Strictly Business Lincoln - March 2022

STRICTLY-BUSINESS.COM

LINCOLN • MARCH 2022 TM

PEMBERLY PLACE Now an MJ Senior Living Community

• WORKPLACE WELLNESS • COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION • JOINING ORGANIZATIONS

CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS

• SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE • MIDTOWN BODY & PAINT • FNBO • RED CLOVER MARKET • PRG OF WOODS BROS REALTY • DESTINATION: LAS VEGAS

BLAKE THOMAS

EVAN GREEN

ANDY LANE

ADAM LOWNEY

COREY HASELHORST

ERICA VOSSLER

CCA Home Care

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate

Ole’s Boot & Shoe Repair

REGA Engineering Group

Dammi Dammi

SP Group, P.C.

Z.A.A. Inc./Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397 Lincoln, NE 68505

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March 2022 Strictly Business

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letteR FRoM the pReSiDent

PaIGE ZUTaVErN - President (402) 730-0096 | Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

let’s get physical!

No, I’m not talking about Olivia NewtonJohn’s song that took over every group fi tness class in the 80s—I’m talking about physical advertising. Print media. Tangible marketing. Of course, as the owner of two print publications, I’m an advocate for print advertising, but do you know who else supports print advertising? Science! That’s right, there is scientific research that reveals how the human brain interacts with advertising, and it doesn’t all favor digital marketing as some may assume.

I stand behind online and social media advertising—there is definitely a need for it and it’s effective—Strictly Business has a very strong presence online and on social media ourselves! But no marketer should ignore the fact that print still carries its weight in the game. For some marketing goals, print is actually more effective.

longer-lasting impact for easy recall when making a purchase decision. Most importantly, physical ads triggered activity in the area of the brain (ventral striatum) that is responsible for value and desirability for featured products, which can signal a greater intent to purchase.”

That’s what our ads are for right? Creating awareness and, ultimately, selling our products/services. I think it’s great to have this knowledge when making marketing decisions. There are a lot of companies that have subscribed to the school of thought that print is dead and that just simply isn’t true. Print is strong and effective.

“Companies that want to generate a more accurate memory of an ad, for better recall during a purchase, would be served best by physical ads.”

A couple of years ago, Temple University gathered consumer neuroscience researchers for a study conducted with the U.S. Post Office, and they found significant differences in the way our brains process print ads vs. digital ads. According to a blog post by Neuroscience Marketing (www.neurosciencemarketing.com) breaking down the results of the study, here was the main takeaway from the synopsis of the study: Though digital ads were processed quicker, after a week, subjects showed greater emotional response and memory for physical media ads. The physical ads caused more activity in brain areas associated with value and desire, meaning a stronger chance of purchasing.

“When viewing physical ads, participants had a stronger emotional response and remembered them better. Physical ads, though slower to get one’s attention at first exposure, leave a

According to the study, “digital ads may provide a cost effective option for companies that are trying to get consumers’ attention to quickly understand a marketing message. However, companies that want to generate a more accurate memory of an ad, for better recall during a purchase, would be served best by physical ads.”

Strictly Business is proud to be in print and online, and we are active on social media as well. When a business advertises with us, they are putting their branding in front of our large local audience in a meaningful and MEMORABLE way. We are also all about putting a face to the business or organization name, as you can see through our Personnel News section, the Star City Sixes, feature stories, and more. If you’re interested in advertising with Strictly Business, please reach out to me. I’d love to tell you about how easy we make it for our clients by taking care of the ad design and professional writing for them, if they need it, at no extra cost. Plus, all the free, value-added editorial we give to our advertisers takes their marketing dollars way further than other media outlets. So, “let’s get physical!”

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

CONTENTS

NEWS 4 Business 27 Personnel

38 Nonprofit 51 Health

SPOTLIGHTS Southeast Community College

49 54 56 58 60 80

Midtown Body & Paint FNBO Red Clover Market PRG of Woods Bros Realty Destination: Las Vegas

FEATURE STORIES 63 Workplace Wellness

68 Commercial Construction 77 Joining Organizations 2 Strictly Business March 2022

ASK THE EXPERT 19 ComPro Insurance COLUMNS 20 Star City Six 55 57 59 61

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

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aBOUT ThE cOVEr

Pemberly Place

Now an MJ Senior Community in Lincoln MJ Senior Living has announced the beginning of a new partnership with Pemberly Place Senior Living located on Pine Lake and Hwy 2 in Lincoln. Pemberly Place Senior Living offers 120 apartments of independent living, assisted living, and memory care assisted living. Through a new strategic partnership with Pemberly’s ownership, MJ is excited to bring their experience and services to this senior living campus. From the carefully created assisted living environment to their signature Providence Place Memory Care Program, MJ is looking forward to bringing all the “feels” of the entire MJ culture to Pemberly in the days and months ahead. Residents will enjoy personalized attentive care along with a life filled with engagement and purpose.

MJ Senior Living is based in Wahoo, NE, and has over 25 years of successful Senior Living Community ownership and management experience. MaryLynne Bolden and Jason Lange are the co-founders and owners of MJ Senior Living. Serving people is their number one priority.

“While acquiring an existing community always has its challenges, the impact we will make for the team and residents always reminds us it’s worth it,” said Jason Lange.

“Not only has the Pemberly Place team embraced and welcomed the change, but they have also exceeded our expectations in adopting our MJ values of Courage, Leadership, and Excellence,” Bolden said. “At MJ, we always say that we are people of value who value people. This attitude must come through in everything we do for our residents and each other. That thought process sets us apart and we’re proud of it.”

MJ Senior Living is already familiar with senior living in the Lincoln area from its existing ownership and management of Fallbrook Assisted Living & Memory Care. MJ built and opened Fallbrook in 2018. With this new addition of Pemberly Place Senior Living, MJ will be meeting the needs of seniors in both North and South Lincoln.

MJ Senior Living also manages and owns seven other Nebraska senior living communities in Ashland, Bellevue, Fremont, Hastings, and LaVista. Learn more about MJ online at www.mjseniorhousing.com.

Pemberly Place (402) 413-9770 “This partnership is exciting,” said MaryLynne Bolden. www.pemberlyplace.com “We love making a difference for others. The residents, team, and our ownership partner deserve our very best. The residents and team have welcomed us with open arms. It’s been an incredible 60 days so far. We are proud of this team.”

The MJ Senior Housing team knows from their many years of experience, change is difficult for any organization. There’s no doubt, MJ comes with a strong culture as well as high expectations and standards.

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

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March 2022 Strictly Business

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BUSineSS neWS eCR Announces Addition of project Future Child Development Center in the highlands

i’senChel to help Solve Workforce Crisis through Free Unemployment Auditing App

Ted and Robin Eschliman of Eschliman Commercial Real Estate (ECR) are proud to announce the addition of the Project Future Child Development Center’s new 4,995-square-foot Highlands location at 4901 NW 1st St.

i'senCHel (pronounced like "essential") has created a secured software application that helps verify employment status and hold ableworkers accountable. i'senCHel allows businesses and government entities to look up and report candidates on their free unemployment auditing platform.

If you're an employer that is tired of going through the process of setting up interviews with applicants just for them to no call, no show, turn to i'senCHel. "Employers need help with retention, but there is no system in place nation-wide to hold candidates and employees accountable for career commitment," said a representative from i'senCHel. "We are all wondering where are all the qualified and committed candidates going? With i’senCHel, we have created a thriving community and database that will help foster communication between government agencies, such as State Workforces and the Department of Labor, and employers throughout the United States."

Previously known as Kelly’s Kids, Project Future Highlands is a licensed daycare center offering childcare in a group environment. Since acquiring Kelly’s Kids in January, Project Future Highlands is now actively enrolling for all classrooms. ECR represented the previous owner in the sale of the business to Project Future Highlands as well as leasing the space in the building to Project Future.

Eschliman Commercial Real Estate is comprised of husband and wife duo Ted and Robin Eschliman, and together they provide site selection services for office, retail, warehouse, land, and commercial investment prospects, as well as listing and consulting services. They produce an economic development show titled “Grow Lincoln” on 1400 KLIN AM that covers businesses opening, closing, moving, and expanding, as well as local guest interviews. Listen to their show online at facebook. com/growlincoln. For more information about Eschliman Commercial Real Estate, visit their website www.ecrproperty.com or contact them at (402) 420-3239 / info.ecrproperty@gmail.com.

new generation Construction to present hotel indigo Story at CSi expo March 10 New Generation Construction (NGC) will present “The Hotel Indigo Downtown Omaha Story” at the CSI Expo on Thursday, March 10 at the Scott Conference Center in Omaha. Beginning at 5:15 p.m., NGC’s Senior Project Manager Taylor Shapland, Lead Superintendent Cory Claussen, and Superintendent Ryan Moore will be on stage sharing their experiences from a general contractor’s perspective. This tale will be told from beginning to end with project photos, plus all the nuances, challenges, and solutions the teams and partners contended with to successfully transform the 103-year-old Logan Building in to a historical landmark hotel with modern amenities.

The amazing restoration-preservation of the 95,322-square-foot, 90-room building includes a marble staircase, exterior façade, brick, terra cotta, and patina. New elements include: flooring, carpet, tile, furniture, lighting, drapery, doors, windows, trim, decoration, hardware, television monitors, and sprinkler systems. Hotel Indigo Downtown Omaha is now open and taking reservations.

i’senCHel is here to help advance unemployment auditing to the future. Every business is feeling the extremities of not having enough workers. From restaurants, hotels, schools to executive offices, they are all spread-thin and so are their loyal staff. Stop the no call no shows, ghosting, and overworked workers right at its root. Visit www.isenchel.com to create a free business or agency account today, or scan the QR code.

tailored Dreams Celebrates 10 Years of helping lincoln Ride in Style On March 6, 2012, Tyler and DeeDee Loomis started Tailored Dreams Limousines with just one limousine. They have since grown their fleet to include six party buses that have offered countless memories to the Lincoln, Omaha, and nearby communities. “ Ta i l o r e d D r e a m s h a s b e e n privileged to offer party bus ser vices to the Lincoln and surrounding communities for 10 years,” shared Tyler and DeeDee. “We look forward to being able to continue providing you with the service to make your party bus activities a success.”

Visit csinebraska.org to attend the Expo, or go to ihg.com/ hotelindigo or ngcgroupinc.com for more details.

Their reputation for delivering a fun time has spread. Take it from one of their recent clients: “We just wanted to extend a huge thank you for making our Party Bus experience so phenomenal.

The chauffeur was amazing, and the experience was nothing shor t of a blast. They kept the party bumping when we couldn’t decide on music, and kept everyone having a great time.”

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 headquarters is located in Lincoln with a sister office in Omaha. NGC’s core service area is the Central Mid-West, with teams serving many states beyond. Learn more at ngcgroupinc.com.

4 Strictly Business March 2022

Tailored Dreams Limousines specializes in wedding parties, birthdays, holiday outings, and other special occasions!

To learn more or inquire about booking a party bus, visit www.tailoreddreamslimousines.com or contact them at (402) 8893870 / tailoreddreamslimousines@gmail.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSineSS neWS FNIC Announces New Office Location in West haymarket District The previous Lincoln office of FNIC at 233 S 13th St. was home to the team for the past 26 years. In May of 2021, the team moved to the Canopy Lofts building in Lincoln’s West Haymarket District with their affiliate, FNBO. The move provided added convenience for their visitors and clients. The space is a combined insurance services and banking center, a model that has been successful with other FNIC agency and FNBO branch locations, and they are glad to bring it to the Lincoln area.

“The new office has created additional opportunities for relationship building with our partners at FNBO and with our clients,” said Account Manager Beth Ford. She enjoys establishing new personal connections and having one-on-one discussions with clients.

FNIC is a regional market leader for insurance and financial benefits.

Their clients and company partners recognize the innovation and lengths they go to understand their operations and risk initiatives.

FNIC is headquartered in Omaha with branch locations across Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and Illinois. Their team of over 250 employees supports multiple insurance products and risk management services and truly operates as an extension of your business. FNIC offers Commercial Insurance, Farm and Crop Insurance, Employee Benefits, Surety Bonds, and Personal Insurance to fit your unique needs. For questions about FNIC, contact Community Leader Chris Smith or Chief Sales Officer Amy Argo at (402) 861-7000 / ContactFNIC@fnicgroup.com.

lincoln Chamber to host Welcome Reception for new president Jason Ball March 15 The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them in welcoming their new president, Jason Ball, to Lincoln. The welcome reception will be held on Tuesday, March 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Delray 817, located at 817 R St. Jason is a true champion of business and brings both a history with the Lincoln Chamber and a proven track record of success back to Lincoln. He previously served as president of the Round Rock, TX Chamber of Commerce, Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, and Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber. An active member of the International Economic Development Council, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Jason will utilize his extensive experience to lead the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to drive economic growth and policy initiatives to shape the future business landscape of Lincoln.

This event is FREE to attend for Chamber members. Visit lcoc.com/ event/11280813-welcome-jason-ball to register.

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 five-star 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. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

nebraskaknockerball.com | (402) 460-8724

Physically Engaging

Fun For All Ages

Nebraska

BOOK SIGNING

R. Heather Ropes AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR OF

Pencil Strokes: An Affirmation Coloring Book First Friday April 1, 2022 5:30-7 PM A Novel Idea Bookstore 118 N 14th St. Lincoln, NE

March 2022 Strictly Business

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BUSineSS neWS Flicker promotions Undergoes total Rebrand, Stands out with Fresh new look

Avid Realty opens in lincoln, provides Clients with Real estate Services

Flicker, a full-service promotional products firm owned and operated

by Lincoln native Amy Doele, has undergone a total rebrand. The look has moved on from an orange accent to hot pink with a clever design—is it an upside down “i” or an exclamation point? You can be the judge. Either way, it’s an exciting transformation in the business’s six-year history.

Avid Realty opened in the Lincoln market in December 2021. Avid Reality is 100% locally owned, founded by Theron Ahlman and Kyle Gabriel. Their mission is to help clients who are looking to buy or sell a home, complex, or commercial real estate. Avid Realty is a real estate brokerage based on being honest, having integrity, and being passionate about helping new and existing clients. They strive to go above and beyond for each individual client, connecting them with whatever service is needed.

“We wanted to refresh the brand with a new energy,” said Amy. “We love products that are new, bold, and different. Our logo reflects that now.”

Brands come to Flicker Promotions because they want to stand out.

They want to make a statement, leave an impression, and build a connection. Helping stressed out marketing departments and business owners is what Flicker does best. Clients no longer need to comb the Internet to find the latest trend. They relieve the stress of looking for just the right thing for the just the right time. Not only do they handle the entire ordering process, they track what you’ve done in the past so your marketing strategy is seamless and works together to showcase your brand in the best light. When you work with Flicker, you’re not working with just another vendor - you’re working with a marketing partner. “Flicker – Your Brand. Our Magic.” To learn more, contact Amy directly at (402) 817-4882 / adoele@flickerpromotions.com.

home Care partners Receives 2022 Best of home Care - leader in training Award Home Care Partners has received the 2022 Best of Home Care – Leader in Training Award from Home Care Pulse, the leading firm in experience management for home care. The Leader in Training Award recognizes home care businesses that consistently provide an outstanding level of staff education. As a Leader in Training, Home Care Partners is now recognized among the top 25% of home care providers participating in the nationwide Home Care Pulse Training Program.

This accomplishment demonstrates Home Care Partner’s dedication to excellent care and employment. To qualify for this award, Home Care Partners implemented HCP Training to provide specialized education for their caregivers. Home Care Partners achieved a high level of staff participation in continuing education, as well as an average of at least eight courses completed by each participant.

“It was an unexpected honor to receive this award,” said Andrew Carlson, managing partner. “As an industry, home care aides do not receive enough hours of training. Our training program provides over 300% more training hours than the national average. This is one of the keys to our success in becoming known as a high-quality care provider.”

Home Care Partners embodies a Culture of Caring to serve seniors in and around our community. As an affordable and comparable alternative or complement to independent and assisted living, they provide additional support when needed for those already living in a senior community. For more information visit www. homecarepartnersofnebraska.com or call (402) 780-1211.

6 Strictly Business March 2022

Located in the trade center at 5931 S 58th St., Avid Realty welcomes anyone who wants to stop by and check out their new office, potentially leaving with Avid Realty merchandise as they work hard to brand themselves in the Lincoln community. One big way they are doing this is by sponsoring the SportsMod Division at Eagle Raceway!

Avid Realty’s team of professionals includes a marketing designer, transaction coordinator, certified senior advisor, and a military relocation specialist, among others—all ready to serve and support clients on their home buying and selling journeys. Visit www.avidrealty.com for more information, or contact info@avid-realty.com / (402) 413-2255 with any questions.

liBA to partner with the Career Academy to host Career Fair for liBA and tCA Students The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) and The Career Academy (TCA) have partnered up for an exclusive opportunity for LIBA members. The two will jointly host a career fair for LIBA members and TCA students on Friday, March 11 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8800 O St. The career fair will provide the opportunity for local businesses to showcase themselves to 800 students from Lincoln and surrounding areas to hire for summer positions, internships, and promote their industry to prospective students. TCA is for high school juniors and seniors and currently has 566 students enrolled, with 700 students projected for the 2022–23 school year. They provide 18 college and career oriented pathways, including skilled trades, IT, human service occupations, business, health science, and Ag-bio. TCA also provides business partner opportunities for students, including field trips, guest speakers, job opportunities, and philanthropic giving.

TCA has a goal to strengthen the connection of their students with the business community. The partnership with LIBA and the career fair will provide the opportunity for businesses and students to interact and learn more about each other and future career opportunities.

More information about TCA can be found athome.lps.org/tca, or email Director Josh Jones at jjones7@lps.org.

The Lincoln Independent Business Association provides leadership and educational opportunities to the business community, educating the public concerning the vital role of business in the creation of meaningful jobs and in meeting the payrolls that allow citizens to enjoy the quality of life. LIBA communicates concerns of the business community with elected officials at all levels of local government, supporting political candidates who understand and promote the free enterprise system. For more information, visit liba.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSineSS neWS lpeD Announces Five 2022 launchlnK program participants The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED) announces the five local startups selected to participate in the LaunchLNK program for 2022. Through participation in this innovative program, founders in the 2022 cohort will receive a $25,000 grant, connections to potential sources of additional capital, and local mentors who may become early customers or partners. Now in its fourth year, LaunchLNK was created by LPED to help scalable, highgrowth startups grow in Lincoln. Program participants also receive a spot in Fluent’s eight-week virtual accelerator, as well as services and connections from partners at HBE, Enterprise Legal Studio, Firespring, Suiter Swantz, Eakes, and HubSpot for startups to further position them for long-term success. This year’s cohort was selected from a competitive pool of nearly 100 pre-applications by representatives from LPED, Nebraska Angels, Invest Nebraska, NMotion, and Nelnet.

The 2022 cohort includes:

I SPY If you ask us how to

increase sales, we’ll say think big. think U.S. government as your next customer.

FanWord, founded by Christopher Aumueller, is an athlete branding and storytelling company that specializes in building Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) solutions to help student-athletes grow, protect, and monetize their personal brands.

Senior care Finder, founded by Christie and Heath Stukenholtz, is the only complete nationwide directory of all senior care services.

Their goal is to offer the most comprehensive resource that allows care seekers to search, compare, and find the best senior care.

Sentinel Fertigation, founded by Jackson Stansell, is an agricultural technology company that is leveraging multispectral imagery to anticipate crop nitrogen needs and provide proactive fertigation recommendations to farmers and their trusted advisors. Sentinel Fertigation’s N Time™ FMS is a web-based software built specifically for fertigation management. It provides reliable, data-driven fertigation recommendations to advisors and farmers and enhances the efficiency with which they manage fertigation operations.

Tiiga, founded by Jeff and Katy Tezak and Harrouna Malgoubri, is a baobab electrolyte drink mix that provides hydration, and supports immune and gut health. It’s all natural, plant-based, and gluten-free.

It consists of a low calorie, low sugar, non-caffeinated, nutrient-dense, and fiber rich baobab fruit. This superfruit has been used as an energy source for thousands of years in African culture. Tiiga brings this power direct to consumers with an on-the-go drink mix.

Little Movements apparel, LLC, founded by Marissa Whalen and Lyndsey Haag, strives to bring women affordable activewear that gives them the confidence to move daily. At Little Movements, their newest goal is this—women of all sizes who lead an active lifestyle need sports bra support without those pesky removable pads. Little Movements Apparel plans to offer a high-impact sports bra, uniquely made with padding sewn in so you can have ultimate confidence through every workout.

With the addition of the latest cohort, the LaunchLNK program has provided seed funding for 20 different startups in Lincoln who have gone on to employ almost 40 people and additionally raise over $80 million in capital, contributing to the startup and Lincoln ecosystem.

To stay up to date on announcements regarding LaunchLNK, including the next round of application submissions, follow @StartupLNK on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. More information on the program can be found at www.launchlnk.com. For questions, contact Christina Oldfather at (402) 436-2374 / coldfather@selectlincoln.org or Chris Whitney at (402) 436-2376 / cwhitney@lcoc.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

...See page 17

402.554.6270 | nebraskaptac@unomaha.edu | ptac.unomaha.edu PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER

This procurement technical assistance center is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency.

lutz Shares 2022 Webinar Schedule, Upcoming Webinar event March 16 Lutz is excited to announce their webinar schedule for 2022! Each year, Lutz hosts a series of free educational presentations that offer up-to-date information on a wide range of topics. Webinars vary in length but allow time at the end for Q&A. Most presentations offer the possibility for CPE credit, as well.

The next webinar will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, and is titled “KPIs for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses.” Most organizations’ data is a collection of disparate systems and spreadsheets that make it difficult to get insight into the business. What if you could start to organize your data, arrange it, and then present it visually to gain insights, tell a story, and understand your business better? Now you can. In this presentation, Tony DeSantis of Lutz Tech will discuss how to unlock your data and create Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for small to mid-sized businesses and take you through a deep dive of the Microsoft Power BI platform. Register at lutz.us/3-16-22-kpis-forsmall-to-mid-sized-businesses.

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. For more information about Lutz or the webinars, visit www.lutz.us or contact Regan Szatko at (402) 496-8800 / rszatko@lutz.us.

March 2022 Strictly Business 7

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Strictly Business March 2022

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BUSineSS neWS R. heather Ropes to hold Book Signing to Celebrate new Book April 1 R. Heather Ropes will be at A Novel Idea Bookstore on Friday, April 1, for a book signing celebrating her newest book, Pencil Strokes, An Affirmation Coloring Book. The signing will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A Novel Idea is located at 118 N 14th St. Heather combined the essence of three great powers – spirituality, positivity, and creativity – to make this unique coloring book. Pencil Strokes is a joyful offering of hand-drawn art and encouraging affirmations. Associated thought-provoking, insightful essays enrich the act of coloring the 52 original drawings. The book was designed to promote creativity, relaxation, and reflection while enriching spirituality and free thought. The book will be available for purchase at the book signing or can be found online at Amazon and Target.

R. Heather Ropes has lived border-to-border and coast-to-coast in the United States and rarely travels without her drawing supplies. Her exposure to art began at an early age in Montana and Santa Fe. Through her great-grandmother’s readings from Unity Church’s Daily Word, affirmative text was also an early influence. Prayer partners of many faiths encouraged Heather to write a book of prayer and affirmations. Others encouraged her artistic expressions. Learn more about Heather and her work at heatherropes.com.

gluten-Friendly Crusts, Build-Your-own pizzas Available at Vic’s pizza Vic’s Pizza is pleased to announce that they have added gluten-friendly crusts and a build-your-own pizza option to their growing line of offerings!

The gluten-friendly crust is now available for ordering online or in-store. Vic’s would like to advise their customers that, while they are offering non-gluten crusts, their kitchen processes hundreds of pounds of wheat flour a week. There is no way to guarantee a perfectly gluten-free pizza, so they do not recommend their pizza for those with severe allergies.

In addition to being able to order a gluten-friendly pizza, you can also build your own! The build-your-own option comes with a huge variety of classic and unique toppings to choose from: peanut butter sauce, fried chicken nuggs, roasted garlic cream cheese, pickled apples, sweet potato fries, and much more! Visit www.pizzavics. com to order today!

Vic’s Pizza comes from the same imaginative creators of Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom. They’ve taken their signature approach using quality ingredients in unusual but delicious combinations and elevated the way you look at pizza. Their signature pizzas will take you on a deliciously wild ride and classics like traditional pepperoni taste unbelievable thanks to the amazing house-made crust. Vic’s Pizza is located at 8340 Glynoaks Dr., STE 100. To learn more, visit www.pizzavics.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@thevicspizza). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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

Bethany A Arnold, Financial Advisor 8135 S. 15th St., Suite B | Lincoln, NE (402) 421-7418

Returning in 2022!

Sip Nebraska May 6-7 @ Mahoney State Park Don’t wait, get your tickets online today!

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nebraska Knockerball Brings entertainment for All Ages to lincoln New to Lincoln is Nebraska Knoc kerball, a business that provides an amazing experience with bubble soccer and more.

Owner Manuel Walker is excited to bring this opportunity to the Lincoln community amidst the negativity in the world; his business serves as a reminder to people of what it is like to laugh again while providing entertainment for all ages that is physically engaging.

Knockerball is a single chamber inflatable sphere with inner handles and adjustable shoulder straps.

Knockerballs range 3–5.5 feet and the size or fit is predicated on your height. Knockerballs allow for the mobility of the individual to perform flips, rolls, and wheels without putting any stress on the body, as it simulates the sensation of defying gravity. This sport is so new and Walker and his team are proud to be instrumental in introducing one of the coolest products to come along in a long time to the US. Nebraska Knockerball is the industry leader in bubble soccer events.

