TM
STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM
OMAHA • APRIL 2019
• Unplanned Life Changes • Starting A Business • Summer Activities For Kids Client Spotlights • Control Depot • Heartland Payment Systems • Center Sphere
AGO
Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505
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RIVER CITY SIX
In This Issue
Pictured L to R: Vern Kathol, Vice President of Hardware and Print Services; Kim Larsen, Vice President of Managed IT Services; Dave Koopmans, Manager of Solutions Engineering; and Brian Janning, Vice President of Field Service Operations
KATLYNN PYATT Centris Federal Credit Union
MICHAEL SHANEYFELT Dingman’s Collision Center
JACK SWANDA Boomer Radio
JENNY TREBOLD Oasis Senior Advisors
ALLEN CHAFFEE Cornhusker Bank
BEAU JEPSON Perry Reid Construction
APRIL 2019 Strictly Business
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There will be times you miss the most important meeting of the day. That might not be a big deal to other companies, but it is to us. Cox Business knows the sacrifices you make for your business. That’s why we work right alongside you with personal service from experts in your hometown, offering 24/7 support. You can find us hard at work any time, day or night, because we care about you and your business. FAST, RELIABLE INTERNET
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SWITCH TODAY. Call (402) 934-3891 or visit coxbusiness.com *Offer ends 4/30/19. Available to new commercial data and voice subscribers (excluding govt agencies and schools) in Cox service areas. $84.00/mo includes VoiceManagerSM Essential with unltd nationwide long distance and Cox Business InternetSM 50 for mos. 1-6 and $99.00 for mos. 7-36. Price based on 3 yr. contract. Early term. fees may apply. Std. rates apply thereafter. Prices exclude equipment, installation, construction, inside wiring, taxes, surcharges and other fees, unless indicated. Offer is nontransferable to a new service address. Uninterrupted or error-free Internet service, or the speed of your service, is not guaranteed. Actual speeds vary. Rates and bandwidth options vary and are subject to change. DOCSIS 3.0 modem may be req’d, unless indicated. See www.cox.com/internetdisclosures for complete Cox Internet Disclosures. Unlimited plan is limited to direct-dialed domestic calls and is not available for use with non-switched-circuit calling, auto-dialers, call center applications and certain switching applications. Phone modem provided by Cox, requires electricity, and has battery backup. Access to E911 may not be available during extended power outage or if modem is moved or inoperable. Telephone services are provided by an affiliated Cox entity. Services are not available in all areas. Discounts can’t be combined or added with other promotions nor applied to any other Cox account. †Visa prepaid card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1/1/19 and 4/30/19 with min. 3 yr. contract. Must mention “reward promo” when placing order. Account must remain active, be in good standing, and retain all services for a min. of 30 days after install. Online redemption req’d by 5/31/19 and must follow instructions rec’d after service activation. Limit one card per customer, total not to exceed $200. Allow 15 days after redemption for delivery. Card is issued by MetaBank, FDIC, pursuant to a license fromAPRIL Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will 2 ® Member Strictly Business 2019 #PrintProudDigitalSmart forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply. Other restrictions apply. © 2019 Cox Communications Inc. All rights reserved.
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“We Are Your
Controls
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
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Control Depot partners with the leading suppliers of building technologies in order to provide our customers the best products available.
