Strictly Business Lincoln - August 2022

Strictly-Business.com

siara doggett

portfolio supervisor

lINCOLN • August 2022 TM

Nate duden

project manager

A Growing Portfolio of Apartment Living in Lincoln • Back to School • Buying & selling a business • wedding planning • Buying a home • employing lincoln

client spotlights

• Lila mae’s southern kitchen & Lounge • Tabitha • Servicemaster pbm of Lincoln • oak electric, inc.

• husker rehab • AR Solutions

TRENT NEEMANN

JASON BALL

TINA MEZA

JAYME BERKS

DR. IVETTE TRENTINI

MAKAYLEE GAYED

Neemann & Sons

ALLO Communications

Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

Southeast Community College

Ironhorse Bar & Event Room

McCombs Commercial Realty

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august 2022 Strictly Business

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Letter from the president

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

Staying Proud and Getting Smarter At Strictly Business, we adopted a little mantra a while ago—"Print Proud, Digital Smart"—and it kind of became our personal hashtag. It's even at the bottom of every page in the magazine!

I looked back at my president's letter from September of 2018 when I was first introduced to this motto. It reminded me of why the meaning behind "Print Proud, Digital Smart" became so important to me and the magazine as a whole. As Strictly Business continues to stay proud of our strong print-media roots (many thanks to our amazing and loyal client base!) and we keep getting smarter in the digital-media realm, I felt like it was a good time to reinforce this sentiment and talk about how it's still at the forefront of our values today as a local business magazine.

In my 2018 article, I pulled a lot of great information from a Freeport Press blog post by David Pilcher titled Calling a Truce Between Print and Digital. Rereading this definitely took me back to a place in time where I was still fully embracing the way the two formats could work well together without competing against each other. In the blog post, David brings in a quote from Samir “Mr. Magazine” Husni: “There is absolutely no reason that [print and digital] can’t live side by side…At the end of the day, it is audience first, not digital or print first."

This really resonates with me. As David noted, "When you understand how your audience interacts with your content, then you can begin to carve out a print and digital relationship that meets their needs – and yours. Print and digital aren’t at war – they are both valid tools and can work beautifully side by side."

Four years later since highlighting this message, I can honestly say that Strictly Business has ran with the “Print Proud, Digital Smart” attitude and kept our audience/clients as our top priority.

In addition to growing and strengthening our physical distribution each month, our presence online and on social media has been taken to new heights. Last year, we revamped our websites to give visitors a more userfriendly experience and optimize the mobile view. Equally significant,

CONTENTS NEWS 4 Business 27 Personnel

34 Nonprofit 48 Health

we dedicate time each month to publishing "Four years later since highlighting this articles online and message, I can honestly say that Strictly link them to our clients' Business has ran with the 'Print Proud, websites for their SEO benefit. The numbers Digital Smart' attitude and kept our speak for themselves! audience/clients as our top priority."

Our clients' posts have made over 6.53 million impressions in Google search results over the past year with 55,300+ clicks.

We also share all major editorials on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages for our clients. With social media, I'm sure many people feel that their feeds feel crowded with content, but to reinvent the classic "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take" saying...you'll receive 0% of brand awareness from the content you don't share. This is what Strictly Business is here to help you with!

Furthermore, we recently launched a new IN THE ISSUE email blast to break down each issue of Strictly Business in a clean, concise, and easyto-digest digital format. This gives our readers more accessibility to the magazine and adds more value to our advertisers.

All of these efforts to stay powerful online only enhance our print presence in the local marketplace. Strictly Business lives out how print and digital go hand-in-hand. We are also cheerleaders for the many amazing ad agencies and digital marketing companies here in Lincoln.

Talking about our progress and success over the years makes me extremely grateful for our advertisers who have trusted Strictly Business to tell their story, our readers who see the value in our magazine, my awesome team that works diligently to deliver the highest quality to our clients and readers, my supportive family and friends, and God for the health and desire to keep doing what I love.

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

ASK THE EXPERT 19 ComPro Insurance

SPOTLIGHTS 26 Lila Mae's Southern Kitchen & Lounge

COLUMNS 20 Star City Six

FEATURE STORIES 59 Back to School

Strictly Business Magazine

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Tabitha ServiceMaster PBM of Lincoln Oak Electric, Inc. Husker Rehab AR Solutions

61 65 68 77

Buying & Selling a Business Wedding Planning Buying a Home Employing Lincoln

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Strictly Business august 2022

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Strictly Business Upcoming Events Lincoln Independent Business Association Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Downtown Lincoln Association

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

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ABOUT THE COVER

K

rueger Development has been contributing to Lincoln's residential and commercial landscape for over 30 years. Their newest development, The Lofts at 29th, will focus on contemporary apartment living near a bustling retail center. Located at 7155 S 29th St. within walking distance of a variety of restaurants and shops, the two-building apartment complex will offer studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Key amenities include secure, underground parking— every unit comes with one parking stall included in the rent. In addition, residents will enjoy an inviting clubhouse, a pool with lounging chairs, a fitness room with premium exercise equipment, keyless apartment entry, and 24-hour on-call maintenance. The Lofts at 29th are scheduled to open in 2023. The first building with 52 units will be opening in January and the second building with 54 units is set to open in the fall.

Siara Doggett is the portfolio supervisor for The Lofts at 29th.

Siara has been with Krueger for over a year and a half. In her role, she handles all day-to-day operations, maintains the assets, and oversees all aspects of the property, including leasing, marketing efforts, and the maintenance staff.

Above: A street perspective rendering of The Lofts at 29th Bottom Left: Portfolio Supervisor Siara Doggett Bottom Right: Project Manager Nate Duden

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor/Operations Hannah Hundley – Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Derek Nosbisch – Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Writer Devyn Sanderson – Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern – Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern – SZutavern@Yahoo.com

"We're very excited to open The Lofts at 29th in southwest Lincoln!" said Siara. "We want our apartments to be as comfortable as possible for our residents. Though apartments may typically be viewed as a temporary living option, our goal is to provide a homelike, problem-free atmosphere for our tenants no matter how long they choose to live in our developments."

Nate Duden is a project manager with Krueger. He is managing the building process of The Lofts at 29th.

"We're working with a pretty small footprint for this new development, but we're making the best use of the space as possible," said Nate. "As always, we're working hard to stay on schedule with our contractors so that we will be ready to start welcoming residents next year. Having two separate buildings in this development allows us to prioritize the final details in one for an earlier open date, and then finish up the other in a timely manner as well."

Krueger Development offers a wide array of apartment living in Lincoln.

Their other properties include: Chantacleer Residences at 1400 Garret Ln. - An elegant apartment community with an astounding selection of distinctive one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes.

The Mirada at 8455 Cody Dr. - A stylish, metropolitan apartment community, which boasts polished interiors and premium amenities.

Sierra Suites at 7501 S 15th St. - An innovative development that houses both residential and commercial tenants, with businesses filling up the ground floor and one-bedroom apartments ranging in size from 692 to 981 square feet.

The Dakota at 7500 S 15th St. - A quaint living community offering studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments ranging in size from 570 to 1,310 square feet.

Chatelaine Residences at 6201 Normal Blvd. - An elegant 55+ community located in a park-like environment with the bonus of security and freedom from home maintenance.

Siara can be contacted at (402) 328-9693 with leasing inquires for any of Krueger's apartment properties. For more information about other developments in Lincoln, visit www.kruegerdevelopment.com.

Hannah

Derek

Devyn

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august 2022 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS News Aqua Systems Moves to New Location at 27th and Cornhusker

Southeast Community College Learning Center at York Relocates to Downtown York

The next time you’re on the viaduct just south of 27th and Cornhusker, glance toward the east and you’ll see the new home of Aqua Systems, Lincoln’s leading water treatment company.

“It’s definitely a work in progress,” says Jeff White, Aqua Systems owner. “We’re trying to speed up the remodeling effort, but with all the construction supply issues in today’s economic climate, that can be a real challenge. But the good news is, we’re here and open for business!”

The move is necessitated by increased customer demand, along with the company’s desire to serve their customers even better.

“Once we’re fully built out, we’ll have a tremendous opportunity to showcase all of our great products most people don’t even know we offer,” said White. “We’ll also be able to have drive-thru service for softener salt, replacement filters, and other essential water treatment supplies. We’ll get there, and we’ll enjoy the ride in the process.”

Serving the Lincoln area for over 25 years, Aqua Systems provides water treatment options for both home and business. They offer softeners, drinking systems, and other solutions for a myriad of problem water issues, without any high-pressure sales tactics. That’s why nine out of 10 people who talk to Aqua Systems choose them as their source for water treatment. Better water…better life. For more information, log onto iLoveMyWater.com or call (402) 466-6800.

Southeast Community College’s (SCC) Learning Center at York began calling downtown York home when it moved into its new location at 401 N Lincoln Ave. on July 1. It was previously located at the Holthus Convention Center.

The new location will provide more space for classes, computer labs, and meeting rooms.

“The new location will provide opportunity to serve more students to access lifelong educational course offerings,” said Cinda Konken, dean of extended learning. “SCC’s new location will better serve the city of York and surrounding communities by having a presence to be able to meet local business and industry needs.”

The Learning Center at York opened six years ago as part of a strategic plan to better serve the educational needs of the communities in southeast Nebraska. The other learning centers are in Falls City, Hebron, Nebraska City, Plattsmouth, and Wahoo. The Learning Center will continue to renovate and unpack until classes start on August 22.

Southeast Community College is committed to providing accessible, dynamic, and responsive education in more than 50 programs to a diverse variety of students. They have degree, diploma, and certificate options. SCC is proud to have a staff of engaging, encouraging, and accomplished professors and educators. To learn more about SCC, visit www.southeast.edu.

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BUSINESS News The Scarlet Hotel Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony The Scarlet Hotel, a new boutique hotel located on Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC), recently marked its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony held in conjunction with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce in May. The ceremony drew a large crowd, and in attendance to hold and cut the ribbon were Chamber President Jason Ball, University of Nebraska President Ted Carter, NIC Executive Director Dan Duncan, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Ronnie Green, and Co-owner Zach Weigert.

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The Scarlet Hotel opened in the spring of 2022 and is the only Tribute Portfolio Hotel in the state of Nebraska. This full-service boutique Marriott hotel is strategically designed to celebrate Nebraska in every way. The Scarlet pays homage to Nebraska’s legendary creative minds, while celebrating current innovations and shaping the lives of future generations. One hundred fifty-one guest rooms are named after small towns in Nebraska, and three suites are dedicated to prominent leaders. Big flavor meets Midwest hospitality through the hotel’s dining. The Scarlet Hotel has partnered with local farmers and small businesses to showcase the diverse products grown in-state, providing a taste of Nebraska to visitors through The Good Life Coffee Shop and Well & Good restaurant. The Scarlet Hotel is located at 2101 Transformation Dr. To learn more or book a stay, visit scarlethotelnebraska.com or give them a call at (531) 300-6300.

Fallbrook Development Announces New West Addition, 90+ Lots Available for Purchase The Fallbrook Development is pleased to announce the opening of their newest addition, Fallbrook West. Fallbrook West comes with over 90 lots to choose from, each offering the charm and sanctuary of a closeknit community with the ease and accessibility of an in-town address. Fallbrook is the perfect setting for your custom build with minimal impact fees, charming boulevards, natural wetlands, and commercial and residential spaces.

Fallbrook West offers a variety of lot types to choose from; these include new urbanism, standard, and courtyard. New Urbanism lots are about putting people first. Parking is relegated to the rear of buildings, usually accessed by alleys. Common areas, shops, and recreational areas are all placed within walking distance to minimize stress and maximize community. Standard lots are aimed to reawake the charm and practicality of neighborhoods of the past. Courtyard lots are designed to incorporate an indoor-outdoor lifestyle with generous windows from the Prairie style of architecture.

The Fallbrook Development is a 700-acre residential and commercial community coupling modern convenience with traditional neighborhood appeal. Fallbrook provides a mixed-use approach to living, bringing together residences, local businesses, schools, parks, a medical plaza, and, at the heart of it all, a thriving town center. To learn more, contact their team of REALTORS® Holly Buss at (402) 217-0692 or Jodi Reimers at (402) 981-0169, or visit their website woodsbros.com/fallbrook-west. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

august 2022 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS News Accounting Today Names Lutz Financial a 2022 Wealth Magnet

Lincoln Chamber’s Annual Federal Legislative Summit Set for August 25

Lutz Financial was recently named one of Accounting Today’s 2022 Wealth Magnets: Top 150 Firms

by Assets Under Management (AUM). Lutz Financial ranked #32 on the “$1 Billion-Plus Club” list with over $1.8 billion of AUM as of December 31, 2021.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Top 150 Firm by Accounting Today,” said Lutz Financial Investment Adviser and Managing Member Jim Boulay. “Helping our clients reach their personal and financial goals is our true measure of success, and we find genuine fulfillment in serving as their trusted advisors. This achievement would not be possible without the partnerships with our wonderful clients and diligent team’s hard work.”

The 16th annual report ranks the top CPA financial planners by assets under management. For more information on Accounting Today’s 2022 Wealth Magnets: Top 150 Firms by Assets Under Management, visit arizent.brightspotcdn.com/ea/69/74763bcc4 f3ab6691127f1f84667/top-firms-by-aum.pdf. The selection for this award was not based upon compensation received or paid.

Lutz is the business solutions firm for people seeking a partner to help energize and heighten financial and organizational success.

Born and raised in Nebraska, their experienced team simplifies complexities and provides accounting, wealth management, recruiting, M&A, and technology services. They embrace your business as their own to spark the right solutions and help you thrive. Learn more at www.lutz.us.

In partnership with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is excited to present their annual Federal Legislative Summit on Thursday, August 25 at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland.

Doors open at 8 a.m. and the summit will take place from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. The 2022 event will uphold the Lincoln Chamber’s tradition of excellence as they welcome all members of the Nebraska federal delegation and look forward to a keynote address from former NASA astronaut and engineer, Clayton Anderson.

Registration is open, though space is limited. The cost is $75 per seat for Chamber members/$99 for non-Chamber members and breakfast is included. Visit lcoc.com/events to register for the summit.

For any questions, contact Event and Program Manager Mia Wilken at mwilken@lcoc.com.

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is Lincoln’s leading business organization, providing advocacy and connections to help businesses grow and thrive in Lincoln. They are committed to being a fivestar accredited collaborative partner in Lincoln’s success as a place of endless opportunities and work closely with their partner organizations. Learn more at www.lcoc.com.

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BUSINESS News OneTEQ Office Suites Offers First Month Rent Promotion

Firestone Complete Auto Care Celebrates Opening of Brand New Office and Shop

OneTEQ Office Suites is offering up to $595 towards your first month’s rent when you sign up for a year lease.

More and more people are becoming their own boss. OneTEQ Office Suites will provide you with a quiet and professional office environment where you can focus on creating a successful business.

They offer short- and long-term leases with furnished office suites, free wireless internet, access to a professional conference room for meetings, free parking, and a kitchenette.

Be your own boss. Call OneTEQ Office Suites at (402) 4343300 and set up an appointment to tour their offices. Fill out an application after your tour. Mention this Strictly Business article and you will be eligible for $595 towards your first month’s rent if your application is approved.

OneTEQ Office Suites opened in 2006 as one of the first shared office space concepts for emerging businesses in Lincoln. Today, they continue to offer professional office suites for startups and small businesses. They give you the leverage you need to pursue new opportunities without committing to a long-term lease. OneTEQ Office Suites is located near downtown at 1028 G St. and is within walking distance to the city county building. Call them today at (402) 4343300 or check them out online at LincolnOfficeRental.com.

The Firestone Complete Auto Care team was joined by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and other members of the community on July 8 to celebrate the opening of their brand new office and shop at 8475 Andermatt Dr. General Manager Josh Krause had the honors of cutting the ribbon and the team gave guests tours of the new digs.

This is Firestone’s third Lincoln location, with the other two shops stationed at 300 N 66th St. and 1139 N St. Firestone Complete Auto Care does just about anything and everything for vehicle needs, from standard maintenance to tires and repairs. Whether it’s a new set of tires, an oil change, or alignment to brakes, Firestone is the complete auto repair package. As the leading tire provider in Lincoln, you can shop for tires online or in-store and turn to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care to help make sure your tires are properly inflated, aligned, balanced, and more.

Firestone Complete Auto Care’s team of professionals is committed to helping keep your car running better and longer. That is the way the company has been doing things for the last 95 years.

Firestone believes that when your car works, everything works!

Bring your truck or car to them for maintenance and they promise affordable prices and exceptional service. Explore all of their services at www.firestonecompleteautocare.com or call the new Andermatt location at (402) 858-5324 to schedule your next safety inspection or repair!

Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen to Participate in WingFest on August 6 Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen is excited to announce that they will be participating in this year’s WingF est, whic h showcases Lincoln’s best chicken wings all in one tasty event. WingFest, presented by Security First Bank, will take place on Saturday, August 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Haymarket Park. Two awards are up for grabs—the Judges’ Choice chosen

by WingFest’s “wingsperts” and the People’s Choice award chosen by you! As this is Lila Mae’s first year in business, and therefore their first time taking part in WingFest, Owners Tramesha Cruse and Travis Russell are eager for participation and support from the community.

WingFest is put on by United Way Emerging Leaders United. All proceeds from the event will go to support Creative Learning Spaces in Lincoln and Lancaster County. Get your family and friends together for an evening of amazing wings, live music, and competition for the title of Lincoln’s Best Wing. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at wingfestlincoln.com or at the door. In addition to entry, each ticket comes with 10 delicious wings from local restaurants, the chance to vote for your favorite wing, and live music and entertainment.

Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen brings authentic Southern fare to Lincoln! Their menu features soul and comfort food like shrimp and grits, smothered pork chops, greens, peach cobbler, and many other favorites. Lila Mae’s is located at 2110 Winthrop Rd. To learn more about Lila Mae’s, contact Tramesha at (531) 510-0890 or visit www.LilaMaesSouthernKitchen.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

LOCATIONS

Waterford at Williamsburg Assisted Living Waterford at College View Assisted Living Waterford at Wilderness Hills Memory Care

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BUSINESS News Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar Launches New Menu for Lunch, Dinner, and Sunday Brunch Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar is excited to announce that they have a brand new menu available for customers to enjoy during lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. When you stop by Carmela’s Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., you’ll find delicious items including the Jackson Burger, Pig & Fig Pizza, Rangoon Pizza, Asian Ahi Tuna Wrap, and much, much more! The dinner menu comes out at 5 p.m. and features decadent entrees such as Poblano Salmon, a blackened wild salmon fillet with poblano cream sauce, blackened shrimp, risotto, and sautéed green beans; Chicken Juliette, a parmesan and panko chicken breast served with parmesan cream, spinach, marinated tomatoes, whipped potatoes, and garlic green beans; or the Surf & Turf, a sirloin and lobster tail served with hollandaise sauce, mashed potatoes, and a farmer’s market blend. Sunday Brunch begins at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays, and offers everything from sweet to savory – Sunrise Pizza, French Toast, Nebraska Omelet, Crab Cake Benedict, and many more mouth-watering plates.

Carmela’s also offers a Date Night special on Monday and Tuesday evenings, in which two can dine for $50. The three-course offering also comes with a bottle of wine. Reservations are encouraged!

Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar is located at 4141 Pioneer Woods Dr., STE 110. To learn more, visit carmelasbistroandwinebar.com or call (402) 489-0005.

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Tuesday - Saturday 2001 N. St., Unit #101 Lincoln, NE 68510 Charmchix.com (402) 210-0276

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Aug 18 - Charcuterie Class Sip & Shop Aug 31 - Women in Sales & Business Sip & Shop

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Nebraska Knockerball Joins American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life with Festivities Nebraska Knockerball, Lincoln’s new entertainer for outdoor activities, recently brought their lineup of yard games to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Lancaster County that was held on June 25. Nebraska Knockerball Owner Manuel Walker provided fun activities for Relay for Life participants to enjoy, including Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, yard pong, and cornhole.

“It was so awesome to see all those smiling faces,” shared Manuel.

“Even if it was only for a minute, people were able to put aside whatever was ailing them and just have fun. To those who are fighting cancer, keep up the good fight and stay strong. To those who have beat cancer, we salute you!”

As well as the activities Nebraska Knockerball provided at Relay for Life, their lineup also includes yard dice; tug-of-war; human foosball; and foot darts, in which you kick Velcro soccer balls at a 12-foot-tall inflatable dart board; in addition to the knockerballs themselves, which are single chamber inflatable spheres with inner handles and adjustable shoulder straps, allowing individuals to take part in activities such as bubble soccer. Nebraska Knockerball’s newest addition to the lineup is Basketball Connect Four, which is a giant blow-up Connect Four grid that is designed to stir up fun and competition at your next event.

As you prepare for backyard BBQs and upcoming tailgates, remember that Nebraska Knockerball can equip you with the best party games that will provide your guests with a lot of laughter and happy memories. Connect with Manuel at (402) 460-8724 / manuel@ nebraskaknockerball.com to learn more, or visit Nebraskaknockerball. com. For pictures from past events that Nebraska Knockerball has done, visit their Facebook page (@NebraskaKnockerball). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS News Tabitha Shares Updates on Current Organization Projects and Initiatives

August 11 NLBA Meeting Offers Chance to Meet Members of Various Business Sectors

Tabitha is pleased to share some updates to exciting things that have been happening within their organization.

The long-held relationship between Tabitha and Immanuel has expanded to include hospice services to those in the Omaha area. Next, home health care services will roll out to the Lincoln market. This venture plays upon the strengths of both Tabitha and Immanuel, and will deliver quality care and support to seniors, wherever they call home.

Tabitha has also begun construction of their InterGenerational (InterGen) project, a first-of-its-kind-in-the-nation living community for independent seniors (55+) and Bryan College of Health Sciences students. This addresses three major challenges: 1) the epidemic of loneliness across generations, 2) lack of moderately priced housing, and 3) the shortage of health care workforce. A grand opening date is set for summer 2023.

Tabitha at Prairie Commons, currently under construction, is a $51 million senior living community in Grand Island, where Tabitha has provided home health and hospice care for more than 25 years.

Slated to open in late 2022, this community will provide a wide range of living options for older adults from independent, assisted, and memory care to long-term care/skilled nursing.

As the state’s quality award-winning senior care expert, nonprofit Tabitha empowers people to live joyfully, age gratefully. Learn more at Tabitha.org.

The next Northview Lincoln Business Association (NLBA) monthly luncheon will be held Thursday, August 11, on the second floor meeting room of the North 84th Street Hy-Vee at 1601 N 84th St. Networking and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m. and the formal meeting is from noon to 1 p.m. Meetings include association updates, member spotlights, and an engaging featured speaker. Join NLBA as a guest during a monthly member meeting and lunch is on the association! Annual membership dues are $85.

NLBA members work across a variety of business sectors including healthcare, home and car maintenance, tech solutions, graphic design/marketing, home and commercial realty, nonprofit work, consulting, elder care, and more! This group is a perfect place to connect with others in your field AND generate business leads.

The mission of the Northview Lincoln Business Association is to “promote, foster, and support growth in the north corridor of Lincoln” and they have been doing just that since 1999. NLBA aims to build a dynamic network of business leaders who are purposeful in crafting business opportunities across their diverse industries and creating community impact. The association hosts monthly meetings and quarterly socials designed to create meaningful connections. NLBA member meetings are held every second Thursday of the month in the second floor meeting room of the North 84th Street Hy-Vee. For more information about NLBA, visit northviewlincolnbusiness.com or connect with current President Emily Koopmann at northlnkbusiness@gmail.com.

NGC Finish Line Station

Proud Sponsor of

CANOPY PARK APARTMENTS

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Strictly Business august 2022

NGC Cheer Station #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS News

FIT, STRONG, CAPABLE!

Hoppe Development Celebrates Grand Opening of Antelope Towers Hoppe Development recently celebrated the grand opening o f A n t e l o p e Towe r s, t h e premier luxury apar tment in downtown Lincoln with an upscale, amenity-rich living experience. An official ribbon cutting ceremony took place on July 8 with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. The 93-unit apartment complex with commercial leasing space is located at 1900 K St. The brand-new apartments are fully loaded with modern kitchens equipped with all new stainless-steel appliances and in-unit washer and dryer. Floor plans feature modern spa-like bathrooms, large walk-in closets, and open concepts that provide plenty of living space throughout the entire unit. Antelope Towers will feature a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom units with open concepts that provide plenty of living space throughout the entire unit.

Hoppe Development is a vertically integrated real estate development company focused on offering comprehensive solutions to meet the housing needs in Lincoln. To learn more, visit www.hoppedevelopment. com. For inquires about Antelope Tower, go to www.antelopetower. com or contact (531) 249-1018 / jared@hoppedevelopment.com.

Services Now Available from MAPS Business Coaching and Cyberbacker Nebraska-Iowa MAPS Business Coaching and Cyberbacker Nebraska-Iowa are excited to introduce their services to the local market.

MAPS Business Coaching helps business owners and entrepreneurs focus on growth, profit, time management, or any other area of their business that they want to see change in. Hiring a coach is the first step towards explosive growth, both professionally and personally.

Donald Kracke, a MAPS Business coach, was introduced to Cyberbacker through his time coaching and saw the ways that it can benefit businesses. He is pleased to bring the franchise to our local area under the name Cyberbacker Nebraska-Iowa. Cyberbacker offers administrative support services to any business, anywhere. Donald, who focuses on coaching general business management for small- to mid-size businesses, discusses with his clients the potential benefits of Cyberbacker’s services when combined with the lessons they learn in coaching.

MAPS Business Coaching offers training to thousands of people every month and coaches business owners and entrepreneurs in weekly oneon-one sessions. The businesses they coach are achieving staggering growth, and today, they are serving more than $3.6 billion in revenue from businesses all over the world. To learn more, visit mymapscoach. com or call (531) 500-7788.

Cyberbacker Nebraska-Iowa is part of the global Cyberbacker franchise, the leading provider of world-class administrative support services from anywhere in the world to anyone in the world. They ensure you have the suitable partner of your choosing for your business.

