Strictly Business Magazine March 2018

LINCOLN • MARCH 2018 TM

STRICTLY-BUSINESS.COM

CARISSA BULLOCK BARRY LOCKARD

PRESIDENT/CEO, CORNHUSKER BANK

VP OF MARKETING, CORNHUSKER BANK

PASTOR TOM BARBER

CEO, PEOPLE’S CITY MISSION

“Help provide shoes for those who need them...”

• WORKPLACE WELLNESS • EDUCATION • SPRING CLEANING • JOINING ORGANIZATIONS • COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • RAY’S LAWN & LANDSCAPE • FOX LIQUID FERTILIZER SERVICE • JETSPLASH

Cameron Christensen

Kathy Carstenson

Brianna Kuebler

Wahadi Allen

Jason Kubik

Leah States

Ebbeka Design Co.

The Waterford Communities

ALLO Communications

Southwick Liquid Waste

JMISKO surgical design | md

The Mirada

MARCH 2018 Strictly Business

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FOCUSING ON YOUR BRAND

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

Great Brands That Compete On Value: Don’t Pass Up Print Sometimes in life, and in business, you just need to get back to the basics.

As you might remember from my topic last month, I shared a blog post from Freeport Press, a fellow believer in the power of print.

Shortly after reading that one, author David Pilcher delivered yet another piece that succinctly covers the key points that I too am persistent about driving home every chance I get. Fundamentally, it’s spot on, so this time around I’ll let it do the talking for me. Without further ado, I present for your consideration: The Only Four Things You Need to Know About Print Ads No doubt, the magazine industry has been hit hard by the move toward digital advertising. As Don Potochny notes in SF Gate, “[Ad] Investments have gone digital mostly because the Internet provides businesses with an affordable way to promote products and services.

However, online marketing needs the complementary power of print advertising to seal the advertising deal.”

Why? We could cite study after study that shows that print is more effective at building trust, making good impressions, fostering engagement and other key indicators. Potochny, however, boils it right down. “Business owners have four reasons to keep print advertising as part of their marketing strategy,” he insists.

1. First, print ads convert better. “Nearly 80% of consumers act on direct mail advertisements compared to 45% of consumers that act on electronic advertisements,” Potochny says.

2. Print ads are highly targetable. Those perfectly targeted digital ads we were all promised are a properly-busted myth, but this kind of Marketing 101 targeting is possible in print. “For example, dog lovers that want to purchase healthy food for

CONTENTS NEWS 4 Business 27 Personnel

37 Non-Profit 45 Health

SPOTLIGHTS 20 52 56 64

Star City Six Client Spotlight: Ray’s Lawn & Landscape Client Spotlight: Fox Liquid Fertilizer Service Client Spotlight: JetSplash

FEATURE STORIES

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Workplace Wellness Education Spring Cleaning Joining Organizations Commercial Construction Strictly Business MARCH 2018

their canine friends are more likely to find the right brand via a publication such as Dog Fancy than by receiving an email blast from an online marketing agency,” he notes.

3. Print adds a boost to any digital campaign. “Savvy business owners know that implementing both digital and print advertising campaigns produces higher customer conversion rates,” he notes. In a multi-channel shopping environment, print adds a significant improvement to overall campaign success.

4. Consumers often feel more comfortable buying from print. This age of impulse buying might have us believe that online is the only way to shop, but in reality, print ads continue to perform well in purchase intent.

It’s a good primer to remember, this 1-2-3-4 approach. Conversion, targeting, ROI boost and purchase intent just may be all the reason you need to advertise your brand in print magazines.

In lieu of a dramatic mic drop close for Pilcher’s masterful delivery of the main points, I’d like to simply reiterate that there is SO much print can do for you. Whether your key objective(s) is/are branding, top-of-mind recognition, increased credibility, getting your desired results on a specific call to action, and even SEO and strengthening your online presence, contemporary content marketing strategies utilizing a combination of print and online platforms will achieve everything I’ve listed and more. All of the above makes quite a compelling case to get on board, give it a try and see for yourself.

“Business owners have four reasons to keep print advertising as part of their marketing strategy.”

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

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ABOUT THE COVER

Cornhusker Bank: Committed To Our Community “Doing Life Together” -- Whether it’s leading an initiative to draw attention to the need for shoes and helping collect new and used footwear for individuals in need, or helping customers design a “roadmap” to help navigate the financial needs in their lives, Cornhusker Bank associates pull together to serve people with excellence because they love our community and care deeply about the individuals in it.

Cornhusker Bank President/CEO, Barry Lockard, and VP/Marketing, Carissa Bullock, accompanied by Pastor Tom Barber, CEO of the People’s City Mission, shown on the cover, began gearing up for the bank’s 8th annual One Day Without Shoes promotion by visiting the Mission’s new innovative Help Center. During the visit, they got a firsthand idea of how few shoes are currently available and how much footwear means to some of the Mission’s youngest clientele. To fill the need for individuals who count heavily on good shoes being one of their primary sources of transportation, Cornhusker Bank asks businesses and individuals area-wide to collect shoes and/or monetary donations for the Mission’s Benefit from April 2nd through the 13th.

New or used adult and children’s shoes may be donated by dropping them off at any collection site listed on Cornhusker Bank’s website. All businesses will be included if they have contacted Cornhusker Bank by March 23rd to say, “I want to be involved.”

On Tuesday, April 10th, the bank will host a walk from our Bank Center at 8310 O Street to the People’s City Mission Help Center at 68th & P Street, starting at 11 a.m. A free light lunch will be served that day for anyone participating in the walk or dropping off shoes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone who is interested in raising awareness of the need the Mission has for shoes is invited to participate, regardless of their ability to donate. One way bank associates demonstrate the need for shoes is by going shoeless on the 10th and just wearing socks.

In the first 7 years of the event, Cornhusker Bank and partners collected nearly 100,000 pairs of shoes and $60,000 in monetary funds, which the Mission uses to buy new shoes for those in need and for those whose required sizes are not traditionally donated.

Cornhusker Bank and its associates invite you to participate. Be a part of the One Day Without Shoes movement by investing back into our community. Donate. Collect.

Go Shoeless. Walk.

We invite you to view a short video regarding One Day Without Shoes at www.CornhuskerBank.com/Day-Without-Shoes.aspx.

Cornhusker Bank remains Lincoln’s oldest locally owned bank, demonstrating stability, soundness and investing in the future growth of the community, valued customers and associates. Let’s do life together!

For more information, please visit www.CornhuskerBank.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Avalon Hospice Now Open in Lincoln

Eat Fit Go Adds Satellite Location at UNL

Avalon Hospice is excited to announce their Lincoln office is now officially open! As of February 9th they have begun accepting patients and are serving individuals in the following counties in Nebraska: Lancaster, Cass, Otoe, Butler, Saunders, Seward, Saline, Gage, and Johnson.

Eat Fit Go Healthy Foods has officially set up shop in the Campus Rec Center on the University of NebraskaLincoln campus!

This new strategic partnership allows Eat Fit Go to provide a selection of its signature healthy meals and snacks to students and faculty as well as the general public. You’ll find plenty of variety, with new options added regularly, and all of Eat Fit Go’s meals are made with the freshest ingredients, already portioned properly for you and labeled with your macros and nutritional information. Just heat up and eat!

It not only fits perfectly into the busy lifestyle of students, who have demanding schedules and aren’t likely to cook or meal prep often, but it’s also nice for faculty, who now have quick, easy access to healthy options.

Since opening its first location in Lincoln at 84th & Van Dorn in June of 2016, Eat Fit Go has steadily expanded to meet the demand for their fresh, healthy, ready-to-eat meals and snacks. Now there are two storefront locations, with the second at South Pointe Pavilions, along with a host of other satellite locations and more expected in the coming year. This means it’s more convenient than ever to get your Eat Fit Go fix, whether it’s grabbing a quick meal or stocking up with meals to feed your family for the entire week.

Find out more about Eat Fit Go Lincoln at www.eatfitgo.com or on Facebook!

A team of specialists with the combined wealth of knowledge and extensive clinical and practical experience necessary to deliver exceptional hospice care has been assembled to meet the varying needs of their patients. These skilled professionals and volunteers design an all-encompassing program that is customized to each patient. Avalon Hospice’s philosophy includes an individualized course of treatment based on the patient’s wishes, the family’s needs and the complex array of medical, emotional and social issues which accompany a terminal diagnosis. Service offerings include access to a network of community resources specifically arranged to provide comfort, reduce anxiety and allow quality time to be spent with the loved one. Ultimately the goal is to enrich the quality of life as life’s journey nears its completion. Through supportive, loving care, Avalon Hospice offers patients and their families comfort for body, mind, and spirit while on that journey.

Avalon Hospice’s Lincoln office is located at 1600 S. 70th Street, Suite 101. For further inquiries, feel free to stop by or call (402) 261-2522. You can also find more information online at www. avalon-hospice.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Roper & Sons Celebrates New Chapel Roper & Sons Funeral Services celebrated an official ribbon cutting at their new South Lincoln Chapel facility on Tuesday, January 23.

Roper & Sons Funeral Services is now open and serving families at their newest location at 3950 Hohensee Drive, on the southwest corner of 40th & Yankee Hill. Roper & Sons is proud to grow with the city, and to provide easier access to services in our ever-expanding community. Tom Roper, President of Roper & Sons Funeral Services, said: “We are proud to have served Lincoln families for over 115 years. Throughout that time, we have continually assessed the needs of our community, growing and offering services in the areas where there is the most need. We will continue to provide services at our 43rd & O Street and Waverly Chapels, while serving our community at our newest location in south central Lincoln.” Roper & Sons’ South Lincoln Chapel can be reached at (402) 261-5907.

Roper & Sons will continue to host their monthly “Topic Breakfast” on the third Thursday of each month, at 7:30 a.m. in their O Street Reception Facility (4300 O Street), along with a “South Chapel Supper” educational series that will be held at the 40th & Yankee Hill location (details pending). Along with these services, they also offer a free continuing education program for professional caregivers, and grief support programs for those who are bereaved. Please visit www.roperandsons.com to learn more.

ALLO Communications Purchases Hastings Operations of Glenwood Telecommunications Nebraska-based ALLO Communications (ALLO) has announced the purchase of the fiber network and business customer contracts of Glenwood Telecommunications’ (Glenwood) Hastings, Neb. operations.

“ALLO looks forward to operating the fiber network to serve the business customers in Hastings with exceptional service and technology,” said ALLO President Brad Moline.

We will be an active member of the Hastings community and will soon expand our fiber network to serve more businesses, and eventually homes, with exceptionally fast internet and superior telephone and television services. We are encouraged by the city’s recent approval to acquire utility poles that ALLO may be able to lease to build a network passing every business and home to create a world-class, gigabit city.”

Regulatory approval is expected from the Nebraska Public Service Commission in early 2018 for ALLO to begin operating the Glenwood network in Hastings, at which time Glenwood’s customers will begin migrating to ALLO’s services and network. Glenwood will continue to serve the Hastings’ business customers and operate the network.

“Glenwood Telecommunications has enjoyed serving the broadband and telecommunications needs of its Hastings business customers,” said Glenwood General Manager Stan Rouse. “We look forward to continuing to support Hastings customers during the transition and will also continue to offer our IT services and telephone systems in Hastings.

Glenwood will also continue to serve its other communities, just as before, and expects to extend services to other areas in the near future.”

For more information about ALLO, visit www.AlloFiber.com or call (402) 480-6550.

Preleasing of Sierra Suites Begins This Month Krueger Development is excited to announce that Sierra Suites, its newest mixeduse property located just south of 14th & Pine Lake Rd., will be complete this spring!

Housing both residential and commercial tenants, preleasing will begin this month.

Sierra Suites offers 14,400 total square feet of commercial space on the first floor, with suites ranging from 1,736 to 5,600 square feet. Situated at a high-exposure location, highlights include the option for premium storefront location on 14th Street and an available drive-through on the south end-cap. On the second and third floors there are 40 one-bedroom apartments available with varying floor plans and square footage.

To find out more about leasing space in this property, contact Dave Conde, Director of Property Management, at (402) 423-7377 or via email at dconde@kruegerdevelopment.com.

Find out more about Krueger Development online at www. kruegerdevelopment.com.

Fields Floral Introduces Special DIY Events F i e l d s F l o ra l i s excited to announce something new and fun being offered at your local neighborhood floral and gift shop – special DIY events!

Similar to the paint & sip studio trend, Fields Floral will be hosting a lineup of themed events where you can create your own signature designs.

Materials and refreshments are provided! Upcoming events include Mug Mania on March 1 (“BYOM”), Seaside Succulents on March 22, Tulips in a Cabbage Patch on April 5, Teacup Garden on May 3, and Wall Flowers on June 7, with more to be announced in the coming months.

In addition to the events that are open to anyone in the community who wishes to attend, Fields Floral can accommodate private group events as well.

Grab your girlfriends, bridal party, co-workers, book club, etc. and enjoy an evening full of laughter, drinks, socialization, creativity, and leave with something to brighten your home or office that you made yourself!

To find out availability or sign up for a specific date, or for more details, call (402) 483-4564 or email fieldsfloral@gmail.com.

Fields Floral is located in the historic College View area at 48th & Cooper, and you can also find them online at www.fieldsfloral.com and on Facebook!

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BUSINESS NEWS DigitalSky Presents: Drones & Construction J u s t i n K y s e r, c o founder of DigitalSky, recently presented on the use of drones for aerial mapping and modeling at the 2018 Associated General Contractors of Nebraska Chapter Convention, held February 13-15 at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln. DigitalSky is the most advanced drone service provider in the Midwest. The presentation demonstrated the work that DigitalSky has performed for a variety of general contractors throughout Nebraska.

What is aerial mapping and why are drones the best solution for it? If you’ve seen Google Maps, or Google Earth, you’ve interacted with an aerial map. Drones are great for aerial mapping because they allow a higher level of detail to be captured. This makes drone mapping the premier choice since most often the maps you are used to seeing were created from cameras flown on airplanes several thousand feet up, or worse, were captured by satellites orbiting the earth.

Another reason drones are great for aerial mapping is due to the fact that greater detail offers the ability to see the subject area “as-is” by running the images, captured by the drone, through specialized software. With this process, DigitalSky can generate outputs such as elevation models, topography maps, contour lines, and 3D point-clouds that can be used for design and traditional “top-down” image maps.

To learn more about aerial mapping with drones and its many uses for various projects, head over to digitalsky.com/mapping.

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Seminars Scheduled for Contractors Seeking to Expand Into Commercial Roofing Heartland International, Inc., a nationwide distributor of Conklin Commercial Roofing Systems, has announced the annual FAMILY 21 SPRING ROOFING SEMINAR being hosted in Shipshewana, Ind. March 8-9. This program is designed to help experienced contractors research the potential of expanding into commercial roofing. Presentations by experienced contractors from at least 15 states will be demonstrating the installation of the CONKLIN COMMERCIAL ROOFING SYSTEMS, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the introduction of the first elastomeric product, RAPID ROOF® in 1977.

Dennis Nun, President of Heartland International, says, “There is a need for qualified contractors and general contractors as well as those with experience in remodeling, siding, insulation and even commercial painting who have the essential experience to be trained as commercial roofing contractors installing our proven Conklin Roofing Systems. Today we have 12 commercial roofing systems for all types of buildings.”

One-day programs will also be held mid-March and in April in Kansas and Nebraska respectively. For more information or to attend any of these programs, email DennisLNun@gmail.com or call (402) 430-7727.

SCC’s New High-End Restaurant Now Open If you want to experience fine dining in the Lincoln area, now is your chance.

“Course” is Southeast Community College’s newest attraction, an upscale dining establishment featuring topnotch meals.

Brandon Harpster, chair of the Culinary/Hospitality program at SCC, says he hopes it will be comparable to a four-star restaurant. “We want to show people what we have to offer and get them comfortable with this type of restaurant,” he said.

“Course” held its grand opening on February 1, serving lunch and dinner at SCC’s Lincoln Campus, 8800 O St. Culinary/Hospitality students will work in all facets of the restaurant, including cooking, preparing, serving, and hosting. Rack of lamb and herb-crusted beef tenderloin are some of the options on the menu.

The $4.2 million revamp of the Culinary/Hospitality program includes the full-service restaurant, new classrooms and labs, bakery and storage space. Harpster says it’s been four years in the making. “I’m most excited to have a space where students can learn in a real-life restaurant environment,” he said. “It’s unbelievable, by far what we’ve always dreamed of having.”

“Course” is available by reservation only. There are no more lunch reservations for this quarter, but Thursday dinner reservations are still open. Starting in July, the restaurant will be open Monday through Thursdays for lunch, and Thursday evenings for dinner.

“We are built to grow,” Harpster commented. “We always had great curriculum, and we always had great faculty. We just needed great space. Now we have it.”

Lunches begin at 11 a.m. for $15, and dinners start at 6:30 p.m. for $22. To make a reservation, please email Kim Williams at course.reservations@southeast.edu.

BUSINESS NEWS Ribbon-Cutting Marks Launch of Lincoln Stars Foundation The Lincoln Stars (www.lincolnstars. com) have launched the Lincoln Stars Foundation, a 501c3 with local and global initiatives to provide access to the sport of hockey and build sustainable clean water solutions.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce officially marked the occasion on January 27.

The foundation will team up with Food for the Hungry (fh.org) for its international mission. The Stars kicked off their global initiative with Faith & Family Day on Sunday, February 18 at the Ice Box. For every ticket sold $5 will be donated to Food for the Hungry, and in turn, through grant funding, FH will match every dollar 22 times, multiplying the impact of each dollar raised.

This season, the Stars and Food for the Hungry have chosen the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as the recipient of their donation. According to the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), the DRC has an estimated 50 million people (75% of the population) who do not have access to safe water, and between 80-90% of its population do not have access to improved sanitation. The Stars hope to raise over $300,000 for the DRC for sustainable water solutions.

Regarding the local mission, players will continue to mentor, support and raise funds for young players to participate in hockey, get much needed equipment and attend games.

JMISKO Becomes Only Facility Nationwide to Offer ARTAS 9x Robotic Hair Technology JMISKO surgical design | md is proud to announce that, as of February 1, they are the only facility in the nation offering the ARTAS 9x system, the most upgraded hardware and software in robotic hair technology. Notable features include: • 20% faster operating speed, harvesting up to 1,500 grafts/ hour, making the process more efficient and comfortable.

• The robot uses a 0.8mm punch for increased harvesting accuracy, providing a more natural-looking end-result.

• With an enhanced design including the ability to maneuver the arm position, a wider range of donor areas can be reached. It can also be easily paused/resumed with a touch of a button.

The Hair Restoration division at JMISKO surgical design | md provides many different options for clients. These include: hair loss products, hair loss prescriptions, FUE transplant, FUT transplant, PRP/ ACell, and of course the most popular, the ARTAS 9x robotic hair option. A hair/scalp analysis consultation performed by Justin Misko, MD is the best way for patients to discover which is/are best suited for them. Dr. Misko has over a decade of experience changing lives through hair restoration and utilizes the most innovative methods available to achieve optimal results.

JMISKO surgical design | md is located at 5800 Hidcote Dr., Suite 103 in Lincoln and can be contacted at (402) 484-5144 / info@ jmisko.com. Find out more online at www.jmisko.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Panology Tech Solutions Adds Surveillance Systems to Offerings

Pizza Ranch Introduces New Ownership, Completes Interior Remodel

Panology Tech Solutions is now offering the custom design and installation of surveillance systems!

Pizza Ranch recently invited the community to join them in celebrating some new and exciting changes that the restaurant had undergone in late summer of 2017.

Ubiquiti Networks, an innovative provider of leading technology platforms, was selected as the provider of the equipment utilized

by Panology Tech Solutions. Closing the digital divide by building network communication platforms for everyone and everywhere, Ubiquiti Networks currently has 10 million devices deployed in over 180 countries that are transforming under-networked businesses and communities. With a focus on unparalled user experience combined with industry-leading performance at disruptive price points, it was the perfect fit for Panology Tech Solutions, a company whose mission is to make cutting-edge technology accessible to SMBs. Key capabilities of the surveillance systems offered by Panology Tech Solutions include full HD recording, remote access, and no limit on the number of cameras, unlike fixed-channel systems.

Panology Tech Solutions provides the assistance you need to improve how your business utilizes and incorporates technology.

The locally owned and operated technology solutions firm provides comprehensive offerings that are customized to fit the client’s needs and budget, with emphasis on customer satisfaction and quality of service.

For more information about Panology Tech Solutions, please call (402) 937-9137, email info@panologyinc.com, or visit panologyinc.com.

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On Febr uary 6, guests gathered for a special event Pizza Ranch hosted in conjunction with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Kicking off with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, a formal introduction of the new ownership and key members of the management team was followed by the opportunity to check out the newly-remodeled interior of the restaurant and enjoy some delicious Pizza Ranch fare. The new owners and management at Pizza Ranch are excited to reengage with the community and to offer a fresh look combined with the same great offerings – buffet, dine-in, carry-out, delivery, and catering. Pizza Ranch is best known for its pizza, but the restaurant’s other specialty is its signature broasted chicken.

At Pizza Ranch, their vision is to glorify God by positively impacting the world and this is lived out through their mission to give every guest a legendary experience. The Lincoln Pizza Ranch is located at 8420 Lexington Ave. For more information or to place an order, call (402) 261-8039 or visit www.pizzaranch.com.

BUSINESS NEWS Butherus, Maser & Love Unveils New Harley Motorcycle Hearse Buther us, Maser & Love Funeral Home has introduced a new way for those who have passed to travel in style to their final resting place.

The local funeral home is now offering clients the option of ditching the traditional hearse in favor of a stylish custom Har ley Davidson model.

Fresh out of a local custom-build shop Xotic Customs, LLC after undergoing a complete transformation that required 2,000+ hours of work, the 2009 Harley trike and matching trailer are a sight to behold. Powered by a 1600cc engine, the bike pulls a trailer that’s luxuriously outfitted with diamond-plate floor panels and beautiful curtains/upholstery. The stunning custom paint job in blue and silver is a nod to the colors of the Butherus, Maser & Love brand. There is even a double-sided picture frame on the back to of the bike to display photos, paying tribute to the passenger. It was recently unveiled at ABATE’s 32nd Annual Lincoln Bike Show, held at the Lancaster Event Center February 16-18.

The Harley hearse is perfect for any funeral procession; for all types of bikers, motorcycle enthusiasts, or anyone who likes the idea of having his or her final ride involve a motorcycle. It is offered at the same price as the funeral home’s traditional hearse.

For more information, contact Butherus Maser & Love Funeral Home at (402) 488-0934 or visit www.bmlfh.com.

New 9Round Location Opens in North Lincoln There’s a new 9Round location in Lincoln that officially opened its doors for business at the beginning of 2018!

9 Ro u n d N o r t h e a s t Lincoln held its Grand Opening celebration in January and since has welcomed members of the community to stop by for a free introductory workout, an offer that will continue to be extended to first-time guests who want to try it out. Official ribbon-cutting ceremonies were also held with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Lincoln Independent Business Association to commemorate the occasion and formally introduce the team and what 9Round Northeast Lincoln has to offer.

Located at 2800 N. 83rd St., Suite C (84th & Adams), 9Round Northeast Lincoln is a specialized fitness center that brings boxing and kickboxing fitness training to the average person in a convenient, affordable, 30-minute, full body circuit format. It is locally owned and operated by Todd “The Bull” Vettel, who has assembled a team of certified trainers committed to providing a unique, proven workout routine that guarantees results along with expert nutritional guidance.

There are no class times, trainers are always on site to lead the workouts, and routines change daily, giving members a fresh workout every time they come in! 9Round is perfect for people who want a unique, fun and proven workout that guarantees results.

To find out more, call/text (402) 817-7349 or visit www.9round.com and search for this location.

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BUSINESS NEWS SP Group, P.C.’s Tax Season Super Saturdays Underway It’s tax season at SP Group, P.C., which means long days and longer weeks. But don’t shed a tear for this team of busy accountants. SP Group celebrates working weekends during tax season with its Super Saturday Series: Week One of Fun, Super Bowl Saturday, SP Olympic Games, and UNL Opening Baseball Day, just a few of the special events on the calendar.

To break the grind of punching numbers, Saturdays are for work AND a little play. Lunch time is usually filled with food and a few challenges. Not only are there winners, but there may even be gold medals handed out. Two SP athletes recently awarded Olympic medals included Troy Stentz (in the “plank” event) and Austin Zimmerman (in the “wall sit” competition).

