Cafe is located at 250 N 21st St #3.

FRIENDS FRIENDS

We will also be hosting Friends4Drinks after hours networking event at Mi Tierra's Family Mexican Restaurant on April 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. I think we’re all looking forward to the Blue Margarita or their amazing Sangritarita – a perfect combo to celebrate the upcoming weekend! Mi Tierra's is located at 8320 Northwoods Dr. We hope you're able to join us and get in on the fun.

We want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who came to Friends4Drinks at one of our favorite places, McKinney's Irish Pub at 151 N 8th St. It was so fun to see so many returning faces while welcoming so many newcomers.

Our networking events are an amazing opportunity to relax while 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’ve all been bringing to our recent meetings, 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.

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.

GRADUATION PARTIES

Planning a big graduation celebration for someone special in your life? Graduation, whether it is from high-school, tradeschool or college, marks a huge and exciting transition for students. This is the beginning of a new chapter and a milestone of accomplishment. Naturally, people want to celebrate the best way they know how…with the perfect party! Lincoln has tons of options for local businesses that are here to make every graduation party an unforgettable experience.

Take the Party on the Road!

For the 21+ graduates, consider renting a party bus from Tailored Dreams Limousines and Party Buses for a party that everyone will be talking about for years to come! Tailored Dreams is Lincoln’s premier party bus company, known for their friendly drivers and for creating an experience tailored to your particular group. Tailored Dreams has multiple party buses available that can fit anywhere from 26 to 45 passengers. These buses can take you to a destination of your choice. Why wait until you arrive to start the party? With Tailored Dreams, not a minute goes to waste. You can party all the way to your destination and party all the way home. Just reserve your bus ahead of time, and then tell your chauffeur where you want to go when you arrive for your party, and they’ll get you there and back safely.

“Our fleet consists of six party buses,” shared Owner DeeDee Loomis. “Each bus has a Bluetooth sound system, loud speakers, heating and A/C, and fun LED lights. There have been so many groups that have had the time of their lives with us on our party buses! Our team takes pride and joy in making every occasion perfect.” Their reputation for delivering a fun time has spread. Take it from one of their recent clients: “We just wanted to extend a huge thank you for making our Party Bus experience so phenomenal. The chauffeur was amazing, and the experience was nothing short of a blast. They kept the party bumping when we couldn’t decide on music, and kept everyone having a great time.”

One of the things that make Tailored Dreams unique in this industry is that they are the only party bus company in the area that has handicap accessible buses in their fleet. They’ve thought of everything in order to create a custom driving experience at an economical price. Tailored Dreams will work with you and your guests to make sure everyone has a great time. Don’t hesitate to call them – reservations book up quickly!

Make Your Celebration Extra Sweet

Big extravagant parties not your thing? You can still mark a special occasion with a special dessert from Sweet Things by Marcy, and if you are planning a party, Sweet Things has still got you covered.

Sweet Things by Marcy is a locally-owned bakery in Lincoln that has a vibrant menu of sweet treats. Owner Marcy Haas works hard to provide the Lincoln community with her delicious cakes, pies and other desserts. For graduation season, Marcy can help you find the perfect dessert for your get together. If you are planning a larger party, Marcy offers cupcakes and southern tea cakes by the dozen. Reach out in advance to make sure she can get your party needs done in time for the big day. Have your guests talking about Marcy’s flavorful cupcakes for weeks after graduation, or impress your family with one of the many cakes offered at Sweet Things.

“My bakery specializes in authentic southern-style desserts. Our desserts are made from scratch, with real butter, real vanilla and real love,” said

DeeDee Loomis

Tailored Dreams

Marcy. “I have been baking for over 40 years. My mother taught me how to bake basic southern staples such as biscuits, cornbread, tea cakes and sweet potato pie. I eventually played around with making pound cakes, cookies and other things, and ended up growing my passion into

Sweet Things by Marcy is also available at Canyon Joe’s Barbecue, Soulfull Cocina, The Charging Station, Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen and Harbor Coffeehouse. On occasion, HF Crave also carries some desserts.

If you are looking for a full catering experience, reach out and see what Sweet Things by Marcy can do for you and your party.

Celebrate In Style

With its convenient downtown location, Talon Room is the perfect spot for an upscale graduation party. Nestled in the historic Spaghetti Works building, Talon Room has been established as the perfect venue to host any kind of social gathering in downtown Lincoln. The “Talon-t’d” staff at Talon Room will plan and execute the event you envisioned.

In addition to the unique and gorgeous venue, Talon Room has an on-site kitchen that can accommodate all of your food needs. They allow for outside catering for a percentage fee based on attendees, but check out their delicious options for in-house catering. They also have a liquor license and bar service, so they can provide beverages of any kind for your party. They provide start-to-finish planning, and, if you are celebrating with other graduates, they offer plenty of space to host a combined party. Talon Room’s staff works hard to ensure that your day is perfect so that all in attendance can relax and celebrate. Owner Matthew Rogge gave us a few things to keep in mind when planning a graduation party.

“When you are planning your celebration, approach it with an idea of how many guests you would like to invite and how much work you are anticipating putting in to plan it and set up,” explained Matthew. “Most families planning a graduation party realize after the party is over just how much work it takes to host it at their home. We provide the ease of allowing you to simply show up, have a good time, and leave without having the hassle of cleanup after. This way, you can truly focus on the graduate and celebrate their success.”

Talon Room will be offering special 2024 graduation party rates on select dates, so reach out to them today to get started on planning your big party!

Dress to Impress

Gary Michaels Clothiers specializes in men’s tailored clothing. For a man concerned with looking his best, there is simply no better place to shop. With graduation being a big moment in a student’s life, Owner Gary Novotny shares why this is a great time to invest in a suit.

“The average retail price for a quality, all-wool suit that is tailored to perfection is between a $495-$795 value,” explained Gary. “Investing in a suit is wise because many young individuals typically will need a suit multiple times over several years – especially recent graduates who are off to college or are beginning the job interview process. Suit rental can be $250 for a single wearing; it just makes sense to invest in a quality, tailored suit that will last you for many years.”

With any suit purchase from Gary you receive complete tailoring of the garment included in the retail price. Many stores charge extra for that service and can equate to another 15-20% charge on top of the retail of the garment.

Gary has fresh items coming in daily, ranging across suits and sport coats. The most common suit colors selling for a graduation or collegiate wear are shades of blue such as navy, new navy, slate and cobalt. As far as grey goes, it comes down to a mid grey to a dark charcoal. These are timeless suits that are in a two button, side vented coat with a flat front trouser that is appropriate for any occasion. The black suit this year is making a BIG comeback in the industry and this Spring has seen a big uptick from weddings to formal events. Not all suit fabrics need to be a solid fabric but a tick weave, shadow pattern or a slight tone on tone pattern or stripe is very presentable.

Marcy Haas

Sweet Things by Marcy

Matthew Rogge Talon Room

Gary Novotny Gary MIchaels Clothiers

STARTING A BUSINESS

Starting a business is no small feat, yet it remains a cornerstone of the American Dream. People everywhere dream of owning their own business, doing what they love and sharing their passion with others. In addition to offering great services and resources, several local business owners shared their own insight into business and gave advice for how they can help you achieve your goals in 2024.

Get Advice From Fellow Entrepreneurs

The best advice in any field usually comes from those within that field and starting a business is no different. Who better to give advice than those who have been in your shoes or those who are learning the process right alongside you? Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships.

Networking is a necessary skill for anyone hoping to succeed in business. Building relationships with those in your field, or anyone who could help you in your journey is an effective way to ensure that you always have somewhere to turn for help when you need it.

CEO and Co-founder, Brett Boyer, said, “At Center Sphere we believe that relationships are everything in business and we make it easy to meet other like-minded people in business. People do business with people they know, like and trust. Our network is built on authentic relationships that harbor that trust amongst one another.”

Recent years have taken an economic toll on everyone including small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. This is why Center Sphere offers an extremely cost effective way to budget your marketing expenses throughout the year. They believe in increasing their value add for members while keeping the point of entry at a minimum.

Solid Foundations are Essential to Growth

When starting a new business, many fail to recognize that the set-up work doesn’t end on opening day. It is important to consider growth and scaling your business, even in the early stages of getting things up and running. Planning ahead is never a bad thing. Luckily, Alpha Zed Business Services is there to help new business owners implement systems like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and automation, so they can streamline their productivity from day one.

According to Systems Strategist, Kim Hazelton, “People starting a business often

DO YOU HAVE A GRIP ON YOUR BUSINESS? OR DOES YOUR BUSINESS HAVE A GRIP ON YOU?

KATIE KOESTER

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

don’t realize ALL THE THINGS that they need to keep track of and what sort of tools they’re going to need in order to make sure things (data and tasks) aren’t falling through the cracks. As they’re getting started, business owners may be tempted to think they don’t need systems in place yet, but it’s never too early. Setting a good foundation is going to make it much easier to grow.”

Automation is a rapidly growing field. With the dawn of A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) programs are cropping up at a rapid pace, claiming to help make business workflows completely hands-free. While that may sound like an exciting promise, most people have no idea where to start. It may even seem intimidating to someone who has never worked with automation processes. This is where having a partner like Alpha Zed can help guide business owners so they can embrace these new technologies rather than fear them.

With decades of administrative support and management experience under their belt, Alpha Zed Business Services can offer support in tons of areas of business organization. They specialize in process improvement, strategy, systems selection and implementation, organization, data and records management, forms design and spreadsheets. So, if you’re a new business owner, make sure to plan ahead with Alpha Zed.

Leave the Paperwork to the Professionals

Planning ahead is important, but there are times where no amount of planning can prepare you for certain tasts. That’s when leaving important paperork to the professionals can help. At the outset of a new business, many business owners fail to recognize all of the employment related registrations and reporting needs that come along with business ownership. The amount of paperwork required for employees can be overwhelming, even if the employee is the business owner themselves. TAC Payroll understands the needs of local business owners and new entrepreneurs, as they themselves are a locally woman-owned professional business.

TAC Payroll is able to assist clients with these registration processes, along with other essential reporting and tax payment obligations

Brett Boyer Center Sphere

Kim Hazleton

Alpha Zed Business Servces

with the various agencies. Aside from payroll, TAC can also assist with Secretary of State renewals, sales and use tax registration and reporting and more.

“I believe most new business owners are surprised at how much of their time is spent doing administrative work rather than what they went into business for. I can help with payroll, bookkeeping, etc., allowing the business owner more time to focus on their Business,” said Terry Clark, Owner and Payroll Manager.

New business owners have so much on their minds that any service that can take tasks off their overfilled plates can make all the difference. TAC can offer a helping hand to new owners by helping them navigate bookkeeping, sales tax reporting, 1099 preparation and so much more.