Cyberbacker Nebraska-Iowa is owned by MAPS Business Coach Donald Kracke. To learn more, visit cyberbacker.com or contact them at nebraska-iowa@cyberbacker.com / (515) 217-6387. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Call today to get started! 402.419.0463

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Google Supports ABC Nebraska and South Dakota Chapter with $150K Training Fund Google will support the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Nebraska and South Dakota Chapter by contributing $150,000 to support pre-apprenticeship training. The training focuses on underrepresented groups in the skilled trades to prepare them for work in the construction industry.

ABC and its partners plan to launch a ten-week training and employment program in both Lincoln and Omaha that will focus on unemployed or under-employed workers, students in their senior year of high school, and recent graduates looking to enter the construction field. The Construction 101 Certification Program will include engagement from local construction leaders through classroom presentations, job shadow experiences, and career fairs. The program will introduce trainees to the foundational skills needed to get a job in the construction industry, and provide skilled workers in an industry amid record demand for employees. The program will include transportation to a training center, childcare, and meals, and the partnership will cover the costs of tuition and books for participating students. Participants will get a $300 stipend upon completion of the program, as well as insight into career opportunities, including networking opportunities and access to entry-level positions.

These funds are part of a larger effort to connect more Americans to quality training and jobs. This year, Google is contributing $1.2 million toward education and pre-apprenticeship training programs for construction and skilled trades in five states where it operates data centers.

For more information about Associated Builders and Contractors Nebraska and South Dakota Chapter, call (402) 344-4258 (Omaha) / (402) 477-4451 (Lincoln), or visit www.abcnebraska.org. august 2022 Strictly Business 11

BUSINESS News McGill Law, McGill Mediation Celebrate Opening of New Office in Bellevue

Monthly WISB Meeting Set for August 10 with Guest Speaker Maddie Kaltenberger

In late June, McGill Law and McGill Mediation held a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 30 with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of their new location in Bellevue. This office is their third location, and McGill Law and McGill Mediation are now serving three Nebraska cities – Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue – as well as the surrounding communities, including Iowa. Although the new location will meet and serve McGill Law clients, this office will act as the main location of McGill Mediation.

Women in Sales & Business (WISB) will hold their next monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meeting will be hosted at Venue Restaurant & Lounge in the Lancaster/Nebraska room, located at 4111 Pioneer Woods Dr., STE 100. They will first hold their regular business meeting followed by guest speaker Maddie Kaltenberger. Maddie currently sees patients for genetic counseling at Cancer Partners of Nebraska and Bryan LifePointe where she is able to educate patients and their families on the subject of hereditary cancer risk and support them through the genetic testing process. She will be speaking on hereditary cancer and genetic testing, in which she will discuss the role genes play in someone’s cancer risk, when genetic testing is recommended, and how genetic testing could impact you and your family members.

The cost to attend in-person is $16 for members with lunch. All women attending should be prepared to make a brief introduction of themselves and their business. Please bring a notebook and pen.

Those who plan on attending are asked to register on the Women in Sales & Business Facebook page (@wisblincoln).

Women in Sales & Business began meeting in 1987 to offer businesswomen in Lincoln the opportunity to network within an all-female setting. Today, their goal is to encourage and develop creative leadership in women. Learn more at www.wisblincoln.org.

McGill Mediation assists families and individuals that are in conflict over a divorce, will, trust, guardianship, or conservatorship, providing a peaceful path to resolution through mediation and collaboration, preserving the family relationship.

McGill Law was created in 2011 by Jodie Haferbier McGill to serve families in a much bigger way than only focusing on their legal issues.

McGill Law’s focus is on their clients’ well-being and their family’s future successes. McGill Law concentrates on respectful, empowered divorces and adoptions. Jodie later founded McGill Mediation in order to expand the use of mediation to problem solve in Nebraska.

To learn more, visit www.McGillLawyers.com / www.McGillMediation. com, call (402) 548-5418, or email info@McGillLawyers.com / info@McGillMediation.com.

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Strictly Business august 2022

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BUSINESS News John Henry’s Expands with Addition of New Truck to Duct Cleaning Team John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning is excited to announce that they have expanded with the addition of a new truck of professionals to their duct cleaning team. This extra team will allow John Henry’s to better and more efficiently serve their customers.

A duct cleaning is extremely important in preventing dust and debris from infiltrating the air in a home. It can help reduce the allergens in the air as well as help people will allergies and asthma breathe better. A duct cleaning will also allow your system to extend its useful life, as it doesn’t need to work as hard when it is free of debris. To learn more about duct cleaning from John Henry’s or to schedule a service, visit jhlincoln.com/air-duct-cleaning-repair.

At John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning, they’re committed to your family and home’s safety and peace of mind.

Their motto is “Our Family Serving Yours,” and they keep this in mind at everything they do. For more information or to discuss your home’s plumbing, heating, cooling, and indoor air-quality needs, visit jhlincoln. com, call (402) 435-5555, or email info@jhlincoln.com.

Leadership Lincoln Community Leadership Event Recognizes Graduates, Award Winners Leadership Lincoln held their Celebration of Community Leadership event on June 16 at the Embassy Suites Hotel. This luncheon celebrated the graduates of the 2021-22 cohorts, recognized Leadership Lincoln award winners, and honored the community leadership of Duncan Aviation.

The 2021-22 cohort program L-R: Robert and Karen Duncan, Brendan Evans graduates included 37 Fellows, 34 Executives, 15 Advocates, 25 Youth, and one Alumni. Jason Ball, president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, was invited to officially congratulate these individuals on their achievement and extend gratitude for their commitment to service in the Lincoln community. The program started with a single leadership development and civic engagement cohort and has grown to four cohorts for adults and one for high-school students. Today, over 3,700 individuals have graduated from one of Leadership Lincoln's cohorts.

In addition, Leadership Lincoln Executive Director Brendan Evans had the pleasure of recognizing the following award winners: Dr. Randy Bretz – The Bud Cuca Servant Leader of the Year Award; Dr. Colette Yellow Robe – The Melvin W. Jones Mentoring Award; John Chapo – The Distinguished Service Alumni Award; and Robert and Karen Duncan – The Leadership Pillars of the Community Award.

To conclude the event, Leadership Lincoln was excited to have Robert Duncan of Duncan Aviation give the keynote address. In 1985, Robert was the founding board president of Leadership Lincoln. Robert and Karen have actively helped in public and private ways to sustain and grow Lincoln. Robert was joined on stage by Steve Jordan, who, along with Carol Hunt, told the Duncan story in the book Always Trust Your Cape — The Soaring Story of Duncan Aviation. Robert and Steve gave the audience a preview of this inspiring tribute to one of Lincoln's most dynamic companies.

Leadership Lincoln, Inc. engages individuals from diverse backgrounds by providing them with the knowledge, experiences, skills, and leadership tools that prepare them to become effective leaders within the community. Learn more at www.leadershiplincoln.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

“How did you hear about us?”

“Strictly Business!”

(402) 466-3330 www.Strictly-Business.com

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

DAILY TACO SPECIALS? 200+ TEQUILAS? 32 DRAFT BEERS? OH YEAH, WE GOT THAT. 800 Q Street | Lincoln, NE

Congratulations Casa Bovina and Piedmontese on the opening of the new private dining room

august 2022 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS News Clearwater Counseling, PC Announces New Omaha Location

SP Group, P.C. Interns Add Color to Tax Season with a “Color Party” Team Builder

Clearwater Counseling, PC in Omaha is excited to announce its new office space located at 12127 Pacific St. The larger space will allow the business to continue its rapid growth. The move will take place on August 1.

“We opened our Omaha location in 2019 and three years later we are now in a space that is four times the size of our previous office to accommodate our growing practice and be able to welcome new therapists,” Kayla Leddy, CEO/co-owner, said. “This space allows us to offer even more services to our community. The last three years have had challenges and successes, but we are always working towards the goal of providing much needed mental health services to the community. Myself, my business partner Nikki, and the entire team at Clearwater Counseling are thankful for the support of our family, friends, past and current patients, community agencies, and each other as we continue to follow our dream.”

Clearwater Counseling, PC is a private practice offering mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults in the Grand Island and Omaha areas. Clearwater Counseling works to treat mental health diagnoses through personalized and compassionate counseling practices that promote growth, development, and well-being to further enhance quality of life. To schedule an appointment with Clearwater Counseling, or for more information about mental health services, please call (308) 210-8487 or email info@clearwatercounselingne.org.

SP Group, P.C. tax season interns recently organized a colorthemed team builder to break up the grind of tax season and to bring some much-needed life and energy into the firm to help the team cross the April 15 deadline. This year’s tax L-R: Andrew Liberty, Ashlyn Teten, season interns included Livia Livia Wilhelm, and Maddie Miller Wilhelm and Madilynn Miller, both of Nebraska Wesleyan University; Ashlyn Teten of Peru State University; and Andrew Liberty of the University of NebraskaLincoln. Together, they conceptualized the “Color Party” team builder to add a little color to the tax season!

On a late Friday afternoon near the end of March with the tax deadline in sight, the interns “colorized” SP Nation with colorful decorations, fruit trays, candies, snacks, and beverages, along with some upbeat music to keep the energy up. As part of immersing their interns into the SP culture, they were tasked with the directive of getting to know their teammates and sharing it! Each team member was recognized with a “Most Likely To” award from the interns’ perspective. Lots of laughs and fun were had by all as they capped off another successful intern season.

SP Group, P.C., a growing entrepreneurial accounting firm, was founded on these four core values: relationships, the power of team, life/work balance, and competitiveness. Follow SP Group on Facebook (@SP Group, P.C.) or Twitter (@SPGroupPC). For more information, please call (402) 420-7758 or visit www.spgrouppc.com.

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Strictly Business august 2022

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BUSINESS News

A Full-Service Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Firm

CBD American Shaman to Showcase Products at Lancaster County Super Fair CBD American Shaman is excited to announce that they will have a booth showcasing their amazing products at the Lancaster County Super Fair in the Lincoln Room. CBD American Shaman’s booth will be open Friday, August 5 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, August 6 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Fair will be taking place at 4100 N 84th St., off Exit 409 from Interstate 80.

If you have ever had any questions about CBD, stop by CBD American Shaman’s booth and talk to Nicole. They would love to help you and will be doing free sampling each day.

CBD American Shaman is constantly keeping up with the new science and product development. They carry a full line of CBD products for people and pets. CBD American Shaman also carries a full line of Delta 8, Delta 9, and HHC products. All of their products are industrial hemp derived and Farm Bill 2018 compliant. Shaman’s proprietary nanotechnology makes their products nine times more bio-available which gives consumers a 90-100% absorption rate compared to 10-30% of most other CBD companies. This makes their products faster and more efficiently absorbed by the body. To learn more about what CBD American Shaman has to offer, contact Lance Schroeder at (531) 500-3672 / lincolnamshaman@gmail. com, follow them on Facebook (@CBDofLincoln27th), or visit their website www.CBDofLincoln.com.

Leadership Harbor Presents Live2Lead 2022 Simulcast on October 7 In partnership with Sevn Spero Creations, Panology Tec h Solutions, St Mark’s United Methodist Churc h, Strictly Business, Longoria’s Tactical Martial Arts, The Foster Care Closet of Nebraska, and Continental ContiTech of Lincoln, Leadership Harbor is thrilled to present the 2022 Live2Lead on Friday, October 7. Live2Lead is set in Atlanta, GA, with the Lincoln simulcast taking place at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, located at 8550 Pioneers Blvd.

Live2Lead is designed to deliver the very best leadership content to inspire and motivate you and your team. It’s a chance to connect with other leaders in your community and expand your business network with relationships that produce tangible results.

This year’s lineup of speakers include: • John Maxwell, #1 leadership expert and best-selling author • Patrick Lencioni, founder and president at The Table Group • Eric Thomas, author, speaker, consultant, pastor, and Audie Awards finalist • Dr. Tim Elmore, CEO and founder of growing leaders, best-selling author, and international speaker • Doris Kearns Goodwin, presidential historian and Pulitzer Prizewinning author Purchase your tickets today at leadershipharbor.com/live2lead. Prices will increase on September 1, so don’t wait!

At Leadership Harbor, they help people develop the skills to be more relational and influential in their personal, business, and faith lives.

To learn more information, visit leadershipharbor.com or contact Kris Peterson at kris@leadershipharbor.com or (402) 580-0947. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Now offering property tax and litigation support appraisal services.

Thomas W. Kubert Owner

6001 S. 58th Street, Suite F | Lincoln, NE 68516 Inquiries? (531) 500-0890 (Lincoln Office) | KubertAppraisal.com

Ample Food & Sturdy Drink!

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From Shepherd’s Pie to Bangers & Mash, we have a variety of Irish cuisine.

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august 2022 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS News Lincoln-Based Crescent Raises $5M Pre-Seed Round, Launches Cash Management Platform Crescent, a Lincoln-based fintech best known for crypto-backed high yields, has announced it raised a $5 million pre-seed round from strategic angels and tech founders including Anchorage Digital CEO Nathan McCauley as it launches a platform to help companies improve cash management. Crescent, which is onboarding early clients, sees its fundraise as a catalyst for growing its userbase, expanding its feature suite, and building out its automation and integration library to help finance teams put cash management on autopilot.

While many companies are looking at ways to trim spending, Grant Roscoe, the founder of Crescent, noticed that most were ignoring how effectively their idle capital was being used.

For years, corporate cash management has consisted of a checking and money market account. Both offer negligible yields and provide little in the form of automation or insights. The current solution also requires finance teams to regularly shop for rates, which is time-consuming.

This idea led Lincoln native Grant Roscoe and Crescent to create their latest product — a cash management platform that aggregates top business-friendly yields and helps companies deploy idle capital easily through automation and cash flow insights.

Current yield opportunities include a 4% APY USDC-backed yield and 1% APY FDIC insured yield option.

While spend management and accounting products such as Ramp and Quickbooks help companies understand their financial picture through post-purchase tracking, Crescent is determined to help them go further with existing cash, without introducing friction to finance teams. For more information, visit crescent.app or contact (712) 204-5315 / landon@crescent.app.

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Strictly Business august 2022

New Generation Construction Tops Out on Mixed-Use Building in North Platte I n J u n e, N ew G e n e ra t i o n Construction (NGC) hosted a “Top Out” achievement party for the mixed-use building they are constructing in North Platte. This party celebrates the four-story ground-up project’s milestone of “topping out”, or when the last beam is placed atop a structure during its construction. Over 90 L-R: Griffin Thomas, project subcontractors were recognized engineer; Eric Hageman, assistant superintendent; Alan Karre, on June 21 for their tenacity and mall maintenance director; Jon dedication, and were treated with a lunch party which included Spilinek, superintendent; Tanner Letcher, project manager music, accolades, and prizes.

Visitors were asked to sign a steel beam commemorating the achievement. With the help of NGC’s keen superintendents, crane operator Scott Wahlman hoisted the structural piece up to the rooftop, where it will be a permanent part of the north tower’s elevator shaft.

“The project team is excited to get to the top out stage of this project and get the building dried-in,” shared Project Manager Tanner Letcher. “With the building dried-in, it takes out a lot of factors, mainly weather, that can cause delays and hold-ups to the construction schedule. We are pushing hard and are motivated to finish this project strong to turn over a beautiful building for the people of North Platte and surrounding communities.”

New Generation Construction is a full-service general contracting firm specializing in Multi-Family, Mixed-Use, Living Centers, Urban Complex, and Hospitality sectors. NGC’s core service area is the Central Midwest, with teams serving many states beyond. Learn more at ngcgroupinc.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS News

WE SELL BUILDINGS!

Charm Boutique & Bar Lines Up Two Sip & Shop Events for August

4343 ‘O’ Street

Charm Boutique & Bar has some fun Sip & Shop events lined up for August! On Thursday, August 18, from 6 to 8 p.m., Charm will partner with Sunflower Spreads to host a charcuterie class where shoppers can learn how to arrange a beautiful meat and cheese board while sipping on a beverage from the bar and looking through the boutique’s trendy apparel and accessories selection.

In addition, on Wednesday, August 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. Charm is teaming up with Women in Sales & Business (WISB) for a chance to bring professional ladies in Lincoln together for some fun shopping and networking with a cocktail in hand! For women who are not currently a member of WISB, this is a great opportunity to connect with the group and learn more about what this organization has to offer—and you can leave with a cute new outfit!

Located in the Telegraph District, Charm Boutique & Bar is a unique shopping concept developed by Lindsey Tederman where you can “sip ‘n’ shop” by browsing their selection of clothes, accessories, shoes, and more with a drink from their full bar. Online shoppers can check out new arrivals at charmchix.com. For more information or to set up a date for a private shopping party, contact Lindsey at (308) 529-2361.

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SCORE Announces Speakers for Upcoming Small Business Workshop August 13 SCORE Lincoln will be offering a “What’s Involved in Starting a Small Business” workshop on Saturday, August 13. The workshop will help start-ups and small business owners gain answers to essential questions needed when starting or running a business. Several guest speakers will be leading the class. This includes: • “Practical Accounting/Sales & Use Tax for Small Business” by Rand Hansen, CPA • “Insurance Needs of Small Business” by Colten Zamrzla, Cornhusker Insurance Agency • “Financing Your Business” by Stacia Thiesen, Union Bank & Trust • “‘Traditional’ Marketing” by Paige Zutavern, Strictly Business • “Legal Structures for Small Business” by Carly Bahramzad, JD, Knudsen Law Firm • “Business Plan” by Steve Bors • “Online Marketing” by Eli Soell, Peak Marketing The workshop will be held at Turbine Flats at 2124 Y St. from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The full day costs $49 and includes lunch.

Register at www.lincoln.score.org. Attendees may sign up with SCORE for free one-on-one mentoring.

SCORE Lincoln, the local chapter of the nation’s largest network of expert business mentors, is a nonprofit organization and a partner of the SBA. Dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground and achieve their business goals, SCORE has provided FREE mentorship and education to more than 11 million entrepreneurs since 1964. For more information about SCORE, or upcoming workshops and events, visit www.lincoln.score.org or call (402) 437-2409. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Locations North Lincoln (402) 477-3110 South Lincoln (402) 261-4739 Beatrice (402) 228-9292 Nebraska City (402) 873-5151 Fairbury (402) 729-2639

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august 2022 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS News Duncan Aviation Announces Expansion Plans Omaha Fashion Week Announces Designer at Full-Service MRO Locations in Lincoln Lineups for Fall 2022 Season Duncan Aviation recently announced plans to build additional hangar space at its existing MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) locations in Lincoln, in addition to Battle Creek, MI. On June 14, Duncan executives were joined by Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and key members of designer/ builder Tectonic Management Group to break ground and celebrate the expansion . The project will apply the latest in green construction technologies to build at both locations a 46,000-square-foot hangar with 32-foot-high hangar doors and an additional 62,000-squarefoot, two-floor wing for storage and backshops. The total expected investment for both LNK and BTL is approximately $66 million. Site preparation for the Lincoln hangar will start in the fall of 2023. When construction is complete, Duncan Aviation will have 769,000 square feet of hangar space and shop, office, and storage areas in Lincoln.

The increased footprint for aircraft projects will require the addition of 65 to 75 team members at each location over a five-year period.

Those jobs will include airframe technicians, as well as positions in interior, installations, engine, paint, and the support shops.

“The demand for the safety and flexibility that business aviation travel provides has continued to increase, as has the average size of business aircraft,” says Jeff Lake, president of Duncan Aviation.

Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider supporting the aviation needs of business aircraft operators, government agencies, and other aircraft service providers. For more information, visit www.DuncanAviation.aero.

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Strictly Business august 2022

MEMBER

FDIC

Omaha Fashion Week has announced the designer lineup for the upcoming Fall 2022 Season, August 2527, at the Omaha Design Center!

With the theme for the week being Magis, which means “Excellence for the Greater Good”, the following designer lineup is ready to showcase their collections focused on sustainable practices, community collaboration, and grandeur.

AUDERE: TO BOLDLY SHINE LIKE GOLD - Emerging + Featured Designers - Thursday, August 25 • Headliner: Omaha Fashion Camp • A L T E R E D STATE | Andrew Hale • Apathie Studio | Blake Swanson • AR-t, By Max Jon | Maximillian Suiter • Carl’s Bad Designs | Carlea Badolian • Duane Topping • elle glo apparel | Lauren Glowacki • Feltersforte | Debra Koesters • Judy Bales Design • KingDom Culture | Isabelle Muziva • MAANG by Yasi Fayal • PASSIONATE LION | Tamara Kurtenbach • Samuel Macke • Still A Lady | Yolanda Harris • The House of Lavender | Kate Francis VIVERE: TO LIVE AGAIN - Emerging Designers - Friday, August 26 • Headliner: Lauren Bander • Anaí V | Ana Holt • Britney Spangenberg • Designs by Rey | ReyAnna Moore • Elsi Marie | Elsi Grabau • Eww Feelingz | Keyonna Jeter • Xposed | Grant Sullivan • MPOWER | Michelle Morris • Sommer | Le’Mario Somerville • House of Jadè | Sydney and Pamela Vinson • Wearing It | River Beck • Headliner: Dan Richters SPLENDERE: ALL GRAND, MAGNIFICENT, AND BRILLIANT THINGS - Featured Designers - Saturday, August 27 • Headliner: Nuevintage | Terri Buckner • Annette Sunshine Designs • Casarez | Amanda Casarez • Duane Topping • Hannah Caroline Couture | Hannah Nodskov • Potapenko + Yanchenko | Olha Potapenko • Potion23 | Victoria Cates • Regal Status | Princess Elliott Hopkins • Roger Figueroa • Vivi Design Studio | Claire Thomas-Morgan • Headliner: Buf Reynolds To reserve your seat at Omaha Fashion Week’s Fall 2022 Season, visit omahafashionweek.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

ASK THE EXPERT: COMPROby Kayla Northup (402) 488-5100 www.comproins.com

Agent, Employee Benefits Manager

Price Transparency in Health Insurance Industry

Price transparency is currently a hot topic in the health insurance industry and rightfully so. Consider this, when you are buying bread at the store you compare the various brands, types of bread and the price of each and base your decision on those factors. When planning a vacation you may compare the amenities, reviews and price of different hotels before booking your stay. However, when you need medical treatment you don’t know the cost until after the service is rendered. The Transparency in Coverage Rule aims to change that.

The goal of price transparency in health care is to help consumers know the cost of a covered item or service before receiving care, therefore allowing them to make informed health care decisions.

There will be three phases to the Transparency in Coverage Rule.

The first phase became effective on July 1, 2022. Insurance carriers and self-funded plan sponsors were required to publish machinereadable files with information on negotiated rates and allowed amounts. These files are not intended for consumer use due to the file size and format but they help lay the groundwork for Phases 2 and 3. Researchers and developers will use this data in the machine-readable files to create price comparisons that will help people choose the care that’s right for them.

Phases 2 and 3 are when this information will become useful to the consumer. As of January 1, 2023, carriers and self-funded plan sponsors must provide a user-friendly online price comparison tool for 500 covered services. Then on January 1, 2024, this online tool must provide cost-share estimates for ALL covered services.

This means that consumers will no longer be in the dark about the cost of health care, rather they will have access to personalized, real-time, cost-share estimates for covered services and pharmacy before seeking treatment.

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This positive step forward with informing the public on the costs of their healthcare services will be most beneficial when it gets tapped into. We strongly encourage that when this online tool is made available, it be used to make informed selection of plans, services, and health care providers.

Our ComPro Team is here to provide help with any questions you may have regarding price transparency and the phases of its implementation. Just give us a call at (402) 488-5100. ComPro offers health insurance plans for Employee Benefits, Individual and Family, and Medicare. We are your trusted, local resource for health insurance!

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available.

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

127 S 37th Street, Suite B Lincoln, NE 68510 402-476-2300

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CHOICES Treatment Center is certified with GAP

For more information go to: www.ChoicesTreatmentCenter.com www.ProblemGambling.Nebraska.gov

august 2022 Strictly Business

19

STAR CITY SIX

TRENT

Trent Neemann

NEEMANN & SONS Meet Trent Neemann, project manager at Neemann & Sons.

Multi Color Printing • Full Color Envelopes • Graphic Design • Digital Black & White Wide Format Color • Digital Color Copies • Engineering Copies – Color/B&W Crazy Fast Service

402.483.7575

www.pioneerprintinginc.com

Custom-built cabinets for New Building and

Remodeling projects

Tell us a little about your business. - We specialize in anything related to the exterior of your home or business. This includes residential and commercial roofing, siding, gutters, windows, doors, and insulation. Neemann & Sons has been repairing roofs and more for over 40 years. Our team of certified professionals can also conduct a thorough and detailed inspection of your roof if you have storm damage or any kind of leak. In addition, we install holiday lights through our Halo Custom Lighting division. As the holidays are around the corner, this is definitely an awesome, hassle-free solution for people to consider. Our LED lights will last 20+ years! They are even Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled from your phone or tablet.

How did you get started in the business? - It's a family business, so I've been around it all from a very young age. I started by ground cleaning roof tear-offs when I was 14 years old.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Learning more each day to keep the business going strong.

Tell us a little about your family. - My parents, Terry and Chris Neemann, started the company in 1981. My two older brothers, Trevor and Travis, also work for the business. I got married in 2012 to my wife Kelsey. We have three kids. My stepson Trent is 16, and our daughter Harper is 10 and son Houston is 8.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Getting married.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love watching any football game on TV, fishing, or attending the kids' sporting events.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I did track and field growing up. When I was 10, I was the national runner up three times in the 800- and 1,500-meter dash. I have the state record still today in the 800 for ages 10 and under.

Who inspires you? - My parents.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Never give up.

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - "Lose Yourself"

by Eminem.

Which talent would you most like to have? - Musical ability.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Sportscasting.

What is your favorite movie? - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

What is your favorite TV show? - NCIS. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Hiro 88.

402-466-8749 WWW.USHERCUSTOMCABINETS.COM 20

Strictly Business august 2022

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 423-4853; info@neemannandsons.com; neemannandsons.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

JASON

Jason Ball

Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Meet Jason Ball, president and CEO of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development.