SP Group, P.C., a growing entrepreneurial accounting firm, was founded on these four core values: Relationships, The Power of Team, Life/Work Balance and Competitiveness. Everyone likes to win at SP Group, and this competitive sports-minded culture makes the firm better at achieving success for its clients.

Follow SP Group on Facebook (/SP Group, P.C.) or Twitter (@ SPGroupPC) to watch the action unfold during the Tax Season Super Saturday Series. For more information about SP Group, P.C., please call (402) 420-7758 or visit www.spgrouppc.com.

University of Nebraska’s Online Programs Among Best in U.S. News 2018 Rankings S e ve ra l U n i ve r s i t y of Nebraska online programs were ranked

by U.S. News 2018 Best Online Programs.

The rankings showcase top programs that demonstrate strong academics and are well-suited for adults looking to further their education and improve career-related skills The U.S. News & World Report rankings of “Best Online Programs” create a detailed comparison of quality online programs across the nation. Managing editor of education at U.S. News, Anita Narayan, said, “The Best Online Programs rankings offer adults the information needed to identify programs that best suit their life and career goals.”

Online programs from all four University of Nebraska campuses earned a spot in the rankings. University of Nebraska at Kearney: No. 25 - Best Online Graduate Education Programs. University of Nebraska – Lincoln: No. 12 - Best Online Graduate Education Programs; No. 29 - Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs; No. 35 - Best Online Bachelor’s Programs; No. 42 - Best Online MBA Programs. University of Nebraska Medical Center: No. 58 - Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. University of Nebraska at Omaha: No. 3 - Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs; No. 16 - Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

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Visit online.nebraska.edu for more information on the 125+ online programs offered from the University of Nebraska.

BUSINESS NEWS Greenfield’s Rolls Out New Menu Greenfield’s is excited to announce the recent debut of its new menu, which officially launched last month! There are plenty of delicious new items awaiting guests, including brand new exclusive dishes as well as favorites that have been brought back.

Just in time for spring, Greenfield’s has added a Coconut Chicken Salad and Brussels & Bacon Salad, both made with only the freshest ingredients. The new Pork Chop entrée is grilled to perfection, and just in time for Lent, you can’t go wrong with the scrumptious Fish N Chips.

You’ll now find more delightful, hearty breakfast/brunch fare too, including Chicken & Waffles and the Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich. All menu items are available all day long so you can enjoy any of them any time you like! Additionally, Greenfield’s offers a nice selection of local craft beers for guests to enjoy, and the newest additions for spring are Stella Artois and Amstel Light.

Be sure to stop in and try the new menu items, and as spring approaches, watch for the opening of outdoor patio seating!

Located at 87th & Hwy. 2, Greenfield’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in Lincoln’s most hospitable atmosphere, and also offers takeout and catering. For more information, visit www.greenfieldscafe.com, call (402) 420-3232, and “Like” Greenfield’s on Facebook to be the first to find out about anything new and exciting!

Talent Plus Launches New Generation of Workforce and Succession Planning Models Talent Plus, Inc.® is the leading partner in building and sustaining high-performing, fullyengaged cultures through talent selection, development and analytics. Strategic Workforce Planning and Succession Planning are structured processes to align an organization’s skills, knowledge and talent with the business strategy in order to identify potential roadblocks, Future Size your organization and understand where there is a need for coaching and investing to prepare employees.

“Organizations striving to be competitive in this age of data visualization, technology automation, mass retirement and the ‘Gig Economy’ would be wise to have a structured program for retaining, developing and promoting the most talented staff to move them into the future,” according to Don Tomlinson, Chief Information Officer for Talent Plus. “Talent Plus’ combination of state-of-the-art data visualization and The Science of Talent® allows organizations to map their workforce according to geography, performance, talent potential and readiness.”

PWC CEO Survey states that “70% of CEOs say availability of key skills is a top threat to their company.” This new analytics-based visual process allows real-time data to visually depict the next people in line based on talent, identifying individuals who can then be trained for next-level leadership.

While the Workforce Planning tools focus on the organization, from frontline leadership to middle managers and supervisors, Succession Planning focuses more heavily on upper management and c-suite roles.

Both processes determine levels of talent for leadership. Based on the current roles and scale of the workforce, the tools used to deliver the science will be chosen to be the best fit.

To learn more about The Science of Talent and how it aligns with Workforce and Succession Planning, visit www.talentplus.com, email solutions@talentplus.com, or call 1-800-VARSITY today.

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BUSINESS NEWS Stur 22 Lounge Hosts Official Opening Celebration It’s official - Stur 22 Lounge recently celebrated its formal debut in Lincoln! At the event, held on January 2 6 , a r i bb o n - c u t t i n g ceremony conducted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce marked the opening of the signature restaurant and lounge concept. During the ceremony, owner Charles Brewer remarked, “Just knowing that the Lincoln community is accepting and supporting of small, diverse business growth is very appreciating and gratifying.” Brewer and his wife and co-owner, Jamie Brewer, invited the community to join in the celebration and see for themselves all that Stur 22 Lounge has to offer.

Stur 22 Lounge is a vibrant, modern, and sophisticated lounge that is the perfect place for upbeat adults to socialize in a classy yet comfortable environment. At Stur 22, guests can always count on exceptional service, delicious Caribbean and African cuisines, and uniquely refreshing drinks.

Stur 22 Lounge is located at 2110 Winthrop Road. Hours are Tuesday – Wednesday 5-11 p.m., Thursday 5 p.m.-midnight, Friday Saturday 5 p.m. – 1 a.m., Sunday 5-11 p.m., and closed on Monday.

For more information, visit stur22lounge.com, call (402) 805-4579, or find them on Facebook!

Lincoln SCORE Membership Drive Continues Through March Lincoln SCORE’s membership drive is still underway this month as the organization continues to actively seek local businesspeople to serve as mentors.

Lincoln SCORE is a c hapter of SCORE, a national nonprofit association resource partner with the Small Business Administration (SBA) dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses.

Every year, SCORE volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs start small businesses and achieve new levels of success in their existing businesses. Volunteering at SCORE is a way for you to give back to your community, connect with fellow business owners, and pass on your knowledge and expertise to the next generation of entrepreneurs in your community. Currently, there is a specific need for those who are willing to help coordinate and deliver educational content.

Do you have valuable knowledge and experience that you are willing to share with others? Please consider joining the Lincoln SCORE volunteer team. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of four hours per month but can contribute as much as they like. You can make a difference in the success of a new business and help make dreams come true!

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If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please apply online at lincoln.score.org/volunteer, call (402) 437-2409 or email infolincoln@scorevolunteer.org.

BUSINESS NEWS Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Presents Spring Affair April 27-28 The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum is excited to announce its Spring Affair, the Midwest’s largest plant sale and gardening event, will be held April 27-28.

One of the longest-running plant events in the nation, 2018 will mark its 32nd anniversary.

Sponsored by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Spring Affair offers and promotes regional plants. Held at the Lancaster Event Center, more than 700 varieties of plants will be available, including perennials, herbs, and grasses from Bluebird Nursery, Inc. of Clarkson, NE, and trees and shrubs from the Arboretum. All of the plants are selected for regional sustainability, uniqueness, and demand.

For those who wish to preview the plant selection, the Spring Affair Preview Party will take place on the evening of Friday, April 27.

This ticketed event, with a meal served from 6-8 p.m. and plant sale 6-9 p.m., gives plant lovers a chance to enjoy a sit-down meal with gardening friends, live music and a chance to purchase plants with a wine glass in one hand and a basket in the other, before the Saturday sale. Then, on Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. the sale will be open to the public, with guests enjoying free parking and admission.

For more information, visit plantnebraska.org/spring-affair or contact the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum at (402) 472-2971 / arboretum@unl.edu.

Berry Law Firm Gets Traction With EOS From John Fulwider and gear80 Berry Law Firm is getting traction with its vision: Representing warriors nationwide.

Berry Law Firm, #3,681 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private businesses, chose John Fulwider of gear80 to help them implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System®, also known as Traction. The Firm now has a complete shared vision: Who they are, where they’re going, and how they plan to get there.

The Firm is dedicated and relentless in its defense of individual rights, protecting clients against criminal charges, fighting for justice for victims of personal injury, representing clients in civil litigation and licensing matters, and protecting Veterans’ rights. The professionals at Berry Law Firm are dedicated to fighting for their clients in the Next Battle of their clients’ lives. To learn more about their practice, you can visit www.jsberrylaw.com. gear80 helps entrepreneurial leadership teams get everything they want from their businesses. All gear80 does is help growth-oriented companies like Bulu Box, Bluestem Fiber, ComPro, EyeCare Specialties, and MultiMechanics implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System, also known as Traction. It’s a proven set of practical tools that get your people rowing in the same direction; executing your vision with accountability and discipline; and working together as a healthy and cohesive team. If you want to grow your business, contact Professional EOS® Implementer John Fulwider at (402) 202-2820 or john@gear80.co.

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BUSINESS NEWS Living in the Yellow Announces Upcoming Dates for Basic Pistol Course for Women Patty Nun, an NRA Trained Pistol Instructor, has announced the next Basic Pistol Course for Women being offered Saturday, March 24 is nearly full. The next class being offered in Lincoln will be on Saturday, September 22. This full day class is for women who have little or no previous experience handling a pistol. Registration is limited to twelve participants. “ Wo m e n a r e l e g i t a m a t e l y concerned for their safety. We all know there is no substitute for being prepared and aware of our surroundings to insure the safety of ourselves and our family members. That is the common theme of the training we do at Living in the Yellow,” says Nun. “This is a course for someone who has never held or fired a pistol and does not currently know the difference between a single-action or doubleaction revolver, or even between a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol. We provide a relaxed setting where women can learn in a safe environment with a trained, professional team that always have safety as the priority.” She adds, “This does not qualify as a conceal carry course for women, but we plan to offer that later this year.”

To find out more information or to register, go to www.LivingInTheYellow. org or call/text Patty Nun at (402) 432-6470.

Development of New Downtown Lincoln Master Plan Underway

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On September 26, 2005, the Lincoln City Council officially approved a new Downtown Master Plan. Fast forward 13 years and over $1.3 billion dollars of investment later, and you will find a thriving and cohesive urban core. Downtown Lincoln is now ready for its next chapter and excited to capitalize on these changes by planning for an adapting market.

Starting in February of 2018, The City of Lincoln and the Downtown Lincoln Association will be partnering with experts (led by P.U.M.A.) to create a new Downtown Lincoln Master Plan that will guide public and private investments to elevate Downtown Lincoln as the premier urban neighborhood in the region The consultants working on the project include: Progressive Urban Management Associates, Inc. (P.U.M.A); Civitas and Felsburg; and Holt & Ullevig (FHU).

The expected timeline for the project is as follows: February 2018 - The consultants made their first visit to Lincoln at the end of February to convene with focus groups for the project, including downtown employees, residents and business owners.

Spring 2018 - This spring the consultants will return to Lincoln to generate input from the community and hold several public meetings.

During this time, the consultants will identify downtown issues, opportunities, improvements and priorities.

Summer 2018 - A general framework will be developed using input provided during the process.

Fall 2018 - A final plan will be delivered to the public.

If you would like to stay up-to-date with the process or are interested in participating, please email info@downtownlincoln.org.

BUSINESS NEWS Ribbon-Cutting Marks Launch of Lucero Activation & Consulting At a special event held on Febr uary 7, Tony Lucero introduced his new business, Lucero Activation & Consulting.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce kicked off the celebration, followed by Lucero addressing those in attendance, providing exciting details about the purpose and trajectory of his newlyformed company.

Lucero Activation & Consulting specializes in elevating professionals and businesses/organizations by implementing modalities that deliver both immediate and long-term results. With the strong belief that discovery is the first step to mastery, by identifying and addressing blind spots, it opens up the opportunity for real change to happen and success to be achieved. Representing the new era of professional growth and branding culture, Tony is passionate about creating a cause-driven environment. He will be focusing on the following offerings: motivational speaking seminars, workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and team-building.

Lucero Activation & Consulting – Activate to Elevate! For more information about Lucero Activation & Consulting, contact Tony Lucero at (619) 344-7409 / tony@tonylucero.com or visit the website at www.tonylucero.com.

Star City BaconFest 2018 to Cook Up Creative Bacon-Based Treats Bacon lovers, this is the news you’ve been waiting for: Star City BaconFest returns to the Capital City for the third year on April 22 at Lincoln’s Cornhusker Marriott Hotel.

Again this year, chefs from several popular area restaurants will offer up their creative bacon-infused samples of everything from sweet to savory–and about everything in between.

Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with bacon sampling continuing until 7 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults, with children 12 and under free.

Ticket availability is limited, so purchasing early is strongly suggested.

Tickets can be purchased online at starcitybaconfest.com.

Entertainment will be provided by Screamers Dining and Cabaret.

Blue Blood Brewing Company will be providing beer samples, while Pepsi will be offering free soft drink samples. Throughout the evening, BaconFest attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite bacon-inspired treats. Hormel Foods is providing products for the chefs to use during Star City BaconFest.

Star City BaconFest 2018 is sponsored again this year by the Nebraska Restaurant Association (NRA) and the Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NPPA). Proceeds go toward scholarships for culinary students in Nebraska.

For more information, visit starcitybaconfest.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Lincoln CVB Welcomes Bobblehead Abe Last year, the Lincoln Visitors Center introduced over 10,000 visitors to Lincoln.

Each visitor takes away something from the city that resonates with them. For some it is the rush of attending a game at Memorial Stadium, for others it’s enjoying a show at the Lied Center, but now there is something new for visitors to see! At a Lincoln Chamber ribbon-cutting ceremony held on February 12, the Lincoln Visitors Center (7th & P Street in the Lincoln Station) unveiled our very own Abraham Lincoln bobblehead in honor of our city’s namesake and in celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s 209th birthday. Lincoln’s bobblehead Abe stands 5 feet tall and will be housed at the Visitors Center located in the heart of the Historic Haymarket.

Abe is not just for visitors to Lincoln, he is also for lifelong Lincolnites.

Help celebrate his arrival by taking a snapshot next to Abe, then share your experience on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #AbeLNK!

Boyd Jones Achieves Safety Milestone in 2017 Boyd Jones is pleased to share they have maintained a record­able incident rate of zero in 2017. “This is a tremendous accomplishment in our industry,” said Jon Crane, President of Boyd Jones. “I’m incredibly proud of our hardworking people who made this possible and consistently put safety first. Reaching this achievement is a reflection of the excellent training our team receives and every­one’s daily commitment to our core value of safety.”

In 2017, Boyd Jones invested in more than 500 hours of safety training with personnel working on projects spanning the Midwest region. That commitment to safety through regular training, communication, and teamwork is reflected in their excellent Experience Modification Rate (EMR), which has consistently outperformed the industry average by approximately 30% for more than 10 years. “We believe safety is everyone’s job,” noted Jared Jensen, Safety Director at Boyd Jones.

“We encourage open communication and empower our teams to ask questions and speak up if they see the potential for an issue. Everyone has a stake in safety.”

“Safety is our number one value at Boyd Jones,” Crane concluded. “This achievement is proof that making safety a priority and investing in its success pays off.”

For more information about Boyd Jones Construction, visit boydjones.biz or contact the Lincoln office at (402) 261-5077.

Helicopter Egg Drop Highlight of Spring Fling On Marc h 10, the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum will hold a Spring Fling that will prove to be fun for the entire family. It begins at 10 a.m. with a helicopter flyover at the front entrance of the museum. The helicopter will drop thousands of eggs onto the grassy area and youth ages 10 and under will be invited to hunt and gather eggs. The kids will be separated into two age groups of up to 5 years old and 6-10 years old. The museum will then offer hands-on activities indoors until 12 p.m. Activities include a picture with the Easter Bunny, face painting, coloring contest raffle, and a make-and-take project.

The outdoor egg hunt is free and general admission applies to those entering the museum. The Spring Fling event, Children’s Learning Center activities, and Energy Explorers exhibit are included with general admission. Guests must register in advance for the 12 p.m. Get Smart Saturday workshop. To learn more about displays, education programs, events, and exhibits at the museum go to www.SACMuseum.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS WISB to Host Two Events in March The Women in Sales and Business (WISB) group will be hosting a special event this month! Come to the March Madness Mixer on Wednesday, March 21 from 5-7 p.m. at Staybridge Suites, 2701 Fletcher Avenue. Members will be featured at a vendor fair with drinks, appetizers, and excellent company! There will be door prizes from WISB members and swag bags for the first 30 guests. Anyone interested is invited to come check out the group! Details can be found on the WISB website and Facebook.

The WISB regular monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 14 at The Venue in the NE/Lancaster Room at 4111 Pioneer Woods Drive.

Women in Sales & Business began meeting in 1987 to offer businesswomen the opportunity to network within an intimate group.

Today, the goal is to encourage and develop creative leadership in women. WISB is dedicated to promoting growth through the accumulation and sharing of knowledge. The meeting this month will be focused on networking with group members! Be sure to join for this great business-building opportunity!

The meeting starts with lunch at 11:30 a.m. with meeting following from 11:55 a.m. until 1 p.m. Cost is $18 which includes lunch (cost is $10 if you only attend the meeting). Please register online at www. wisblincoln.org on the events page to RSVP. More information can also be found on the website or by contacting WISB via email at info@wisblincoln.org.

Local Fans Welcome First Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza Restaurant in Nebraska Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza opened a beautiful 2,900-square-foot restaurant at 1317 Q Street in downtown Lincoln on February 15.

Since 2012, Blaze Pizza has been serving artisanal pies that are both fast and affordable. Each restaurant features an interactive open kitchen format that allows guests to customize one of the menu’s generously sized personal signature pizzas or create your own, all for around $8. Every pizza features made-from-scratch dough crafted in house daily, all-natural meats and vegetables, and is finished in an open flame oven which cooks pizzas in three minutes flat. For guests with special dietary needs, Blaze offers gluten-free dough, vegan cheese, animal rennet free dairy, and tree-nut free pesto.

Each of these elements have assisted the brand with becoming the fastest-growing restaurant in history.

Driven by its commitment to “Intelligent Choices for Our Pizzas, People & Planet,” the Lincoln restaurant is constructed with recycled and sustainable materials, uses eco-friendly packaging, and features energy-efficient LED lighting.

Blaze Pizza is looking forward to building strong roots within the Lincoln community. The local restaurant has developed a turn-key in-restaurant fundraiser program that returns 20% of an event’s proceeds back to local organizations, and will be partnering with local schools, sports clubs and other organizations to host fundraising events. The Lincoln restaurant will also create 55 jobs locally.

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Paul McCrae, Blaze Pizza Franchisee said, “We are thrilled to be a part of the ‘Go Big Red’ experience in the heart of downtown Lincoln, where we are going to match the enthusiasm of the greatest fans in colligate sports with our passion for pizza. We are going to Change the Game.”

ASK THE EXPERT: COMPRO 402-488-5100 www.comproins.com

by Chris McPike, Vice President ComPro Insurance

What is a Healthcare Sharing Ministry?

Healthcare sharing ministries have been around for a long time. However, their popularity has skyrocketed since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the corresponding sharp increases in premiums for individuals that purchase their own health insurance. It is NOT insurance, but many see it as an alternative to traditional health insurance.

A healthcare sharing ministry IS a faith-based, nonprofit organization of like-minded people with common faith values who have joined together for the purpose of sharing one another’s medical expenses. An internet search yields the names of several options such as Medi-Share, Liberty Healthshare, Samaritan Ministries and Christian Healthcare Ministries.

These plans are increasingly popular because of cost. A new member must select the amount they will be responsible for paying before asking for reimbursement of a medical expense. Then your “monthly portion”, the amount that you contribute each month, is determined. Depending upon the program, it can vary based on age and health factors.

Membership is based on medical eligibility. The rules of the Affordable Care Act do not apply since this is not insurance. A membership application must be submitted that includes health history. A person that does not meet the medical eligibility criteria can be declined for membership.

There is no guarantee that your medical expenses will be reimbursed.

The financial stability of a healthcare sharing ministry is critical. From the perspective of a medical provider, a member of a healthcare sharing ministry does not have health insurance and will be personally responsible for all charges incurred.

We are accustomed to utilizing medical providers that belong to a “network” that is affiliated with our health plan. These networks do not exist with healthcare sharing ministries, so you can use any doctor or hospital.

Since the medical provider does not have the assurance of payment that comes with traditional health insurance plans, the member may have to pay in advance or provide a guarantee.

Some of the healthcare sharing ministries have preferred providers that may offer lower charges to members. The ministry may also work with members to negotiate lower charges with medical providers. Traditional health insurance offers unlimited benefits. This is not true with healthcare sharing ministries where maximum benefits are defined.

The monthly share for a 40-year-old individual in Lincoln, NE ranges from $116 to $339 with one program. A 40-year-old individual enrolling with Medica would pay from $486 to $764. The interest is obvious with this difference in cost. Be certain to carefully review the financial risk and the difference in having access to care that you are accepting with a healthcare sharing ministry.

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CAMERON

Cameron Christensen EBBEKA DESIGN CO.

Since 2001, Ebbeka Design Co. has created visual communications and corporate identity packages for businesses on the local, regional and national levels. With an emphasis in design, the company develops and implements marketing strategies and websites for both business-to-business and direct-to-consumer clientele.

Cameron Christensen is a graphic designer at Ebbeka Design Co. How did you get started in the business? - I have always been a creative person and loved the idea of creating identities and marketing materials for companies. I enjoy being challenged and work through problems to provide the best possible products for the clients. I went to school for graphic design and later joined the Ebbeka team after an internship.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - For me it would have to be time management. Being a creative person, I like to spend a lot of time making one design perfect, but it is important to do this in a timely manner so the client receives their product in time.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- It will always be providing quality work for the clients. This is also rewarding because it allows me to represent the company I work for in a positive light.

Tell us a little about your family. - My family is really close. Even though we are big we always make time for each other. My fiancée is a huge part of my life and does an amazing job of loving and supporting me.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - My days off consist of playing video games, spending time with family and friends and building my knowledge base in the marketing field.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I really don’t like cheese. I take it off pizza and always make sure to not have it on any of my food.

What are you the most proud of? - I can’t choose only one! I am proud of graduating college, getting the job and career I have, and the life I have begun with my fiancée.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - Tubthumping by Chumbawamba. I chose this song for the chorus, “I get knocked down, but I get up again. You’re never gonna keep me down.”

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - I would like to have the power to read minds. I think this would help eliminate any issues that come from communication, increase my productivity at work and would make life really easy.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I like to think I am a talented gamer because it is a hobby of the mind and reflexes and something I really enjoy.

Which talent would you most like to have? - I would love to be a talented musician, because I love music and the escape it provides.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - A professional wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I am honored to be able to work with great organizations such as The Food Bank of Lincoln, NeighborWorks, Holy Name School in Omaha and much more.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Cheddars for their Chicken Fried Chicken dinner.

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

- Email: cameron@ebbekadesign.com; Website: ebbekadesign.com.

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STAR CITY SIX

KATHY

Kathy Carstenson

ALLO COMMUNICATIONS ALLO Communications specializes in providing world-class communications services by creating gigabit communities, offering solutions to businesses, residents, and government entities. Kathy Carstenson is the Business Sales Director at ALLO. Tell us a little about your business. - For 13 years, ALLO has managed an all-fiber network that delivers feature-rich phone services, internet speeds to fit your needs, and crystal-clear TV. ALLO’s all-fiber data network allows you to connect your multi-site businesses, helping companies of all sizes become more efficient and productive. ALLO GIG Cities include Lincoln, Scottsbluff, Gering, North Platte, Ogallala, Bridgeport and Alliance. Fort Morgan will be built in 2018 and we recently announced the purchase of Glenwood Telecommunication’s fiber infrastructure and customers in Hastings, NE. How did you get started in the business? - My sister’s friend Ron Ferry, General Manager at LinTel (Lincoln Telephone), hired me as a sales engineer in 1988 and introduced me to trunks, POTS lines, and fiber.

It’s one of the best things that ever happened to me.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Changing professions from programmer to sales engineer for a telecom company.