Get an Insider Perspective and an Individualized Approach

Business owners or those just starting out who are looking for a tailored approach should look no further than Independent Business Consulting, LLC (IBC). They can handle anything you need. At the beginning, they can support you as a registered agent, graphic, logo or website design, new business or non-profit formation documents, registrations or permits.

“How we help our clients depends on the clients and what phase they are in-from startup to expansion. The list can be long for newly forming companies and steps can be missed. Our clients could be purchasing commercial real estate and need permits or they may not even be at that point and are just needing to put an overall business plan together or understand startup costs, developing financials or in need of research for funding options,” said Belinda Hagen, Owner of IBC

“Many times, business owners are worried about all the immediate concerns in front of them, wear too many hats and are spread thin between requirements and what they want to get to the market. The benefit of working with IBC is to develop immediate deliverables and get a long- term perspective for early strategic solutions.” Building duplicative systems and resources is important as is deciding goals and benchmarks needed for growth, hiring new employees and keeping compliance in mind. You may ask, what requirements come into the picture as your business grows; what laws apply to recruiting or onboarding. IBC is here to tailor solutions and have systems and templates to meet you where you are in the process.

One area that IBC owner Belinda Hagen is specifically focused on right now is the new Financial Crimes Report that has recently been implemented. This went into effect January 1, but the Alabama Federal Court subsequently ruled it unconstitutional. Belinda says, “We don’t yet know what that means for national businesses. The report exists to prevent financial fraud in small businesses by asking the owners to submit information pertaining to who is benefiting from owning the business. There are immediate changes happening from this reporting requirement. I am committed to staying up to date on what that means for small business owners.”

You want someone who cares on your side when facing all the challenges on the road to success. Belinda Hagen and her growing team at Independent Independent Business Consulting is the partner you’ve been looking for.

Commercial Real Estate Expertise in All Areas

Clealry, a professional in your corner can make a big difference, and that holds true when looking for a new location. It’s wise to call a professional for help when searching for commercial space for your new business because real estate agents can help locate the best options available on the market, and by comparing properties, they can ensure they are being leased at a fair rate. Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate takes their market research very seriously and releases the Greenleaf Market Report semi-annually to announce trends in vacancy rates, absorption rates, asking rents, building permits, and notable transactions.

“When searching for commercial space for a startup company, there are many things you need to consider,” explained Sales Associate Adam Lowney. “First, you will want to determine the location for your new business. Will your company be leasing or purchasing space? It is important for a startup to completely understand their occupancy costs.”

It’s common for entrepreneurs to underestimate the amount of start-up capital required for rent, build-out, equipment, and operating expenses. Greenleaf can help entrepreneurs to understand their expected real estate expenses and create a realistic budget.

“Site selection and proper lease drafting are the two most important components for any start-up business in relation to its new space,” said Adam. “Greenleaf provides expertise in these areas, as well as lease versus purchase analysis, negotiating leases, and making sure our client understands all the costs associated with the lease.”

This is Your Sign

New businesses cannot overlook the importance of signage! How will anyone know you’ve arrived unless you announce it as visibly as possible. A well placed sign telling the public that you’re ready to provide them with your goods and services can make a huge impact.

Terry Clark TAC Payroll

Belinda Hagen Independent Business Consulting, LLC

Adam Lowney Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate

Regardless of where you are at in your new business planning, Sign Pro of Lincoln has something to offer.

“We offer a wide variety of products for the different stages of getting a business going,” said Owner Julie Shald. “In the early stages, we can offer temporary signage such as ‘Coming Soon’ banners, yard signs, and temporary window signs. When your opening date is closer, we can give you many options for building signage, both interior and exterior. If your business is mobile or has delivery or service vehicles, we can produce a wide variety of vehicle graphics to meet any need and budget.”

Once you have the business up and running, Sign Pro can continue to help you with signage for special events, sales, or promotions. They encourage you to keep them in mind over the years as your business grows to help you keep your signage and graphics looking great.

Build Strength From Within

New business owners are full of questions, and in an ever evolving field, the answers to those questions change daily. With so much else on your plate, it can be helpful to have a go to source for the answers you need. A business coach is someone who can help you ensure that you are putting effort and focus into the right areas so you aren’t wasting your precious time.

According to Katie Koester, 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 to create a robust and flexible plan that focuses on strengthening the Six Key Components of their business: vision, people, data, issues, process and traction.”

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, attentiongrabbing videos that communicate brand stories, products and services.

Take a Strategic Approach

Starting and growing a business come with extensive responsibilities. With this in mind, it’s important that you focus on your strengths and hire the right experts to handle the parts of starting a business that are highly specialized. Luckily, the team at SP Group, PC, is ready to be by your side during the beginning stages of your business and beyond.

One of the crucial steps in the process of starting a business is choosing an entity type, and it’s a step that often is missed by firsttime business owners. You must choose whether your business is a sole proprietorship, limited-liability company, partnership or corporation.

“Starting a business can be an intimidating process to tackle on your own,” noted Austin Zimmerman, CPA with SP Group. “Don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted resources within the community for advice. Starting a business can be daunting, so take the opportunity to leverage off of the experience of experts. Sitting down with a CPA with prior expertise can save you a lot of time and money in the long run and keep you on track to accomplish your goals. We strive to alleviate some of the headaches that come with getting started, including business planning, entity selection, payroll management and bookkeeping, and financial statement preparation. Having a trusted CPA firm at your disposal will let you focus your time on the things you truly do best, instead of getting bogged down in the details.”

Engaging an accountant in the planning stages of a new business allows an entrepreneur to leverage that professional’s experience and knowledge to address both short- and long-term concerns. An accountant that serves business clients is aware of the potential pitfalls and blind spots that a new business owner may face and helps navigate the complexities of the tax code and tax planning, as well as, the day-to-day tasks of bookkeeping and payroll processing.

Panology Tech Solutions

Central to the start of any new business is technology, and Panology Tech Solutions caters specifically to the needs of small business owners. Business owners can find reassurance and expertise in Panology’s comprehensive suite of offerings. With a steadfast

Julie Shald Sign Pro of Lincoln

Katie Koester EOS Worldwide

Austin Zimmerman SP Group

commitment to empowering small businesses through state-of-the-art computers and network solutions, Panology emerges not just as a service provider, but as an indispensable ally in the pursuit of success amidst the complexities of the contemporary market.

Panology Tech Solutions (PTS) is a technology solutions firm, providing computers, networks and cloud to local small businesses. They serve exclusively small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. When starting a business, Panology can help you get the most out of your technology budget. Panology makes technical support and cloud services accessible to small and medium sized businesses. By lowering the barrier to cloud adoption through automation, you can begin (or accelerate) the movement of your workloads into the cloud with ease. Increase your agility and keep the technology that your business relies upon running, while you focus on what your business does best.

“Our offerings have been designed with the needs and challenges of small-businesses in mind,” said Owner Darren Lichty. “We take great pride in being able to help our clients achieve their goals for their businesses, making technical support and cloud services easily accessible and affordable. Additionally, we help to find efficiencies that can greatly benefit a business in a number of ways.”

By educating small business owners on the options available to them, they are in the position to make an informed decision – one of many they’ll be making as they get their businesses up and running. Moving forward, Panology’s technology growth plan allows for the integration of faster and more advanced technology as a business grows. It does this by identifying and resolving any technology deficiencies early on in order to prevent growing pains when a business decides to expand its operations.

“As a business grows, so do the demands upon their technology. It is at this point that small nuances can become major problems. Worse

yet, the technology that is serving your business needs fine today can (and often does) hinder your business as it grows. Using what we have learned during an assessment, we put together a technology growth plan. We identify the technology that will stunt your business’s growth, and define a concise plan to resolve those deficiencies early,” Darren explained. “Our technology growth services do not stop there. As your technology partner we keep your technology growing with your business. Your business continues to grow without having to suffer the technology ‘growing pains’ that many others do.”

At Panology Tech Solutions they pride themselves in providing comprehensive solutions that fit their client’s needs and budget. A fundamental component of these solutions is the assurance of quality at every step. Ensuring that these solutions also remain concise, preventing excess, is essential in proving their commitment to loyalty. Panology’s pledge to uphold these values is vital to their objective in building a strong relationship with the clients they are grateful to serve. The strength of these relationships will drive the success of their clients.

People in Your Corner

Starting a business is a learning experience. Like anything else in life, it is a skill that needs to be honed. That’s why Cruise & Associates provide education programs to help meet your specific needs. They provide education on different areas of starting a business from entity structure planning, cash flow planning, business operations, employee benefits and more. Their staff will work with you to develop a custom strategy because what works for one business doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. What makes their programs unique is that they are one-on-one training sessions. They are there to answer questions specific to your business.

“Cruise & Associates can also provide bookkeeping, accounting and payroll services. Our bookkeepers will make sure your employees get paid, payroll taxes filed and handle the filing of payroll reports to the federal, state and local agencies. We can take care of accounts payable and receivable, create invoices and send out statements,” said Robert F. Cruise, President of Cruise & Associates. “This

Tax prep doesn’t need to be stressful

Let experienced professionals handle the taxes so you can focus on your business.

Darren Lichty Panology Tech Solutions

will free up the business owner to focus on running his or her business and not having to worry about paying employees and making sure the correct taxes get filed. If this is more than you need just getting started, we can also do Quickbooks consulting where we log in and make sure things are being entered correctly and if not make adjustments.”

Finances in particular are at the root of all business and they often present the most challenges. Estimating income is not as easy as it may seem. Business owners tend to overestimate their income and underestimate their expenses. It is better to take a conservative approach. That is why it is important to make sure you have enough cash to start up. Some say it takes as many as three years for most businesses to turn a profit. To ensure you are on the right track when starting a business, you need to know what you want to accomplish and how you plan to do it. A good business plan can be a determining factor if a business succeeds or fails. This will also help you stay on track and keep the business moving in the right direction.

“A professional will help ensure that all the steps through the business startup are being handled correctly. People know that employees need to be paid, however, they may not know how to file payroll taxes or payroll reports. Even relatively simple things like setting up a separate checking account for the business are not often thought about,” explained Robert. “People think it is my company, so it doesn’t matter if my personal and business accounts are the same. This is where an accountant would be a tremendous resource to make sure a new business owner knows all the hoops that need to be completed and how to best set things up for tax purposes. A lawyer is another key person to make sure you and your business are protected.”

Overall, Cruise & Associates thrives on knowing that your business is successful because of the things they taught you. They want to know that you will carry your new found learnings with you throughout your business journey and beyond.

“Cruise & Associates does not want to be there just to help you get started. We want to help educate you to be a better business owner. We realize that what you need when you first start out will be completely different than what you need in three years,” said Robert. “We will be there every step of the way to provide you with guidance to help make your business succeed.”