Tell us a little about your business. - The Chamber is comprised of more than 1,600 members and stakeholders from the business community, and we are tasked with fostering an environment of economic growth and vitality in Lincoln. The programs of the Chamber collectively help entrepreneurs start new businesses, help grow existing businesses, recruit new business to Lincoln, market Lincoln as a destination for visitors and events, provide access to new workforce resources, and advocate for pro-business policies in government. We are a broad-based, business-centered, community growth organization, and we love the city we represent.

How did you get started in the business? - I worked for the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development between 2008 to 2012. I loved that experience so much—and I had the honor to lead three other Chambers before returning to my home city.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The biggest challenge for Chambers is balancing the diverse needs of stakeholders. We drive progress, and we embrace that mission. However, change can be difficult and different people, organizations, and businesses disagree about priorities. “We win together” is the theme we’ve embraced at the Chamber. Maintaining progress while balancing stakeholder needs is always the priority to be successful in our work.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? During the COVID-19 shutdown in Texas, we provided rapid economic assistance to local small businesses. Within a week after the shutdown started, we committed funds that formed Round Rock Cares. The first assistance checks were sent before the PPP Loan application was even completed. The fund provided over $420,000 to more than 240 small businesses. Many credit that program for their survival.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Sandy and I have two children, Bennett (9) and Sadie (6). We love to go camping whenever we can.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to run, but I do that on workdays too. I’m slow, but I’m dedicated.

Who inspires you? - Small business owners. Whether they are trying to grow to hundreds of employees or make a living for themselves as a sole proprietor, they are extraordinary people. They take on so much risk to build a business and make our community unique and special.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Make a difference.” The privilege we have every day at the Chamber is that we are tasked with serving someone who is trying to build their business and ultimately, build their dream. That may be a dream for business and financial success. It could be building an organization that changes an industry or provides jobs and financial security to others. We may be working with education partners to build pathways for students to find a rewarding career, or a non-traditional student to develop new skills. These people are trying to build a better life for themselves or their families. Ultimately, we are helping people better their own circumstances and fulfil their potential.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To predict the future. Just think of the advice we could provide to our companies!

What is your favorite local restaurant? - I wear everyone’s hat.

Lincoln has an amazing food scene.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 436-2362; jball@lcoc.com; lcoc.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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21

STAR CITY SIX

TINA

Tina Meza

IRONHORSE BAR & EVENT ROOM Meet Tina Meza, the director of events at Ironhorse Bar & Event Room.

Tell us a little about your business. - We are an event space with an elegant and intimate atmosphere specializing in life’s big moments such as rehearsal dinners, small wedding ceremonies and receptions, birthday parties, and showers. We also recently expanded our hours to be open on Wednesdays as a laid-back place in downtown Lincoln to grab a drink and socialize. We’ve been filling up our weekly event calendar with trivia nights, live music, bingo, and more.

How did you get started in the business? - I started in the industry at 17 when I first moved to Nebraska. I have been bartending for the last 15 years. I got my start bartending while I was working at the Starlite Lounge. I have been with Ironhorse since we opened six years ago. I enjoy working here because we get to know the clients while helping plan their events. I love seeing clients that come back to host more events with us.

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Max and I have four cats—a mom and her three boys. I have five sisters and two brothers who all live back on the East Coast.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - My days off are usually spent with my husband watching shows or movies. I make time to play video games and do crossword puzzles. A considerable amount of time is spent hanging out with the cats and birdwatching together.

Who inspires you? - My dad. He is pretty awesome. I have never known him to not be working on something. Growing up, he was always building things, hunting, fishing, and hanging out with us.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - I would say teleportation, only because then I could go to see my family at the drop of a hat.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I love to cook! I cook most every meal from scratch and my favorite thing to make is fresh pasta.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Something with animals. I love to care for the animals in our neighborhood. I spend my mornings filling all my birdfeeders and setting out food for the neighborhood cats.

I even feed the squirrels!

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I enjoy reading mysteries and true crime books. The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton is one of my favorites.

What is your favorite movie? - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince or Better Off Dead.

What is your favorite TV show? - Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Venue Restaurant & Lounge. Their fried chicken is my go-to whenever I eat there.

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

- (402) 840-2596; tina@ironhorseroom.com; ironhorseroom.com.

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STAR CITY SIX

JAYME

Jayme Berks

DARING MINDS THERAPY “We believe healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment, and we cooperatively assist clients in clarifying their goals for treatment.”

ALLO COMMUNICATIONS Meet Jayme Berks, business account executive at ALLO Communications.

Tell us a little about your business. - ALLO is a Nebraska-based company that offers fiber telephone, internet, and television to residents and businesses in 27 cities across Nebraska, Colorado, and Arizona. Serving our customers and community is what we do!

How did you get started in the business? - I applied to ALLO as a referred applicant after working for a competitor for the previous seven years. I accepted a job offer and after three months of employment, I was amazed how quickly I fell in love with the culture here at ALLO. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Whether it be a new job or new responsibilities, stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new has always been my biggest challenge.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Winning an award for being one of the top performers in my position while working for a large corporation.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have three beautiful children who are my motivation to be the best version of myself.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Both personally and professionally, I feel that I am hitting a turning point in my life as well as my career with ALLO. I’m gaining traction and building relationships with customers daily which has resulted in me expanding ALLO’s customer base.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love going fishing, hanging out with my kids, and doing house work when time permits.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I was on a Nebraska Football poster when Scott Frost was quarterback in the 90s.

Who inspires you? - My children.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - The ability to control time.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Restoration, remodeling, and repair. I enjoy restoring things to their original glory.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Construction, remodeling, or contracting work.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? Coaching Lincoln Youth Football. By coaching my sons football team, I have come to an understanding that I have a true passion for developing others to reach their true potential.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim S. Grover.

What is your favorite movie? - The Pursuit of Happiness.

What is your favorite TV show? - SportsCenter.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Hiro 88.

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 480-6550; www.allocommunications.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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23

STAR CITY SIX

IVETTE

Dr. Ivette Trentini

Southeast Community College

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

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Jennifer@fumafinancial.com 402-560-0047

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Strictly Business august 2022

Meet Dr. Ivette Trentini, associate dean of business, trades, and manufacturing at Southeast Community College (SCC).

Tell us a little about your organization. - Southeast Community College is an exciting place! SCC is redesigning education in our community. Our new buildings are state-of-the-art, and our existing facilities are getting the needed updates to welcome everyone. SCC is dedicated to serving our community’s needs and the students who want to build a good life.

How did you get started in higher education? - As a graduate student, I started teaching part-time as a communication instructor. I was hooked!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Professional burnout. I left a career due to burnout, and though I was disappointed, I wouldn’t have found my new love in higher education.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? My most significant achievement professionally was when I finished my doctorate at Creighton University. I worked full-time and this last degree took six years to complete, but I would do it again. It was very rewarding.

Tell us a little about your family. - I am engaged to a gorgeous man named Randy. We share a home with a rescue lab and three cats.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? At the time, I was training new employees at a different job. I realized how rewarding it was to see people succeed. When I joined higher education, I felt I could help people thrive at more meaningful levels.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I am an audio-book junkie, and I’ll immerse myself in home projects.

What is the most interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - In high school, I was a synchronized swimmer.

Who inspires you? - My dad. He is from Brazil and worked incredibly hard throughout his life. He has overcome some of the most difficult challenges and is literally the nicest person I know.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My great aunt gave me great advice when I was a young woman. If something bothers you, take three days to work through it.

After the third day, move on. It works!

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To fly, of course!

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Oil painting.

Which talent would you most like to have? - Parallel parking.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - A fitness coach or dark chocolate taster, I can’t decide.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I have a soft spot for animal shelters. On another note, I volunteered at the State Penitentiary for a couple years and felt fortunate to be a part of helping others reskill themselves.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Stolen Focus by Johann Hari.

What is your favorite movie? - Jackie Brown.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Hands down, La Paz. It is a local gem. They never disappoint.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Bill Gates with Steve Jobs at the same table.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 437-2639; itrentini@southeast.edu; www.southeast.edu. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

MAKAYLEE

Join some of the area’s most successful businesses and plan your next business retreat to James Arthur Vineyards!

Makaylee Gayed

McCombs Commercial Realty Meet Makaylee Gayed, real estate agent and property manager at McCombs Commercial Realty.

Tell us a little about your business. - McCombs Commercial Realty has been in the commercial real estate industry for over 20 years. We have also been providing Homeowner Association management for over 10 years, and most recently have been able to expand the business even more. We now offer commercial and residential real estate sales/leasing, commercial/residential property management, HOA management, lease administration, first-year warranty services for builders, and handyman services!

James Arthur Vineyards offers an exceptional location for any special occasion, company retreat, social event or family gathering.

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How did you get started in the business? - I just kind of stumbled into the job. I had done a lot of management, marketing, and customer service work in the past, and this seemed like a great job where I could utilize all of those skills.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wonderful husband Jason and I have been married for six years now. I have two amazing kids, Bentley (10) and Mia (9). We also have an angel baby together who would be five this year.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Wait, I get days off? Just kidding. I do like to spend some of my time off working on my social media, newsletters, etc. Otherwise, you will usually find me at the lake boating or traveling. I always enjoy a good book too.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Kind. I think with the world the way it is lately, remaining kind is the best way to potentially change someone’s attitude for the day.

Halo Lights...

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Personally, I would definitely want to be able to talk to animals. I am a huge animal lover so being able to conversate with them would be a dream. Professionally, I would freeze time! We wear so many different hats in our lives. If I could have more time, it would take so much stress away, and I cant help but think of all the extra work I could get done.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I would have to say creativity. I do get to use it within our digital and social media marketing, and I’ve revamped our website, but I love creating more hands on. Whether it’s being creative with my sewing, cooking, sketching, etc.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Fashion design! Fun fact, I am also a fashion designer and have had the opportunity to work with Omaha, Kansas City, and Phoenix Fashion Weeks.

Everyday Exterior Lighting!

Family Owned and Operated since 1981.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I am a Harry Potter adult, so that will be always be my favorite book series. However, I did recently read The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, which I enjoyed.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Rutabagas. I love that they have vegan/vegetarian options. I am always looking for when their pop-ups will be close to work for lunch.

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

- (402) 435-0000; mgayed@mccrealty.com; www.mccrealty.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Call for a free

Exterior

&

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(402) 423-4853 neemannandsons.com

august 2022 Strictly Business

25

restaurant exposÉ

2110 Winthrop Rd Lincoln, NE 68502

LilaMaesSouthernKitchen.com (531) 510-0890

Lincoln’s New Southern Kitchen on South Street

It’s

so exciting when a new restaurant opens in Lincoln, especially when it’s been dreamed up by someone local who has a passion for and knowledge of the concept they are creating. This is what Tramesha Cruse, along with her business partner Travis Russell, have done by opening Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen & Lounge off of 30th and South St. The Strictly Business team recently dined at Lila Mae’s, only four weeks after the restaurant officially opened— and we were very impressed with the quality of food. At Lila Mae’s, you’ll find authentic Southern fare. During our dining experience, we definitely had a few favorites. From the Starters menu, the Fried Cauliflower, Fried Okra, and Lila Wings hit all the right spots. We loved the seasoning and savoriness of the Fried Cauliflower, and that they weren’t overly fried or greasy. Same with the Fried Okra! Our art director and resident vegetarian, Derek, actually commented that this was probably the best fried okra he has ever had. In addition, our Editor Hannah was wowed by how good the Lila Wings were—and wings are rarely ever the highlight of her meals. These sides, along with pretty much everything else on the menu we figured out, were enhanced by the homemade Lila Sauce. It is a mayo-based honey mustard with a twist...so good!

Some may find the chicken and waffle combination a bit strange, but if you haven’t expanded your horizons that far yet, now is the time. Lila Mae’s Nashville Hot Chicken Strips served on a fluffy, toasted waffle is absolutely mouthwatering. You can select from a range of heat levels on your chicken, all the way up to a Melt Your Face Off level (for the small price of just 50 cents more and possibly the use of your taste buds for a lingering while after). Shout out to Derek for being the only daring one in our group to give this sauce a try!

Another stand-out dish we all enjoyed was the Shrimp ‘n Grits. This plate just bursts with color and flavor. The consistency was perfect and it’s a nice, filling option. The Smothered Pork Chop was also delicious—tender enough to cut through with a fork! As good as all the entrees were, the sides carried their own weight as well.

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Strictly Business august 2022

We recommend the Mac ‘n Cheese. Lila Mae’s rendition of this classic is a bit sweeter than most, which complements the spicier food you may order. Also, the Cheesy Grits really made an impression. Strictly Business president, Paige, couldn’t get enough of them. They have amazing texture and a thick consistency. The Greens embody that soulful goodness, made extra special by the smoked turkey and earthy seasonings.

Finally, the desserts. Lila Mae’s desserts are brought to you by Sweet Things

by Marcy, who specializes in madefrom-scratch Southern-style desserts.

We were drooling over Mama’s Warm Apple Crisp and the Kentucky Butter Cake. Both were outstanding and had equally satisfying presentations.

Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen & Lounge, “where food, family, and friends are the sugar in their tea!” Make this your next dinner spot when you’re in the mood for some well-made comfort food.

Hours

Tuesday – Saturday | 4-10 PM Closed Sundays and Mondays Liquor license coming in the fall

To view the full version of this story, visit strictly-business.com

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Personnel News Center Sphere Welcomes Ashley Hinze as Director of Membership Center Sphere is excited to welcome their new director of membership, Ashley Hinze.

Ashley has been a Center Sphere member for over six years and was instrumental in launching their Network Navigator program and helping members navigate The Network.

Ashley is a great fit in her new role and will be working with members to grow their network and reach their goals. She shared that she is excited about her new position and is looking forward to connecting and building strong relationships with current and new members that are interested in building their network.

“Ashley is an amazing person with a finding heart for helping others...a true servant’s heart,” shared CEO and Co-Founder Brett Boyer. “We are excited to welcome her to our team.”

Ashley enjoys time with her husband Eric and their two daughters. She loves being with her family and traveling to the lake in the summer, as well as partaking in her passion for health and wellness.

Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. Their next network-wide social event is set for Thursday, August 4, and will be hosted by Chris Gryzen of Gryzen Financial Group, LLC. The event will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at O.G. Grata, 2755 Jamie Lane. For more information about Center Sphere, visit www.

CenterSphere.com or connect with Ashley Hinze, director of membership at (402) 690-4434 or Ashley@CenterSphere.com.

Karla Frese of Home Care Partners Receives Certified Social Services Designee Home Care Partners celebrates the continued education of Managing Partner Karla Frese. Karla completed the Nebraska Healthcare Association comprehensive educational course that provides training to understand regulations, policies, and best practices for social services in healthcare settings. The coursework included reviewing admission processes, creating individualized care plans, and discharge planning. The course allows one to better understand the social service role and how to coordinate care services with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

“I value each day that I get the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Karla. “Helping others gives me a sense of belonging, and can change your life in ways you never imagined.”

As a social services designee working for Home Care Partners, Karla has the chance to work with healthcare teams and facilities to make a positive impact in the lives of Home Care Partners’ clients. When someone has a health change in their life she can provide guidance and understanding when they need to navigate what comes next in the continuum of care.

Home Care Partners embodies a Culture of Caring to serve seniors in and around our community. They are an affordable and comparable in-home alternative to independent and assisted living, and provide additional support when needed for those already living in a senior community. For more information, visit www. homecarepartnersofnebraska.com, find them on Facebook or Instagram (@homecarepartnersofnebraska), or call (402) 780-1211. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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27

Personnel News HopeSpoke Welcomes New Board Members and Officers for 2022-2023 HopeSpoke welcomes four new board members.

Ellen Beans is retired from Bryan Health after serving 40 years as director of volunteers and customer care. Her volunteer and board experiences help her understand the needs of children and families facing mental health challenges.

Michaela Rasmussen is a business relationship representative at Union Bank & Trust. “I’m proud to support the efforts of HopeSpoke, working to strengthen our community through positively impacting our children and families,” Rasmussen said.

Betty Medinger, CMSW just retired from a 42-year career focused on improving access to human services, most recently as senior vice president with Nebraska Children and Families Foundation.

Ted Scott is owner of Medallion Custom Homes and a former board member for HopeSpoke’s predecessor, Child Guidance Center. “As a parent and guardian of children who have used the services of HopeSpoke, I understand the need,” Scott said.

HopeSpoke’s officers for 2021-2022 are: Regan Anson, president; Mitch Lee, president-elect; Tracey Smith, treasurer; Bess Sullivan Scott, secretary. Kelley Peterson is immediate past president. Other board members are Lily Amare, Karen Chaney, Dave Graff, Russ Hewitt, Chad Kruse, Charlene Maxey-Harris, Chris McInerny, Megan Ruwe, Julie Smith, and Lily Sughroue.

HopeSpoke inspires healthy futures for children and families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services. For more information, visit www.hopespoke.org.

LIBA Brings On Katie Bohlmeyer as Policy & Research Coordinator Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) is pleased to announce the addition of Katie Bohlmeyer as their new policy & research coordinator. She brings to LIBA a passion for policy and has spent the last two sessions as committee clerk for the Natural Resources Committee at the Legislature. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska in Psychology and Sociology in 2020.

Katie grew up showing swine and cattle.

She started a cow/calf operation with her father when she was 8, and now they travel throughout the Midwest going to livestock shows with their Aberdeen Angus.

Katie was an active volunteer for her hometown church, and in college, she was the vice president of community service for her sorority. Katie also volunteered all four years as an outreach troop leader for the Girl Scouts, and two of those years were dedicated to refugee and immigrant girls here in Lincoln. She is currently a volunteer with CASA of Gage County, where Katie was appointed by a judge to help advocate for the well-being of abused and neglected children.

The mission of the Lincoln Independent Business Association is to provide leadership and educational opportunities to the business community; to educate the public concerning the vital role of business in creation of meaningful jobs; to communicate the concerns of the business community to elected and appointed officials at all levels of local government; and to support political candidates who understand and promote the free enterprise system. Learn more at liba.org.

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Union Bank & Trust (UBT) is pleased to announce recent changes in leadership within the company. UBT has named Bill Eastwood chief investment officer emeritus and promoted Ryan Sailer to c hief investment officer and first vice president within Union Investment Management Group (UIMG). In addition, UBT has hired Rod Larsen to serve as vice president – secondary mortgage market director.

Managing assets since 1966, Eastwood joined Union Bank in 1995 and became Bill Eastwood the bank’s first chief investment officer. He will stay on as a member of the Investment Committee at UBT and will assume the role of chief investment officer emeritus, offering his insight on major investment decisions.

Additionally, Eastwood will continue to maintain his investment management responsibilities with his current clients.

“We are pleased that Bill has agreed to stay on, acting as a mentor to his successor Ryan Sailer and the entire research team at UIMG,” said Tom Sullivan, first vice president of UIMG. Ryan Sailer Sailer has been promoted to chief investment officer and first vice president after 20 years of key involvement in the creation and evolution of the bank’s investment strategies, including UBT’s individual stock portfolios, passive ETF, and mutual fund strategies. He is a founding member of UIMG’s Strategy Group, which sets capital market expectations and the overall direction of major asset class weightings.

Sailer also manages the investment research team and works directly with UBT’s highest-net-worth families and Rod Larsen institutions — with nearly $1.5 billion in assets under his management. He will become chair of the Investment Committee and a member of the Trust Committee and the Bank Management Committee. A graduate of Creighton University, Sailer also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation.

Larsen brings 29 years of mortgage experience to his position, where he’ll oversee UBT’s secondary mortgage origination and underwriting operations in the Lincoln, Omaha, Kansas City, and Greater Nebraska markets. Larsen’s community involvement includes work with Habitat for Humanity, Omaha Food Bank, and Little Giants Foundation.

A 1991 graduate of Morningside University, Larsen was named Nebraska Mortgage Association’s Mortgage Professional of the Year in 2019 and has been a Scotsman Guide Top 1% Lender for the past six years. He’s currently serving as president of the Nebraska Mortgage Association. Larsen has been an associate member of the Omaha Area Board of Realtors since 1994 and the Metro Omaha Builders Association since 1995. He’s also been a member of the Millard Business Association since 2018.

Union Bank & Trust is a privately owned Nebraska bank that offers complete banking, lending, investment, and trust services, in addition to serving as program manager for Nebraska’s NEST College Savings Plan. The bank has 38 full-service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. It is the third-largest privately owned bank in Nebraska, with bank assets of $6.5 billion and trust assets of $46.8 billion as of December 31, 2021.

Learn more at ubt.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Personnel News Three Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate Agents Close a Successful Sale Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate is pleased to announce that John Linscott and Adam Lowney represented the seller, and Brett Harris represented the buyer, in the sale of a 35,800-square-foot industrial building located at 1220 Saltillo Rd. John works on the leasing, sale, acquisition, and development of commercial property across all use types while representing owners, investors, and tenants. In addition to his brokerage activities, John oversees and directs the Facility and Asset Management Division at Greenleaf which currently manages commercial real estate assets totaling more than $80 million.

Adam obtained his real estate license and joined Greenleaf in the fall of 2019. Adam works with buyers, sellers, investors, and tenants to help them realize their commercial real estate goals. After spending a decade in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Adam has developed a network of relationships with many local business owners.

Brett is responsible for the brokerage activities at Greenleaf, which includes the representation of buyers, sellers, investors, and tenants across all commercial property types. Prior to joining the company, Brett spent 14 years working for another Lincoln-based commercial real estate owner and developer with a focus on lease negotiations.

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate believes in building relationships and strives to understand each client’s objectives and develop a strategy to meet their specific needs. For more information on Greenleaf, call (402) 467-2525 or check out the website at www.greenleafcommercial.com.

NAWIC Announces 2022-23 Election Results Last month, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Greater Omaha Chapter #116 completed its annual election process. Ballots were distributed to members and a quorum was achieved. Each elected position received the required simple majority vote. The new officers for the 2022-2023 year are as follows: • President – Jennifer Harris • Vice President – Lori Ruzicka • Recording Secretary – Bobbi Jo Lang • Corresponding Secretary – Lexie Ruiz • Treasurer – Jenna Beyer • Board of Directors – Lisa Beresiwsky, Jen Cowher, Jasmyn Flowers, Brianna Ouedraogo, Cathy Sorrell Congratulations to the newly elected officers!

National Association of Women in Construction Greater Omaha Chapter #116 is based in Omaha and encompasses Lincoln, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding areas. The chapter was chartered in 1965 and currently has over 80 members. Their membership includes women who work for companies that do business primarily in the construction industry. Meetings for the Greater Omaha chapter are on the second Thursday of each month in varied locations and are open to the public. To learn more about NAWIC Chapter #116, please visit www.nawicomaha.com. Reach out to their new Chapter President Jennifer Harris at (402) 618-1991 / jennifer.harris@jedunn.com or NAWIC media contact Lexie Ruiz (402) 339-6700 / lexier@standardac.com with any additional questions.

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Personnel News Strictly Business Welcomes Abby Gonzales as Marketing/Magazine Intern Strictly Business recently welcomed a new addition to the team with the on boarding of Abby Gonzales as a marketing/magazine intern. Abby’s role is very versatile. She has taken over the majority of social media creation and scheduling. In addition, Abby is taking on writing responsibilities, assisting with formatting press releases and client spotlights. She is also eager to take on various projects as they come up.

Abby was born in Aurora, CO. She is currently a senior at Nebraska Wesleyan University, majoring in psychology with a minor in communication studies. She is also part of the Women’s Swim Team at Nebraska Wesleyan and a member of the Academic Honors List. Abby enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, reading, and working out in her spare time. When given the opportunity, she likes traveling and getting out of her comfort zone. She recently spent two weeks in Ireland studying abroad this summer!

Strictly Business has been a reliable news source and effective advertising tool in Lincoln for 29 years and in Omaha for 16 years.

To learn more, visit strictly-business.com / strictlybusinessomaha. com. To contact Abby, call the office at (402) 466-3330.

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American Heart Association Names Marvin and Linder as Go Red for Women Leaders The American Heart Association is pleased to announce Melissa Marvin and Karen Linder as the two powerhouses leading the Go Red for Women charge. Go Red for Women, nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Methodist, is the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative to end heart disease and stroke in women. Go Red for Women is working in communities around the world to help women understand that cardiovascular disease is their greatest Melissa Marvin health threat and that they should take action to lower their risk.

Marvin serves as senior vice president, c hief experience officer for Banyan Medical Systems. Over her lifetime, she has built a long resume of leadership service with more than 30 nonprofit and educational organizations ranging in variety of human service and arts groups in the metro area and across Nebraska. She will chair the Go Red for Women Expo on Tuesday, October 18.

Karen Linder Linder serves as executive chairwoman at Tethon 3D and a partner of Linseed Capital, LLC, and she will be bringing her passion to Circle of Red. The Circle is a society of passionate individuals who are in the fight against heart disease and stroke in women to win.

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. To learn more about Go Red for Women, please contact Lindsey Vande Hoef at Lindsey.VandeHoef@heart.org or visit heart.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Personnel News Christian Record Services Announces 2022 Anne Lowe Scholarship Recipients

Nebraska Safety Council Announces New Executive Director John M. Lefler, Jr.

Christian Record Services, Inc. is pleased to announce the five collegiate recipients of the Anne Lowe Scholarship for the 2022-23 school year.

“Our sc holarship committee was impressed with each of our applicants this year and we are thrilled to award scholarships to five outstanding individuals,” said Diane Thurber, president of the 123-year-old organization. “Through the ongoing generosity of donors, we are able to support the education of each of the selected recipients of the Anne Lowe Scholarship.”

The Anne Lowe Scholarship is awarded to college students and is based on academic achievement, citizenship which is supported through reference letters, and verification of blindness. The scholarship is distributed in two parts during the school year. Tom Lowe established the scholarship in 1989 in the memory of his wife Anne, who loved education and the mission of Christian Record Services.

For more information on each of these outstanding students, please visit christianrecord.org/member-services/scholarship.