I had to learn a whole new set of acronyms.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I have several, but the most important to me is building a successful team that makes a difference for the customers we bring to ALLO. Tell us a little about your family. - I am married to my loving husband Eric and have 2 beautiful children. My daughter Gera lives in Florida, which is a great place to visit in the cold months. My son Ryan is attending UNL double-majoring in Economics and Management.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I like to golf with my husband and read.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I used to compete in triathlons. My longest race was a 500-yard swim, 80-mile bike ride, and a 10K run.

I was very hungry after that race!

What are you the most proud of? - My family; they are my rock.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Change is good, embrace it. Change keeps you growing and adapting as a person.

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

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - A college professor teaching physics.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - JDRF. My son is diabetic and a cure can’t come fast enough.

What is your favorite movie? - Mamma Mia!, especially because of the Dancing Queen number…it makes me want to dance every time!

What is your favorite TV show? - Nashville! I wish they would sing more because I like country music.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante.

I love the wine and pizza combination!

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Eleanor Roosevelt. She was able to make some important changes in the world, and I’d like know what motivated her to step outside her comfort zone among other things.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 261-0932; Email: kcarstenson@allophone.net; Website: www.allocommunications.com/business.

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STAR CITY SIX

BRIANNA

Brianna Kuebler

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JMISKO SURGICAL DESIGN | MD Meet Brianna Kuebler, Director of Marketing at JMISKO surgical design | md.

Tell us a little about your business. - To many, JMISKO surgical design | md is bestknown for aesthetics and skincare in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney.

Although this is what the company was built on, our team is progressive and evolving. In addition, we also specialize in hormone replacement, hair and weight loss solutions, and stem cell pain treatment. Dr. Misko has, deservingly so, earned the reputation as a world-renowned physician specializing in hair loss. We are the only practice in Nebraska that offers a Robotic Hair Restoration service that has already changed many lives.

Tell us a little about your family. - I am married to my amazing husband, Jake. We got married October 8, 2016 at a beautiful winery in Sprague. We are both from Lincoln and went to rival high schools. He doesn’t know this yet, but when the time comes, our kids will definitely be wearing green & silver and not black & gold.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Anything with Jake; we are both very active, love to work out, spend time with our families and of course cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs and LeBron James.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I don’t understand the whole Chipotle hype.

What are you the most proud of? - I am most proud to say that both Jake and I come from families with parents still happily married after all these years. We understand how rare that is and we have a great script to follow.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - From my parents: “Never show up empty-handed.”

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - The ability to turn water into…Sugar-Free Red Bull. (I’d save a lot of money!)

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Being THE BEST aunt.

Which talent would you most like to have? - Sing and play acoustic guitar.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - A nurse. My mom, Nancy Exstrom, and sister, Alicia Fox, work in the critical care unit at St. Elizabeth and I couldn’t think of a more fulfilling or rewarding profession than saving lives for a living.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - taP (the alexis PROJECT; thealexisproject.org). It’s a local non-profit against drunk driving. My first job was at a local advertising agency called Minnow Project. My then-boss, Todd Calfee, is still a mentor and friend. His late daughter, Alexis, and her boyfriend, Chris, were killed by a drunk driver in 2011. This past fall, our community lost a colleague and close friend of mine who was killed by a drunk driver while riding his bike countryside on his way to meet up with his wife, Christy. I have seen firsthand the impact on both families who lost their loved one from the selfish act of drinking and driving. taP, you’re it!

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Gate 25.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Ellen DeGeneres. She’s kind, selfless and truly makes the world a better, happier place.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Via our website at JMISKO.com.

STAR CITY SIX

WAHADI

Wahadi Allen

THE WATERFORD COMMUNITIES The Waterford Communities are locally owned and operated, with two assisted living locations—The Waterford at College View and The Waterford at Williamsburg--and one location specifically dedicated to providing memory care—The Waterford at Wilderness Hills. All of The Waterford Communities offer a home-like environment along with a host of amenities that allow residents to maintain their independence and the quality of life that they deserve. Wahadi Allen was recently promoted to Head Chef at The Waterford at Williamsburg.

Tell us a little about your new role. - Most call it hospitality or food service, but for me it’s altogether different. I create experiences using food as my platform, with a superior level of service. That’s my particular type of magic.

How did you get started in the business? - When it comes to cooking, my grandfather was probably the most influential. He was my role model, a talented cook, and made it seem like it was a privilege reserved only for the worthy, so I was naturally inclined to follow in his footsteps. As far as pursuing it as a career, my dear friend and mentor Dean Murray gave me an employment opportunity at his catering company on the gulf coast that fanned the flame. I decided to follow my passion and attend culinary school.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Leaving my comfort zone in fine dining. By pursuing a new opportunity that required change, it allowed for growth professionally and personally.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Years back I took a culinary position with a large company in the oil industry. When I interviewed, management said they believed I was out of my element and the turnover rate for professional chefs was extremely high. A year later I was presented the award for best chef in a fleet of 52 drill ships on the best sea drill rig in North America. Although that was certainly a highlight of my career, what’s most important to me is to use my talents in the service of others.

Tell us a little about your family. - My grandparents left a big mark on my life. My beautiful wife Katie is my muse; she gives my life meaning and without her it would be hard to color inside the lines.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Hurricane Katrina. It taught me to respect change and live in the moment.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Cook dinner for my wife.

What are you the most proud of? - My friendships. I can’t imagine a world without them.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - To whom much is given, much is required…there ain’t no free lunch!

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - One ring to rule them all! Kidding, maybe read minds…just imagine the level of service I’d be able to provide then!

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Motivational speaking. I love sharing stories and tidbits of accumulated knowledge to empower others.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I’m a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - The Oven. I can’t get enough!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Email: wahadiallen@gmail.com; Website: thewaterford.net.

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STAR CITY SIX

JASON

Jason Kubik

SOUTHWICK LIQUID WASTE Southwick Liquid Waste is a septic installation and liquid waste pumping company that services Lincoln, NE and the surrounding areas. The locally owned and operated company serves residential and commercial clients, and is also certified to perform septic, lagoon, and well inspections for property transfers in Lancaster and neighboring counties. Jason Kubik is the owner of Southwick Liquid Waste.

How did you get started in the business? - Brad Southwick gave me an opportunity in December of 2005 to come work for him with the idea that I would someday buy the company. My family and Brad Southwick’s family had been friends for years.

My two older sisters babysat his daughters when they were in high school. In 2013 I bought the company and in 2014 my wife quit teaching to help me.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I would say the biggest challenge we face is the fact that we are always up against Mother Nature. Mother Nature determines if we can work whether it be what season of the year we are experiencing or the amount of rain she wants to unload on our area. Mother Nature also determines the soil types we work with as we figure out if the ground is suitable enough for a septic system. Mother Nature can wreak havoc with rain storms causing lots of problems for people who live on septic. And since no one has figured out how to control the weather, it is something we just have to work around, but it does make our schedules a nightmare and can cause our customers problems.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife, Jaime, and I have been married 14 years and we have two boys, Kaden (13) and Kahle (10).

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spend time with the family. We are big baseball fans so playing in the yard with the boys or going to a Royals game – if the season and weather allow!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I am a twin, so if you meet someone who looks like me but doesn’t seem to recognize you.... it probably isn’t me! My brother and I are identical twins so this tends to happen quite a bit.

What are you the most proud of? - It may sound cliché, but my family. We are fortunate to be able to work and live together.

Raising a family while owning your own business creates a tightknit home where everyone really needs the other family members to make things work smoothly on a daily basis.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - You never really know what’s going on in a person’s life, so when you work with others, keep in mind the way they respond to you may have more to do with what they are dealing with in private and not you personally.

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

- Phone: (402) 475-2462; Website: www.southwickliquidwaste. com.

STAR CITY SIX

LEAH

Leah States THE MIRADA

The Mirada is an apartment community in South Lincoln that opened in June of 2016.

It is owned and managed by Krueger Development. Leah States is the Property Manager at The Mirada.

Tell us a little about your business. - In short, we have the most luxurious apartments and amenities around! Residents have access to an indoor/outdoor convertible swimming pool with a hot tub and fireplace, gym, movie theater room, game room and underground parking.

How did you get started in the business? - A good friend of mine, Christina Melgoza, who currently works for Krueger Development, told me about the open position. I saw an opportunity to get into a career that was completely new to me and I have grown so much in it already thus far.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I came into this company having no property management experience.

After only 2 months I was entrusted with my own community to lease and manage.

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband, Jason, and I met at Hastings College and have been married for 6 1/2 years. We have a 4-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son who keep us on our toes.

We are also parents to a 7-month-old Mini Goldendoodle, Charlie.

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

- My husband had a serious medical diagnosis and major procedure done in 2015 that completely changed the path our lives were going down. But we’ve overcome it together and are now back home, closer to family and friends, and loving life.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy sitting on the couch with a hot cup of coffee watching sappy love movies on Hallmark!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I have had 4 knee surgeries in the span of 3 years and still enjoy playing volleyball twice a week.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Sometimes I’d really like to become invisible.

Which talent would you most like to have? - I wish I could sing.

Singing in the shower and car don’t count!

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would love to be a photographer and travel the world.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? Anything by Nicholas Sparks.

What is your favorite TV show? - All of the Chicagos – Med, PD, and Fire!

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Office: (402) 328-9696; Email: manager@themirada.com; Website: www.themirada.com.

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ASK THE EXPERT: GEAR80 402-202-2820 www.gear80.co

by John Fulwider, Founder gear80

Get Great People & Results With Cake, Not With Icing Business owners can have great people and great results if they’ll just serve cake without icing.

I see owners try the icing first when building their culture. Icing is things like printing your Core Values on coffee mugs and painting them in three-foot-tall letters on the wall.

These owners know they can’t achieve their vision without great people.

They know solid Core Values attract the right people and repel the wrong people. They want to hire, fire, review, reward, and recognize based on Core Values.

But it’s not working, because they’ve neglected the three-layer cake that’s the foundation. You need these three layers to perpetuate your Core Values and build your culture: 1. Hire every single person on Core Values 2. Review based on Core Values 3. Give a Quarterly State of the Company speech You can bake these three layers into your company (see what I did there?) even if you’ve burned every real cake you’ve ever made. Here’s how: Hire every single person on Core Values: Try to scare candidates away with a Core Values Speech. In this final step in your hiring process, you say something like, “At The Three-Layer Company, we’re all-in.

Nobody says, ‘That’s not my job.’ We do whatever it takes to get the job done. If that’s not you, I just want to warn you you’re going to be very uncomfortable. It just won’t work out.”

Candidates who have your values will light up. The ones who don’t, you’ll see the energy drain from their face.

Review based on Core Values: The People Analyzer needs to be a part of your performance reviews. This simple tool brings crystal clarity to tough people issues. You simply rate each person on how her or his daily behaviors reflect, or don’t, your Core Values. Then, you have open and honest conversations when people are below the bar.

When your people realize they’re being evaluated on Core Values, that starts to perpetuate the Core Values, and build a culture around them.

Give a Quarterly State of the Company speech: Every quarter you, the owner, need to tell your people in an all-hands meeting where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going.

“Where we’re going” is an opportunity to show your Vision/Traction Organizer, a two-page plan that leads off with Core Values. For each Core Value, share one real-life story where somebody exemplified the value in the last 90 days.

Just do those three things, and it’s 80% of the battle. Add icing if you’d like, but be sure you’re spreading it on a solid foundation: Your threelayer cake.

Core Values, People Analyzer, and Vision/Traction Organizer are all tools in the Entrepreneurial Operating System®: A proven, complete system with a set of simple, practical tools designed to get you everything you want from your business.

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Companies like EyeCare Specialties, ComPro, Bulu Box, Berry Law Firm, Bluestem Fiber, and MultiMechanics all trust EOS. For more, see www. gear80.co/what-is-eos/, text or call me at (402) 202-2820, or email john@gear80.co.

PERSONNEL NEWS Strictly Business Welcomes Hannah Hundley as Executive Assistant Strictly Business Magazine is excited to welcome Hannah Hundley, who has joined the team as the new Executive Assistant!

Hannah is proud to call Lincoln her home.

She graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School and then attended the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. While at UNL, she majored in Hospitality, Restaurant, and Tourism Management with minors in Business, Leadership, and Communication. Hannah is passionate about enhancing communities through events, building relationships, and supporting local businesses. She has gained professional experience in a variety of roles, including Event Director for the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce, Marketing Intern for the Nebraska Tourism Commission, and a variety of event planning positions.

As Executive Assistant for Strictly Business, Hannah will work on both the sales and the production side of the publication, with a wide variety of responsibilities including client correspondence, account management, event planning and networking.

Hannah can be reached at (402) 466-3330 or via email at office@ strictlybusinessomaha.com.

Lancaster Rehab Administrator Amy Fish First in State to Receive HSE Qualification Using a forward-looking approach to how long-term care leaders are educated, trained and licensed, the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) recently instituted a new qualification standard for Health Services Executives (HSEs). Lancaster Rehabilitation Center’s Administrator Amy Fish was Nebraska’s first licensed nursing home administrator to achieve the distinction.

“As a member of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ Board of Nursing Home Administrators, I felt it was important to support the NAB’s mission in creating a credential that allows administrators to practice along the continuum of health services with increased portability of their license,” said Fish, who received the designation in January.

The HSE qualification involves a professional practice analysis that examines both common and specialized tasks — as measured by education, experience and examination — ensuring the applicant meets or exceeds the current requirements of licensure for nursing home, assisted living, and home- and community-based service administrators in the majority of jurisdictions.

Through its HSE qualification, the NAB, a national authority on licensing executives in long-term care, is committed to maintaining professional image, practice standards and licensure portability; meeting the needs of employers and regulators; and supporting regulatory boards and agencies in their role of public protection. It’s a mission that Fish fully supports.

Amy Fish joined the Lancaster Rehabilitation Center team in July 2014.

She has worked as a health care Administrator since October 1988.

Fish is an active member of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ Board of Nursing Home Administration, Northview Lincoln Business Association and the Nebraska Health Care Association.

She also is a licensed Preceptor for the State of Nebraska, and active on the NAB. Call (402) 441-7101 or visit lancasterrc.com to learn more.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Tabitha Welcomes Alan Uden as CFO Tabitha, Nebraska’s industry-leading Senior Care provider, welcomes Alan Uden as chief financial officer of Tabitha.

Uden comes to Tabitha with over 35 years of extensive experience and knowledge in finance and accounting, including compensation plans and physician contractual compliance. He was instrumental in developing standardized policies, data metrics and financial reporting for regional operations in one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health care systems. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and is currently a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

“Alan comes to Tabitha with an impressive background and a passion for strategic planning,” said Christie Hinrichs, Tabitha President and CEO. “His expertise will guide us to attain our operational and financial goals and we are very grateful to have him as part of the Tabitha team.”

Tabitha, a for-purpose, nonprofit organization, offers Nebraska’s first and most comprehensive line of Elder Care services. Focused on enhancing the dignity, independence and well-being of older adults, the Tabitha Elder Care Continuum supports every stage of the aging journey through advanced in-home support, innovative living communities, exceptional rehabilitation, skilled nursing care and compassionate hospice support. Tabitha’s expert team of health care professionals work alongside clients to determine current needs as well as to anticipate how those needs may evolve and change, while successfully accomplishing health and lifestyle goals. For answers to all your aging questions, visit Tabitha.org.

Southeast Community College Hires Rick Blessen as Director of Advancement

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With 25 years of fundraising experience, Rick Blessen of Crete has been named Southeast Community College’s first director of advancement. Blessen most recently was the development director at Doane University in Crete. He looks forward to using his experience in higher education fundraising at SCC. “Southeast Community College is providing not only an opportunity for students to have an affordable top-quality education, but to be educated in high-demand, well-paying fields,” Blessen said.

Blessen is a Columbus native who graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1993. In addition to Doane he also worked at Nebraska Educational Television and the Nebraska Humanities Council. He and his wife, Jennifer Robison, have three children: Jack, Gus and Belle, who attend Crete Public Schools.

He told his family he wanted to work somewhere he could leave a lasting legacy.

“I want to look back with a sense of pride,” he said. “I would love to walk these campuses with my grandkids some day and show them what we were able to accomplish.”

Blessen is working on securing funding for many current expansions at SCC, including a new health sciences building and culinary space in Lincoln, a new diesel technology facility in Milford and an improved residential and dining space in Beatrice.

Southeast Community College offers more than 50 career and technical programs in Beatrice, Lincoln and Milford, as well as online.

For more information, visit www.southeast.edu.

PERSONNEL NEWS Terry Rush Joins E&A Consulting Group E&A Consulting Group, Inc. is very pleased to announce the addition of Terry Rush to the role of marketing and business development director. He is responsible for business development in E&A’s Lincoln and Omaha offices and managing the firm’s marketing initiatives. “Terry’s energy, approach and experience align perfectly with our goals to move E&A forward,” says E&A CEO Jason Thiellen.

Rush is an Omaha native who has worked in business development and management roles in the construction industry for 10 years. He attended Creighton University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Rush is a board member with The Meyer Foundation for Disabilities and Holy Name Advisory Committee. He is a new SMPS NE member and is active with the Knights of Columbus.

E&A Consulting Group, Inc. is an engineering, planning and field services firm located in Lincoln and Omaha. The firm is celebrating over 50 years of Engineering Answers. Find out more about E&A Consulting Group, Inc. online at eacg.com.

Home Builders Association of Lincoln Installs 2018 Officers, Directors Bo Jones, Tru-Built Construction, was installed as President of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln on January 15.

The 2018 Home Builders Association of Lincoln board of directors is as follows: Executive committee: Bo Jones, Tru-Built Construction, President; Denny Van Horn, Van Horn Family Building Co., President Elect; Herb Reese, Reese Construction, Inc., 1st Vice President; Perry Haralson, Cornhusker Bank, 2nd Vice President; Lori Wellman, Lincoln Cabinet, Secretary; Bob Bryant, Bryant, Katt & Associates, Treasurer; Matt Kleinschmit, Pride Homes, Immediate Past President; Michaela Harrison, Executive Vice President.

Board of Directors: Mark Aksamit, Window Option Specialists, Taylor Ashburn, West Gate Bank; Bryce Bornemeier, The Window & Door Store; Kelli Fleek, Bath and Kitchen Idea Center by Lincoln Winnelson; Ruth Hietbrink, Black Hills Energy; Matt Kinning, Kinning Design Build, Inc.; Pam Magner, Reynolds Design & Remodeling; Jerry Maher, Maher Custom Homes; Lance Roach, JL Exterior Construction & Remodeling; Marlene Stroup, Schwinn Homes, LLC; Sam Swartz, Denali Custom Builders, Inc.; Jason Woita, Woita Homes & Remodeling.

Remodelers Council Chairman: Rick Willet, Willet Construction, Inc., Remodeling Specialists.

Young Building Professionals Council President: Hayley Lane, Rezac Construction, Inc. Past presidents: Jerry Boyce, Boyce Construction, Inc.; Jim Christo, Christo Design Build, Inc.; Steve Fulton, Fulton Construction, Inc.; Mike Goings, Goings Homes, LLC; John Hoppe, Jr., Hoppe, Inc.; Fred Hoppe, The Hoppe Law Firm; Justin Johnson, Hoppe Homes, LP, Mike Kinning, Kinning Design Build, Inc.; Dan Klein, Sr., Regal Building Systems; Rick Krueger, Krueger Development; Dan Kubr, Vantage Pointe Homes, Inc.; Donn Mann, Mann Customs, Inc.; Sam Manzitto, Manzitto Bros. Residential & Commercial Construction; Mike May, May Custom Homes & Cabinets, Inc.; Roger Reynolds, Woods Bros. Realty; Mike Rezac, Rezac Construction, Inc.; J. Greg Schwinn, Schwinn Homes, LLC.; Greg Shinaut, Black Hills Energy; Bob Stephens, Stephens & Smith Construction Co.

Keller Williams Lincoln Realtor Amy Frerichs Recognized for $5M+ in Sales Volume (2017) Derek J Kats, REALTOR and co-owner of Keller Williams Lincoln (www.kellerwilliamslincoln. com), along with his entire staff, would like to congratulate Amy Frerichs on becoming a multi-million dollar producer by exceeding the $5,000,000 mark is residential sales volume for 2017.

Being raised in a military family, Amy spent her childhood traveling the U.S. and Europe. Settling in Lincoln in 1998, she has fallen in love with Nebraska. Amy earned a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During her education at UNL, Amy interned at Straw, Sticks and Bricks, a local green construction company. Upon graduation Amy was employed by STG, one of the largest architecture firms in Austin, TX. Amy is also a LEED certified designer.

Amy’s real estate talents did not go unnoticed. After an active recruitment

by Keller Williams Lincoln, Amy joined the brokerage in March of 2017.

By August she had already surpassed her sales total from all of 2016 while being able to double her 2016 sales by the end of the year. Amy specializes in representing buyers and sellers, as well as being wellversed in interior design and graphic design which is expressed through her marketing abilities. Amy also works well with first-time home buyers where her low-pressure sales style is preferred.

Located at Keller Williams Plaza, 301 S 70th Street, Suite 200, the local Keller Williams Lincoln real estate brokerage is part of the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count, sales volume closed, and sales transactions closed. Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated. Amy Frerichs can be contacted directly at (402) 202-0319 / AmyF@kw.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS

West Gate Bank Promotes Jamie Brummond Chad Aldrich Joins Ironhide Construction as The West Gate Bank Board of Directors has Project Manager elected Jamie Brummond to the title of vice president, mortgage compliance officer for the West Gate Bank Mortgage division.

Jamie Brummond began his career at West Gate Bank in 2015 with 18+ years of community banking, regulatory compliance and legal experience. In his new role, Brummond will oversee the bank’s retail and secondary market mortgage compliance programs, mortgage quality control program, internal audit programs and mortgage vendor management.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska College of Law. Brummond is a licensed attorney in the State of Nebraska, and serves as a youth sports coach, as well as participating in other community activities. He previously served as a board member for the Lincoln Community Playhouse from 2009-2014.

Jamie Brummond is located at West Gate Bank Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road, and can be reached at (402) 853-7202 or jbrummond@westgate.bank.

West Gate Bank is a locally-owned community bank with seven Lincoln locations, celebrating 50 years in 2018. As a full-service banking institution, West Gate Bank is large enough to serve all your personal or commercial banking needs, yet small enough to provide the outstanding personal service that only a community bank can deliver. Visit westgate.bank for more information.

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Ironhide Construction is pleased to announce the addition of Chad Aldrich to its team of seasoned professionals.

Aldrich is an extremely talented and experienced project manager who was previously employed with TCW Construction for 10 years. With extensive expertise in pre-engineered metal buildings, which is one of Ironhide Construction’s core offerings, he is ideally positioned to take on an active role in the company’s management of related projects. He also has a strong background in general contracting and concrete work, having also managed numerous projects in those areas while with TCW Construction. Aldrich will essentially be serving in the same capacity at Ironhide Construction, assisting with projects varying in size and scope as the company continues to grow and expand its offerings.

Ironhide Construction is an innovative general contracting and structural restoration company. Whether an architect’s vision or a client’s idea not yet on paper, Ironhide Construction transforms metal into modern – delivering sophisticated, custom buildings that are both functional and stylish. Ironhide Construction is also one of only a few companies in the region that specializes in the challenges of structural restoration, as well as develops phased maintenance plans for buildings, parking garages, and other structures. The team at Ironhide Construction approaches every project with transparency, accountability, and quality results from proposal to completion.

For more information about Ironhide Construction, visit www. ironhideconstruction.com or call (402) 420-4961.

PERSONNEL NEWS

Five Nines Introduces Newest Service Manager Julian Staab Five Nines is excited to add another “Five Niner” to the group as the company welcomes Julian Staab as a Service Manager out of the Lincoln office. Julian knew the IT industry was consistently growing and fast-paced, which led him to the position. He looks forward to having the opportunity to coach and lead others and helping his team reach success.

Fo u n d e d o n a n i n t e n s e d e s i r e t o solve problems and build long-term relationships with clients, Five Nines leverages technology to drive business success. With offices in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney, Five Nines advises the best IT solutions for Nebraska based businesses, offering Managed IT Services. Through its unique service model, Five Nines’ clients experience reduced costs, accelerated growth, and increased productivity. Learn more at www.gonines.com.