Let Experts Guide You

Deciding on the perfect location for your business is one of the most exciting and daunting tasks. This will be your new home, a place you will spend countless hours, and you need to ensure you find the right fit! Guiderock Commercial Realty LLC is here to help you make the best decisions possible about leasing and investing in commercial real estate. Their tenant and buyer services go beyond simply finding available space for your business. Their representation services include market knowledge to get you a fair price and favorable terms, due diligence to ensure the location meets your business requirements, and connections to their service partners for your legal, financial and construction needs.

“As we work with prospective entrepreneurs, we want to learn as much as we can about the vision they have for their business and where they are in the startup process,” said Broker and Property Manager Cathy Kottwitz, CPM. “We help new and small businesses learn about leasing and buying commercial real estate, but we know that our service is only a part of what new business owners need. We often hear from clients that they may not know about resources available or there may be areas that they need help thinking through. As we engage with them, we can then help connect entrepreneurs with professionals

in other areas who can get them off to a strong start. Through a collaborative approach, we help our clients make the immediate decisions needed to get their business going and create a foundation for their long-term success.”

Your Local Chamber

If you’re new to running a business, you will want to know about The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. They are Lincoln’s leading business organization, providing advocacy and connections to help businesses grow and thrive in Lincoln. Making connections and networking is vital to any business’ success. People need people, and The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce can help you find yours!

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is committed to being a five-star accredited collaborative partner in Lincoln’s success as a place of endless opportunities and work closely with their partner organizations. The chamber is a key player in the efforts to grow businesses in Lincoln. They work with lawmakers and local officials to advance important policies affecting the business community and start conversations for needed changes.

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce hosts monthly events to bring business leaders together and ignite collaboration. Through networking opportunities before and after work such as The HIVE and The LNK, members of the business community are given the chance to share their mission and ideas with like-minded individuals. You may ask yourself if joining the Chamber is a good idea as a growth strategy for your business, and the Chamber can assure you this is true. They are Lincoln’s leading business organization, with over 1,300 businesses with one strong voice for business advocacy and growth. They want you to be part of their organization, and they’ll go to work to help you grow your business as they advocate for a positive business climate in Lincoln.

Derek

The

Robert F. Cruise Cruise & Associates

Cathy Kottwitz Guiderock Commercial Realty LLC

and

It’s not a journey for the weak, and those who succeed should be proud of their accomplishment. Those just starting out should prepare to foster an entrepreneurial mindset, embrace risks and always remember why they started this journey in the first place. By nurturing creativity, adaptability and a relentless pursuit of excellence, aspiring entrepreneurs can navigate the dynamic landscape of business, ultimately transforming visions into reality and driving positive change in the world. Don’t be afraid to take advice from those who are in your corner, like all of the businesses who gave advice above. Most importantly, as you embark on this entrepreneurial voyage, forge ahead with passion, purpose and a steadfast commitment to success.

Spring Landscaping

Winter is finally over and Spring is in the air! After being cooped up during the cold, everyone is ready to get out and enjoy the great weather. What better way to enjoy the sunshine, then with picture perfect landscaping to match? Plenty of local businesses are here to help you create a springtime oasis right in your own backyard.

Get Your Outdoor Living Space Spring Ready

Don’t be fooled by the name, Merritt Concrete offers a plethora of materials to choose from when designing your dream landscaping, including river rock, limestone (either 3/8-inch or one-inch crushed), sand, sand and gravel mix, road gravel and mulch. Plus – like their name says – they provide ready-mix concrete that can be used for a wide range of projects such as patios, walking paths, driveways or even a slab for your next shed. Be sure to consult with one of the professionals at Merritt Concrete if you have questions about which material best compliments your unique vision.

If you need to get your space in tip-top shape before planting those Spring flowers, Merritt offers U-cart mixers that you can stop by and pick up for filling in holes anywhere you have concrete such as a garden, driveway or even steps!

Not into DIY? Regardless of what type of outdoor project is on your list, Merritt is available to help.

Upgrade Your Backyard This Summer

Is there anything more luxurious than having a pool right in the backyard? If space allows, a pool can be a valuable addition to your home. Since 1998, Strawberry Springs Pools has served the Lincoln area. They handle design for a variety of projects, specifically in ground pools.

Master Pool Mechanic, Bobby Bingel said, “We really enjoy making in ground pools run really well. With all we have seen and experienced, we know just how to dial in a pool to make it perform well with the right equipment. It’s rewarding to see the customer so happy about how easy pool ownership can be.”

As stated, pools do come with maintenance, so as authorized and

trained spa technicians for most brands, Strawberry Springs will repair your hot tub or pool with efficiency and professionalism. Here are some tips to keep your pool in great shape and cut down on maintenance costs.

In addition to maintaining the water level, make sure to remove, clean and store pool cover with cover cleaner deodorizer and perform housekeeping chores such as brushing, vacuuming and emptying skimmer baskets of dirt and debris on a regular basis. Balancing the water is also important to pool health. Remember to use the Taylor Test Kit k2006.

Strawberry Springs Pools is your trusted partner in making your pool and spa environment work well. They can bring new and cutting-edge design and efficiency to your project.

Nothing Runs Like a Deere!

As the vibrant colors of spring begin to emerge, a lush green lawn serves as the cornerstone of captivating spring landscaping. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, a well-maintained lawn provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities and fosters a sense of tranquility and connection with nature making it an indispensable element in creating a visually stunning and welcoming outdoor environment. Regardless of the size of your yard or your landscaping project, AKRS Equipment can provide an extensive array of John Deere equipment you need to get the job done right.

AKRS offers John Deere turf, compact utility tractors and compact construction equipment, plus a host of attachments to accomplish any yard or acreage project. The John Deere equipment they sell offers the lowest cost of ownership in the industry and their mowers have, over the years, proven to operate longer with fewer repairs and maintain their value better than any other product on the market. AKRS even has a service available to keep your equipment in top working order.

“AKRS Equipment offers a Ready to Mow Service in the Omaha and

Lincoln communities, where we will come to your home or business and perform routine maintenance on-site and ensure that your equipment always performs well,” said Turf and Commercial Equipment Sales Professional Nick Wessel. “For larger repairs, we offer pickup and delivery to one of our AKRS locations.”

For commercial mowing, one of the hottest trends in mowers is the John Deere QuikTrak Stand-on Mower, which AKRS offers. These stand-behind mowers serve up advanced maneuverability and speed to allow you to mow more and feel less fatigued at the end of the day. On the residential side, the John Deere line of Lawn Tractors provides mowing with a variety of attachments to make landscaping chores simple and easy.

“Customers can stop in at their convenience and learn what equipment best fits their needs,” Nick said. “The earlier they pay us a visit, the sooner we can get them up and running with the guidance and equipment they need to maintain the best lawn in the neighborhood. Come see us and take a test drive on any John Deere product. After all, Nothing Runs Like a Deere!”

Attention to Detail Makes the Difference

For all of your Spring landscaping needs, get in touch with Luxury Landscape. They design and install gorgeous unique landscapes including paver patios and walkways, retaining walls, steps, pergolas, arbors, gazebos, water and fire features, privacy and screening options and plantings of all kinds! They work with both residential and commercial customers.

Luxury Landscape stands apart from the competition from the first line of communication with a potential client.

“We gather as many details as we can to ensure we can meet

Nick Wessel AKRS Equipment

our customer's needs and expectations. We keep all lines of communication open throughout the entire process, from design to install. We offer design drawings, inspiration photos of all materials & plants and a detailed proposal,” said Jackie Svoboda, Co-owner. “Once we hand over this fun stuff to our customer, we discuss any updates or changes. This ensures there are no surprises during installation or when the project is completed. We also give our customers education tools to assist them in caring for their new outdoor space so they don't have to spend a lot of time researching on their own.”

Luxury Landscaping is truly committed to ensuring their customers enjoy the outdoors in a comfortable and functional space.

“I enjoy every aspect of what I do, but my favorite is seeing a finished project and the excitement on our client's face. We love making outdoor dreams come true!”

TDK Lawn Care

Lawn care is far more than just mowing your grass. You also need to fertilize, aerate and more in order to get the healthiest lawn you can. TDK Lawn Care can help with all areas of lawn care.

Since 2002, TDK Lawn Care has been taking care of its residential and commercial clients by providing them with a complete, honest, and professional lawn care service that includes lawn mowing, fertilizing, aerating, over seeding, yard cleanups, and snow removal. Owner Lee Schumacher gave us a few important tips to remember when making spring landscaping plans:

“If you want your grass to build up the strength to survive a potentially blistering summer, spring is the time to prepare,” Lee advised. “One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is cutting their lawn too short. Mowing at a proper height is the best way to keep your lawn healthy. I personally keep my mower set at 3.25 inches year-round, but keeping it anywhere between 2.75 and 3.75 inches is fine, too.”

Taller grass chokes out weeds and helps your lawn retain moisture, which will help it prosper during hot summer days. In addition, correctly watering and delivering proper lawn nutrition is crucial to keep your lawn full and green.

Fine Outdoor Living

Looking for an outdoor oasis with a customized approach? Landmark Nursery and Landscaping in Eagle is the answer. As providers of fine outdoor living, Landmark Nursery and Landscaping wants to fully understand your goals, so they can create a space that is designed for you.

After getting to know you, and listening to your ideas, you’ll be paired with the perfect member from their design team who will be dedicated to you from consultation to completion. The talented designer and experienced horticulturist will collaborate, inspire and guide you along the way until it’s time to put your feet up, and take it all in.

No dream is too small, or too big. Allow Landmark Nursery to tailor the perfect plan for your lifestyle, property and budget. They take great pride in their landscape services, so that you will take great pride in your outdoor living space for generations to come.

If you’re looking to upgrade your current outdoor living space, the hardscaping design team at Landmark has your back. Take your living space outdoors through the addition of hardscaping, which as the name suggests, is the hard, non-living design elements that are incorporated into the landscape. Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, patios,

5800 Hidcote Dr ,

ConcreteCraft com

Jackie Svoboda Luxury Landscape

Lee Schumacher TDK Lawn Care

walkways and even decks are all examples of modern hardscaping. Combining the two in a way so that they complement one another is key. Hardscaping adds usable outdoor square footage to the property and increases your home value, while improving its livability.

Hand-Crafted Concrete Creations

Landscaping isn’t just about the plants and greenery. Paving and pathways also play a huge role in defining the space and accentuating design. Concrete Craft of Lincoln can provide nearly endless solutions to bring your outdoor living space to life through their beautiful concrete solutions for patios, driveways, walkways, pool decks and more.

Gone are the days of boring slabs. Concrete Craft can transform your patio with exquisite designs and classic looks, or they can banish the boring, plain, gray concrete walkways on your property with stamped concrete in patterns, designs and colors that bring out the best in your surroundings. Even more, they offer a stamped concrete seat wall and fire pit system that is a fast and economical way to create the outdoor entertaining area of your dreams. This cost-effective method will give you a fire pit that looks like natural stone but is made with the more durable material of stamped concrete.