Christian Record Services, Inc. is an international ministry to people who are blind. To learn more, visit www.ChristianRecord.org, call (402) 488-0981, or connect on social media (@CRSBfriends).

The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) welcomes their new executive director, John M. Lefler, Jr. John brings over 20 years of experience with a broad background in management, marketing, and sales. He most recently served as the chief operating officer with The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, NE. “I am excited and humbled for this opportunity with the Nebraska Safety Council and WorkWell,” said John. “For over 60 years, the NESC has provided education and services to empower Nebraskans to live safe and healthy lives. Whether in the office, production floor, off-site, or behind the wheel, the team at NESC is committed to organizations of all sizes and industries across Nebraska.”

“The board is excited for the new leadership John brings,” shared Paul Barta, president of the board at NESC. “John’s background brings a lot of opportunity for new ideas, growth of the organization, and for services provided to our members and the general public.

The board is very optimistic that John will take NESC forward in an exciting and dynamic direction. Further, NESC is grateful for the previous leadership under former executive director, Lisa Henning, whose leadership throughout the pandemic was commendable and not an easy task. We wish her the very best.”

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

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Personnel News Lincoln Federal Savings Bank Promotes Tiffany Murray, Brings on Katie Thompson Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is pleased to introduce the newest members of their Mortgage Lending team: Tiffany Murray has been promoted from mortgage loan assistant/processor to mortgage loan officer, and Katie Thompson has joined the Bank as mortgage loan officer.

Tiffany Murray has worked in mortgage lending since 2017. She started first as a loan processor, then as a mortgage loan assistant, and has now been promoted to mortgage loan officer.

Tiffany Murray She prides herself in her ability to understand her customer’s goals and discover the best route to accomplish them. When it comes to homebuying, she understands that customers not only need a loan, but they also need a person to call with any questions about the process. Her personable and upbeat attitude is noted by many of her coworkers and customers. If you’d like to work with Tiffany Murray, she can be reached at (402) 325-4837. Her office is located at 8400 Maddox Dr. in Lincoln.

Katie Thompson Katie Thompson comes to the Bank with over 20 years of banking experience and over 12 years in mortgage lending. Helping her customers achieve the American Dream is what keeps Katie coming to work each day.

“I love calling my customers and telling them that they’ve been approved and are ready for closing,” shared Katie. “Closing day is such a monumental day for customers purchasing a home.”

Maximizing savings is another one of her strong suits. She has a knack for listening and understanding just what her refinancing customers are looking for. Katie understands that a home is a large asset, and she doesn’t take that lightly. She has the knowledge to help her customers achieve their home ownership dreams. Katie Thompson’s office is located at 7005 ‘O’ St. in Lincoln. She can be reached by phone at (402) 325-4890 or by email at kthompson@lincolnfed.com.

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is a depositor-owned financial institution specializing in residential home loans, construction loans, home equity products, commercial real estate loans, and deposit services. The corporate office is located at 8400 Maddox Dr. (84th and Van Dorn) and can be reached by phone at (402) 474-1400. Learn more at lincolnfed.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

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It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You! At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local professionals for their significant awards, promotions, achievements, and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Lincoln community.

If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com, or submit your news online via www.strictly-business.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NonProfit News Enrollment Open for Early Childhood Crisis Line Volunteer Training for Voices of Hope Set for August 23 – September 20 Programs at Willard Community Center Voices of Hope will be offering a crisis line volunteer training August 23 – September 20. The training will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 – 10 p.m.

Their services are offered 24/7, meaning Voices of Hope staff are on call responding to crisis line calls and hospital advocacies every day of the week. They could not do that without the help of their volunteers which are trained by Voices of Hope to provide support and resources to those calling the crisis line. This past year, their crisis line volunteers covered 3,646.5 hours on the crisis line!

Voices of Hope is always in need of crisis line volunteers as it is one of their biggest services to the community. They offer three 36-hour trainings a year. Voices of Hope commits to having volunteers end training with a great understanding on domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, honor-based violence, crisis intervention skills, and safety planning, to name a few.

Their crisis line is designed to work with your schedule as you choose your hours a week. Calls come straight to your phone, and you always have a staff member to offer support and be your back up.

Applications for the upcoming training are currently being accepted.

Please call the Voices of Hope office at (402) 476-2110 and ask for​the volunteer coordinator or email Lizeth at lizeth@voicesofhopelincoln.org For more information on Voices of Hope, please visit voicesofhopelincoln.org.

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Willard Community Center is announcing that enrollment is now open for their early childhood programs.

The programs serve preschool-aged children (age 3-4) at 1245 S Folsom St. and Pre-K (age 4-5) at 1030 W ‘Q’ St. Willard’s early childhood programs offer a very low teacher-to-child ratio, allowing children to feel safe, secure, and loved throughout the day. The curriculum focuses on developing your child’s social/emotional, cognitive, fine, and large motor skills. Daily activities and weekly themes encourage multi-cultural awareness and parent involvement. Learning centers include age-appropriate math, science, language, literacy, blocks, dramatic play through indoor and outdoor times, and much more.

Full-time and part-time enrollment is available. For complete details and rates, visit willardcommunitycenter.org.

Willard Community Center focuses on youth development and education and presents programs across the age spectrum, including senior adults. Willard offers early childhood education preschool and Pre-K, before and after school programs for elementary schools, and social/educational opportunities for adults. Willard’s children attend Roper or Lakeview Elementary Schools; each serves a high percentage of free and reduced lunch participants. They address children’s educational and social needs while providing affordable, quality care. Learn more at willardcommunitycenter.org.

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NonProfit News The Bridge Behavioral Health Encourages Community to Host Donation Drives The Bridge Behavioral Health is asking the community for support through donation drives to help collect essential items for individuals seeking treatment.

Examples of drives include personal care items, welcome bags, summer wear, art supplies, and cash donations. The Bridge can also tailor a drive that is of special interest to you or your organization.

The Bridge will provide toolkits with everything you need to host a donation drive: signage, totes for collecting items, and content for social media. Everything will be dropped off at your location of choice and picked up after the drive.

If you or your organization is interested in hosting a drive, please contact Taylor Brethouwer at tbrethouwer@thebridgenebraska.org / (402) 413-2203.

Since 1984, The Bridge Behavioral Health has provided treatment and support to people struggling with substance use and related mental health disorders. Often, clients come with little more than what they are wearing. Whether they are seeking withdrawal services, respite, or residential treatment, The Bridge provides clients with the necessities to ensure a dignified and comfortable stay. Learn more at thebridgenebraska.org.

Matt Talbot Celebrates 16 Years of Feeding the Soul of the City Fundraiser On June 9, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach hosted the 16th annual Feeding the Soul of the City fundraiser at the Country Club of Lincoln. Thanks to the generosity of 43 sponsors, donors, and the 225 guests in attendance, over $160,000 was raised to support the day-to-day hunger relief and homeless prevention services. Guests enjoyed community, an inspiring video, and live and silent auctions.

The video about Matt Talbot’s origins and the current impact of outreach and homeless prevention efforts, including substance use services, can be viewed at mtko.org/events.

The organization would like to recognize the following sponsors: Bold Hope Sponsors – Bridgepoint Investment Banking, RBC Wealth Management, Sandhills Global Restoring Hope Sponsors – Vince and Brenda Sutton, Farmers Mutual, KidGlov, MBA Apartments Housing Hope Sponsors – Healthy Blue, Reina Day, Gail Lorenzen, Rick and De Costello, Elder Jewelry, Nelnet, Union Bank, Cornhusker Property, Lincoln Journal Star, Watts Electric Giving Hope Sponsors – FNBO, FBM, Bryan Health, Ameeta Bansal Martin, Forest Lake Lawn and Landscape, Dr. Jim Maly, Haberfeld, Lincoln Federal Savings Bank, Sid Dillon, West Gate Bank, Filament Essential Services, Ameritas, LincOne Sustaining Hope Sponsors – Mary Jo Bousek; Oak Creek Plants & Flowers; Bluestem Health; Lincoln Surgical Hospital; Watts & Hershberger, Inc.; HBE; Pinnacle Bank; Kurt and Cara Matthes; DuTeau Chevrolet-Subaru; Tom and Deb Cabela; Jim Peterson Auction Co.; Assurity; CIP; Cada Law To learn more about Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, visit mtko.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NonProfit News Food Bank of Lincoln Opens New 60,000-Square-Foot Facility The Food Bank of Lincoln was excited to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 16 with the Lincoln Chamber to celebrate their new headquarters. Many city council members, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, and Chamber President Jason Ball attended the ribbon cutting to express their support of this major expansion that will keep Lincoln moving forward.

The facility is located at 1221 Kingbird Rd. near the Lincoln airport, which makes it more easily accessible to the city of Lincoln. It will primarily serve as a distribution center for food gathered nationally and locally to be shipped across all of Lincoln and 16 counties within Southeast Nebraska. Through this innovative space, the Food Bank will be able to serve many more neighbors.

“This new building is 60,000 square feet of meaningful, purposeful space that will be able to serve more food, get meals to those who need it, connect neighbors to resources, and shorten the lines,” said Steph Ledbetter, president of the board of directors.

The Food Bank of Lincoln is a proud member of Feeding America.

Since their founding in 1982, they have been focused on their mission to alleviate hunger in Southeast Nebraska. Their dedicated team and partner agencies work together to put food on the tables of neighbors in need. To learn more, visit www.lincolnfoodbank.org or call (402) 466-8170.

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Goodwill Helps Job Seekers Overcome Employment Barriers with RentWise Classes Since 1932, Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska has helped area individuals overcome a variety of employment barriers, and they are now expanding on these services with RentWise: a six-module class that helps individuals become good tenants so they can secure stable housing and stable jobs. Housing is a common obstacle for job seekers today, according to Goodwill Employment Specialist Kate Shotkoski. In fact, she said it’s a numberone priority for many of her clients at Goodwill’s Job Connection Center.

“When an individual doesn’t have to worry about housing, it is so much easier to focus on work,” Shotkoski said. “Their outlook improves so much. It ties in so much with making sure they can stay employed.”

RentWise covers a variety of topics such as property upkeep, conflict resolution, the Landlord Tenant Act, and how to spot housing discrimination. After completing Goodwill’s RentWise class, individuals receive certificates that they can present to potential landlords, showing that they have taken active steps to becoming a good tenant. This certificate is especially helpful to those who face traditional housing barriers, including justice-involved individuals, individuals who age out of the foster care system, and new Americans.

Goodwill’s RentWise classes are currently offered to individuals served by Fresh Start. As staffing and resources allow, Goodwill hopes to expand the class to other local agencies.

To learn more about the mission, programs, and services of Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, visit lincolngoodwill.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NonProfit News NAM Announces Keynote Speakers for 16th Lincoln Children’s Museum Offers Game Day Annual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands Play Dates during 2022 Football Season Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) is pleased to announce that the Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands conference on Thursday, November 10 will feature a keynote presentation

by Sean Thomas-Breitfeld and Frances Kunreuther of the Building Movement Project. They will share their updated report, Trading Glass Ceilings for Glass Cliffs, which focuses on the experiences and challenges of nonprofit leaders of color who have attained the top positions in their organizations.

The 16th annual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands will take place at Embassy Suites in La Vista and will connect approximately 300 nonprofit executives, employees, board members, and volunteers from Nebraska and Iowa. This year, the conference theme is Moments to Movements. The past two years have proven that nonprofits know how to respond quickly to the issues of the moment and do what needs to be done to help the people and communities they serve survive and thrive. This conference will explore how nonprofit leaders can take these moments of individual and collective energy and momentum and turn them into long-lasting movements. While this year’s Summit is returning to an in-person format, a hybrid option will also be available for virtual attendees. For more information and registration, visit www. nonprofitam.org/events; register by October 1 for reduced rates.

Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is a state association that represents more than 750 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and southwest Iowa. To learn more contact Abby at abby@ nonprofitam.org or visit nonprofitam.org.

The Lincoln Children’s Museum is offering Game Day Play Dates during the 2022 Husker football season. This program offers parents and guardians the opportunity to register their child to attend a staff-led play date at the museum while guardians head to Memorial Stadium to cheer on the Huskers.

With the museum located in downtown Lincoln, the convenience and atmosphere go hand-inhand to make Game Day Play Dates a success.

“This program is a great opportunity for kids to grow up within the Husker fan-base, which is such an exciting part about living in Lincoln,” said the museum’s Director of Operations and Engagement Mandy Haase-Thomas. “Plus, parents and guardians can participate in their own Husker traditions while the kids get to have their own fun.”

Game Day Play Dates provide football-themed games and activities, time to explore the museum exhibits, and a mid-game snack or the option of a meal from Kazoo’s U-Stop Café for games during lunch or dinner times. Attendees are also encouraged to wear their favorite game-day gear supporting their favorite team.

Game Day Play Dates are offered during most Husker football home games. The program is reserved for ages five to 12 and requires preregistration. On game day, children can be dropped off 60 minutes prior to kick-off and picked up within 90 minutes after the official end of the game. To learn more, visit lincolnchildrensmuseum.org/GDPD. For more information about the Lincoln Children’s Museum, visit lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.

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NonProfit News Region V Foundation Announces Empowering Possible Grant Recipients

Region V Services

The Region V Foundation, the fundraising arm of Region V Services, is excited to award the Empowering Possible grant, which aims to assist those in the community with disabilities where there has been no support previously. The funding for this grant is made possible by donations from Region V’s friends, family, and community supporters. This year’s recipients and the opportunities they will receive through this funding are below.

Alan and Jeremy are roommates in Beatrice and will take a vacation to go fishing at Lake McConaughy. Crystal, from Auburn, has collected Precious Moments figures for most of her life and will visit the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, MO. Steven, from Beatrice, will receive a new wheelchair. Retired professor of band music at Doane University, Dr. Jay Gilbert, will conduct a choral music program for any interested Region V Services individuals. Quentin, from Lincoln, will receive a low air mattress. Nate, from Lincoln, will receive a walk-in tub. Julie, from Omaha, will receive a software system named Luci that can be added to Julie’s chair to help Julie be more independent and safe. Wahoo has individuals who love to get out on the lake and go fishing, and with assistance from Live Well Go Fish, they can make that a possibility. Angela, from York, will receive a new adjustable bed. Amy, from York, will receive a shower chair.

Luke, from Lincoln, received funds towards getting a service dog.

For pictures and continuous updates on Region V Services, please visit regionvservices.com. If you would like to donate in support of this grant, visit regionvservices.com/foundation.

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NCF’s Hometown Internships Inspire Young Nebraskans to Return Home University of Nebraska-Lincoln student Paige Kniep didn’t know she wanted to return home until completing her Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) Hometown Internship in 2021— now she plans to build a life in Deshler. Kniep, who served as Deshler Community Fund’s Hometown Intern in 2021, said the experience was among many factors that inspired her to make the choice to return to Thayer County after college and start a business in her hometown.

Kniep is one of six college students returning to the program this year. This summer’s group of Hometown Interns is the largest yet with 23 students serving in paid internships in 16 communities throughout the state including Bennet, Diller, Wayne, Keith County, Cuming County, Hebron, Deshler, Columbus, McCook, Crofton, Norfolk, Butler County, Red Cloud, Chester, Howells, and Nemaha County. Interns will forge new connections and strengthen existing bonds as they work on community-building projects.

Hometown Interns work with local NCF affiliated funds on a variety of projects tailored to their community and the interests and skillsets of the interns. While the specific tasks and projects will vary from one Hometown Internship to another, NCF provides numerous opportunities for interns to connect throughout the summer to give them space to learn from each other, share ideas, and foster appreciation for their hometowns while contributing to community development efforts at the local and statewide level.

Get to know this year’s Hometown Interns at nebcommfound.org/ news/category/hometown-interns.

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

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NonProfit News 2022 JDRF One Walk Returns In-Person on October 2 at Mahoney State Park

Lincoln TeamMates Enters 31st School Year of Mentoring with Fall Kickoff August 9

JDRF is hosting this year’s in-person One Walk event on Sunday, October 2 at Mahoney State Park. Walk with over 5,000 people to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D). The festivities start at 11:30 a.m., with the walk to follow at 1 p.m.

One Walk aims to raise awareness for T1D and to fundraise to accelerate T1D research breakthroughs to cure, treat, and prevent T1D and its complications. T1D is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly. It has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. If you have T1D, your pancreas stops producing insulin—a hormone essential to turning food into energy. This means you must constantly monitor your blood-sugar level, inject or infuse insulin from a pump, and carefully monitor your eating and activity every single day.

By joining the JDRF One Walk, you’ll be part of the lasting footprint JDRF will make for the T1D community now and for generations to come.

Register for the One Walk today at walk.jdrf.org/Lincoln. Questions about this event can be directed to Chris Dunn, associate executive director, at (402) 214-0638 / cdunn@jdrf.org.

JDRF’s mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. For more information, please visit jdrf.org/ nebraskaiowa or follow JDRF on Twitter (@JDRFNEIA).

TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln will celebrate the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year with their annual Fall Kickoff event, held on August 9 this year. Taking place at Southeast High School, the evening will involve a youth panel of current students involved in TeamMates and allow for networking amongst volunteer mentors. Mentors are encouraged to invite along a guest who they feel would make a great TeamMate to a young person in Lincoln.

TeamMates mentors who met the research-backed goal number of visits with their mentee will be inducted into the “24 or More Club.”

“Youth mentoring research tells us that if a mentor can meet with their mentee at least 24 times of the 35-week school year, that will have the best outcome for kids,” said Jim Bennett, coordinator of Lincoln TeamMates. “Consistency and time are critical for earning a young person’s trust and building that relationship with them.”

TeamMates Mentoring makes a meaningful impact in the local community and beyond by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through mentoring. They are hoping to recruit 300 additional volunteer mentors this school year for Lincoln youth.

For more information on how to make a difference in the life of a young person in Lincoln, please visit LincolnTeamMates.org or call (402) 436-1990.

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NonProfit News RISE Program Graduates in the Community Receive Free Do Space Tech Packs RISE and Do Space have come together to form a partnership in which RISE graduates receive free Tech Packs from Do Space as a means to support digital equity in Omaha. The Tech Pack program distributes laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, free internet, computer training, and one-onone technology tutoring – a substantial need for those coming out of incarceration.

“One of the key goals at Do Space and a reason why the Tech Pack program was created is to bridge the digital divide in Omaha,” says Angela McGraw, director of Do Space. “This is a big step toward getting more free access to technology into the community for people who need it most.”

Do Space, a technology library, provides free access to the latest software, devices, and internet in addition to programs focused on making the community future-ready.

“Do Space has provided RISE graduates an opportunity to improve computer skills by obtaining a laptop through means we are unable to ourselves,” shared a RISE graduate. “It’s great to utilize the Do Space facility through participation of their courses and correspondence needed to maintain the laptop over the next year. A computer and internet is important in this day and age to function in society, and I am thankful for the partnership that Do Space and RISE have created.”

RISE is the largest nonprofit in Nebraska focused on habilitative programming in prisons and reentry support. RISE has served over 540 incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, and families impacted by the criminal justice system. Learn more at seeusrise.org.

Community Action Receives Honor of Being a “Best Place to Work” in Lincoln On June 16, the founders of the Best Places to Work in Lincoln list – Woods Aitken LLP, the Lincoln Journal Star, and the Lincoln Human Resource Management Association – announced that Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties has been named to the 2022 list in the extra-large company sized category. This is the fifth time Community Action has received this recognition.

The Best Places to Work in Lincoln program, which was started in 2013, recognizes local companies who, through a third party administered employee survey, rank their respective companies as being the best places to work. The areas surveyed are varied parts of employee life, including workplace environment, leadership direction, culture, and management practices. Community Action was acknowledged for creating an enjoyable corporate culture and work environment that fosters personal and professional growth for its employees.

“We are honored to be named one of Lincoln’s Best Places to Work for the fifth time,” said Heather Loughman, CEO of Community Action. “Our staff work tirelessly every day to carry out our mission of empowerment.

This recognition belongs to them. The work that they do each day makes Lincoln one of the best places to live.”

Community Action empowers people living in poverty to reach economic stability. Its 17 programs and services address the causes and conditions of poverty in four impact areas: Early Childhood Education, Homelessness Prevention, Financial and Family Well-Being, and Hunger Relief and Healthy Food Access. For complete details, visit www. communityactionatwork.org and www.woodsaitken.com/bptw. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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YMCA of Lincoln Announces Youth Triathlon at Fallbrook YMCA on September 5 The YMCA of Lincoln is pleased to announce that the Fallbrook YMCA will be hosting its 6th Annual Youth Triathlon on Monday, September 5, in support of the YMCA Annual Fundraising Campaign-Strong Kids.

The Youth Triathlon route will start at 9 a.m. and end at the Fallbrook YMCA (700 Penrose Dr. STE B) with the race route throughout the Fallbrook neighborhood. The race consists of a swim, bike, and run with designated distances based on age (open to kids ages 5 and up). All skill levels are encouraged to participate in this fun, untimed event. Registration is $20 per participant and will include a t-shirt for all those registered prior to August 16.

“This event is a great way to give kids a taste of the triathlon setting in a fun and non-competitive environment,” commented Kelly Fink, health and wellness director for the Fallbrook YMCA. All proceeds from the event will go to the YMCA Annual Fundraising Campaign-Strong Kids, whic h provides youth programming and services for children in need who would not otherwise be able to participate due to financial limitations. For registration information and additional details on the YMCA Youth Triathlon, visit YMCALincoln.org/YouthTriathlon.

One of Lincoln’s largest nonprofit organizations focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Lincoln has served the community for over 150 years—promoting positive values through programs that build spirit, mind, and body for all. For more information, visit YMCALincoln.org. august 2022 Strictly Business 41

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NonProfit News People’s City Mission Receives Charity Navigator’s Top Rating of Four Stars

Fresh Start Celebrates 15 Years of The Daisy Thrift Shop in August

The People’s City Mission (PCM) has just been awarded a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the organization’s top rating.

Charity Navigator is a nonprofit that provides millions of donors free access to data, tools, and resources to guide philanthropic decision-making. Through their ratings, nonprofits are equipped with the nonprofit sector’s premier trust indicator and a powerful platform to raise awareness and funds.

PCM is one of only a few nonprofits in Lincoln to give over 90% of their donations directly to the need. This percentage is especially important for the Mission because most of its support comes directly from individuals, businesses, and churches in the city.

“Our community is lucky to have so many charities that do a great job in getting their donations directly to the causes they serve,” said Pastor Tom. “Donors really need to know their contributions are being managed well. And Charity Navigator does a good job of showing people what percentage of their gifts are actually going to program expenses (the needs being served). Fortunately, Lincoln has a number of nonprofits in the eighty-percentile range, and a few of us in the nineties. And those are all great numbers!”

This year, the People’s City Mission celebrates its 115th year anniversary as Lincoln’s homeless shelter, and recognizes the milestones of helping over one million people during this time period as well as being open for over one million uninterrupted hours! To learn more, visit pcmlincoln.org.

Fresh Start, a goal-orientated program helping homeless women overcome barriers to economic stability, is celebrating 15 years of The Daisy Thrift Shop in August!

Fifteen years ago, a group of volunteers decided to transition from a huge annual garage sale to a more permanent fundraising opportunity, and The Daisy Thrift Shop was born. Fresh Start hoped that their numerous garage sale customers would follow them across town to shop at The Daisy and they did. Fresh Start has since continued to grow their customer base at an exciting pace. The building is “free” to Fresh Start – no rent or utilities – and all of the saleswomen are volunteers, allowing them to stream all of their profits back into the Fresh Start program.

All proceeds from The Daisy go to support Fresh Start; in 2021, The Daisy raised over $45,000, and to date they have raised over half a million dollars for the women’s shelter.

Fresh Start is always looking for more volunteers to join their team and they invite the community to come have a positive experience shopping high-quality clothing at discounted prices. Their store hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4–6 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Please visit the shop, located at 6433 Havelock Ave., or contact Audrey at (402) 475-7777 / audreyb@ FreshStartHome.org for more information. You can also connect with Fresh Start online at FreshStartHome.org or on Facebook (@ FreshStartHomeLincoln / @thedaisythriftshop).

Lutheran Family Services Celebrates 130 Years of Public Service with New Brand Since 1892, Lutheran Family Services (LFS) has served children and families across Nebraska. What began as a small orphanage has grown to provide dozens of programs serving thousands of people each year. As LFS celebrates 130 years of public service, they have announced a new name and a new look.

“We are excited to announce that Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska is now Lutheran Family Services,” said Chris Tonniges, president and CEO of LFS. “Dropping the ‘of Nebraska’ may seem like a small change, but it prepares us for where we are now, and where we want to be in the future.”

The new LFS brand features a crossroads logo and a vibrant purple and orange design.

“Our logo includes imagery of a Christian fish and interwoven paths crossing to form a blanket of community support,” said Tonniges.

“The purple represents every individual’s innate human value, and the orange signifies us serving as lights in our communities.”

LFS has 19 locations across Nebraska and into Iowa and Kansas, providing 46 services and programs that support individual, family, and community needs.

“We have been serving in Nebraska for 130 years, but as we’ve grown beyond Nebraska’s borders, we needed a name to match the impact we already have,” said Tonniges. “Our tagline, ‘for the well-being of all people,’ highlights how we care for all people in the communities we are called to serve.”

For more information on Lutheran Family Services, visit the LFS website at onelfs.org or lfsneb.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NonProfit News The Mediation Center Celebrates 30 Years Serving the Local Community This year The Mediation Center celebrates 30 years of providing p r o f e s s i o n a l , a f f o r d a b l e, accessible mediation services to the Lincoln/Lancaster County community. A non-adversarial process for resolving disputes guided by a skilled mediator, mediation was a new and often undervalued concept when The Mediation Center was established in 1992. They have continued to persevere to this moment in time in which the courts and the public appreciate, respect, and utilize mediation as an appropriate dispute resolution process.

With nearly 100 highly trained affiliated mediators, The Mediation Center is proud of the breadth and quality of their programming and opens nearly 1,000 cases each year. More than 90% of their cases qualify for reduced fees on a sliding fee scale. Some pay nothing at all to receive their professional mediation services.