Lincoln Community Foundation Names New Board Members The Lincoln Community Foundation welcomes four new members to its board of directors: Kim M. Robak, Mueller Robak LLC; Khushbaht (Kush) Abdulloev, Spreetail; Pam Hunzeker, retired marketing professional; and Joseph Hobelman, Lincoln Electric System (ex-officio representative, President of NextGen). The Foundation board also elected new officers. They are Tom Smith, board chair, D. A. Davidson & Co.; Kim M. Robak, vice-chair, Mueller Robak LLC; Mark Walz, treasurer, Farmers Mutual Insurance of Nebraska; and Linda Major, secretary, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The Lincoln Community Foundation, established in 1955, strives to continually enrich the Lincoln community by promoting and achieving perpetual philanthropic support. The foundation currently manages $135 million in assets and has distributed more than $117 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of thousands of residents. For more information about the Lincoln Community Foundation, visit www.lcf.org or call (402) 474-2345.

FES Adds Matthew Landis to Strengthen Marketing Support FES has added Matthew Landis to advance its branding, design, and video marketing support for nonprofit organizations. FES is a nonprofit organization located in Lincoln, Nebraska. For over 30 years, FES has assisted its affiliates, NSLP/Inceptia and EducationQuest Foundation, in addition to hundreds of universities, hospitals, K-12 schools, municipalities, and other nonprofit organizations across the country.

FES strives to serve those who serve their communities by providing quality design services, reliable websites, and secure data systems. Led by a leadership team averaging over 20 years of service, the 55 employees of FES are a highly committed team, passionate about serving nonprofit partners with respect, integrity, and quality services.

Learn more at fes.org.

Laminated Wood Systems Announces Expanded Ownership Laminated Wood Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce that Brian Hitz and Seth Gutz have acquired ownership in LWS. This expanded ownership will be instrumental in assisting the company with long term planning and ongoing growth of LWS. Seth D. Gutz graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

He previously worked for 12 years with State Farm insurance in a variety of roles and has been with Laminated Wood Seth D. Gutz Systems, Inc. since 2015. Gutz is the vice president of sales for Laminated Wood Systems, Inc. Brian W. Hitz graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with bac helor’s degrees in constr uction management and civil engineering. He previously worked for four years as a civil engineer at Burns & McDonnell and has been with Laminated Wood Systems, Inc. since 2008. Hitz is the vice president of engineering for Laminated Wood Brian W. Hitz Systems, Inc. Originally incorporated in 1992, LWS is a leading designer and marketer of engineered wood and steel products to the electric utility and telecommunications industries. Located in Seward, the company designs and sells their products in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit www.lwsinc.com or call (402) 643-4374.

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PERSONNEL NEWS SNCC Welcomes Dr. Mark J. Stavas Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center is pleased to announce that Mark J. Stavas, MD has joined their team.

Dr. Stavas is returning to his hometown of Lincoln after spending his residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

He brings over eight years of diverse experience to the team, specifically in radiation oncology and palliative care. He began seeing patients in January at their Pine Lake location.

“We are excited to have Dr. Stavas join our Radiation Oncology team to continue to build upon the cutting-edge technologies we are able to offer our patients in the Lincoln community,” said Nathan Green, DO, medical oncologist.

Dr. Stavas attended college at Creighton University and graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 2010. He completed his internship in internal medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, and his residency in radiation oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville.

For over 20 years Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center has provided comprehensive cancer care in Lincoln and 11 communities in Southeast Nebraska, combining advanced medical oncology and radiation oncology services at two locations in Lincoln.

For more information about Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center, visit leadingcancercare.com or call (402) 420-7000.

Lincoln First Realty Recognizes Top Sales Agents in 2017 At their recent awards luncheon, Lincoln First Realty recognized the following agents for their 2017 sales achievements: To p P ro d u c i n g Agent: Steve Taylor.

Most Closed Tra n s a c t i o n s : Karen Karr.

Steve Taylor

Karen Karr

John & Melvina Ball

Rachel Rentschler

Most Improved Closed Volume and Highest Average Closed Transaction: John & Melvina Ball.

To p P ro d u c i n g N ew A ge n t o f the Year: Rachel Rentschler.

In addition, Lynne Schroeder (not pictured) was voted, by her peer group, as the 2nd annual recipient of the Founders Award of Excellence. The award was presented to her on the merit of her professionalism, interaction with fellow realtors, involvement with real estate-related activities, community involvement, and personal productivity.

Lincoln First Realty congratulates these individual agents for their contributions to the market share growth and a sales staff that is now comprised of 47 affiliated agents.

Lincoln First Realty has three offices located at 7575 S. 57th Street, 5701 S. 34th Street, Suite 101 in Williamsburg Village, and the newest location at 1101 Cornhusker Hwy., Suite 200 in the Cornhusker Bank Building.

Lincoln First Realty is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cornhusker Bank of Lincoln and is a full-service professional real estate company, offering services ranging from representation of buyers and sellers in real estate transactions to pricing opinions and marketing strategies that assist their clients in making business decisions.

Contact Lincoln First Realty at (402) 434-2222 or visit www. lincolnfirstrealty.com for more information.

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know & Who Knows You!

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At Strictly Business Magazine we strive to recognize local businessmen and women for their significant awards, promotions, ac hievements, and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Lincoln community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330 or submit your news via our website at www.strictly-business.com.

PERSONNEL NEWS The Hope Venture Hires Adam Boyle as Operations Director The Hope Venture is pleased to announce the hire of Adam Boyle to the position of Operations Director.

Before joining The Hope Venture team in February, Boyle worked at Cornhusker Bank for nearly eight years, most recently serving as vice president/director of information services.

Boyle said he looks forward to leveraging his experience in the financial and technical sectors to help further The Hope Venture’s mission of fostering a global community connecting resources with needs.

“Adam’s capacity and abilities are going to take us to the next level,” Executive Director Cynci Petersen said. “We’ve been growing faster than we’ve been able to keep up with and Adam will help us be consistent in the way we treat people and handle all our operations. He’s already taking things off my plate that have never been off my plate and it’s only his first week.”

Boyle is The Hope Venture’s first full-time hire.

“I was drawn to join the team at The Hope Venture because it was evident that they have great passion and joy for bringing direct, tangible hope to others,” Boyle said.

For more information about The Hope Venture, please call (402) 8028296 or visit their website at: www.thehopeventure.org.

Dean Michelle Eppler Named to Head Bellevue University’s Human Capital Lab Michelle K. Eppler, Ed.D., who has served as Dean of Bellevue University’s College of Continuing and Professional Education since 2003, has been appointed Executive Director of the University’s Human Capital Lab. The announcement was made by Bellevue University President Mary Hawkins.

Founded a decade ago, the Bellevue University Human Capital Lab was the first in the nation to study the business impact of learning. Bellevue University was the first to offer a Ph.D. program in human capital management, which is defined as the comprehensive set of practices for recruiting, managing, developing and optimizing the human resources of an organization. Since its founding, the Human Capital Lab has focused on measuring the impact of learning on productivity in the workplace – showing companies the return on investment (ROI) of investments made in the people who make up their workforces. Human Capital Lab studies and data are available free at HumanCapitalLab.org.

“The Human Capital Lab is a great example of how rigorous academic study can be used to collaborate with companies and support business productivity,” said Dr. Eppler, who also serves as Associate Vice President of the University. Dr. Eppler added that the Lab plans to expand on the rich data repositories and case studies that it makes available to organizations and Chief Learning Officers (CLO).

Dr. Eppler, whose doctorate thesis at the University of Missouri-Columbia was on the topic of educational leadership and policy analysis, also noted that the Lab’s work aligns with the University’s expertise in workforce learning and development. Bellevue University is recognized as a nationwide leader in adult learning, and currently provides talentforward organizations with a variety of for-credit and non-credit education programs and services.

Mutual of Omaha Bank Announces Appointment of Roger Ludemann in Lincoln Roger Ludemann has been named Lincoln market leader at Mutual of Omaha Bank. In this position, Ludemann will focus on building the presence of Mutual of Omaha Bank in Lincoln, as well as managing relationships with commercial and industrial clients. He will oversee new business development, in addition to managing existing business lending and deposit portfolios. Ludemann will be based at Mutual of Omaha Bank’s Lincoln facility at 14th and “Q” Streets.

Ludemann is a seasoned banker with more than 30 years of experience in banking, sales development and marketing.

Ludemann is a graduate of the University of Nebraska and is deeply involved in the Lincoln community. Volunteer activities include: past president and member of the Downtown Lincoln Rotary Club, the Emeritus Board of Bryan Health Systems, and the Lincoln Parks Foundation Board of Trustees. Past leadership positions also include: president of the Lincoln Symphony, founding president of the Rotary Club 14 Foundation and interim executive director of the Nebraska 150 Foundation.

Mutual of Omaha Bank is a full-service bank providing financial solutions to individuals and businesses across the United States.

With $8 billion in assets, Mutual of Omaha Bank is a subsidiary of Mutual of Omaha, a Fortune 500 insurance and financial services company founded in 1909.

For more information about Mutual of Omaha Bank, visit www. mutualofomahabank.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS CarePatrol of Nebraska Welcomes Wendy Tridle as Senior Advisor

UNICO Group Appoints Tom Champoux as President, Announces New Board Leadership

CarePatrol of Nebraska has added a new member to the team, Wendy Tridle!

UNICO Group, a 2 0 1 6 “ To p Perfor ming Agency” national award recipient headquar tered in Lincoln, NE, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Champoux as its new President.

Tom Champoux Scott Nelson “I have been at UNICO for over 16 years and have always loved the people and the opportunity that comes with being a part of this agency.

I am one of those rare and lucky people who has found work that Shane Ideus Ryan Swinton fulfills my purpose,” said Champoux.

To m h a s m o r e than 23 years of risk management and consulting experience. He will be holding a dual role as President and continuing to ser ve as a Risk Consultant to his Neal Lyons Ric Stoakes clients.

After serving as President for over 25 years, Scott Nelson’s term has ended, but this isn’t the end of his journey with the agency. Scott will continue to guide, encourage and support our growing team. “I Bob Reynoldson Joseph Roberts am so thankful for the love and support this organization has given me over the past few decades. I have been very fortunate to lead this company as we have grown together,” said Nelson. “I’m looking forward to moving my focus onto mentoring the next generation of UNICO.” In addition to the announcement of their new President, the Board of Directors appointed two new officers, Executive Vice Presidents Shane Ideus and Ryan Swinton. They also announced the reappointment of CFO and Chairman of the Board, Neal Lyons and Executive Vice Presidents Ric Stoakes, Bob Reynoldson and Joseph Roberts. “We’re excited about the new appointments to the leadership of the Board of Directors and we look forward to the UNICO’s growing future,” said Lyons.

For more information about UNICO Group, call (402) 434-7200 or visit unicogroup.com.

As a senior advisor, Wendy will be helping clients with the selection of Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Skilled Care, or In-Home Care. She is passionate about helping others and has experience working with the senior population. Wendy will connect the senior’s care needs, wants, likes, and finances to the best locations, then personally tour the communities with families to ultimately find that perfect match.

Graduating with an interior design degree, Wendy has owned and operated her own business where she helped clients organize their spaces. With this working knowledge, she has the skills and experience that will greatly help create a less stressful, easier move for clients. On tours, she can also utilize her space planning skills to help clients visualize the layout and design should they move in. Her positive energy and knowledge will add value to help the client and families have a pleasant experience. Wendy Tridle can be contacted at (402) 730-2542 / WendyT@carepatrol.com.

CarePatrol offers FREE senior care recommendations in Lincoln, Omaha and the surrounding areas, working hand in hand with families. It is the largest no-cost senior placement agency in the nation, has been around for over 25 years, and was recently honored with a 2018 Franchisee Satisfaction Award. Contact the CarePatrol office at (402) 904-8296 today to schedule a FREE senior care plan.

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PERSONNEL NEWS First National Bank Names Jack Weeks New Market President in Lincoln Jack Weeks, Lead Director, Commercial Lending for First National Bank (www. firstnational.com), has been named Lincoln Market President, replacing Richard L. Herink.

Herink will continue to serve First National Bank as Market Executive as he begins his leadership role as Chairman of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

In addition to his responsibilities as Market President, Weeks will continue to focus on developing new relationships and growing existing ones with First National Bank’s key commercial clients in the Lincoln area, while managing the commercial lending team. Weeks joined the bank in 2003 as a Commercial Credit Analyst in Lincoln. He moved to South Dakota in 2006 and served as a Senior Lender for First National Bank. Weeks provided oversight for the South Dakota Commercial and Ag Lending portfolio, while serving as chair of the South Dakota Loan Committee and a member of the company’s Asset Liability Committee (ALCO), as well as a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors. He has served on the First National of Nebraska Credit Policy Committee since 2014.

As Chairman of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Herink will be traveling the state and to Washington, D.C., spending significant time on legislative initiatives. His service to the Chamber will continue through 2019 as a member of the board’s Executive Committee. In the meantime, Herink will maintain his responsibilities with multiple organizations in the Lincoln area.

Dennis Mann of Woods & Aitken LLP Earns Certified Legal Manager Credential Woods & Aitken LLP is proud to announce that Dennis Mann, the Firm’s Administrator, has earned the prestigious designation of Certified Legal Manager® from the Association of Legal Administrators. Obtaining CLM certification shows great initiative and dedication to the profession, and demonstrates the mastery of a highly proficient legal administrator. Mann is currently the only active legal manager in Lincoln and one of four individuals in Nebraska to hold the CLM certification.

To earn a CLM, candidates apply their professional experience, complete educational coursework, and pass a comprehensive exam that covers all areas of legal management.

By successfully completing this rigorous certification process, the CLM demonstrates their ability to operate at a high level of expertise and dedication to their firm, to the legal management profession, and to the legal community.

Mann is a member of the Association of Legal Administrators-Nebraska Chapter, Lincoln Human Resource Management Association, and Society for Human Resource Management. He has been with Woods & Aitken since 2012 and is responsible for managing staff, financial management, firm culture, and planning. Prior to Woods & Aitken, Mann spent 32 years in various roles at Lincoln Public Schools, including seven years as a high school administrator and 25 years as a science teacher and coach.

Since 1921, Woods & Aitken LLP (www.woodsaitken.com) has focused its practice of law on achieving long-term client success. Their commitment to client service and the longevity of their client relationships has afforded Woods & Aitken the opportunity to emerge as a regional and national leader in the practice of construction, telecommunications, labor & employment, real estate, and banking and finance law.

Christian Record Welcomes Patricia Maxwell Robertson as Communication Director Christian Record Services for the Blind, a ministry of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church to people who are blind, welcomes Patricia J. Maxwell Robertson as communication director.

Maxwell Robertson comes to Christian Record with a strong background in communication, mass media, marketing, and team development. Before joining Christian Record’s staff, Patricia was an assistant professor of communications at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. She has also worked as director of marketing and communication technology at Catalina Island Conservancy in Long Beach, California, and director of media relations for the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in Los Angeles, California.

“Helen Keller acknowledged the important work of this organization in a personal letter she wrote in 1911,” Patricia said. “Fast forward a century-plus, and I’m honored to continue this tradition of service excellence and join the team at Christian Record.” ”We are excited for Patricia to join the Christian Record team. Her wealth of experience along with her positive spirit and dedication to excellence will be great blessings for the organization and its clients and donors,” affirmed Diane Thurber, Christian Record president.

In ministry since 1899 and based in Lincoln since 1904, Christian Record provides free confidence-building reading services and summer and winter camp experiences for people who are blind. Approximately 20,000 people receive these services because of the generosity of individuals and business owners. To learn more, visit www.ChristianRecord. org or call (402) 488-0981.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS TeamMates Recognizes Hard Work With Will Compton The annual TeamMates Recognition Event took place on February 8 at Lincoln Station in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket. The event honored mentors, mentees, and program facilitators’ commitment to mentoring and hard work throughout the year.

This year, TeamMates honored Tim and Amy Clare with the Carmen and Tony Messineo Community Involvement Award for their support of Lincoln TeamMates through advocacy, fundraising assistance, and raising awareness around mentoring. Tim Clare was present to accept the award and took the opportunity to reflect on the importance of mentors in the lives of youth.

NFL linebacker and former Husker, Will Compton, capped-off the evening with a keynote speech discussing how he has sought to create his own destiny along the path to reaching his full potential. Another former Husker, Kenny Bell, attended in support of the program. Both NFL players stayed after to give autographs and take pictures with students and fans.

CEDARS Offering Classes to Local Parents All parents wonder if they’re getting it right. They’re not alone. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what your child needs, what their behaviors mean, and if you’re doing the right thing.

CEDARS has been helping kids in crisis and building strong families in Nebraska for over 70 years. The Nebraska-based child caring organization is proud to offer classes to support the families of this community.

For any parent wishing to gain a deeper bond with their child, CEDARS is offering an eight-week class called “Circle of Security,” designed for caretakers of children from prenatal to age 8, but applicable to older children as well. Attendees will learn to strengthen their relationship with their child, to be present with their child during the best and toughest of times, recognize their child’s needs and make sense of their behaviors, and meet their child’s needs by being bigger, stronger, wiser and kind.

TeamMates would like to thank all those involved in making the evening a memorable one. If you are interested in getting involved, go to www.LincolnTeamMates.org/SB or call (402) 436-1990.

Held at CEDARS Northbridge Community Center at 1533 N. 27th Street, “Circle of Security” classes run Wednesday nights from April 25 through June 13. The classes are free but registration is required.

To register, or for more information, contact Raegan at rbrown@ cedars-kids.org or (402) 617-8897.

“I Can Only Imagine” Hits Theaters Mar. 16th

To learn how CEDARS supports families in the community, visit cedarskids.org or call (402) 434-5437.

CBMC Lincoln is partnering with several businesses in Lincoln to promote the movie I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, which releases March 16. The movie’s website, icanonlyimagine.com, has the following description: “It’s the song that brings ultimate hope to so many … often in the midst of life’s most challenging moments. Amazingly, the song was written in mere minutes by MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard. In reality, those lyrics took a lifetime to craft.

Although he found faith at a young age, life wasn’t easy for Bart.

He leaned into an active imagination and his love of music as escapes from a troubled home life. As he grew older, Bart turned to football in hopes of somehow connecting with his abusive father. But a career-ending injury—combined with the vision of a teacher who saw unlimited potential—set Bart on a musical pathway.

Chasing a dream while running from broken relationships with his father and his childhood sweetheart, Bart hits the road in a decrepit tour bus with his new band MercyMe. The band begins a journey none of them could ever have imagined.

Directed by the Erwin Brothers (October Baby, Moms’ Night Out, and Woodlawn), I CAN ONLY IMAGINE stars J. Michael Finley, Madeline Carroll, Trace Adkins, Priscilla Shirer, with Cloris Leachman and Dennis Quaid.

A gripping reminder of the power of forgiveness, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE beautifully illustrates that no one is ever too far from God’s love—or from an eternal home in Heaven.”

For further information, contact Larry Middendorf at lmiddendorf@ cbmc.com or (402) 540-1093.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS City Impact to Host Annual Hopes & Dreams Matt Talbot’s Compassion in Action Award Fundraiser Winners Announced Join in the fun at City Impact for their annual Hopes & Dreams fundraiser to be held March 22-23, coinciding with March Madness!

The event will take place at City Impact, located at 1035 N. 33rd Street in Lincoln. All are welcome to come out and enjoy the “hoops and dreams” action of March Madness with the City Impact team, and support the hopes and dreams of local youth. Hear about their exciting plans to impact Lincoln in 2018, and celebrate the upcoming launch of their new gym!

This two-night event lets people choose the evening that works best for them, Thursday the 22nd or Friday the 23rd. Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. with pre-game appetizers and drinks with the City Impact’s leadership team and continue with dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by and a March Madness watch party. Tickets are available online at hopesanddreams2018.eventbrite.com or by contacting City Impact at (402) 477-8080.

City Impact is a non-profit organization whose mission is to transform vulnerable communities through holistic youth, family, and neighborhood development. Staff and volunteers work to mentor, teach, and empower kids to overcome challenging circumstances and transform their lives and neighborhoods from the inside out. Find out more online at cityimpact.org.

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The 2018 Compassion in Action Award recipients will be honored at Matt Talbot’s 13th annual Feeding the Soul of the City dinner and fundraising event at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel on March 22.

The public is invited to attend and support Matt Talbot in its bold vision to defeat hunger & homelessness and restore hope!

The Individual Compassion in Action Award will be presented to Greg Ernst, Immediate Past Board President. Greg has served on the board for 7 years, is a longtime donor and active committee member, led the Bold Hope Building expansion and is a #1 encourager with a heart for the homeless! His service to Matt Talbot embodies humility, compassion and a fun loving spirit.

The Collaboration Compassion in Action Awards will be presented to the Food Bank SNAP Outreach Program and the Department of Health and Human Services- Children & Family Services Division. These groups work collaboratively at the Matt Talbot facility to assist hundreds of individuals to receive SNAP (food stamps) benefits and other services.

This partnership that promotes help, hope and compassion creates effective and efficient outreach to better serve our guests.

Feeding the Soul of the City starts at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour and silent auction. The dinner and program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Save your seat for this event by purchasing a reservation online at MTKO.org.

NON-PROFIT NEWS JDRF Sets Goal of $20K for 20th Dream Gala W i t h yo u r h e l p, JDRF Lincoln and Greater Nebraska has the remarkable opportunity to make twice the impact for the 20th Anniversary Dream Gala, being held on Saturday, April 7 at Embassy Suites – Lincoln.

This year’s Gala Chair, Mrs. Kimberly Burhoop, has lived with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for nearly 16 years. In honor of the 20th Dream Gala, Kimberly has set up a community-wide challenge to raise $20,000 before the event date. If that weren’t generous enough, she will be matching every donation made, dollar for dollar, up to the $20,000 goal!

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone people need to get energy from food. T1D strikes both children and adults, and its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is currently nothing you can do to prevent it, and there is no cure. By supporting JDRF Lincoln and Greater Nebraska – you can help change this reality for the 1.25 million Americans, including approximately 6,500 Nebraskans living with this disease. Double your donation and join JDRF in raising $40,000 towards creating a world without T1D! Contributions can be mailed to the JDRF Lincoln and Greater Nebraska office, located at 1650 S. 70th Street, Suite 201, Lincoln, NE 68506 or made online at www2.jdrf.org/goto/20for20.

Kirk Cameron Announced as Keynote Speaker for Pregnancy Center Event The Pregnancy Center is excited to welcome Kirk Cameron to Lincoln as the keynote speaker for their Annual Partnership Dinner on April 10 at the Embassy Suites.

Kirk Cameron has been a part of the national landscape since starring as Mike Seaver in the ABC hit sitcom, “Growing Pains.” Since then, he’s appeared in numerous television and movie productions, including the “Left Behind” series, “Monumental,” and “Fireproof” - the marriage-centered film that became the #1 grossing inspirational movie of 2008. His newest film, “Connect,” was released in February 2018 and offers “real help for parenting kids and teens in a social media world.” He’s been featured on Nightline, Fox News, and CNN and currently tours the country speaking live to 30 churches a year as part of the “Living Room Reset” marriage and parenting conference. In the fall of 2016 and 2017, he hosted live Fathom theater events called “Revive Us” -- a “national family meeting” urging the family of faith to return to the biblical principles that will bring blessing and protection to our country. Kirk and his wife, Chelsea, met on the set of “Growing Pains” and have been married for over 26 years. Together they have six teenage children and host an all-expenses-paid summer camp for terminally ill children and their families called Camp Firefly.

Tickets and tables are available online at supportpregnancycenterlincoln. org or by calling the Pregnancy Center at (402) 483-4247.

Underwriting sponsorships are also available with recognition at the event.

Registration Now Open for “Hop, SCIP, Jump and Run” Fundraising Event Registration is now open for Sc hool Comm unity Intervention & Prevention’s (SCIP) annual fundraiser, “Hop, SCIP, Jump and RUN,” brought to you by Nebraska Mental Health Centers. The event, set to take place on May 12 at Lincoln Southwest High School, will feature a 1-mile Fun Run and a 5K Race and is open to both children and adults. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit sponsor booths to become eligible for prizes. Proceeds will benefit SCIP, a program of Lincoln Medical Education Partnership The 5K Race is $25 per person and the 1-mile Fun Run is $15 per person. Tickets purchased by April 27 include an event t-shirt.

Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets for the event can be purchased through the SCIP website at www.scipnebraska.com.

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

SCIP’s mission is to provide an effective prevention and early intervention process for youth with behavioral health concerns, so they may achieve healthy, productive lives. SCIP works with schools by providing tools and resources to address behavioral and emotional health issues that impact children, adolescents and their families.