They also provide human foosball, foot darts, and giant yard games as well, such as Jenga, Connect Four, yard dice, and tug-of-war. Take your next company event, team building, birthday party, school event, or community gathering to the next level with Nebraska Knockerball.

Learn more, reserve a date, and watch videos of Knockerball in action on their website at www.nebraskaknockerball.com. Visit them on Facebook (@NebraskaKnockerball) or contact Manuel Walker at (402) 460-8724 / manuel@nebraskaknockerball.com.

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BUSineSS neWS Women in Sales & Business to host Meeting on March 9 at Venue

lincoln Ypg offers Connections happy hour for 10 events to Bring Members together

The next Women in Sales & Business (WISB) monthly meeting will be held Wednesday, March 9, 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 a presentation given

by Jennifer Haralson. Jennifer will share her expertise and discuss building an engaging culture.

The Lincoln Young Professionals G ro u p ( L i n c o l n Y P G ) i s organizing “Connections Happy Hour for 10” events.

A spin-off of the Table for 10 events that occur over the lunch hour, the happy hour event is an opportunity for existing or new YPG members to enjoy a cocktail or favorite beverage with 9 other young professionals at various locations across Lincoln from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. By limiting the number of attendees and randomizing who goes where, members are able to make more meaningful and diverse connections within the group.

The cost to attend in-person is $16 for members with lunch, $10 without lunch, and FREE for first-time guests. All women attending should be prepared to make a brief introduction of themselves and their business. 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. They are dedicated to promoting their growth through the accumulation and sharing of knowledge, and they are always looking for new members to join their group! Learn more by calling (402) 472-8675 or visiting www.wisblincoln.org.

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Lincoln YPG is a program of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce designed to connect young professionals to other young professionals, the business community, as well as the community itself. They do this by hosting many networking events either virtually or in person. Join Lincoln YPG to have access to these monthly networking events to help further develop your career. Become a member today for a yearly fee of $35, visit lincolnypg.com/join.

The Lincoln YPG is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership, and networking opportunities. Serving 2,000+ members, the Lincoln YPG is one of the largest in the country. To learn more, visit www.lincolnypg.com for more community events and opportunities.

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BUSineSS neWS nAWiC Commemorates Women in Construction Week Set for March 6 – 12 The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Greater Omaha Chapter #116 is excited to celebrate Women in Construction Week, or WIC Week. This year’s WIC Week will be held March 6 – 12 and will celebrate, educate, and promote the role of women in the construction industry. NAWIC first held WIC Week in 1998 and it has grown and expanded each year since.

The theme for this year’s WIC Week is “Envision Equity” which seeks to raise awareness of opportunities for women to enjoy a wide range of roles in the construction industry, from tradeswomen to project managers to administrative positions and even business ownership. Construction firms of all sizes and types are encouraged to participate in WIC Week and show support for their women employees and perhaps host an event for women interested in construction careers.

The National Association of Women in Construction Greater Omaha Chapter #116 has scheduled a week of fun events to celebrate.

Plans include a Lunch & Learn, blood drive, jobsite tour at Buena Vista High School, a networking happy hour, and more. Visit www. nawicomaha.com to learn more about these events.

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Looking for a cool gift or stocking stuffer for someone special that will stand out from the rest? Or, maybe you want to treat-yo-self to a sweet sticker or T-shirt to rep your favorite Lincoln spot? Copper Kettle T-shirts, stickers & gift cards are available for purchase in-store or online!

Visit our website to purchase gift cards online, and visit our ChowNow to order tshirts and stickers (also available in person).

(531) 500-5686

230 N 12th St Ste. 1 Lincoln, NE 68508

JetSplash Announces new hours Beginning John henry’s plumbing, heating, & Air March 1, March Dadness tournament Conditioning offers Free Bathroom estimates With spring quickly approaching, JetSplash Car Wash is switching up their hours as of Tuesday, March 1. Their new hours will be 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays.

This month, JetSplash will also be holding their annual March Dadness Tournament. March Dadness coincides with the NCAA’s March Madness tournament and features 63 head-to-head matchups between Lincoln Dads, all of which are decided by a coin flip – it’s flippin’ fun! The higher seeded dad will be “heads” and the lower seed, “tails.” Whoever wins advances to the next round until a champion is crowned. To nominate your dad for the tournament, visit JetSplash on Facebook for details (@jetsplash). Entries must be made before March 17. Prizes are to be determined. Those who are not competing in the tournament can still join in on the action! After the final bracket has been set, predict the final four fathers on the JetSplash Facebook page or at jetsplash.com/march-dadness, and you can win a free three-month membership.

JetSplash has been helping Lincoln shine since 2003 with speedy, spotless car washes. They utilize the latest, energy-effi cient equipment and only use products that are eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable. JetSplash takes pride in their community and strives to give back through donations and fundraising opportunities. For more information, visit jetsplash.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Now that the holidays are over and Spring is on the way, it’s time to start tackling those home improvement projects – and John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning can help you out by offering a free bathroom estimate! If you’re interested in remodeling your bathroom, give John Henry’s Plumbing Comfort Consultant Nick Madsen a call and he will come to your residence to take a look at your project, answer any questions you may have, and provide a free estimate.

John Henry’s is happy to come back if you decide to take on the remodeling project. There are a number of reasons to hire a professional bathroom remodeling contractor. The most obvious reason is that you’ll know the job is done correctly the first time providing you with a sense of ease. You’ll also save money in the long-run from having to go back and repair an issue that could have been prevented. Learn more about their remodeling services at jhlincoln.com/plumbing/bathroom-kitchen-remodeling.

Established in 1996, John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning is a full-service plumbing, heating, air conditioning, air quality, duct cleaning, and water treatment business. They also offer excavation and general contracting. Their motto is “Our Family Serving Yours” and it shows in all they do. For more information or to discuss your home’s heating, cooling, and indoor air-quality needs, visit jhlincoln.com or call (402) 435-5555.

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BUSineSS neWS Center Sphere Celebrates 12th Anniversary Center Sphere is turning 12 in March.

The Center Sphere story started in 2010, when four guys sat down in a sandwich shop in Omaha and decided they wanted to do networking differently. They were tired of the options out there and knew there was a better, more affordable, and more effective way to grow business through connection. CEO and Co-Founder Brett Boyer has expanded Center Sphere into 22 states to establish a network without boundaries. They recently launched the Center Sphere app for smartphones and continue to grow every day.

“Center Sphere gives people a platform,” said Boyer. “We call it Member HUB System. We offer a wide variety of everything so members may select what’s best for them. We really try to make it allinclusive because we have so many different avenues that members may utilize The Network to meet their specific needs.”

Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. The Lincoln Network is currently made up of nearly 30 chapters and has access to members nationwide. For more information about Center Sphere or to inquire about attending a complimentary meeting or event, visit www.CenterSphere. com or connect with Lincoln Area Director Ronda Armstrong at RondaArmstrong@CenterSphere.com / (402) 450-8611.

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Strictly Business March 2022

Sip nebraska Sets Spring Festival Dates for May 6 – 7 at Mahoney State park Sip Nebraska, organized by Blur Parties, is pleased to announce that their spring event will be held Friday and Saturday May 6 – 7 at Mahoney State Park in Ashland, NE. The two-day festival includes unlimited tastings from Nebraska’s best-produced wines, hard ciders, craft beers, and spirits. If you enjoy your tastings, purchase a glass to enjoy or bottles of your own to take home and stock up for the summer!

Attendees can also spend the weekend playing lawn games, listening to live music from local bands, taking part in dance lessons, goat yoga, sip and learn classes, trolley tours through the park, touring the delicious food vendors, and shopping from the array of endless artisan and craft vendors!

Standard tasting tickets are $45 Friday and $55 Saturday, and include a tasting glass and tastings for wine, hard cider, craft beer, and spirits. A limited edition ticket is also available for $65 Friday and $75 Saturday, and comes with limited edition tastings, an event t-shirt, and access to indoor restrooms, in addition to what is included with the standard ticket. Designated driver tickets are available for $15 either day. Learn more and register by searching “Sip Nebraska” on eventbrite.com.

Every year, Sip Nebraska brings together a community of local wine, craft beer, spirits, and their fans to celebrate Nebraska’s beverage industry. For more information about the Sip Nebraska festival, visit blurparties.com/sipnebraska or check out them out on Facebook (@SipNebraska). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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FIT, STRONG, CAPABLE!

Save the Date: ABC Cornhusker’s leadership innovation Safety Conference April 19-20 The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Cornhusker Chapter is pleased to announce their Leadership Innovation Safety Conference for 2022 in Omaha. The conference will be held Tuesday, April 19, and Wednesday, April 20 in the Capitol District at the Marriott Downtown, located at 222 N 10th St. Visit www. abcnebraska.org for registration information.

The Associated Builders and Contractors Cornhusker Chapter supports the commercial construction industry through apprenticeship and safety training, advocacy, and workforce development. They are located at 10640 Burt Cir. in Omaha and their hours are 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; and 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Friday. ABC Cornhusker Chapter has an additional location in Lincoln at 830 Westgate Blvd. and their hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information about ABC, call the Omaha location at (402) 344-4258, the State/Lincoln location at (402) 477-4451, or visit www.abcnebraska.org.

leadership harbor presents Selling is More than a Sale Workshop March 30 Leadership Harbor is excited to present a workshop titled “Selling is More Than a Sale” on Wednesday, Marc h 30.

Without sails, there is no forward progress. This doesn’t just apply to a sail boat! Without SALES, there is also no forward progress. Spend a few hours learning great sales secrets that benefit your customers and make selling a breeze!

Selling doesn’t have to be scary or difficult. Providing a service or product that someone wants and needs is easy – it’s all about how we communicate, and how our clients communicate. Unlock the incredible secrets to understanding how to sell according to how people are wired. You will also unlock how to handle difficult people and difficult customer service situations so a win/win moves you forward and creates loyal clients who refer and return.

The workshop will be held from 1 – 5 p.m. at Harbor Learning Center, located at 5730 R St. STE C2. Tickets can be purchased at leadershipharbor.com/events-1/selling-is-more-than-a-sale-2.

At Leadership Harbor, they help people develop the skills to be more relational and influential in their personal, business, and faith lives. They offer individual, group, and business coaching, mastermind groups (in-depth book study with handson application), and workshops. Leadership Harbor helps you train in a safe environment - the harbor - on your way to becoming all you were meant to be. To learn more information, visit leadershipharbor.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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live life in Full Bloom at Countryhouse Residence with Spring Move-in offer CountryHouse Residence fo r M e m o r y C a r e i s offering a spring deal to new residents. Move in before spring to get the third month free and up to $1,000 in moving expenses paid for. CountryHouse residents enjoy a safe and secure environment, purposefully created for those with memory loss. Even more importantly, they live life fully.

With life-enriching activities, fun outings, daily bus rides, delicious meals, and care provided by a team with vast experience, CountryHouse is a community where those with memory loss can bloom and thrive.

A refundable deposit must be placed by March 31 and a movein must occur within 30 days of deposit. Moving expenses are paid up to $1,000 with a preferred moving company. Offer is based on space and availability and may not be applicable at all CountryHouse communities.

CountryHouse Residence for Memory Care is devoted exclusively to assisting those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The community focuses on residents engaging together and sharing experiences with each other and their families. By triggering positive memories, finding common connections, and stimulating mind, body, and spirit, the most of each day is made for residents, staff, and families. For more information, contact the CountryHouse location near you, email info@countryhouse.net, or contact through their web form online at www.countryhouse.net.

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BUSineSS neWS Venue at home offers St. patrick’s Day Meal SCoRe lincoln to present Small Business for pick-Up or Delivery Workshop April 9 Venue at Home, a concept by Venue Restaurant and Lounge, is offering a St. Patrick’s Day meal available for delivery or pick-up to celebrate the holiday. The meal includes: corned beef brisket, Guinness m u s t a r d c r e a m s a u c e, braised cabbage, parsley potatoes and carrots, Irish soda bread, and mini-Irish cream cupcakes. Meal options are available for groups ranging between two – six people.

Deadline for ordering your St. Patrick’s Day meal is Tuesday, March 15, at 2 p.m. Delivery or pick-up options are available on Wednesday, March 16, from 3 – 6 p.m., or pick-up is also available from 2 – 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 17. Pick-up is at the Venue at Home storefront located between HobbyTown and Venue Restaurant & Lounge in the Pioneer Woods Shopping Center at 70th and Pioneers. Visit venuedelivered.com/patricksday to place your order.

Venue at Home is your answer for weekly meal preparation. Chefinspired meals are delivered to your door every week, prepared fresh, and ready to heat and eat. Convenience and creativity are Venue’s keys to creating this amazing meal program. The price of the meals broken down is less than $6 per serving – and it saves you time and money on grocery shopping and meal preparation.

Visit venueathome.net or call (402) 488-8368 Ext. 2 to learn more.

SCORE Lincoln, the local c hapter of the nation’s largest network of expert business mentors, will be offering a workshop titled “What’s Involved in Starting a Small Business” on Saturday, April 9, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The workshop will take place at the Southeast Community College Continuing Education Center, located at 301 S 68th St. Place. The workshop covers different topics essential for any small business to start and to grow. Topics include business plans, practical accounting, financing your business, legal structures, traditional and online marketing, insurance needs, and tax considerations. All sessions are taught by an expert in the related field, so come get your questions answered by a pro. The full day only costs $49 and includes a boxed lunch. The workshop is offered in cooperation with the Small Business Administration and the SCORE Lincoln Chapter. Visit www.lincoln.score.org to register today.

SCORE Lincoln is a nonprofit organization and partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground and achieve their business goals, SCORE has provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs since 1964. Some of the services offered

by SCORE include mentoring, webinars and courses on demand, a library of online resources, and various local events. For more information about SCORE or upcoming workshops and events, visit www.lincoln.score.org or call (402) 437-2409.

Healthy Foods, including organics and local meats Supplements of the highest quality Aromatherapy and Body Care

Individual Customer Service Come in today and shop your Local Natural Health Store where customer service and fair pricing are the order of the day! red-clover-market.business.site | 402-421-2460 14

Strictly Business March 2022

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BUSineSS neWS nebraska Startup, Crescent Raises $3.5M, Surpasses 20K Waitlist Sign-Ups Crescent, a financial technology company that offers up to 6% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on your savings through its mobile app, announced it has closed a $3.5 million pre-seed investment round led by local investors. The company, whose app takes direct aim at traditional and high-yield savings account offerings, says it will use the funds to attract new users to its app and further expand its growing team.

Lincoln native and CEO Grant Roscoe founded the fintech startup in 2018 with the goal of simplifying cryptocurrency-powered financial services for everyday people. Since then, Crescent has recruited a team from leading technology companies, launched its app to early users (currently invite-only), and opened a public waitlist for those interested in using the app. In less than two months, Crescent’s waitlist has already surpassed 20,000 sign-ups.

“We have worked to build an experienced team, user-friendly product, and strong industry partnerships. It feels great to announce Crescent to the world…we have a lot more coming soon, including our nationwide launch this year,” Roscoe said.

The app, publicly available soon, will offer early access and rewards to subscribers that join the waitlist. For further information about Crescent, or to sign up for the company’s waitlist, visit www. crescent.app. For more information, visit crescent.app or contact Grant Roscoe at grant@crescent.app.

A Boutique Now Booking With a Bit of Private Shopping Parties Bubbly!

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

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

genlnK Announces Spring Fundraiser, Mini-golf tournament on April 23 GenLNK, the Lincoln Independent Business Association’s (LIBA) young professionals group, is very excited to officially announce their spring fundraiser on Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at Adventure Golf Center. So mark your calendars now!

As a nod to the annual LIBA Golf Tour nament, GenLNK i s o r ga n i z i n g a m i n i - g o l f tournament to raise money for this round’s nonprofit recipient, Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.

Teams of four can enter at $25/person. Businesses can also enter a team of four as a hole sponsor for $150 to receive signage at the event and promotion before. GenLNK is interested in locking down a title sponsor for this event at $500-$1,000 and a lunch sponsor.

GenLNK exists to have fun while networking, celebrate doing business in Lincoln, support other local businesses, and build towards the future by bringing like-minded leaders together. Please join them at this month’s networking event on Tuesday, March 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Alchemy Aqua Vitae downtown. The guest speaker will be Eric Kamler, part owner of Alchemy, Mayor of Geneva, candidate for Public Service Commission, and farmer.

GenLNK holds committee meetings on the first Fridays of the month from noon to 1 p.m. at Rock ‘n’ Joe Coffee Bar. Quarterly—March, June, September, and December—they meet at a Sideshow Spirits downtown. From discussing current legislation that affects young business leaders, to planning the next networking event, these meetings allow the group to inform, encourage, and connect with each other in an impactful way. To learn more, call the LIBA office at (402) 466-3419 or go online to www.liba.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

linctrack gpS Solutions Reveals new look for Website LincTrack GPS Solutions has a new look on their website! Designed by Tr a v i s M a n e s s , t h e updated view provides better user experience and easier navigation for all who visit the site.

One of the biggest updates of the website includes a more detailed “Services” tab, where users can better understand the amenities provided by LincTrack and the benefits they will receive. This is helpful for users who are interested in better managing their business’s fleet, as it lists real problems with real solutions. Furthermore, the updated website goes more in-depth with LincTrack’s smart cameras, helping users to learn that they are so much more than a dash cam. Visit the updated website at linctrack.com.

LincTrack GPS Solutions is a national company that sells fleet management GPS solutions, and is recognized as the largest GPS supplier in the Midwest. LincTrack’s services allow business owners to monitor where their employees are when they are driving company vehicles. This helps them to better manage their fleets and save money through fuel savings, lower insurance costs, improved routing inefficiencies, and reduced vehicle wear and tear or unauthorized usage. GPS tracking also helps increase driver safety and helps managers detail the exact amount of time spent on a job. To learn more information, visit www.LincTrack.com, contact them at (402) 314-0037, or follow them on Facebook (@LincTrack).

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BUSineSS neWS Kenl inn Announces 2022 Spring Class Schedule for pet training Courses

lincoln Ranked in top three Cities in the nation for Fiscal health

The 2022 Spring Class Schedule fo r K e n l I n n’s p e t t r a i n i n g courses is now available on their website. Classes are open from March – May and cover a variety of different topics, from puppy training, manners, obedience, scent work, agility, and more. All classes last five weeks for one hour per week unless otherwise noted. They will take place at Kenl Inn, located at 10241 E Old Cheney Rd. Kenl Inn recommends signing up as soon as possible, as group classes fill fast. When signing up, ask them about their K-9 Club Membership for $185/year, which gives you half-price classes and more! They also offer their gym or agility field for rent by the hour for training on your own, as well as individual trainers.

Set on 44 acres just outside of Lincoln, Kenl Inn is devoted to providing the best possible care for your pets. The full-service pet care facility offers overnight boarding, day care, training, and grooming. The trained staff and state-of-the-art facilities ensure that everyone’s pet receives the best possible care, whether they are staying for the day or for the week. For more information visit www. kenl-inn.com, or contact (402) 488-8190 / dian@kenl-inn.com.

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Truth in Accounting has released its sixth annual Financial State of the Cities report, in which Lincoln was named as the third financially healthiest city in the nation. This comprehensive analysis surveys the fiscal health of the 75 most populated U.S. cities during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lincoln’s healthy financial condition helped the city weather the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based upon the city’s fiscal year 2020 audited financial report, Lincoln had a Taxpayer Surplus™ of $3,100, earning it a “B” grade from Truth in Accounting. Unlike most cities, Lincoln had more than enough resources available, $303.9 million, to pay all of its bills, including public employees’ retirement benefits. This means Lincoln’s elected officials truly balanced their budgets. When broken down, the amount available to pay future bills resulted in a surplus of $3,100 for each Lincoln taxpayer. Even though Lincoln was financially sound before and during the pandemic, the city still received federal support from COVID-19 related grants. The surplus Lincoln had plus additional funds from the grants will help the city to weather any future public health or economic crises and downturns in the market, which can cause the value of a government’s assets to fluctuate.

The uncertainty surrounding this current crisis makes it impossible to determine how much will be needed to maintain government services and benefits.

Truth in Accounting offers comprehensive analysis of government fiscal data. Read the full report and learn more at truthinaccounting. org/news/detail/financial-state-of-the-cities-2022.

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BUSineSS neWS 2022 lincoln Arts Festival Set for June 18-19, now Accepting Artist Applications Planning for the 2022 Lincoln Arts Festival is underway, and artist applications are currently being accepted for the June 18-19 event.

The two-day festival is presented by the Lincoln Arts Council and will showcase more than 90 artists from around the country, new and emerging local artists, live music, art demonstrations, food vendors, and interactive art activities to create a celebratory atmosphere and a truly “can’t miss it” event. The festival continues to encourage attendees to buy art and immerse themselves in a creative experience that’s good for the soul.

The festival will be held from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 19. Artists who are interested in the event can visit zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=9746 and apply by Friday, February 18.

In 1968, the Lincoln Arts Council began when a small group of community members gathered together with a common passion for the arts in Lincoln. With a mission of championing the arts, connecting people, and changing lives, the Lincoln Arts Council strives to create a community that offers rich arts opportunities for all. For more information, visit artscence.org or their Facebook page (@LincolnArtsCouncil).

huffman engineering, inc. Adds Rockwell Water/Wastewater Badge to list of Accolades Huffman Engineering, Inc. is excited to add the Rockwell Water/Wastewater Badge to their growing list of accolades. This badge recognizes Huffman Engineering as a leader in the water/wastewater market demonstrating competency in the technologies and the application expertise needed to become an Industry Recognized System Integrator. The partners have a proven track record of delivering successful automation projects in the water/wasterwater industry and deliver a differentiated and expert level of service that can provi de a competitive advantage.

Huffman Engineering believes strongly in continuing education and professional development to ensure their engineers and technicians are at the forefront of the latest controls technology for industrial manufacturing and utilities including water/wastewater, electricity, and natural gas.

Huffman Engineering’s expertise is bolstered by the Integrator certifi cations they hold. They have been a Control Systems Integrators (CSIA) Certifi ed member since 2005; a Rockwell Recognized Silver Systems Integrator in Power, Process, Control, and Machine Safety; Ignition Gold Certified System Integrator; AVEVA (Wonderware) Certified Systems Integrator; and Schneider Certified Alliance System Integrator. Huffman is additionally certified as a GE Digital Solution Partner, Kepware Connected Silver System Integrator, Certified VTScada Integrator, Stratus Solution Architect, a Cognex Certified System Integrator, WIN911 Integrator, and has certifications in both fundamentals and risk assessment when it comes to ISA/IEC Cybersecurity. They were also named 2022 System Integrator of the Year by Control Engineering and Plant Engineering magazines.

For more infor mation about Huffman Engineering, Inc., visit huffmaneng.com or contact (402) 464-6823 / info@ huffmaneng.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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.”

Individual, Family, and Couples’ Counseling + Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) + Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Substance Use/Mental Health/Co-Occuring/Trauma Evaluations

531-289-1005 DARINGMINDSTHERAPY.INFO

The Search Continues...

...See page 21

tabitha offers nursing Assistant Courses, next Sessions to Begin April 18 As an approved education site through the Nebraska Health Care Association, Tabitha is pleased to offer a pathway to becoming a Nursing Assistant (CNA). Tabitha’s Nursing Assistant course will include an online only portion (46 hours at home or at Tabitha) and in-person learning (both in classroom and clinical settings, onsite skills, and competency).

The course fee is covered by Tabitha’s Workforce Development program as part of the Sue Hill CNA Sponsorship Program.

It includes all instruction time plus a $700 stipend—half paid upon sign-up, half upon completion. The scholarship is contingent on employment with Tabitha and therefore must be repaid if employment ends within six (full-time) or nine (part-time) months.

There are many benefits to becoming a CNA through Tabitha that include: additional pathways to growth at Tabitha, such as the Nursing Student Program; higher compensation upon hire; access to experienced educators during online course; guest Wi-Fi and chrome books for use during online course if needed; and a healthcare learning environment.

Space is limited for these courses. The next session will begin April 18. Learn more at www.Tabitha.org/CNA. Tabitha has served friends and neighbors for 135+ years across the state. Tabitha offers results-driven rehabilitation, at-home health care, innovative living communities, and compassionate hospice services. Learn more at Tabitha.org.

March 2022 Strictly Business 17

BUSineSS neWS tayin Beauty Supply, llC Celebrates grand opening with Ribbon Cutting The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce joined Tayin Beauty Supply, LLC on February 3 to mark the new business’s opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. While Tayin Beauty Supply has been open since January 8, the ceremony was held to honor the official grand opening. Owner Nya Wiyual was proud to cut the ribbon with the help of her husband and daughter.

In addition to offering hair and beauty products, Tayin Beauty Supply’s services include custom made wigs, dreadlocks, hair coloring, micro braids, sew-ins, crochet, box braids, feed-in braids, and more.

Services are performed using 100% human hair. A list of Tayin Beauty Supply’s services and prices can be found on their Facebook page (@TayinBeautySupply).

Tayin Beauty Supply, LLC is a black-owned store that offers beauty products for men, women, and children in the community. They are located at 5600 S 48th St. STE 115. Tayin Beauty Supply is open 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and is closed on Sundays.

Learn more by visiting their Facebook page (@tayinbeautysupply).

To set up an appointment, contact Tayin Beauty Supply at tayinbeautysupply@gmail.com / (531) 207-0212.

Home of the 5 year/50,000 Mile Parts & Labor Warranty!

new 2022 economic Forecast Report Shows impact of Franchising on nebraska economy The International Franchise Association (IFA) released its 2022 Economic Forecast Report showing the impact of franchising on the economy in Nebraska. Nationally, franchising helped lead the economic recovery, and in Nebraska, franchising employment grew at a rate of 8.50% with 4,378 new jobs created in 2021. 2022 will be a year of continued growth and normalization.