In celebration of 30 years of hard work and perseverance, a Mediator Appreciation Event was held in June complete with balloon bouquets, catered lunch, and a gift of appreciation. This was a time for those who have been a part of the last 30 years of service to come together and relax, mingle, enjoy, celebrate, and be appreciated!

The Mediation Center is a nonprofit organization with services open to all. To request services, call The Mediation Center at (402) 441-5740 or go to the website at themediationcenter.org for more information.

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2nd Annual Walk to End Hunger Benefitting Catholic Social Services Set for August 7 Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) is pleased to announce that the 2nd Annual Walk to End Hunger will be held Sunday, August 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. This year’s event will once again be held at the Pius X High School track at 60th and A Streets, and BetterLife Lodge 426 and Knights of Columbus Council #13576 will be co-sponsoring the event. All food and monetary donations will go to support the Food Market program of CSS. Food items and monetary donations will be collected during the event.

You may choose the amount of time or laps you would like to walk around the track, or just come cheer on those who are walking. There will be food and refreshments available, and speakers will include James D. Conley, bishop of Lincoln, Lt. Governor Mike Foley, and Katie Patrick, CSS executive director. Last year’s inaugural event raised over $8,300 and more than 3,100 pounds of food for the CSS Food Market. This year’s goal is to raise 15,000 combined dollars and pounds of food.

Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska is the charitable arm of the Diocese of Lincoln, serving all people regardless of faith in the southern third of Nebraska. Their services cover 24,000 square miles offering charitable assistance through the food market and meal services and emergency services, refugee resettlement and immigration help, clothing and thrift stores, family and individual counseling services, St. Gianna Women’s Homes, and emergency housing.

For information, visit csshope.org.

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NonProfit News Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska Announces Upcoming Discover the Possibilities Events

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Mosaic in Southeast * Nebraska, a nonprofit that ser ves those month with intellectual First 3 months @ $4.95/mo. a n d d e ve l o p m e n t a l with installation cost of $149; after introductory period, rental is $23/mo. disabilities, is pleased to share the upcoming dates for their Discover the Possibilities Shop and compare at virtual events. These events are held on the third Tuesday of ilovemywater.com iLoveMyWater.com each month from 10 to 10:30 a.m. where the public can learn TEMS about Mosaic’s mission to “relentlessly pursue opportunities that WAT E R S OF N E R S · DRINKING SYS TE empower people.” Upcoming dates include Tuesday, August 16, September 20, and October 18.

“This online, free event is guaranteed to lift attendees up, bring smiles, and touch hearts as they hear how Mosaic is making a positive 2020AquaSystems_3_68x2_41.indd 1 impact in our community by helping those we serve to live their best life,” said Associate Director Malindi Gabelhouse.

To reserve a spot or for more information on this Discover the Possibilities event, please contact Community Relations Manager Amber Nore at amber.nore@mosaicinfo.org or (402) 617-5932.

Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska is part of Mosaic, a whole-person healthcare organization reaching across 13 states in 750 communities and providing supports to more than 5,200 people. Services empower people with disabilities, mental and behavioral health Come Try a Free Sample! needs and autism, as well as aging adults to live their best life. Mosaic is an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a member of Lutheran Services in America and a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more, visit mosaicinfo.org.

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Vision Maker Media Honors Native American Powwow and Art Market Season D u r i n g t h e N a t i ve A m e r i c a n powwow and art market season, Vision Maker Media highlights its films about art as a tribute to Native art in all of its practices: literature, craft, music, song, dance, and language. Every spring kicks off the powwow season for many Native people across the country.

A powwow is a gathering event of many different Native nations and citizens, who come TOGETHER to socialize and honor their cultures in various song and dance styles.

Artisans demonstrate their talent through traditional song and dance, dance regalia, or art to sell at these powwows. Dancers, singers, and their families have found ways to make the powwow trail profitable by becoming an art or food vendor. The art vendors sell many things from traditional to contemporary Native arts. Vendors travel the powwow circuit to sell their wares, see friends and family again, and be part of the intertribal cultural celebration.

Another art event around the country is the Native art markets that widely occur during the spring and summer months.

Go to shopvisionmaker.org to select films for purchase or rent. Vision Maker Media suggests And Now We Rise, Keep Talking, Rising Voices, or Sousa on The Rez. Vision Maker Media is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Their theme this year is TOGETHER. “Together, we can change and heal the world by better understanding Native stories.” Learn more at visionmakermedia. org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@visionmakermedia). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NonProfit News Be a Hero by Registering a Team for Child Evangelism Fellowship of Nebraska Friendship Home’s 20th Annual Safe Quarters Offers the Good News Club® O n S u n d ay, O c t o b e r 9 Friendship Home invites the local community to join them in celebrating the 20th Annual Safe Quarters event. This is Friendship Home’s largest fundraising event each year, and it is critical to the work that they do to provide safety and healing to families fleeing a violent home.

Teams of volunteers are needed to walk Lincoln’s neighborhoods and knock on doors to raise awareness and collect financial contributions to support victims of domestic violence. Safe Quarters is a great activity for troops, families, youth groups, or any group wanting to help someone in need. Will you be a hero and help provide safe quarters to someone in crisis?

To register your team for the Safe Quarters event, please visit www.friendshiphome.org. For questions and additional information about Safe Quarters email safequarters@friendshiphome.org or call (402) 434-0167.

Friendship Home provides safe, confidential shelter, crisis services, children’s advocates, counseling, and many more wrap-around services to help survivors rebuild their lives. To access safe emergency shelter and services, call Friendship Home’s helpline at (402) 437-9302. Learn more about services and how to get involved by going to www.friendshiphome.org.

Are the current changes within the public school system concerning you? It should, and Child Evangelism Fellowship® (CEF®) of Nebraska is here to provide an alternative voice of reason and truth through the after-school Good News Club (GNC®) for elementary students.

The Good News Club is a dynamic Bible club held right where the children are—in churches, neighborhood homes, community centers, apartment complexes, local public elementary schools—just about anywhere the children can easily and safely meet with their parent’s permission. These action-packed clubs meet once a week right after school. Each club features snacks, prizes, songs, an exciting Bible lesson, a missions story, review games, or other activities. They are led by trained Christian teenagers and adults.

In 2011, the Supreme Court ruled that the Good News Club should be permitted to offer prayer and Bible reading to students. Since then, GNCs have been held in over 3,500 public elementary schools throughout the USA. CEF is looking forward to adding additional clubs to the nine GNCs held last year in Lincoln public elementary schools!

Volunteers and financial partners are always needed, not only for existing GNCs, but also for beginning new GNCs. To help make an eternal difference, contact Jonathan Musgrave with Child Evangelism Fellowship at (402) 484-7877 / office@ceflincoln.org.

Learn more online at www.cefnebraska.org.

Leadership simulcast COMING TO LINCOLN, NE Friday, October 7, 2022 | St. Mark’s United Methodist Church

Live2Lead is designed to deliver the very best leadership content to inspire and motivate you and your team. Plus, connect with other leaders in your community and expand your business network with relationships that produce tangible results.

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Client Spotlight

Bringing InterGenerational Living to the Lincoln Community in 2023

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abitha, a mission-focused nonprofit offering Nebraska’s first and only comprehensive line of senior care services, is excited to open a new living community in Lincoln – with a twist. Coming in 2023, Tabitha will introduce the first-of-its-kind-in-thenation InterGenerational Living Community, which will welcome independent seniors (55+) as well as Bryan College of Health Sciences students. This unique community offers an opportunity for experiences and ideas to be shared across generations, and it effectively confronts three major challenges within our society today: loneliness, lack of affordable housing, and a shortage of healthcare workers.

This housing for students and seniors will be located at the corner of 48th and L Streets, near Bryan College of Health Sciences. Tabitha is planning to work with the City of Lincoln to create a safe and suitable path to Bryan College, further connecting services to the people who need them.

InterGenerational Community

The InterGenerational community will rise four stories and span over 155,000 square feet. The building will contain 128 units, ranging from micro and studio suites to one bed/ one bath and two bed/two bath layouts. In addition, 135 parking spaces will be available between garage and off-street stalls.

“InterGenerational living and purposeful neighboring have the power to change how the world approaches senior living. Loneliness is deadly, ChrIsTIe hInrIChs and our research shows that college-age students report an even Tabitha president higher degree of loneliness than seniors. That is why this matters so and CeO much — joy and gratitude will be felt across generations as wisdom, talents, and stories are shared from one generation to the other.”

Creating a community and a sense of togetherness while offering affordable housing and bridging the gap between generations is crucial. Help Tabitha and Lincoln form the one solution for these important and relevant challenges within our community. Learn more or make a donation today at www.Tabitha.org/InterGen.

Pictured: Examples of communal spaces built to facilitate interactions between residents of all ages.

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hEALTH News QC Kinetix Expands to Lincoln, Offers NonInvasive Alternative Treatment to Surgery

Tobacco Free Lancaster County Reminds Renters to Ask About Smoke-Free Policies

QC Kinetix is pleased to join the local market and offer the community alternative treatments to surgery for chronic pain and sports injuries.

Are there benefits to exploring regenerative medical solutions?

Yes! This field of medicine offers patients a viable alternative to expensive, painful surgery by leveraging the body’s innate healing abilities. Regenerative medicine from QC Kinetix makes it possible to recover quickly and come out stronger than if a patient were to opt for a more invasive treatment. This is why QC Kinetix has decided to continue to lead the charge toward advanced regenerative orthopedics by expanding to Lincoln.

Whether you suffer from knee, back, joint, shoulder, arthritis, elbow, or hip pain, QC Kinetix has a solution for you. Ask about a customized plan of minimally-invasive treatments to reduce your pain and inflammation; the first consultation is free for new patients!

QC Kinetix offers a natural way to enhance healing; proactively provide support for tissue regeneration; and help their patients avoid invasive, expensive surgeries. The company consists of experienced board-certified physicians and has treated hundreds of patients nationwide. QC Kinetix in Lincoln is located at 575 S 70th St. STE 310. Learn more or book an appointment today by calling (402) 205-4270 or visiting qckinetix.com/lincoln-ne.

To b a c c o F r e e Lancaster County would like to remind renters to ask their landlords about the smoking policy before signing a lease so that they can better limit their exposure to secondhand smoke.

Fortunately, for most people, exposure to secondhand smoke at home isn’t an issue. In fact, according to the 2020 Nebraska Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 93.7% of adults in Lancaster County don’t allow smoking in their home. That includes those who use tobacco products and those who don’t.

What a great norm for our community to have! However, sometimes when people are looking for apartments they don’t think to ask about smoke-free policies and end up increasing their exposure to secondhand smoke through walls, ventilation, cracks, plumbing, and more. Tobacco Free Lancaster County has an online database to connect those looking for smoke-free housing to property managers and owners that have great policies.

Funding for Tobacco Free Lancaster County is provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. Visit TobaccoFreeLancasterCounty.org to start looking for your next smokefree rental today or to make sure your property is on their list.

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hEALTH News Clear Vision Eye Care Adds OptiLight IPL to Treat Dry Eye Disease

Southlake Village Earns 2022 AHCA/NCAL Silver National Quality Award

Clear Vision Eye Care is pleased to announce that they have recently acquired an OptiLight IPL. This is the first and only FDA approved light-based treatment CLEAR VISION EYE CARE for dry eye disease. It utilizes Lumenis’ patented Optical Pulse Technology and built-in clinically validated treatment protocols to provide an effective and safe treatment that finally breaks the vicious dry eye cycle of inflammation.

Southlake Village Rehabilitation & Care Center has been recognized as a 2022 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award recipient by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The award is the second of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which recognizes providers across the nation that have demonstrated improved quality outcomes for staff, residents, and individuals with disabilities in long-term and post-acute care.

“Every day, the Southlake Village team strives to live out our Vision of Quality Care: 'We will dedicate ourselves to provide personalized care and services that achieve extraordinary results and exceed the expectation of those we serve.' We are beyond proud of our team members. Because of their hard work, dedication, and quality care provided to our residents, we receive this award,” said David Bergmann, administrator of Southlake Village Rehabilitation & Care Center.

As a 2022 recipient of the Silver Award, Southlake Village Rehabilitation & Care Center can now advance in further developing comprehensive approaches that meet the criteria required for the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award.

Southlake Village Rehabilitation & Care Center of the Vetter Senior Living group is committed to providing the tools necessary to assist their patients in reaching their rehab goals. They offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy in their inspiring, Husker-themed rehabilitation gym. Please feel free to stop by for a tour at 9401 Andermatt Dr. or go online to www. southlakevillagerehab.com.

This procedure requires four initial treatments – one every three to four weeks with expression of the glands – and there are no side effects at the time of treatment.

It is the mission of Clear Vision Eye Care to help people see, in the best possible way, for the rest of their lives. They achieve this by offering state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and eye care products. They are committed to educating their patients and providing personalized care to the people of Lincoln and surrounding communities. At Clear Vision Eye Care, you will be treated by professionals who genuinely care about your health and are dedicated to providing exceptional personal services to everyone who walks through their door. To learn more, contact Clear Vision Eye Care at info@yourclearvision.com / (402) 7420399 or visit their website at www.YourClearVision.com.

Epilepsy Foundation Trains 200 Nurses in Seizure Recognition and Response The Epilepsy Foundation is pleased to announce that all schools throughout the state will be significantly more Seizure Safe this fall thanks to Seizure Recognition and Response training at the Nebraska School Nurses Conference in June. Two hundred nurses from across the state completed the training and were provided with a toolkit to take back to their districts. As the school year kicks off, all school personnel will be trained to recognize and respond to seizure activity and students with known seizure disorders will have a seizure action plan in the hands of all staff members they interact with throughout the day. With one out of every 26 people having a seizure in their lifetime, roughly one student out of every classroom will be directly impacted by this training.

The training is free to school personnel and the public alike. Please visit learn.epilepsy.com to find a course and help the Epilepsy Foundation promote a Seizure Safe Nebraska!

The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. For more than five decades, the Epilepsy Foundation and their network of nearly 50 partners have helped to connect people to treatment, support, and resources; fund innovative research and the training of specialists; and educate the public about epilepsy and seizure first aid. Learn more by contacting Engagement Coordinator Gloria Flores-Madrigal at (402) 715-9396 / nebraska@efa.org or by visiting epilepsy.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Client Spotlight

The Clean You Expect.

The Service You Deserve.™ Proudly serving Lincoln since 1990, ServiceMaster Professional Building Maintenance (ServiceMaster PBM) employs professional experts who are trained, screened, and tested to ensure top-quality service. Their professional cleaning services will not only leave your business looking spotless, but also will enhance its overall appearance for employees, customers, and clients to enjoy.

ServiceMaster PBM provides much more than janitorial services; their lineup includes commercial carpet cleaning, hard and resilient floor services, green cleaning, healthcare cleaning, and handy-man services.

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Reduces Sick Leaves

3

Creates a Good First Impression

50

A dirty workplace with dusty furniture, desks, and carpets leads to poor air quality. Dust in the air can be irritating for employees with breathing problems such as asthma. Furthermore, dust causes nose, eyes, and throat irritation as well, which can also lead to a lack of productivity in the workplace. ServiceMaster PBM’s janitorial services utilize the “Capture and Removal Cleaning” system in which dust and dirt are effectively trapped, rather than moved around, by their patent-pending dust wand and microfiber technologies.

Office desks contain a huge number of germs, viruses, and bacteria. That means that if you don’t get the office clean, your employees may get sick.

As a result, the number of sick leaves increases, reducing productivity. If you want to improve productivity, you have to keep the workplace clean.

ServiceMaster PBM offers disinfection services and their employees are trained to isolate, clean, disinfect, and decontaminate each surface following DCD recommendations.

A neat and clean office leaves a memorable and professional impression for clients, potential employees, and stockholders. When your workplace is neat as well as clean, you will experience an air of professionalism. Perhaps, cleanliness in your workplace can get you a contract from a client or impress your investors to release your next investment. ServiceMaster PBM has over 30 years of experience in office cleaning and can help you leave a lasting impression on anyone that walks through the doors of your business.

Strictly Business august 2022

Free custom quote today!

(402) 261-0992 | smpbm.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Strictly Business Upcoming events Last Month Recap July was a fun month—we hosted two awesome events! The Strictly Business team held our Friends4Lunch networking at McKinney's Irish Pub. It's always amusing to hear people say, "I didn't know McKinney's has food!" To which we will inform them that McKinney's actually has really yummy food. It's just as awesome of a lunch or dinner spot as it is a bar. Speaking of bars, we visited a new-to-us bar for our Friends4Drinks event last month. We had an amazing turnout at Ironhorse Bar & Event Room. The venue had free appetizers for our guests, as they do every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and drink specials until close at 10 p.m. Thank you to all who attended these Strictly Business events and supported these local businesses.

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Friends4Drinks at Rock 'n' Joe Coffee with MUSIC BINGO on August 12, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Please join us for a unique networking opportunity on Friday, August 12, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Rock 'n' Joe Coffee, 5025 Lindberg St.! Rock 'n' Joe will host this month's Friends4Drinks after-hours event, and they have arranged Music Bingo for our group. This is something we've done before and it was a total blast! Rock 'n' Joe has a delicious wine selection on tap from Whispering Winds Vineyards in York in addition to other cocktails, brews, and beverages at the bar. They have lovely indoor and outdoor seating on their patio. Come for a good time!

Friends4Lunch at Lila Mae's Southern Kitchen & Lounge on August 17, 11:30 a.m.

This month's Friends4Lunc h networking event will be at a new restaurant in Lincoln, Lila Mae's Southern Kitchen & Lounge, on Wednesday, August 17, starting at 11:30 a.m. Lila Mae’s, located off of South St. at 2110 Winthrop Rd., features a menu with authentic Nashville Hot Chicken and other southern fare! Enjoy soul and comfort food like shrimp and grits, smothered pork chops, greens, peach cobbler, and many other favorites. This is one you don't want to miss!

These events are open to anyone in the business community. There is no cost to attend, you only pay for what you order.

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

(402) 467-4646 www.ovation.salon

Games for Every Occasion!

Cornhole

Yard Pong

Knockerball

nebraskaknockerball.com | (402) 460-8724

Offering 15% off for Military Members Nebraska

Basketball Connect 4

august 2022 Strictly Business

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Client Spotlight

O

ak Electric, Inc. is a full-service contractor providing electrical services in Lincoln and the surrounding southeastern Nebraska area. They strive to give you top-notch service from start to finish. With over 20 years of experience, they have the knowledge and expertise to get your job done on budget and in a timely fashion.

Licensed and insured, Oak Electric strives for a safe environment for your home or workplace. They also offer free estimates.

According to the National Electrical Contractors Association, less than 10% of electrical contractors nationally are owned by women, and Oak Electric is proud to be one of them. 100% owned and operated by Crystal Collins, she has intentional focus on her team to ensure everyone has what they need to be successful.

This includes anything from a new tool in the field, skills and safety training, or administrative support.

(402) 440-5969 oakelectriccompany.com

“We’re so happy with the quality and professional, friendly service we get from Oak Electric. They’re our go-to for any electrical project - from the rewiring of our garage to replacing an old main service panel, to smaller remodel and repair jobs, we have always been very satisfied.”

– Bill L.

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Oak Electric loves to develop working relationships and friendships with their residential clients. From kitchen remodels to basement finishes and everything in between, they can help you with all things electrical. Residential services include:

Working in the commercial space is a passion at Oak Electric.

They work closely with business owners to understand their needs and help with electrical wiring, conduit, design lighting, and more. Some of their commercial expertise includes:

Oak Electric works with construction managers, general contractors, and owners to successfully execute on design and build projects, transformer installations, lighting control panels, motor control panels, and more! Some industrial services include:

• • • •

Remodels Interior/Exterior lighting Security Cameras Electric Car Chargers

• • • •

LED lighting conversion Remodels Fire alarm systems New construction

• • • •

Wiring new equipment Parking lot lighting Motor testing ... And more!

Oak Electric believes in the importance of giving back to the community.

They have provided electrical services at or below cost or even no charge on a case by case basis to local nonprofit organizations. Oak Electric also contributes to charities in and around Lincoln.

Discover the

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Lincoln Independent Business Association

by Bud Synhorst, President

(402) 466-3419 • www.liba.org

Connecting Business Owners to Important Issues It seems like no matter where I go in town, business owners are having issues finding employees. I recently read an article where unemployment in Lincoln and Lancaster County is down to 1.8%, which is down from about 2.4% earlier this year and 2.1% just a month before. You’ve probably read about this challenge to businesses nationally, and with historically low unemployment in Nebraska, the situation is even more dire in our state. With these record low numbers, employers are searching everywhere to find employees and offering unprecedented incentives to recruit employees.

Addressing these issues is a primary focus of LIBA this year. Over the course of the year, we have provided multiple opportunities to help business owners address the worker shortages they are experiencing.

Earlier this spring we helped coordinate two separate job/career fairs where business owners could meet high school students to identify prospective employees. The first was at The Career Academy (a partnership between Lincoln Public Schools and Southeast Community College), where more than 50 businesses and organizations showed up to meet with students. The second was held at Pius X High School with more than thirty businesses attending. Students were prepared with their resume and several students were able to find jobs for the upcoming summer and business owners were able to find help for their business. We found both of these successful to help students and businesses connect.

Later in the spring we hosted a recruiting seminar following one of our monthly LIBA membership luncheons to help business owners hear from panelists who are finding new ways to recruit employees. The business owners in attendance were able to spend time talking with other business owners on how to effectively recruit – and especially retain – employees in this difficult market. Members came away from the panel with new strategies on advertising open positions, improving their interview process and how to identify new ways to utilize their current employees to help in the recruiting process for new employees. LIBA also hosted a new “speed networking” event to help connect business owners with each other to gather ideas on several aspects of their business. This fall we have planned another seminar to talk about retention of employees. We will continue to do what we can to adhere to our mission of educating business owners on the issues of the day to help their business prosper and grow.

Each month LIBA hosts several different networking events to connect business owners and provide a way to meet other business owners and make connections. We will continue to strive to make connections with our members to help grow their business. Last month LIBA joined with Lincoln radio station KLIN to start a new podcast, Lincoln Business Beat, to discuss timely and relevant information going on in Lincoln and how it affects business owners and our community. You can download the podcast on Apple iTunes and Spotify to catch the latest information relevant to business owners and our community. As the voice of Lincoln business, we are proud to offer this podcast to help our business community.

If you are looking for ways to connect with other business owners and learn more about the relevant issues happening in our community, the Lincoln Independent Business Association is here to be your resource for information and to assist you in connecting with fellow business owners.

We still play a vital role for businesses owners by representing your business interests before our city council, county board, school board and state legislature. You can learn more by going to www.liba.org.

LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining, please call LIBA at (402) 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses. We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

SAVE THE DATE!

Friday, September 9, 2022 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Strictly Business, 9200 Holdrege St., Lincoln, NE 68505

• Local food vendors • Vodka Bar sponsored by PRG of Berkshire Hathaway • Beer & cider on tap from Kinkaider Brewing Co. and Sideshow Spirits • Local wines by James Arthur Vinyards and Whispering Winds Vineyards & Tasting Room • Herb-inspired cocktails • Live & silent auction • Live music & entertainment

Proceeds from this event will go towards supporting the mission of Domesti-PUPS, a local nonprofit that provides therapy dogs, service dogs for persons with disabilities, and trained rescue dogs.

TICKETS & TABLES ARE AVAILABLE AT DOMESTI-PUPS.ORG OR RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY BY CONTACTING (402) 466-3330 / EDITOR@ STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAhA.COM

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Client Spotlight

Find Small Town Hospitality and Pain Relief at Husker Rehab At Husker Rehab, physical pain and dysfunction are personal. They listen to their patient’s needs and desires, analyze the problem, ferret out causes, and figure out ways to get people moving again. That’s the bottom line and it’s reflected in their core values.

Husker Rehab treats the body holistically, like a builder builds a house.

If the pieces don’t work together correctly, it weakens the structure and causes problems. Husker Rehab treats posture first, like a builder frames first. Only then do they perform traditional, trusted therapies to methodically coax a body back to normal. They re-evaluate often and make adjustments as they go, then teach patients how to maintain their newfound health at home—how to establish good habits and build a foundation of wellness, so pain is less likely to become a problem later in life.

Husker Rehab proudly offers their services in five clinics in four different Nebraska cities, where they serve physicians and their patients with unique, highly-intensive, highly-customized rehabilitation, wellness, and preventive care therapies that make a real difference in people’s lives. Their meticulous expert therapeutic methods (along with their fun, positive atmosphere and devotion to patients and their individual needs) have earned Husker Rehab a reputation as the area’s most dependable rehab solution. Their well-documented customer satisfaction rating is 98%. All therapists are from Nebraska and demonstrate a “small town” mentality.

– Testimonials –

Locations

“Very caring, compassionate and knowledgeable staff! Treat not only your symptoms but YOU! They understand what you are going through on a physical level and on a mental level. Highly recommend!!”

– Misti Z. “They helped get me back 100% healthy very quickly. A great, friendly environment for all ages.

Whenever an injury comes up, they’re the first place that always comes to mind and where I go!”

– Brandon R.

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North Lincoln

4911 N 26th St. STE 100 (402) 477-3110

Beatrice

2320 N 6th St. (402) 228-9292

South Lincoln

4445 S 86th St. STE 100 (402) 261-4739

Nebraska City 115 S 8th St. (402) 873-5151

Fairbury

504 E St. (402) 729-2639

huskerrehab.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

by Jason Ball President

14-DAY FREE TRIAL

LOSE FAT BUILD MUSCLE FEEL GOOD!

(402) 436-2350 www.lcoc.com

The Business Community Leads Lincoln Vision The business community of Lincoln recognizes the need to craft our own future. A quote from computer scientist Alan Kay sums it up best: “The only way you can predict the future is to build it.” Lincoln already has the creativity, technology, and community assets to be a growing, competitive city for the next 50 years. It is time to evaluate our strengths and needs and intelligently plan ahead.