Through this event, we hope to encourage lifelong health and wellness, physically and mentally, of youth and beyond. For more information, contact Michaela Emmons at memmons@lmep.com / (402) 327-6843 or visit www.scipnebraska.com.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS

Vision Maker Film Festival to Feature 30+ New Films Are you a film enthusiast? Vision Maker Media’s film festival is your chance to indulge your passion, April 20-26, at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

There will be 30-plus new films highlighted at this weeklong event.

Find out more online at visionmakermedia.org/festival.

Opening night features the film RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World, about how Native American musicians influenced music history, despite attempts to ban, censor and erase Indian culture in the United States.

In addition to showing 15 new films by and about Native Americans, Vision Maker Media’s partners in the National Minority Consortia (NMC) will present films from diverse perspectives, including Asian, Black, Latino and the Pacific Islands. Festival films focus on a wide range of topics important to diverse populations and of interest to all independent film aficionados—language, cultural heritage, youth, coming-of-age, survival, sovereignty, and rising tensions and protest, to name a few. Learn more at bit.ly/ VMFF2018Promo.

Stuff the Bus for Friendship Home April 7-8 Friendship Home has once again partnered with StarTran, Alpha Media radio stations, Walmart and Sam’s Club stores for the 19th annual Stuff the Bus event. Stuff the Bus asks the Lincoln community to help stuff four StarTran buses full of new items needed by the families staying at Friendship Home. The items donated will stock shelter shelves for the coming year.

Friendship Home volunteers will be at all Lincoln Walmart and Sam’s Club stores on April 7th and 8th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. handing out needs lists to shoppers. Anyone is welcome to pick up a list, choose some items to purchase and help “stuff the bus” parked outside the store. Cash donations are also accepted. To learn more about this event, please visit www.friendshiphome.org or contact Erin at erinl@friendshiphome. org if you would like to volunteer.

Friendship Home is Lincoln’s only safe, confidential emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. Services include emergency and transitional shelter, as well as supportive services, through safety planning, crisis intervention, support groups and mental health counseling. To access safe shelter and services, call (402) 437-9302.

Starbucks Donates $10K to Support Lutheran Family Services’ “At Ease” Program Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska has received a generous gift from Starbucks to support services for the At Ease program, which provides confidential, supportive and therapeutic services for active military members, veterans and their families.

The donation was announced on Wednesday, February 7 Pictured: Emily Lindsey, District at the Starbucks at Hwy. 370 Manager, Starbucks with Cliff McEvoy, & 72nd Street in Papillion. “At Ease” Program Manager, Lutheran Starbucks Regional Director Family Services of Nebraska.

Ernie McIntosh announced the $10,000 donation alongside Cliff McEvoy, Program Manager for At Ease. Also in attendance was Christopher Schmidt, Starbucks Manager of Veterans and Military Affairs, Retired Major General Roger Lempke of the Nebraska National Guard who is now Director of Military and Veteran Affairs for Nebraska U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, and Sharon Robino West of the Veterans Administration.

Starbucks employee Chris Lassiter, who is a military veteran and military spouse, also made brief remarks.

The Papillion location is one of 38 “Starbucks Military Family Stores” across the United States. Starbucks has pledged to hire 25,000 veterans at its stores by 2025. The company has already hired 10,000 veterans since 2013.

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The Lutheran Family Services’ (LFS) mission is to express God’s love for all people by providing quality human care services that build and strengthen individual, family and community life. The organization’s vision is safety, hope and well-being for all people. Programs are available in Children Services, Behavioral Health and Community Services. For more information, please call (402) 978-5646 or visit www.lfsneb.org.

NON-PROFIT NEWS

Haymarket Theatre Holding Auditions for “Noises Off” On Monday, March 12 and Tuesday, March 13 from 7-10 p.m., the Haymarket Theatre will hold auditions for their upcoming play, “Noises Off.” For this production, the Haymarket Theatre is seeking local actors to be a part of this hilarious show! Considered one of the funniest modern farces, this “play within a play” will feature nine actors.

The Haymarket Theatre’s mission is to enrich, educate, entertain and empower our community through live theatre and youth performing arts education programs for all. Their vision since the theatre’s inception in 2001 is to foster, create, collaborate, and host intriguing theatre and high quality performing arts for the surrounding and greater Lincoln community. For more information, visit www.haymarkettheatre.org or contact Tom Crew at (402) 477-2600 / crewthomas@gmail.com.

Nebraska Recycling Council, Goodwill Present Free Webinar On March 8 from noon to 1 p.m., Tammy Slater, CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska. Inc., will give a presentation about the Recycling, Re-Using and Re-Purposing activities of her organization, serving 55 counties in central and western Nebraska.

Dedicated to helping people with disabilities or barriers reach their goals and improve their quality of life, Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska recycles many types of products from metals to rags, shoes to textiles. Over 3.8 million pounds were sent to recycling markets in 2016. Learn about their programs, successes, and challenges, including a glass recycling pilot launched in 2017. Register for this FREE webinar online at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/ register/1023677599426121474.

Nebraska Recycling Council is a statewide, member-based, 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of resource recovery in Nebraska. The goal of the Nebraska Recycling Council is to re-energize recycling in Nebraska through innovation, education, training, and the power of collaboration.

For more information, visit www.nrcne.org.

Fresh Start to Host Spring Open House Come take a tour of Fresh Start!

Fresh Start’s Spring Open House will be held on Thursday, March 15 from 4-6 p.m. at 6433 Havelock Ave. The Board of Directors invites the community to stop by for tours of the shelter, to enjoy appetizers, to socialize, and to learn more about the services offered by Fresh Start.

The Daisy Thrift Shop will be open during the Open House.

Fresh Start is a transitional shelter that empowers homeless women to change their lives by recognizing and utilizing their strengths to overcome barriers to self- sufficiency. While at Fresh Start food, shelter and other basic needs are provided, along with case management to help guide the residents to succeed on their Individualized Goal Plans. Call Audrey at Fresh Start at (402) 475-7777 for more information, visit www.FreshStartHome.org or connect with Fresh Start on social media: Facebook.com/FreshStartHomeLincoln.

$47K Raised at Annual Charity Event for Heartland Cancer Foundation On Febr uary 9, at W i l d e r n e s s R i d ge, Heartland Cancer Foundation hosted their 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Casino Royale to benefit local cancer patients. The popular event was wellattended, with nearly 300 guests made up of local business leaders, physicians, and philanthropists. At the end of the evening, $ 4 7 , 0 0 0 wa s ra i s e d Dr. Steve Dunder poses with Dr. Rahul between the silent auction Razdan, winner of the Goldendoodle (which included items such puppy. Photo credit: Jennifer Schultz. as a trip to Rome to meet the Pope, a Goldendoodle puppy, and a Scott Frost autographed football), sponsors, and goodwill donations.

Highlights from the event included: live jazz music from the Darryl White Trio; multiple New Orleans-inspired food stations featuring bourbon meatballs, gourmet mac & cheese bar, coconut shrimp skewers, beignets, and muffaletta sliders; a bourbon tasting room with mystery bourbon “pull”; casino gaming; and a drawing with prizes donated from Schaefer’s. After the event, the Joie De Vivre after-party featured local cover band Thirty Minute Hangover, extended gaming, and the Chef’s dessert presentation of Flaming Cherries Jubilee.

For more information about Heartland Cancer Foundation’s 2019 Mardi Gras charity event, or to inquire about sponsorships, please contact Heidi Moyer at heidimoyerhcf@gmail.com or visit www.

HeartlandCancerFoundation.org.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS NSSA Seeking Nominations for Stephanie Wever Courage Award

Camp Summergold Adds STEAM Session to Summer Line-Up

The Nebraska State Stroke Association is seeking nominations for its Stephanie Wever Courage Award, whic h honors a Nebraska stroke survivor who exemplifies courage in overcoming the effects of stroke.

Who killed triceratops? How do you walk a llama? These mysteries and many more will be solved at Camp Summergold this summer.

The deadline for nominations is March 30. Nomination forms are available at https://nebraskastroke.org/wp-content/ uploads/2016/11/Stephanie-Wever-Award-NominationForm-2018.pdf.

Stephanie Wever, a stroke survivor and former NSSA board member, died December 25, 2015 at the age of 32. She was dedicated to raising awareness of strokes and her rare genetic defect, ACTA2.

Keith Fickenscher was the 2017 recipient.

The award will be presented in May during Stroke Awareness Month.

For more information, contact NSSA at (402) 484-8131 or hello@ nebraskastroke.org.

Founded in 1985, the Nebraska State Stroke Association is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The mission of the Nebraska State Stroke Association is to serve Nebraskans through stroke prevention, education, advocacy, and support services. Find out more online at www.NebraskaStroke.org.

Camp Summergold has just announced a brand-new eightday STEAM (a mash-up of science and arts) session, which will take place June 3-10. This opportunity is available to adolescent girls ages 11 to 17.

Camp Summergold is a unique resident summer camping experience where girls explore science and arts learning mixed with the campfires and swimming of a traditional camp. The camp’s home is The Leadership Center in Aurora, Nebraska, where they have a swimming pool and lots of space for a variety of workshops, from dance to improv acting and woodworking to dream boards. The goal of the unique events offered at Camp Summergold is to bring a diverse group of girls together to explore creativity, knowledge and stewardship through arts and science-based mentor-centered workshops and collective girl power.

Visit www.campsummergold.com or call (402) 474-2206 to register for the upcoming STEAM session or to learn more about Camp Summergold.

The Gathering Place’s 35th Anniversary Match Campaign Exceeds Goal In October of 2017, Community Action kicked off a campaign to raise $35,000 in honor of The Gathering Place’s 35th anniversary of ser vice in Lincoln. Thanks to the generosity of many donors $51,503.82 was raised through this effort – exceeding the campaign goal. Match funds of $30,500 were contributed by Rogers Foundation, Union Bank & Trust, Greenwald Family Charitable Trust, Inspro Insurance, UNICO Group, Inc., and Sue Quambusch and Len Sloup, making the grand total $82,003.82.

“We are so grateful for the tremendous showing of community support by everyone who contributed to this campaign,” said Vi See, Executive Director of Community Action. “Our ability to provide hot evening meals to those who are struggling depends completely upon the support we receive from our community. We are thankful for all who make services at The Gathering Place possible.”

The Gathering Place is a program of Community Action that serves over 27,000 hot evening meals annually to those struggling with hunger in Lincoln. This important work is made possible through the hard work and dedication of over 1,600 volunteers annually and contributions from the community. The Gathering Place is very much a reflection of its original vision 35 years ago – a place where people from all walks of life can come together, converse, and if only for an hour or two, gather together as one.

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For more information about The Gathering Place, or how to help, visit www.communityactionatwork.org or call (402) 476-7398.

NON-PROFIT NEWS Radio Talking Book Service Announces 3rd Annual Wining in the Dark Event Radio Talking Book Service (RTBS) will be hosting its third annual Wining in the Dark fundraising event at Nosh Restaurant and Wine Lounge in downtown Omaha on Sunday, March 18 from 4-6 p.m. Guests will experience an intimate evening of blindfolded wine tastings, delectable delicacies prepared by the chef at Nosh, and live musical entertainment

by Bob Goding and David P. Murphy.

Wining in the Dark is open to adults 21 and over with a limited number of tickets available at $60 per person (a portion of the ticket price is tax deductible). The last day to purchase tickets is March 12 and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Radio Talking Book Service, Nebraska’s Audio Companion, was founded in 1974 and provides human-voiced information choices to individuals who have visual or physical disabilities which prevent them from reading. RTBS is in its 43rd year of bringing the printed word to life for Nebraskans.

For more information on Wining in the Dark or for sponsorship information, please visit www.RTBS.org or contact Jane Nielsen at (402) 572-3003 / jnielsen@RTBS.org.

Child Guildance Center’s 10th Annual Gourmet Comfort Classic Set for May 4th The mission of Child Guidance Center is to inspire healthy f u t u r e s fo r c h i l d r e n a n d families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services. The theme for this year’s Gourmet Comfort Classic is “Back to Mac” in recognition of the first event that featured gourmet macaroni and cheese.

This is a chef ’s competition featuring the area’s top chefs who donate food and time as they compete to create the finest gourmet version of a classic comfort food. The 10th Annual Gourmet Comfort Classic will be held on Friday, May 4 at Nebraska Club from 6–9 p.m. Current chefs include Billy’s Restaurant, ChefauChef, Chez Hay, and the Nebraska Club. The event includes a program, silent auction, live music, and more!

Child Guidance Center sponsorships are available from $1,000 $10,000 and businesses and individuals may also donate auction baskets to help raise $50,000 or more for crucial mental health services for children and families.

If you would like to purchase Individual tickets for $75 each or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please go to the event website at childguidance.ticket.qtego.net.

For questions, contact Jenny Cardwell, CFRE, Development Director, at jcardwell@child-guidance.org or (402) 475-7666.

Bright Lights Announces Summer Registration, Seeking Classroom Assistants S u m m e r i s j u s t a ro u n d the corner…and so is the registration date for Bright Lights!

This year, Bright Lights will begin taking registrations for their summer classes and camps on Saturday, March 24 at 8 a.m., a week earlier than last year! The Summer 2018 half-day class and fullday camp schedule is available now at BrightLights.org.

Bright Lights classes are an ideal way for elementary and middle school students to maximize the fun of summer vacation while secretly allowing parents to know their children are avoiding learning loss.

The program weeks for Summer 2018 are June 4-8, June 11-15, June 18-22, June 25-29, and July 9-13.

In addition, Bright Lights is accepting applications for Classroom Assistants. These volunteers (ages 9th grade to adult) assist teachers in each of Bright Lights’ 100+ classes, enriching the experience for students. These positions are a great way for high school students to complete volunteer hours for GOPO, for college students to build their resume (especially if they are an education major or request a class related to their major) and for adults to experience a class topic through a student’s eye while giving back to the community.

Further information and the application can be found at BrightLights.org. For questions, call (402) 420-1115.

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HEALTH NEWS Hillcrest Firethorn Earns Medicare Certification

Advanced Medical Imaging Now Provides Breast Cancer Risk Information for Patients

Upon successful completion of a survey by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Ser vices, Hillcrest F i r e t h o r n wa s a wa r d e d certification to serve Medicare patients.

Recently, Advanced Medical Imaging began including Lifetime Breast Cancer Risk scores with all of their mammogram reports. This is in an effort to help determine high-risk patients and ensure every woman has a unique screening plan fit for them. The score is determined by the patient’s risk levels such as personal and family cancer history. The method used to determine the score is known as the Tyrer-Cuzick model. Most insurance companies recognize this assessment to provide coverage when additional screening is recommended.

If a patient has over a 20% Lifetime Breast Cancer Risk score they are considered high risk. This means they will most likely require additional and different screening, such as an MRI scan, to properly access their breast health in the future. The score is sent with mammography report to the patient’s primary care provider, who will then work with the patient to create a personalized screening plan.

Adding this service is one of the many actions taken to ensure that Advanced Medical Imaging patients aware of their breast cancer risk factors. Another risk factor for breast cancer is breast density. Per the Nebraska law passed in 2017, mammography patients and their doctors are notified if they are found to have extremely dense breast tissue. With the only fellowship-trained Breast Imaging Radiologist in the Lincoln area, AMI specializes in the screening and diagnosis of the most at-risk patients.

For more information or to schedule a mammogram, please call (402) 484-6677 or visit amimaging.com.

One of the most innovative post-acute rehab centers, Hillcrest Firethorn is exclusively dedicated to short-term care after a surgery, illness or hospital stay. Most guests receive services for 7 to 20 days before returning home, based on diagnosis and physician orders. Medicare pays the first 20 days of post-acute rehab for eligible patients who are discharging from a hospital after a minimum three-night stay.

“Hillcrest Firethorn is unique among Lincoln’s post-acute care providers because of our made-to-order culinary program, in-house therapy team, state-of-the-art therapy gym and beautiful, new common spaces to support comfortable lifestyles during recovery,” said Jim Janicki, Vice President of Customer Navigation. “We are offering more amenities than traditional rehab providers in order to meet the demands of today’s aging adults, especially the baby boomer population.”

Hillcrest Firethorn is located at 8601 Firethorn Lane in Lincoln.

For more information or to learn about pre-planning your stay following an elective surgery, visit hillcrestfirethorn.com.

Locations Set for Diabetes Education of the Midlands Statewide Educational Events Diabetes Education of the Midlands is hosting Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Expos throughout Nebraska in 2018!

These learning events are designed to help individuals compare products, understand out-of-pocket costs and personalize their diabetes therapy.

Dates/Locations include: Omaha – Diabetes Center of the Midlands, 2910 S. 84th St. – March 1, May 3, June 14, August 2, September 6, and November 1.

Lincoln – Hampton Inn & Suites, 8343 Husker Cir. – April 12, July 12, and October 11.

Grand Island – Quality Inn Conference Center, 7838 Hwy. 281 – March 13 and November 13.

Kearney – Ramada Conference Center, 301 Second Ave – June 19.

What to Expect: • Doors open at 6 p.m. – Meet with manufacturer representatives.

• Breakout Presentation at 6:15 p.m. – Brief unbiased overview on all pump and CGM products, along with realistic expectations for pump and CGM therapy.

Who Should Attend?

• Anyone considering insulin pump and CGM therapy.

• Users who are interested in upgrading, comparing products or adding to their current therapy.

• Friends and family are welcome!

RSVP is encouraged to ensure that a cost estimate can be obtained at the expo! Call (402) 614-5298 or email pumps@diabetes-supply. com. Check out the organization’s Facebook page for more information.

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NON-PROFIT

NEWS

CEDARS402-436-5437www.cedarskids.orgHEALTH

CARE:

FOSTER

HEALTH NEWS

American Heart Association: Get Healthy For Good™ at a Heart Walk Near You

Nebraska Community Blood Bank: Help Meet Growing Need in 2018

The American Heart Association’s Healthy For Good™ movement is rallying millions across the country to live life healthier, inspiring lasting change and unifying people around the simple idea that making a small change today can create a difference for generations to come.

You don’t have to donate blood to support blood donation! The community depends on more than just blood donors to provide a stable supply of blood to area hospitals.

Thanks to many businesses and organizations who host blood drives or contribute financially or through inkind donations, Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) is often able to make a bigger impact.

One such blood drive is the semi-annual Broadcasters Unite for Life when NCBB, Alpha Media and 10/11 News join forces. For seven years these media drives have brought together blood donors, TV viewers, and radio listeners to help collect record-breaking amounts of lifesaving blood when blood donations drop due to cold and flu season in the winter or busy schedules in the summer.

“In 2017 we collected more than 100 units of blood at our media blood drives, and the numbers continue to increase year after year,” said Jami Kassebaum, Lead Donor Recruitment Representative at NCBB. “Each year we find more ways to use our resources collectively to spread awareness about the importance of blood donation and the constant need for blood right here in our community. The media coverage reaches far more people than we ever could on our own. We want to see continued growth and hope to do so with additional sponsorship.”

Only 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood. Partnerships often give people who are unable to give blood another way to help. If you are interested in learning more, please contact NCBB at blooddrives@ncbb.org / (402) 486-9427.

Now is the time to fight for lasting change. It’s time to put our health first and create a movement that truly lasts. It’s time that we commit to being Healthy For Good™.

How can you get started? Join the American Heart Association for their signature event, The Healthy For Good™ Heart Walk. Heart Walks across the country educate participants of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, and what can be done to prevent it.

Funds raised support local medical research and educational programs of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.

Survivors of heart disease, stroke and related surgeries are honored the morning of the walk.

Open to participants of all ages, there are two chances to lace up those sneakers and walk for a good cause: Saturday, May 19: Lincoln Heart Walk | Haymarket Park | LincolnHeartWalk.com.

Saturday, May 12: Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk, locally presented

by Physicians Mutual and Metro Credit Union and media sponsor 3 News Now | Miller’s Landing | OmahaHeartWalk.com.

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Sumner Place Now Music & Memory Certified Sumner Place Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation in Lincoln, Nebraska has been selected as the pilot Vetter Senior Living community for training and implementation of the Music and Memory Program through a grant project that is a partnership between the American Health Care Association and Brown University.

The pilot began January 2018 with trainings for the Sumner Place team members. Sumner Place is now successfully Music and Memory Certified!

The Music and Memory program provides access to personalized music through the use of iPods and headphones for individuals with dementia; it has been implemented in all 50 states, Canada, Curacao, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, Israel, Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, and Germany (Music and Memory, 2017). There have been multiple program evaluations completed at universities across the United States; researchers have observed team members and family participants report observations of participants having elevated mood, higher levels of engagement, and note positive environmental and facility culture changes. To find out more visit: musicandmemory.org. ​The Sumner Place team looks forward to sharing from their experiences with this program and for continued involvement in the years to come!

For more information about Sumner Place, please contact Megan Herter at (402) 475-6791 or visit SumnerPlaceCare.com.

Nebraska Hearing Center Now Offering Smallest, Smartest Rechargeable Hearing Aid N eb ra s k a H e a r i n g Center is excited to offer a revolutionary n ew r e c h a r ge a b l e hearing tec hnology from Audibel® – A4™ iQ Rechargeable. The smartest rechargeable hearing aid on the market, the new A4 iQ Rechargeable 900sync technology-enabled wireless hearing aid is designed for modern ease and convenience.

Built on Audibel’s award-winning Synergy® platform and revolutionary Acuity™ OS 2 operating system, the A4 iQ Rechargeable offers bestin-class features including: 30 hours of use with streaming; fast, full-day charging in less than three hours; convenient, transportable charging case for rapid 15-minute and “weekend” charges; telecoil; and CROS rechargeable system for individuals with single-sided hearing loss.

Finally, unlike other major brand lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids, the A4 iQ Rechargeable is the only one to offer a user-friendly on/off rocker switch for grab-and-go simplicity.

“We are excited to offer the A4 iQ rechargeable, the most user-friendly, rechargeable hearing device available, to our patients,” Audiologist Leslie Frank said. “These tiny devices offer supreme sound quality and unparalleled usability, presence and personalization. Because hearing health is directly related to emotional and physical well-being, we are pleased to help our patients improve their overall hearing health and well-being.”

To learn more about the new A4 iQ Rechargeable hearing aids, please visit www.audibel.com. For more information or to set up an appointment for a free hearing evaluation, call (402) 486-3737 or visit www. nebraskahearingcenter.com.

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FRIENDS4LUNCH Last Month: Cowboy Chicken Cowboy Chicken has been cooking allnatural chicken over a wood-burning fire all around the nation for over 30 years.

Today, guests can still enjoy the same delicious, wood-fired rotisserie chicken, along with an impressive selection of homemade sides and seasonal menu items. Other dishes include signature sour cream tomatillo chicken enchiladas, an abundance of scratch-made sides such as Twice Baked Potaters™, Baked Mac & Cheese, and Ranchero Beans, and seasonal cobblers baked in-house daily. Offering an authentic, welcoming dining experience, Cowboy Chicken’s Lincoln restaurant is located at 2801 Pine Lake Rd., Suite J. Thank you to all of our friends who joined us this month!

This Month: Screamers Dining & Cabaret The wait is over Lincolnites – Screamers Dining & Cabaret is now open at 803 Q Street in the Historic Haymarket! Screamers is inspired by the former UNL show choir, The Scarlet & Cream Singers (a.k.a. Screamers).

With a sultry jazz/cabaret/nightclub feel combined with highenergy live performances, guests are whisked back to a bygone era. Screamers Dining & Cabaret is a full-service, family-friendly restaurant and bar with live entertainment performed daily by the staff. Lunch features the most popular music of a different decade daily, there’s a piano bar happy hour each weekday afternoon, and in the evening, the servers perform a variety of music from all genres and time periods.

On behalf of our entire Strictly Business team, we would like to invite you to our next Friends4Lunch event we are holding at Screamers Dining & Cabaret on Tuesday, March 6th at 11:30 a.m. (Lunch prices range approx. $9-$14).

Space is limited and RSVP is requested. Please email office@ strictlybusiness.com or call (402) 466-3330 to attend.

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

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CARE:

NEWSFOSTER

EXPOSÉHEALTH

RESTAURANT

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CARE:

NEWSFOSTER

EXPOSÉHEALTH

RESTAURANT

FOSTER CARE: CEDARS 402-436-5437

www.cedarskids.org

Homes Needed for Children Sadly, too many children are waiting for a safe and loving home because there aren’t enough trained foster parents in Nebraska.