Platinum Distributer of Choice”
Control Depot was recently honored by being selected as a Belimo Platinum Distributor. The “Platinum Distributor” program is the highest level of recognition that Belimo confers to a distributor and is based on providing controls expertise, application knowledge, and technical expertise for Belimo products. In 2018, there were only 29 US distributors that achieved Platinum Distributor status. Belimo is a global leader in the HVAC market, focusing on field devices such as actuators, control valves, sensors, and flow meters which allow for energy-saving control in the building automation industry. This is why Control Depot offers the products and services that they do. They will make your building more comfortable and energy efficient! Who is Control Depot? - Control Depot is a building automation wholesaler/distributor. We sell commercial HVAC components and building automation controls from Honeywell, Belimo, EasyIO, ProLon, Tridium, Viconics, Siemens, Honeywell Analytics, ACI, Lutron, eGauge, Functional Devices, Klein tools, and many other high-quality manufacturers. Ultimately, our strength is our people. With the many years of experience and diversity of background that each person brings, Control Depot has become one of the strongest building control technology companies in the Midwest. We have showrooms and warehouses in Omaha and Lincoln, and we just opened a store in Lenexa, KS in March! What kind of products does Control Depot offer? - We offer products for commercial building automation, gas detection, valves/actuators/sensors, residential thermostats, lighting control systems, metering, electrical products, combustion controls, and a variety of other HVAC controls related products. What services does Control Depot offer? - Control Depot offers a wide variety of services to our customers in order to help them meet all of their building automation needs. We can provide standard and custom-built control panels to meet any
Customer Value, Solution Leadership, Operational Excellence
jobsite or customer requirements. All control panels are wired for easy terminal block field connectivity and are color-coded for quick and accurate terminations. We also offer counterline services weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with technical support and troubleshooting available for all products. Control Depot can assist contractors and end-users with all of their building automation and temperature control system needs; from bidding assistance, product selection, engineering and layouts, programming assistance, and technical support. Our team is proud to provide consulting and training services as well. We can provide you with assistance in developing comprehensive project documentation, along with on-site training for your staff on Honeywell, Tridium, and many other brands of HVAC control systems. We also offer in-house, factory-certified courses in building automation and temperature control systems. How do I open an account with Control Depot? - You may obtain the forms to open an account online at controldepotinc. com. Download a credit application and return the complete form to the email address or fax number on the application form. It’s that easy! Do I need an account to place an order? - No, you do not need an account to place an order. Having an account offers you a line of credit with Control Depot. Without an active account, payment is due when product is shipped or pickedup at one of our locations. What makes Control Depot unique? - Unlike traditional wholesale distributors, Control Depot is bringing a new approach to the way contractors and owners view building automation. Our cost-effective control solutions and webbased facility integration designs are innovative and can be applied to a large spectrum of building types in the commercial markets. We are the first distributor in our area with a single focus on building automation controls. This allows us to better serve our customers with a level of product knowledge and support previously unavailable at traditional wholesaler. Whether it’s reviewing the wiring diagrams with your staff in our store or meeting with them at the job site to review the installation, Control Depot has the solutions that contractors and building owners need.
Find more information about Control Depot’s products and services online at controldepotinc.com. 9304 G Court • (402) 934-0078 • (866) 809-7408 • sales@controldepotinc.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart
APRIL 2019 Strictly Business
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
PAIGE ZUTAVERN - Omaha/Lincoln - President (402) 730-0096 | Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com
The Foundation Of Your Success Is Built On Your Unique Selling Proposition - What is Yours? Something that Strictly Business has always focused on, especially when discussing our marketing/sales strategy, is our Unique Selling Proposition (USP). We believe that there is very little that’s more critical than defining your company’s unique selling position in the marketplace and setting yourself apart from your competition with a USP. That is why I am taking this month to ask our readers who are a part of a business or organization, what is your USP? This is the first part of a four-part USP series we have planned. If the USP concept is new to you, then we’ll start by breaking it down. To help us do this, we referenced Micheal Senoff’s USP Magic System Tools transcript. According to Senoff, “in order to create a powerful USP, you have to know what one looks like first. You might even need to change the way you think about marketing because Unique Selling Propositions have nothing to do with advertising. They’re not branding or finding a slogan either. They involve uncovering the hidden assets a business has in order to highlight what makes them different from their competition.” William Bodri, author of How to Write A Million Dollar USP, agrees that one must create a USP for their business, products, and services. Creating a USP is fundamental to a solid marketing plan. It should be part of your overall company’s business plan and strategy. I know how sometimes strategic plans can get put to the wayside as we are always pulled into the trenches of the work we do, but your USP is the words you use to connect with your client most directly. It is your five-second elevator pitch on what makes you different and why someone would want to do business with you. In order to create yours, ask yourself the basic questions, like: What products or services am I selling? Who is my target audience? What does my business do well? According to Bodri, “simply put, a USP is a: (1) unique claim or promise of benefits about your product or service,