The 2022 Franchising Economic Outlook is a hallmark annual study detailing the franchise sector’s performance for the past year and projected economic outlook for the year ahead, as well as an in-depth state outlook for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. In Nebraska: Franchising grew to 5,708 establishments in 2021 and is expected to grow an additional 2.50% in 2022, increasing to 5,850 establishments.

Economic output by franchises grew at a record rate of 16.0% in 2021, with an increased output of $5,190,000. Output growth is expected to continue into 2022 by 5.30%.

Franchising in Nebraska is expected to create an additional 1,921 career opportunities in 2022.

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. See the full report at www.franchise.org/franchise-information/franchisebusiness-outlook/2022franchising-economic-outlook.

Dead presidents group opens three new Restaurants at leighton District Dead Presidents Group recently opened three new restaurants at the Leighton District: Franco’s Fresh Mexican, Daq Shack, and Lincoln’s Pub. The district, located at 4630 Leighton Ave., is a thriving new development bringing together modern living and locally owned businesses.

Franco’s Fresh Mexican serves Mexican fare with an infusion of high-quality, locally-sourced proteins. With traditional patterns and flourishes throughout the space, they’re highlighting the rich flavors and history of Mexican cuisine. Franco’s is open 8 a.m.

– 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – midnight Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sundays. Find out more at francosmexican.com.

Daq Shack is a seaside escape in the Midwest. Their menu is filled with delicacies and drinks alike inspired by the sunny shores of your favorite beach. Located at the base of the Leighton District apartment complex, Daq Shack features a poolside takeout window for immediate summer inspiration. Stop by from 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. Monday – Friday or 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Learn more at drinkdaqshack.com.

We offer a FREE loaner vehicle while your vehicle is in for repairs or maintenance!

STOP IN TODAY! 131 Russwood Parkway 402.486.9880 • inmotionautocare.com

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Strictly Business March 2022

Lincoln’s Pub likes to think locally – like in their own backyard, locally. They support the community by sourcing their ingredients to create delicious servings from their expansive menu loaded with classic favorites and new creations alike. Lincoln’s Pub is open from 11 a.m. – close Monday – Saturday and for Sunday brunch. Learn more at lincolnspubcb.com.

Dead Presidents Group is a restaurant collection ushering in a new wave of locally-minded, high-quality dining experiences in Nebraska and Iowa. Their restaurants highlight local ingredients, unforgettable atmospheres, and unrivaled company culture. Learn more at deadpresidentsgroup.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

ASK the eXpeRt: CoMpRo (402) 488-5100 www.comproins.com

by Kayla Northup Employee Benefits Manager/Agent

options for lowering Your prescription Costs Advertisements for prescriptions are everywhere these days. They advertise the latest and greatest medications. New innovative treatments. Promising cures, or at least improvement, in mental health, skin conditions, low energy, and everything else.

However, these breakthrough treatments don’t come cheap.

Prescription drugs are a key driver contributing to the increase in health insurance premiums. Since 2014, prescription drug prices have increased 33% overall, and 60% for brand name drugs. Even though brand-name drugs account for only 10% of the prescription drug market, spending on such drugs account for almost 80% of total prescription drug costs. High prescription drug prices are sustained by the fact that treatments for serious disease are not luxury items but are needed by vulnerable patients who seek to improve the quality of life or to prolong life.

You can be proactive in controlling your medication costs by switching to generics whenever possible and advocating for yourself. Have a conversation with your doctor annually to make sure you are taking medications which align well with your health needs and your insurance plan. Some insurance plans allow doctors to see your cost for medications so they can take that into account when prescribing. Look for discount programs and coupons. GoodRx.com is a great resource.

Insurance companies are adapting to the price increases as well.

One approach is to pare down the drug formulary (aka list of covered medications). A smaller drug formulary provides more cost control and allows the insurance company to steer insureds to the medications which are proven to have the best balance of treatment efficacy and price. If a patient has a proven need for a particular medication that isn’t on the formulary it is possible to get an exception granted so this needed medication is still covered for that individual.

Another way to lower your prescription costs is to create a preferred pharmacy network. Prescription costs aren’t the same at every pharmacy. Prices for the same medication can vary significantly even within the same town. By steering members to certain pharmacies, insurance companies can ensure their members are filling prescriptions at the most cost-effective locations.

One insurance company has taken an innovative approach to cover medications they deem as Preventive Medication free of charge. These free medications aren’t just the $4 generics, but even include name brand drugs. We’ve heard from some clients it’s saving them hundreds of dollars per month. While this approach can be counter-intuitive in the short term, the insurance company is betting on the long-term payoff. People are much more likely to regularly take their medications if they are free. They will in turn be healthier compared to someone who doesn’t take a medication due to cost.

The bottom line is that you have options to consider when it comes to lowering what you pay for your prescriptions.

Got questions about this? Our ComPro Team is here to help you.

Located at 1040 N Cotner Blvd. in Lincoln, (402) 488-5100.

Helping you connect the dots of your health insurance. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Simplifying real estate for your business

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

Cathy Kottwitz, CPM James McCombs

Leadership & Professional Development Classes!

•Influential Leadership •How to Thrive in a VUCA World •What It Takes to Pursue Grants •Introduction to Grant Writing •Resumes & Interviews: Create Your Toolkit •Creative Thinking Classes in April and May. Register at http://bit.ly/RegisterCE For more information on these classes and others, call 402-437-2700 March 2022 Strictly Business

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STAR CITY SIX

BLAKE

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Strictly Business March 2022

Blake Thomas

CCA HOME CARE Meet Blake Thomas, business development coordinator with CCA Home Care.

Tell us a little about your business. - CCA Home Care has been around for 30 years and is locally owned.

We provide medical and non-medical support to seniors in their home, wherever they may call home. We also staff senior living communities with CNAs and Med Tech around the Lincoln and Omaha areas for a much more affordable cost than your staffing and home care agencies. CCA Home Care publishes the Lincoln and Omaha Eldercare Resource Handbooks yearly as the industry’s “Bible” to the resources for the elderly. This is a FREE resource book that is paid for by those who advertise.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - We come into the lives of these seniors at their most vulnerable times and to not be able to bring them the services they need is just heartbreaking. This is why we all must have resources in our back pocket to offer, which makes the Eldercare Resource Handbook vital to us in the industry and the seniors who seek help, answers, and solutions.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Working for companies that are known for quality care.

We received the STAR Award for the highest move-ins from professionals out of 320 locations.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to Erik for the last 17 years. We grew up together as our parents were close friends. We have three kids: Evan (17), Bella (15), and Lexxie (10), and Savannah, our two-year-old chocolate lab! We moved here from North Carolina and before that we lived in Colorado, Indiana, and Texas. We currently live in Bennington where we own Johnny Ricco’s Brooklyn Pizza.

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

- As a teenager, my father moved in with his mother to care for her with Alzheimer’s and my mom moved in with her father to care for him during the same time. I saw them struggle to manage raising us and holding a career all while being full-time caregivers. This has given me compassion for the families going through the same situations.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spend time on the water with family and friends. We love to travel and try new restaurants.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - Each child of mine was born in a different state.

Who inspires you? - Successful women who are able to obtain their goals while running a household and raising a family.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - You are who you surround yourself with! If you surround yourself with successful people, you will be given the tools to be successful. If you surround yourself by those who are troubled, you too will be troubled.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Psychologist or a physician.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Alzheimer’s Association due to my grandmother passing from the disease when I was a teenager. Also, Project Harmony. They support children taken from their homes due to bad situations. We donate to them yearly.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I love the novels by Nicholas Sparks and read each new one he publishes.

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

- (402) 200-8731 / (402) 398-1848; Blake@CCAHomeCare.com; www.CCAHomeCare.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

EVAN

Evan Green

OLE’S BOOT & SHOE REPAIR Evan Green is an associate cobbler at Ole’s Boot & Shoe Repair.

Tell us a little about your business. – Ole’s offers the finest in shoe and boot repair, orthopedic customizations, leather repair, and leather care products. We can repair almost any brand of shoe or boot. We also sell high quality leather products, such as belts, wallets, and cell phone cases. In addition to these items, Ole’s offers shoe and boot related products such as laces and inserts.

Ole’s has been in business since 1981, so you can feel confident when leaving your boots, shoes, or leather items in our hands. how did you get started in the business? – I repatriated from New York having spent 10 years as a custom fabricator for a reputable clothing company. New York has a lot of great things but we would always wait to get our boots repaired at Ole’s when we came home for the holidays. My family always took our shoes there and you could trust them to do a great job. So in the course of resettling in Lincoln, I stopped by Ole’s on a lark, began apprenticing there, and discovered I loved the work.

Tell us a little about your family. – I have a darling and precocious baby girl who just turned two, and a brilliant and gorgeous wife.

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

– The evening I met my lady, Haley, on May 10, 2017.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Bicycle rides to picnic spots with my family and flying kites, weather permitting.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I’ve been honored to act as an officiant at five weddings. All have been friends to some degree but it is always astonishing to be trusted to conduct such a profound rite. I am also surprised and pleased in the unexpected ways it has bettered my life.

Who inspires you? – People who endure extreme adversity courageously, somehow persevere, and remain optimistic in spite of their experience.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “...well, it’s not gonna make itself...”

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Badlands” by Bruce Springsteen.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Gliding.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Clutch bocce-ball placement.

Which talent would you most like to have? – Big-wave surfing would be something.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I would enjoy being a musician.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy.

What is your favorite movie? – I think about There Will Be Blood a lot.

What is your favorite TV show? – Mad Men. What is your favorite local restaurant? – Mary Ellen’s currently.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Anthony Bourdain.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 483-6766; olesbootandshoerepair@gmail.com; olesbootandshoerepair.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Dammi Dammi A Taste of the Mediterranean

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Stop by and enjoy a drink with your dinner after work, or split a plate from our new tapas menu with a friend or date!

128 N. 13th St. Suite 144 Lincoln, NE dammidammi.com (402) 266-6115

Corner of 13th & P Streets

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I've known Tom for a long time! Always courteous and professional. Our new trees look great!!!! - Scott Mausbach

Start your outdoor transformation today!

402-781-9337 | www.EagleNurseries.com

Almost There!

...See page 30 March 2022 Strictly Business

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STAR CITY SIX

Life is a journey make it amazing!

ANDY

Andy Lane

DAMMI DAMMI Meet Andy Lane, the owner of Dammi Dammi in downtown Lincoln.

402-889-3870 Tailoreddreamslimousines.com tailoreddreamslimousines@gmail.com

Tell us a little about your business.

- We’re a cafe and tapas bar serving downtown Lincoln flavorful, wholesome food and beverages influenced and inspired by the cuisines of the Mediterranean region’s 22 countries and their cultures. how did you get started in the business? - With me finishing my B.A. in Rhetoric in the middle of the pandemic, starting grad school wasn’t looking very appealing. My dad Pat was looking to get out of his career field at the same time, so we decided to make the leap and go into business together. He knew how to manage a business, and I knew my way around coffee and gelato. We added Mediterranean food to bridge the gap with the backing of my family’s cultural history as Sicilian immigrants and restauranteurs on my mom’s side.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- The month of February 2022 as a whole. We not only broke our single-day sales records on three different occasions during the month, but managed to beat out November and December’s monthly grosses by 2/3 of the way through the month, despite it being a short month and the middle of winter.

Your yearn to learn has people Like Caitlin, who’s committed to helping people of all ages do money better through education. We’re teaming up with nonprofits and others to provide stronger financial foundations. Smart.

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ubt.com

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Strictly Business March 2022

Tell us a little about your family. - My dad is business partner, my mentor, and my rock. He is a constant source of inspiration and innovation, a sounding board who isn’t afraid to shoot me down when I get off the rails or to build me up when he thinks I’m on the right path, and the hardest-working person I have ever met. My mom and sister are, as of writing this, still in Cheyenne, WY, where we came from, but even from a distance they have been a tremendous source of support as well, not so much in terms of the business but in keeping me and dad sane as we’ve ran ourselves ragged pushing this boulder up the hill, and I can’t wait to have them here.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - My days off belong to the church where I sing in a choir for post-college grads and young professionals. I also enjoy spending time with my amazing girlfriend or taking a nice hot bath with epsom salts.

Who inspires you? - Reynold Poernomo. He was a contestant on MasterChef Australia. At the age of 19, he not only made it onto the show, but into the top six through his extraordinary skill and creativity with desserts. Although he didn’t end up winning, he managed to turn his talents and the publicity he received from the show into a successful pair of dessert bars in Australia.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I was a classical and jazz/contemporary pianist for most of my life, and was good enough at it to play at some pretty schmoozy events in high school (including at the Governor’s mansion in Wyoming), as well as receiving some pretty high-tier Guild accolades. Unfortunately, between the hours and the manual work it takes to run a restaurant, I have neither the time nor the hand strength to really keep up with it these days.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? So many books, so little time...I’m a sucker for sci-fi, and so I’m a huge fan of works such as Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card and To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 266 6115; contactus@dammidammi.com; www. dammidammi.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

ADAM

Adam Lowney

GREENLEAF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

p!

Chir

Meet Adam Lowney, sales associate at Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate.

Tell us a little about your business. - We represent buyers and sellers in commercial property acquisitions and dispositions, commercial leasing, property assessment and analysis, and site selection. how did you get started in the business? - I was a career bartender mostly in south Lincoln where I met many in the industry.

Real estate was a thought of mine for years, but I decided to make the switch when I was presented with a great opportunity to join Greenleaf.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

- Getting smoother! I have always been a people person and excelled in sales, but the office element has taken some getting used to. It’s been a journey! The commercial world is deep and vast, and the industry reaches and overlaps other sectors.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- I’m proud of the many sales transactions I was involved in 2021.

For me, it’s reassurance to myself that the groundwork has been laid and the plan is coming together.

Tell us a little about your family. - We’re all originally from western Illinois, but we moved to Colorado in 1998 and then moved to Waverly, NE in 2003 where I graduated high school. I live in southeast Lincoln, my sister lives in Lincoln, and my mother lives in Waverly.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - I worked in the bar industry on the Las Vegas strip at a couple different casinos in my mid-20s. During my time there I became aware of how fast and competitive the world is. This is when I reset my cruise control, striving to continuously grow and to always give my best.

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What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - After chores and a workout, I like to find a nice patio or restaurant!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I have a good eye, and I’m extremely detailed.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - The world won’t stop for anyone or their situation, you have to be tough and turn with the world.

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

What is your favorite movie? - Fight Club.

What is your favorite TV show? - I don’t really watch shows because all I can think of is what else I should be doing! I mostly enjoy live sporting events or watching news broadcasts.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante! I spent five years working behind the bar at this establishment and it opened many doors in my life. The food and the drinks/wine are off the charts. The staff is like family and the ambience is stellar.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 730-8239; adam@greenleafcommercial.com; www. greenleafcommercial.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

“It’s never too early to start planning for a landscape makeover. NOW is the time to contact us to get on our 2022 schedule! Call Today!”

Ken & Jackie: luxurylandscape.ne@gmail.com 402.430.9430 | 402.640.6034 | luxurylandscape-llc.com

March 2022 Strictly Business

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STAR CITY SIX

COREY

Corey Haselhorst

REGA ENGINEERING

commerCIal INSURANCE Coverage you can count on

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Protecting your family and dreams

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MKAVAN@FUMAINSURANCE.COM | FUMAFINANCIAL.COM

24

Strictly Business March 2022

Meet Corey Haselhorst, PLA, a professional licensed landscape architect at REGA Engineering Group and irrigation consultant/ co-owner of WaterScape.

Tell us a little about your business. - REGA Engineering Group and WaterScape provide professional engineering services which include investigative, surveying, commercial and residential planning, grading, utility, storm water pollution prevention, landscape architecture, irrigation, and construction observation and staking, to say the least. We provide engineering services for and work with government officials; planning, urban design, and building/permitting departments at the state, county, and city levels; tribal councils; universities; public/private schools; and private developers. I work on a majority of the above-mentioned project types although I focus on assisting clients with landscape design ranging from residential (single/multi-family), commercial, parking, screening, park and university/campus design. how did you get started in the business? - I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in architecture and a master’s degree from the University of Arizona in landscape architecture. I began my career as a landscape designer then later as a registered professional landscape architect in Tucson, AZ. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Oftentimes, the challenge is simply leaving at the end of the day because of all of the awesome projects I have going on!

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- The most notable and utilized/viewed project I have worked on was in Tucson for the Arizona Department of Transportation, specifically the Interstate 10 and Interstate 19 Interchange architectural treatments.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Nichole and I combined families 10 years ago. Our oldest daughter is recently married and working in preschool education, our son serves our great country in the U.S. Air Force, and our youngest daughter will be graduating high school this year with honors and attending college in the fall.

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

- Parenthood.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy hunting/ fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, and exploring the beauty that Nebraska has to offer.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - Several years ago, I had the opportunity to participate in a worldwide design competition in Beirut, Lebanon for an area known as The Garden of Forgiveness. Our team, which was one of seven teams invited to participate, came in second place. It was unforgettable as urban revitalization unearthed multiple periods of archeological ruins, including those of the Roman Empire.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.”

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - TeamMates. I personally know someone who completely transformed his life because of good mentorship—from being homeless as a child and up to no good, to now being happily married with a great occupation. He recently has been inspired to join law enforcement as a way of giving back to his community.

What is your favorite movie? - Major League is always good for a laugh.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Yia Yia’s.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 413-1012; corey@regaeng.com; regaeng.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

ERICA

Erica Vossler

SP GROUP, P.C. Meet Erica Vossler, a CPA at SP Group, P.C. Tell us a little about your business. - SP Group, P.C. is a local accounting firm that provides tax planning, preparation, business startup services, estate and trust preparation, QuickBooks support and training, payroll setup and reporting, business entity selection, IRS representation, and assurance services. We have a great balance of competitiveness and teamwork within our office. Not only does this add a little fun in the office, but it builds a stronger team. This cohesiveness gives us the ability to help our clients meet their financial goals and, ultimately, celebrate their growth and successes alongside them.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Tax season during a pandemic…March of 2020 hit all businesses in different ways. For me, the challenge was to be sent home with hardware in hand anticipating it would be a few weeks. Little did we know it would be a seven month challenge that forced us to finish tax season in our home offices/kitchens/spare bedrooms/ etc. It was a difficult period but because of the support of our strong team, we were able to overcome these unique circumstances and have a successful tax season.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- My biggest professional goal was passing all four CPA exams right after graduating with my master’s degree from UNL. Thankfully, I was able to achieve this goal before starting my first tax season as a full-time employee.

Tell us a little about your family. - I grew up in small town, Exeter, NE with a population of about 700 people. My husband Brady and I have been married for a little over two years and we have a minigoldendoodle pup, Sully, who keeps us pretty busy. My parents still live in Exeter where my mom has worked at the high school for 37 years and my dad was the owner of our hometown grocery store for over 20 years. I have two older brothers—Anthony is a store director and lives in Portland, OR and Travis is an insurance agent and lives in Milligan, NE with his family. I am very blessed to be an aunt to six littles who create so much joy in my life. They definitely make our family gatherings more interesting (and a little louder).

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I like to read a good book or try a new recipe. If I’m able to have a few days off in a row, I’d prefer to hop on a plane and go somewhere new!

Who inspires you? - My family. They are all hardworking people, and I have always looked up to each and every one of them.

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

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

Which talent would you most like to have? - The ability to properly fold a fitted sheet.

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

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I recently started reading the Harry Potter series for the first time.

What is your favorite movie? - Mr. Deeds.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Vincenzo’s Ristorante.

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 420-7758; evossler@spgrouppc.com; spgrouppc.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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March 2022 Strictly Business

25

DIVINE DECKS

Black Label Built, Divine Decks, Jonathan Curtis Design, and Decks Unlimited were all out at the HBAL Home & Garden Show the weekend of February 11. Although people think construction companies tend to view each other as competition, these amazing Lincoln companies view each other as colleagues!

They see companies all over that spend so much time fighting, bad mouthing, and spreading negativity in an already hostile environment.

The owners of Black Label Built, Divine Decks, Jonathan Curtis Design, and Decks Unlimited believe in creating unity amongst the trades for building a better community.

plenty of work for everyone. What is important is that everyone has the same end goal of building safe, quality decks at a fair market value.

The energy wasted squabbling with other businesses could be harnessed for positivity instead.

“Lincoln is an amazing city, and we see an opportunity to be a light for businesses across the U.S. We can do this by adding value to each other, our customers, our suppliers, our employees, our environment, our society, our community, and our families,” said Dan Waters, owner of Decks Unlimited. “Adding values to areas will benefit the city of Lincoln.”

This idea is not as common or celebrated in today’s world as it should be. Some say, “business is business”, but this is fear-based thinking. It’s so much more than business, it’s a responsibility. The truth is, there is

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peRSonnel neWS Colten Zamrzla Joins Cornhusker insurance Agency, Specializes in Commercial insurance In February, Colten Zamrzla added his 10+ years of insurance industry knowledge to the team at Cornhusker Insurance Agency, joining as the “director of commercial insurance”. By joining Cornhusker Insurance Agency, Colten will still have access to nearly all the same carriers, along with several more. Better yet, he’ll now be working with a full team at Cornhusker to make sure everything gets done correctly and expediently. He is still committed to his existing clients, bringing them along to the new agency.

“With my new team and carrier base, I’m ready to take on even larger clients, while still being able to provide a personal relationship with each and every client—regardless of size,” said Colten. “If you know anyone who isn’t getting the service or relationship they need from their current agent, please send them my way.”

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Jason Schluckebier, president of Cornhusker Insurance Agency, had the following to say on Colten joining the agency: “It’s a huge win for us to have Colten join the team. The Cornhusker Agency continues to grow, innovate, and serve our community. The expertise that Colten brings to the organization takes our commercial property and casualty division to the next level.”

To congratulate Colten on his new adventure at Cornhusker Insurance Agency (cornhuskerinsurance.com), call or text him at (402) 4132475, or email him at colten@cornhuskerinsurance.com.

Spencer Danner Moves Up into Vice president Role at FnBo First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) has named Spencer Danner vice president, comm unity development, corporate philanthropy, and social responsibility.

He had previously served as director, corporate compliance, at FNBO. In his new role, Danner will have responsibility for developing and managing the bank’s comprehensive philanthropic and community investment strategy.

“Spencer has more than 15 years’ experience leading community and social responsibility programs within public, private, and government entities,” said Katrina Wells, senior vice president, corporate marketing officer. “His passion for helping institutions operate through a community impact lens will guide and strengthen FNBO’s Community and Corporate Social Responsibility strategy to address our communities’ most pressing needs.”

Before joining FNBO, Danner served as human rights and economic inclusion director and deputy chief, diversity equity and inclusion, both for the City of Omaha; vice president, economic and community development, Fifth Third Bank, in Atlanta; and as vice president, CRA officer and president, community development corporation, Mutual of Omaha Bank, in Omaha.

First National Bank of Omaha is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska. First National of Nebraska and its affiliates have more than $25 billion in assets and nearly 5,000 employee associates.

Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, and Texas. Learn more at www.FNBO.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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peRSonnel neWS legacy Retirement Communities hires Jess Richardson as Office Manager

Krayten Uher Receives promotion to Crew Chief at luxury landscape

In October of last year, Legacy Retirement Communities welcomed Jess Richardson to the team as office manager at their Lincoln Legacy Terrace location, 5700 Fremont St.

Krayten Uher of Luxury Landscape has recently been promoted to crew chief, with his new duties beginning in March.

Previously loading equipment and tools and assisting in landscape projects, Krayten will now oversee that Luxury Landscape has the right tools and materials needed for each project and assist with the training of new employees, all while getting to bring to life beautiful landscapes, patios, and walls.

Krayten is thrilled to receive this promotion and continue to see customers happy after making their landscaping dreams come to life.

Krayten is originally from Falls City, NE, but spent most of his years living in DeWitt, NE. He moved to Lincoln to attend Southeast Community College and, after working for a previous landscaping company, joined the team at Luxury Landscape. Whether he was playing sports outside, mowing the lawn, or hunting, Krayten has always had a love for the outdoors. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, coaching baseball, hitting the gym and going for a run, or venturing out for a hunt with his dad or grandpa.

Luxury Landscape offers an array of services when it comes to outdoor spaces, with their most popular being installation, design and consultation, landscape maintenance, and residential snow removal. The company began with Ken and Jackie Svoboda’s passion for creating unique and creative landscapes, using their 40+ years of landscape experience and offering it to their clients. For more information about Luxury Landscape and the services they provide, visit luxurylandscape-llc.com.

Jess was born and raised in Lincoln and attended Lincoln High School. She later went on to pursue a degree in family science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In her free time she enjoys making memories with her husband, Mark, and their two children, Trindon and Ainsley. Jess loves running and staying active with the kids in whatever sport is in season. She enjoys attending the Huskers basketball games and cheering on all Husker athletics as a family.

“Jess has been a tremendous addition to our team at Legacy Terrace,” said John Kopetzky, executive director at Legacy Terrace. “She has a passion for serving our residents and helping the rest of our staff and is a consummate team player. We are delighted to have her and look forward to many years of working with her.”

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

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peRSonnel neWS Belmont Community Center Welcomes Six new Board Members The Belmont Community Center (BCC) welcomes new Board of Directors – Lane Carr, Nebraska Department of Education; Kari Herbert, Directions EAP; Brittney Hodges-Bolkovac, Lincoln Public Schools (Dawes Middle); Nancy Petitto, Civic Nebraska; Matt Showalter, Lincoln Public School (CLCs); and Jaylen Vella, Hudl.