Kids come into foster care for a variety of reasons. Ultimately, CEDARS goal is to either safely reunite children with their families or find a permanent home for them. Until these goals can be achieved, foster families give kids stability and room to grow as individuals.

With offices in Lincoln and Bellevue, the Nebraska-based CEDARS has been serving children and families for over 70 years. The CEDARS Foster Care team works every day to ensure that over 250 foster children and youth flourish in loving families. Because foster parents are an integral part of the CEDARS professional team, they are equipped with exceptional training, have access to support 24/7, monthly support groups and quarterly gatherings for foster families.

“These kids really just want someone who’s going to open their home to them, get to know a little bit about them, and give them love,” says Adrianne Poppe with CEDARS Foster Care team. “Foster care is the situation that these kids are in, but it doesn’t define who they are. They have the same excitement, hope and pride that other children have.”

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

“I hear it so often from foster parents,” Poppe says, “that fostering is the best thing that happened to them.”

It is important to know that there is no typical CEDARS foster family.

CEDARS foster families include parents with children at home, single adults, couples hoping to adopt and empty nesters. To help, all you need is a stable home, an open heart and a willingness to reach out to a child in need.

If you have ever considered fostering and would like more information, please contact Adrianne Poppe at (402) 8901410 or apoppe@ cedars-kids.org.

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CULTURE

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Strictly Business MARCH 2018

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

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LINCOLN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

by Coby Mach, President & CEO

402-466-3419 • www.liba.org

LIBA Legislative Update The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) has been reviewing bills up for consideration during the 2018 Legislative Session. We wrote about several of those bills last month. Today I will share one that LIBA’s Board of Directors is very concerned about.

LB1084 is a new tax plan in the Legislature that contains sweeping tax increases, while attempting to lower property taxes. Please read the details below and consider emailing the Revenue Committee.

Changes under this tax plan, LB1084, include: • Increases the state sales tax from 5.5% to 6%. The Lincoln sales tax rate would increase to 7.75%.

• Realtors would collect a new sales tax from home buyers. This tax would be on the realtor’s commission.

• Add a sales tax on personal care; i.e. haircuts, nail services, storage & moving services, taxi, other hired driver services (Uber/Lyft), interior decorating, travel and tour operators, lawn and gardening care, music and dance lessons, golf lessons, tanning service, telefloral, remodeling and restoration or repair on owner-occupied housing.

• Taxing used car trade-in value.

• Adding a sales tax on school lunches and the prices paid for admission to school sporting events.

• Adding a sales tax to painting services, repair and cleaning of clothing and pet services.

• Subchapter S corporations will have to include more income in their Nebraska taxable income.

All of the new taxes collected would be dedicated to funding property tax relief. However, the relief plan has so many loopholes, it would likely not result in long-term lower property taxes for those living in Lincoln.

The Senator who brought this bill is a good Senator and we appreciate his desire to lower property taxes. He has also made everyone think about the different ways taxes are levied in our state.

These are good conversations to have. However, LIBA urges you to contact the Revenue Committee members below and ask them to produce a plan that does two things: 1) Lowers property taxes for everyone; 2) Does not dramatically increase other taxes. lbrasch@leg.ne.gov cfriesen@leg.ne.gov mgroene@leg.ne.gov bharr@leg.ne.gov tlarson@leg.ne.gov blindstrom@leg.ne.gov pschumacher@leg.ne.gov jsmith@leg.ne.gov LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining LIBA, please call me at (402) 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses. We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.

LIBA NEW MEMBERS

Screamers Dining and Cabaret Situated in the historic Haymar ket district of Lincoln, Nebraska, Screamers Dining and Cabaret (screamersdining. com) is serving lunch and dinner daily as well as brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The classic American cuisine is offered while providing live musical entertainment featuring the restaurant staff comprised of the hottest up-and-coming local talent. The Screamers concept was conceived by Kevin Witcher, a longtime veteran of the music and entertainment industry. Both the name and the concept is a tribute to The Scarlet and Cream Singers (University of Nebraska’s show choir, of which Kevin was a member) and its founding musical director Ray Miller. Ray created the group in 1972 to be the “ambassadors” of the university’s alumni association. The Scarlet and Cream Singers would go on for the next 35 years performing across the U.S. and abroad before disbanding in 2008. Although Ray Miller had retired from directing the group, he continued to be a mentor until his death in 2012. Screamers will honor Ray’s legacy and the lives he touched throughout his career by continuing his work of cultivating local talent, giving them a place to learn and grow.

Big Red Tire Pros Big Red Tire Pros, a family owned and operated auto repair and tire service store, is your place for amazing customer service, including its trademark Hassle-Free Guarantee. As part of the Tire Pros franchise, Big Red Tire Pros will leverage the expertise, service and buying power of more than 700 Tire Pros stores across America to give you outstanding prices, service and nationwide warranties, including complimentary, nationwide roadside assistance with any purchase.

Owners Dan and Lynda Kester grew up in Neligh, Nebraska, and bring the same small-town, honest treatment to every customer. They started Big Red Tire Pros in 2008 with a simple philosophy: have fun at work, treat your customers right, be honest, and provide great service.

As the name suggests, Big Red Tire Pros is a proud, active member of the Lincoln community and enjoys a 4.9-star Google rating from its customers. When you are tired of dealing with the big chain stores, stop by and experience the difference.

Big Red Tire Pros is located at 4900 Old Cheney Road and can be contacted at (402) 420-6100. Find out more online at bigredtire.com.

Vicente Clothiers Vicente Clothiers is a true custom clothier with an unparalleled array of distinctive styling options for men and women. Vicente Clothiers is owned and operated by Eddie Brown, who designed his business model to meet the needs of busy professionals like himself who understand the importance of dressing for success.

For those looking to enhance their style and confidence, Vicente Clothiers not only provides extensive garment selection and custom design, but also professional fitting. As a client, you’ll receive the personal concierge services of an expert clothier who brings the shopping and tailoring experience directly to you within the comfort and privacy of your home or place of business.

What does your wardrobe say about you? Vicente Clothiers can partner with you on defining exactly what you’d like that to be. For more information about Vicente Clothiers or to schedule a consultation, visit www.vicenteclothiers.com or call (402) 570-7209.

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LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

by Wendy Birdsall, President

402-436-2350 • www.lcoc.org

South by Southwest: Attracting Talent to Lincoln Members from our talent, innovation and entrepreneurship team will travel to Austin, Texas for South by Southwest (SXSW) in March. Many recognize this event for its new and emerging music; however, it has grown to include an extensive focus on innovation, jobs and new technology.

A social media campaign is helping to identify former Nebraskans now living and working in the Austin area and invite them to come by the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development’s booth to learn how Lincoln has grown and changed. Our goal, of course, is to have them return to Lincoln to continue their careers and raise their families. We expect several hundred people to stop by to learn more about the opportunities in Lincoln.

Many SXSW attendees have heard rumblings about the “Silicon Prairie” and are excited to see representatives in person. Our staff members will be able to speak with many diverse, techskilled people looking for new opportunities.

One of Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development’s top priorities is workforce development in Lincoln. Attracting professionals, young families, entrepreneurs and those with technology and healthcare skills are of particular importance … a really good match for attendees of SXSW. The SXSW Job Market Expo will attract over 10,000 people, with the Partnership’s display at the Expo collecting several hundred leads which will be shared with our Talent Forum.

Nebraska Exposed, a daylong showcase for eleven Lincoln and Omaha bands, will amp up Nebraska’s presence on March 14 at Cheers, an iconic Sixth Street venue at the epicenter of SXSW. We’ve been evaluating the effectiveness of our attendance at SXSW and our social media strategies. So far, it’s looking good for 2018.

Working together we can ensure that Lincoln continues to grow and prosper with a talented and vital workforce. The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development continues to do its part to help make that happen.

The Chamber’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. For more information, please contact Jaime Henning at jaimehenning@lcoc.com.

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DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ASSOCIATION

by Terry Uland, President

402-434-6900 • www.downtownlincoln.org

Haymarket Energy Fuels Local Agency’s Growth

It was 11 p.m. on a Tuesday night. The Simple Strat team planned to shoot the first scene of their branding video in the middle of the Haymarket. Figuring a time late in the evening would be safe to avoid the noise and commotion commonly associated with a downtown location, they quickly realized they were wrong. “The energy of downtown Lincoln never dies down,” said Ali Schwanke, CEO and founder of Simple Strat. “We had to dodge late night cleaners, social groups, the beer-bike tour, interested passers-by and more while we were shooting our branding video.”

The video, which is now available on the Simple Strat website, encompasses the energy and excitement commonly found in the Haymarket and other areas of downtown Lincoln. Schwanke said the decision to grow their company in downtown Lincoln was a strategic and intentional one. We recently sat down with her to talk about Simple Strat and what it’s like to grow a business in downtown Lincoln.

Q: How long has Simple Strat been in business?

A: We officially launched Simple Strat early in 2016, but I’d been operating a solo consulting business prior to that. The focus has always been on helping companies establish a firm foundation of marketing strategy and then tactical services to help them grow. However, the shift to Simple Strat as an agency meant adding specific skill sets through new team members and extending our efforts outside the Lincoln area.

Q: Why did you decide to open an office in downtown Lincoln?

A: I’ve spent the majority of my professional career in Lincoln, and there’s always been an incredible draw to the downtown area. With the addition of the Railyard and the swell of startups and technological innovation in the Haymarket with companies like Hudl and Nebraska Global, we believed downtown Lincoln would be the prime place to launch and grow a strategic marketing company. Especially one that also has a significant focus on marketing technology. Our first office was in the Fuse Coworking space. It provided incredible flexibility for us to grow as it was a month-to-month lease. But we outgrew that office before we knew it. From there we moved to South Lincoln for a few months to get more space, but quickly realized that we missed the energy, excitement, and collaboration of downtown Lincoln. When we had an opportunity to move back and take over a lease in the Apothecary Building with Haymarket Developers in December 2016, we took it. After a few months there, we finally moved up to a 4th floor set of offices in April of 2017 and have been there ever since.

Q: What does Simple Strat do?

A: We’re the marketing agency for companies that are serious about growth. In a nutshell, we focus on helping companies establish a foundation for their marketing efforts and then execute on that plan to increase their number of qualified leads and close more deals. For those who are looking for specifics, our services range from marketing strategy and planning to SEO, graphic design, sales collateral, video production, and website development. We’re also a certified HubSpot Partner Agency and Wistia partner. These are specific technologies that allow us to provide a high level of expertise in helping companies manage their data and leverage it to grow. This includes things like CRM, marketing automation, sales process consulting, and video marketing and analytics.

Q: Where can people find out more about Simple Strat?

A: Our website has a wealth of information. We’re also very active on social media, so look for us on almost all social media platforms.

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

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W O R K P L AC E W E L L N E S S A focus on wellness in the workplace has become increasingly prevalent in organizations of all types and sizes, from SMBs to multi-million dollar corporations.

As individuals, it’s important to pay attention to our health and wellness in all aspects of our lives. Since much of our time is spent at work, it only makes sense that we are mindful of supporting behaviors that promote good health as well as modifying or avoiding those that compromise or negatively affect our health. Even committing to changing something small is a step in the right direction.

For employers, as you’re probably already aware to some extent, there are a wealth of benefits tied to having a healthy workforce. Doing what you can to support good habits in the workplace and offering programs or incentives that promote health and wellness are both well-advised.

Kristina Saunders, APRN, NP-C, CDE with Honor Health & Wellness, provides a few ideas for employers to consider. “Offering incentive

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programs for obtaining health screenings and other preventative health services gets great results. I have worked with employers who collaborate with their insurance provider to incorporate incentives into their offerings.

When employees complete a health screening, they receive a specified amount of money on a card that can be used towards their deductible or copays. Or, offer to pay a portion of a gym membership.

Arranging for opportunities to have activities that promote health and wellness take place Kristina Saunders at your worksite is another course of action Honor Health & Wellness you could take. This might include influenza vaccines, lunch-hour exercise groups, chair massages, etc. Or, offer to host meetings that encourage healthy behaviors, such as lunch and

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learns or demonstrations conducted by local experts who provide healthy offerings.

Lastly, allow flexibility and practice sensitivity when employees need time off for appointments and illness. After all, if you have one employee report to work ill because they fear repercussions of absence, you risk having several others exposed and out for illness, not to mention the decrease in productivity when an employee reports to work ill. Selfcare, as well as mental health, are still the most overlooked aspects of wellness in the workplace. Develop a culture of sensitivity and safety, not only in the physical environment, but also in relationships between coworkers and employees/management.”

Also touching on insurance options offered to employees, she notes, “Employers MUST pay attention to the health plans they are selecting for their employees. Choosing a plan based on low cost that does not support employees’ health by charging high copays and deductibles, not covering medications that have been shown to lead to improved outcomes when compared to less expensive alternatives, or excluding benefits and services that could allow an individual to optimally manage a chronic disease will not lead to a healthy staff, especially in the long run, when access to preventative care is necessary.”

As for individuals, Saunders lists the following points of emphasis: “Move more! Get up every 30 minutes and walk around the office. See if your employer can accommodate a standing desk. Enlist your coworkers to join you for walks on breaks and over lunch. Bring your lunch to work, and be sure to include fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

Drink 8 glasses or water per day. If you must consume caffeinated beverages, drink one additional glass of water for every caffeinated drink consumed. Stretch at the beginning of your day at the end of the day. Take mini meditation breaks when able; concentrate on deep breathing or use guided meditation recordings. There are several free apps available.”

In agreement on a few items just mentioned, Dennis Varley with The Body Shoppe adds, “Pre-work stretching at minimum, and possibly even light workout beforehand to get the day started, is highly recommended.

Providing chair massage in the workplace is gaining popularity among employers and it’s definitely something that employees appreciate. There have even been studies done that show the benefits of chair massage in the workplace, particularly linking it to improved brainpower, increased productivity, Dennis Varley and decreased stress and anxiety. The best The Body Shoppe time to schedule this would be mid-day. The Body Shoppe offers corporate chair massages at a discounted price.”

Also touching on the importance of getting up and moving around throughout the work day, Nancy Hopkins with Physicians WEIGHT LOSS Centers advises, “It’s proven that spending the whole day sitting will eventually take a toll on one’s health. But so many people do just that without noticing or being aware that it’s a problem. Simply encouraging employees to make sure to take a break at specific intervals, during which time they engage in some form of moderate physical activity, will be a nudge in the right direction.

Nancy Hopkins Just getting up and going outdoors for a 10Physicians WEIGHT 15 minute walk does wonders. In addition to LOSS Centers the exercise and a breath of fresh air to clear your mind and reenergize, sunlight is a great source of vitamin D, another essential nutrient that provides great health benefits.

That being said, no amount of exercise will counteract the negative effects of a poor diet. To help with that, we specialize in putting together customized meal plans as well as providing ongoing support through recommendations and counseling as needed. As a medically-guided facility, we’re uniquely situated to offer a host of services to individuals and at the company level. Our team is able to come alongside a MARCH 2018 Strictly Business

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company and provide options for what would make the most sense and have the most impact, and to support the objectives they put in place.

Maintaining good health is about making good choices. If your employees don’t know what they should be doing, and there’s no one to help them figure it out or encourage them to do the things that support a healthy lifestyle, their habits won’t change. Employers can play a part in influencing their employees to make good choices, which in turn is beneficial to them. Offerings in the workplace that support health and wellness are important, and thinking outside the box will make you stand out. In a time when retention of the best and brightest employees is critical, you need to show your employees that you care about them as people.”

Natasha Plooster with Eat Fit Go further emphasizes, “Nutrition is so important.

Employers can create incentives for bringing lunch to work, or better yet, cater a healthy lunch for employees! We can provide the perfect meal for any team member. Low carb, paleo, vegetarian, etc.--it doesn’t matter what the diet is, we have you covered. We are able to feed teams ranging from 15 to 500 people by providing individual meals, hot for immediate consumption or cold to allow flexibility in a busy workday. Let’s be honest, Natasha Plooster not everyone wants to eat their lunch between Eat Fit Go 12-1 p.m., nor is that time frame always going to be ideal. We love to work with teams to deliver a plan that fits you and your company’s needs.

Companies are also getting active together, and this push towards community wellness is so refreshing to see. We love the being a part of this healthy movement and are ecstatic to fuel this revolution!

Even something small like creating a step challenge to motivate people to move around during the day will have a positive impact. Since accountability leads to better outcomes, consider making some of your activities, events or initiatives team-oriented. It will double as a teambuilding exercise!”

At the individual level, she advises, “Sleep, drink water, move every 30 minutes, and plan your meals.

Proper sleep gets people ready for the day ahead, instead of waking up tired and cranky. Drinking water throughout the day will help keep energy levels up and keeps the body working properly. Dehydration can cause hunger, headaches, irritability, and keeps the brain from functioning to the best of its ability. Moving around, even if it’s just a lap around the office or filling up your water bottle, is a great way to get the blood pumping, which will help keep you awake and energized all day. Having a plan for food sets you up for success as opposed to having no plan and going with what everyone else is doing. Going out for lunch or happy hour adds up at the end of the week!

Good nutrition has a ripple effect in the other important areas mentioned too. If you eat right, typically you sleep well, wake up feeling rested, your clothes fit better, and your body has fewer aches and pains. Proper nutrition allows everything else to work the way it should.

If you can get your team eating quality foods and moving throughout the day, as an employer, you will have a very healthy team.”

With the rising cost of insurance and other challenges that exist with access to affordable healthcare, there are plenty of disruptors in the industry who are identifying ways they can better serve individuals and employers in our community alike.

Take the relatively new Direct Primary Care model, for example. “In today’s economy, it is very difficult if not nearly impossible for small businesses to offer a health care benefits package to their employees due to the rising costs,” explains Todd Johnson, Dr. Todd Johnson MD with Access Family Medicine. “Direct

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Access Family Medicine

Primary Care was designed to help employers offer an extra benefit to their employee package without jeopardizing their business. At Access Family Medicine, we offer small business owners one low flat monthly rate for their employees to receive Primary Care Services. We are finding that employees are thrilled with this benefit. It is not an expense coupled with premiums, deductibles or copays. Your small business and your employees will no longer have to worry about the rising cost of their health insurance due to submitting claims for primary care needs.

Direct Primary Care is designed around basic finance principles; pay for what you can afford and ensure what you cannot afford or predict.

Here are a few examples of the benefits your employees will have as members at Access Family Medicine: • Low flat monthly rate for your employees; we will also extend this rate to their spouses and families if they would like to sign them up as well.

• Unlimited access to your physician.

• Same-day and next-day appointments.

• Full access to virtual medicine via phone, email, text, webcam and more.

• Wholesale labs, imaging, and medications at up to 90% off the retail price.

Promoting health and wellness in the workplace is exactly what Access Family Medicine was designed to do. As I previously mentioned, it is very difficult for small business owners to compete with larger companies when it comes to offering a benefits package. Because we offer low monthly membership rates for small business owners, they can offer health CARE to their employees. With access to their physician in a variety of ways, this gives employees the flexibility to address an issue from where ever they may be, oftentimes without having to leave the office or worksite.

Our small business owners really like our model and what we have to offer their employees; they realize keeping their workers healthy and at work is very beneficial for their businesses.

As a primary care provider, our focus is on prevention. We work with each patient, focusing on their needs, in order for them to be their most optimal self.”

Dr. Johnson goes on to mention, “Creating a work environment that not only promotes productivity for the business, but one that also promotes health and wellness of the individuals who work there, is critical for employers to consider when designing their work environments.

Employers should consider some of the following: • An abundance of natural light.

• Ergonomically-correct seating at the desk as well as the correct computer keyboard and monitor heights.

• Background noise/music--adding something other than phones ringing and people talking can lessen the stress that builds up over the work day.

• Allow frequent breaks--avoid having your employees sitting for excessive amounts of time on end, even if it is just a 1-minute walk to the drinking fountain and back.

As an employer, it is important to lead by example and demonstrate health and wellness yourself, as well as to encourage your employees to take good care of themselves. This involves eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of sleep and exercise. It is also very viable for individuals to see their Primary Care Doctor annually. A routine exam will help ensure that necessary measures are being taken to help prevent a major medical issue from potentially occurring. This may include managing high blood pressure, diabetes or stress. It is a well-known fact that healthy people are productive people.”

Although just the tip of the iceberg with respect to what you could incorporate into your own work life or in the workplace for the benefit of your employees, it’s an excellent starting point. We encourage you to consider the recommendations provided by our local experts and do what you can to get on board with anything that supports the health and wellness of you and your fellow colleagues and coworkers!

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Education No matter how much you know, there is always more to learn. For those contemplating continuing their formal education, it remains a rewarding pursuit. Better yet, there are more options available than ever before, many of which having been designed with accessibility and flexibility in mind. Vocational training and online degree programs are great examples, and more specifically, here in Lincoln, we’re fortunate to benefit from the programs offered by institutions like Southeast Community College and the University of Nebraska.

“Our mission at SCC is to empower and transform students from the diverse communities we serve,” says Dr. Paul Illich, President of Southeast Community College. “We are able to do this while we make educational opportunities more accessible for southeast Nebraska residents.

In addition to our three campuses in Lincoln, Dr. Paul Illich Beatrice, and Milford, we’ve added six new Learning Centers located in our 15-county Southeast Community service area in Falls City, Hebron, Nebraska College

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City, Plattsmouth, Wahoo, and York. They are designed to meet the educational needs of the residents in these areas, offering credit and non-credit classes as well as continuing education. We recently received a grant for three of these Learning Centers to expand their distance education programs.

SCC is also undergoing some big changes with the upcoming addition of several new facilities. We just completed a $4.2 million expansion to our Culinary/Hospitality program and brand new high-end restaurant open to the public. Now we are focusing on a new health sciences building at our Lincoln Campus, a new diesel technology facility at our Milford Campus, and new multi-purpose classroom buildings at our Beatrice and Milford Campuses. These new facilities will enable us to grow and expand with the College into the next generation.”

Many SCC programs offer flexible scheduling to take into account that students work and often juggle commitments outside of school. In fact, more than 70 percent of SCC students work and go to school at the same time.

Most notably, SCC places a great focus on small class sizes and hands-on learning. This assists the students in learning material that will prepare them for the career field of their choosing. With the small class sizes,

it also assists the students in getting to know their instructor, making it more comfortable for them to ask for help. Another highlight of SCC is the graduate employment/transfer rate. Each quarter many students who haven’t even graduated yet receive multiple job opportunities for when they do graduate.

As far as current trends, Dr. Illich notes, “One of the fields of study where we’ve seen the highest demand is in Health Sciences. Historically we’ve seen a large student demand in healthcare fields and have had waitlists for students to enter some of our most popular programs, such as Nursing. The high levels of student demand are due to the strong employer demand for workers in these fields and the relatively high levels of pay in some of these fields. Graduates in most of our health sciences programs earn average salaries above $30,000, and our recent graduates in Physical Therapist Assistant, Associate Degree Nursing, and Respiratory Care reported average salaries over $40,000.

We expect demand to remain high in these fields. Projections based on Department of Labor statistics show an 11% increase in healthcare industry jobs in our region over the next 10 years. As the population in Lincoln continues to grow and age there will be an increasing need for healthcare workers at all levels.

SCC offers thirteen programs in Health Sciences, from a short-term course in Nursing Assistant to Associate of Applied Science degrees in a variety of in-demand specialized health fields, such as Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technology, Paramedicine, and Medical Laboratory Technology.”

In addition to the strong forward momentum maintained by our community colleges, based on sustained growth and value of offerings, online degree programs are another popular option for continuing education. Many are opting to go this route exclusively or alternatively, do a combination of classroom and online courses.

The most prominent example here locally is University of Nebraska.

The University of Nebraska Online website showcases more than 125 programs online from four highly-respected institutions: University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL), University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), and University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK).

The University of Nebraska Online is NU’s collaborative online initiative providing access to academically-respected degrees offered online. NU Online continues the University of Nebraska’s long history of providing high-quality, flexible distance education programs designed to meet the needs of a diverse set of learners, helping build your career and enhance your life. Students experience the same rigor, faculty, and support expected from a leading university, and any degree obtained reflects that.

University of Nebraska online programs give adult learners in our community and from around the world access to the opportunity to be taught by the same expert faculty who teach at the four University of Nebraska campuses. Their online courses are challenging, current and relevant. As such, they attract highly qualified, strongly motivated, undergraduate, graduate and professional students who are serious about their education.