(2) that’s distinctly different from “We believe that there is your competitors, and very little that’s more critical (3) is so strong and attractive than defining your company’s unique selling position in that it motivates them to do business with you rather than all the marketplace and setting yourself apart from your the other alternatives available. competition with a USP.” Basically, your USP is a distinct, compelling difference that separates you from all your competitors and answers the question, ‘Why should I do business with you rather than your competitors...or rather than doing nothing at all?’ Rosser Reeves, who originally formulated the concept of the USP when the philosophical basis behind advertising wasn’t as clearly defined as it is today, said that an advertising USP has three distinct parts: 1. Each advertisement must make a proposition to the consumer. Not just words, not just product puffery, not just show-window advertising. Each advertisement must say to each reader: “Buy this product, and you will get this specific benefit.” 2. The proposition must be one that the competitor either cannot, or does not offer. It must be unique—either a uniqueness of the brand or a claim not otherwise made in that particular field of advertising. 3. The proposition must be so strong that it can move the mass millions, i.e. pull over new customers to your product.” So, after reading this, what is your business/organization’s USP? If you need help developing yours, you can access over 297 hours of FREE downloadable mp3 audio interviews on sales, marketing and business success experts online at www.hardtofindseminars.com. Michael Senoff has spent over a decade of his life creating fascinating streaming audio interviews with big-name marketers and getting them to spill the beans on how they got rich and famous and he’s offering his life’s work at www. hardtofindseminars.com. Let Strictly Business Magazine help you lock in your status as THE EXPERT in your industry, utilizing print, the internet and social media. Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330.
CONTENTS NEWS
4 Business 24 Personnel
28 Non-Profit 38 Health
SPOTLIGHTS
1 36 37 47
Control Depot Domesti-PUPS Heartland Payment Systems Center Sphere
FEATURE STORIES
40 Unplanned Life Changes 42 Starting A Business 48 Summer Activities For Kids 4 Strictly Business APRIL 2019
Sarah
Holly
Hannah
PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor Hannah E. Hundley - Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Holly Ryan - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Executive Assistant Sarah Young - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern - SZutavern@yahoo.com 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. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2019 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505
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ABOUT THE COVER
Wo r k S m a r t e r, N o t H a r d e r o n I T S e r v i c e I’m Kim Larsen, VP of Managed IT Services at Scantron Technology Solutions (STS). Not too long ago, I was elated when I learned that the company I worked for, a 28-year-old IT services firm, would be acquired by another long-standing Omaha business — Scantron Technology Solutions. I’ve been here from the start and I have a personal stake in the success of my customers, most of whom are local to eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. STS went by different names in the past, but today it’s the fastest-growing segment of Scantron Corporation and is its own brand. We take pride in the fact that STS is based in Omaha and has been for more than 35 years. In fact, we have some accounts that go back that far. On the cover of this issue, you’ll see us in our Omaha-2 building. This is where our Network Operations Center is located. From the NOC, we monitor and troubleshoot network and device issues all over the United States and a few Canada sites. Scantron is not only the largest and longest-operating IT service provider in Nebraska, but today we have more than 165 Field Service Technicians (FSTs) across the country and more than 300 local employees. What does this mean to Omaha business? You can get large-company IT management, right in your back yard, at a fraction of the cost of a fulltime, seasoned IT manager. When you have a trusted IT advisor looking over your shoulder at the whole business, in addition to IT maintenance and troubleshooting, it allows you to be more effective at your core competency. Our customers tell us almost every day how amazed they are with how well we know their environments. How do we do it? We’ve spent almost four decades developing the infrastructure and best practices to effectively manage and maintain customer environments of all sizes, for one site or hundreds. Even our FSTs have an average of 18 years with STS. They’re humbled by the kindness and respect that our customers give them. You don’t get this kind of longevity, depth, and strength without also having good people and great customers. We’re stepping out from behind the scenes and letting Omaha know that we’re proud natives. See our campaign at www.scantron.com/omaha. This community gave rise to a thriving, national business with an outstanding reputation in every type and scale of commercial and non-profit organization. The corporate tagline for Scantron is “Smart Starts Here.” Nowhere is this truer than our hometown. You may have seen our service vehicles around town at retail stores, professional practices, schools, colleges and universities, banks and hospitals, and Fortune 500 firms. If you’re a banking professional, you might have attended Future OPS, a bank tech conference that my company launched nine years ago and that Scantron continues to support. April 25th will mark the ninth Future OPS conference, sponsored by Scantron. (www. futurebankops.com) This conference brings together dozens of tech vendors and IT professionals from community banks throughout the Midlands region and surrounding states. Here’s to the next 35 years of STS growing with Omaha! Kim Larsen, Vice President of Managed IT Services, Scantron Technology Solutions
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www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com APRIL 2019 Strictly Business
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BUSINESS NEWS Cornhusker Bank Establishes Advisory Board in Omaha
Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch: Corporate Party and Event Planning Open House
The Cornhusker Bank Omaha Advisory Board was established to assist the bank in its marketing and community development activities within the Greater Omaha area. This group is working alongside Allen Chaffee, Omaha market president, to identify Omaha market trends and opportunities. The board meets on a quarterly basis.
Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch will host another Corporate Party and Event Planning Open House on Sunday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It was so much fun the first time, they decided to do it again! Come join Bellevue Berry Farm for an afternoon of barn tours to plan your next event—meet the vendors, taste the food, and have a margarita on the house!
The board as pictured in the photo consists of (front row) Alex Epstein, executive vice president/OMNE Partners; David Shiffermiller, executive vice president - lending/Cornhusker Bank; Frank Mihulka, attorney/Woods and Aitken, LLP; Allen Chaffee, Omaha market president/Cornhusker Bank; Dr. Matthew Klemke/View Pointe Vision; (middle row) Matthew DeBoer, vice president – managing Principal/HDR Architecture; Chris Tointon, CEO-president/YMCA of Greater Omaha; James Prchal, Owner-partner/Prchal Petersen Group, LLC; (back row) John Dittman, chairman/Cornhusker Bank; and Barry Lockard, presidentCEO/Cornhusker Bank. Allen Chaffee reported, “This group, comprised of professionals from different industries, enhances Cornhusker Bank’s understanding of the Greater Omaha area and matters which are important in the community.” Cornhusker Bank is locally owned, displaying Nebraska values since 1903, and investing in the financial health and general well-being of the Lincoln–Omaha metroplex area, its valued customers and bank associates. For more information, please visit www.CornhuskerBank.com.
Berry Law Awarded 2019 Criminal Defense Law Firm of the Year in Nebraska Berry Law was recently selected as “Criminal Defense Law Firm of the Year in Nebraska – 2019” by Global Law Experts for the second consecutive year. The team is honored to have been chosen as the best criminal defense law firm by the award committee, and they are committed to continuing to provide high quality legal representation to clients facing criminal charges in Nebraska. Since 2010, the Global Law Experts annual awards have been celebrating excellence, innovation, and performance in legal communities from around the world. Global Law Experts is one of the leading online resources for locating legal services, both for business and individual needs. The awards are given to law firms who display merit, sheer determination, and hard work. In this year’s 10th Annual GLE Awards, over 120,000 Firms were considered during the initial recommendations process. After the recommendations step, Global Law Experts performs inhouse research to gather supporting evidence and choose the outright winners. The awards are broken down by region first and then into separate categories to fully evaluate the nominees. In addition to having practice areas that extend beyond criminal defense, Berry Law Firm also has a larger geographic reach than just Nebraska. While their Omaha and Lincoln criminal Defense Lawyers are the focus of the award, Berry Law actually represents clients across the entire United States in Federal Criminal Cases, Civil Rights, and Veterans Disability Claims. Learn more at jsberrylaw.com or call (402) 466-8444. 6 Strictly Business APRIL 2019
Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch does company parties year-round, along with receptions, promotional parties, graduations, bachelor and bachelorette parties, class and family reunions, bar mitzvahs, Quinceañeras, birthday parties, and more. Their event barns come in different sizes, each with their own unique personality. Their venue rental comes with a catered meal, and since Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch produces much of what it uses for their catering, your group can enjoy the freshest ingredients. Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch is located just off of South 48th St. between Cornhusker and Highway 370. Follow the Facebook page (@ BellevueBerryFarm) for more information about the event and learn more about Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch online at www.bellevueberryfarm. com or call (402) 331-5500.