I want to share about two initiatives that the business community will be leading with the Lincoln Chamber to chart the course for our city’s future. Both will require collaboration, forward-thinking, and ingenuity to execute to benefit Lincoln in the years to come.

First, the Lincoln Chamber continues to develop and plan for a future that maximizes community prosperity. The Chamber has engaged with two consulting firms, Broad Ripple Strategies and DMOproz, to develop an Economic Vitality Strategy focused on defining a vision for our city’s economic future and how to achieve it. The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development’s recent Economic Development Breakfast featured a keynote address from Alex Pearlstein, consultant and principal at Broad Ripple Strategies. His presentation laid the groundwork for the process we will use to gather input and perspectives from community leadership to establish new goals and set priorities among our many opportunities.

A key part of this process is asking community stakeholders to share their thoughts on Lincoln’s current challenges, opportunities, and priorities for the years ahead. Those interested in taking the survey can make their voice heard by visiting lcoc.com/economic-strategy to offer feedback.

It should only take about 10 minutes to complete.

Second, our city needs additional resources and civic infrastructure.

As Lincoln grows through business expansion, new homes built, new multifamily residential, and by population, additional water capacity will be necessary. Lincoln currently receives all of its water from its municipal well field near the Platte River. It is projected that the well field will be insufficient to service Lincoln’s growth for 25 years. We have the gift of time to plan. A secondary water source is vital to support the growth that is projected for Lincoln in the years to come as our population exceeds 300,000 people.

The Chamber worked with our state delegation during the 2022 Legislative Session to pass LB1014, which appropriated $20 million in federal funds to study Lincoln’s needs for a secondary water source. We thank Lincoln Senators Anna Wishart and Eliot Bostar for their efforts to usher this important funding request through the legislative process.

In July, Todd Wiltgen, public policy specialist with the Lincoln Chamber, was appointed to serve on Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird’s Water Source Advisory Council. That means the business community will have a voice in defining what the city’s water resource needs are, how best to plan for them and importantly – how new infrastructure will be funded. It is a transformational project for Lincoln.

Lincoln has always created a quality of life and vibrant economy that offers a compelling opportunity for business and residents. Our greatest past successes happened when the business community, education sector and local government collaborated to form a big vision and marshal the resources to achieve it. We begin this work in the spirit of collaboration and optimistic view for our shared future.

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

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

TEXT “14DAY” TO 402-405-2797

WWW.TFWLINCOLN.COM

Chiropractic Care for the Entire Family!

Schedule your appointment today!

402.441.4160

5925 N 28th St.,Suite #100

Kimberly Hoffa, D.C.

august 2022 Strictly Business

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Client Spotlight

Your Premier Collections Partner

AR

Solutions is a licensed, bonded, and insured collection agency headquartered in Lincoln and offering services to the surrounding Lincoln and Omaha areas. With more than 30 combined years in medical collections, AR Solutions understands that you don’t have time to waste – in Accounts Receivable or in managing multiple vendors. Not only do they offer solutions,

but they also give you the time you need to balance the competing demands of clients and critical receivable management issues. All of the Asset Recovery Specialists at AR Solutions are American Collection Association (ACA) certified, so you can trust that your accounts will be handled with the highest quality and dignity.

Aaron Newell founded AR Solutions in 2005 after working in the collection industry since 1996. The company was created under the value of integrity: “If you have integrity, nothing else matters; if you do not have integrity, nothing else matters.”

AR Solutions works with all types of companies that have accounts receivable issues. They also have a specialized Healthcare division that is HIPAA compliant and understands the ebbs and flow of medical billing and insurance processing.

They will partner with you and your staff to:

Accelerate cash flow Transform accounts receivable backlog into cash Sliding scale pricing based on accounts receivable aging Lower operational expenses and increase efficiencies Reduce write-offs Maintain positive consumer relations

AR Solutions’ collection process is just as important as how they collect. Their specialists approach their work as skillful sales people and are trained and certified to remain professional, ethical, confident, and firm – even in the most difficult situations – to get payment in full on the initial contact. Their company policy dictates that everyone is treated with respect and dignity while also approaching collections in a firm and persuasive manner.

Extend billing office capabilities

Testimonial

“We have been working with AR solutions for over 10 years and the service is great. More importantly they get results.

Over the years we have developed an internal accounts receivable team but as we scale we need a robust reliable AR partner and AR Solutions is that partner for us. The CEO Aaron Newell is a great guy who has developed a team with accountability and reliability. They return my calls the same day and provide advice to us on all AR matter, even the ones we handle in-house.” – John Berry

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Strictly Business august 2022

“If we don’t collect, we don’t eat.”

Schedule a free, no obligation consultation to find out if you qualify for this unique program by calling (402) 817-3929.

arsolutionsinc.com

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Downtown Lincoln Association

by Todd Ogden, President

(402) 434-6900 • downtownlincoln.org

Martin Jewelry Sets Up Shop Inside Shannon Formalwear

Located on 16th and O St., Martin Diamond Co. & Jewelry Design has set up shop inside of Shannon Formalwear—because what is better than suits and jewelry? It’s the perfect combo in one building. There is a section by the front window of Shannon Formalwear where Martin Jewelry has its counter full of rings, necklaces, and other jewelry.

Married couple, Dylan and Kaylan Evans, are excited to expand the jewelry store into downtown Lincoln. Originating in West Omaha, with a location also in Nebraska City, Martin Jewelry is pandemicsafe because they specialize in virtual custom design consultations.

“We’re different than your typical jewelry store that you’ll go into,” Kaylan said. “We special order almost everything. We’re mostly known because we are a virtual custom jeweler.”

The ability to meet virtually with clients anywhere is something that sets Martin Jewelry apart from other jewelers. You can sign up for a spot on their website to secure a conversation with Kaylan or Dylan to craft a custom-made piece.

“I think the fact that we can do this virtually makes a difference,” Kaylan said. “We can be super flexible and make almost whatever [a customer] wants from wherever they're at, and that’s really cool.”

On their website (www.martinjewelry.net) there is a Design Your Own section where you're able to choose the band style, diamond shape, type of metal, and price range to end up with your dream ring. If you're not able to find the ring you want within these presets, you can either submit your own design or you can work with Martin Jewelry to create your vision. After the custom design consultation, Martin Jewelry makes a wax mold of what is ordered and then they will special order the design they worked with you to create. By building the ring with the customer, Martin Jewelry ensures client satisfaction.

“It’s a lot of attention to detail,” Dylan said.

Martin Jewelry caters to all jewelry needs, offering earth-made diamonds as well as lab-made diamonds. They also offer gemstones and semi-precious stones.

The website is very informative and functional for individuals who want to play around with different designs and also learn more about the "4Cs" of diamonds.

Martin Jewelry's biggest sellers are engagement rings, but they also offer a wide range of jewelry for any special occasion.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in chains and necklaces recently,” Dylan said.

“We also sell watches, and we still do men’s bands too,” Kaylan added.

Martin Jewelry was founded in 1980 by Darell and Pat Martin.

Every day, their diamond experts, benc h jewelers, watc hmakers, and technology experts strive advance the retail jewelry industry while outperforming the larger traditional jewelry shopping stores.

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.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

ACCESS TO YOU.

ALL THE TIME.

Dr. Todd Johnson · Access Family Medicine is Lincoln’s first membership based, primary care clinic. · Provide your team with healthcare & peace of mind · Employees will receive all of their primary care needs for one low monthly rate!

Krystal Jackson, PA-C Reduced, flat-rate plans available for businesses!

We love what we do, and we think you will too.

Stop by our location in Legacy Square today!

8101 O St., Suite 302 • AccessFamilyMedicine.com • 402-858-1510

Your one-stop shop for better hiring decisions.

Talent Plus ® pairs its highly-predictive assessments and our applicant tracking system, Talent+Hire, allowing you to source the best candidates, simplify your process, and ensure candidates are a fit for the role and culture.

Let’s Talk Talent

Learn more about Talent+Hire. www.talentplus.com | 1.800.VARSITY

august 2022 Strictly Business

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Add safety, security, and privacy to your residential or commercial property!

Receive an Instant Quote at empire-fence.com 402-682-7658 58

Strictly Business august 2022

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N E W ! Half-Day

Preschool Options

for kids 3 - 5 yrs old 9 am - 12:30 pm |Follows LPS Calendar

Participating in Step up to Quality Nebraska, Creative Curriculum, and ASQ – 3 assessments.

Call us today!

8310 Wendell Way (402) 483-4769 Hrs: Mon. - Fri., 6:30 am - 6:00 pm WorldOfKnowledge@neb.rr.com

The calendar is reading “August”, which means it’s nearly time to head back into the classrooms. For many, this time of year signifies a lot more than simply “back to school”. Practice for fall sports is starting back up, the city will grow with new and returning college students, and it may even be the time of year that you schedule your annual appointments with health professionals. If you’re wondering where to go to get everything checked off of your back to school to-do list, we’ve got you covered! From elementary school shopping to college necessities, we encourage you to check out these awesome local professionals that can help you make a smooth transition from summer vacation to the classroom.

“If you had the ability to reduce your child’s eye prescription, would you?” Dr. Bateman asked. “Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common eye condition diagnosed during an eye exam during childhood. We can slow the possible progression and endpoint of your child’s myopia with specialty contact lenses or eye drops. When you visit our website, you will find a ‘Childhood Myopia Risk Survey’ under the Vision Care heading. Fill it out if you would like to learn more!”

Improved Vision = Improved Grades Have your children had their eyes checked recently? If it’s been a while, it’s a good idea to get them in to see the optometrist before school begins or not long into the school year. If your child’s vision has changed, it can affect how well they perform in school. To ensure that your children’s vision needs have been met and their eyes are healthy, we recommend visiting Clear Vision Eye Care. Since 2008, Clear Vision Eye Care has served as a dedicated and caring provider of quality vision services to Lincoln and the surrounding communities.

“Eighty percent of learning is visual and many visual deficiencies are undetected by a vision screen. Possible signs of a visual deficiency could be squinting, difficulty sitting still or paying attention in school, frustration with academic work, or clumsiness,” explained Dr. Andrew Bateman.

“Furthermore, as many as one in five American school-aged children has an undiagnosed binocular vision impairment.

All of us – educators, families, and Dr. Andrew Bateman healthcare providers – should understand Clear Vision Eye Care that sometimes, reading and other learning problems are actually vision problems," Dr. Bateman added. "A comprehensive eye exam is essential for any student who struggles with early literacy.”

Along with comprehensive eye care, Dr. Bateman and Dr. Brooke Segerstrom Beall manage a variety of eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration; perform diabetic eye care; manage eye allergies and infections; and now, with the addition of the OptiLight IPL and Lipiflow, are able to specialize in dry eye management and treatment. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Dr. Andrew Bateman · Dr. Brooke Beall · Fallbrook Town Center

Ask us about...

FDA approved IPL and Lipiflow Dry Eye Treatments Myopia Control · Unique independent frame lines Serving Lincoln since 2008 · visionsource-yourclearvision.com

FALL MEANS CROSS COUNTRY Lincoln Running Co. Has The Perfect Shoe For Your Season!

Come see us for the perfect fit for training, racing, and even spectating shoes!

That's the Lincoln Running Co. experience!

Stop in to get your new cross country shoes today!

1213 Q St.• LincRunningCompany.com • 402-474-4557 august 2022 Strictly Business 59

ready for the 2022 season?

We Buy, Sell, Trade Quality New & Used Sports & Fitness Equipment Make sure you have everything checked off on your back to school list!

Pens, Pencils, Paper Notebooks and Calculator Soccer Ball and Cleats?

Football and Mouthpiece?

402.483.7447 • 48th & Vine PlayItAgainSportsLincoln.com • Mon-Thurs 10-8 • Fri-Sat 10-6 • Sun 12-5

Accepting New and Returning Patients 3543 S. 85TH Street Suite 200 Lincoln, NE 68520 Schedule your appointment today!

Dr.Dan Novak

Premiervisionlincoln.com | 402-986-7856 Helping You Stay on the Move We all know that kids are constantly on the go, and there is no slowing down when school starts up again. To help your kids lead this active lifestyle, make sure they are fitted with a great pair of shoes from Lincoln Running Co. The store has been locally owned and operated by the same family since 1976 and is committed to helping the community find the right shoes and gear to be fit and active, whether that’s by running, walking, or just moving in general. Along with shoes, Lincoln Running Co. holds a variety of other helpful products that will encourage your kids to be active this school year.

Ann Ringlein Lincoln Running Co.

“Back to school at the Lincoln Running Co. means a lot of cross country runners from all over the state making their way to our store for the right fit for their sport,” said Ann Ringlein, store manager. “You don’t have to be a cross country runner to want a great fitting athletic shoe, though. Every student heading back to school should get fit just like the cross country runners do.

Having the proper shoe for PE classes or walking all over a bigger-than-you’reused-to college campus can make the difference in loving your situation or not loving it so much.”

Lincoln Running Co. is open every day and is active within Lincoln’s running community. They’ve been named one of the top 50 Best Running Stores in America three times, and though they are proud of that, they are especially proud of their relationship with their customers. Ann and the team at Lincoln Running Co. want to help you find the best shoes and gear for yourself or your active kiddo before the busyness of school begins, so give them a visit today!

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Prepping for the Big Game Some of the items that are essential to your child having a successful school year may be sports-related if they take part in extra-curricular activities. If that’s your child, be sure to stop by our local Play It Again Sports. They’re currently all stocked up on football, volleyball, soccer, golf, and softball gear for kids who are entering their high school season.

“This is also a great time to clean out the closets, ball bags, and garages from last year!” suggested Owner Kyle McMurray. “Bring in your gently-used athletic equipment and get some cash to help pay for your back to school supplies.

It’s also a great way to fund the coming year’s sports expenses. We pay cash on the spot for gently-used equipment for almost any sport, and then you can shop the selection we have in-store at well below retail prices.”

Kyle McMurray Play It Again Sports relies on the Lincoln Play It Again Sports community for a large portion of their inventory, and their customers have talked about having a pay-itforward mentality when they bring in their gently-used equipment.

Play It Again Sports is grateful to be able to help parents set kids up for their season without having to break the bank at a big-box sports equipment store.

“Signing up for our Fivestars loyalty program is a great way to save for back to school – and year-round,” shared Kyle. “Just use your smartphone to download the Fivestars app and search for ‘Play It Again Sports’. New subscribers are eligible for $5 off their first purchase of $40 or more, and every dollar you spend at Play It Again Sports in Lincoln gets you closer to your next discount!

We also send out birthday discounts, store announcements, and special offers. It’s free to join, and like anybody else, standard message and data rates may apply.”

Early Childhood Education If you are interested in having your child gain the benefits of early childhood education, World of Knowledge Child Development Center and Preschool provides a safe and supportive learning environment for your young children that are not yet of school age.

The early learning center has two locations at 8310 Wendell Way and 4001 S 17th St., allowing you to have access to phenomenal childhood development wherever you are at in Lincoln. They focus on a variety of educational skills, including math, science, creativity, music, and literacy, as well as basic life skills, such as motor and social skills, expressing feelings, sharing, caring, and communication.

By enrolling your young kiddos at World of Knowledge Child Development Center and Preschool, you will be investing in their future and opening up endless opportunities for a fruitful life.

Make Back to School Shopping Fun No matter the age you are, going back to school often means it’s time to revamp your wardrobe. For the older students, stop

by Charm Boutique & Bar to do a little back to school clothes shopping! The clothing boutique is located in the Telegraph District near downtown and features a trendy selection of clothes, accessories, shoes, and more. Students that are 21 or older can “sip ‘n’ shop” when they order a drink from Charm’s full bar that is located right inside the boutique. Even more, Charm offers private, after-hours shopping parties. These parties are a great way to gather all of your friends for a fun and fashionable time as you return back to campus for another school year!

Don’t let this back to school season stress you out! These awesome experts will have you and your children ready for school in no time. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Whether you’re ready to take on the exciting venture that is buying a business, or you’re looking to begin preparing for retirement by putting in place a plan to sell, the sale of a business is a big transaction that both sides should be thorough about. Now is definitely not the time to take any shortcuts! To help you get a better understanding of everything that goes into the buying and selling process of a business, we reached out to some of the knowledgeable experts that you can find right here in Lincoln.

Solutions for Buyers and Sellers Selling your business by yourself can be very difficult. Transworld Business Advisors can help you plan an exit strategy to get the most out of the investment you’ve made. It may be difficult to keep the prospect of selling private (so as not to lose business or employees) while also looking for the right buyer. The job of Transworld is to take that burden off the seller and confidentially find a buyer so that you can continue to run your business successfully.

“Before an interested buyer can receive even the name of the business, they must sign a non-disclosure agreement that keeps private the information that is shared,” explained Christine Dwinell, owner/managing broker. “Once the seller decides to work with us, we create an opinion of market value based on several valuation methods, and then, together, the broker and seller come up with a listing price. My business partner and I own Transworld Business Advisors locally, but are part of a global franchise, so we can reach Christine Dwinell hundreds of thousands of potential buyers and Transworld Business businesses for sale, instantly.”

Advisors With over 40 years of experience, Transworld’s business brokerage is the largest in the world, having successfully sold over 10,000 businesses. When you sit down to talk to them about creating an exit strategy, it’s truly a no-obligation consultation.

On the buying side of things, Transworld can help you find the right business by gathering detailed information about you to establish your financial capabilities, skills and experiences, and your personal life goals.

This information helps them determine the best types of businesses to pursue. Once this is completed, they start your search using Transworld’s considerable market basket of resources.

“The biggest impacts on businesses today are increased costs of labor, fuel, and slow supply chains,” shared Christine. “With regards to labor, the cost of recruiting and retention are on the rise as employees move from one employer to another. These increases can be observed in downtime, training, and the increased unemployment insurance costs of a newly hired employee. That being said, the businesses we’ve reviewed have stable earnings. Entrepreneurs are great at creating efficiency solutions to streamline operations. Buying a business is a great investment alternative during this time of market instability. Buyers can find deals that build equity and generate income. I encourage prospective buyers to look for opportunities within a business. We can help you consider possible efficiency solutions, additional retail or service opportunities, or strategic partnerships.”

Building Relationships for Nearly 50 Years Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate is a full-service commercial real estate company with roots dating back to 1973. They believe in building relationships, and they strive to understand each client’s objectives and develop a strategy to meet their specific needs.

“Most businesses find it challenging to find the perfect space,” shared John Linscott, president and director of asset management. “An essential element of finding that location is building relationships. At Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate, we strive to understand each #PrintProudDigitalSmart

There are two ways to sell a business.

The hard way

A

B The Transworld way

A

B

402.802.2288 tworld.com/locations/lincoln 4435 “O” Street, Suite 113 Lincoln, NE 68510

august 2022 Strictly Business

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Keep Your Computers & Networks Performing With Your small Business technology Experts

Assist business growth EducAtE business owners ProvidE guidance and support With High-value, Low-cost tech solutions!

Darren E. Lichty Founder

Contact Panology Today!

402-937-9137

www.PanologyInc.com Retail/Office Space For Lease at Cotner & Holdrege

Contact James McCombs for more information!

1530 S. 70th St., Suite 102 | Lincoln, NE 68506 | (402) 421-7474

We Are SP Group | Taxes are a TEAM Sport

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client’s unique circumstances and objectives to tailor a strategy designed to accomplish your goals. Throughout the process, we emphasize communication and accountability to earn each client’s trust and confidence.

Our experienced group of professionals is here to help you reach your goals for your business and community.”

Take advantage of their brokerage service and receive professional support through all the phases of property or site acquisition, disposition, and tenant representation.

John Linscott Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate also offers Greenleaf Commercial consulting and development services, as well Real Estate as property management, which includes both facilities and asset management. Their team can offer to you extensive knowledge for whatever industry your business falls in, whether it’s in office, retail, warehouse, or industrial.

Do Your Homework!

Rob Cruise, president of Cruise & Associates, understands the excitement that comes with buying a business, but cautions that a buyer should ensure they are well educated before they dive in.

“Before you get too excited, slow down and do your homework. It is always important to weigh the pros and cons,” advised Rob. “Be sure to have a business valuation completed to determine how much the business is worth.

A good idea might also be to shadow the business for a period of time to make your Rob Cruise own assessment of what it is worth. If you Cruise & Associates are about to buy a business, you’ll want to know exactly why the business is up for sale. It could be something as simple as they just want to retire or something more worrisome like there is a problem with the business.”

Cruise & Associates can help a potential business buyer with properly interpreting financial documents and guiding the buyer to determine the full costs of purchasing and operating the business. He says to remember the need to review documents, including the letter of intent, confidentiality agreements, contracts and leases, financial statements, tax returns, and sales agreement. Finally, after reaching a purchase price, make sure you understand the written agreement before signing.

“Don’t leave any ambiguities that could cause trouble at closing or even after the sale has gone through,” said Rob. “Choosing to buy an existing business is a valuable entrepreneurial feat and will impact your life for years to come. With the right connection and a lot of hard work, you can be the perfect person to turn a good business buying opportunity into a great future.”

If you enjoy running your own business, selling it may be the furthest thing from your mind. However, the reality is that eventually an opportunity to sell will come, whether due to your own life changes or a perfect buyer walking in the door. Planning, often years in advance of the sale date, is necessary to get the most value for the love, sweat, and tears you’ve invested.

“It’s important to assemble a great team to help you prepare for selling your business, including an accountant, a lawyer, and a trusted business broker,” said Rob. “You’ll also want to develop your exit strategy with your advisory team, and spend some time cleaning up your financials.

In addition, you’ll need a plan to improve sales; the worst time to sell is when sales are declining – even if it’s just a temporary or seasonal dip.”

Mind What Matters Lutz, the business solutions firm for people seeking a partner to help energize and heighten financial and organizational success, shared some information regarding Lutz M&A. Lutz M&A is a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm that, as a sell-side advisor, typically represents companies with annual profits greater than $1 million (though they consult #PrintProudDigitalSmart

with businesses of all sizes on M&A matters).

When it comes to buying a business, their services include bid preparation, financial due diligence, investment analysis, and negotiation support. Mark Otte, M&A manager, shared his advice for both buyers and sellers.

“As a buyer, once you have identified a target business and determined the funding sources for the purchase, be sure to complete thorough due diligence. There are numerous types of buy-side due diligence, which helps to ensure the financial information the buyer is relying Mark Otte on is accurate and that pertinent risk items are Lutz identified,” said Mark. “Through due diligence, buyers can gain comfort over the true earnings or free cash flow of the business, which provides greater certainty on paying a fair price for the target. We recommend focusing your due diligence on the most important items, as due diligence levels can vary based on the industry and risks identified. It is worthwhile to approach the transaction with objective professional skepticism, which is where Lutz M&A can assist.

Lastly, getting an experienced M&A attorney involved early on will help to streamline the buy-side process from start to finish.

“If you’re looking to sell your business, I recommend identifying the ideal type of buyer early on in the sale process,” Mark continued.

“Business owners should engage Lutz M&A in discussions on transition plans years in advance of the actual transaction. Is maximizing the sales price most important to you? If so, a strategic buyer (i.e., a competitor) will most likely be able to offer the highest bid. Are you most concerned about your employees post-deal? If this is the case, a strategic buyer may not be the best fit if headcount reductions would be identified as a deal synergy. Do you want to stay involved with your business post-transaction? The list goes on and on.

“There are many questions we ask sellers to understand what a successful outcome would look like, which starts with identifying quality potential buyers,” concluded Mark. “It is important to gain an understanding of the different types of buyers for your business and the typical advantages and disadvantages of each. The most common types of buyers include financial (private equity), strategic (competitors), management, family members, or a sale to an ESOP.” Accounting for Buyers and Sellers The prospect of buying into a business or selling a company you’ve grown can be an exciting time, and SP Group, P.C. is here to offer a helping hand to keep that from feeling like an emotional rollercoaster.

They can be that objective advisor during these major life cycles of your business. SP Group’s impact is felt through due diligence and assisting business owners to make thoughtful decisions regarding tax and financial consequences.

“A specific item to be aware of is proper financial documentation during the buying/ selling process,” shared Rachel Clymer, CPA. “Accurate and up-to date financial statements are crucial for business sellers as both parties use them to determine the value of a business.

As a seller, your accountant should review the books and financial statements to identify any issues before the business is put on the market. Buyers should enlist their accountant to review the books to help them understand the financial shape of the potential purchase.

Rachel Clymer Past performance is no guarantee of future SP Group, P.C. results but is a good indicator of potential outcomes which can help determine the value of the business and the purchase price.”

Rachel also shared that an area that can be overlooked but is vital is the allocation of assets. SP Group can use their expert knowledge for asset classification to help the new business owner capture depreciation and amortization most effectively in the early years of ownership. Sellers have a different set of facts that make asset allocation important for their tax obligations on the sale of the business. Another aspect of a #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Three words our clients love to see.

Isn’t it time you start seeing them?

CALL TODAY. 402-817-3929 • ARSOLUTIONSINC.COM sale to get professional advice on is if you should choose to have the proceeds paid out via lump sum or installment over a period of time.

“Seasoned business owners will know and new business owners will be fast to find out that trusted advisors are a crucial arm to support a business,” Rachel concluded. “SP Group wants to bring our experience to you with advice on legal entities, minimize the regulatory headaches of business ownership, and provide guidance to make smart tax choices along the way.”

Qualities of a Strong Commercial Lease At Guiderock Commercial Realty, LLC, their primary focus is helping business owners make the best decisions they can about commercial real estate. Cathy Kottwitz, CPM, explained why her business is a great option to help your own.

“We have experience working with both businesses selling real estate alongside their operations, as well as entrepreneurs buying businesses who may need to negotiate a new lease for the business,” Cathy explained. “And if the business you bought has grown and Cathy Kottwitz needs more room or another location, we can Guiderock Commercial help you find the right fit.”

Realty, LLC New business owners who have taken over the lease of the business should keep in mind some key items that should be standard practice and that will help keep their new commercial lease running smoothly. This includes renewal reminders, which are a great way of keeping track of when to renew the lease or decide to look for another space; triple net (NNN) audits, which are useful for both the tenant and the landlord to keep each other accountable for certain costs; certificates of insurance; and open communication between the tenant and landlord.