A stamped concrete driveway, resurfaced concrete driveway or stained concrete driveway is sure to give your home an impressive entrance and upgrade the overall appearance of your home. With their various stamp patterns and integral coloring processes, Concrete Craft can replicate popular, expensive materials, such as brick, cobblestone and natural slate. No matter what outdoor concrete project you want to take on, Concrete Craft will help you totally transform your space and become the envy of the neighborhood –all without breaking the bank.

Best Time to Plant Trees

They will come to you! If you aren’t sure where to start with your landscaping plans, Eagle Nursery can send one of their professionals right to your property to work with you and determine your preferences and goals for your landscape. Eagle Nursery provides landscape design, hardscaping, landscape lighting, installation and maintenance services for residential and commercial properties. They are proud to utilize Nebraska-grown trees, shrubs and perennials.

“If you are interested in planting trees, the best time to do so is when they are in their dormant period – typically early spring or late fall,” explained Owner Tom Scharfen.

“Trees are lifelong investments for your property, so it’s important to give them all the resources they require to grow. Unlike flora, shrubs and trees can be trickier to plant and raise, so we recommend going to a professional when making larger plant purchases and plantings.”

According to research conducted by the USDA Forest Service, trees create about three times more economic advantage than their cost due to how much they can raise property value. Each large tree adds about 1% to the value of a house. Plus, they produce energy savings, storm-water runoff reduction, and cleaner air.

“An advantage to installing trees, particularly larger trees, into your landscape is that you have instant curb appeal, plus shade,” Tom said. “Other projects can take years to add the same value that a single large maple or oak, for example, can add overnight. This is the perfect time to take on those large projects—particularly when it comes to ‘spaded trees,’ or transplanting larger trees that are already well-established.”

When choosing which kind of tree to plant, it can be extremely helpful to work with an Eagle Nursery expert. They will help you choose a tree that will not only survive but thrive in Nebraska’s turbulent weather. Experts at Eagle Nursery have extensive knowledge about native Nebraska species of plants and trees that will help you build a flourishing ecosystem in your landscape.

Tom Scharfen Eagle Nursery

Eagle has 70 acres of trees in production, in addition to five greenhouses for perennials and shrubs, so you’ll absolutely find the ones that will work best with your vision. Their customized approach will ensure you get the right trees to suit your landscaping vision.

Get Rid of Winter and Make Room for Spring

When Spring finally arrives, your lawn will need to be cleared of all leftover leaves and debris from fall and winter. A thorough cleaning of the property should be the first step in any landscaping project. You’ll want to be careful of any perennials or bulbs that could be hiding under the leaves—you don’t want to damage or pull them out by accident. Some plants may already be making an appearance, but it’s the ones that haven’t sprouted yet that you need to be wary of. For trees and shrubs, prune away winter-killed branches to make room for new growth. At home, these projects are pretty quick and simple to complete on your own. For commercial properties with large landscapes, it’s best to hire a lawn maintenance company that is equipped to take care of the cleanup.

1776 Grounds Maintenance offers year-round commercial grounds keeping services. Spring and fall cleanups are a service they regularly complete to help property owners get over that first boundary keeping them from a beautiful yard. Their crew makes sure to take the appropriate amount of time to complete every job to ensure that nobody gets injured, nothing gets destroyed, and the work is done precisely and efficiently to guarantee a clean and healthy lawn.

Automatic Sprinkler Advice

Since 1997, Hunt Irrigation, Inc., The Water Smart Company has been exceeding the needs of clients and providing expert services for residential sprinkler and commercial irrigation systems throughout Lincoln and surrounding communities. They have been successful at providing Water Smart Irrigation Systems and service by remaining finely tuned to the needs, wants and expectations of their clients.

To deliver this kind of dedicated service requires a staff that stays on the cutting edge of every new irrigation concept and idea. Hunt Irrigation’s success in meeting this goal has resulted in the most sophisticated, comprehensive and responsive program of irrigation care and customer service available anywhere in Southeast Nebraska.

Hunt Irrigation, Inc. strives not to be Lincoln’s largest sprinkler company but Lincoln’s best. They custom design each lawn and landscape to your lawn’s specific needs and leave the rush jobs to the cookie cutter companies. Hunt Irrigation specializes in water conservation and save an average of 50,000 to 120,000 gallons of water per year per residence.

As the temperatures warm and the lawn and garden begins to thaw, there is no better time than springtime to make sure your automatic sprinkler system is ready for another season of efficient lawn and garden watering. Just a few simple steps will go a long way towards saving water, money and preventing a mid-summer landscape catastrophe at home. Get the warm watering season off to a great start with the following tips from Hunt Irrigation:

1. Inspect your backflow device for any possible damage, prior to pressurizing the system.

2. Slowly begin to fill the system with water and make sure to never open the water too quickly as this may damage the mainline or valves.

3. Turn each individual zone on and inspect for damage and normal wear and tear.

4. Inspect each fixed spray nozzle for obstructions and clear with a small screwdriver or if obstruction is severe enough, replace the nozzle.

5. Inspect each rotary head to make sure that they are not only oscillating, but that they are not over rotating

Building Your Dream Home

or watering sidewalks and driveways.

6. If you have a drip system be sure to clean the filter and inspect the landscape beds for leaks.

7. Lastly, check the programming in the controller and make sure that you are watering at the proper times of the day and that the run times for each zone do not exceed the absorption rate of the soil.

Of course the staff at Hunt Irrigation is always there to lend you a hand. They offer trained irrigation techs that can perform this service for you. Hunt Irrigation, The Right Choice, The Professional Choice, The Water Smart Choice!

“In addition to lawn maintenance, we can also help you upgrade your outdoor living area by adding lighting to the area,” said Owner Jeremy Hunt, “We take into consideration the safety, security and aesthetic components to create a complete and balanced custom design. Plus, we are certified to install systems that are safe and energy-efficient.”

Outdoor lighting on driveways, pathways and steps will help you to avoid potential accidents and increase the safety, security and value of your home, as well as discouraging unwanted guests by illuminating hidden areas.

Let’s Get Planting!

Whether you’re just looking for landscaping ideas; need a little help with a project; or are searching for quality, full-service landscape design and installation; you will find exactly what you need at your local Earl May Garden Center. The family-owned center makes it their top priority to provide exceptional customer service, and they always have Green Team experts ready to help you with any of your landscaping projects.

“Lately, we have been seeing our customers wanting to provide a safer space for pollinators in their landscape – and we love it,” said Jessica Jasnoch, Manager of Earl May at 5555 S 48th St. “Anyone can do this by planting pollinator-friendly plants and utilizing cultural practices to protect their habitats, such as using fewer chemicals in the landscape.”

Jessica said that spring is the time for homeowners to walk around their landscape and look over the health of the plants in their yard. Check evergreen trees and shrubs for discoloration, bare areas in the lawn that may need re-seeded and broken branches in trees or shrubs that may need trimmed out. Spring is also a wonderful time to work on weed prevention in flower beds and lawns.

“If you are looking to do some planting this spring, our garden center carries a variety of plants that are proven to do well in the Nebraska climate,” suggested Jessica. “We encourage you to stop by and check out our selection. We are open seven days a week, year-round. Our goal is to make the world more beautiful, one backyard at a time!”

Jeremy Hunt Hunt Irrigation, Inc.

Jessica Jasnoch

Earl May Garden Center

If there is one constant in life, it is change. New changes arise as people move through each unique stage of life. The best way to anticipate change is to plan ahead. This seems to go without saying, and yet, many seniors are caught off guard when facing unexpected changes that come up later in life.

Seniors and their families may suddenly find themselves facing new shifts in housing, health and more with no plan in place. Local businesses throughout Lincoln are here to help ease their fears and worries surrounding these unplanned life changes, so that seniors and their loved ones never feel alone on their journey.

A Trusted Team

Big changes are so much easier to manage when you have trusted people on your side. Legacy Retirement Communities is proud to stand beside clients and their families to help them navigate unplanned changes.

“At the heart of our approach is building a genuine and trusting relationship with both our clients and their families. Anxiety and sometimes fear accompany these unplanned life changes, so it is important that we establish trust first,” said Larry Gadeken, Executive Director at The Legacy. Legacy’s goal is to understand their clients’ unique needs and concerns, offering guidance and support that is tailored to their individual circumstances. Legacy prioritizes providing options that genuinely serves clients’ best interests, even if it means directing them elsewhere.

Legacy’s process begins by delving into their clients’ goals and desires, followed by gathering pertinent information to help guide

Larry Gadeken Legacy Retirement Communities

them toward their best possible outcome.

“We help families and clients navigate the complexities that accompany unexpected life changes, considering all relevant factors that may impact their future.”

Every family and situation are unique. Gathering and sharing information helps build a customized roadmap for success. Ultimately, Legacy’s goal is to foster unity among family members and clients, empowering them to make informed decisions with confidence.

In essence, Legacy Retirement Communities views life changes as part of an ongoing journey and their goal is to help clients navigate them with unwavering support and guidance.

Make Your Next Move Smooth

Unplanned life changes can stir up a host of challenges. Still, change is not always negative. Even unplanned change can present new possibilities. No one understands this better than Nebraska Realty.

"As Lincoln's Senior Housing Specialist, I view unplanned life changes not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and adaptation,” said Alicia Chrastil with Nebraska Realty. “ My mission is to guide clients and their families through these transitions with empathy, expertise, and a personalized approach, ensuring they find comfort and stability in their new living arrangements.”

Many seniors are emotionally attached to their homes and can be reluctant to make these big changes. Realtors, like Alicia, play a crucial role in easing the transition process for older adults facing big changes like a move. Alicia can offer tailored support and expertise to guide seniors through every step of the moving journey, from selling their current home to finding a new residence that meets their evolving needs. Alicia says, “I encourage clients to see that life is always changing, emphasizing the happy and new experiences that will result from a transition. Even in the face of the unplanned, there are many good times ahead, and I strive to help them navigate these changes as stress-free as possible."

While moving from their current homes can be unsettling for seniors, these changes also present an opportunity for growth, resilience and a fresh start. With the support of a compassionate and knowledgeable realtor, like Alicia, seniors and their loved ones can navigate these transitions with grace and confidence, embracing the future with optimism and peace of mind.

You Don’t Have to Face Change Alone

Seniors and their families navigate a journey of unexpected twists and turns. While unplanned life changes may bring challenges, it's amidst these moments of uncertainty that we discover our resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering support of loved ones. This is especially important while facing medical needs or considering a move to assisted living.