Duncan Aviation Recognized as Corporate Blood Drive Sponsor of the Year Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) recognizes Duncan Aviation as its Corporate Sponsor of the Year, honoring Duncan employees for donating more blood than any other corporate partner in 2018. Duncan beat out its blood collection challenger, Zoetis, by just 10 units. Both organizations host blood drives every other month with NCBB, and together generously donated nearly 1,000 units of blood in 2018. “We are so thankful for our corporate sponsors who make blood donation part of their mission,” said Jami Kassebaum, NCBB donor recruitment assistant manager. “Nearly half of the blood we collect comes from blood drives held by volunteer sponsors. These partnerships are vital to ensuring we have a stable blood supply for our Nebraska hospitals.” NCBB needs about 1,000 blood donors every week to meet the needs of patients at the 19 hospitals and medical facilities we serve. For many donors, it’s the convenience of on-site blood drives that gets them in the donation chair for the very first time. “When businesses and organizations sponsor blood drives they are providing a convenient donation experience for the employees. This keeps them donating time after time,” Kassebaum said. “We need more organizations and businesses to host blood drives to grow our donor base and continue to provide blood to the people we live and work with.” If you’re interested in hosting a blood drive or want to join the friendly competition, call Nebraska Community Blood Bank at (402) 486-9427 or email blooddrives@NCBB.org. For more information, call 1-877486-9414 or visit NCBB.org. Connect with NCBB on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
BUSINESS NEWS Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum to Hold Spring Fling
Brookestone Meadows Now Offers Kinesio Taping Services to Residents
On April 20, the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum will hold a “Spring Fling,” an event that will prove to be fun for the entire family. The Spring Fling begins at 10 a.m. with an egg hunt in the front grassy area of the museum for youth ages ten and under. The hunt will be separated into multiple age groups. The museum will offer hands-on activities indoors until noon. Activities include a picture with the Easter Bunny, face painting, coloring contest raffle, decorating Eater cookies, and kite making.
Brookestone Meadow’s therapy depar tment stays active in learning the most up-to-date and innovative ways to deliver cutting edge therapeutic techniques to maximize patients’ progress and outcomes in rehab. The Brookestone Meadow therapy team attended a lunch-n-learn training through Select Rehabilitation on the matter. Kinesio Taping is a rehabilitative taping technique designed to promote the body’s natural healing process, while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting mobility. By gently lifting the skin, taping promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces swelling and alleviates pain.
There will be an Easter basket given to one participant in the coloring contest raffle. Each contestant will receive a ticket after completing and hanging his or her picture. The prizewinner, selected by random selection of tickets, will receive a basket at 11:50 a.m. The outdoor egg hunt is free and general admission applies to those entering the museum. The Spring Fling event, Children’s Learning Center activities, and Robot Zoo exhibit are included with general admission. General admission is $12 adults, $11 military and seniors, $6 youth three to 12, and free for youth under age three. To learn more about displays, education programs, events, and exhibits at the museum go to www.SACMuseum.org.
6th Annual Sip Nebraska Festival Highlights Nebraska Wines, Craft Beer, and Spirits
A member of the Vetter Senior Living network, which includes 30 centers in the Midwest, Brookestone Meadows has created a culture of rehabilitation and overall improvement of health, with a team that’s dedicated to encouraging and motivating patients to excel in therapy and regain daily life skills. The facility offers state-of-theart technology and therapy equipment, including aquatic therapy and the Alter G anti-gravity treadmill, and continues to enhance its offerings to promote successful outcomes. All operating decisions are made locally to ensure that every center remains responsive to the needs of its residents and communities. Learn more about Brookestone Meadows online at www. brookestonemeadows.com, or contact (402) 289-2696 / mmagner@ vhsmail.com with further questions.