“Signing a new lease on top of purchasing a business can combine to create a lot of stress,” explained Cathy. “Guiderock is here to help with any questions you have about your lease so that your main focus can be your new business.”

Solutions for Accounts Receivables When buying a business, a big aspect that you must evaluate before committing to your investment is the company’s receivables. If you are looking for real answers that yield real results, visit the team at AR Solutions.

They can help you analyze the assets and liabilities that you are considering purchasing and determine what those liabilities are, along with the likelihood that you will collect them.

“As a collection agency, AR Solutions can have a different skillset to offer to you compared to other accounting professionals Aaron Newell when evaluating a business,” shared Founder AR Solutions august 2022 Strictly Business 63

Aaron Newell. “We will work closely with sellers to determine the reason for any nonpayment of receivables and find out how that business has communicated with the customers to collect. Then we’ll help figure out what you might expect to bring in from them.”

For potential business purchasers, it’s important to understand that not all of the billings a business sends out are going to be paid, and it’s good to know that up-front and create a policy for handling those cases of nonpayment. In addition, AR Solutions is happy to consult with clients to help them set up their receivables process in a way that increases their in-house collections or to prevent future issues.

“We will act as an extension of your new company and conduct direct communication with your clients,” said Aaron. “Our competitive fees are also contingent upon collection, so you do not pay unless we collect.”

Cyber Security Buyers, have you considered yet how you are going to provide cyber security for your business? We suggest speaking with Darren Lichty, owner of Panology Tech Solutions.

Panology is a tech company devoted to the development of small- and medium-sized businesses. They utilize Cylance, which finds current threats and issues in technology better than the traditional antivirus products.

With CylancePROTECT, Panology is able to up the security of your business with a unique artificial intelligence (AI) approach Darren Lichty that predicts and protects against known Panology Tech and unknown malware, fileless attacks, and Solutions zero-day payload execution.

Even though outsourcing is a great opportunity to save some money, always be careful. A common problem in the online security world is people who believe whatever the IT person tells them to do and end up paying for systems they don’t need.

“You never want to partner with an IT expert who just tells you what box to click,” Darren warned. “To learn more about technology, you need to ask questions and you need to find a partner who is willing to answer those questions and educate you from the perspective of your own business, not from the perspective of someone trying to hit a sales quota. For example, if one of my clients is asking about security, then I would explain antivirus software to them or an endpoint detection response (EDR), and then I would talk about all the risks and benefits. To learn about anything in the technology industry, you need partners who will tell you not just what to buy, but why.”

Secure Solutions for Employees and Business You’ve bought a business – now it’s time to make sure that it and its employees are covered. At UNICO Group, they employ a unique process where they’ll help you find complete solutions to protect your employees and your business. Their exceptional service and attention to detail will save you time and hassle – so you can focus on other aspects of your business and life. Plus, you can rest assured that their industry experts have the knowledge and experience needed to create the best plan for your unique circumstances.

From design and administration to communication, the UNICO team will lead you to a custom tailored plan that retains valued employees and attracts qualified candidates, all while helping you stay within budget. As your trusted group benefits advisor, UNICO will continually analyze your employee benefits data to determine whether your current plan continues to meet your needs.

Their unique approach enables them to develop a true partnership aligning their services with the needs of clients while establishing clear expectations.

on’t let taxes distract you m running your busines Don’t let taxes distract you Ready to dive into the sale? These local experts are happy to be a part of the ride. Reach out to them today to ensure that your commercial buying or selling experience is a smooth transition into the next chapter of your life.

from running your business

Don’t let taxes distract you from running your business

Free initial consultation Face-to-Face interview with a tax professional $50 off your tax return • Free initial consultation (new clients only)

• Face-to-Face interview with a tax professional • $50 off your tax return (new clients only)

• Free initial consultation

• Face-to-Face interview with a tax professional

Tax · Payroll · Accounting Cruise & Associates • $50 off your tax return (new clients only) 402-466-1969

We Work For People Who Work

Cruise-Associates.com

Cruise & Associates

Tax • Payroll • Accounting

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#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Make Your Big Day

Make Your Big Day EvenEven Sweeter!

Sweeter!

One Pacific Place One Pacific Place 10347 Pacific Street,Pacific Omaha, 10347 Street,NEOmaha, NE (402) 933-9305 (402) 933-9305

Many would call this time of year “wedding season”, a statement that is backed by a quick Google search that produces an average answer of late spring to early fall as being the most popular time to have a wedding. However, some may be wondering...does wedding season ever really end? There may be a slow period during the colder months where wedding celebrations aren’t taking place, but if you look behind the scenes, there are many brides, grooms, parents and other family members, wedding party members, and more that are spending their hours past 5 p.m. or on the weekends going to tastings, trying on dresses or suits, touring venues, or trying to decide if the DIY route is really worth it. Plus, there are all of the amazing vendors that are also working diligently year-round and wedding after wedding to help so many happy couples celebrate one of the biggest days of their lives!

When I’m not at my desk working on editorial with the awesome Strictly Business team, I’m probably browsing Pinterest and looking for ways to DIY as much as I can for my very own upcoming wedding.

In this process, I’ve learned that not everything can be done on your own – and it’s for the best, too. There are so many wonderful and talented professionals all across our city that are ready to help you make you and your partner’s dream day become a reality. Here are some of the Strictly Business team’s recommended vendors!

Customize Your Day Looking for a way to offer something to your guests that will always make them think of your big day? Look no further than Flicker Promotions. Founded by Amy Doele, Flicker will create customized items that are unique to you and your spouse’s celebration.

“It’s very popular to offer a customized item as a party favor at weddings,” explained Amy. “Drinkware is a popular option. Many couples order customized cups with their names and wedding dates, and maybe a fun tagline that represents their day, Amy Doele to serve at the reception rather than the Flicker Promotions typical clear or red plastic cups. These branded cups will match your theme and can be taken home by your guests as a memento, reminding them of your celebration every time they pull it out of their cupboard!”

Flicker is also great for other areas of wedding planning, such as themed items to offer to members of the bachelor/bachelorette party, or special gifts customized for your wedding party as a way to say “thank you” for being a part of your big day.

“Whether you know exactly what you want or you don’t know where to start, please reach out to the Flicker team,” Amy said. “We will help you find the best customized favors to include in your big day that will not only impress guests and wedding party members, but spotlight the love that you and your future spouse share!”

Feel Right at Home Ironhorse Bar & Event Room is a fabulous choice for rehearsal dinners, intimate receptions, and more wedding-related events. The #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Pioneer Woods Pioneer Woods Pioneer Woods Dr.,Lincoln, Ste 102,NE Lincoln, NE 4107 Pioneer4107 Woods Dr., Ste 102, (402) 483-2253 (402) 483-2253

REHEARSAL DINNERS BUSINESS MEETINGS HOLIDAY PARTIES

WE CAN HOST IT LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC HAYMARKET DISTRICT CONTACT US

402-840-2596 IronHorseRoom.com

ADDRESS

728 Q Street, Suite B Lincoln, NE 68508

unique venue is conveniently located in the historic Haymarket district and is filled with original industrial and historical details, giving the event space a very special ambiance.

“We strive to make each event unique to the client, and we work with each client to ensure that we can execute their vision as best we can for their event,” shared Bernadette Seaman. “Our space works great for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, engagement parties, and intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions.”

Many of Ironhorse’s events happen to be rehearsal dinners; their space is set up with the idea that everyone can find their own cozy spot and relax and enjoy the evening. Bernadette Seaman This works well with what has become the Ironhorse Bar & new norm – smaller gatherings. Bernadette Event Room shared that it’s exciting to see people embrace smaller gatherings, which also leaves open the option to have multiple events to celebrate at Ironhorse in a weekend, such as the rehearsal dinner and the reception, making it a whole weekend experience.

“Our biggest compliment is when clients tell us they feel right at home in our space,” said Bernadette. “Our space can go from a fun and casual party to an elegant and romantic gathering – whatever your vision is!”

Ironhorse offers different rental packages to best fit your needs as well as a full bar that features craft cocktails, seven tap beers, unique wines, and much more. Furthermore, they’re very flexible with food; they have a preferred catering list that highlights exceptional catering services in our community, or you are welcome to hire another caterer and Ironhorse will coordinate them. On the other hand, if you want to feature recipes from your very own kitchen, Ironhorse also welcomes you to bring your own food! august 2022 Strictly Business

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VOTED LINCOLN’S BEST JEWELER

DOWNTOWN 1150 O St Lincoln, NE 68508 402.476.8561 SOUTHPOINTE 2900 Pine Lake Rd Suite C Lincoln, NE 68516 402.420.2244 GRAND ISLAND 3337 W State St Grand Island, NE 68803 308.382.5850 www.sartorhamann.com 66

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Party Entertainment for All Ages Amp up the party by bringing Nebraska Knockerball to your reception! Nebraska Knockerball offers bubble soccer and a wide range of other yard games to keep guests of all ages entertained, including Giant Jenga; Giant Connect Four; yard dice; cornhole; tugof-war; human foosball; Basketball Connect Four; and foot darts, in which you kick Velcro soccer balls at a 12-foot-tall inflatable dart board. Nebraska Knockerball is a great way to entertain your guests at the reception beyond the traditional dancing and drinks.

Whether you plan to utilize it as a way to keep the children amused or to encourage guests from each spouse’s side to mingle and get to know each other, Manuel and his lineup of activities are sure to make your event especially memorable.

“Our Knockerball packages begin at six, but we can go all the way up to 12 to really give your guests the best enjoyment and allow more to participate,” shared Owner Manuel Walker. “Plus, when you rent from Nebraska Knockerball, you can rest assured that I’ll be there to handle the knockerballs and yard games so that you, your friends, and your family can focus on celebrating your big day.”

Nebraska Knockerball is great for more than just your wedding; if you’re planning Manuel Walker on keeping the festivities of your bachelor Nebraska Knockerball or bachelorette party in the local area, reach out to Manuel to bring the party to you. He even offers two giant Bluetooth speakers that you or your wedding party members can connect to!

“What makes us especially unique is that we are the only company providing these services in Nebraska,” Manuel said. “This is all new to the local market. We are so excited to be here and remind people what it’s like to have fun again. We would love to be a part of your upcoming wedding planning!”

Beautiful Outdoor Settings James Arthur Vineyards offers an exceptional location for your dream day. Their richly appointed private party room with comfortable furnishings, rich décor, and spectacular views affords an extraordinary venue available nowhere else in the region. They’re well known for their excellent service, ambiance, and food, and they prioritize personalizing the menu for your group as a way to offer better service and presentation.

“We do all of our weddings outside because the setting here is just gorgeous,” said Jim Ballard, owner. “It’s a beautiful place to get married. We offer the option of having your ceremony at the winery in front of the waterfall. This is great for more intimate weddings and accommodates up to 70 people. For larger weddings, we have a park area just south of the winery near the vineyards that can hold up to 200 people. Both are great locations and we will work closely Jim Ballard with you to organize the details.”

James Arthur Vineyards James Arthur Vineyards also offers Nebraska cheese and wine tastings, an appetizer buffet, light lunch/dinner options, or a three-course meal so that your guests can divulge in some delicious fare post-ceremony. Of course, we can’t forget what James Arthur is most known for – their award-winning Nebraska wines! Enjoy their finest table wines, from barrel-aged dry reds to sweet, crisp whites and delicious dessert wines, as well as the many wonderful options from Curveball, their line of hard ciders.

Get the Party Started If you want to start the party off with a bang, we recommend booking a party bus with Tailored Dreams Party Buses. They’re true #PrintProudDigitalSmart

to their name, providing experiences tailored to match your dreams in dependable, luxury form. Their fleet offers a variety of different bus sizes, ranging from 26 to 45 passengers, so you can be sure to find an option that fits the size of your group.

“All of our buses have a Bluetooth sound system, loud speakers, heating and A/C, and fun LED lights,” shared Owner DeeDee Loomis. “We are also the only party bus company in the area that has handicap accessible buses in their fleet. We recommend reserving a party bus as soon as possible, as slots are filling up a year in advance!”

Party buses are not only amazing for an intimate celebration with your wedding party, but they’re also a great opportunity to have some fun while traveling to a DeeDee Loomis beautiful location to take photos with your Tailored Dreams new spouse and the rest of the crew. Even Party Buses more, it’s a great opportunity to snag some unique and intimate shots of your celebration by inviting your photographer and/or videographer to join the bus for a bit.

Though it’s become quite popular to have a party bus for the wedding party between the ceremony and the reception, they’re great for many more wedding-related events. Book a party bus in the weeks before your wedding and invite friends from both sides of the wedding party so that everyone has the opportunity to meet and get to know each other. They’re also great for local bachelor or bachelorette parties!

For Gatherings of All Sizes If rustic-urban charm is in your wedding vision, we highly recommend reaching out to Talon Room. The former Spaghetti Works was transformed into what is now Talon Room, a beautiful event venue that can help you host the entire weekend – that’s right, the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception, all in one location!

“There’s already enough on your plate when planning your wedding, so we help out where we can,” said Owner Matthew Rogge. “We make decorating easy and provide select decorations for a small fee – we are also always adding new items to our arsenal. In addition, Talon Room offers in-house catering and bar service, as well as private tastings beforehand.”

Whether you want an intimate gathering or are looking for space for up to 250 people, Talon Room can accommodate. Their Matthew Rogge outstanding catering service will serve your Talon Room guests gourmet appetizers and entrees with options that can meet any budget and time of day – even if your reception is at a separate location. Bar services can also be brought to your party, and Talon Room has a full-service in-house bar that can mix together delicious drinks for your guests. Furthermore, Talon Room has partnerships with a variety of local vendors, so they can plan and execute any event you can imagine.

“I recommend finding venues now because they book fast and it will make the decision process much easier,” said Matthew. “It’s a good idea to take tours of any options you come across, because you’ll never know what you’ll like best!”

Talon Room has recently introduced a vendor wedding package that includes flowers, photography, DJ, photo booth, and more, making it extremely easy to check things off your wedding to-do list. This package depends on vendor availability, so contact Talon Room today to save your spot!

Sweet Satisfaction Your wedding cake is perhaps the most important centerpiece at your reception, so choosing the right bakery is crucial. Nothing Bundt Cakes can satisfy both that after-dinner sweet tooth craving, as well as the look of a beautiful wedding cake. Offering 8” and 10” bundt cakes, #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Nuzzled in the historic Spaghetti Works building, Talon Room has been established as the perfect venue to host a wedding reception, Husker tailgate, company party, business meeting, or social gathering downtown.

Call Matt today to book your event!

402-641-0943 | www.TalonRoom.com 230 N. 12th St. #1 Lincoln, NE

Life is a journey make it amazing!

402-889-3870 Tailoreddreamslimousines.com tailoreddreamslimousines@gmail.com as well as a combination of the two to create a tiered cake, Nothing Bundt Cakes will give you the perfect cake to cut into with your spouse.

They also offer Bundtinis®, or bite-sized bundt cakes, by the dozen for your guests. Several different flavors are available among the classic vanilla and chocolate, including red velvet, white chocolate raspberry, and pecan praline, as well as two different icing options.

For a decadent cake that everyone is going to be talking about long after your wedding, Nothing Bundt Cakes is the bakery for you.

Stunning Jewelry Be sure to squeeze some time into your wedding planning to pick out your wedding bands! This allows you time to budget and make sure that it’s the perfect choice. We recommend visiting Sartor Hamann to check out their vast selection of wedding bands from alternative metals for men to beautiful stackable rings in an array of styles for the ladies. Plus, they offer easy financing and 10-month, no-interest layaway to ease up to the special date!

If you plan on soldering your rings together, Sartor Hamann suggests doing so before the ceremony so that you don’t have to spend time away from your rings afterwards. Their professional jewelers will solder and polish the rings as new so they glitter when placing it on the finger for the special ceremony.

Sartor Hamann is the reputable option if you’re looking for a one-ofa-kind gift, whether it’s to give your spouse on your wedding day or to offer as a “congratulations”. Their jewelry includes stunning choices for every budget. Browse their amazing colored gems jewelry to the assorted diamond rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings. Choose from Earth-grown or Lab-grown diamonds. Don’t forget the selection of handsome watches that can even be engraved to make the gesture even more meaningful. Let them gift wrap it for that final touch!

Are wedding bells in your future? These awesome professionals can hear them! Reach out to them today to take advantage of their wonderful services and outstanding knowledge of all that comes with wedding planning. august 2022 Strictly Business

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Mortgages are our Specialty

(531) 739-3926 3700 yankee hill road, ste 1, lincoln, ne 68516

Jim Toof

Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS ID #1073309

Whether you’re purchasing your very first home or you’re looking for one to retire in, Lincoln has a wonderful assortment of homes to choose from all throughout our neighborhoods. Similar to our city’s great variety of homes is the awesome number of local experts that are well-versed in the home buying process. They’ll be your helping hand in finding a home, getting pre-approved, having an inspection done, and conducting any work on the home after the purchase – plus everything in between – and they are sure to make the process as a whole much smoother and less stressful.

If you want to make sure that the home buying experience is just as great as your future new home itself, we recommend working with the following businesses and professionals!

Family Helping Family What is it that makes CharterWest Bank stand out from the competition? According to Mortgage Loan Officer Jim Toof, it’s the importance of family within their company culture.

Behind every great agent is NP Dodge.

NPDodge.com/Offices/Lincoln 7575 S 57th St, Lincoln 402-434-2222 1101 Cornhusker Hwy, Lincoln 402-434-8688

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“The systems and tec hnology that Nic k Brion, Chris Banyay, and the entire mortgage origination team at CharterWest have put into place make it very easy to move the borrowers through the process, and that definitely gives us Jim Toof an advantage,” Jim began. “But more importantly, it’s our culture of family. It’s CharterWest Bank our willingness to step in and help out one another to make sure that loans get through the process to close on time.”

The team at CharterWest told us, “Lending is what we do.” This statement is backed by an impressive lineup of qualifications and options. To start, CharterWest is the largest NIFA lender in the state, and they come in at number two when ranked by purchase volume.

They’re licensed to make loans in all 50 states and offer a huge variety of loan options to fit your financing goals. This includes: Longterm Fixed Rate Loans, Low Down Payment Loans, No Down Payment Loans, Adjustable-Rate Loans, FHA/VA Loans, Construction Loans, Extended Lock Options, Conventional Loans, Rural Development Loans, NIFA/IFA First Time Home Buyer Loans, Jumbo Loans, Bridge Loans, Investment Property/Second Home Loans, and Reverse #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Mortgages. This is all in addition to a couple more options coming soon, so be sure to contact Jim and the team at CharterWest to learn about the possibilities they have for you. Jim was a REALTOR® for 10 years and has been a mortgage loan officer for nearly 10 years as well, which allows him to understand the process very well on both sides of the transaction.

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“If you own a home and haven’t been in the market for the last three or more years, be aware that the process has dramatically changed. It’s best to develop a relationship with a REALTOR® and lender to get up-to-date and educated about the process,” Jim advised. “For the first time homebuyer, do your research on the market. Interview professionals to find the ones that best fit your ideology. In the current market, the first offer you put in may be accepted right away, but you should also be prepared to put in multiple offers in order to get a home. Stay true to the process and we will help you get a loan to fit your needs so that you can enjoy all the benefits of home ownership.”

Experts that Know the Ins-and-Outs McCombs Commercial Realty LLC is a full-service real estate brokerage and development firm founded in 2003.

Though they have commercial in their name, they also offer residential services.

To learn more about the residential side of things, we spoke to Makaylee Gayed, who works in residential and commercial sales, leasing, and property management.

“Something that really gives our agents here at McCombs Commercial Realty a Makaylee Gayed big advantage is the experience they McCombs Commercial have on both the association and property Realty LLC management side of things,” shared Makaylee. “We know the ins-and-outs of moving into a homeowners association, and the things to look for when buying or selling a home that may ultimately be a potential issue or need repaired.”

Makaylee stated that we are in a very trend-heavy time when it comes to homes, and those who are looking to buy new construction are searching for these unique features – for example, a cabinet door that leads into a pantry. In addition, homeowners want to make sure the space truly feels like their own, so they are also looking for homes that would be able to be easily remodeled to fit their vision.

“I think it goes without saying, but if you are buying, be preapproved!” Makaylee said. “Insurance rates are going up, but the market is still moving fast. If you’re selling, it’s important to take the extra time and money to put on some fresh paint, clean up mulch beds and the lawn, and have someone professionally clean, just to name a few suggestions. It will make all the difference and help create that fresh, new feeling that attracts potential buyers.”

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when you have a claim. As with all insurance, it is important to have an educated agent who can explain what coverages you will need to fully protect your investment. You want to make sure that you have the house properly insured for total replacement cost along with replacement cost on your personal belongings.”

Matthew explained that when choosing a deductible, you want to make sure you’re aware of wind and hail deductibles that can be up to 2-4% of the value of your Matthew Moorhead home. For example, a 4% deductible on Shelter Insurance a $500,000 home would be $20,000.

Matthew shared a few examples of his own deductible suggestions based on the cost of the home:

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When looking for the best insurance policy for your new home, it’s wise to go with a company that recognizes the damage that our Midwestern storms can leave on houses. We recommend Midwestbased Shelter Insurance, a company that comes with a good understanding of the storms that come through the area and how to take on a big storm with many claims. Shelter Insurance has a claims office right here in Lincoln as well as adjustors all across the state that work with Shelter full-time. Policyholders have two years to get repairs done to their home after a claim – which is ideal as Nebraska can have severe weather year-round, and those storms do not always come at a good time to have repairs done.

• $200,000 - $500,000...$2,500 deductible

“People are often pushed to look for the cheapest policy possible in order to keep their mortgage payments down,” explained Matthew Moorhead. “This can be a mistake. Saving a couple of hundred dollars a year on homeowners insurance can turn around and bite you #PrintProudDigitalSmart

• $500,000 or more...$5,000 deductible The biggest piece of advice Matthew shared with us was to speak with the experts. All too often do homeowners skip this step and later find themselves paying for it in the end.

“Please speak with an agent to help you with your homeowners insurance and take the time to go over everything with them,” said Matthew. “There are several online companies out there that have very tempting premiums, but without an agent you really do not have a clue of what type of coverage you’re getting. We have been doing this for many years – in my case, 22. We have been to countless hours of training and are required to be licensed by the state. We deal with this stuff on a daily basis. Unless you are well-versed in insurance, I would not trust a website with a price august 2022 Strictly Business

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With the uncertainty in the current market, you can rely on PRoFessIoNAl ReAlTY GRoUP of Berkshire Hathaway Home services to assist you in every step of securing your home. our agents will help you stay informed throughout the process, from pre-approval to closing.

We will also help you get the best loan, by connecting you with local loan officers to find you competitive rates in the market. Turn to the PRoFessIoNAls at prG of BHHs Ambassador real Estate to put your mind at ease.

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based on coverages and limits that you enter into a website. You are a future homeowner – not a future insurance agent.”

Sticking With You Beyond Closing Union Bank & Trust (UBT) offers a variety of products that can assist someone looking to enter the home buying process. This includes conventional loans, FHA/VA, NIFA, extended rate lock programs, and bridge loans, plus the ability to customize an inhouse loan for your particular situation. Their goal is to help make your dream of owning a home come true. They also retain the servicing on the majority of their loans, so you’ll have someone local to work with.

“We are unique in that we offer so many different programs for our buyers and we pride ourselves on a very high level of customer service,” shared Kelly Novotny, mortgage loan officer. “We have years of experience so we can help buyers with those tough decisions. Also, having local servicing is an added benefit of working with UBT. With all the summer storms we’ve had, it makes it nice for people to be able to talk to someone and see someone in person to help them with their Kelly Novotny insurance questions and checks. We strive Union Bank & Trust to give the best all-around service to our clients and let them know we are here not just through closing, but the entire life of the loan. The mortgage process has become transactional for many lenders, but at UBT we strive to create relationships and be there for our clients far into the future.”

With a rapid pace being the norm for the local market over the last three to four years, UBT knew a slowdown was in sight. While interest rates have increased, Kelly explained that historically, they are still very good. There are a limited number of houses on the market, which has also affected things for many buyers.

At the end of the day, however, Lincoln remains a great place to buy a home and invest in your future.

“The number one thing right now that I recommend to clients is to get pre-qualified,” said Kelly. “Doing so helps you get a leg up on other buyers and make an offer with confidence. We can typically have a letter to you in only 20 to 30 minutes so that you’re ready to go make an offer. Being prepared is key to getting the home that you really want! And in this competitive market, be patient — if you stick with the process, you will find a home that you love and that suits your needs.”

165 Years of Experience NP Dodge Real Estate has been a locally owned, Nebraska-based real estate company for over 165 years. NP Dodge is America’s only real estate company to be led by the same family and is one of the longest running family-operated businesses in the nation.

As the most experienced real estate company in the country, NP Dodge is passionate about real estate, the local communities, and helping clients make the best property investments.

We spoke with June Ring, realtor at NP Dodge, to learn more about how the company can help potential home buyers through the process.

“There are a lot of good companies out there, and competition is strong. However, I believe we stay on our A-Game by training and providing agents that offer quality support,” June shared. “Communication with one another and our leadership is pinnacle. I enjoy giving people the support they need in achieving their home buying or selling goals.”

June Ring NP Dodge Real Estate #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Call one of our independent agents for a customized quote today!

Cari Stone Nicole Bartzatt Chris Williamson Stephanie Wilson Mickena Richards

(402) 420-5353 3325 A Street, Lincoln, NE 68510

Ken Richards Owner

brokersinsuranceNE.com | staff@brokersinsuranceNE.com

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Though inventory was at an all-time low and some houses are still selling fast, June believes that the market is changing. She finds that people are being more cautious, taking their time, avoiding overspending, and trying to get a solid footing in the changing economy. June expects to see people begin to search for a home that is priced correctly.

“I strongly recommend to people to reach out for help,” said June.