The Waterford at College View understands that these situations are difficult to adjust to and they hope to make the transition into Assisted Living or Memory Care easier for everyone involved.

“We know change is scary & we are ready to help you every step of the way at College View, where home is. It is very common for elders to feel anxious, isolated, stressed and even depressed after a major life change when they don't have strong social support in place. At College View, we are hoping you fit right in & take advantage of our person-centered activities to help combat those unwanted feelings,” said Melissa Vandeloo, Administrative Director, Waterford College View.

The team at College View has the right compassionate mindset that seniors and their families will want to have helping them navigate through their next life change, hopefully into Assisted Living. All those interested are encouraged to set up a tour so they can see for themselves how The Waterford can help make their next transition a smooth one.

Alicia Chrastil Nebraska Realty

Melissa Vendeloo

The Waterford at College View

An Assisted Living Facility That Cares

The decision for seniors to transition to assisted living marks a significant juncture in their lives, characterized by a blend of apprehension, anticipation, and hope. Moving to assisted living represents a pivotal step towards ensuring enhanced quality of life, tailored care, and newfound independence, particularly for individuals facing challenges in managing day-to-day activities on their own.

The Residence at Gramercy can help by, “Offering emotional support and assistance with adjustment to a new living situation, Providing resources and information about local senior services, coordinating with professionals like social workers or discharge planners and other community referral partners and exploring financial assistance options for assisted living.”

This is a big transition and often laden with emotional complexities, as it involves leaving behind familiar surroundings and cherished memories while embracing the prospect of a supportive community and personalized assistance. Amidst the array of emotions and practical considerations, the move to assisted living signifies a commitment to prioritizing well-being, fostering social connections, and embracing opportunities for continued growth and fulfillment in the golden years of life. The Residence at Gramercy is proud to be able to help with all your needs.

You’re Part of the Family

In the event of something unexpected, Sumner Place Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation will welcome your loved one into their community as though you’re already a part of the family.

Sumner Place understands that navigating the decision to transition a loved one to a nursing home can be a deeply emotional and challenging journey for both seniors and their families. However, amidst the uncertainty and adjustment, there exists a profound opportunity for compassion, support, and reassurance. Embracing the decision to move to a nursing home can signify a commitment to ensuring optimal care, safety, and dignity for seniors while alleviating the burden on family members who may struggle to meet complex care needs at home.

Sumner Place offers a licensed skilled nursing facility that provides long-term care, short-term rehabilitation services, and memory support. They strive to enrich the lives of their residents through regular activities and daily spiritual services. Their services include their restorative program, therapy programs, specialized and therapeutic diets, morning rounds by their medical director, a beauty and barber shop, and outings in the community when permitted. In addition, Sumner Place offers specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and individualized programs that are designed to reduce feelings of confusion, fear and agitation and offer meaningful, enjoyable activities that stimulate the mind and body.

Stay Comfortable and Cared For at Home

Life changes can be temporary or long-term; Visiting Angels can help with both. Each of their caregivers has a strong employment history in caring for seniors, along with reliable references from previous clients, agencies and volunteer agencies. Visiting Angels only delivers wellscreened caregivers to provide the family with peace of mind during a new chapter. Perhaps you or a loved one is dealing with a sudden new illness, diagnosis or accident.

Whatever the situation, Visiting Angels can provide a caregiver for your senior loved one from anywhere between three-hour care to 24-hour care.

“Our staff makes all the difference,” said Client Care Coordinator Julie Day. “We

Jordyn Ready

The Residence at Gramercy

Megan Herter Sumner Place

Julie Day

Visiting Angels

listen to you and evaluate your needs, offering years of experience on what to do next. We don’t just put names in open shifts. We meet as an office to discuss our clients’ needs and which caregiver best fits those needs. Personal preferences in terms of personality and style of caregiving are accommodated. Plus, our follow-up is second to none. If it looks like you need additional services, we are plugged into what Lincoln offers and work with many good companies to meet all your changing needs.”

Julie also emphasized the importance of utilizing the help that is available to you. Many families exhaust themselves as caregivers before they finally reach out for help. By contacting Visiting Angels early on in these life changes, families can be relieved of stress and avoid burnout.

“One thing is certain,” Julie explained, “we will all age and will likely need some level of assistance in the future. It could be temporary help such as after a surgery, illness, or a fall, or it may be longterm changes. Visiting Angels exists so that people can stay in their homes. Educate yourself now so when you feel like you need a little extra help, you can be confident in knowing that we can help you.”

A Concierge Pharmacy

Is there anything more frustrating than coordinating multiple prescriptions and medications with a pharmacy? As we age or suffer from sudden injury or illness, we inevitably deal with the need for medications, which can become a huge hassle. Finding a pharmacy you can count on can be a challenge. You need someone who will advocate and problem solve on your behalf. That’s why we recommend Nebraska LTC Pharmacy. They strive to offer the “smalltown” level of service to help seniors prolong their independence, especially in the event of an unexpected change.

The Waterford’s assisted living communities are specifically designed to accommodate older residents, and we maintain a high staff-to-resident ratio.

“We provide compliance packaging, in-home consultations, delivery, and an on-site pharmacist for any questions you may have,” shared Laura Gain, Certified Pharmacy Technician. “In my position, I meet patients in their homes to answer any questions they may have and help families create a custom care plan for their loved one.”

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy doesn’t keep you waiting – as soon as you are admitted to the pharmacy, they will meet with you either in-store or in-home to create a custom care plan to fit your specific needs. They want to ensure that quality care continues to be available to you or your loved one during a life-changing event. “We understand change is scary,” said Laura. “We offer flexibility and availability to accommodate you during a challenging time. A lot of seniors tend to believe that they are doing fine without any additional services. While that may be the case for some, we want to assure those concerned about moving forward that our main goal is to make things easier with additional assistance – not to take any independence away.”

Don’t gamble on unreliable pharmacies. Join Nebraska LTC Pharmacy and get the peace of mind you deserve that your prescriptions are being managed by expert hands.

Pre-planning for the Unplanned

Being prepared for the unimaginable is one of the best ways to manage such a difficult time. With a plan in place, you won’t be left to make last-minute decisions when emotions and stress are at an alltime high. There are no words to explain how difficult and sorrowful it can be when a loved one passes unexpectedly, but knowing their wishes ahead of time can give some peace of mind.

Planning a funeral when in this position can be overwhelming and stressful. We strongly recommend pre-planning your funeral and cemetery arrangements, and Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery is a wonderful choice that will help you and your family prepare for this day and ensure your wishes are fulfilled. By taking advantage of their pre-planning services, an individual can make informed and thoughtful decisions about their funeral. They can choose sentimental things they want included, compare prices, and help their family. Wyuka offers a pre-planning checklist with all the information you need to start the process, and they’ll help walk you through the entire process before a catastrophic event can force the issue. In the event that a loved one suddenly passes before arrangements are made,

Laura Gain Nebraska LTC Pharmacy

Wyuka will still be there to help you get through the tragic time, explaining and guiding you through each step of the process. They also have available an extensive list of grief resources and outreach that can be provided upon request.

More Than Housing

When looking for independent senior-living options that include opportunities for engagement, check out the Lincoln Housing Authority. They pride themselves on providing “more than housing” and nowhere is that more evident than at Burke Plaza, Crossroads House and Mahoney Manor, where more than 270 older adults reside and have access to a wide variety of social and personal support services through the Resident Services and Congregate Housing Services programs.

The foundation for the Resident Services Program is the Resident Services Specialist at each building. Their job is to provide general support to residents and offer a range of activities and programs to enhance the overall quality of life at each building. The Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) brings the services of two full-time social workers who share time between all buildings. These social workers are able to work with individuals who need additional supportive services such as case management, personal care, housekeeping assistance, and transportation.

Bring Your Care Home

In response to the pressing challenges within the senior care industry, Hallmark Homecare, a distinguished Referral Agency specializing in the recruitment and placement of seasoned caregivers directly with seniors, is intensifying its focus on key value propositions. These include affordability, client-directed care, and the cultivation of a robust pool of professional caregivers who benefit from increased earnings through preferable shifts and extended hours.

Shane Neuharth Hallmark Homecare

According to Shane Neuharth, “The competitive advantage of the Hallmark Model of Care stems from cutting out the middleman, namely the traditional senior care agency. This results in our clients saving money and having a greater voice in decisions concerning their care while also experiencing greater continuity in caregiver relationships. The Hallmark Model’s higher caregiver pay and preferable shifts with increased hours significantly increases the pool of qualified caregivers for clients to select from. Lastly, our clients are fully protected knowing their caregivers are credentialed, verified, screened and fully insured.”

With a shortage of caregivers for our beloved seniors comes stress. This shortage amplifies concerns about the quality and availability of care for aging family members who require assistance with daily activities, medical needs or companionship. Family members often face the challenge of finding adequate and reliable care options, leading to heightened anxiety and stress as they strive to ensure their loved ones receive the necessary support and attention. Additionally, seniors themselves may experience stress due to limited access to essential care services, leading to feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty about their well-being and future. The widespread shortage of caregivers adds pressure to an already challenging situation for families and seniors alike, emphasizing the critical need for more support and resources in elder care services.

Fortunately, technological advancements in home-based care services provide a range of tools to support seniors in aging at home while prioritizing their safety and access to essential medical care. These innovative technologies encompass safety monitoring systems that offer round-the-clock surveillance, ensuring immediate assistance in emergencies. Medication management tools aid in organizing and reminding seniors to take their medications correctly, reducing the risk of errors. Additionally, cognitive stimulation programs and devices help maintain mental acuity and engagement. Telemedicine services enable remote access to healthcare professionals, facilitating medical consultations and support from the comfort of home. Together, these technological advancements empower seniors to live independently at home while ensuring enhanced safety measures and better access to necessary medical care.

Navigating senior living can be daunting.

Cedar Creek of High Plains is here to answer your questions and be

Hire an Independent Caregiver to Provide Personalized Senior Care

Our Recruiters & Matchmakers connect seniors with professional, independent caregivers at affordable rates.

WE CAN HELP

Hallmark Homecare is the perfect solution for seniors in need who aren’t ready to leave their home for an institutional setting, but because of illness or chronic conditions need support to remain at home.

SHANE NEUHARTH

402-289-8200

sneuharth@hallmarkhomecare.com

a friend and resource during this time. When you care about their safety and health, you’ll want to know how a Memory Care community can take care of your aging loved ones. Offering a heart-warming, socialization-rich, engagingly active lifestyle, Cedar Creek of High Plains presents residents with:

• Abundant friendship opportunities

• Entertainment, conversation and laughter

• Loads of programs and activities

• Great food prepared and served

• And helpful neighbors and team members always nearby Connections help.