Sip Nebraska returns to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park (SP) May 10–11. The festival highlights Nebraska-produced wines, craft beers and distilled spirits! Guests are invited to taste 120+ types of Nebraska wines, craft beers, and distilled spirits from 26 Nebraska based beverage vendors. The two days include local bands, shopping at 20+ artisan and food vendors, blind tasting competitions, salsa and line dancing lessons, educational sessions, lawn games, fire pits, trolley tours, and more. New this year, Sip Nebraska is honored to announce A Warmer Day (www.awarmerday.org) will be joining in the festivities! A Warmer Day’s mission is to help spread love and warmth in the Nebraska community by providing coats and winter apparel to underprivileged children and families. The team from A Warmer Day will be accepting gently used winter apparel on-site at the event. To add to the excitement, guests will receive one raffle ticket per item donated for a chance to win one of many fun giveaways they will be holding each day. Featured musicians, food vendors, artists, and more are posted on the Sip Nebraska Facebook at www.facebook.com/sipnebraska and on the event website at www.sipnebraska.com. Tickets range from $25 to $70; the tasting and limited edition tickets include commemorative items, along with wine, hard cider, craft beer, and distilled spirits tastings. A limited number of lodge rooms are still available at the park for guests of the festival. Tickets and more information are available at www.sipnebraska.com. For lodging, call (402) 882-2448. Volunteer and sponsor opportunities for Sip Nebraska are still available as well. Call (402) 882-2448 or email stacy@blurparties. com at Blur Parties, Inc. for more information. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
“We focus on Multi-Family, Retail, Office, Hospitality, Commercial & Ag Land, Development, Re-Purposing, for Sales and Leasing, representing Sellers and Buyers, and Landlords and Tenants, plus our Business Acquisitions, Sales & Consulting Department is a proven leader.” Our agents/ brokers specialize but combined
WE DO IT ALL! (402) 547-5064 | WWW.BHHSAMBCOMMERCIAL.COM
APRIL 2019 Strictly Business
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BUSINESS NEWS Business Ethics Alliance® Announces New EthicSpace Conference Business Ethics Alliance® is excited to present EthicSpace on October 22, 2019 at the Creighton University Harper Center. Dynamic speakers will deliver keynote addresses about creating high-trust, ethical individuals, and teams. The focus will be on the development of employees, specifically, individual contributors, managers, and directors. Attendees will leave inspired to elevate their workplace ethics and influence trust within their teams with new skills and tools. For more than 10 years, Business Ethics Alliance has been creating spaces for meaningful ethics conversations. Now, the Alliance is hosting its first conference to expand that space for the community and business leaders to come together to affirm their commitment to ethical practices. Gallup, Borsheims, Union Pacific and Markel are early financial supporters of EthicSpace. Sponsorship information and registration for this conference can be found at EthicSpace.org. In partnership with the Omaha business community, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, and Creighton University Heider College of Business, the Business Ethics Alliance is a one-of-a-kind non-profit dedicated to city-level business ethics education. Contact the organization at (402) 280-2235 with any questions or go online to www.businessethicsalliance.org for more information.
Center Sphere Announces Network-Wide April Events Eac h month, the Omaha Chapter of Center Sphere hosts events such as Coffee & Connections, several social hour events, as well as professional development, sales, and leadership training, all at no additional cost to its members. Dates for Center Sphere’s upcoming network-wide events in April are as follows: • Wednesday, April 10, 4–7 p.m.—2nd Wednesday Networking Happy Hour hosted by Chapters 402-O 11 and 402-O 8 at The Hill at Broadmoor Hills (18440 W Dodge Hills Plaza). • Thursday, April 11, 7:30–9 a.m.—Network-wide Coffee & Connections, hosted by Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market (17550 Gold Plaza). • Thursday, April 25, 4–6 p.m. (awards at 5:30 p.m.)—Network-wide 2018 Awards Social Hour at Nuri Event Studio (3623 N. 129th St.). • Tuesday, April 30, 11–11:45 a.m.)—Meet The Network Q & A at Access Bank (8712 W. Dodge Rd. [2nd floor]). • Tuesday April 30, noon–1:30 p.m.—Maximize your Membership Training at Access Bank (8712 W. Dodge Rd. [2nd floor]) on. Center Sphere hosts a wide array of networking events all over the metro designed to help members expand their professional network and grow their businesses. The Omaha network is currently made up of nearly 50 chapters and 800 members, and that number is expected to grow to 1,000 members locally by the end of 2019. If you would like more information about Center Sphere or becoming a member, please go to www.centersphere.com or contact Amy Nieman at (402) 709-1774 / Amy@CenterSphere.com. 8 Strictly Business APRIL 2019
Midtown Crossing to Host Taco Trot April 6 Midtown Crossing will be hosting a Taco Trot on Saturday, April 6. The event will take place at participating restaurants in Midtown Crossing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each participating restaurant will be offering mini tacos for $2 and suggested drink pairings (prices vary). The goal of the event is for attendees to visit as many restaurants as possible and to cast a vote for the best taco in midtown! Midtown Crossing encourages you to keep your eye on their Facebook page (@midtowncrossingatturnerpark) for a list of participating restaurants and more details! Midtown Crossing in Omaha is a diverse neighborhood where restaurants and retail, community events, and individual experiences come to life. For more information on restaurants, condos, apartments, events, and more, visit www.midtowncrossing.com.