These six new board members join current members: Todd Duncan, Duncan Aviation; Bobbie Ehrlich, Lincoln Public Schools (Belmont Elementary); Pat Enevoldsen, Early Childhood Educator (Retired); Kim Fitz, NTT Data Services; Kay Funk, HR & Facilities Management (Retired); Tammie Herrington, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Steve Lindgren, Cornhusker Bank (Retired); and Liz Neujahr, SyracuseDunbar-Avoca Public Schools. Recognition goes to outgoing board member, Stacy Robak, Waste Connections of Nebraska.

“The BCC has been a staple in the Northwest part of Lincoln for 85 years and I am excited to continue the long-standing traditions already put in place while bringing new ideas to the table in order to expand our community outreach,” said new Board member Brittney Hodges-Bolkovac.

The Belmont Community Center was founded in 1937 in an abandoned church on Butler Ave. and its current facility is at 3335 N 12th St. The center focuses on youth programming ages 3-13 and community facility use with an emphasis on being a place where residents can become+connect. For more information about the Belmont Community Center visit belmontcommunitycenter.org.

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Kevin Warneke Joins nCF as new Director editor, Director of operations hannah hundley of Advancement Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) Celebrates 4 Years at Strictly Business welcomes Kevin Warneke to its talented team February marks the four-year work anniversary of Strictly Business’s Editor and Director of Operations Hannah Hundley.

Hannah started at the magazine as the executive assistant about a year after she graduated from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, where she majored in hospitality, restaurant, and tourism management. She started taking on various writing projects while in this role, so when the editor position became available, she was able to rise to the task. Today, she works closely with Writer Devyn Sanderson, who handles the majority of press and feature story writing, and Art Director Derek Nosbisch, who executes the advertisement and spotlight designs.

Together, the trio fills and layouts both of the Lincoln and Omaha editions every month. Hannah also serves as a “right hand” to President Paige Zutavern, who carries out the bulk of the magazines’ sales activities. Among her myriad of responsibilities, Hannah enjoys onboarding new clients, planning and promoting Strictly Business events, and making sure each issue of the magazine upholds its formatting standards of being consistent and reliable.

“I take a lot of pride in the work I get to do, and my values completely align with Strictly Business’s values of storytelling and supporting local business,” said Hannah.

Strictly Business has been a reliable news source and effective advertising tool in Lincoln for 28 years and in Omaha for almost 16 years, publishing engaging content in print, online, and on social media.

To learn more, visit strictly-business.com. To contact Hannah, call the office at (402) 466-3330 or email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

of professionals committed to building stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska.

Warneke joins NCF as the nonprofit’s new director of advancement, a position in which he’ll work closely with existing leadership to develop and execute fund development plans advancing NCF’s mission of unleashing abundant local assets, inspiring charitable giving, and connecting ambitious Nebraskans to build stronger communities.

Prior to joining NCF, Warneke served as the director of client advancement at the Omaha-based Steier Group, a fundraising firm where he held multiple leadership roles over a 10-year span.

Warneke has also served as the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha, as senior associate director of public affairs for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and as a reporter at the Omaha World-Herald. Warneke currently serves on the boards of directors of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod – Nebraska District, the Nebraska FarmHouse Fraternity Association, and Concordia Schools of Omaha. He has volunteered in the past with Serve Nebraska, Keep Nebraska Beautiful, and the University of Nebraska-Omaha, among other Nebraska organizations.

Headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska Community Founda�on serves communi�es, donors, and organiza�ons by providing financial management, strategic development, education, and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving over 270 communi�es. In the last five years, 45,915 contributions have been made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $423 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.

March 2022 Strictly Business 29

peRSonnel neWS YMCA of lincoln elects Board, Recognizes 2021 Award Recipients

nebraska ltC pharmacy promotes Kylie Reinsch to pharmacy Manager

The YMCA of Lincoln held its annual meeting last month to celebrate the organization’s accomplishments, honor its volunteers and corporate partners, and ratify board members.

Joining the YMCA of Lincoln Board of Directors for the 2022-2023 term include: Kelly Brunkhorst (Nebraska Corn Board), Jennifer Wheeler (West Gate Bank), and Chuck Norris (Nelnet).

Officers for the 2022 Board of Directors include: Lori Druse, chair (Deloitte & Touche, LLP); Bryan Sullivan, first vice chair (Embassy Suites); Kelly Wieseler, second vice chair (Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.); Chris Lindner, treasurer (BKD, LLP); and Stacy Brass, secretary (Union Bank & Trust).

The Executive Committee at Large includes: Kent Endacott (Endacott, Peetz & Timmer, PC, LLO); Kaye Jesske (Bryan Health Foundation); Scott Wieskamp (Lincoln Public Schools); and Curt Hartter, ex-officio (Universal Surety Co.).

The YMCA of Lincoln recognized Hausmann Construction with the 2021 Corporate Partner Award, Mark Westphalen with the 2021 Outstanding Volunteer Award, and Pixie Devitt with the 2021 Outstanding Youth Character Award.

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. To learn more about becoming a volunteer for the YMCA, visit ymcalincoln.org or contact your local YMCA branch.

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy recently promoted Kylie Reinsch to pharmacy manager. She previously earned 12 years of long-term care experience as a pharmacy technician before joining Nebraska LTC as assistant manager. Kylie started with Nebraska LTC only several months ago, but has dedicated herself and her time to learn the trade and continuously strives to do and be better for the overall business.

“There is nobody I trust more to run this second home of mine, and in turn it will allow me to spend a little more time with my family,” shared Owner Shannon Hammerschmidt.

Kylie graduated from UNMC’s pharmacy technician program in 2016 and is a certified technician and vaccine administrator. She is looking forward to being more involved in the community, and enjoys spending time with her family and organizing efficiency projects for bettering patient care.

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy is a locally owned pharmacy that provides a wide array of services in the Lincoln and Omaha areas. They provide individualized patient care that increases safety and prolongs customers’ independence at home. Their Lincoln pharmacy is located just off of 40th and Normal Blvd. Their goal is to offer the “small town” level of customer service while providing the highest level of care for their patients. To learn more, visit neltcpharmacy. com or call (402) 328-0231.

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City impact Announces Kristy goodwin as executive Director City Impact is excited to announce Kristy Goodwin as its new executive director.

Kristy brings 20 years of experience in higher education and a wealth of expertise in leadership development, mentoring, and community outreac h.

In addition, Kristy holds a master of education in instructional leadership, master in management, and master of theological studies. Kristy is a mentor for the RISE Together Mentoring Program through Union Theological Seminary. She is a Certified Trauma Healing Facilitator through the Trauma Healing Institute and a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach.

“We are confident that her skills, professional experience, and vision of the Gospel in action will support and amplify our mission to mentor, teach, and empower under-resourced youth in Lincoln,” says Craig Ames, chairman of the City Impact Board of Directors.

City Impact is a faith-based, youth development nonprofit in Lincoln. Their mission is to mentor, teach, and empower underresourced youth, raising up leaders who break the cycle of poverty. Learn more at Cityimpact.org.

neighborWorks lincoln Announces Retirement of Marti lee, names new Coo After a 45 year career, NeighborWorks Lincoln (NWL) COO Marti Lee has retired, effective in February. Lee joined NWL in 2015 (after relocating to Lincoln following 30 years of working with business improvement districts in Kansas City, MO) and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2017. Lee is most proud of her time spent working with Lincoln’s North 27th Street merchant association, including work on façade and building improvements and the “Taste of 27th Street” event that showcased the many unique restaurants and markets found only in the neighborhood.

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“NWL provided a wonderful transition for me from KCMO to Lincoln,” says Lee. “It gave me the opportunity to build new relationships among many diverse stakeholders, learn about the neighborhoods, and work with great staff in an effective organization.”

NeighborWorks Lincoln has announced that Rachael Surmick will serve as the organization’s next COO. After working in community development for the past Rachael Surmick decade, Surmick joined NWL in May 2021 as its resource development director. Surmick’s experience includes prior roles at United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County and NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh, PA) where she also served as COO. With Surmick’s promotion, NWL has begun its search for a new Development Director and has contracted with Zelle HR Solutions to lead the effort. Visit zellehr.com/job-board for more information about this key organizational role.

The mission of NeighborWorks Lincoln is to revitalize neighborhoods and support homeownership, keeping Lincoln a safe and prosperous community. For more information about NeighborWorks Lincoln’s neighborhood stabilization efforts, visit www.nwlincoln.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Angels Among Us is excited to welcome five new members to the Board of Directors.

Ryan Cook is a shareholder at Lutz in Omaha. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the internal relations committee and his expertise in dealing with finances. He also has an interest in expanding Angels Among Us’ footprint in the metro area.

Joel Friesen is the president of Five Nines in Lincoln, and his personal connection to pediatric cancer makes him passionate about moving Angels Among Us’ mission forward as well as expanding the exposure in the Lincoln community.

Nick Jasa is the president of One Source, The Background Check Company. His expertise in volunteer management and policy will be an important part of the new emotional support programming and engagement of community volunteers.

Rebecca McMahon is the radiation oncology manager at Nebraska Medicine and works closely with both adult and pediatric cancer patients daily. Her perspective will help bring new ideas to Angels Among Us’ programming development in the years to come.

Tom Whiteing is a financial advisor for Renaissance Financial. Since moving back to the area, he has had a desire to get involved and has decided to use his talents in the pediatric cancer community.

Angels Among Us is a Nebraska nonprofit that provides financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply for all support. For more information about events or to get involved in any way, please contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org or call (402) 934-0999.

March 2022 Strictly Business 31

peRSonnel neWS neemann & Sons Welcomes Chris Schweitzer to the team as new Mechanic

Jennifer Larabee Announced as Qualifier for Ameritas leader’s Conference

Neemann & Sons is excited to introduce Chris Schweitzer as the newest member of their team, working as a mechanic. Chris joined the business in December 2021 to work on and service trucks, trailers, and different types of construction equipment, as well as to purchase materials and equipment as needed.

Jennifer Larabee, an employee benefits and financial services specialist at Farmers Union Midwest Agency (FUMA), has qualified as part of a select group of top financial advisors across the country to attend the 2022 Ameritas Leaders Conference. The conference will take place June 8-12 at the Greenbriar Resort in West Virginia.

Jennifer was born and raised in Odell, NE and received her degree in business administration and accounting from Lincoln School of Commerce. She has served with FUMA for three and a half years with previous insurance background starting in 2005 at Assurity Life Insurance, where she held multiple positions before she transitioned to State Farm and worked as an agent in Life/ Health and Property/Casualty insurance for two years. Jennifer is married and recently adopted Harley, a golden labradoodle puppy in January.

Farmers Union Midwest Agency provides insurance protection to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Through their agents, agency partners, and The Farmers Union Organization, they strive to provide strong relationships with agents and customers to exceed expectations and demonstrate the highest level of customer service. To learn more, visit www.fumainsurance.com, or contact Jennifer at jennifer@fumafinancial.com / (402) 560-0047 for more information.

Originally from Milford, NE, Chris started out in construction working on a crew and worked his way up to foreman. He later transitioned to being a mechanic, and since then has worked as one for 22 years. When Chris isn’t at Neemann & Sons, you can find him performing his own work in the shop on his Figure 8 cars. During the summer, Chris enjoys spending time on the race track at the county fairs around Nebraska, or out on the boat fishing with his family.

Neemann & Sons is built on three core values to offer the best services possible for their clients and the community: honesty, hard work, and 100% satisfaction. Being a family owned business, Neemann & Sons focuses on establishing trust by reviewing clients’ specific needs, expectations, concerns, and requirements. They are located at 1121 High St., STE B. with office hours Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about Neemann & Sons, visit their website at www.neemannandsons.com or contact them directly by phone or email at (402) 423-4853 / info@neemannandsons.com.

Jayson proudly respresents these fine Lincoln neighborhoords. Contact Jayson today to find out more!

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“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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peRSonnel neWS lincoln Federal promotes Walker, Reiman, Schwartz, McCormick, huber, and Merrill Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is excited to announce the promotions of six individuals: Dan Walker, executive vice president/ chief lending officer; Lora Reiman, vice president/controller; Angie Schwartz, vice president/mortgage loan officer; Carson McCormick, assistant vice president/ mortgage loan officer; Ben Huber, assistant vice president/consumer loan officer; and Heather Merrill, assistant vice president/ deposit services operations specialist.

Walker began his career with Lincoln Angie Schwartz Federal in 2011. During his tenure, he has worked to grow and develop the Commercial Real Estate Loan portfolio, perfected lending processes bank-wide, and has served as an integral member of the loan committee. As Executive Vice President/Chief Lending Officer, he will continue to innovate, improve, and oversee all lending business at the Bank.

Reiman’s primary responsibilities now include recording and reconciling general ledger transactions, preparing financial statements, Carson McCormick and processing payroll. She began at Lincoln Federal as senior accountant in 2019, and Reiman has continued to grow in her position leading to her current role as vice president/controller.

Schwartz began her career in banking over 25 years ago. Recently, she joined Lincoln Federal’s team of mortgage lending professionals. She has adept knowledge of banking and mortgage lending along with strong ties to the community. In her role as vice president / mortgage loan officer, Schwartz will continue to place her Ben huber customers in mortgage products tailored to their specific needs and provide a collaborative and personalized relationship with each of her customers.

McCormick began his banking career in 2016 as a mortgage loan processor, and in 2020 was promoted to junior mortgage loan officer where he was able to jumpstart his career in mortgage lending. He will now take on the responsibilities of assistant vice president/mortgage loan officer, overseeing the loan process for his clients heather Merrill from application to loan closing.

Huber also joined Lincoln Federal’s team in 2016 on the loan processing team for construction, commercial, and equity loans. His primary responsibilities as assistant vice president/consumer loan officer include developing and growing the Bank’s consumer loan portfolio and working with customers each day, helping them achieve their home equity goals.

Merrill has worked at Lincoln Federal for over 19 years in various roles in deposit services. Her hunger for knowledge and growth leads her to her role as assistant vice president/deposit services operations specialist. In this role, she will collaborate with operations staff members, provide customer service, and work to optimize bank operations and customer processes.

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank has five branch locations in Lincoln. Learn more at lincolnfed.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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peRSonnel neWS greenleaf Commercial Real estate’s John Chris Beutler Joins lincoln parks Foundation linscott named 2021 Quarterly Deals Winner leadership team President and Director of Asset Management at Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate John Linscott was recently named a 2021 CoStar Power Broker Quarterly Deals winner for the fourth quarter. This award recognizes commercial real estate’s top brokers and firms in the United States and Canada.

Eac h year, commercial real estate professionals have the opportunity to submit their closed sale and lease transactions to be considered toward the Annual Power Broker Award presented by CoStar, the largest commercial real estate information and analytics provider.

CoStar then verifies and analyzes thousands of deals submitted to identify winners in each market (based on cumulative deals; square foot and per square foot). Recognized as the premiere industry award, both the firms and brokers have the opportunity to obtain this recognition and be placed among the industry’s elite. Learn more about this award by visiting costarpowerbrokers.com.

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate is a full-service commercial real estate company offering professional asset management services and brokerage services including leasing, sales, acquisitions, consulting, and development. They believe in building relationships and strive to understand each client’s objectives and develop a strategy to meet their specific needs. Whatever your commercial real estate needs might be, Greenleaf’s team of professionals is here to help you succeed. For more information, call (402) 467-2525 or check out the website at www.greenleafcommercial.com.

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Lincoln Parks Foundation is excited to announce Chris Beutler has joined the leadership team as of January 1.

“Chris brings to us a wealth of knowledge of our history and programs, a deep passion for parks and recreation, and the energy to help us get our story out into the community.

He will be meeting with our longtime and loyal donors, updating them on our current projects and working with them on planned and estate giving. We are excited that Chris will continue his service to Lincoln with our organization,” said Executive Director Maggie Stuckey-Ross.

Beutler was one of the first fundraisers for the foundation, hired in 2002 to coordinate the “Restore the Gem” campaign for renovations at the Sunken Gardens. He was mayor of Lincoln from 2007-2019, and was the longest serving mayor in Lincoln’s history. Prior to his service as mayor, Beutler represented central Lincoln’s 28th Nebraska legislative district, winning election in 1978 and re-election in 1982. He resigned in 1986 and was re-elected in 1990, 1994, 1998, and 2002.

The Lincoln Parks Foundation enlists the help of individuals, corporate donors, and other charitable foundations in their efforts to sustain and improve the excellent parks system in Lincoln. To learn more, go online to www.lincolnparks.org.

Sp group Welcomes 2022 tax Season interns SP Group, P.C, a growing entrepreneurial accounting firm, is pleased to announce their tax season interns for 2022. Livia Wilhelm and Madilynn Miller are returning interns, and Ashlyn Teten and Andrew Liberty are new to the SP Team.

Livia hails from Syracuse, a product of small-town Nebraska which influenced her decision l-R: livia Wilhelm, Madilynn Miller, to attend Nebraska Wesleyan Ashlynn teten, and Andrew liberty University. A recent graduate of NWU with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, she plans to continue her education by pursuing her Master’s Degree in Professional Accountancy at Kansas State University.

Madilynn calls Hastings her hometown and is a recent graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Driven to succeed in academics, she completed her degree in less than four years and plans to continue her education by pursuing her master’s.

Ashlyn is currently a senior at Peru State College majoring in accounting. In 2018, she received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Agribusiness. After working in the insurance industry for two years, her interest in accounting was sparked and she returned to school to pursue a second degree.

Andrew, a Bellevue native, is a junior at the University of NebraskaLincoln majoring in accounting and a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma fraternity. His interests include sports of all kinds, namely football, basketball, baseball, and tennis, the latter being his most decorated.

SP Group, P.C. serves growth-oriented companies and talented individuals in the Midwest, with the goal of making sure that their clients have the support they need to feel confident about their financial future. For more information, visit spgrouppc.com, follow SP Group on Facebook (@SPGroup,P.C.), or call (402) 420-7758. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

peRSonnel neWS home Builders Association of lincoln Installs 2022 Officers and Directors The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) is excited to announce their recently elected 2022 officers and directors.

Ward Fred Hoppe, The Hoppe Law Firm, was installed as the 72nd president of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln on February 1.

The 2022 Home Builders Association of Lincoln board of directors is as follows: Executive committee – Fred Hoppe, president; Lori Wellman, president elect; Beau Daffer, 1st vice president; Perry Haralson, 2nd vice president; Ryan Trausch, secretary; Bob Bryant, treasurer; Matt Kinning, immediate past president; Michaela Schwarten, executive vice president Board of Directors – Megan Dreyer, Matt Firestone, Kenny German, Kelly Krueger, Dave Lakin, Hayley Lane, Dan Loeck, Jereme Montgomery, Blake Pittack, Tyler Reynolds, Brett Sundberg, Sam Swartz Remodelers Council Chair – Tim Zeng Past Presidents – Jim Christo; Steve Fulton; Justin Johnson; Bo Jones; Mike Kinning; Dan Klein, Sr.; Mike May; Herb Reese; Roger Reynolds; Mike Rezac; Denny Van Horn The Home Builders Association of Lincoln is a visible, effective, and respected trade association which promotes home building through professional education, member communication, and civic participation, and which represents builders and associated professionals in community, government, and industry forums. For more information about HBAL, visit hbal.org.

Mosaic names nic Batterton as executive Director for Mosaic in Southeast nebraska Mosaic, a national nonprofit serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has named Nic Batterton executive director for Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska, based in Lincoln, in addition to his role as executive director of Mosaic in Omaha.

The Southeast Nebraska and Omaha agencies will remain separate, autonomous agencies directly managed by Associate Director Malindi Gabelhouse for Southeast Nebraska and Associate Director Tyler Andersen in Omaha.

Batterton’s increased responsibilities will include regional strategic planning for both areas to serve more people, building a sustainable fundraising presence in Lincoln, and connecting Mosaic to the community for support and greater awareness of its mission to “relentlessly pursue opportunities that empower people.”

According to Jen Zajicek, Mosaic’s interim vice president of operations for Nebraska, “Nic has been with Mosaic for four years and has proven to be a thought-leader within our organization. His appointment positions us to continue being in front of the constantly evolving needs in whole-person healthcare while meeting strategic goals for both agencies.”

Mosaic recognizes that people with intellectual disabilities desire and deserve greater independence and closer ties to the community. By developing and expanding community connections, they create new social, volunteer, and employment opportunities.

Learn more at www.mosaicinfo.org. To reach Nic Batterton to inquire about varying service lines each agency offers, contact nic.batterton@mosaicinfo.org / (402) 710-3688. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Robert Sanford Joins SCC as new Director of title iX and institutional Compliance Lincoln attorney Robert Sanford is the new administrative director of Title IX and Institutional Compliance at Southeast Community College (SCC). In this position, Sanford will provide advice and technical assistance, as well as training and investigative activities to develop and implement the College’s compliance with laws, rules, regulations, and policies related to access, equity, and diversity.

Sanford was previously the legal director for the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence for the past 16 years. He hopes he can use his background to help SCC provide that sense of safety that allows students to focus on education.

A native of Arnold, NE, Sanford graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture. He received his Juris Doctorate in 1997 from the University of Nebraska College of Law. He also worked for the Legal Aid Society of Omaha, the Nebraska Appleseed Center, and in private practice. When he’s not working, he enjoys photography as a hobby. He photographs many of the local races in Lincoln and Omaha, in addition to wildlife photography.

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, visit www.southeast.edu.

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peRSonnel neWS lincoln Airport Authority Announces 2022 Marketing intern Kendra Korger Kendra Korger has joined the Lincoln Airport Authority as the 2022 LNK Airport marketing intern.

Kendra is a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in advertising/ public relations and sports media. Kendra is also minoring in communications and is part of the Journalism College’s advertising agency, Jacht, and is active in the UNL Greek system. At LNK, she will help assist with airport events, such as their summer drive-in movies; will sharpen her video and photography skills; and lead their efforts with community engagement and outreach.

The Lincoln Airport is owned and operated by The Lincoln Airport Authority, a public/military airport located five miles northwest of Lincoln that delivers more than $1.3 billion per year in value to the economy. LNK is a customer service, Nebraska-nice airport that connects the Lincoln community to the rest of the world. Check LNK every time you fly. For more information about flights and services, visit lincolnairport.com or call (402) 458-2480.

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EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC (EA), a leading provider of interdisciplinary environmental services, is pleased to announce that Craig Johnson, CHMM, has joined the company as a senior project manager. In this position, he will be responsible for managing large and complex environmental investigation and remediation projects, most involving emerging contaminants and/or military munitions. In addition, Craig will serve in a quality control capacity performing senior technical review and as a mentor training and developing young professionals. Reflective of his career, his focus will be on Department of Defense (DoD) Installation Restoration and Military Munitions Response Program environmental projects and programs for customers nationwide.

Craig joins EA with more than 30 years of experience executing and managing the full spectrum of site investigation and remediation projects, from initial assessment through design and full-scale remedial construction. During his career, he has led the successful completion of more than 25 major environmental remediation projects with many completed under performance-based, fixed price contracts. His military munitions expertise includes managing small arms range removal actions, munitions and explosives of concern surface removals, and open burn/open detonation investigations.

His prior management experience also includes member firm representation on several joint ventures serving federal customers.

EA is a 100% employee-owned public benefit corporation that provides environmental, compliance, natural resources, and infrastructure engineering and management solutions for a wide range of public and private sector clients. For more information about EA, visit www.eaest.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

If you know of a local, woman-owned business, tell Strictly Business about them!

APRIL 2022 ISSUE

Calling all Women-Owned Businesses!

In the April 2022 issue of Strictly Business, we will run our biannual “Women-Owned Businesses” feature to highlight the businesses in Lincoln that are proudly owned and run by women.

“The world needs strong women. Women who will lift and build others, who will love and be loved. Women who live bravely, both tender and fierce. Women of indomitable will.” – Amy Tenney

FEATURE INCLUDES: Strictly Business is direct mailed to over 15,000 businesses in Lincoln every month! With a 2–4 month shelf life and a pass-along readership, it’s estimated that 1 copy of the magazine reaches at least 5 people. Editorial features are published on our website, as well. We are proud to have a strong online presence.

Photo of owner(s), business logo & 150-word write-up/quote

To participate or nominate, contact: (402) 466-3330 | Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

March 2022 Strictly Business

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nonpRoFit neWS Friendship home Seeks Volunteers for 23rd Annual Stuff the Bus event April 30 – May 1

habitat for humanity to host 2022 Community Builders Breakfast March 16

Friendship Home is partnering with StarTran and Alpha Media radio stations for the 23rd annual Stuff the Bus event. Stuff the Bus is a community wide effort to stuff four StarTran buses full of new items needed by the families served at Friendship Home.

Donations from Stuff the Bus will stock their shelves for the coming year, allowing families served at Friendship Home to receive the everyday essential items they need while rebuilding their lives — free from domestic violence.

For many of these families, Stuff the Bus is critical to support their needs as they begin this journey.

Friendship Home is seeking volunteers to help hand out needs lists to shoppers and stuff the StarTran buses at all Lincoln Walmart and Sam’s Club stores on April 30 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and May 1 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Volunteer opportunities are perfect for families, friends, co-workers, high school/college students, and other community organizations. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Rainey Korte at raineyk@friendshiphome.org or call (402) 437-9367.

Friendship Home provides crisis services, emergency shelter, and transitional housing to survivors of domestic violence and their children. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing domestic violence, please call Friendship Home’s 24/7 crisis line at (402) 4379302. To learn more, visit www.friendshiphome.org.

Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln is pleased to present the 2022 Community Builders Breakfast on Wednesday, March 16, from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. at Nebraska Innovation Campus.

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The Community Builders Breakfast honors community partners dedicated to affordable housing in the city of Lincoln. The event is one of Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln’s biggest fundraising events of the year. The hour-long celebration will feature stories from Habitat homeowners and honor volunteers and community partners. Attendees are members of the construction, building, and real estate industries who believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live.