NU faculty and staff are extraordinarily responsive to student needs, creating a highly interactive community of learners that encourages and values collaboration between professors and students. As a result, you will be well equipped to achieve your academic goals, and to immediately apply what you learn in the workplace.

When you choose an online program from the University of Nebraska, you receive: • The high-quality education and student services you’d expect from a leading university.

• A degree from the University of Nebraska – diplomas and transcripts for online students are identical to those of on-campus students.

• Campuses that are fully accredited regionally by the Higher Learning Commission—a commission of the North Central Association— and many programs that also carry accreditation by prestigious associations in specific fields.

• Highly competitive tuition and fees.

• Access to outstanding library services, technical support, financial aid advisers and other professionals who are committed to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

Whether your goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctorate, or a certificate or endorsement that will help you further your career, there are a multitude of diverse options available for online programs. These online programs can be found at online.nebraska.edu.

Whether you’re a first-time student, returning to further your education, or interested in pursuing opportunities for training or development of marketable skills and competencies, it’s important to find the best fit for your needs that will fully support you in reaching your goals. You have so much to offer the world, and our local institutions have so much to offer you!

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SpringCleaning Is anyone else excited that the first day of spring is March 20th?

With the passing of another winter, although the nicer weather is what most of us are looking forward to in the coming months, it’s also spring cleaning time!

Sure, it’s pretty darn satisfying to start fresh with clean and tidy surroundings in unison with the natural cycle of rebirth. Then there are the items that are highly recommended to perform in the spring for practical reasons otherwise that you’ll want to get accomplished. When it comes to cleaning of any sort, there are generally three types of people: cleaning fanatics, those who clean fairly regularly and find it enjoyable, and those who would rather do anything else in the world than clean. Accordingly, there are options to consider depending on which type you are and other factors such as the time you have to devote to it, if there are jobs best done by a professional, etc. You can find the motivation to get down to business yourself, make arrangements to get it handled otherwise, or find a good balance between the two.

For the jobs you’ll tackle yourself, fortunately there are also ways to make your life easier – work smarter, not harder, right?

Altogether, between your home, garage, office or workplace, vehicle, your place of business, heck even your gym locker or any other space that could use a good spring cleaning, there’s sure to be plenty to do! {At Home} A home is meant to be lived in – hence, needing to tidied up regularly. Beyond that, a more thorough cleaning is a must periodically, and spring cleaning is pretty standard as far as that goes.

“Spring cleaning fever has hit many of us already,” says Mary McCombs with Essentials Home Care. “It is an opportunity to throw open the windows, let some fresh air in, and make our homes clean, happy and efficient spaces.

Mary McCombs Essentials Home Care

Follow these quick steps to de-clutter, clean, dust and update your home:

Declutter • Toss expired food from refrigerator and pantry.

• Toss expired spices and herbs.

• Toss old containers that are stained or missing lids.

• Toss chipped or cracked plates and glassware.

• Empty out coat closet.

• Store out-of-season items.

• Donate items.

Clean • Remove food from the refrigerator and wipe down with disinfectant.

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• Wipe down all doors and handles.

• Deep clean kitchen appliances including the stove, oven, microwave refrigerator, etc.

• Wash inside and outside of garbage can and recycling bins.

• Launder bedding and curtains. Wash pillows and duvets in hot water. Air out mattress pads.

Dust • Countertops • Cabinet Shelves • Stove Vents • Refrigerator Coils • TVs & Cabinets • Lighting Fixtures • Art & Wall Décor Update • Change out cabinet lining if torn or worn.

• Replace storage containers with missing lids.

• Replace worn kitchen towels.

• Update kitchen décor by painting room in a bright color using semi-gloss paint.

Don’t be daunted by the size of this list; many of the jobs are small ones that can be completed expediently, and you’ll be so glad you took the time to do them!”

McCombs also provides a list of seven items that commonly overlooked: 1. Pillows: Dead skin, mites, food, mold and filth can be found in all pillows – from the pillow you sleep with to any pillows that adorn

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your bed or couches. Remove pillow covers and wash separately according to the instructions on the tags. For throw pillows with no removable cover, use a vacuum to clean them.

2. Bathroom Décor: Bacteria can easily spread in the bathroom. In addition to your normal weekly routine, for spring cleaning, make sure to disinfect any of your bathroom decor — vases, jars, picture frames, decorative soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, etc.

3. Dishwasher: Cleaning your dishwasher will improve the machine’s overall performance. If your dishwasher has a filter, remove it and discard any buildup of food particles. If not, check the macerator (the food-grinding component) for cleaning or replacement. Next, fill a dishwasher-safe plastic container with a cup of vinegar, place it on the upper rack and run it through a hot water cycle.

Then, sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher and run a shorter cycle.

4. Trash Cans: These are inevitably dirty, but when was the last time you disinfected your bins? If you line your containers with garbage bags, disinfecting should not be a big job. Simply hose out the bins, and then scrub the interior with disinfecting spray and seal with an odor-eliminating product.

5. Cleaning Supplies: You’re only spreading more filth if you’re cleaning with dirty supplies. Toilet brushes, sponges, cleaning cloths, brooms, dusters, and your vacuum cleaner should be cleaned or replaced regularly.

6. Electronics: Keyboards and remotes are hot spots for germs. Use a compressed air spray to regularly remove dust or gunk from your keyboard. To disinfect, use a disinfecting wipe, but be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid before scrubbing.

With respect to the timing of certain tasks, she notes, “There are several things that are best done in the springtime or in preparation for spring.

As far as exterior aspects, the most important thing to do is to check your shingles. There could have been damage done by storms over

the winter. The flushing around your plumbing vents, skylights, and chimneys also need to be checked and replaced if needed.

Gutters are also another thing that should be inspected in the spring.

Snow can weigh down gutter systems which can cause damage and potentially lead to a leak in your system. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are free and clear of debris.

Similarly, check your outside faucet systems. If you have an in-ground sprinkler system then you had this shut down for the winter season in late fall. This will need to be turned back on, and your hose and spout on the outside of your house should also be checked for pipe leaking and hoses checked for dry rot.

At Essentials Home Care, we have experienced technicians on staff who are able to answer any questions you might have about spring cleaning and prepping for the warmer weather ahead. Contact an Essentials Technician to see how our spring checklist can benefit you and your home the best.”

“Springtime is a great time for cleaning,” echoes Teresa Hodgen with 360 Clean.

“There’s that fresh smell in the air naturally and you have an extra perk in your step. It’s yet another opportunity for a new beginning to a new year. Let’s face it, it just feels good when your surroundings look good.

Teresa Hodgen 360 Clean

When there is dust and dirt in your home or office it creates its own set of problems.

Things get worn out sooner, not to mention that it just looks bad and can cause health issues.

Floors in particular have taken a beating over the past three months. Clean them good then have them sealed or polished. After the snow is gone and no one is tracking in ice melt and walking on your floors with dirty shoes, you can finally start cleaning up areas of your home or office and keeping them that way. In my opinion, washing by hand is always the best way to deep clean a floor this time of year. For that method, kneepads are a must if you want to be walking around upright when you are 70. This is a great example of how we go the extra mile for our clients, so if it doesn’t sound like something you want to do, we’ll gladly do it for you.

It’s also a great time to attend to the things you don’t pay attention to on a regular basis. These would include light fixtures, long-forgotten shelves, ceiling fans, blinds, windows, carpet and flooring, baseboards, hard water spots and buildup in your shower, and so on. Even if you clean a few things per week or tackle things on your to-do list here and there you will feel a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, being organized, even in a small area, lightens up a person’s mood. Clutter is just junk in your space that stresses you out, get rid of it. You won’t miss it. Finally, don’t overpromise yourself that you will get 5 hours of work done at once. Instead, set a goal of 1 hour each day or week.”

She concludes, “A clean space is a happy place to be. When you live or work in a relatively clean space, you are more relaxed and in a better state of mind.” {At Work} For employees, cleaning tasks generally are specific to your personal work space, or perhaps you may be assigned other tasks to complete or share certain responsibilities with your coworkers. Every workplace is different in that respect. A little decluttering, organizing, and basic cleaning can really go a long way in setting the tone for your professional life and interactions throughout the day, boosting your mood, increasing your productivity, and so on.

For business owners, how the cleaning is handled varies as well. You may have the resources to keep your janitorial operations in-house, opt to outsource it to a commercial cleaning company, or delegate certain tasks to your employees. There might even be tasks you’ll do yourself.

You not only want the space to be inviting and presentable for your clients/customers and guests, but a work environment that is pleasant and most conducive to getting the results you want from your team.

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Angela Paolini ServiceMaster Professional Building Maintenance

Some of what was discussed pertaining to the home is also relevant to one’s place of business, but on the other hand, you’ll also need to take certain factors into consideration for a commercial space that wouldn’t necessarily be applicable at one’s residence. As a general rule of thumb, Angela Paolini with ServiceMaster Professional Building Maintenance advises, “First, focus on reorganizing and getting rid of clutter. Second, focus on the cleaning that doesn’t normally get done on a daily or weekly basis.”

Specifically regarding her company’s specialty area, commercial cleaning, she notes, “Deep cleans and carpet cleaning are especially popular services we provide this time of year.

With flexible offerings, we’re happy to perform one-time deep cleans or put together an entire cleaning schedule for the year based on your specific needs. If you keep up on the detail cleaning, such as high and low dusting or dusting behind and underneath items for example, throughout the year your spring cleaning will be much more manageable. However, what’s usually involved in detail cleaning is exactly what tends to fall by the wayside unless you diligently attend to it or have someone who is actively managing that for you. Since most people you’ll do business with will hold you to high standards of cleanliness, the goal is to ensure your place of business remains presentable year-round.

After all the ice melt, slush, and sand tracked in from the winter months, it not only feels and looks good to get a carpet extraction performed, but it is necessary for the maintenance and health of your carpet.

A lot of folks get carpeting cleaned in spring, which is good, but be sure to choose a carpet cleaning company that is certified. We go through IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification), but there are several organizations out there that certify carpet cleaning companies and technicians. Choosing an uncertified company can be risky; with some processes and cleaning agents, you may be doing more harm than good to your carpet.”

In agreement on the importance of sanitary conditions in the workplace as well as good air quality in any environment, Angela McRoberts with Star City Heating & Cooling adds, “Air scrubbers are especially great for offices, beauty salons with heavy scents, and commercial sites.

We have received an overwhelming amount of feedback about how much relief people struggling with asthma and allergies have gotten from using the air scrubbers. I highly recommend having one installed for your home or business. Even using a portable tabletop-style model, which also covers up to 3,000 sq. ft., will dramatically improve your air quality.

Angela McRoberts Star City Heating & Cooling

There are also things to consider for high-traffic locations, such as is typical for commercial spaces – businesses, offices, etc.

Similarly, don’t forget to change your filters! One- and two-inch filters should be swapped out or cleaned about every three months, depending on the environment. Four-inch filters should be changed about every six months.

One that remains especially timely is flu prevention. It is recommended to clean high touch points at least once a day using a sanitizer that’s an antifungal germicide.

A great upgrade to consider is Trane CleanEffects, an electronic filter that takes the place of a standard filter. It does an excellent job of trapping dust and dirt particles, minimizing the amount that you’re

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breathing in and cleaning off furniture and floors. It also helps relieve pesky allergies and eliminate bacteria.

Electronic filters such as the CleanEffects should be vacuumed every two-three months, or for other brands, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Finally, duct cleaning can also be very beneficial to help reduce dust and allergens, especially after remodels have been completed.”

She also offers recommendations on checkpoints and upkeep that is best done in the spring. “Be sure to clear away any debris that may have collected around the air conditioner or heat pump. Once grass, plants, and the dreaded weeds start to grow, it’s important to keep these trimmed away from the outdoor unit(s) as well.

Spring is the time to schedule a maintenance or tune-up service on your air conditioning unit. This will prepare the system for the hot, dog-days of summer by maximizing its efficiency, increasing the system’s lifespan, and potentially preventing breakdowns.

The biggest thing we hear from people that do their own air conditioner maintenance is that they hose off the air conditioner or heat pump with plain water each time they’re outside. Doing this just to get the loose debris out may be okay, especially after the end of winter, but it doesn’t do a thorough enough job and may actually cause some damage. If your air conditioning unit has spine fin coils, be especially careful in how you wash down your equipment. Too much pressure and the wrong angle can cause the coil fins to bend or even break, doing more harm than good.

The major difference between this type of DIY maintenance and Star City’s professional maintenance is thoroughness. Plain water won’t entirely dislodge or wash away the dirt and grime that has collected. Over time, the collection of dirt and oil will form into an air-restrictive wall that interferes with the air conditioner’s functions. To prevent this from happening we use a specialized coil cleaner to dislodge the compacted dirt, oil, and debris; something plain water can’t do. Secondly, Star City technicians clean and inspect 50 specific components in the air conditioner to ensure everything is working properly and to its highest efficiency. Many common breakdowns are easily prevented through regular maintenance. Air conditioner maintenance is just as necessary as a vehicle tune-up.” {In The Garage} One of the more neglected spaces, perhaps it’s time to direct your attention to your garage. It’s a great spring cleaning project and one that many of us would benefit from if we’re being honest.

“Being garage gurus who offer an innovative garage storage solution, we love a clean garage,” says Ryan Stauffer with Levrack.

“As a transitional space from outside to inside, spring is personally our favorite time to clean!

Unfortunately the average American garage has become a collect-all for all of the stuff that doesn’t fit inside the house. In a lot of cases that stuff also displaces another one of our favorite things: CARS! That’s where Levrack comes in.

We only have so much square footage in our garages, so maximizing it is extremely Ryan Stauffer important. Levrack is a ‘mobile aisle’ storage Levrack solution that includes hanging shelves turned inward, essentially doubling your shelving space in any given area while hiding your stuff at the same time. Whether it’s Christmas decorations or recreational equipment, Levrack is full of opportunities to revolutionize your storage situation.”

He continues, “Cleaning of any part of the house is kind of a drag, but there are things you can do to make the process easier. The main reason we came up with Levrack is to solve the problem of misusing space. In a lot of cases things are stored inefficiently. Along with taking up valuable space, it can be an eyesore. By exploring innovative ways to organize while you clean, you can transform whatever type of space you’re dealing with and make cleaning easier and more enjoyable the next time around too. Essentially, investing in shelving or any type of product

that helps organize your stuff will make life easier down the road. Also one of the reasons our customers love our product is that it conceals your stuff as well. No more shame in leaving your garage door open!

The garage basically becomes an extension of the house during the spring and summer months in Nebraska, so the more function you can add the better!”

Finally, Stauffer offers the following general recommendations for spring cleaning: “Winter can be tough in Nebraska, so anything that gets neglected that time of year should be first on the list in the spring. The floors are a great example. Most garages have some slope to them, which allows you to use the garden hose or power washer to get the salt and grime from the winter off of the surface. Additionally, washing outside windows, or power washing the exterior of the house and garage are great places to start. Even a deep clean (inside and out) of your vehicles becomes tedious in the winter, making spring a great time to get serious about that. There’s nothing quite like pulling your clean car into your clean garage! Can you tell we’re passionate about garages?” {In Transit} As for your vehicle itself, there are a few things to keep in mind with respect to spring cleaning here too.

“Unfortunately, we are still experiencing winter on the roads as we approach spring,” says Kendra McDonald with JetSplash.

“It is very important to wash your vehicle regularly after snow and anytime roads are treated with the salt and brine mixture. Also, vacuuming regularly to remove the material used to treat parking lots will increase the life of the carpet in your vehicle.

I think it is easy to try and wait for the weather to get nice to wash ‘winter’ off your car. You shouldn’t wait. Every day the salt and other Kendra McDonald materials are damaging the exterior of your JetSplash vehicle.”

Ready to get started on your spring cleaning yet? The professionals sure are, and while you’re going down your to-do list if you find that you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help or pass a question or concern by them.

Also, as previously noted, oftentimes with spring cleaning comes downsizing and getting rid of items that are no longer used or serving a purpose. Although you may consider them to be clutter, others could potentially benefit from having them around. Consider donating to a local non-profit who will use them to meet a need they’ve identified in our community. Rehoming benefits us all!

Living your best life does take a little work sometimes. By getting your spring cleaning out of the way now, you can move on to fully enjoying your surroundings and everything that you consider to be the best parts of the spring and summer months!

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JOINING ORGANIZATIONS It’s no big secret that success in the business world is based just as much on who you know as what you know. Fortunately for individuals at all stages of their careers and lives, cultivating both areas at the same time is entirely possible by selecting a professional organization and getting involved.

Just a few of the numerous benefits of joining a professional organization, whether it’s specific to your industry, one with which you share common ground otherwise, or an opportunity to branch out from familiar territory, are as follows: Building your network will allow you to make important and lasting connections. Oftentimes you’ll gain a friend, mentor, or ally along the way. Expanding your horizons and trying something new that might be a little outside of your comfort zone, such as an after-hours networking event or presenting to a group, is a surefire way to put yourself in a situation where you’ll learn and grow. Getting together for a community service project or to attend a seminar or conference has the exact same result. Finally, there’s no better place to find out all of the need-to-know information than in a group of fellow business professionals. From sharing leads to facilitating the connection between those seeking jobs and those looking to fill them, the conversation between like-minded individuals naturally leads to the good stuff.

Collectively, rest assured the return is well worth the time and effort you’ll invest.

All told, there are organizations and associations representative of nearly every profession, industry or special interest group and many have national, regional, state and/or local chapters who would love to have you as a member.

You may even want to consider being a member of an industry-specific group as well as a business-oriented organization with a broader focus and membership base. On one hand, you will be contributing to the progress being made in your respective industry and keeping up with advances in your field while learning from others who may have more experience or who will expose you to new ideas. On the other, you will have the opportunity to interact with people outside of your industry sphere who are involved in other fields, which can be an eye-opening experience. Both will greatly enhance your business profile, personal brand, and visibility in your community, making you even more of an asset to your employer as well.

Ultimately, why consider membership in a professional organization? The bottom line is that creating professional relationships truly is fundamental to your future success and joining an organization allows you to step outside of the workplace, meet new people and make new connections, gain access to invaluable information and opportunities, and to support and help one another in reaching your goals.

If you’re looking to join an organization or want to know more about what’s out there, keep reading – we’ve highlighted some excellent options and encourage you to reach out directly to learn more about how you can get involved!

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To be a Lincoln Chamber of Commerce member is to be our partner.

We honor that partnership by c r e a t i n g opportunities for growth and development, providing commitment from our team and ensuring every business thrives. We aim for the best environment for your business and our 1,700 members. We understand each member has unique ideas and ambitions in mind, and we’re here to provide the best opportunities for you to get the most out of your membership.

To find our more about how to get your business engaged, contact Jaime Henning, Membership Director, at (402) 436-2366 or via e-mail at jaimehenning@lcoc.com. For more information about the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, visit the website at www.LCOC.com.

The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) is a statewide voluntary membership health care trade association representing Nebraska’s hospitals and health systems.

The health care industry touches many aspects of public policy. The NHA monitors a broad spectrum of issues on behalf of its members. This year, the NHA was deeply involved with legislation affecting credentialing, provider payment models, workforce development, insurance, taxation and health care program funding.

Public policy and advocacy priorities are driven by a vision that every Nebraskan has access to affordable, safe, high-quality health care.

Through effective leadership, member participation and collaboration with policymakers and other partners, we seek to develop a unified voice to establish effective health care policy. We also provide members with trend and regulatory information, educational programming, communication, data reports and special services.

Under the leadership of President Laura J. Redoutey, FACHE, we are proud to celebrate 90 years. Visit nebraskahospitals.org to find out more.

Helping Nebraska work better by linking people, learning and performance.

We provide a wide range of learning and development events, easy access to online resources, networking, volunteer and leadership opportunities within our community and ATD Lincoln.

We strive to offer relevant and purposeful programs to support the personal and professional development and continuous growth of our members. Our focus is to continue to grow our membership by increasing member engagement throughout the entire year and to understand what our members need and want - then deliver it. The profession of talent development is a rapidly changing environment with limitless possibilities for our professionals to learn how to better connect with employees and impact the bottom line of their businesses.

For more information about the Lincoln chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), to become a member, to learn about and attend learning events and workshops where you can network with others for knowledge, skills and attitudes about talent development, or to find resources including the job bank, visit us at www.atdlincoln.org.

L i n c o l n’s e ve n t networking group, EventLNK, is dedicated to bringing together L i n c o l n’s e ve n t professionals by providing education and resources to enhance and support professional growth.

Membership is open to event/meeting planners, coordinators and managers, along with industry professionals in catering, design, entertainment and hospitality.

Monthly meetings include site visits to various venues in the Lincoln area and presentations from vendors, suppliers, hospitality professionals and other related industry experts. Meetings also include topic-driven discussion time giving our members time to share ideas, experiences and resources.

In 2012, EventLNK was founded by five local event coordinators.

The group was eager to find local educational opportunities for event professionals. After months of searching they discovered there was a need for such an organization. With the financial support of Union Bank & Trust, EventLNK held its first meeting in March of 2013. EventLNK has grown from 30 members to 200+, simply by word-of-mouth. We continue to look for relevant venues, educational topics and networking opportunities to help our members grow professionally. For more information, visit our website www.eventlnk.org or email info@eventlnk.org.

BNI Heartland (Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Western Iowa) offers members the opportunity to build a firm referral program, to nurture referral partner(s). Last year alone BNI, with over 230,000 members, in more than 8,300 chapters throughout every populated continent of the world, in 73 countries, generated more than 9.3 million referrals which resulted in over $14 billion dollars of tracked business for our members. Cumulatively, since 1985, BNI has generated over $100 billion dollars in tracked business for our membership! Even more important is locally our chapters closed over $40 million in tracked business – creating an ROI of 700 times their investment!

Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of salespeople working for you who carry your information with them, and when they meet someone who could use your products or services, they recommend you.

BNI provides a structured, supportive system of giving and receiving business. It does so by providing an environment during breakfast, lunch and happy hour meetings in which you develop personal relationships with other qualified business professionals. By establishing this “formal” relationship with other people, you will have the opportunity to substantially increase your business. BNI’s Core Values are Givers Gain, Building Relationships, Life-Long Learning, Traditions + Innovation, Positive Attitude, Accountability, and Recognition!

For more information about BNI Heartland, please contact our regional office at (402) 880-6311, email info@bniheartland.com, or visit our website, www.bniheartland.com.

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The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) is a visible, effective and respected trade association whic h promotes home building through professional education, member communication and civic participation, and which represents builders and associated professionals in community, governmental and industry forums.

With more than 700 members, HBAL proudly promotes the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, Spring & Fall Parade of Homes and Tour of Remodeled Homes. These events not only benefit our members, but also the public. Whether it is to earn an industry designation or to be better prepared for an OSHA or EPA inspection, HBAL offers education and training to its members.

To learn more about joining the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, go to www.hbal.org for a membership application and to see the many services of this 67-year-old builders association.

The Nebraska Restaurant Association acts as the principal advocate for Nebraska’s hospitality industry and promotes the qualities of strength, unity and excellence in and of its membership. The Association is dedicated to serving Nebraska’s restaurant and retail beverage industries by providing comprehensive industry education, proactive representation, aggressive industry promotion and the highest quality member benefits.

Membership is a small investment with big rewards in the health of your business and the entire food service industry. It’s a big world out there and we will do all we can to make it a bit smaller! For membership information and to learn more about the Nebraska Restaurant Association, contact Brandy Nielson at bnielson@nebraska-dining.org or (402) 488-3999.

Nebraska Restaurant Association is on the web at www.nebraska-dining. org and facebook.com/NebraskaRestaurantAssociation.

T h e L i n c o l n Yo u n g Professionals Group is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership, and networking opportunities. Serving 1,400+ members, the Lincoln YPG is one of the largest in the country. Lincoln keeps its young professionals here by fostering a collaborative community enriched with a bolstering economy, connectivity and endless opportunities. The Lincoln Young Professionals Group believes members can make the difference they want to see, develop a career that is pleasing to them, and grow into the professional that they want to be.

To learn more about Lincoln YPG call Kayla Meyer at (402) 436-2369 or e-mail at kaylameyer@lcoc.com. For more information please visit our website at www.lincolnypg.com.

Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA) is the go-to resource on people management for the community. LHRMA connects professionals to solve every day workforce problems, provides quality education, collaborates with community leaders, and leads change for our industry.

The organization is comprised of 400 Human Resources professionals from the greater Lincoln area and welcomes new members.