Acadian Grille Offers Lenten Specials Through April 18 Acadian Grille will continue to offer Lenten specials through Thursday, April 18. Some of the already featured specials have included the classic beer battered cod & chips, creamy Portobello soup topped with fried leaks and truffle oil, and the fried oyster Po Boy. The concept of Acadian Grille restaurant is a Cajun-themed grill and scratch kitchen presenting a blend of French and soul food. Their head chef Matthew has over 30 years of experience in the industry, and has spent a part of that time in Louisiana familiarizing himself with Cajun cuisine. Acadian Grille is located at 725 N. 114th St. They’re open Monday– Thursday for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again for dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. They’re also open Friday and Saturday for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for dinner from 4 to 9 p.m. Acadian Grille is closed on Sundays. To follow along with their news and future specials, visit Acadian Grille online at acadiangrille.com or on Facebook (@acadiangrille). For information about catering or private parties, reach out to (402) 933-0980 / acadiangrille@gmail.com.
Langer Electric Adds Service Van to Fleet Langer Electric, led by Owner Chris Langer, is excited to announce that it has added a fourth vehicle to its fleet. This is the second service van for Langer Electric. This addition is another example of how the business is growing and looking forward to more big things in the future. Langer Electric got its start three years ago on a “$1,500-leap-of-faith” and Chris is very proud of where the company is today. Langer Electric provides excellent and affordable electrical service to clients in Omaha and the surrounding area. The company strives to have repeated good experiences with its customers. The mission of Langer Electric is for people to genuinely love their experience during the project, from start to finish. Chris hopes to bring more of a family-feel to the job. To learn more about Langer Electric, go online to langerelectricco. wix.com/electrical or check out photos from recent projects on the Facebook page (@LangerElectricCo). Contact Chris Langer at (402) 215-1914 / langerelectricco@hotmail.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
BUSINESS NEWS
AnyWare Security Security Guard Service
FireGuard Attends National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors Conference FireGuard, Inc. is proud to have been represented at the 2019 National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors Conference & Expo (NAFED) on March 7–8 in Las Vegas. Keeping up to date on cutting-edge information and the latest industry trends is part of FireGuard’s mission; doing so ensures the very best service and protection to their customers. Attendees of the conference from FireGuard included Tim Miller, life safety service manager; Meghan Sedlacek, business development manager; and Rob Sorensen, vice president of operations. FireGuard is a local family-owned company that designs, sells, installs, inspects, and services all types of fire protection and life safety equipment. FireGuard, Inc. has grown to over 50 employees with 450 combined years of experience in fire protection; servicing the entire Midwest as far as Colorado and Wyoming. FireGuard eliminates the need to contact multiple companies by offering complete life safety solutions. With over 30 vehicles on the streets each and every day, FireGuard, Inc. provides service to facilities ranging from small companies to major corporations and everything in between. One Call. One Source. For more information about FireGuard, Inc., visit their website at www. fireguardusa.com, follow along on Facebook (@FireGuardUSA), or contact the office at (402) 592-1999.