This year at the event, Habitat will be announcing the official grand opening date of the new ReStore location at 56th and Highway 2.

Habitat ReStore is a discount building supply and furniture store that helps fund Habitat for Humanity’s mission.

The breakfast will be provided by Venue Restaurant & Lounge. Ticket information is available at LincolnHabitat.org.

Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln was established in 1988 and has built or repaired 183 homes in Lancaster and Seward counties. They look forward to continuing the mission to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Learn more at LincolnHabitat.org or by contacting Deanna Walz at (402) 480-6185 / dwalz@lincolnhabitat.org.

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nonpRoFit neWS lulu’s on n Relocates to harbor Coffeehouse, Supports loaves & Fishes LuLu’s on N is pleased to announce that you can now find their delicious treats and goodies at their new location, Harbor Coffeehouse, located at 601 P St. LuLu’s will be offering all of your favorite baked goods with a new selection weekly.

Although LuLu’s made the decision to close their location at 1417 N St., they are still available for catering and custom baking orders. They can provide catering for groups of anywhere from as few as two to three people or as many as 200. To place an order, call (531) 500-5579 or email lulusonnst@gmail.com.

All purchases made support the work of Loaves & Fishes, which works to support the homeless and others living in poverty in our community. The nonprofit offers three free meals per week at St. Paul United Methodist Church, located at 12th and M Streets. They also back other groups working to support the community. If you are interested in donating to help the work of LuLu’s and Loaves & Fishes, you can visit their website at lulusonn.com.

Dreamweaver Foundation expands, helps Seniors with grandpad® technology Dreamweaver Foundation, a Nebraska-based nonprofit, a n n o u n c e d a n ex p a n d e d partnership with GrandPad®, bringing its Connecting Hope program to meet the needs of seniors across the entire U.S. and Puerto Rico. Providing isolated and lonely seniors with a GrandPad tablet has resulted in hundreds of strengthened and meaningful ties to family, friends, and caregivers through this senior-friendly technology.

“One of our GrandPad recipients contacted us recently to share her heartfelt gratitude for our help during one of the most difficult times of her life. She couldn't imagine going through COVID-19, her husband’s illness and recent passing without her GrandPad from Dreamweaver Foundation. She didn't feel so alone and could be in touch with her family. This is exactly why we work to provide GrandPad tablets to seniors in need,” said Cheri Mastny, executive director of Dreamweaver Foundation.

Since Dreamweaver Foundation announced the initial partnership with GrandPad it has donated 200 GrandPad tablets to older adults in 25 states.

The GrandPad tablet is easy to use and comes with built-in 4G LTE connectivity, advanced security features, ergonomic design, large icons, crisp screen resolution, and two front-facing speakers. Each GrandPad tablet comes with 24/7/365 personalized support for troubleshooting and questions. Loved ones and caregivers can connect to the platform through the GrandPad Companion App when added by a designated administrator. The app is available on Android and iOS. Those who would like to nominate a senior to receive a GrandPad or to make a monetary donation to help fund the Dreamweaver Foundation Connecting Hope mission can learn more at dreamweaver.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Join neSC for the Annual Conference and tradeshow April 21 at graduate hotel Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) is pleased to bring back the annual NESC Conference and Tradeshow on Thursday, April 21, at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln.

NESC has an exciting line-up of educational sessions, speakers, exhibitors, prizes, networking opportunities, and more. Join them for the full conference, or if you are short on time, you can simply register for the Awards Luncheon that will be held between noon - 1:30 p.m. The Awards Luncheon will feature a keynote speaker, followed by recognition of the winners of the NESC Awards, Worker 360° Awards, and Legacy Awards.

Participants will have an opportunity to earn up to three hours of CEU/PDC Continuing Education. There will be three breakout sessions with the option to choose from safety, wellness, and general topics.

In between breakout sessions, participants will have over two hours to visit the exhibit hall filled with safety products and services as well as further worksite wellness vendors. Additionally, you will have a chance to see demonstrations of the latest safety and wellness products and services. Register online and view the full list of speakers and agenda highlights at nesafetycouncil.org – Worker Education & Events – Conference & Events.

The Mission of the Nebraska Safety Council is to provide education and leadership to empower Nebraskans to live safe and healthy. To learn more or to sign up for a membership today, visit nesafetycouncil. org, call (402) 483-2511, or email nesc@nesafetycouncil.org.

March 2022 Strictly Business 39

nonpRoFit neWS Matt talbot Celebrates a Year of increasing impact

nAM Announces Central nebraska nonprofit Conference in-person April 21

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (MTKO) is a hunger relief and outreach center for the homeless and near-homeless with four main areas of focus: relieving hunger, defeating homelessness, addressing addiction, and providing outreach. Last year more than 42,000 outreach and prevention services were provided (a 34% increase from 2020) and a total of 2,318 unduplicated clients were served (an increase of 36% from 2020).

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) is excited to introduce the 5th Annual Central Nebraska Nonprofit Conference will be in-person on Thursday, April 21. A pre-conference session will be held Wednesday, April 20, and both events will take place at the Younes Conference Center at 416 W Talmadge Rd. in Kearney, NE.

“Thanks to our wonderful volunteers and donors we have been able to serve more people throughout these hard times,” says Susanne Blue, executive director of MTKO. “It is a ministry of compassion and love and we are grateful to be able to provide these services.”

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach provides two meals 365 days a year to individuals and families in need, with volunteers providing, preparing, and serving the majority of the meals. Last year volunteers contributed 16,882 hours of service and provided nearly 60,000 meals. Additionally, over 400 emergency food pantries were given out, which equates to approximately 2,800 meals. During meal times, staff is available in the dining room to provide outreach and assistance to guests. Services available include case management, assistance with acquiring vital identification documents, housing, substance use services and support, message and mail services for those who are homeless, shower and laundry services, and assistance with basic and emergency needs. Learn more at mtko.org.

The Central Nebraska Nonprofit Conference will offer seminar and networking sessions to energize nonprofit executives, employees, board members, and volunteers. The conference will explore trends, best practices, and issues affecting the nonprofit sector and provide actionable takeaways to support the missions of nonprofits. Sessions will be interactive, inspiring, informative, and memorable.

The event is hosted in partnership with the Hamilton Community Foundation, Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, Kearney Area Community Foundation, Peter Kiewit Foundation, and DA Davidson. Registration information is available at nonprofitam. org/events or under the “Learn” – “Annual Conferences” section of the website.

Nonprofit Association of the Midlands strengthens the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of more than 650 nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa. To learn more, visit nonprofitam.org or contact Abby at abbyh@nonprofitam.org / (402) 557-5800.

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nonpRoFit neWS Down Syndrome Association for Families to hold new Family Zoom Meetup March 5 On Saturday, Marc h 5 , D ow n S y n d r o m e Association for Families of Nebraska (DSAF) invites families with a child under the age of three with Down syndrome to attend their new family Zoom meetup.

The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and feature Kristen Pfeil, OTD, who will be available to answer questions and share information about occupational therapy for young children. Learn more and register for the event at dsafnebraska.org/event-4663253.

Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska recognizes that every person with Down syndrome is an individual who has a unique purpose and set of abilities. It is their mission to provide support and a positive vision for the future for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, friends, educators, and professionals who share in their lives. For more information about the organization, visit dsafnebraska.org or call (403) 421-1338.

tabitha offers Support groups, online hospice Volunteer training in March Ta b i t h a o f f e r s a variety of suppor t groups in Lincoln and L a n c a s t e r C o u n t y.

H e l p f u l f o r m a ny p e o p l e p ro c e s s i n g their grief, grief groups give participants the opportunity to connect with others who are experiencing kindred feelings of loss. Tabitha offers multiple support groups online: • Grieving Gracefully Book Club discusses faith-based books.

The support group will be discussing C. S. Lewis’ A Grief Observed every second and fourth Thursday, March 10 and 24, from noon to 1 p.m.

• Hope Book Club delves into inspirational books that exemplify others growing through grief. This club will be reading Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief by Joanne Cacciatore. The meeting time this month is to be determined.

• Growing through Grief is a six-week educational support group that provides basic skills for coping with loss. It also gives members an opportunity to learn from each other. Growing through Grief can be done in person or online, depending on interest. A new session, which will be held Tuesdays at 1 p.m. online, begins March 22.

• If you are interested in enrolling in a grief group, please contact a bereavement coordinator. Register online at Tabitha.org/Hospice/Bereavement or call (402) 486-8506.

Participation is free.

Tabitha is also offering online hospice volunteer training.

Hospice volunteering is a rewarding opportunity that provides companionship, pet therapy, bereavement support, respite care, office and clerical support while providing comfort and joy to Tabitha clients and families. For questions or to learn more, contact Kara Hillhouse, Tabitha Hospice volunteer coordinator, at (402) 486-8577 or email Kara.Hillhouse@tabitha.org.

As the state’s quality award-winning senior care expert, nonprofit Tabitha empowers people to live joyfully, age gratefully through results-driven rehabilitation, accessible at-home home health care, innovative living communities, and compassionate hospice services.

Learn more at Tabitha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Former nFl player Benjamin Watson to Speak at pregnancy Center’s partnership Dinner Pregnancy Center is pleased to announce their annual Partnership Dinner will be held Tuesday, April 19, and will feature former NFL player Benjamin Watson as the keynote speaker. The event will be held at the Embassy Suites in downtown Lincoln, and doors will open at 6 p.m. with dinner and the program to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Benjamin played 16 seasons in the NFL, was a team member on the New England Patriots, and scored a championship ring in Super Bowl XXXIX. Benjamin is widely recognized for what is considered “the most amazing play of the entire 2005-2006 NFL season”—a remarkable run to deny a touchdown in a critical playoff game. However, one of Watson’s greatest passions in life is to protect the lives of the most defenseless.

As one of the most outspoken pro-life voices in media, Benjamin and his wife Kirsten personally devote their time and money to assist pregnancy resource centers. Tickets for the event can be purchased at pregnancycenterpartners.org.

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

March 2022 Strictly Business 41

Growing for Nebraska The City Bank & Trust Mortgage Team at City Bank continues to grow, and now offers a diverse range of loan products including FHA, VA, NIFA, Rural Housing, and Conventional.

We have local decision-making and a support team who works directly with you, our customers, and your team or family.

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nonpRoFit neWS Christian Record Services Announces opening of Anne lowe Scholarship Application Christian Record Services, Inc. is pleased to announce the application for the Anne Lowe Scholarship is now open for the 202223 school year.

The Anne Lowe Scholarship is awarded to college students and is based on academic achievement, need, and goals for the future which is supported through an essay, reference letters, a projected budget, and verification of blindness. Tom Lowe established the scholarship in 1989 in the memory of his wife, Anne, who loved education and the mission of Christian Record.

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“Our scholarship committee reviews applicants each year and we are thrilled to award scholarships to six outstanding individuals,” said Diane Thurber, president of the 121-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.”

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

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

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.

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Centerpointe Renovations at former trabert hall Uncover 93-Year-old time Capsule CenterPointe is thrilled to be renovating the former Trabert Hall to expand their services to the community, but a recent discovery just made the construction process even more exciting! A time capsule dating back 93 years was recently uncovered within the cornerstone of the building.

It was filled with various items, including newspapers printed in the year 1928, buttons and pins, and a metal crucifix. The historic items have been returned to the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, the building’s original owners.

The new CenterPointe facility, located at 2202 S 11th St., is being renovated to offer housing, primary care, mental health services, substance use disorder services, and pharmacy services.

Construction is anticipated to be finished in the summer of 2022.

CenterPointe is a whole health facility in Lincoln and Omaha providing mental and physical health services as well as substance use recovery treatment. They serve women, men, teens, and veterans. The majority of people receiving services at CenterPointe experience both severe and persistent mental illness and addiction issues, and many have very low or no income when they enter their programs. Guided by their holistic approach of open arms and open minds and by their steadfast belief that every person has the ability to recover, CenterPointe is helping people get better, sooner, for longer. Learn more about CenterPointe online at www.centerpointe.org or by calling (402) 475-8717. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

hopeSpoke to host gourmet Comfort Classic May 6, Agency Sponsorships Available Save the date for Friday, May 6 for HopeSpoke’s Gourmet Comfort Classic at the Scottish Rite Ballroom in Lincoln.

The annual gala for HopeSpoke returns after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Enjoy comfort food creations by some of the community’s top chefs, a silent auction, and live music. All proceeds from the evening will help support HopeSpoke’s programs to provide mental health services for over 1,500 children, teens, adults, and families in the coming year. Thanks to generous support through this event, HopeSpoke turns no one away due to inability to pay for therapy services.

A number of agency sponsorships are available and feature a variety of benefits, including a table at the event and recognition in different print and digital platforms. Sponsorship levels are as follows: $10,000, Benefactor; $5,000, Visionary; $2,500, Champion; and $1,000, Advocate. All Gourmet Comfort Classic sponsors help more individuals get the help they need to build happier, healthier lives. To learn about becoming a sponsor or to get on HopeSpoke’s list for an invitation and details about the May 6 event, contact Becki Roberts at broberts@hopespoke.org.

The mission of HopeSpoke is to inspire healthy futures for children and their families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services. For more information about HopeSpoke’s services or to support HopeSpoke’s mission, please visit www.hopespoke.org.

March 2022 Strictly Business 43

nonpRoFit neWS Registration for Bright lights Summer Camps opens March 5, Volunteers Wanted

the ticket hosts teamMates Mentoring hour Radio Show every Wednesday

Bright Lights is excited to announce that registration opens for their Summer 2022 camps on Saturday, March 5, at BrightLights.org! This summer, they are offering over 25 brand new camps on topics ranging from robotics to rock climbing and cooking to painting. Check out the almost 100 half-day and full-day camps for K-8th grade students at BrightLights.org, where you can find something for everyone!

Camps will take place at Roper Elementary as well as other community sites over five weeks: June 6-10; June 13-17; June 20-24; June 27-July 1; and July 11-15. Camp scholarships are available and can be applied for during registration; deadline to apply for scholarships is May 1. Additional information on the scholarships can be found at BrightLights.org/programs/resources.

Have an older student? They can gain some resume-worthy experience and fun volunteer hours by signing up to be a Bright Lights Camp Assistant! These valuable volunteers are ages 8th grade and up and provide support to teachers in each of Bright Lights’ camps, enriching the experience for campers. Applications are accepted starting March 15. Learn more at BrightLights.org/assistants.

Bright Lights is a nonprofit organization that takes learning beyond the classroom by providing youth with unique, motivating, hands-on learning opportunities. Visit their Facebook (@brightlights.lincoln), Twitter, and Instagram (@brightlightsorg) to keep up-to-date on the latest camp and registration information!

TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln has partnered with 93.7 FM The Ticket to bring you TeamMates Mentoring Hour, a weekly radio program featuring members of the TeamMates family. Every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7 p.m., host Derrick “D.P.” Pearson speaks with mentors, staff, supporters, and former mentees about their TeamMates experiences and how mentoring has made an impact on their lives. Pearson and Jim Bennett, coordinator of Lincoln TeamMates, hope these stories will compel listeners to consider mentoring.

“You have the ability to impact where you went to school, the neighborhoods, and communities you work in and live in,” Pearson told listeners. “This is a direct impact and you can do this, and as matter of fact, you should do this.”

93.7 FM The Ticket is Lincoln’s real player in sports talk radio. They host a variety of radio shows throughout the day, as well as postgame shows for Nebraska Husker sporting events. To listen live online or to hear past TeamMates Mentoring shows, visit theticketfm.com. Live and past episodes can also be streamed on Facebook, Twitter, and Twitch.

TeamMates Mentoring makes a meaningful impact in the local community and beyond by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through mentoring. Matches meet once a week in school during the academic year. For more information about TeamMates and becoming a mentor, please visit LincolnTeammates.org.

Vision Maker Media Announces national premiere of Bring her home in March

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Vision Maker Media (VMM) encourages you to check your local PBS listings for the premiere national broadcast of Bring Her Home when celebrating Women’s History Month in March. Bring Her Home follows three Indigenous women – an artist, an activist, and a politician – as they fight to vindicate and honor their missing and murdered relatives who have fallen victims to a growing epidemic across Indian country.

Despite the lasting effects from historical trauma, each woman must search for healing while navigating racist systems that brought about this very crisis.

Vision Maker Media produces documentary films for PBS broadcasting and is the premier source of public media by and about Native Americans since 1976. Their mission is empowering and engaging Native people to share stories. They envision a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate. They work with VMM funded producers to develop, produce, and distribute programs for all public media.

VMM supports training to increase the number of American Indians and Alaska Natives producing public broadcasting programs. A key strategy for this work is in partnerships with Tribal nations, Indian organizations, and Native communities. Vision Maker Media is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Learn more at visionmakermedia.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@visionmakermedia). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

nonpRoFit neWS the Bridge Behavioral health to Replace two 15-passanger Vans The Bridge Behavioral Health, a nationally-accredited treatment center, has launched a campaign to replace their two 15-passanger vans. While the vans have ser ved the organization well, they are now 18 and 24 years old! These vans are a vital part of the organization and are used to transport clients to activities, AA and NA meetings, appointments, and other outings.

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Thanks to a gift from The Theresa Farnsworth Wittmann Charitable Foundation, The Bridge has raised $20,000 of their $80,000 goal. If your organization would like to learn more about this project, please email Brianna Georgeson at bgeorgeson@thebridgenebraska.org.

The Bridge Behavioral Health has served as an essential part of the Lincoln community’s safety net since 1984, connecting people suffering from addiction and related mental-health issues with support and treatment. The Bridge provides caring substance use, trauma, and mental-health treatment services. The individuals seeking safe passage from addition to sober living find it at The Bridge through a variety of support and treatment options, including medically monitored withdrawal, substance use and mental health respite, residential treatment, and a variety of recovery support services. To learn more, visit thebridgenebraska.org.

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YMCA of lincoln to Celebrate local educators with Free Admission March 12-20

The fourth Lincoln Littles Giving SB 1/8 page ad.indd 1 2/14/22 Day, held on February 9 raised $670,123. Hosted by the Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF), the The YMCA of Lincoln will be annual giving day raises funds for saying thank you to all local tuition assistance, allowing more educators by offering free children in need to access quality admittance to any Lincoln early childhood education. The day YMCA location from March 12 is inspired by the Prosper Lincoln – 20. The promotion is good Early Childhood community agenda for all elementary, middle, or goal of increasing accessible and high school faculty or staff, affordable high-quality early along with any college or childhood education. university staff with a valid ID. This year, the City identified $100,000 Community Development All educators can show their Block Grant funds to contribute to the Lincoln Littles effort. Mayor educator ID at any Lincoln Leirion Gaylor Baird once again issued the “Mayor’s Big Challenge YMCA branch to receive a one-week pass for them and their for Lincoln Littles,” to encourage community donations. Matching immediate family (up to two adults and dependent children). In sponsors provided backbone funding for the giving day. addition, any educator wishing to sign up for a membership during Since 2019, the giving day has raised nearly $3.1 million for that time will have their initiation fee waived. YMCA members the Lincoln Littles Early Learning Fund. Grants from the fund are currently serving in the education industry can enter to win distributed to early childhood education providers in Lincoln that are raffle prizes throughout the week at each branch by showing an on Step 2 or higher of the state guidelines for Step Up to Quality employment ID. and who serve children in need. Since Lincoln Littles launched, there “We take tremendous pride in the partnerships we have with has been a 146% increase in early childhood education providers schools in the Lincoln and surrounding communities, and are excited in Lincoln participating in Step Up to Quality. to celebrate them this month,” shared Allison McGinn, membership The Lincoln Community Foundation, established in 1955, strives to director at the Lincoln YMCA. “We are so appreciative of our continually enrich the Lincoln community by promoting and achieving educators and their service to the youth in our community, and this perpetual philanthropic support. The Foundation has distributed is just one small way we can recognize their impact.” more than $195 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have The YMCA of Lincoln has served the community for over 150 years, improved the lives of thousands of residents. To learn more about promoting positive values through programs that build spirit, mind, the organization or view a list of Lincoln Littles Giving Day Matching and body for all. For more information on the Lincoln YMCA along Sponsors, visit www.lcf.org. with a list of branch locations, visit ymcalincoln.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart March 2022 Strictly Business 45

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nonpRoFit neWS Save the Date for Ronald McDonald house Charities’ 2022 Signature events Ro n a l d M c D o n a l d H o u s e Charities (RMHC) is excited to share their upcoming signature events for 2022!

Wings & Wheels is coming to Lincoln on Friday, June 3! Join RMHC for an exclusive evening in a private airplane hangar at Silverhawk Aviation in Lincoln.

On Friday, August 26, RMHC invites you to stop at any participating Nebraska McDonald’s locations to purchase the 2022 Big Red Friday flag for just $5 each. All proceeds benefit the families staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha.

Thursday, September 8 is RMHC’s Signature Flight Support gala. It’s an exclusive night of viewing exotic cars and aircraft in a private airplane hangar at Signature Flight Support in Omaha, complete with local gourmet small bites and cocktails, entertainment, and a live auction.

The Kids & Clays Sporting Clays Tournament will be held October 7 – 9 at Oak Creek Sporting Club in Brainard, NE. Each team goes through 10 stations for 100 shots total. You can also play some entertaining side games, participate in the silent auction, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Ronald McDonald House Charities creates and operates programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. If you are interested in learning more information or volunteering at one of their signature events, contact Emily Mozer at (402) 346-9377 or email at emozer@rmhcomaha.org. Learn more at rmhcomaha.org.

tickets and tables Available for JDRF one night gala April 2 JDRF is looking forward to their One Night: Celebrating Champions, Accelerating Cures Gala set for April 2 at the CHI Health Center. The event will help raise funds for critical lifechanging type 1 diabetes (T1D) research to cure, treat, and prevent T1D. The gala begins at 6 p.m., featuring cocktails, a silent and live auction, the signature Fund A Cure program, and live entertainment by Tommy DeCarlo singer of the band Boston in concert with Rudy Cardenas of American Idol. The classic hits of Boston & Journey! This year’s Fund A Cure program will highlight the Sharpe family from Lincoln. Tickets and tables can be purchased on the JDRF website at jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa. Attendees can also directly contribute to T1D research by donating to Fund A Cure.

JDRF is thankful for this year’s Honorary Chairs, Jessica and Jerry Jurgensen; Event Chairs, Beth Pantano and Matt Jackson; and Experience Chairs, Sarah and Michael Scott. They also gratefully acknowledge this year’s co-presenting sponsors, Lamb Weston and Scoular. For more information on the gala, contact JDRF Development Manager Chris Dunn at (402) 397-2873 / cdunn@jdrf.org.

JDRF has a mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. They do this by funding innovative research, advocating for government action, and providing a support structure for our community. JDRF requires that all event guests, volunteers, and staff must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event date.

For more information, please visit jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa or follow JDRF on Twitter (@JDRFNEIA). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Family Service WiC and nebraska interpretation Services Form new partnership Family Service WIC is pleased to announce the formation of a new partnership with Nebraska Interpretation Services to continue to meet the needs of local families.

In addition to their long-time partnership with Language Link, this new partnership with Nebraska Interpretation Services will allow Family Service WIC to continue to provide language services and meet all clients’ needs with the best assistance possible. In the coming months, Family Service WIC will also be adding four new languages to their website to give easier access to the clients they serve. Since the beginning of 2022, they have already worked with interpretation services in Lincoln to help 36 families who utilize a primary language other than English.

Family Service WIC provides healthy foods at no cost to eligible participants in order to help keep pregnant women, infants, children up to age five, breastfeeding moms up to one year, and postpartum moms up to six months, healthy. To be eligible for WIC, a person must meet one of the above requirements, have identification, and proof of address and income (See income guidelines here: dhhs. ne.gov/Pages/WIC-About.aspx). Individuals who participate in other programs such as SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) may automatically be incomeeligible for WIC. Questions about the organization or interpretation services can be directed to Rachelle Palacios, who can be reached at (402) 441-8655 / Rpalacios@familyservicelincoln.org. Learn more at familyservicelincoln.org/wic-women-infants-children.

Community Action’s gathering place Seeks Warm Clothing for guests Community Action’s Gathering Place soup kitchen is in need of warm clothing items for their guests. While Lincoln’s winter season has been on the mild side, Nebraska weather is notorious for changing quickly, and Community Action wants to ensure guests are prepared for those frigid temperatures. Currently, the mostneeded items are hand warmers, socks, gloves, and hats—all of which can be donated to Community Action.

“Providing warmth to Gathering Place guests helps them navigate their everyday life,” said Lisa Janssen, Gathering Place administrator. “From catching the bus, to walking kids to school, to grabbing a to-go dinner at the Gathering Place, proper winter gear makes life a little easier on our Lincoln community. It’s a small thing that helps combat the complications that winter can add to daily life.”

Winter items can be dropped off Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Community Action’s office at 210 O St. in Lincoln. You can also order from the Amazon wish list and ship directly to Community Action by visiting their website at www.communityactionatwork.org. Groups, businesses, or organizations interested in organizing a donation drive should contact Sam Bates at sbates@communityactionatwork.org / (402) 875-9320.

Community Action’s mission is to empower people living in poverty to reach economic stability. Its 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. To learn more, visit www.communityactionatwork.org.

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nonpRoFit neWS Malone Community Center holds Celebration of Black history in February The Malone Community Center recently held a celebration of black history, in which they showcased local black artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders as well as black history exhibits and interactive media. The event honored the life and contributions of Malone Community Center Founder Millard T. Woods and his family in Lincoln.

The Malone Community Center also presented the first Millard T. Woods Community Service Award to Kwabena A. Mensah, owner of Oasis Barbershop and founder of Visionary Youth; Nature Medicine Song Villegas, an intersectional activist for Stand in for Nebraska and volunteer at the Malone Center; and Stephanie Woods, the granddaughter of Millard T. Woods and volunteer at the Malone Center.