We know that when we give residents reasons to gather, they grow their circles of friends and renew their confidence in their purpose and sense of well-being. So, we fill the calendar with art workshops, fitness groups, movies and celebrations — a healthy mix of activity that’s always evolving and changing, depending on residents’ interests and preferences.

A good plan helps.

Guiding the development of community life is the Living TRUE™ Life Enrichment Program. At move-in and periodically thereafter we collect responses from each resident and their family members. Those opinions help us refine programming to match residents’ interests. We want to create all the opportunities we can for residents to have great experiences.

Living TRUE is designed around these principles:

Tailor the day’s plans to personal wants and needs.

Relate to each other with genuineness, integrity and heart. Uplift capabilities and support each person.

Excite the senses to make every day rich and full.

Our mission is to create communities where each person feels loved, valued, supported and able to live life to the fullest. Our commitment to our mission sets the agenda for how we help residents and families. Get

a Personalized Care Plan

According to Virginia Cole, the COO of Caring Friends In Home , the organization is unwaveringly dedicated to providing care that reflects both compassion and a deep understanding of each individual’s specific needs and desires. Caring Friends is adept at crafting personalized plans of care and services to cater to the unique requirements of each person.

“Independence is often synonymous with a sense of control, self-reliance and freedom, and its decline can impact various aspects of a senior’s life. This loss can affect their emotional well-being, leading to feelings of frustration, helplessness and even sadness. In the context of caregiving, preserving and promoting independence becomes a key goal, and our caregivers strive to find a balance that allows seniors to maintain control over aspects of their lives while providing necessary support where needed,” shared Virginia.

Independent retirement living is about giving seniors the freedom to choose how they want to live. Independent retirement living embodies choices, flexibility and freedom for older adults. It involves empowering seniors to make choices about their daily lives, health and well-being, fostering a sense of control and self-determination. Independence respects individual preferences and desires, allowing seniors to participate in decision-making and engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.

Virginia Cole Caring Friends in Home Care

Summer Activities for Kids

Summer is coming fast! Parents everywhere are filling their calendars with fun activities to keep their kids entertained and engaged all summer long. There are so many local options to choose from right here in Lincoln.

Boasting a variety of activities, camps, classes and more to make summer special, check out all of Lincoln’s local businesses offering exciting summer activities for kids and families to enjoy.

Educational Fun for Kids of All Ages

Looking for extra special fun for your kids this summer? What about a summer camp! Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures offers week-long half-day and full-day camps over five weeks every summer and registration for Summer 2024 camps is now open. At Bright Lights, there’s something to pique the interest of almost every student. They are proud to offer diverse camp topics like art, science, robotics, literature, engineering, sports, cooking and more. Whether it’s exploring creativity, delving into STEAM fields or honing athletic skills, there’s a camp tailored for everyone’s preferences.

“Bright Lights is always focused on giving students high quality summer enrichment opportunities. Our hands-on camps make learning fun, can inspire a love for a new topic, and encourage collaboration and problem solving with peers,” said Renee Ford, Executive Director of Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures.

Summer camps are a great way to form core memories for your children. They offer more than just fun. Summer camps can help build confidence, foster teamwork, instill

leadership and create friendships. Help your children build these life-long skills while having a blast at a Bright Lights’ summer camp.

Ward off the Summer Slump While Cultivating Life Skills

As the summer sun warms up, parents are on the lookout for engaging and beneficial activities to keep their kids active and entertained. No one understands this better than Swanson’s Martial Arts (SMA).

At SMA, children can embark on a journey of physical fitness, mental focus and personal growth while having a blast. SMA’s experienced instructors utilize a carefully crafted curriculum to ensure kids not only improve their physical strength and coordination but also cultivate essential life skills such as discipline, respect and perseverance. The class schedule provides opportunities for beginner classes five days a week with class options in the afternoons and evenings to best suit your family’s busy lifestyle. Regardless of age, fitness level or previous experience, every child can benefit from martial arts training.

“SMA’s classes incorporate mental exercises that challenge students to focus, problemsolve and think critically. From learning and memorizing new techniques to strategizing during sparring sessions, martial arts encourage cognitive development in a dynamic and interactive setting,” stated Chief Instructor, Master Jason Swanson. Martial arts also provide a unique opportunity for kids to make new friends and build confidence in a supportive community environment. Whether they're practicing techniques with a partner or participating in group activities, children learn the value of teamwork and camaraderie. These skills are invaluable not only on the mat but also at home, in social situations, and when it is time to go back to school. At SMA, children can ward

Jason Swanson Swanson’s Martial Arts

Renee Ford Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures

off the summer slump and return to school in the fall with enhanced mental acuity and readiness to learn.

Escape the Heat with Indoor Fun

There’s lots of fun to be had in the Summer sun, but on days when you need a break from the heat, there’s no better place to go than Sun Valley Lanes & Games. They are truly a prime one-stop destination for fun for the whole family. Whether you are looking for a place to cool down or just a place for some indoor fun, Sun Valley has fun-filled options for anyone to enjoy.

The options are endless between bowling, mini-golf, laser tag and an arcade.

The multi-level Combat Zone Laser Tag arena takes laser tag to the next level. It’s open to groups as small as two all the way up to 24! Not only do the players want to tag their opponents, they can tag interactive targets and base modules to earn even more points for their team.

After Laser tag, come over to the arcade! The Fun Valley Arcade has over 30 games to choose from. Players will earn digital tickets, based on their performance in the games, which can then be used to redeem prizes from our redemption center.

Sun Valley Lanes is also the perfect place to host a summer birthday party! Reunite your child and their classmates before they head into the next school year with a day of fun activities and delicious food. Reach out to Sun Valley to learn more about how to schedule your child’s next birthday.

Sun Valley Lanes offers a fun and safe place for families to go out to have a good time this summer. Full of activities for the whole family to enjoy, there are plenty of options to choose from to keep you coming back for more.

Gear-ing Up for Summer!

Play It Again Sports has everything you need for active Summer

fun! They are your neighborhood sporting goods store providing great value and exceptional customer service in a clean and fun environment. You’ll find quality used and new sports and fitness equipment that can fit any budget.

Kids grow so fast that buying brand new sports equipment and gear isn’t always cost-effective. Equipment can be expensive, especially for growing kids. That’s why Play It Again Sports is such a great place to invest in quality gear at an affordable price for a new sport your kids want to try, rather than breaking the bank for something they may decide they don’t enjoy or may quickly grow out of.

“As a store, we focus on providing quality equipment and gear for various sports, including baseball, softball, golf, disc golf and fitness activities. While we don’t offer specific educational activities for children during summer, we strive to assist young athletes and help them achieve their goals by finding the most suitable equipment for their skill level,” explained Owner Kyle McMurray. “Our knowledgeable staff is always ready to guide and recommend products to ensure young athletes have the tools necessary to succeed in their chosen sports.”

Play It Again strives to provide exceptional customer service when it comes to sports equipment, ensuring that they have products that cater to everyone’s needs, whether it’s a new hockey stick or a gently used golf set. For fitness equipment, they offer a unique “white glove” delivery service, delivering and setting up treadmills, exercise bikes and other equipment at people’s homes, allowing them to focus on their workouts rather than the hassle of equipment setup.

“As the owner of Play It Again Sports, I consider it both a privilege and a responsibility to continue serving the Lincoln area and its surrounding communities. Our team is committed to maintaining the reputation of being the go-to destination for new and gently used sports equipment,” Kyle said. “We are excited about the future of Play It Again Sports in Lincoln and look forward to providing exceptional service and quality products to our customers. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!”

Play It Again Sports’ commitment to providing high-quality products and services to Lincoln and the surrounding communities sets us apart and ensures that families and kids have access to the equipment they need to stay active and healthy.

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Create Summer Memories that Last

Summer camps create quintessential childhood memories. What child wouldn’t want to spend their Summer break running, jumping, playing, and climbing? At World of Knowledge Child Development Center and Preschool’s summer camp, that’s exactly what they’ll be doing. Youth ages six to 13 can attend World of Knowledge’s summer camp to partake in educational games that keep kids learning so that they enter school in the fall with an extra boost; indulge in happy, healthy, and home-cooked meals and snacks; receive inspiration and support from an expert team; make new friends and develop their social skills for better confidence; and much more.

Even the youngest kids, that may not be quite ready for summer camp, will have a place to go this Summer. World of Knowledge has programs available for infant, toddler, pre-school and kindergarten ages. Feel confident that your children are in a safe and supportive learning environment throughout the summer months, and participating in activities that are structured to both enrich your children’s minds and to encourage fun, social play.

Generations of Fun

Hot, windy or rainy Summer? Lost in Fun! offers a cool family environment, cool quality playground and playsets in a clean facility no matter the weather or climate condition.

Lost in Fun! Is now Fun for the next generations!

Kyle McMurray Play It Again Sports

Generation to generation, Lost in Fun! has been there. Can you believe it? Children that came to play or have birthday parties at Lost in Fun are still playing at Lost in Fun 16 years later, only now it is their own children enjoying the fun. Lost in Fun! has given families so many great fun experiences and so much joy that they want to share that same joy with their own kids. It is really that love, and quality that Lost in Fun! has put into their business that brings customers back time and again. Even during the pandemic struggles, they survived because those loyal customers kept coming to visit them to play in a cautious mode. Lost in Fun! made everything possible to offer them an extremely clean and sanitized place, and that’s why we have so many loyal parents coming back.

Good memories are what Lost in Fun brings to the Lincoln community. Lost in Fun! is a Family business place, built with the efforts of a Lincoln family couple and their children, now all grown up, who all work as a big family team.

Remember, the Summer sun can be hot! Keeping kids cool during the summer months is essential for their comfort and safety. Here’s a list of ideas to help you achieve that:

• Water Play Activities: Set up a kiddie pool in the backyard, have a water balloon fight or install a sprinkler or water fountain for them to play in.

• Refreshing Snacks: Make homemade popsicles using fruit juice or yogurt; offer plenty of fresh fruits like watermelon, grapes and berries; prepare chilled snacks like cucumber slices or yogurt parfaits.

• Outdoor Shade and Cooling Stations: Set up shaded areas in the backyard using umbrellas or canopies; create a DIY misting station using a garden hose and misting nozzles; have a designated “cooling zone” with fans and cold towels.

• Water-based Outdoor Games: Play water limbo using a garden hose, set up a water balloon toss or water relay race.

• Evening Outdoor Activities: Plan outdoor activities for cooler hours, such as evening walks or bike rides, have a picnic dinner at a shaded park or beach, organize a stargazing session in the backyard once the temperature drops.

• Stay Hydrated: Encourage kids to drink plenty of water throughout the day, offer hydrating snacks like frozen grapes or sliced cucumbers, avoid sugary drinks and opt for water or natural fruit juices.

• Cool Clothing and Accessories: Dress kids in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton, provide widebrimmed hats and sunglasses to protect them from the sun, use cooling towels or bandanas soaked in cold water to help them stay cool.