Benefits of membership include: • Monthly meetings with learning events and professional speakers • Professional networking • Career development • Sharing of HR information • Monthly newsletter access • Membership directory • Professional certification study groups • Committee work with peers • Legislative updates • Scholarship programs • Community and diversity programs.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 13 at Wilderness Ridge,1800 Wilderness Woods Place. Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. features “Breaking the Status Quo in Today’s Healthcare Landscape,” presented by Adam Hall and Travis Martin.

For more information or to register for a meeting, visit www.lincolnhr.org.

Lincoln SCORE wants YOU! Every year, SCORE volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs start small businesses and achieve new levels of success in their existing businesses. Volunteering at SCORE is a way for you to give back to your community, connect with fellow business owners, and pass on your knowledge and expertise to the next generation of entrepreneurs in your community.

Small business owners who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased growth, and SCORE is America’s premier source of free, confidential business advice. Most SCORE mentors have owned and operated their own companies or served in management positions. They understand business challenges because they’ve faced them too.

Please give back to the community and join the Lincoln SCORE volunteer team. You can make a difference in the success of a new business and HELP MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE! Take the next step in becoming a volunteer SCORE business mentor.

Please visit lincoln.score.org, email infolincoln@scorevolunteer.org or call (402) 437-2409 to learn more about Lincoln SCORE.

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The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) offers numerous opportunities to network with other Lincoln business leaders. LIBA’s monthly Bizco Biz-Net events are free to attend with complimentary food and beverages.

This provides a great place to meet other local business people and City Council members. The people who attend Biz-Net are eager to have a discussion about your business. Because it is a free event, you can invite customers or vendors to attend and give them a chance to grow their businesses too. While the Biz-Net is an after-hours event, we have a morning “Coffee & Contacts” event every month too. Also free to attend, this event is tailor-made for exchanging business cards.

Yes there is more, including the monthly LIBA luncheon where you have the chance to have lunch with hundreds of business and community leaders every month. We would like to add your voice to our organization.

Call (402) 466-3419 and talk with Val Bartunek or Laurie Fraser about joining LIBA. They would be happy to visit your office and answer all of your questions. You can also visit www.liba.org for more information.

The Cornhusker Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors continually strives to be the leading voice promoting free enterprise within the construction industry in Nebraska. The organization’s main goal is to provide member companies and their employees with an opportunity to succeed, winning work and delivering that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work.

Whether a large or small company, joining ABC provides value. ABC offers training, continuing education courses, and opportunities for networking and showcasing project successes. Our mission affords us the opportunity to share the industry through student events to help build the workforce in Nebraska.

For more information or to discuss joining ABC Cornhusker Chapter, contact Anne Klute at (402) 477-4451 or annek@abcnebraska.org.

You can also visit www.abcnebraska.org to find out more.

The Apartment Association of Nebraska (AAN) is the local affiliate of the National Apartment Association (NAA). The NAA currently has over 170 affiliates, and boasts over 8.7 million apartment homes globally.

Founded in 2002, Apartment Association of Greater Omaha and Lincoln was created by a group of property managers and owners with a vision to help create and maintain a high level of professionalism in the multifamily rental housing industry in the greater Nebraska area.

On October 5, 2002, the AAGOL received its charter from the NAA. In 2014, the name was changed to the Apartment Association of Nebraska to better represent their membership. Their members include multifamily owners and management companies, apartment communities, and the supplier members who service this industry.

The mission of the Apartment Association of Nebraska is to support, inform, and connect the multifamily community through education, legislation advocacy and professional networking.

For more information about​the Apartment Association of Nebraska and their upcoming events, be sure to visit www.aaneb.org.

Women in Sales & Business (WISB) has been empowering professional women to grow their businesses and the community since 1987.

Networking is a powerful and cost-effective advertising tool. If you want to build relationships with friendly, determined, professional women, we’ve got a seat at the table for you. Each month we feature speakers who will help you grow your business and your professional network, as well as offer the opportunity to meet other businesswomen in the community. WISB meets the second Wednesday of the month at Venue Restaurant & Lounge (4111 Pioneer Woods Drive) in their NE/Lancaster Room with lunch and networking from 11:30-11:55 a.m. followed by our meeting and speaker. We complete each meeting by 1 p.m. We welcome you to join our group of passionate and supportive women.

Want more information about Women in Sales & Business (WISB)?

Reach us at info@wisblincoln.com or find us online at www.wisblincoln. org or www.facebook.com/wisblincoln.

For 65 years women in the construction industry have had a place to go for career development, networking, education, and mentoring.

That place is the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). NAWIC gives women a place to develop their leadership skills and forge connections with other women in the industry.

NAWIC offers women a multitude of opportunities. With NAWIC you can: • Continue your education.

• Establish a networking base.

• Be a mentor or mentee.

• Make a difference in your community.

• Embark on a new career.

• Invest in great friendships.

The Greater Omaha Chapter meets on the second Thursday of each month at various locations in the Omaha area. Visitors are welcome to attend. Current information about upcoming meeting locations, topics and times is available on our website at www.nawicomaha.com.

The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum is a nonprofit that inspires Nebraska gardeners to improve private and public landscapes through tree planting, garden-making, and education. Our work, made possible thanks to members and donors, takes many forms: • Greener Nebraska Towns. NSA has assisted with 1,500+ projects, and passed through $9 million in funding, to meet community challenges like stormwater management, providing pollinator habitat, etc.

• Our Horticulture Program grows and distributes beneficial underplanted native and adapted species.

• Our unique network of 100+ public gardens empowers local citizens to create spaces that draw people together and demonstrate beauty and sustainability.

• Our publications, web resources, social media outreach, monthly columns, workshops, tours and other events inspire people to improve their lives, their surroundings and their communities.

These are physical, environmental efforts that improve personal and social well-being as well.

You can make a difference. Plant ecologically. Become a member.

Website: plantnebraska.org | Contact: (402) 472-2971 / arboretum@ unl.edu.

Don’t Miss Out! This is an excellent opportunity for your professional organization to gain exposure among our readers, as well as for our readers to familiarize themselves with the local resources available that could make an impact on their personal and professional growth.

If you are a local professional organization that is interested in participating in the next JOINING ORGANIZATIONS feature in Strictly Business Magazine, please call (402) 4663330 or email Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com today!

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Commercial Construction Just about anywhere you go in Lincoln the growth of our city’s commercial landscape is evident. This also holds true for surrounding areas that are experiencing unprecedented growth of their business districts and municipal areas, or similarly, urban revitalization efforts.

All around town, you’ll see signage in front of the major projects, with familiar names such as Cheever Construction, Kingery Construction, Tru-Built Construction, Krueger Development, and Ironhide Construction, all of which are currently hard at work at prominent construction sites.

Here in Lincoln, we’re fortunate to have some of the best in the business when it comes to experienced, highly-skilled industry professionals. That being the case, when selecting the right one(s) for the job, it’s more about what you want to accomplish and how you want to go about it.

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“There are several project delivery methods – design/bid/build, design/build, and construction management,” advises Rick Wintermute with Kingery Construction.

“In the traditional design/bid/build method, the owner contracts with separate entities for the design and construction of the project.

The owner first engages an architect and gets the plans put together. If an architect has been brought on board for a project, it’s a good sign to the other professionals that it’s going to move forward, so it does Rick Wintermute generate interest from contractors. The Kingery Construction project is then put out for bid, which can be to a public (open) or private (select) audience of contractors.

Generally, if it’s public, the lowest bidder with a responsible proposal

will be selected. If it’s private, that’s not always the case. Once the build phase has been awarded to the contractor, the construction process begins. The general contractor generally limits their role to managing the construction process and daily activity at the construction site, while subcontractors will be used for supplying materials and installation.

With design/build, the owner hires a general contractor, and that company hires the professionals for design or does the design work in-house and is responsible for performing all of the work that’s called for in the plans.

Finally, in the construction management role, the general contractor works as an agent of the owner and an advocate on their behalf.

They are there to oversee everything, and through active involvement and offering recommendations, ensure the owner gets the best value.”

Wintermute also offers insight on the advances in technology that have positively impacted the construction process. “Plans are moving towards being completely digital, and with the migration to digital plans/specs, there have been distinct benefits for the industry professionals working together on a project. Those out in the field are now able to carry tablets with them and pull up sections of the most current drawings for reference as needed. The plans are right there next to what they are looking at in real time. We have software that allows us to take a picture at the site, plug it into the plans, and send it to the architect for confirmation or clarification.

Making sure everything is right before it gets built is important. It helps everyone keep the plans up to date and it has greatly helped with streamlining the process so nothing is missed. Technology has enhanced the communication process with the owner too. There are now cloud-based packages that allow the owner to look over the project and see the progress that’s taking place. Updates are logged there and it’s used to communicate information back and forth expediently.”

As previously mentioned, being able to identify areas in the plans that require careful consideration, such as needing to be adjusted based on intended function from what was originally planned, is something that your contractors will have a good eye for based on their specific knowledge and experience. A team approach is most beneficial for an owner for this reason.

Matt Collins with Oak Electric, Inc. specifies some of the key electrical aspects of a commercial construction project that require thoughtful planning and shares his corresponding advice:

Matt Collins Oak Electric, Inc.

“One major component of a commercial space to consider is lighting. An investment in good lighting yields a more efficient workforce with a higher morale, as well as setting the right tone with your clients.

Don’t forget about exterior lighting either, such as sidewalks, stairways, and parking lots. Safety and security are important for any business.

The most important piece of advice I would suggest is to be proactive with your lighting and/or data needs. When building what will be your future place of business and workspace for years to come, it’s not the time to cut corners just to fit within a budget. For example, I am currently working on a project where it was requested that I install basic electrical devices only. However, they will be adding a new conference room with audio/visual equipment. I could have installed outlets on the exterior walls only and saved a few bucks.

Alternatively, I could have installed floor and ceiling outlets and data drops to eliminate unsightly cords being draped across the table and creating a trip hazard. This did increase the initial investment price some, but it would have been much more expensive to go back and add it after the fact. Like I’ve said before, you get what you pay for and it will benefit you in the long run to be forward-thinking. The more details you share with your contractors, the better they’ll be

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able to ensure you get the best results, or at least have the options presented to you.

Oak Electric, Inc. is a locally owned, full-service electrical contractor that has experience with commercial, industrial, and residential projects. For more information, please visit www. oakelectriccompany.com or call (402) 440-5969.”

In agreement, Jon Eicher with ABC Electric reiterates, “You can absolutely count on getting what you pay for with any aspect of a commercial construction project. In the long run, paying a little extra for quality is also an investment in the assurance that what’s being installed now will stand the test of time. For any bids you’re considering, I’d strongly recommend asking for references and that you have permission to contact the owners of past projects. You’ll be able to use that Jon Eicher information to make a better decision as ABC Electric opposed to strictly evaluating them based on price, which isn’t at all indicative of the whole picture. There are many factors that together will lead to a successful project outcome.

He adds, “At ABC Electric, during our 85+-year history as a fullservice contractor, we’ve been involved with many different types of projects, and for a vast array of clients. Our goal is to deliver a finished product that’s functional, dependable, safe, and meets all electrical codes and the client’s objectives.”

Although the fundamentals remain largely the same among firms across the industry, there is a certain degree of variance that lies in the smaller details, with aspects and approaches that make each unique.

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“There are a lot of great contractors in the area,” notes Justin Kurtzer with Cheever Construction. “What we feel really sets us apart is we are an employee-owned firm. When someone shows up on the job site there’s a personal investment as well as involvement on a professional level.

You’ll find that to be the same no matter who you work with at Cheever. Our clients understand that and appreciate that; there’s a mutual trust and respect between us that establishes a solid foundation from the start that extends throughout the project.

Justin Kurtzer Cheever Construction

As a commercial general contractor, Cheever Construction provides complete coordination of obtaining competitive bids from all trade sub-contractors, administering contracts and supervising all phases of construction.

Cheever Construction has a proven track record as the builder on many types of commercial projects: schools, churches, office buildings, medical facilities, manufacturing, and senior living. We routinely complete smaller-scale projects and large multi-million projects alike.

Recently our involvement by project type has been skewed towards medical facilities, and we’re seeing a lot of interest in senior housing too. For both, the demand is predominantly being driven by baby boomers. These are trends nationwide and Lincoln continues to have prime opportunities for development in those areas as well as in other key market segments.

Educational institutions are another big one. There has been a significant push recently with the addition and enhancement of K-12 schools and facilities. Lincoln has wrapped up theirs for the most part but the smaller surrounding communities are expected to follow suit.

At the college level, there’s ongoing activity on the UNL campus as

well as on SCC’s campuses. Southeast Community College has a number of projects still in the works, with a number of improvements spanning all of their campuses slated for the coming year.

If you’re considering doing any type of commercial construction project, my advice would be don’t rush it. It’s an involved process, so it does take time, and longer than one might think, to get quality results. Ask for references, review past examples of work, and talk to others who have undertaken similar projects. Finally, let the professionals help guide you through the process and keep your expectations high but reasonable at the same time.”

As we enter the time of year when construction projects literally “spring up” everywhere, it’s exciting to see the transformation happen through summer and fall. (As opposed to the dreaded road construction everywhere, for which “exciting” would not be the term used by most, although it is a necessary evil.) Furthermore, in addition to breaking ground on new and exciting projects, and the many others in the various stages up until completion that are visible to passersby, there are plenty in the planning stages too.

Take the aggressive development of south Lincoln for example. “Historically much of our focus has been on the development of south Lincoln and that remains true today,” says Dave Conde with Krueger Development. “We believe that the commercial market in south Lincoln will continue to grow. Evidence of this growth is demonstrated in the new and expanding major retailers in the area such as Scheels, Costco, Kohl’s, Marshalls and Aldi.

Dave Conde Krueger Development

For Krueger Development, our main point of commercial concentration in 2018 will be the build out of the Yankee Hill Business Center off 14th and Yankee Hill Road. The first project to be complete will be the Sierra Suites.

Sierra Suites is a mixed-use commercial and residential space just south of 14th and Pine Lake. It’s composed of 14,400 square feet of commercial space on the first floor and 40 one-bedroom apartment residences on the second and third floors. With frontage to 14th Street and an available drive through on the south end-cap, Sierra Suites will be a high exposure location for our retail or office clients.

We are excited to begin preleasing this month.

We’re also currently working on two 6,000-square-foot commercial buildings in the Yankee Hill Business Center that are soon to be complete. Located just north of 14th and Yankee Hill, there will be multiple configurations possible for smaller suites. Those will be ready for lease this summer.

Then there’s a notable project that we completed at the beginning of the year, a 6,000-square-foot building in the Woodlands Enterprise Center located just south of 84th & Yankee Hill. Here there are also multiple configurations possible for smaller suites which are ready to lease or buy now. Additional ground is also available for commercial buildings in this development.”

He also notes, “Our most sought-after and key offering in commercial construction is that we are capable of designing not only the shell but the interior of a building. Clients’ needs are completely met for the exterior and interior when working with Krueger Development.

This makes the entire process more economical and time efficient, getting the client into their space as fast as possible without having to work with numerous designers.

There will always be trends, but what remains the same is that our clients are seeking the most desirable locations and an experienced landlord who can help them make their vision a reality. Our team of professionals work alongside our clients to ensure that they see us as a partner in the success of their business.

For more information about Krueger Development’s commercial

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properties, feel free to contact me at (402) 423-7377 or dconde@ kruegerdevelopment.com.”

phase. Site selection, scope of project, design, and permits are all factors that will determine the time spent in the planning phase.

As yet another general contractor here in Lincoln that’s no stranger to commercial construction projects, Tru-Built Construction continues to play a part in the development of south Lincoln as well, but is also actively involved in the development of other areas of town too.

Getting started now may also benefit you financially as interest rates are still historically low and indications are pointing to rate hikes in the near future.”

“Our key roles are development, planning, design, and build,” summarizes Bo Jones with Tru-Built Construction. “Our portfolio includes office buildings, medical practices, restaurants, warehouse and storage, and more.

One of our most recent projects was the new building at 7211 Plaza Court, on the corner of 84th & Hwy. 2, for Inspiring Minds. It’s an 8,000-square-foot daycare facility that just opened and is licensed for 123 children.

Bo Jones Some of the features incorporated in this Tru-Built Construction building are a solid concrete center hallway that can be used as a storm shelter, pointof-entry controlled access, surveillance system of the entire building, and state-of-the-art check-in and payment system. The directors can also control the lighting and heating/cooling systems remotely from their phones and tablets.

Those systems, as well as plumbing systems, have become much more efficient and high-tech. Overall, technology options are virtually endless, control systems are getting easier, and prices are coming down as more technology becomes available.

One piece of advice I’d offer that’s relevant to any commercial construction project is to start planning; you’ll never be too far ahead of the game. It’s better to be too early than too late, particularly since the planning phase can sometimes be longer than the construction

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While there is a lot of development on the outskirts of town as new areas are being zoned for commercial or residential use, there’s also plenty going on in central Lincoln and the innermost of the four quadrants of town (SE, SW, NE, NW). Here, since it’s not commonly open land unless a building is razed to make way for something new, there are generally two options, with the other being repurposing the existing structure.

“We’ve seen a large push to rehabilitate buildings and structures versus demolishing them and rebuilding,” says Matt Buol-Ferg with McGill Restoration. “This decision is usually driven by cost, and there are many new technologies, products, and applications that allow for the rehabilitation of these structures and maintain or even improve their performance.

As previously mentioned by another professional, be prepared to spend time on Matt Buol-Ferg educating yourself on the new technologies McGill Restoration that are being developed. Vendors and manufacturers are usually more than happy to come in and talk to you about the ‘new toy’ that they have to offer. Understanding what that is and how you can use it to benefit your projects is important and will keep you competitive. At McGill Restoration, we are always looking into new and innovative solutions to improve our offerings.

New products and new ways of performing jobs are constantly being developed. Staying on top of those new innovations keeps

us more aware of what’s going on the industry as well as keeping us competitive.”

As there are many different professionals involved in a single commercial construction project, Buol-Ferg also notes, “Having the technical knowledge and experience to look at a set of drawings and specs and understand what the architect and/or engineer is trying to accomplish is invaluable. So is good communication and attention to detail. In my role as Lead Estimator, having the ability to quickly transition from project to project, and compartmentalize the information from each, depending on the needs at that moment of the team is extremely important. I may look at 5 or 6 projects throughout the day, and if I can’t keep the information from each one separate it will cause problems.”

Advances in technology, as have been referenced several times now, are positively impacting the construction industry in a number of ways.

As far as technology utilized by professionals on commercial construction projects to aid in the process, drones have come on the scene in a big way too. With the capabilities of aerial photography, mapping, and 3D modeling, and so much more, the use of drones has been a major game-changer.

“DigitalSky provides a wide array of services to companies involved in commercial construction from the architects and engineers tasked with planning and designing the project to the contractors that are brought in to see that it gets built, and then ultimately the property owner,” says Justin Kyser with DigitalSky. “We’re seeing a lot of work that might have been traditionally done by personnel on the ground be turned over to drones. A common example is generating elevation models and Justin Kyser contour line files, which has always been DigitalSky done by a manned survey crew in the past.

Then there are more advanced things like recreating the entire project area digitally, similar to LIDAR (a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges), or even providing periodic updates through either aerial video, aerial photography, or mapping and modeling. We’ve seen a huge demand from development companies that are looking for aerial photo updates of their projects on a recurring basis because it’s really simple to get started, typically costs less than their monthly internet bill, and provides them with information that they normally wouldn’t be able to get otherwise.”

For professionals or even just the average person, it’s important to be aware of the regulation that applies to the use of drones. Kyser cautions, “There are federal regulations that pertain specifically to using drones for business and that’s one thing that a lot of people don’t know! They think ‘Hey, let’s go pick a drone up from Sam’s Club and start getting pictures of our construction site,’ when in reality, without the proper licensing and paperwork in place as well as authorization from air traffic control, they’re putting their entire company at risk for huge fines from the government. We’re talking up to $11,000 per occurrence! That’s why we work with the FAA to ensure that all of our operations are completely legal and authorized.

We simply won’t put our clients at risk of being fined.

Aside from that, but along the same lines, the biggest piece of advice I’d offer someone who is looking to use drones on their construction project is to know exactly what they’re getting into. It’s completely OK for a large company to seek help from industry experts like DigitalSky when it comes to getting a drone program in place. A lot of people think we’re just service providers, but we’re actually the only full-time drone service provider in the state, and there’s a reason we’ve been able to last so long. We work with our clients to make certain they’re getting exactly what they want, and we deliver on time, every time. This applies whether you’re hiring us to actually perform the service or you bring us in to consult with you to figure out how to do it in-house.”

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When asked to divulge information about current projects underway, he pointed out, “Unfortunately we can’t share photos of the projects we do for clients, but I can say that we’re involved in some of the largest commercial construction projects in Lincoln and Omaha in 2018. If you’ve heard of it, chances are, we’re imaging it.”

On one hand, there’s the incredible cutting-edge technology utilized during the construction process. Then, on the other hand, there’s the technology that you’ll be incorporating into your brand new commercial building. As you might imagine or are already aware, there are really amazing options on the market today for that as well. Take, for example, building management systems.

Pat Killeen Engineered Controls

“Building management systems (BMS) provide efficient control of internal comfort conditions, effective use of energy, and quick and effective responses to HVAC and security problems that save both time and money,” Pat Killeen with Engineered Controls articulates. “The BMS systems also provide information on problems in the building, allow for computerized maintenance scheduling, are easy and effective for employees to use, and easily detect problems.

There is now considerable interest in energy efficient buildings, high-tech devices and enhanced security systems that are now central components of building management systems. For example, lighting control systems with dimming and light-harvesting capabilities are generating an especially high demand.

By integrating HVAC, lighting and security functions all within one common BMS platform, a building’s power systems--lighting and illumination; electric power and control; security, video surveillance and magnetic card access; heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems--will all be monitored and controlled from one central location.

Although hardwired building management systems have been around since the late seventies, wireless technology has revolutionized the building automation system market.

Long-range analysis shows that there are a number of business sectors that are currently and will continue to drive the BMS sector of the building technology industry in the future. These include the demand for ‘green building technology,’ electrical energy management systems, LED lighting and lighting controls, security and access systems, asset management, smart buildings and the technology convergence into one holistic Building Management System.”

With these offerings, as far as the company’s specific role in commercial construction projects, Killeen explains, “Our involvement in commercial construction projects can take on two entirely different roles – New Construction and Building Services.

First, our New Construction group focuses on providing traditional temperature control and digital building automation systems (BAS) for the new construction industry. With our experienced staff of sales, engineers, and installation technicians, combined with our excellent relationships within the consulting, engineering, and contracting community, Engineered Controls has positioned itself to be the lowcost leader in the plan and specification market in Nebraska and Iowa.

Secondly, our Building Services group can deliver comprehensive, industry-leading retrofit and energy services projects direct to building owners. We’ve worked with many building owners and managers seeking to reduce their energy consumption and improve the performance of their building.

Since these two market approaches to commercial construction work are independent of one another, Engineered Controls will continue

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to focus on both segments of the market for the foreseeable future.

We have a team of new construction and owner direct sale teams in both our Lincoln and Omaha offices.”

Finally, for those taking on projects in the future, he advises, “I would tell clients interested in adding building control technology to their new building to do their research. There is plenty of information on the internet today that will make the average building owner much more knowledgeable about what is available in the commercial construction market than anyone realizes.

Next, I would suggest that building owners need to get to know the consulting engineers that are designing their buildings. It is crucial that building owners are smart consumers and participate in the design process. Since the new construction industry consists of architects, consulting engineers, general contractors, mechanical contractors, and so on, many of the basic decisions that are being made regarding system type, configuration, manufacturer, functionality, etc. are all being made by everyone EXCEPT the customer.

Far too often we see building owners moving into a new building only to find out that they did not get what they wanted. Or occasionally the BMS system is too complicated for them to operate. The moral of the story is to get involved, ask questions, know what you want, and know what you are getting BEFORE the decisions are made by everyone but you, the customer.”

As a significant investment to put it lightly, if construction is a part of the future you envision for your business, there’s a lot at stake. With so much to consider, it’s equal parts exciting and overwhelming. But in the wise words of pioneering psychologist Abraham Maslow, “You will either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety.” To literally grow your business oftentimes requires physical expansion, making it a wholly worthwhile undertaking when all is said and done.

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