The main exhibit at the event was created by Millard T. Woods’ grandson Devon Woods, and poems and speeches by black activists were also featured. They were read aloud to attendees by children who attend the Malone Center’s after school program.

The Malone Community Center started in 1955 as a community center in the midst of the civil rights era as a platform for creating racial and socioeconomic equality. For more information, visit www. malonecenter.org or contact them directly at (402) 474-1110.

SCip to host Youth Substance Use trends presentation on March 24 School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP), a program of Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, will host “Smokin’, Tokin’, Pill Poppin’ & Online Shoppin’: Youth Substance Use Trends” on Thursday, March 24 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Lincoln Firefighter’s Reception Hall, 241 Victory Ln. The conference will feature Drug Recognition Expert Lt. Robert Hayes, who will review the seven drug categories, show examples of drugs and paraphernalia including vape pens, discuss the signs and symptoms of impairment, and review current data on drug use and abuse in youth. In addition, DEA Task Force Officer Tyler Kroenke, an investigator with the Nebraska State Patrol, will present on pharmaceutical drug trends in Nebraska communities and schools, review signs of pharmaceutical drug overdose and impairment and steps that can be taken to reverse their side effects, and discuss methods teens use to obtain pharmaceutical drugs. A panel discussion including personal stories and the perspective of a treatment provider will round out the conference.

Pre-registration is required. Cost is $55 for SCIP affiliated schools and organizations and $65 for non-SCIP affiliated schools and organizations.

For registration information, go to scipnebraska.com/trainings_and_ events/conferences-and-workshops.html/calendar/2022/3.

School Community Intervention & Prevention is a program designed to bring together families, schools, and the community to support student behavioral and emotional health. SCIP is supported in whole or part by Grant #2B08T1010034 under the SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and the Nebraska Division of Behavioral Health and monies passed through by Region 4 and Region V to prevention providers ($140,170 or 47%) and $161,100 or 53% from non-governmental entities. For more information on SCIP, visit www.scipnebraska.com or call (402) 327-6842.

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I Love My Dog Expo to Benefit DomestipUpS Set for April 9-10 The I Love My Dog Expo, sponsored in part by The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation, is back for another year to benefit Domseti-PUPS. This year’s expo will be held April 9 – 10 at the Lancaster Event Center. The expo is a perfect opportunity to visit your favorite vendors for dogrelated products and services or find your new best friend at one of several rescue organizations in attendance. Join thousands of pet lovers in the area and learn about responsible dog ownership. The event includes entertainment, games, training demonstrations, and plenty of shopping. The expo attracts dog lovers of all ages and interests. It’s also fun for those who don’t have a dog and just want to come, check out the cool canines, and be a part of the festivities. Whether you have a question for your favorite vet, want to purchase a new leash and collar, find unique doggie-related home apparel or decor, or learn a new trick, the I Love My Dog expo has something for everyone. The event will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission is $12; children 10 and under and dogs are free.

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

pCM’s Curtis Center offers Second Chances to individuals Seeking a Fresh Start The People’s City Mission (PCM) offers an excellent oppor tunity for people who are facing challenges after being recently released from incarceration through the Curtis Center, a service provided by PCM. The Curtis Center offers hope and second chances to those coming out of incarceration. Did you know that an inmate doesn’t even have a chance at parole if they don’t have anywhere to go after release? Having a plan in place before going before the parole board is important, so the Curtis Center works with institutions to make that happen for these men hoping for a fresh start.

Here is the impact the Curtis Center has had by the numbers: 50% of inmates released are back in jail within three years. The Curtis Center gives them a better chance, with a recidivism rate of around 34%.

At this time last year, Nebraska correctional facilities were on average 145% over designed capacity. The Curtis Center helps to alleviate overcrowding in Nebraska facilities.

In 2021 alone, the Curtis Center had 160 program participants. Each one is given the opportunity for a fresh start in life and the resources to achieve their goals.

People’s City Mission was started in 1907 by local churches, offering food and shelter for transient and impoverished men, women, and children. To learn more about the organization, contact PCM at info@ pcmlincoln.org / (402) 475-1303. Visit www.pcmlincoln.org to make a financial contribution to reach those at the Curtis Center. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Client Spotlight

Continuing Education to Strengthen Your Mind Everyone can benefit from keeping their mind strong, and this can be done by taking continuing education classes. Southeast Community College (SCC) makes this easily attainable with their many non-credit courses throughout the year. Non-credit courses are designed to enhance your current workforce skills, upgrade your job skills, or for personal pleasure. Classes are small, and instructors understand the needs of adult learners. SCC’s current Winter 2022 Schedule still has opportunities available through April, and there will be new courses opening in the summer. Continuing education course are provided in Cass, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, and York counties in these areas of study:

Health Care Trades & Industrial Technology Computers & Technology Business Development Leadership & Professional Development Personal Interest Traffic Safety & Licensing

To view the full Winter 2022 Continuing Education Schedule or the Winter 2022 Online Classes schedule, go to: www.southeast.edu/continuingeducation

Is there a skill that has always interested you? From dance, genealogy, languages, and photography, to gardening, cooking, and raising chickens... there is a wide variety of personal interest courses to choose from or keep your eye out for in the future. Classes may be multi-week or one day.

The majority of the classes don’t require any previous experience—just arrive in person or tune in online.

SCC is committed to its mission of transforming students and the diverse communities it serves through accessible, dynamic and responsive pathways to career and technical, academic transfer, and continuing education programs, as well as lifelong learning opportunities.

Questions: 402-437-2700 | continuinged@southeast.edu

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heAlth neWS tobacco Free lancaster County launches Campaign to Reduce Youth Vaping After muc h planning and preparation, Tobacco Free Lancaster County (TFLC) collaborated with Lincoln Public Schools to launch a vaping prevention mirror cling messaging campaign throughout the 2021-2022 school year. A total of 21 rotating graphic messages have been placed in bathrooms at 26 LPS middle and high schools.

Designs correspond with events and holidays happening in each quarter and feature a QR code that students and visitors can scan leading them to information about vaping and quitting resources.

The campaign works to remove barriers that youth face when looking for cessation resources such as the fear of consequences when asking for help, especially when under the age of 21, by providing an anonymous and discrete way to access support. The campaign appears to be an effective way to provide students this education, evidenced by increased traffic to the TFLC Juul and E-cigarettes landing page found at www.tobaccofreelancastercounty.org/electronic-cigarettes.

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

Parents, coaches, mentors, and friends that want to help a young person quit vaping can visit www.tobaccofreelancastercounty.org to discover tips and find more resources to help.

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American Red Cross offers group employee training for a Safer Workplace Train your employees with the knowledge and skills they need for effective leadership in the event of an emergency by attending a group safety training class with the American Red Cross. Whether your training is required

by OSHA, part of your company policy, or you simply want a safer workplace, the experts at the American Red Cross provide flexible training solutions designed to meet your corporate guidelines and stay within your budget.

From First Aid and CPR training, to Lifeguard and EMT certification, the American Red Cross has the emergency health and safety training and certification options available to suit your employee’s needs. Their trained solution specialists can custom tailor a program specifically around your organization.

If you need immediate certification, sign up for their in-person classes for First Aid/CPR/AED courses, Resuscitation Suite BLS/ ALS/PALS courses, or Nurse Assistant Training. An expert Red Cross instructor comes to your location, supplies all the equipment, and delivers the training to your employees at a date and time that is convenient for you. These classes use social distancing approaches and comply with public health guidance. Instructors use a combination of virtual skills training and testing so that they are not in a room together with students. Sign up for a class at redcross.org/take-a-class/train-my-employees.

To learn more about the American Red Cross, visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) RED-CROSS. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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pancreas Cancer Funding Aims to Accelerate treatments UNMC and Nebraska Medicine physicians and scientists are among the world’s leaders in developing and testing treatments for pancreatic cancer, a deadly disease that kills 200 Nebraskans annually. Unfortunately, current funding supports only about 20% of that team’s best ideas for developing new diagnostic tests and therapies to fight the disease, said Kelsey Klute, MD, a medical oncologist at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.

“In other words, four out of five of our best ideas for how to better diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer are delayed or not investigated because of insufficient funding,” Dr. Klute said during testimony before the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee. “So I will ask you to consider LB 766 as a means to overcome the roadblocks we encounter in funding sources so that we can accelerate progress in pancreatic cancer.”

LB 766, sponsored by Sen. Mark Kolterman, would provide $15 million in one-time funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for the UNMC Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence. That funding would be matched by $15 million in philanthropic funding to aggressively pursue the development and testing of new therapies. Already, Buffett Cancer Center pancreatic cancer researchers are supported by $8 million in annual funding from the National Cancer Institute.

Pancreatic cancer is among the most lethal cancers, in part because it is typically diagnosed after it has spread to other organs and systems.

Dr. Gold and Dr. Klute both acknowledged how COVID-19 added to the challenges of caring for pancreatic cancer patients.

“In the past two years we have seen more advanced stage, incurable disease – likely driven by COVID-19-related delays in care or difficulty accessing appropriate care. Clinical trial enrollment took a huge blow in the height of the pandemic, and many clinical trials looking at early signals of activity or safety were put on hold,” Dr. Klute said. “We know the pandemic had an enormous impact on cancer screening – 10 million less cases of cancer were diagnosed than expected in 2020 alone, and so we expect to see lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of new therapies and on patient outcomes.”

UNMC oncologist James Armitage, MD, and his wife, Shirley Young Armitage, also testified in favor of the bill. Both lost spouses to pancreatic cancer.

“Success here will not come cheap, but your support will make it happen,” Dr. Armitage said. “You will launch a program that will bring resources to our state that we would not have had, cause pride in what will be accomplished, give hope to patients and families facing this terrible disease – and the outcome will be people surviving that would have died.”

The mission of UNMC and Nebraska Medicine is to lead the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities. Learn more online at www.unmc.edu.

52 Strictly Business March 2022

Wyuka Funeral home & Cemetery offers grief Support Resources Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery has compiled a list of resources that provide advice, support, and more for those who are grieving.

Everyone reacts to the sudden news of death differently. There is no right way to grieve the loss of someone special. Losing a loved one, or hearing that the time might be soon, is a lot to handle emotionally. It can be helpful during the grieving process to reach out to others. This can include connecting with friends, relatives, counselors, or even people going through similar situations.

Wyuka’s list of grief resources includes forums and podcasts that can help readers and listeners cope and connect with others. The list can be found at wyuka.com/2022/01/18/grief-support-resources.

The list also includes local Nebraska grief resources and outreach.

Established in 2000, Wyuka Funeral Home is committed to preserving Wyuka Cemetery’s rich heritage and beauty. With their pre-planning guidance and helpful staff, Wyuka can give you peace of mind in times of mourning. Whether you want a traditional funeral, cremation, or memorial service, Wyuka has the experience to get it done in a smooth and compassionate way. The cemetery is located at 3600 O St. Call (402) 474-3600 for more information or go online to wyuka.com.

American heart Association’s 2022 lincoln heart Ball to take place March 25 The American Heart Association (AHA) is in search of support for the Lincoln Heart Ball, set to take place on March 25 from 6 to 11:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites Lincoln.

Supporting the Lincoln Heart Ball can help make a lasting health impact not only in the Lincoln community, but also around the world. It aims to educate families in our community on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, fight to ensure our communities have the highest quality of care, and find cures for heart disease and stroke. AHA does all of this so that more families can experience life’s best moments together.

COVID protocols will be in place for a safe and celebratory evening.

AHA’s local donors, volunteers, and sponsors are united by a determination to ease the burden of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in Lincoln. Their goal is to provide meaningful experiences to recognize and engage such distinguished and generous support.

You can host a table for this event for just $2,500 per table, or make a personal donation online at heart.org/lincolnheartball or by mail to 1540 S 70th St., STE 100, Lincoln, NE 68506. Checks can be made payable to the American Heart Association, Attn: Lincoln Heart Ball. Contact your local AHA staff by phone to make your donation by credit card or gifts of stock.

The American Heart Association is recognized as a worldwide leader in cardiovascular science. For more information visit www.heart.org or contact Ella Salem at (402) 875-7377 / ella.salem@heart.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

heAlth neWS lincoln Specialty Care Announces 2022 physicians Directories Lincoln Specialty Care is pleased to announce that the city’s 2022 Physicians Directories are now available. These directories put the Lincoln medical community right at your fingertips. Browse for general practitioners, specialists, and other medical professionals to provide the best possible care for you and your family. Directories can be sorted by clinic or specialty when searching for physicians, making information quick and convenient to find. Directories can be found online at lincolndocs.com or a physical copy can be purchased for $10 at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce office, located at 1128 Lincoln Mall, STE 100.

Formed in 1988, Lincoln Specialty Care is a cooperative effort of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Lincoln Medical Community to promote Lincoln’s wide array of medical resources to Greater Nebraska and bordering areas of surrounding states. Lincoln Specialty Care obtains funding through Lincoln hospitals, health care facilities, and participating physician specialists. Their goal is to establish Lincoln as the preferred referral center for these outlying areas and to provide resources that facilitate those referrals. Learn more about Lincoln Specialty Care at lincolndocs.com.

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nSSpC Releases My Companion Youth Suicide prevention App The Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition (NSSPC) has released a new app to help prevent youth suicide. My Companion is designed to help young people cope with mental health issues and prevent suicide. My Companion has a variety of features divided into four primary tabs: reflections, connections, resources, and emergency.

Users will be able to log daily reflections, input contacts who could be reached in an emergency, access resources, submit anonymous tips, and easily reach hotlines.

“The application allows youth to communicate their feelings in a journal-like format and to create a support system and crisis system, including warning signs of suicide and access to emergency resources,” said Dr. Dave Miers, founder of the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition and director of behavioral health services at Bryan Medical Center.

Work on My Companion began in July 2018 and was created in collaboration with Don’t Panic Labs and Boys Town National Hotline. It was modeled after a similar app released in Utah under the name SafeUT. According to the 2020 SafeUT annual report, over 800,000 students accessed the app between August 2019 and May 2020.

During that time, there were over 500 lifesaving interventions initiated because of the app. SafeUT also promotes several examples of success stories from users. The creators of My Companion hope to see similar success in Nebraska.

“Suicide is preventable and there is hope, there is help, and there are resources,” said Dr. Miers. “This app is a great way for youth to interact in a positive, healthy way and have this resource available if needed.

Connectedness saves lives and this app will make a difference.”

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Nebraskans between ages 15 and 24. Overall, it is the 10th leading cause of death in the state.

To download My Companion from the Apple App Store, visit apps. apple.com/us/app/my-companion-journal/id1558734264. To download My Companion from Google Play, visit play.google.com/ store/apps/details?id=com.nsp.companion.

Learn more about the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition at suicideprevention.nebraska.edu. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Client Spotlight

Lincoln’s Collision Repair Experts!

Midtown Body & Paint specializes in auto body paint, collision, and framework repair. They take pride in their work and always provide highquality repairs and service that develop lasting relationships. Come see why they’re the shop where “people wreck their cars just to see them!”

Help! I’ve Been in an Accident!

From start to finish, Midtown is here to help.

Never been in an accident before? Have insurance questions? That’s no problem for Midtown. Their repair method is straightforward, thorough, and backed by friendly experts who will walk you through the entire process.

1 2 3

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Why Midtown?

I got into an accident right outside of this shop. The owner came out and said he’d help pull my front bumper off and not charge me. They were already closed, but he stayed and reattached my bumper. He even did a quick estimate.

They were booked five weeks out, [but] he got my car in the next day and had it back to me in two days. They even cleaned the inside of my car. This shop is hands down the best in Lincoln. Thank you for going above and beyond.

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Prepare estimate – An in-person estimate at Midtown usually takes about 30 minutes.

Schedule repairs – Insurance approves the estimate and you authorize the repairs. Midtown will schedule your repairs as soon as possible.

Vehicle inspection – Midtown re-inspects your car for any additional damage and supplements are sent to your insurance company for approval.

Complete repairs – Their I-CAR Gold Glass experts will thoroughly repair your vehicle so it looks and drives like new.

Complete paint – Midtown proudly uses only high-quality, environmentally friendly PPG automotive paints on your vehicle.

Detail and wash – Midtown washes and details your car so that when you sit in the driver’s seat, it feels like new!

Midtown’s CRT’s are trained I-CAR Gold Class experts that ensure your vehicle is repaired safely, thoroughly, and cost effectively, no matter how complex or diverse the vehicle design. When a collision repair shop has Gold Class recognition, it lets you know that they have trained technicians who know how to repair your vehicle properly.

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linColn inDepenDent BUSineSS ASSoCiAtion

by Bud Synhorst, President

(402) 466-3419 • www.liba.org

Bringing the Business Community together through the Annual liBA Convention

I remember March 12, 2020 as if it just happened yesterday. This was the day of the annual LIBA Convention and Free Enterprise Celebration. We woke up that morning and decided we had to take the day as it came to us and adjust throughout the day. Adjusting constantly is exactly what we did the entire day.

The notifications on our phones were continually sharing new alerts of cancellations. A conference basketball tournament was cancelled—in some cases, games were stopped at halftime and the entire tournament was cancelled. Nebraska cancelled spring sports. The NCAA cancelled March Madness. Everything was closing and this had a huge impact on our event. One of the cornerstones of our event is having one of the top auction events held in Lincoln annually. It seemed as though we spent almost as much time pulling auction items from the auction as our committee did to set them up. The LIBA staff, committee members, and volunteers did such an amazing job that day and evening to put on the best possible event in the wake of all that was happening. The attendance was down that evening yet we had a great event. Little did we know at the time, we would be hosting the last in-person event of this sort for the year! The rest, they say, is history.

Last year we started our planning early with the unknown surrounding us—would we be able to have our event in person again for 2021 or would we have to look at alternative ways to host our convention.

Our committee stepped up to the plate and came up with plan after plan after plan. Finally, we were able to host our convention and free enterprise celebration in-person, just moving the date back to later in April. This gave more time to bring the business people together and allow us to put on the best event possible.

Now, as we prepare for 2022, we are looking forward to bringing together the business community to celebrate free enterprise! In the planning process for 2022, we made some changes which we are excited to bring to this year’s celebration. We are excited to be hosting our convention and free enterprise celebration at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The possibilities are endless for the celebration at PBA. We have a larger space to make sure there is plenty of room for everyone. Our business of politics reception will feature candidates for many different offices.

The parking garage is attached to the facility and is complimentary for our guests. This is sure to be one of the greatest celebrations of free enterprise Lincoln has ever known. Our auction has outstanding items including many of the staples which people love each and every year.

The marketing opportunities at PBA are endless with the wonderful multimedia digital media boards available for use.

The focus of our convention and free enterprise celebration is to celebrate our local businesses, network, enjoy one another’s company, and recognize deserving recipients for their service to Lincoln and to the business community. I hope you are able to join us again this year.

We have auction items for every interest from gift certificates to our local restaurants to an amazing condo on the beach on Maui. There is something on the auction for everyone.

If you are interested in promoting your business by being a sponsor, promoting your business with one of the many marketing opportunities, providing auction items, or bringing your team to sit at your corporate table—the LIBA Convention and Free Enterprise Celebration is the place to be on March 31. The Business of Politics reception begins at 4:30 p.m. and the evening will be one to remember. Contact the LIBA office at (402) 466-3419 or email Chris@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.

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Client Spotlight

Over 160 Years of Banking with Impact Banks are intertwined in people’s lives, integral to their communities, and have the resources to create change. First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) is a force for good in the world.

They have a history of doing what’s right for their customers, employees, shareholders and the communities they serve. FNBO’s Operating Philosophy and independent ownership has guided its long-term investments in facilities, processing technologies and infrastructure, rather than managing from quarter to quarter to satisfy Wall Street. The bank has been independent and family owned since 1857, which has been its recipe for success for six generations.

FNBO considers itself the “great big, small bank,” large enough to provide the expertise and resources necessary to handle any financial need, yet small enough to know each customer personally. It is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, with nearly 5,000 employees and $26 billion in assets. With more than 100 retail banking locations in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming, FNBO helps its customers and communities to succeed by focusing on building relationships at a local level.

FNBO has been ranked one of America’s Best Banks 2022 by Forbes, GOBanking Rates Top 100 Banks Leading the US in 2022, the Most Small Business-Friendly Credit Card Company by WalletHub and a Bankrate Top Mortgage Lender in Nebraska. They use this success to invest millions back into their communities, focusing on key areas of need, such as housing, financial literacy, and local economies.

Personal Banking Services Checking Accounts

Open a free checking account or earn interest with their high interest checking account. Visit a branch or apply online today.

Savings Accounts

Whether you’re looking to open a savings account, money market, HSA, or even a kids savings account, FNBO offers competitive interest rates that will help you reach your savings goals.

Mortgages

FNBO offers a number of mortgage options to meet your home buying needs including FHA, VA Loans, and Conventional Mortgages.

Apply online today to lock in your rate or meet with a mortgage loan officer to discuss your borrowing options.

Commercial Bank Services Business Checking Accounts

Open a business free checking account or enjoy the added benefits of FNBO’s premium business checking. Their commercial banking team is here to help you find the business banking services you need to manage your business finances.

Business Credit Cards

Whether your goal is to earn cashback on your business purchases or you’re looking for a card with competitive interest rates, FNBO’s business credit card options can help you take care of business expenses while giving you peace of mind.

Business Loans

Let FNBO help you take your business to the next level with a small business loan, line of credit, or an SBA loan. As an SBA Preferred Lender, they can help businesses who are just starting out as well as companies that are rapidly growing. Meet with one of FNBO’s commercial lenders to discuss your options.

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DoWntoWn linColn ASSoCiAtion

(402) 434-6900 • downtownlincoln.org

by Todd Ogden, President

Mana games opens First Board game Cafe Downtown Where Indigo Bridge once stood, Mana Games has made their home. With over 800 games to choose from, this is a perfect edition to Downtown Lincoln. Mana Games opened its doors on January 8 as a result of life-long friends coming together in 2018 with a goal in mind. With Alma Cerretta’s decade of experience managing coffee shops and Sam Volkmer’s master’s degree in business, Mana Games was born.

The pair ran weekly gaming events at Cosmic Eye Brewing for about four years. While hosting these events, Cerretta and Volkmer tried different gaming styles including RPGs (Role Playing Games), video games, and table top events. Then they also got involved with the Great Plane’s Gaming Festival, where they met a lot of people. It became really clear that this community needed a space to come together and hang out. So they decided to look at spaces to grow their own business in February 2020. As they started looking for places to rent out, the world began its COVID dormancy.

“When COVID hit, we put launching on hold until we felt it was safe.

It was also very important to us that we found the perfect space,” Cerretta said. “During the meantime, we hosted virtual events and a lot of live streaming to connect with the community. When the vaccine came out and it started feeling more safe, we found the perfect spot.

I wouldn’t have planned this space any differently.”

Mana Games decided to keep some of the interior designs of Indigo Bridge, including a sign about respecting each other’s pronouns. This is consistent with Cerretta and Volkmer’s number one goal for the business: inclusivity. This is why they cater to all gamers, new and old.

“We have a section for a lower age point, like 4-6 year olds,” Cerretta said. “Older people can come in and bring their children.

We also have a vintage and classic section, that’s where you’ll find Scrabble and Sorry. Sam is particularly into finding vintage games.

If you think of a game that Mana Games does not have, you can write down a suggestion and we will look into getting it.”

Mana Games is always looking for donations to expand their library. About half of their current collection is from an investor who had this amazing assortment of games and wanted this new business to be successful.

The game library isn’t the only thing Mana Games has to offer; there is a selection of coffee drinks and quick food. Mana Games serves breakfast foods like bagels, oatmeal, and yogurt. In the evenings, they serve personal pizzas, pretzels, chips, and other pub-like food. They plan to roll out soups and hot sandwiches in the future.

Mana Games is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekends. Day game pass pricing starts at $5 daily and star ts at $15 for a monthly membership. A day pass includes unlimited game play and a monthly pass gives access to special events and 10% in-store purchases.

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 multifaceted organization supporting a wide range of programs and activities including maintenance, economic development and advocacy. For a complete listing of downtown businesses, events and residences visit downtownlincoln.org. ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownlincoln.

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Client Spotlight

Providing Natural and Organic Foods and Supplements for 16 Years!

Red Clover Market is a full-service health food store offering natural and organic foods and supplements; locally raised chicken, beef, and lamb; bulk foods and spices; teas; shade grown organic coffees; and more.

They’re not too big and they’re not too small, and the staff at Red Clover loves what they do. Red Clover believes people have a right to healthy and delicious foods that are highly nutritious and free of chemicals, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

Owner Deborah Wyrrick has over 30 years of experience in the health food industry, and enjoys helping Red Clover’s customers find good food, supplements, and body care that is pure and natural.

Deborah and the staff at Red Clover take the time to speak to each of their customers and educate them about their products and the benefits that come with it. Their staff believes that their communication makes them unique in the industry.

Red Clover’s customers say it best “This place has such an amazing selection of truly healthful things. I have also never been to a market or store with such friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff.” – Stefan C. “I really like this small, locally owned grocery and health store. They have a good selection of supplements, natural care items, and food products.

The staff are very helpful and accommodating to requests. I definitely recommend giving them a try!”

– Sarah K.

red-clover-market.business.site (402) 421-2460

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“My favorite little store! It is a relaxing experience, always clean and organized, and the employees are helpful, friendly and courteous. They have a wonderful selection of dairy free & gluten free items (both necessary for my health and well-being.) I love their freezer section and that they carry some of my favorite brands!” – Kimberly P.