Remember to always supervise children during water activities, and ensure they are protected from excessive sun exposure by applying sunscreen regularly and seeking shade when necessary.

Monica

Women-Owned

BUSINESSES

Shannon SchultzHammerschmidt is the owner and founder of Nebraska LTC Pharmacy. Shannon has spent her entire life in Nebraska and has worked in many different pharmacy settings before settling into her passion here at Nebraska LTC Pharmacy.

“Here at Nebraska LTC Pharmacy, everything is about YOU,” said Shannon. “We are a locally owned ‘concierge’ pharmacy that specializes in compliance and adherence as well as simplifying the medication process from start to finish. Our attention to every little detail decreases hospitalizations while prolonging our patients’ independence by keeping them at home. We offer a free in-home consultation, free blister packaging of medications, and free delivery. We accept all insurance plans, so what is not to love about our program!” There is no better time to join the Nebraska LTC Pharmacy family than now. Learn more online at www.neltcpharmacy.com or call the Lincoln office at (402) 328-0231.

Heartprints Personal Growth Academy, a division of Life Resources, LLC is focused on your success! Building better habits, achieving greater clarity, and leaving a beautiful legacy comprise the backbone of their program. Breaking down tools and resources into bite-sized implementable strategies is the essence of Heartprints Personal Growth Academy.

Receive monthly content designed to help you become the best version of yourself. Learn at your own pace and be supported by a community of like-minded, positive, encouraging people. You define your dreams.

Heartprints helps you develop a plan to bring your dreams to fruition. You define your legacy.

Heartprints brings accountability to your passion.

Heartprints asks the questions. You bring the answers... and action. Together, Heartprints and their clients can create a space where growth is not only encouraged but celebrated. So, embrace the opportunities that come your way, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, and remember that every experience is a chance to learn and grow.

Dr. Susan Meyerle’s mentors have impacted her in incredible ways and she is eager to share the culmination of that work with you!

Join them in leaving your Heartprint in the lives of others! To learn more, visit: heartprints4you.com.

What sets McGill Law apart is not just its specialization as being the female focused firm but also its leadership. The firm is female founded, owned and run. With two accomplished female attorneys, Bethany A. Allen and Taylor Matthias leading the Lincoln office of McGill Law, there comes a fresh perspective to the practice of family law. In a field historically dominated by men, McGill Law is breaking barriers, demonstrating that women not only belong but can also thrive as leaders in the legal profession.

Family law is deeply personal, touching upon the most intimate aspects of individuals' lives. From navigating divorce and child custody disputes to matters of adoption, estate planning and juvenile law, the stakes are high, emotions run deep, emphasizing the need for empathetic, understanding legal representation. McGill Law understands the significance of these issues and is committed to providing compassionate support to women and individuals striving for independence, diversity, and empowerment.

With offices in Omaha and Lincoln, serving Nebraska and eastern Iowa, McGill Law offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients. Specializing in collaborative divorce, collaborative law, collaborative mediation™, mediation and litigation, the firm employs a multifaceted approach to resolving family law matters. By prioritizing open communication, cooperation and mutual respect, McGill Law facilitates amicable solutions that prioritize the well-being of all parties involved.

Natasha Lundy, owner of Willow Key Interiors, is a Lincoln-based interior designer whose focus has always been to create spaces that clients will love for years to come. The business was established in 2014 and they specialize in residential new construction & remodel design projects.

“My passion is creating a comfortable, functional living space that is tailored to my client’s personal taste and needs,” said Natasha. “I offer approachable, flexible design services that will cater to just about any design project or style. The focus is on educating our clients on their options so that they can make decisions that they feel confident about; all while being budget conscious.”

Natasha is a Lincoln native and graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University. Her background includes interior design, project design management, lighting design and property management. Natasha’s small and personalized approach to interior design services is focused on creating a living space that will be both functional and beautiful.

To learn more about Willow Key Interiors and connect with Natasha and the other talented ladies on her team, email Manager@ihdne. com and they will answer your questions and provide you with their pricing structure. You can also visit IHDNE.com or Follow along on Instagram @DesignWithGrace to see beautiful project photos (including some great before and after project pictures)!

Elena Settel is the proud owner of The Upside Bar & Lounge, home of some incredible daily specials and an environment that welcomes all. Since it's opening in 2020, Elena and her team have seen great success serving Lincoln.

In mid-2020, the bar that was previously in Upside's space shut down, giving Elena and two other employees that worked together at the last location a rare opportunity to make something amazing out of a bad situation. They took their combined 50+ years of bar experience and decided to "give" themselves their jobs back with a mission to provide the best customer service in a relaxed environment. In the years after their grand opening, Elena has become the sole owner.

Elena has created a unique atmosphere people will pick up on as soon as they walk in. She's fully staffed and understands how lucky she is to be in that position. She prides herself making sure her employees are happy and feel heard, and customer notice! She loves giving back to the community that supports her, making sure to be involved in different charitable drives and any fundraisers they can give time and energy to.

Swing by The Upside Bar & Lounge at 2801 Pine Lake Rd., STE H for Happy Hour or dinner with friends! If you'd like more information, visit their website at upsidebarlnk.com, or follow their Facebook, @theupsidebarlnk.

Wax Buffalo Pure Soy Candle Co. is a beloved woman-owned home goods brand nestled in the heart of the Midwest. Our mission is simple yet profound: to create beautifully imperfect small batch, handmade products for the modern home.

Scent, emotion and memory are beautifully intertwined, creating an intimate connection that can transport you back to another time. This is why our tagline proudly declares: We believe scent is a powerful thing. And trust us, we really do. It’s what sets us apart. We’re dedicated to creating products that are clean, safe and sustainable. Our products are vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free and petroleum-free. If we wouldn’t burn it in our own homes, we wouldn’t want you to either.

Be the maker in our two locations! At our onsite Candle Lab, you can create your own gorgeous candles and even sip on a beautiful glass of wine or a fun and flirty cocktail. We promise it's some of the best shopping in town! From bubble bath and candles to unique bottles of wine and spirits, it's a darling place to find new brands you'll adore.

Come visit us anytime at the Haymarket location on 727 O St. or the Prescott location at 4723 Prescott Ave. Learn more online at WaxBuffalo.com.

Francie & Finch (F&F) Bookshop opened in 2016 and owner Leslie Huerta still pinches herself. “I’m surrounded by good books, beautiful art, and interesting people!” F&F sells new books of all kinds, original local art, and has an expansive events program.

F&F Bookshop is located in the heart of downtown at 130 S. 13th St. in the iconic Telephone Building. They’ve hosted rock-n-rollers, movie shoots, C-Span Book TV, a paranormal investigation, a Lincoln Symphony Orchestra performance, and authors from across the country. A day doesn’t pass that an out-of-town visitor doesn’t stop in to pick up a good read, or a gift to take home. Check out one of their hashtags, #youmeetthecoolestpeopleinbookstores for a wonderful collection of store visitors and events.

New books are ordered daily and F&F is always happy to include any special requests. Books can also be purchased online at francieandfinch.indielite.org for pick up in the store, or ship to your home.

F&F routinely posts #LNKBookAlerts to promote book tie-ins that are happening in and around Lincoln. They are available to support those events with book sales and report their sales numbers to the New York Times and USA Today, which is a plus for authors.

Leslie is active in Rotary 14, sits on the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council and is President of the Nebraska Literary Heritage Association at Bennett Martin Library. Leslie hails from Western New York, but, with husband, Mike, has called Lincoln home for 30+ years. She can be reached at leslie@francieandfinch.com and (402) 781-0459.

GordenLaw is a family law focused law firm that was founded to provide service to clients in the areas of law which affect their most important relationships –with their families.

Founder Vanessa J. Gorden explained, “We recognize that each client’s situation is unique and tailor our legal services to the individuals involved, including offering different levels of representation and recognizing clients’ specific goals, not just their legal rights and responsibilities. Our clients can trust they will be kept informed at every step of the process.”

GordenLaw has continued to grow by adding staff and technology over the past few years, allowing the firm to increase both quality and range of services. GordenLaw handles all family matters including custody, support, divorce, paternity, guardianships, contempt and modifications.

GordenLaw currently has an all-female staff from intake specialist to attorneys and provides an excellent working environment. “The team truly cares deeply about our clients and helping them feel empowered to make choices in difficult situations. We also care deeply about each other as coworkers and helping each other be the best we can be, both professionally and personally. It makes me proud to be the owner here,” stated Attorney Gorden. Visit www.gordenlaw.com, call (402) 817-1450 or email inquiry@ gordenlaw.com to learn more about GordenLaw.

Marci Hanshaw made her dream a reality in June of 2008 when the sign lit up for Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar in the quiet little area of Pioneers Woods Shopping Center, located on 70th and Pioneers.

“I was a very young entrepreneur back then at the age of 28,” said Marci. “In a sense, Carmela’s and I grew up together.”

Marci’s vision was to bring an elegant bistro with extraordinary food and wine to Lincoln. She was excited and nervous to join the ranks of all the other amazing restaurants in town, which were predominately led by men at the time.

“I was aware that restaurant industry was a strongly male-dominated space,” said Marci. “I was prepared to roll up my sleeves and do what I needed to do in order to be successful. Carmela’s was well received by Lincolnites, and we are still going strong after 16 years!”

Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar features date nights on Monday and Tuesday evenings, which includes a three-course meal for two and a bottle of wine for only $60! There are also Wine Down Wednesdays and First Thursday Wine Tasting events. Another highlight is the Chef Created Brunch Menu every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. To view the full menu and hours, visit www.carmelasbistroandwinebar. com or call (402) 489-0005.

Ashley Freese spent eight years working as an office manager for an American Family Agent before deciding to strike out on her own in May 2023. Ashley is thrilled to start her career as an agency owner in Lincoln. She looks forward to connecting with new clients and helping to provide them with the best coverage for their needs. She is ready to help with home, auto, life and business insurance needs! She serves Lincoln and all surrounding areas.

In her spare time, Ashely nurtures her passion to help children and animals. She sponsors nonprofits such as the Capital Humane Society & CEDARS here in Lincoln

American Family Insurance’s (AmFam) mission is to inspire, protect and restore your dreams. They believe a dream is the most valuable thing you’ll ever own. They also take corporate responsibility seriously by conducting initiatives to invest in their communities, sustain the environment, and empower their people. Ashley is proud to be partnered with such a proactive company.

AmFam supports various nonprofits specific to each state that they serve. In Nebraska specifically, AmFam agents support DREAM, an organization that puts kids on a path towards success by providing team mentoring, athletic camps and after-school programs.