“Realtors are connectors. We know a lot of people that can help you with preparing and getting ready for the next big thing in the buying or selling process. We also help you see the things you may have overlooked, and can make a stressful life change a lot easier. I’m always willing to sit down with folks and process their options, too. Sometimes it’s the right time to jump into the home buying process and sometimes it’s not, but I want to assure you that I’ll be there when you need me.”

Asking All the Right Questions The homeowner policy you select is an important piece of the home buying process. The polic y protects from unexpected losses to the home, which includes weather damage, fire, theft, burglary, and sewer back-up. To learn more about the importance of a good homeowner policy, we spoke with FNIC Sales Executive Matt Jensen.

“The most common misconception is that all homeowner policies are the same and Matt Jensen you are shopping around to find the lowest FNIC price,” Matt explained. “This could not be further from the truth. There are certain aspects you need to be aware of, and the one that I run into the most is how they offer settlements on roofs. Weather damage to roofs is

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the most common type of claim that homeowners file in Nebraska.

There are carriers that will change how they settle roof claims once the roofs are a certain age. Ideally, you would want a policy that offers replacement cost – no matter the age of the roof – which gives coverage for the value of replacing the roof, minus the deductible.”

Matt advises potential home buyers to ask about the age of the roof right away, as this is something that almost all insurance carriers will want to know. Not only can that have an effect on how the settlement is calculated, but it can also have an impact on premium. Matt has seen situations where the premium went down several thousand dollars on a homeowner policy when a 15-year-old roof was replaced with a new one. Insurance carriers know that is what they are paying out the most on, so most give a sizeable credit if the roof is newer.

“The other subject to talk about before purchasing a new home is if there had been any claims filed by the current owners,” Matt shared. “We run loss reports on properties when we are looking to insure a home. This tells us if the individual has filed any claims in the past few years, as well as if there have been any claims filed on the property. There have been some instances where we see claims have been filed on a property that someone is purchasing, and when we tell the home buyer about the claim, they know nothing about it. It is important to make sure that any claims the owner had filed actually had the repairs made and that they were made correctly. If it is known that the prior owner had been paid out for a claim, but did not make the repairs, it should be a big red flag for the buyer.”

Affordable Home Décor Moving into a new home is a great opportunity to swap out some of your old furniture for new styles, which Paisley Lynn Boutique Owners Cherie Anderson and Heather Chloupek love to help customers with. Their philosophy is to provide beautiful home décor

“I used Jayson to sell my home and the experience was excellent. Even when the buyer’s agent messed up, Jayson got us back on track and closed on the property. His attention to detail and professional manner is appreciated. We are using his skill on our current new build.” - Robert

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that doesn’t break the bank. Cherie and Heather encourage you to bring in a photo of the space you are looking to fill, and they’ll work their magic to help you create something unique that will really “wow” your guests at your housewarming party and beyond.

“We don’t see the trend of soft earth tones going away anytime soon,” said Cherie. “Personally, I love this trend as I feel these selections have a more timeless Cherie Anderson feel versus pieces that are bright and Paisley Lynn Boutique loud. Adding accent pieces can bring that pop of color you may be wanting without having to update the entire space, too. Tying into the earth tones are plants – which have always been a popular addition to homes, though we expect to see the selection of nature items for the home continue to grow.”

Cherie explained that texture plays a key role in how cozy a space feels, and as a result, plush textiles have become and continue to be a popular element in the home. Paisley Lynn offers throws, pillows, tea towels, and lots of lighting options to soften any space.

Another growing trend is the focus on utilizing all areas of the home, including the outdoor space for entertainment purposes.

Paisley Lynn can help homeowners add special touches with luminaries, pillows, flower pot picks, greenery, and wall hangings.

“In addition to finding unique, rare, and affordable pieces, our favorite activity is hosting private parties,” Cherie said. “You get to invite five or more guests for a private party, and we provide lite appetizers and drinks. All you have to do is invite and show up!

The host receives anywhere from 10-30% off their entire purchase and guests of the host receive 10% off, along with other perks.

It’s a fun, unique outing to eat, drink and shop with your friends.”

Loan Options to Meet Your Goals At Lincoln Federal Savings Bank (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender), you’ll find that they’re unique in the local market due to underwriting the majority of their loans in-house, as well as their variety of investors, lock options, and teams dedicated to providing quick loan approvals and turn times from application to closing. They’re a NIFA participating lender that offers products for first-time homebuyers that includes down payment assistance programs in conjunction with Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, VA, and FHA Loan products.

Angie Schwartz Lincoln Federal Savings Bank

“The current loan limit for a Conforming Loan in the Nebraska market is $647,200, which is backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,” shared Vice President/ Mortgage Loan Officer Angie Schwartz.

“These loans offer 10, 15, 20, and 30 year fixed rate loan products in addition to adjustable rate mortgages with 3, 5, 7, and 10 year fixed rate terms. For those clients seeking to finance a higher loan amount, we offer Jumbo Loans with fixed and adjustable rate terms. Most customers are surprised to learn that Jumbo loans currently offer rates starting .375% lower than Conforming Loan rates.”

For new construction, Lincoln Federal offers extended lock options that offer interest rate protection on permanent financing for clients who are building a new home. This eliminates stress for the customer and allows them to focus on the construction project, knowing that their rate is protected – and this is more important than ever in a rising rate environment.

“If you’re a first-time homebuyer, I strongly encourage you to meet with a lender early in the process, as it will help you to understand if you need to work on establishing credit, what your #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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potential monthly payment may be, and the various options for down payment assistance that are available to you right now so that you can start saving money and be more prepared financially when you’re ready to start looking at homes,” Angie said. “And as for any homebuyer, it’s so important to get pre-qualified. Take the time to meet with your preferred lender to discuss your budget and what purchase price and loan amounts meet your desired monthly payment based on current interest rates. Be prepared to explore interim or bridge financing options and review your current credit history and credit score, as this impacts your interest rate and loan options, as well.”

A Realtor with Construction Knowledge Buying a home is a very detailed process, so you don’t want to do it without the knowledge and resources to make it go smoothly. You want to work with a realtor you can trust—one who knows and loves Lincoln. That realtor is Jayson Becker of BancWise Realty. Jayson is driven by faith, honesty, and the belief that those who work the hardest will always win.

“What truly sets me apart as a realtor is my knowledge of new construction,” said Jayson. “I know the products that go Jayson Becker into a new house. My background in the BancWise Realty construction industry gives me a leg up when looking at existing homes and the potential problems or non-problems the buyer can expect.”

When you work with Jayson, he takes into consideration all of the important factors that influence your decision to purchase a home. This includes the location of the best schools or proximity to specific amenities. He takes every detail into consideration when august 2022 Strictly Business

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representing you, as his goal is to create a warm and welcoming home-buying experience for you and your family.

“You have an abundance of options in choosing your realtor,” said Jayson. “Give me an interview and I will show you what makes me different. I am full time—not part time—in this business. I answer my phone and return my calls. I am honest and fair and will treat you no differently than I would treat my own mother.”

Keep the Home Buying Process Local The process of buying a home is made more comforting – especially when you’re new to the process – when you know that your loan is being serviced locally; in other words, the bank is not selling the servicing of your home loan to another bank. You can find this advantage at West Gate Bank, where you will have the comfort in knowing that you’ll be working with and speaking to someone local for anything that may arise. Their processing, closing, and underwriting teams are all local and on-site as well to assist with questions that need answers.

Matt Melichar West Gate Bank

“We pride ourselves in being able to offer a wide array of home loan programs such as, but not limited to: conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and NIFA,” shared Matt Melichar, mortgage loan officer. “We also provide our Jumbo Portfolio loan option to customers that have a loan need above the standard limits. Higher input costs and rising purchase prices have caused this to be a popular option. For new construction homes, we offer extended lock mortgage loans up to nine months in advance of the completion.”

You may now understand that West Gate Bank is not by any means a “one-size-fits-all” bank; they can

tailor your loan to your specific needs or financial situation. Matt stressed the importance of getting pre-approved as soon as you can, not only to understand what you can afford, but to also use it as an opportunity to ask questions and better understand the process as a whole. When you take care of your financing first, you’ll be able to find the home of your dreams with confidence, knowing that it is within your budget.

“Interest rates have steadily been rising this year, and it seems that we are starting to see the demand and competition amongst buyers lighten up a bit,” Matt shared. “The result of these current trends has hopefully given those looking to buy a better opportunity to have their offer accepted while maybe not having to get as aggressive on the purchase price and other terms. If the supply of homes continues to grow and buyer demand continues to drop, we will hopefully see rates begin to stabilize and the inflated home prices flatten. Give us a call today to see how we can help you take advantage of this!”

Experience that Shows Realtors are here to help you navigate the home buying process and find you the perfect home, despite the intense market. When it comes to finding a realtor, the options can be overwhelming, but experience is a good factor to start with. Deb Wagner with Nebraska Realty has been in the real estate business for 20 years and works with both buyers and sellers in existing homes, new construction, acreages, and lots. With her market knowledge, she is familiar with the trends and can advise you on how much to offer for the home you want to purchase.

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“Negotiating is a big aspect of the home buying transaction, but it’s not always the easiest,” said Deb. “As your realtor, I can help you create an offer that is reflective of both the market and your budget.”

With her experience and practice in the real estate field, you are sure to have an easier time finding the best home for you and your family in today’s market.

HOME SWEET L AN Bringing Lincoln home since 1906.

The Importance of an Inspection We can’t place enough emphasis on this statement – a home is likely to be the largest purchase you may make in your lifetime.

This is why it is extremely important to gather as much information as possible about the property you are looking to purchase. A great place to turn to in order to have a thorough inspection of your home is King’s Home Inspections, LLC.

Randy King King's Home Inspections, LLC

“You need to know the overall condition of the property, the status of various systems in your home, the life expectancy and condition, upcoming repairs and replacements, and possible upgrades that can improve the efficacy and value of the house,” said Owner Randy King.

“Unfortunately I have heard many horror stories from this last year of people being very disappointed and facing unnecessary repairs that could have been dealt with at time of purchase, had proper inspections been conducted.”

It was just a year ago when we spoke with Randy about many homebuyers in Lincoln choosing to forego the inspections due to a rush to grab whatever property was available. Sellers were in a position to accept a cash offer; people were bidding houses up, often giving 10, 20, or 30 thousand or more over asking price – sometimes buying sight unseen. Randy explained that this is dangerous and reflected an extreme example of supply and demand. Now that supply has increased a little and mortgage interest rates have risen, the demand and accompanying frenzy in purchasing real estate has eased.

“The prudent buyer/investor wants to gather as much information about their purchase as possible, not only to alert them of possible problem areas or upcoming replacement, but to allow them to re-negotiate a more accurate price for the property,” said Randy.

“The demand is still high, but as new properties are completed and more units become available, demand has eased slightly. Interest rates show no signs of falling; indeed, the signs are they will increase, and of course, inflation has taken a lot of buying power out of your dollar. This has shifted the price range of housing the consumer is able to consider. With that in mind, it is more critical than ever to have a home inspection prior to purchase.”

Chris Elgert

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Storage Made Easy Often in the home building or buying process, a homeowner finds that they need to store additional items for a variety of reasons.

Whether it be to reduce clutter, showcase open space in a home, or store items in between the sale of one home and the move to the new home, Store It All can help make that process easier.

With modern, clean, 24-hour video-secured units, and a variety of sizes, a homeowner will have peace of mind knowing their prized possessions are safe and sound with Store It All. The best part?

They make renting easy! Simply visit www.StoreItAllLincoln.com and complete the quick online rental process or call their office at (402) 975-2244.

House Shopping Made Fun Whether you’re buying your first home, your dream home, or your tenth investment property, Professional Realty Group of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (PRG) understands how important and #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Moving into a new home is an exciting event. From planning what will be going to the new space and what to do with the stuff that doesn’t fit, it is easier knowing that you have a secure space to store items during the move and after.

Store It All can help. We offer a wide variety of units within a gated, code access perimeter with surveillance cameras to ensure a secure facility. The entire property is well-lit, including lighting inside each unit, with wide drive-up access.

Store It All makes renting quick and easy, whether you rent online, call or stop by our office. Visit today and receive 50% off your first full month’s rent!

big of an investment buying a home is. That’s why they have an army of experts ready to make sure they find the best property for your unique circumstances.

“When buying a home, start by making a wish list and setting a budget,” said Ben Bleicher, team lead and realtor. “We can help you choose a lender to get you pre-approved for a loan, and then you're ready to start house hunting. Search for your dream home on our website: www. prg-ne.com. You can even compare walk scores, school ratings, and neighborhood demographics for different listings.”

When you save a search on PRG’s website, any new homes matching your wish list criteria Ben Bleicher will be delivered straight to your inbox the PRG of Berkshire moment they go up for sale. When you find a Hathaway home you love, your agent will help you submit HomeServices an offer. PRG’s agents are skilled negotiators that know how to get you the best price and value possible. Once an offer has been accepted, they'll help you navigate through inspections, appraisals, and closing in a stress-free way. They do all of this at no cost to you, the buyer, as they are compensated by the sellers.

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“Client satisfaction is our priority, and I won’t be satisfied until you are,” Ben shared. “In order to best serve you, I’m available all hours, seven days a week, and can give my critical opinion on any houses you may look at to protect you from buyer’s remorse. I also offer resources that will allow you to find listings before the general public is aware of them, which alleviates you from competition and overpaying. I want to show you how fun house shopping can be...the way it should be!”

Custom Furniture and Accessories for the Home If you love the charm and comfort of timeless but unique, rustic design, Barnwood & Leather can make sure you achieve a look that suits your personality and complements your new home. Barnwood & Leather’s pieces include custom-designed leather and fabric home furniture and a wide variety of solid wood dining, kitchen, bar, and occasional tables.

“Our goal is to work with other small business owners who manufacture American-made furniture products or who offer high-quality pieces from outside of the USA,” said Brenda Clark, who co-owns the business with her husband, Mike. “We are thrilled to exclusively offer unique, American-made barnwood furniture that come from the north-central United States and are made by craftsmen who pride themselves on creating each piece. We also proudly offer a line of handcrafted dining and bedroom furniture Brenda Clark pieces made of American hardwoods as well as upholstered and fine leather living room Barnwood & Leather furniture manufactured in the USA.” Barnwood & Leather was born from the desire to find unique furniture that would fit just as comfortably in a home in the city or on an acreage as it would in a lake cabin.

“Our customers love the warm, inviting feel they create in their homes when they add furniture made from repurposed, natural materials,” Brenda said.

Barnwood & Leather continues to expand its furniture lines and home accessories selections for its customers. They can specialorder many of their pieces so that customers have the right size and configurations, as well as fabrics, leathers, woods, and colors, to fit their space and their aesthetic desires for their home.

Ready to make the first move on purchasing your future home? You’ve got this! We encourage you to work with these local experts for a smooth and enjoyable experience. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Employing Lincoln

Every month, Strictly Business celebrates the accomplishments of local businesses and highlights the excellent products and services they provide in their fields. Our quarterly Employing Lincoln feature is an opportunity for these businesses and organizations to also promote themselves as a great place to work and share with our readers what positions they are hiring for.

Having a good employer brand is so important. Recruiting.com backs this up in a recent blog post, stating that “With national unemployment rates below 4%, the war for talent is fierce and to get the right candidates in the right positions, your recruiting strategy can no longer be passive. To stay ahead of your competition, your organization needs to invest in building an authentic and compelling employer brand.”

At Strictly Business, we truly believe that Lincoln is a wonderful place to live, WORK, and play. We are honored to partner with so many amazing employers, and we are proud to tell you a little bit about a few of them in this feature. Whether you have recently found yourself “between jobs” or you’re curious about pursuing a new passion, we encourage you to read through the following write-ups to learn about employment opportunities at some amazing local companies. In addition, if you are currently with a company that is looking to add people to your team, please reach out to Strictly Business about participating in our next employment feature!

Commonwealth E l e c t r i c C o m p a ny of the Midwest was voted one of Lincoln’s Best Places to Work in 2022! As a leading electrical and low voltage contractor in the Midwest and Southwest, we are constantly striving to exceed the needs and expectations of our customers. We complete some of the largest and most complex projects in the industry, all while fostering a fun work environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and advance their careers.

From field technicians to administrative staff, our people are our greatest asset here at Commonwealth Electric. Since the company’s inception in 1987, we have grown to employ over 950 individuals across our nine branch locations and are continuing to grow!

Commonwealth Electric is always looking for individuals to join our team who are empowered, customer-focused, have strong character, and practice masterful work in their field. To see our open positions, please visit commonwealthelectric.com/careers.

We are proud to be 100% employee-owned company through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan. This plan has translated into higher levels of productivity, marketplace success, employee retention, and at its core, pride in being an owner. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

First Nebraska Credit Union is a local, memberowned, and not-for-profit Credit Union. We have five branches in the Omaha and Lincoln area, and are always looking for people who have a passion for helping people! The best way to tell you who we are is to hear it straight from our employees: “This is the most inclusive and positive work environment I have ever worked in. Everyone is eager to offer their expertise and help in every situation. We have the best management team in the business. We are like a big family and that includes our members. I know almost every member that walks into my branch, and they are appreciative of the first standards service they receive.” – Nicco “It feels good having a management team that makes sure you have the tools you need to succeed in your role, along with helping you advance when the opportunity presents itself! I’ve always felt like a valued employee at FNCU, and I’m happy working for a company that puts members and employees first.” – Heather “Being new to the professional workforce, I am so grateful to have been accepted by my peers and appreciated for my knowledge and skills, while also being encouraged to grow and learn even more.” – Andy You’ll find friendly people and competitive benefits at First Nebraska Credit Union! Visit firstnebraska.org/careers to apply! august 2022 Strictly Business 77

ServiceMaster Professional Building Maintenance (ServiceMaster PBM) employs professional cleaners, floor tec hnicians, and certified sanitation technicians who are trained, certified, screened, and tested to ensure top-quality service for our customers. As ServiceMaster is growing and expanding our services, we are always looking to add to our team! We have full-time and parttime day and evening shifts available.

ServiceMaster PBM now offers new and updated pay rates for all positions. We are a locally owned and managed company that offers great perks and benefits such as flexible scheduling, onsite training, employee bonuses, hiring bonuses, employee incentives, recognition, referral programs, and opportunities for tremendous growth. We are one of the few in the industry to offer paid time off! All ServiceMaster employees are eligible for bonuses, PTO, and paid holidays. Please call (402) 476-2194 or visit www.smpbm. com for more information on current employment opportunities available or for a free quote on janitorial services for your office.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

- C. S. Lewis

Besides offering the best fence and netting design and installation services in town, Empire Netting and Fence is an amazing place to work.

Matt Warner, owner of Empire, is committed to making the work experience an environment where each person can use their God-given talents and strengths to contribute to the team. Developing culture begins with building a strong company purpose, in which each member of the team is valued and not limited to how far they move up within the company.

Empire Netting and Fence is always looking for individuals who are highly motivated. Currently, they are hiring for all positions—entry-level field positions, project management, residential and commercial fence installers, equipment operators, and welders—and these are for both local and travel crews. The installation team is the “front line” of Empire’s mission to provide quality fence and netting installations and build relationships that last a lifetime. The main requirements are a positive attitude and the ability to work well in a team environment. Offering competitive compensation plans including 401K, health, dental, and life insurance, Empire has an entrepreneurial environment where hard work and ambition are rewarded with promotion and opportunities.

Empire Netting and Fence has grown nationwide as a go-to company for sports netting and field construction. Whether it is baseball, softball, soccer, or golf; indoor or outdoor; little league or major league; Empire is the company for you! Empire services the Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding areas in residential and commercial fence installations. Also servicing nationwide for commercial fencing and netting. For questions about career opportunities, call (402) 682-7658 or email them at info@ empire-fence.com. For more information about the company, visit empire-fence.com.

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We ’ r e p r o u d to be insurance nerds at FNIC! But why? Insurance is so boring. Not at FNIC, we are always learning something new and building meaningful relationships all while maintaining our work/life balance through a reduced work week and work from home options. We’re looking to the future and to make it another 100 years we need dedicated and motivated team members.

FNIC was named one of the Best Places to Work in Omaha for 2022, and we’re hiring! Our current openings include account assistants, account managers, and sales executives. Learn more about FNIC and our career opportunities at www.fnicgroup.com/careers.

Your money has above a n d b eyo n d p e o p l e — Union Bank & Trust is not only recognized locally for this catc hy (and truthful) campaign that resonates with its customers and employees, but is also nationally recognized for both its customer service and great culture. With a family-first culture, community focus, and genuine interest in the well-being of its employees, UBT is comprised of authentic, talented people who really care.

From salaries and benefits to time off and wellness initiatives, our work environment keeps our employees engaged, challenged, and rewarded. Are you ready to join the UBT family and see for yourself that you belong here? Visit the Careers page at www. ubt.com/careers or email careers@ubt.com. Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC.

CFO Systems is a nationwide fir m founded in 2004 to provide practical, experienced financial, human resources, and procurement leadership to small and middle-market organizations of all industries. Our vision is to be a collaborative partner who helps our clients grow to their full potential under a fractional, timeshare, and/or interim basis. Headquartered in Omaha and named on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies for five years, we are a team of CFOs, controllers, accountants, finance, supply chain, and HR experts from coast to coast with directors in multiple locations with a significant presence in the Midwest.

CFO Systems Search & Staffing (CFOS3) was founded in 2019.

With a local, regional, and national reach, CFOS3 offers opportunities in a diverse range of businesses, industries, and areas of accounting and finance. Our own background in Big 4 accounting firms, Fortune 500 corporations, and regional companies offers our clients and candidates distinct insights and expertise. Our services are built to suit your needs. At CFOS3, our selection methodology is detailed, personal, rigorous, and proven, and allows us to build lasting relationships that span careers and spur continued growth.

Learn more about careers at CFO Systems online at www. cfosystemsllc.com or email careers@cfosystemsLLC.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

As the state’s quality award-winning senior care expert, nonprofit Ta b i t h a e m p o w e r s people to live joyfully, age gratefully. Supporting Nebraskans since 1886, Tabitha employs nearly 1,000 team members offering results-driven rehabilitation, accessible at-home home health care, innovative living communities, resourceful serious illness support and compassionate hospice services.

For a limited time, Tabitha is promoting a “Mega Bonus Blitz” for new, full-time, living community hires, featuring bonuses paid out every pay period over two years. Registered Nurses (RN) earn $24,000, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) $18,000, Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Medication Aides $12,000, and food service workers $6,000. New hires and existing team members are also eligible for a matching referral bonus for recruiting these positions. View bonus details at TABITHA.ORG/BONUS. A top finalist in the 2022 Lincoln’s Choice Awards for “Best Work Environment,” Tabitha offers a wide range of rewarding careers in compassion and opportunities for advancement and growth.

A career at Tabitha includes variety, flexibility, competitive benefits, and—most importantly—work with a purpose. Learn more and view current job listings at TABITHA.ORG/CAREERS.

What makes Lutheran Family Services unique is the passion that employees have for the work they do and the communities they serve.

LFS has three primary areas of business focus: Adoption and Foster Care, Behavioral Health, and Community Services & Refugee Resettlement.

LFS has over over 300 employees, all of whom support the needs and work of these programs. It takes considerable expertise in the areas of human services, cultural competency, and emotional intelligence to support an organization with a mission that touches the lives of so many people.

LFS has been a state leader in adoption services for 130 years.

LFS provides counseling services and support to expectant parents related to pregnancy and support resources.

LFS is also a leader in the field of Behavioral Health. LFS offers support to clients in the areas of Adult, Children, and Integrated Care.

In 2022, LFS helped meet the needs of the global community when over 600 families from Afghanistan made their way to the Omaha area. LFS caseworkers were on-site at Eppley Airport to welcome these families, and to help settle them in the community.

LFS offers outstanding benefits: • Competitive compensation • 403(b) plan with a company match up to 5% • Pay increases for obtaining behavior health licensures • Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans • Six weeks of paid parental leave • Two to four weeks of paid vacation per year • Paid sick leave and disability benefits • Telecommuting for certain roles • Paid Winter Break (LFS closes from December 24 - January 1) • Four paid personal days per year • Bereavement leave (to include pet bereavement) To learn more about career opportunities at Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, visit www.lfsneb.org/careers. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

“Find out what you like doing best, and get someone to pay you for it.”

- Katharine Whitehorn

Embracing God’s call, Mosaic relentlessly pursues opportunities that empower people.

Mosaic ser ves more than 5,200 people in 13 states and 750 communities. Services are tailored to meet individual needs and goals, allowing people to be as independent as possible. Services are designed for people with disabilities, mental and behavioral health needs, and autism, as well as aging adults. By joining Mosaic, you become part of a global mission advocating for and with people with diverse healthcare needs, providing opportunities for them to live their best life.

Mosaic is currently looking for a direct support professional.

This position can be full-time, part-time, or on an on-call basis.

In this position, you will: • Train and develop daily living skills and life activities for the people we serve • Provide quality ser vices to people we suppor t Be responsible for the health, safety, and emotional support of the people we serve • Electronically document the services and supports provided Requirements for this position include being at least 18 years of age and having a valid U.S. driver’s license, where applicable.

There are no experience or educational requirements needed, you just have to have a desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Mosaic provides thorough training.

You can expect frequent physical activity, including extended periods of standing, walking, and bending with occasional periods of sitting, kneeling, climbing, stooping, crouching, squatting, and balancing. The work also requires constant reaching between knee and shoulder level as well as frequent reaching below knee level and overhead. There are occasional times you will have to be able to independently lift up to 25lbs, push/pull up to 40lbs of force, or safely transfer up to 50lbs.

To learn more about career opportunities at Mosaic, visit www. mosaicinfo.org/careers or contact TA Outreach Coordinator Tabatha Ingram at tabatha.ingram@mosaicinfo.org / (402) 235-8203.

DON’T MISS OUT! This is an excellent opportunity for your business or organization to promote yourself as a great place to work!

The next Employing Lincoln feature will be in the November 2022 issue.

Please call (402) 466-3330 or email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com if you are interested in participating! august 2022 Strictly Business

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