Hours of Operation Mon – Thu Fri Sat Sun

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linColn ChAMBeR oF CoMMeRCe

by Jason Ball President

(402) 436-2350 www.lcoc.com

Back at home in lincoln, nebraska

The saying goes, “life is a journey, not a destination.” I am incredibly excited that my journey has taken me back to a destination that I have always considered home—Lincoln, Nebraska.

I stepped into the role as president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce just a few short weeks ago at the end of January. I want to thank everyone who I have met with, spoken with over the phone or otherwise had the pleasure of contacting as you have helped make the transition back to Lincoln go as smoothly as possible.

I am so fortunate to get to work with our businesses and leaders across our community to explore new opportunities to drive business and economic growth in Lincoln. While the business community in Lincoln remains strong, we are not exempt from the challenges that communities across the country are facing. Workforce shortages, housing affordability and the critical need for investments in transportation and infrastructure are challenges we must also face in Lincoln—however, they present a significant opportunity for our businesses to lead.

The Lincoln Chamber is dedicated to driving growth and expanded pathways within the Lincoln community. In addition to workforce and housing as mentioned earlier, some of our additional local priorities include continued effective COVID-19 response, city leadership, talent attraction and economic development, tax allocation and government efficiency, tourism support, and sustaining Lincoln’s momentum.

Another area of great importance to our business community is transportation infrastructure and airline service. It is crucial to our local economy and our ability to attract and retain new businesses, talent, and visitors to our city. The Chamber has been active in discussions and policy to provide mechanisms that would help the Lincoln Airport expand airline service, such as supporting Senator Eliot Bostar’s proposed LR283CA, which would allow revenue to be expended for developing regularly scheduled commercial passenger air service at the airport.

Talent attraction and economic development remain crucial to our job growth and to ensure that Lincoln remains a vibrant community.

Through the work of the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, we continue working on targeted programming to position Lincoln as a welcoming community for business expansion, entrepreneurship, and talent. Lincoln has an exceptionally strong and diverse culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, which continues to thrive through impactful programs such as LPED’s LaunchLNK and JumpStart Challenge.

As I reflect on coming back to Lincoln, I would be remiss to not thank Wendy Birdsall for her incredible leadership. I had the privilege of working for Wendy years ago as a member of her team and I can tell you from experience that she was an exceptional leader and well-respected within the Chamber of Commerce and business world.

I am excited to lead the Lincoln Chamber and continue to make Lincoln a great place to live, work, and play. After leading similar organizations in other states, I can tell you how respected and how well-thought of Lincoln is by my peers from other Chambers and business leaders across the country. In the weeks and months ahead, we will continue to address these and other challenges of great importance to our business community and Lincoln as a whole.

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

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Client Spotlight

PRG of Woods Bros Realty Your #1 Team at Woods Bros

Listen to these buyers and sellers Professional Realty Group (PRG) of Woods Bros Realty, led by REALTOR® Ben Bleicher, is a team of experienced real estate professionals who came together in 2018 to help clients buy and sell residential and commercial properties in Lincoln and the surrounding areas as well as industrial, land development, and new construction. Ben, along with his team of Andrea Bleicher, Zach Brandl, Mark Salak, and Kim Erickson, are proud to announce that they are the #1 team at Woods Bros for volume and number of closed transactions for 2021! Last year, the PRG team brought in $57,886,645 in closed volume, 101 sold sides, and 88 listed sides.

“As your professional real estate advisor, I focus on client satisfaction,” shared Ben. “My business is about service and I am not happy until you are happy. My years in the business have provided me the experience to assist you with nearly every real estate need. Whether it's finding you a home, finding the best loan, or helping you getting the most out of selling your home, I am here to guide you.”

From the best tools and technology to transparency throughout the entire process, PRG of Woods Bros Realty is the top choice for buyers and sellers.

They make listings shine with stunning photos, virtual tours, 3D walkthroughs, and videos, and market your listing where buyers are looking, online and in-person.

You have access to everything your agent does to sell your property, and PRG sends out listing alerts every day to their list of buyers.

“Ben has helped me look for a house for quite some time now. He is always extremely responsive and will show houses at the drop of a hat. He is very hard worker and knows the industry inside and out. I would highly recommend using Ben as your realtor and he will help you find a home that is right for you.” – Alisha P. “I was impressed with Ben’s ability to correctly estimate our old home’s value and what we could ask for it, find us a seller at our asking price, and seal the deal very smoothly.” – Tyler R. “We are first time home buyer’s and Ben has been very helpful throughout the entire process. He has gone the extra mile and is easy to work with. If my friends or family are looking to buy or list a house, I would not hesitate to recommend Ben.” – Zach T.

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StRiCtlY BUSineSS UpCoMing eVentS last Month Recap Friends4Lunc h is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you’re going to get! Or more accurately, you never know who you’re going to meet. Last month, we saw some new faces join us at Piedmont Bistro, and we saw some new connections being made. It was a lovely time in Piedmont’s private event room—the perfect space for gatherings such as this. Piedmont’s menu offers a wide variety of options including daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner options along with their all-day Sunday brunch. This beloved local restaurant serves fresh, made-from-scratch cuisine. Thank you to all who came!

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Friends4Drinks at McKinney’s Irish Pub on March 11, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

In honor of St. Patty’s Day, Strictly Business will host our Fr i e n d s 4 D r i n k s a f t e r- h o u r networking event on Friday, March 11, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. We love McKinney’s all times of the year, but it just feels right in March. So come enjoy a special holiday drink discount for our group, have a nibble from their delicious menu, and make some new business connections. We are so excited to have fun and celebrate with our friends, clients, guests, and anyone who wants to grow their professional and personal circle.

Friends4Lunch at Stauffer’s cafe on March 14 (Pi Day!) at 11:30 a.m.

What better way to celebrate Pi Day than with a famous freshly made Stauffer’s Cafe pie?!? Please join us for this networking lunch on Monday, March 14, starting at 11:30 a.m. Stauffer’s truly embraces that hometown charm and their menu is full of hearty favorites. The restaurant, located at 5600 S 48th St., offers the classic all-day breakfast options, burgers, sandwiches, as well as some local classics like fried chicken livers and Frito pie. This event is open to anyone in the Lincoln business community looking to make new, meaningful connections.

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

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March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month Your future is in your hands... Not the cards

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

Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program | 1-833-238-6837 Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling | 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 Nebraska citizens.

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

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CHOICES Treatment Center is certified with GAP

Strictly Business March 2022

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

Healthy behaviors and wellness opportunities in the workplace protection. In some studies, blue light has been shown to increase the continue to be implemented in offices around the country, though it development of cataracts and macular degeneration. can be difficult to maintain this standard in the new day and age “I ask my patients, what is the one thing you where more and more people are working from home. Employers use all day that is necessary for you to be may be wondering how they can continue to encourage wellness productive and effective at your job? Your when their team members are not in the office. On the flipside, eyes!” said Dan Novak, OD. “As we all spend employees who work at home may be interested in ways they can more and more time on the screen, whether continue to maintain healthy behaviors away from their office that that be at work or at home, our eyes are may have provided them with encouraging amenities, such as a gym, under constant stress and strain. Computer or find themselves becoming sedentary after spending so much time Vision Syndrome is a real thing and is in their house. We spoke to businesses and experts in our community characterized by eye strain, eye pain and to learn more about how we can all continue to improve wellness in fatigue, dry eyes, chronic headaches, and the workplace, no matter where our workplace is at. pain in the back, neck, and shoulder areas.” achieve Wellness Through hydration Dr. Novak encourages employers to really Dan novak IV nutrition at LIVE hydration Spa is much more than intravenous consider ergonomics when discussing an premier Vision vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients. Their IV nutrition employee’s workstation. As an optometrist, he program has consistently been proven to be one of the most effective ways to improve your overall wellness. It can be beneficial in preventing illness as well as improving symptoms of those suffering from pre-existing conditions.

“LIVE can design the IV nutrition program to target specific needs, such as boosting energy, hydration, immune system improvement, improving circulation, decreasing inflammation, and improving mental focus and concentration,” said Owner Mandy Brummels. “IV therapy is

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liVe hydration Spa is a great way to encourage the whole office to take control of their health and wellness! For smaller groups, LIVE can even bring their IV therapy services to the workplace.

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#PrintProudDigitalSmart March 2022 Strictly Business 63

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recommends to his patients as much natural light as possible, positioning the computer screen below the line of sight, and trying to avoid a situation where forced air is directed right at a person’s face and thus drying out the eyes. This is especially important now as more people are working from home and spending more time at the computer.

“I discuss with my patients that technology is always improving and evolving, but our eyes are the same,” said Dr. Novak. “It is essential that people consider how their eyes can affect their work and personal lives. The services and products provided at Premier Vision will enable a person to work more efficiently and productively while reducing the strain and stress that is placed on our eyes!”

Let’s Get the Workplace Moving!

The concept of going for a run or walk is quite simple – just walk out the door and you are on your way. However, as the Lincoln Running Co. pointed out, it is not easy! One way employers could encourage their office to get moving is through weekly or monthly challenges for time spent outside walking or running. Another alternative is to sign the office up as a team for a run or walk event.

“The Lincoln Running Co. has a Beginner’s Luck beginning running program that starts June 8,” shared Manager Ann Ringlein.

“It runs for eight weeks, and features a speaker and a run each week. By the end of the eight weeks, the participants will be ready to complete a 5K!” Ann explained that being consistent when beginning an exercise program is the top thing to help people stick with exercising and improve. The second most important factor is finding a group to Ann Ringlein be accountable to. The Beginner’s Luck Lincoln Running Co. program provides both of those things for people looking to begin a run or walk program.

“We have the time, the knowledge, the passion, and the empathy to help people get moving,” said Ann. “We want to arm our customers with everything they need to start a running or walking program for themselves. Lincoln Running Co. has everything from the equipment needed – such as shoes, socks, and apparel – to a training program they can take home with them or a walking/running class to sign up for. We take care of our customers from the ground up!”

The Lincoln Running Co. is so much more than a store that sells shoes. While it is their mission to get everyone in a great pair of shoes that make them want to exercise, Lincoln Running Co. is truly selling healthy lifestyles. Visit them today to see how they can help you encourage wellness in your workplace.

A Modern Approach to Wellness Aceso Total Healthcare is a modern approach to medicine that combines natural and traditional therapies to help their members achieve total health. The facility will decrease insurance premiums for your employees and enhance your wellness benefit program by providing employees with corporate discounts for medical services. These services also include a complimentary initial evaluation with a medical physician so they can decide on a wellness path that’s right for them. Marcia Marcia Roberts Roberts, SPHR, business manager and wellness coach at Aceso, told us more about Aceso Total Healthcare the services they provide.

“Through a team of specialists, we provide hormone replacement therapy, acupuncture, massage therapies, movement and emotional therapies, and health coaching to keep you on track,” shared Marcia.

“The path and choices of services are yours to take! We also provide live educational programs and services at your location or on Zoom.”

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Marcia advises employers to practice self-awareness so that they can better understand their employees. Everyone’s story and situation is unique – so be patient, respectful, and understanding. Self-awareness is a key part of personal safety classes. Marcia’s very own Aikido of Nebraska is an example of a personal safety class that also incorporates Rent a water softener or “Improve the quality of your life by letting us improve the discipline, community service, and integrity. She also encourages setting reverse osmosis system for quality of your water. Our low-pressure sales experience up an account specifically for your health and wellness.

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Account for your Health – so you will be healthy enough to enjoy with installation cost of $149; after introductory period, rental is $23/mo. life in your retirement years!”

Mental Wellness Shop and compare at ilovemywater.com iLoveMyWater.com Awareness for mental wellness has increased TEMS in recent years, though not everyone is WAT E R S OF N E R S · DRINKING SYS TE getting the help that they need. In 2020, an estimated one in five adults experienced mental illness, yet 4.9 million were unable to access the care they needed. This 2020AquaSystems_3_68x2_41.indd 1 3/19/20 10:58 AM results from a combination of inadequate resources and the stigma surrounding mental health. choices Treatment center Director Deb hammond said the number one reason people don’t reach out for help is embarrassment, followed by time, fear, Deb hammond and money or lack of insurance benefits that Choices treatment Center would allow for counseling.

Clouding the entire picture is people’s poor understanding of mental illness, to the extent that they dismiss depression as feeling down and lazy, or anxiety as being over-worried, when the fact is that these symptoms actually could represent cases of clinical mental illness. The risk of downplaying the warning signs can be dangerous.

“There is absolutely no shame in having an addiction or mental-health issue,” Deb said. “If people continue to ignore signs, their condition can become far more dire and they begin to believe the misinformation and false stereotypes that they hear repeated so often. It’s important to seek help as early as possible, and we’re here to help without any judgment.

I would encourage anyone who might be suffering with depression, A PHARMACY FOR EVERYONE! anxiety, stress, or anger-management issues or anyone experiencing increased substance use or gambling to reach out to the community services available and keep calling until their needs are met.”

Nebraska LTc Pharmacy is a concierge pharmacy that provides individualized patient care and a “small town” level of customer service. They gave a pretty solid piece of advice for those wanting to encourage wellness in the workplace: Take care of your employees and they will take care of you and your business! Owner, Founder, and Lead Lincoln Pharmacist Shannon hammerschmidt reminded us that our wellness is more than just our physical health, but also our mental health.

Shannon hammerschmidt nebraska ltC pharmacy “We believe mental health is just as important for each person’s wellness,” said Shannon. “We encourage mental health to be a priority and, in our office, we offer flexibility with scheduling, breaks, resources, and support. I encourage other Free Home Visit Consultation by a businesses to do the same.”

Pharmacist + Free Delivery + Free Blister Packaging + Free Expired/Old Medicine Shannon and her team thrive in their positive and upbeat environment Disposal + On Site Vaccines + No Automated by making time for self-care. Self-care is different for everyone; Systems, Just Great Care! it may be taking time to relax and read a book, going for a walk outside, sleeping in on a day off, taking a break from social media, or baking a favorite treat. She also added that it is important to We Accept All Insurance Plans balance your priorities so that you are also catering to your health and fitness. A good way to make exercise a priority, for example, is to look at it like an appointment. Write it down in your planner or set up a date in your calendar to spend time focusing on your fitness. neltcpharmacy.com | 402.328.0231

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Wellness amenities for all Workplaces Top Spot cleaning & Solutions Too has long been known for their quality carpet and floor-care products and services. Recently, Top Spot’s air management division began offering a solution for quality air management at an affordable price.

“Sanders Electrostatic Filters are HVAC air filters with capture rates far exceeding the EPA and ASHRAE indoor air quality guidelines of 8-10 MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value),” explained Owner Doug Neill. “Sanders Electrostatic Filters are rated at 16 MERV, which safely secure facilities and school systems. These high-efficiency particulate containment air filters remove 94% or greater of submicron particulates or more in a single pass. This innovative material represents the simplest, most cost-effective Doug neill method to achieve HEPA or near HEPA indoor top Spot Cleaning air quality for the first time.” & Solutions too The current filters that are used in almost all residential and commercial systems are exclusively used to protect the coil of the HVAC system, providing purely a mechanical function. These filters do little to nothing to protect from the submicron pathogens that can travel through the HVAC system, possibly infecting people who would never come into contact.

“Most commercial and residential air filters are rated at maximum as MERV 8,” explained Doug. “Even air filters rated MERV 10 are not rated for submicron air filtration, which is the size of COVID-19, influenza, colds, measles, and viruses. A MERV level 13 air filter, which is being discussed as a new minimum standard, has only a submicron filtration efficiency rating of less than 50%. This is why Sanders Electrostatic Filters are unmatched in quality.”

Another outstanding suggestion for air purification services is custom cooling & heating, Inc. They provide multiple products that can help you clean up the air in your office. One is the REME Halo LED, an LED in-duct air purification system that is both mercury-free and zero ozone compliant. The system reduces contaminants both in the air and on surfaces using REME-LED technology and bi-polar ionization. By reducing indoor pollution, the overall air quality of your workplace will greatly improve, in addition to neutralize odors and remove illness-causing biological contaminants and pollutants from the air.

The RGF Quad-DM is another product designed to purify the air of homes and commercial buildings. It reduces particulate, allergens, smoke, bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. The unit is designed to be mounted in the HVAC air handler and installed using its no-tools-required magnetic mount for quick and easy installation. The RGF Quad-DM is a good air quality solution for the budget-minded consumer.

Pure Drinking Water aqua Systems aims to provide the best water filtration systems for business. They deliver truly filtered water that can help your employees stay hydrated, safe, and healthy. Their water systems assist you in foregoing adding to the alarming environmental impact of bottled water, which is both wasteful and bad for the environment because plastic bottles take more than 1,000 years to bio-degrade and, if incinerated, produce toxic fumes. What’s more, there are more standards regulating tap water in the U.S. than bottled water, so the quality can be questionable. Aqua Systems filtered water systems can provide the best of all worlds as a solid base for your workplace wellness programs.

With Aqua Systems, you will have a reliable, cost efficient, and eco-friendly drinking water solution. You will eliminate the need for big, bulky plastic jugs, running out of water, or concerns about the cleanliness of your dispenser. No hassle – just great water for your business!

Reach out to these local professionals today to learn more about how they can help you improve wellness in your workplace, whether it’s in the office or at your home! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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The construction industry plays an important role in the economy.

When the economy begins to slow down, the construction industry often feels the effects first – but when there is a strong demand for new construction, it’s an indicator the economy is on the right path. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, such as skyrocketing prices on building materials, major supply chain issues, and labor shortages, the construction industry persevered. According to ConstructConnect, it is estimated that total put-in-place for 2021 was around $1.57 trillion, an increase of 6.8% from the previous year, and they are expecting 2022 to have a 6.6% increase in putin-place to $1.67 trillion (Construction put-in-place is the estimated total dollar value of construction work done in the United States).

Are you ready to start from scratch with a new office building? Maybe you aren’t prepared to build a new office, but are interested in renovating an existing building. Regardless of the route you want to take, Lincoln has many knowledgeable and experienced contractors that can help you create the most efficient and effective workplace.

Building the Future Ten years ago, Lincoln-based New Generation construction (NGC) completed their first hotel project in York, NE. Since then, the full-service commercial construction company has grown to establish a second office in Omaha and has built for every major hotel brand, completing thousands of rooms along the way. NGC builds regionally across the nation with projects ranging as far north as Minnesota and as far south as Texas. They pride themselves on being a one-stop shop for clients who are looking for a turn-key experience.

“Hospitality has really become our niche market over the years and we rank with some of the top hotel builders in the nation,” said President Justin hernandez.

“The hotel projects have really been an opportunity for our team to demonstrate a breadth of responsibility – from working with the architect and design teams prior to a contract, to installing the furniture, fixtures, and equipment at the end. Our team has experience managing every step of the process.”

Justin hernandez One of NGC’s most notable projects new generation includes their role as the primary general Construction contractor for the Telegraph District in Lincoln.

The Telegraph District is an exciting new redevelopment project located on the eastern edge of downtown. NGC converted the old Telephone Building into office space for Nelnet in 2017, and has since then finished two large, multi-family buildings; multiple retail buildouts that are home to a coffee house, a yoga studio, a boutique, a bar, an athletic club, and much more; and even their own office, which was relocated from a previous downtown location.

Justin also discussed with us one of the growing expectations of today’s world: results that are quicker, cheaper, and of better quality than they were before. Luckily, there are quite a few growing trends #PrintProudDigitalSmart

and services that have allowed NGC to adapt and transition in direction of those expectations.

“One of the biggest differentiators for builders and developers this year will likely be technology in construction – specifically, the innovations that can enhance efficiency,” explained Justin. “The need for the increased dependency on efficient technology has become increasingly obvious during the current pandemic as offices closed, people were forced to social distance, but the show was required to go on. Our team has had the opportunity to experience the real-time results of things like construction drones, augmented reality, and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Modular construction is also ballooning in popularity in the current market. This type of construction allows the opportunity for a shorter schedule, with off-site work completed in a more controlled environment, which potentially decreases the risks associated with things like weather delays and other factors.”

NGC’s biggest competitive advantage as a company is their people.

Their belief is simple: Outside partners won’t love the company until the employees love it first. NGC has prioritized taking care of their people; from things like a casual work environment, to an unlimited paid-time off policy, to destination company events – when the culture is right, the rest takes care of itself.

“We’ve modeled the value of relationships by the way we treat our employees, and that has transitioned to the way we treat the people we work with,” Justin concluded. “We are client-centric and choose to partner with people who are passionate about the work we do. We have such an amazing opportunity to wake up every day and improve the communities in which we live, work, and play – and it’s important that we partner with people who feel the same way.”

Engineering Excellence REGA Engineering Group may not physically construct commercial buildings, but the work they do is crucial to the success of any commercialconstruction project. Now licensed in 13 states, REGA specializes in engineering and surveying services. As a full-service civil-engineering firm, they offer experience in commercial site development, ALTA surveys, floodplain development, energy efficiency, landscape architecture, and investigative engineering. Their multi-state experience has helped them grow in their knowledge and problem-solving abilities.

REGA’s diverse experience in public and private civil engineering projects is evident in the projects they have tackled, including site development and grading, recreational facilities, pedestrian/recreation trail design, roadway plans, profiles and design, parking lot design, parking arrangement for on-grade and structural configurations, storm and sanitary sewer analysis and design, storm sewer drainage studies, detention facilities, potable water-system design, and soil erosion controls for temporary and permanent installations and utility relocations.

“We are in charge of surveying and caring for things like water quality and storm-water drainage, and this requires construction observance throughout every commercial project we take on,” said President Dan Rosenthal. “Construction observation can be the most critical service provided for any construction project.

Full-time observation by our engineering professionals is the best defense against problems during and after construction. It’s crucial to ensure that management plans Dan Rosenthal for water and drainage meet the needs of REGA Engineering Group everything they affect, including lots and corners, roads, floodplains, and more.”

With more than 40 years of experience in surveying, REGA Engineering Group also provides site surveying, construction as-built surveying, and topographic surveying and construction staking. Their surveyors have broad experience in all facets of large and small projects, including private, commercial, and governmental; facility construction layout; roads; and utilities. The company has worked on many topographic surveying projects for Lincoln, Omaha, Auburn, Columbus, Falls City, Fremont, Nebraska City, and other communities throughout the Midwest. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

REGA Engineering Group is a member of the Investigative Engineers Association Member Firm (I-ENG-A), a nationwide network of independently owned engineering firms that provide forensic investigative engineering services. Members of I-ENG-A provide services that investigate, document, test, and secure property/evidence, allowing accurate reporting for the property and casualty insurance industry. By joining the network, REGA Engineering Group now has access to I-ENG-A’s broad-based knowledge and skill of its other members, including forensic engineering training and a database of information that assists with comprehensive, cost-effective claims settlement. The new addition of expertise will provide a quicker turnaround time and fewer fees for REGA clients.

“The investigative engineers at REGA reconstruct the events that give rise to property, casualty, and liability claims,” Dan explained.

“Services requested by the clients of investigative engineers include: auto/component failure analysis, cause and origin, scope and damages, mitigation measures, subrogation claims, fire and arson investigation, structural analysis/review, traffic accident reconstruction, slip and fall analysis, product failure analysis, mold contamination investigation, earth movement analysis, and laboratory testing.”

Building Structures and Relationships As a 100% employee-owned firm, you can be assured that Cheever Construction will deliver on their promises. The full-service general contractor/construction manager provides pre-construction services, construction management, and general contracting. Cheever Construction’s employees are invested partners that provide solutions for their clients. It is through these employee-owners that Cheever Construction is able to continue to perpetuate the principles of its founder and stay committed to a business philosophy that is dedicated to trusting relationships, excellence in performing services, workmanship that has enduring character, and meeting clients’ expectations on every project.

In terms of commercial construction projects, Cheever Construction has seen high demand throughout all sectors of the industry, including retail,

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manufacturing, education, and medical. However, the largest demand is coming from inside the industry.

“The biggest demand we see as a construction company is workforce and supply chain,” explained President Justin Kur tzer.

“Workforce is in high demand for all sectors of our industry. With supply chain challenges, extensive pre-planning and creativity in material selections are solutions that we, as a construction manager, have to provide insight on for our projects.”

Cheever Construction approaches each project with consistent objectives for success.

Justin Kurtzer They utilize an effective schedule coupled with the quality and skill from their subcontractors, Cheever Construction combined with their field craftsmen. Their goal with each project is to make it the precursor to the “next” project, all while building a lasting relationship with everyone involved.

“Our team is grateful for all of our clients and projects,” said Justin. “One of our current projects is the new Lincoln Public Schools athletic complexes at the two new high schools. The facilities will provide competition fields for football, soccer, softball, baseball, and tennis. We are excited to be working on this project and helping to improve our community.”

Bring Buildings to Life Farris Engineering is an employee-owned building design firm that specializes in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and commissioning services.

Their roots date back to 1967, and they’ve completed over 33,000 projects in more than 42 states. Electrical Engineer Derek Brooks, PE, LC offered some more insight into what Farris can do for commercial construction.

“With the growth of 3D modeling technology, we have implemented a few different programs that allow us to Derek Brooks visualize the built environment before it Farris engineering is constructed,” explained Derek. “This provides us with increased coordination abilities and allows our clients, in addition to the design team, to see how the building functions and flows to meet goals and characteristics that are unique to each building project.”

Derek is currently involved in the renovation of a historical courthouse that was built in 1938. Farris has been working closely with the owner and architect to update the building to modern technologies and implementing current energy efficiency strategies. He explained that the design and construction aspect are heavily revolved around adapting and modifying building aspects to meet the current needs and goals of the owner and maintaining important historical features, all while dealing with the surprises and unique characteristics of a building with this age. Energy efficiency is a popular demand beyond the historical building, too; with rising material and utility costs, Derek said there has been an ever-increasing demand for building energy efficiency and lower energy consumption, as well as increased material sustainability.