R. U. Nuts Company started as a home based business in the 1980’s, as a way for Charlotte Ralston to make some extra income as a stay at home mom. Blessed with opportunities during a bulk food “trend”, her company grew into a regional bulk food distributor of nuts, candy, gourmet chocolate, dried fruit, trail mixes and coffee.

With the help of her husband and growing family of five sons, the business that started in Charlotte’s dining room moved to a garage, then a mini storage and finally to the warehouse they built in 2000. Since then, they’ve built two more additions, making room for coffee roasters, packaging equipment and added inventory so they can do custom packing and service more grocery stores.

Charlotte has been told and has also observed that it’s not common to find women owners in this industry, but her tenacity and willingness to learn has helped her succeed. As a mom, a wife, a mother and now a grandmother, Charlotte is grateful to her family and those who have helped them over the years. It wasn’t a journey that she planned for, but God had a plan, and she continue to follow and learn something new every day.

Peace Studio Architects has been owned by Sam Peace and her husband Gil for the past 10 years. In fact, they are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. Serving together as CEOs, Sam and Gill Peace make the perfect team.

In addition to being CEO, Sam also holds the titles of CFO, Project Manager and Architectural Photographer, while Gill is the Architect.

Peace Studio Architects, Inc. is a group of dedicated professionals, passionate about design and committed to client service. They are licensed and practicing in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. They have worked on a variety of projects both commercial and residential, some being The Kindler Hotel, many restaurants, medical use buildings, veterinary clinics and a large majority of the homes in the Fallbrook neighborhood of Lincoln.

“We work on a diverse range of projects with a common focus to improve the built environment and exceed our clients’ expectations. Our motto is “BECAUSE DESIGN MATTERS”. Our brand signifies not just the important process of designing a building or space, but an EXCELLENT product built around an amazing “design” team.”

Making the leap into entrepreneurship is never east, but Sam and Gil are proof that hard work and dedication pay off.

Creative Collabs of Nebraska was formed with a mission to bring local women entrepreneurs together to grow their business through collaboration over competition. The main outlet to achieve this started out with hosting local vendor shopping markets in the Lincoln community.

Creative Collabs Owner, Melanie Rezac, also owns 555 Boutique, a women's clothing boutique located in the Fallbrook Town Square. She originally started the boutique with an online only presence in the summer of 2020, but quickly delved into the vendor market, aka pop-up world, as a way to reach new customers and supplement sales. It quickly became apparent that these markets were a game changer for small businesses, especially businesses without a storefront. Not only did it tap into a whole new realm of customers, but it brought opportunities to meet and network with other like-minded women.

Many of these women that she met early on in her boutique journey, have turned into lifelong friends. These friendships and connections have allowed her to host successful vendor markets throughout the year and have ultimately led to the opening of the Creative Collabs Collective Storefront, located on 16th & Old Cheney.

Creative Collabs Collective is the first and only collaborative storefront that is open 24/7 and offers a self-service shopping experience, meaning there are no employees. Each day, there is a daily code that can be obtained through texting your name to the phone number (531) 500-9020. This code is then input into the keypad and voila, you're in! Enjoy a quiet shopping experience that allows you to browse and purchase an array of items from clothing, candles and jewelry to skincare, home decor and even delicious treats! With 19 womenowned businesses under one roof, you'll be sure to leave with several goodies in tow.

For details on Creative Collabs next vendor market event at Glacial Till in Palmyra or for a full vendor listing in the Creative Collabs Collective, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram or visit our website at www. creativecollabsne.com.

Lincoln has been the home of Olga V. Caicedo since she immigrated with her family from Ecuador in 1994. She’s raised her kids here and sent them both to UNL. In her career, she has dedicated over 15 years to serving the Latino community through local nonprofit organizations, with specific focus in health-related advocacy. Lincoln has been a tremendous place of growth for Olga and her family as well as the Latino community.

Since opening her practice in 2006, Biomagnetism for Life has allowed her to serve countless individuals and families here in Lincoln. She started practicing biomagnetic pairs therapy after experiencing its impactful transformation in her own health. After suffering a serious car accident in 2003 and a fibromyalgia diagnosis, she returned to Ecuador seeking recovery for her health. There, she was introduced to Dr. Isaac Goiz Duran and his groundbreaking treatment. The therapy was pivotal in her recovery and complemented her medical care in the US. It was a noninvasive and cost-effective pathway toward health and vitality. Olga had to share its positive impacts with her community. She received my certification in 2006 with Dr. Goiz in Quito and brought her practice to Lincoln. She is so thankful to continue serving her community.

A pioneer in Senior referral companies, Mary Ann Stallings, became an entrepreneur over 14 years ago when she founded Bridge to Better Living. Her vision was to help Seniors and their families find the most appropriate retirement community meeting their criteria and needs at no cost to the client.

Bridge to Better Living offers Seniors and families a different approach, a high touch, a very individualized experience. The goal is to connect clients with all levels of Senior Living Communities where social, physical, medical and financial needs are met. Guidance begins from the first contact throughout the transition and beyond.

Bridge to Better Living launched in Lincoln and expanded to Omaha and Council Bluffs within a few years. It covers a 75 mile radius and will meet with clients in their home, rehabilitation centers, hospitals or their offices.

The staff consists of multiple generations, works as a team and makes decisions together. The secret is the culture of the organization which is driven by one vision: to help Seniors and their families while providing unbiased expertise. Each employee plays an integral part in the strategic plans of Bridge to Better Living.

Bridge to Better Living was founded with the philosophy of Placement with Passion while providing services for seniors to improve and provide quality of life.

Laurie Fraser is the CEO and managing partner of Doorstep Diner Catering and Country Sliced Ham and Café

Formed in 2015, Laurie set out to create something to shake up the industry. From her humble beginnings as a home based meal service to senior citizens, to a fullfledged catering company, Laurie has led the team to become the largest woman owned catering company in Lincoln.

The recipient of the People’s Choice Awards since 2018, Laurie has also received a Certificate of Recognition from US Congressman Michael Flood congratulating Laurie for being awarded the Great Companies Global Business Award for 2023, which recognizes a top Women Entrepreneur in Travel, Food, Event and Entertainment.

Laurie realizes she is nothing without her amazing team of chef’s, administrative staff, banquet servers and all the other women she is surrounded with in her industry.

“In my wildest dreams I never thought we'd grow to be the largest woman owned catering company in Lincoln,” said Laurie. “Some days when I wake up I have to pinch myself to make sure it's true.

At Doorstep Diner Catering and Country Sliced Ham and Café, we are humble. We are approachable. We are responsive to your needs. We want to make the you the host with the most and let us take away the stress of planning an event."

In 2018, Pia and Gitzy took the leap into business ownership with the launch of Inspired Results Consulting. Motivated by their deep commitment to empowering individuals and fostering positive change, they began with local leadership mindset workshops, which quickly evolved into comprehensive virtual coaching and speaking engagements across the Midwest.

By 2020, their expertise was sought after for corporate team development among business owners seeking to enhance their results through dynamic team building. This marked a pivotal moment as they realized their passion for revolutionizing businesses through effective team and leadership development.

Inspired Results Consulting stands as a trailblazer in the industry— an innovative, first-generation Latina-owned enterprise dedicated to reshaping teams and nurturing leaders. Led by Pia and Gitzy, seasoned Team and Leadership Mindset Coaches, the company infuses over four decades of collective experience into their tailored workshops and coaching programs.

They are on a mission to propel ambitious business owners, leaders and teams to unprecedented heights, promoting a culture of excellence every step of the way. With their infectious energy and unique perspective, Pia and Gitzy embark on a transformative journey with each client.

As one satisfied client attests, "Gitzy and Pia are incredible coaches. This is a way to change your thought process and attitude towards everything and it builds skills that you can use for the rest of your life. I highly recommend this course."

Ready to elevate your team and leadership potential? Contact Inspired Results Consulting today at hello@ inspiredresultsconsulting.com or visit inspiredresultsconsulting.com to explore more.

Experience the positive power of Inspired Results Consulting—where development meets inspiration.

Oak Electric, your local premium contractor, is 100% owned and operated by Crystal Collins.

Did you know that less than 10% of electrical contractors nationally are owned by women (according to NECA)? Oak Electric is proud to be the most reviewed contractor in the city of Lincoln.

As the leader of Oak Electric, Crystal has intentional focus on her team to ensure everyone has what they need to be successful. This includes anything from a new tool in the field to skills and safety training to administrative support.

What sets Oak Electric apart from other contractors is not only the belief, but the initiative, that if you take care of your employees, the employees will take care of your business.

As Richard Branson said, “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”

Oak’s team of experienced electricians not only care about precision and craftsmanship, but value the real relationships that come with working with their customers. Oak Electric prides itself on delivering quality customer service on every single job. Electricity, done right, guaranteed! Learn more online at oakelectriccompany.com or call (402) 440-5969.

In 1996, Ahroma Specialty Coffee Owner, Charlotte Ralston’s husband took a sabbatical from his job to see if they could manage living on the business (R.U. Nuts Co) they were building. With five children in the home, it felt like a big risk, but they were working overtime day and night to keep up. Little did they know that God had a plan and they were shortly after introduced to the idea of roasting their own brand of coffee.

Within a few months of his departure, Charlotte recruited him to be their roast master, and Ahroma Specialty Coffee was born. Small batch roasters were rare, and Charlotte didn’t even drink coffee! Being willing to learn and with a lot of research and testing friends and family with all kinds of flavors, they launched into grocery stores with the desire to “bring the coffeehouse to your house.”

From menu development, and barista training, to all the syrups, sauces, chai, and smoothie products a café may need, Ahroma now supplies independent coffee shops across the Midwest, with freshly roasted coffee and all their menu needs as a “one stop shop”. Still roasting “specialty grade” which is the top 5% of all coffee grown. Now, Charlotte drinks coffee!

Luv It Gift and Flower Shop, owned by Thu Goeckeritz and her husband Tony, is celebrating its third year serving Lincoln. Luv It is a full-service local florist that is family-owned and operated. Their knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you with placing orders for local delivery or anywhere in the world. Not sure what to send? They will gladly help you with creative suggestions! They offer daily floral delivery to local funeral homes and hospitals. In their shop, you will find a variety of unique gifts, including stuffed animals, balloons, candy, fruit and gift baskets, scented candles, silk flower arrangements, home décor and more! Browse their assortment of dish gardens or green and blooming plants for a gift that adds life to any room, office or outdoor space.

Thu takes pride in every single arrangement, and her customers agree. Her website is full of rave reviews. “My order was placed after 5 o'clock for delivery on the next day and it all happened perfectly! The arrangement was beautiful! It means so much to have somebody I can trust can trust to deliver my special gifts to my loved ones in Lincoln!” said Satisfied Customer, Kandy K.

Thu at Luv It Gift and Flower Shop is truly dedicated to her work and it shows in every petal.