“Farris Engineering is a valued partner that provides innovative and project-specific solutions for those who want the best for their building,” Derek said. “This allows our clients to have the freedom to go beyond the standard and not be constrained by convention, because we share their vision for excellence through our technical expertise and unwavering dedication to quality, service, and long-term partnership. We don’t just make buildings function; we bring buildings to life through our designs.”

Going Beyond the Building The fluctuation in pricing of construction materials and the challenges with the overall labor market are reason enough to start working with an experienced contractor in the early stages of construction, so reach out to Kingery construction to learn what they can do to help you build your business. Kingery has the experience and commitment to #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PEOPLE THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Our collaborative team provides innovative, project-specific solutions to any challenge they face. Let us help bring your buildings to life.

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provide pre-construction services to owners for many diverse types of construction projects. Kingery collaborates with the design team in the pre-construction phase, which increases value engineering ideas for the project and allows them to build strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers before the construction process is in motion. Project Manager Brian Wehrs shared with us some of the computer advancements that allow Kingery to perform an efficient and accurate job.

Brian Wehrs “Submittal exchange, Pro-Core, Blue Beam, Kingery Construction and other management programs have advanced to allow construction companies to efficiently streamline the entire construction process from the preconstruction stage to the closeout stage of a project,” shared Brian. “BIM (Building Information Modeling) is taking the lead in full force, which is benefiting a variety of commercial projects. BIM is providing benefits in the pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases for construction projects. BIM helps to identify flaws early in the design stage, as well as the coordination of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing designs during the construction phases of a project.”

Kingery has had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects recently, including the new Robinson Elementary School in east Lincoln and Northeast Community College in Norfolk, NE, which included a new Large Animal Farm Operations building, a new student center, and a new Vet Tech building. Kingery is also in the middle of renovation projects at the Lincoln Regional Center and will begin renovations at Lefler Middle School this spring.

“We are a construction partner dedicated to making our client’s vision a reality for nearly a century,” said Brian. “What matters to us is building legacy projects by telling your story and exemplifying your purpose. We go ‘Beyond the Building’ through our relationships with owners, architects,

and subcontractors, and leverage our history along with the latest construction technologies to provide a superior building experience.”

Environmentally-Friendly Buildings As the leading control technology contractor in Nebraska and Iowa, Engineered controls offers a complete turnkey building-control solution, including system design, new construction, and owner-direct retrofit sales, installation, repair service, and preventive maintenance work for small buildings. Since 1994, they have been dedicated to designing easy-to-use building automation and security systems that provide the highest possible efficiency, all while ensuring occupant comfort and maintaining a safe and secure workplace. Their innovative and cost-effective building control solutions have been experienced by thousands of satisfied customers.

“We live in an era in which buildings of any size and shape can become intelligent buildings,” said Pat Killeen, president and CEO. “With open protocol technology, they can connect multiple subsystems together, on one network, rather than operating them all independently— maximizing energy efficiency, lowering maintenance costs, and providing centralized building control.”

It’s becoming more and more common for a building to have one central location pat Killeen to control all lighting, heating, cooling, engineered Controls and security functions, including outdoor controls and elevator controls. Not only is this incredibly convenient, but if you want your company’s building to go green, this is also essential.

“Our Energy and Environmental Optimization, or EEO, program certified professionals are equipped with the training, tools, and experience to quickly assess your building’s current state and consult with you on the goals and objectives of your energy efficiency

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project,” explained Pat. “Our EEO professionals participate in a rigorous training program learning how to guide building owners and managers through a structured process of analysis and discovery.

Leveraging the unique EEO toolset, they will partner with you to develop the right solution for your building.

Engineered Controls’ EEO program software identifies poorly performing buildings and then provides and automates corrective actions. Their EEO certified professionals can help accelerate implementation of the most popular energy conservation measures to optimize your facility.

Protect Your Empire Empire Netting & Fence can provide far more than just backyard pickets and chain link to keep the dogs in. Empire is a leader in commercial fencing of all types, including security and property fences, ornamental steel fences, and specialty fences offered by many vendors in the industry. In addition, they can provide both custom and pre-fabricated railing and other amenities that allow them to be a one-stop-shop for large commercial projects.

“This past summer, we worked with Crouch Recreation and DC West Schools to install a 1,500 person grandstand and a six room press box at their football field,” shared Project Manager Trevor Sullivan. “We assembled a crew to handle the challenges and dealt with issues in both material acquisition and logistics all summer. Utilizing the variety of backgrounds and skill sets from our crews allowed us to attack all the different elements that go into a massive steel and aluminum structure.”

Trevor Sullivan Empire Netting & Fence Trevor shared two more major projects that Empire is currently working on. First, they are collaborating with Kiewit on The Riverfront project at Gene Leahy Mall and Heartland of America Park in Omaha.

Empire is installing ornamental wire fence, heavy louvered fence, and custom guardrails fabricated at ESC Fabrications (Wittrock Sandblasting & Painting, Inc. of Waverly was recently acquired by Empire and rebranded as ESC to expand their supply and custom fabrication operations). Despite working on a large project in a confined area and having many utility and site restrictions, Trevor said that the Empire crew has been performing an excellent job. The second job he shared with us is a project they are working on with Turner Construction Company.

The project has almost a mile of 10-foot tall anti-climb security fence with crash rail. Through the use of ESC, they can offer solutions that will minimize the cost to the owner and drastically cut down on additional lead times. The fence system will give the owner peace of mind that their site is secure from both pedestrian and vehicle break-ins.

“There has been a big push in the fencing industry toward promoting security and safety,” said Trevor. “We have seen more companies wishing to keep their properties, materials, and employees secure. With more and more money being invested into technology to keep companies efficient, you can’t forget that there is a higher need to secure these investments. Fencing plays in as a psychological deterrent and as the first line in physical defense for your assets.”

In addition, Empire is also seeing many construction companies recruiting them to install a variety of temporary construction fencing around their projects to keep the site safe; site perimeter fencing is important to both the crews and the general public.

“The biggest thing that sets us apart in the industry is our willingness to say ‘yes’,” Trevor said. “Rarely do we back down from a challenge. We are willing to come up with custom solutions that allow us to be a more useful subcontractor to construction companies. We have an in-house gate and fabrication shop that allows us to control lead times and costs for anything that can come up in larger commercial projects. On top of this, our fence installation experts have years of experience and are constantly challenging themselves to come up with solutions for higher quality, more efficient installations.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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renovation and remodeling Services An alternative to starting from scratch with your workplace is to remodel an existing building. Tru-Built construction Co-owner Bo Jones said that taking an existing building and making improvements is just as great an option as starting from scratch – and may even work better for your business, too!

“We take pride in offering premier commercial renovation and remodeling services, with some recent projects including transforming the former The Post & Nickel building into a mixed-use one Bo Jones that incorporates Chase Bank, Lululemon tru-Built Construction Athletica, and Madida Clothing commercial spaces,” said Bo. “The space also has condo spaces available for lease on the upper floors. In reality, though, the building is actually four separate buildings, built side-to-side.”

The situation created some challenges, including varying floor levels, split plumbing and electric, and working on the remodel in the tight confines of the downtown area. Despite these trials, Tru-Built excelled at the project and was recognized as a Gold winner in Qualified Remodeler magazine for their work on the lofts.

“Regardless of the challenges, we now have a unique building with some fabulous features,” Bo said. “We preserved the original wood floors, the old billboard ads on the brick walls, and restored the big windows that were filled in with brick over the years. The group of owners has committed to a complete renovation, including: re-footing the basement; adding new structural walls and beams; supporting the floor joists and roof trusses with steel; and installing new wall framing, electric, heating, cooling, plumbing, fire protection, drywall, paint, windows, cabinets, and more. It basically will be a completely new building and exemplifies the benefits of using what you have instead of starting from scratch!”

restoration Services When it comes to concrete and masonry repair, restoration, and construction, McGill restoration is on the job. From highway surface treatment and parking-garage repairs to industrial painting and masonry repair, they’re ready to help you with just about any construction need. They follow a proven process for each job to ensure that they deliver consistent, high-quality results to all customers.

“When it comes to restoration, research is key,” said Estimator and Project Manager Jennifer Loukota. “Researching the building, the materials, and the best techniques is essential to providing a beautifully restored building or project. When it comes to the planning and execution of a project, we want to offer our expertise. Most companies know the finer points of new construction, but McGill understands the intricacies of restoration.”

In 2021, McGill expanded operations through their purchase of Wilkinson Sandblasting, Jennifer loukota a central-Nebraska industrial coating Mcgill Restoration and restoration outfit, and Commercial Waterproofing, a concrete waterproofing business with offices in Oklahoma City and Wagoner, OK. The combination of skill sets between McGill Restoration and the newly acquired businesses means that the company can offer outstanding year-round, scalable restoration services.

McGill is excited to bring the full package of large-scale restoration capabilities that they offer into the Oklahoma market.

Jennifer concluded by explaining that restoration requires an in-depth understanding of a structure’s history and details. Researching the building, the materials, and the best techniques is essential to providing a beautifully restored project.

“Asking the right questions helps you plan properly: When was it built?

What is it going to be used for in the future?” Jennifer explained. “These

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questions will provide a lot of answers to the type of materials that must be used in its restoration. When it comes to the planning and execution of a project, consulting with industry experts alleviates a lot of headaches.”

Interior Details A key part of commercial construction is picking out all of the details – and there’s a lot of them! One detail that can have a big impact on your business and influence its entire look and functionality is the flooring.

Underfoot Flooring Solutions can help you pick out the best materials for your business so that your floors will not only look great, but will last for the years to come.

“The type of flooring you’ll want to put in your building depends on a lot of factors,” said chad Schlisner, operations manager. “If you are conscious of your brand, hardwood floors can add an elegant, timeless look to any office, retail, or commercial space.

They make customers more comfortable and create an upscale feel. Resilient flooring materials can be put almost anywhere and are made to withstand heavy use while appearing to look like wood or stone.

Resilient flooring can be found as sheet vinyl, Chad Schlisner luxury vinyl tile (LVT), luxury vinyl plank (LVP), Underfoot Flooring or vinyl composition tile (VCT).”

Solutions Underfoot proudly carries all types of flooring.

Before the countless options overwhelm you, their knowledgeable team will be there to help you decide what material will work the best for your business. They take into consideration a variety of factors when making this decision: Will the flooring be in a high-moisture area? Will there be a lot of foot-traffic? Do you need a pet-friendly floor? Do you need low-maintenance flooring? These are all important questions to ponder.

One material that Underfoot is especially excited about is the Duracolor carpet. It was developed by Mohawk Group, which markets the carpet as “forever stain-free.”

“Some would say that this is a risky claim to make, but not Mohawk,” said Chad. “They guarantee it for life. The advanced resistant fiber technology virtually eliminates carpet stains. We tested three types of carpet in red Kool-Aid, and only the Duracolor came out looking like new.

This carpet is a great choice for high-traffic areas such as healthcare facilities, schools, office complexes, and other public spaces.”

Depending on the type of building you are constructing, you may want to put some storage in the bathrooms, create a kitchen or bar area for your employees, or have a library in place. In this case, make a considerate selection when choosing the cabinetry that will be put into the building.

Usher custom cabinets can deliver made-to-order cabinetry that will wonderfully complement the look of your building.

Whether you prefer styles that are more traditional, contemporary, or casual, Usher Custom Cabinets has you covered. Every job is tailored for each and every client, and all cabinets are custom-made to last with no limit on detail. Their cabinets will streamline your storage and help your business stay in-place and organized.

Don’t be Left in the Dark!

Established in 1932, aBc Electric has over 165 combined years of experience in the electrical industry, with each manager having over 35 years of experience.

“ABC Electric offers something most other electrical contractors cannot,” said Project Manager Jon Eicher. “We offer the stability that 89 years in business brings, and the reliability and ethical business practices of the inaugural Lincoln Better Business Bureau Integrity award ensures.

We can offer design/build construction processes or firm bid estimates, whatever the project requires. We are also in tune with the latest lighting and lighting control Jon eicher technologies. We believe the advancement ABC electric #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Kingery Construction Co. has built a variety of projects for educational, medical and religious spaces as well as commercial, governmental, industrial and private owners. We are honored to have constructed several iconic landmarks and developed relationships with owners and architects that span decades.

Kingery Construction Co. has the expertise to manage any project.

We have successfully completed projects of Design/Bid/Build, Design/ Build, Construction Manager at Risk and Construction Manager as Agent methods, Tenant Improvements and Commercial Remodels.

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of LED lighting products and controls will continue to be major issues driving electrical construction projects in the future.”

Jon shared with us a few things to consider when hiring an electrician for any project. First, be sure that the electrician is fully licensed and insured. In Nebraska, electrical contractors are required to have a license that demonstrates they have completed the education and field training necessary to perform jobs safely and correctly. This leads into his next tip: confirm that your electrician is informed and up-to-date with the National Electric Code.

“Professional electricians must stay current on their education about ever-changing electric codes,” Jon said. “The National Electric Code is routinely updated to address changes in technology and new safety requirements, and your electrician must stay informed of every new rule to ensure that your project is completed in a compliant fashion. What’s more, having up-to-date knowledge about codes can help streamline your permitting needs.”

Jon’s other tips included choosing an electrician who prices services based on the specific materials and labor required to complete your commercial project rather than a company that charges a flat rate, as you could end up paying more than you should have; finding a provider that offers emergency support 24/7; and reviewing an electrician’s guarantee policies, as they can protect you from additional costs if you need to fix problems with any work that your electrician does.

Evolve the Exterior It’s amazing what a professional paint job can do for not only your business’s curb appeal, but for its brand and interior appeal, too. We highly recommend Walter’s Painting Inc. for all of your painting needs.

Walter’s offers first-rate exterior- and interior-painting services, in addition to wallpaper removal, power washing, refinishing of decks and other outdoor areas, re-staining, painting cabinets, and nearly any coating removal or application you can think of. They offer efficient, reliable service with minimal disruption to your commercial activity. If you want to make sure your commercial painting project is completed on-time and on-budget, you need to work with the crew at Walter’s Painting.

“Walter’s Painting uses only top-quality products and qualified painting crews experienced with helping clients make the most informed decorating and painting decisions,” said Owner Jeff Walters. “With our team of well-trained and experienced painters, we understand what business owners expect from a painting company, and we are always ready to deliver.”

Their commercial painting services are carried out by a fully insured, licensed, and welltrained painting team that uses advanced Jeff Walters equipment operated under the strictest Walter’s painting inc. of safety standards. Walter’s Painting can perform work for office buildings and schools, hotels and retail stores, apartment complexes, medical facilities, and any industry that requires their services.

Established in 1881, Yankee hill Brick works with local contractors to supply quality brick of all varieties and colors. The combination of quality, color, and pristine finish makes Yankee Hill an attractive choice for architects and design-build firms throughout the United States and internationally. Their unique blends of clay and a state-of-the-art, high temperature firing kiln allow manufacturing of the highest quality clay brick products in the industry.

Brick is an ideal material for siding and retaining walls and it continues to be a popular choice for its charming aesthetic. In addition to making and selling their own bricks, Yankee Hill also imports a selection of imported bricks from other manufacturers, chosen to complement the local Nebraska market. The biggest advantage of brick siding is that it is low maintenance.

Constructing a commercial building consists of critical details and decisions that can be made simple with the help of local experts.

We encourage you to reach out to these Lincoln professionals today to get started on building your next great project!

CONCRETE

I’ve worked with McGill Restoration on two award-winning parking garage projects. They definitely know how to get the job done.

— ERIN PETERS, INTERNATIONAL PARKING & MOBILIT Y INSTITUTE SR ANALYST, FACILIT Y PROJEC T MANAGEMENT

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M A SO N RY

Omaha, NE 402.558.7989

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WAT E R P R O O F I N G

Lincoln, NE 402.438.4110

mcgillrestoration.com

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Joining Organizations There are a lot of talented and reputable professionals in Lincoln—so how do you stand out? The answer is getting involved. Find an organization that matches your interests and passions. Your commitment to your industry and/or community will shine through and set you apart. Professional organizations contribute to the fabric of our economy by bringing industry leaders together, offering education and resources to their members, and partnering with other local entities to implement positive change in our area. There are so many dedicated, passionate groups of likeminded individuals who are all committed to making a difference in their professional, cultural, and social communities. Joining these groups often results in forming new relationships that, in turn, lead to personal and professional growth and success.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following organizations if you are looking for ways to grow your business or professional network, make a difference in the community, and gain valuable experience outside of the work place. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get involved!

Women in Sales & Business (WISB) has a mission to encourage and develop the creative leadership of women.

They are dedicated to promoting their growth through the accumulation and sharing of knowledge. They are women in various professions who meet regularly monthly for networking, engaging speakers, and leadership development opportunities. They also meet occasionally in a casual environment to get to know each other better, on a more personal level, and invite guests to join them. Please visit wisblincoln.org for more information or find WISB on Facebook!

At Professional Networ king Group (PNG), they are all about relationships. It’s the bread and butter to making a business successful.

Through PNG’s five Lincoln groups, bi-weekly meetings, quarterly socials (all groups are invited to an evening networking with a guest), and donations back to the community of Lincoln, they’re constantly working to network and build relationships with the best and the brightest around town.

Join this networking community and watch how you can impact the bottom line on your business like never before. If the thought of creating a new network makes you a little nervous, take a look at why you should take the plunge.

• Each group averages over one referral per person per meeting.

That equates to over 1,600 referrals per year.

• Every year, each group refers over SIX FIGURES worth of business.

• Automatically add 18–25 sales people to your team.

• PNG donates both time and goods back to the Lincoln community each year including over $1,600 to the Food Bank this past holiday season.

• The membership cost of $250 is less than half of competitors’ costs.

• The group culture actually allows you to laugh and have fun as you are doing business, all without the use of a stopwatch.

For more information, please visit pnglincoln.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

The Nebraska Bankers Association i s t h e vo i c e o f Nebraska’s $72 billion banking industry. Nebraska banks employ more than 15,600 people and safeguard over $67 billion in deposits. Banks support Nebraska’s economy with consumer, business and other loans.

Through the association, bankers explore issues that affect the banking industry’s day-to-day and long-range outlook. Membership in the NBA signifies a bank’s commitment to the principles of banking and the belief that much can be accomplished by working together.

The NBA welcomes associate members who provide a service or product to Nebraska financial institutions. Associate members are eligible to attend NBA events; receive the NBA newsletter and magazine; advertise in and produce articles for the Nebraska Banker magazine; and have the opportunity to exhibit, display and co-sponsor functions at the NBA’s conferences and annual convention.

To learn more about the NBA, visit www.nebankers.org.

Are you interested in learning more about your community and connecting with community leaders? Then consider applying for Leadership Lincoln! We are currently accepting applications for the 2022-2023 program year. Meet other people that want to make a difference in their companies, organizations, and city.

Build relationships that will last a lifetime.

Leadership Lincoln develops strong leaders for a stronger Lincoln. We were founded in 1985 by business and community leaders, and there are more than 3,700 alumni who lead and serve in Lincoln and our state. From boardrooms to classrooms, from the Mayor’s Office to Washington D.C., Leadership Lincoln alumni make a difference.

Leadership Lincoln hosts five programs for a variety of individuals: Fellows, Executive, Advocates, Youth, and Alumni. Most programs meet one day a month from September to May. More information is available on our website at www. leadershiplincoln.org.

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The National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a resource for women in the construction industry and offers its members education, support, and networking to help advance their careers in construction, build their technical skills, and become leaders. NAWIC Chapter #116 includes Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding areas. Events are on the second Thursday of each month in various locations in the Omaha area. Guests are welcome.

NAWIC hosts a variety of events that serve the community, provides scholarships to men and women pursuing careers in the construction industry via a college education or trade-apprenticeship program, hosts educational Lunch-and-Learns for members, and more. NAWIC Chapter #116 was first chartered in 1966 and has 60+ members working in businesses whose primary focus is construction. For more information, visit www.nawicomaha.com or email nawicomaha@ gmail.com to request information.

The Northview Lincoln Business Association (NLBA) has been living its mission to “promote, foster, and support growth in the north corridor of Lincoln” since 1999. NLBA does this by building 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 HyVee 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. For more information about NLBA, visit northviewlincolnbusiness.com or connect with current president Emily Koopmann at northlnkbusiness@gmail.com.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) has been assisting U.S. consumers and businesses since 1912. It is a private, nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Nearly 400,000 BBB Accredited Businesses support BBB’s mission of advancing marketplace trust, and their dues and contributions allow BBB to offer its information and services to consumers at no charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, over 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting the marketplace.

People today are overwhelmed with choices—and often unsure about where to find verified, unbiased information. There are more than 32 million businesses in North America alone, and hundreds of thousands of sites around the world where people shop online. Also, thousands of free and subscription websites offer a range of information, including: reviews, reports, directories, listings, and gripe sites. BBB is the resource where you can find trusted, verified information. Go to BBB.org/nebraska, call (800) 649-6814 and follow us on social media at @TodayWithBBB. 78 Strictly Business March 2022

To be a Lincoln Chamber of Commerce member is to be a partner. The Chamber honors that partnership by creating opportunities for growth and development, while advocating for the best environment for Lincoln businesses to thrive. They understand each member has unique ideas and ambitions in mind, and they are here to provide the best opportunities for you to get the most out of your membership.

To find out more about how to get your business engaged, contact Derek Feyerherm at (402) 434-5344 or via email at dfeyerherm@ lincoln.org. For more information about the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, visit the website at www.LCOC.com.

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

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

You can make a difference in the success of a new business and HELP MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE! All in a few hours a month (or as much time as you can spare). Take the next step in becoming a volunteer SCORE business mentor and visit lincoln.score.org to sign up. Want a little more info? Email infolincoln@scorevolunteer.org, or call (402) 437-2409 to learn more about SCORE Lincoln.

The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) offers numerous opportunities to network with other Lincoln business leaders. LIBA’s monthly BizNet events are free to attend with complimentary snacks and beverages. This provides a great place to meet other local business people and City Council members. Many of the people who attend BizNet are eager businessmen and women who are ready to learn more about your business. Because it is a free event, you can invite customers or vendors to attend and give them a chance to grow their businesses as well.

While BizNet is an after-hours event, LIBA also has a morning “Coffee & Contacts” every month that is sponsored by Custom Blinds & Design.

Also free to attend, this event has breakfast snacks and coffee. With this event being early in the morning it is a wonderful way to start off your day by networking and exchanging business cards. Lastly, the monthly LIBA luncheon is where you have the chance to have lunch with hundreds of business and community leaders every month.

While this event isn’t free, it is only $20, which includes admission, the chance to listen to the monthly speaker, and a delicious lunch.

Call (402) 466-3419 and ask about joining LIBA. A membership staff would be happy to visit your office and answer all of your questions.

You can also visit www.liba.org for more information. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

T h e L i n c o l n Yo u n g Professionals Group (Lincoln YPG) is dedicated t o e m p ow e r i n g yo u n g professionals with educational, leadership, and networking opportunities.

Serving 2,000+ members, the Lincoln YPG is the largest in the state.

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

To learn more about Lincoln YPG, please visit www.lincolnypg.com, email info@lincolnypg.com or call (402) 436-2350.

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln ( H B A L ) i s a v i s i b l e, effective, and respected trade association which promotes home building through professional education, member communication, and civic participation, and which represents builders and associated professionals in community, governmental, and industry forums.

With almost 550 members, HBAL proudly promotes the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, Spring & Fall Parade of Homes, and Tour of Remodeled Homes. These events not only benefit the members, but also the public. HBAL offers networking, education, and training to its members, along with representing the industry at Local and State levels of government.

To learn more about joining the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, go to www.hbal.org for a membership application and to see the many services of this 72-year old association.

Rotary brings together a global networ k of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.

Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at local and international levels.

Locally, members of Lincoln Giving Spirits Evening Rotary Club are dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back.

Lincoln Giving Spirits Evening Rotary Club’s meetings occur every other week on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at JCMF Children’s Charities, 8445 Executive Woods Dr., STE B. Meetings feature a new speaker on topics of interest to Rotarians, the town, and general subjects. Rotary strives to provide an excellent program to keep members informed and enlightened on the world. The club accepts new members by invitation, but anyone is always welcome to attend a meeting as a guest. To learn more, visit www.givingspirtseveningrotary.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA) strives to be a firstclass resource on people management for the community. LHRMA connects professionals to solve every day workforce problems, provides quality education, collaborates with community leaders, and leads change for our industry. The organization comprises a large network of human resources professionals ranging from senior level executives to those just entering the profession and welcomes new members monthly.

Benefits to membership include: • Monthly meetings with learning events and professional speakers • Professional networking events • Career development • Collaboration of HR information • Monthly newsletter resources • Membership directory • Professional certification study groups • Legislative updates • Scholarship programs • Community and diversity programs…just to name a few. For more information or to register for a meeting, visit www.lincolnhr.org.

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Cornhusker Chapter supports the commercial construction industry through apprenticeship and safety training, advocacy, and workforce development. In addition, they offer opportunities for networking, and their Excellence in Construction Awards allow them to showcase members’ project successes.

The organization helps their members and their members’ employees with the opportunity to succeed, by winning work, and delivering that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. ABC strives to be the leading voice for free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy of construction in Nebraska. They offer apprenticeship training through the NCCER Curriculum, continuing education, and leadership courses, not only to members, but also to anyone wishing to enter the construction industry for a bountiful career. For information about ABC Cornhusker Chapter, contact Anne Klute at (402) 477-4451 or annek@abcnebraska.org. Please visit the website at www.abcnebraska.org to learn more.

DON’T MISS OUT! This is an excellent opportunity for your organization to promote your membership.

The next Joining Organizations feature will be in September 2022.

Please call (402) 466-3330 or email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com if you are interested in participating!

March 2022 Strictly Business

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