Sarpy Chamber Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Concentric Corporation’s 15th Anniversary On February 21, the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate Concentric Corporation’s 15-year anniversary in the Omaha market. Concentric is an employment agency that has truly commanded a strong, enduring presence in the local business community. The reason Concentric has seen so much success over the past 15 years is because of the relationships that they develop with their clients and candidates. At Concentric Corporation, they believe finding the right cultural fit strengthens teams, builds healthier companies, and has proven higher employee retention. Based on this philosophy, Concentric starts by getting to know candidates on a personal level, paying special attention to the obstacles they’re facing in their current employment, so the next step in their career is one where they’ll have room to grow while benefiting their company long-term. Founder Andy Hawkins has been in recruiting since 1998 and started Concentric Corporation in 2004. He saw the need for a more detailed and personal approach to recruiting. With his 20 years of experience, Andy knew he could offer what the industry was missing—a company with a passion for relationships and for connecting professionals on both sides of the hiring process. Concentric Corporation is a national search and recruiting firm connecting quality companies and top tier professionals to fill both permanent and contract opportunities. They specialize in executive, management, information technology, and sales and marketing positions. To learn more about the company, please visit their website at concentriccorp.com or call (402) 991-8400. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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BLUEBARN Theatre Presents Indecent by Paula Vogel March 21–April 14 BLUEBARN Theatre presents Indecent by Paula Vogel through April 14, Thursday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 31 and April 14 at 2 p.m and April 7th at 6 p.m. General admission ($35) and senior ($30) tickets are available at bluebarn. org. Educator, Military, and BLUCrew tickets are available through the box office (402) 345-1576. Inspired by the true events surrounding the controversial 1923 Broadway debut of Sholem Asch’s God of Vengeance—a play seen by some as a seminal work of Jewish culture, and by others as an act of traitorous libel, Indecent charts the history of an incendiary drama and the path of the artists who risked their careers and lives to perform it. Paula Vogel’s Tony award-winning masterpiece is a glorious celebration of the power of theatre to harness the very best of the human spirit. Indecent features Sam Bertino, Leanne Hill Carlson, Ezra Colón, D. Scott Glasser, Jonathan Purcell, Judy Radcliff, Olga Gulieva, Jonathan Wilhoft, Kate Williams, and Suzanne Withem. Directed by Susan Clement, assistant directed by Barry Carman, stage management by Taylor Jackson with choreography by Melanie Walters, music direction by Hal France and Olga Gulieva, costumes by Georgiann Regan, scenic and lighting design by Steven Williams, sound design by Bill Kirby, scenic painting by Craig Lee and properties by Amy Reiner. The production is generously sponsored by Vernie and Carter Jones, Fran and Rich Juro, Kim Jubenville, and Devin Fox. The BLUEBARN Theatre (bluebarn.org) has been bringing professionallyproduced plays to area audiences since 1989. Since its inception, BLUEBARN has produced over 100 plays and has established itself as Omaha’s professional contemporary theatre company. APRIL 2019 Strictly Business 9
BUSINESS NEWS Omaha Police Foundation Officer of the Year Luncheon Slated for April 25
MENTOR Nebraska Recognizes Businesses, Advocates, and Mentors
The Omaha Police Foundation will present its 19th annual Officer of the Year Luncheon on Thursday, April 25, at 11:30 a.m. at the Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine St. Forty-eight Omaha Police Department officers, one nonsworn personnel and the Patrol Rifle Instructor Unit will be recognized for their outstanding work in the prior year. The 2018 Officer of the Year will be chosen from among the honorees. The Patrol Rifle Instructor Unit will receive the Foundation’s Community Impact Award. Former Congressman and Omaha Mayor Hal Daub is chairing this year’s awards luncheon.
MENTOR Nebraska’s 9th Annual Mentoring Awards Lunc heon on March 6 brought nearly 400 youth-ser ving professionals, mentors, community and business leaders, Mayor Jean Stothert, and First Lady First Lady Susanne Shore, Mayor Jean Stothert, Susanne Shore together and MENTOR Nebraska’s Board President Chris to celebrate mentoring Rodgers presented the award to the Chamber. in Nebraska. The luncheon honored local businesses, advocates, and mentors for their contributions to mentoring. MENTOR Nebraska recognized the Greater Omaha Chamber as the 2019 Business of the Year. The Chamber has been a key partner in recruiting mentors, elevating the mentoring discussion with Omaha leaders, implementing the REACH Beyond Mentoring Program, and helping young people achieve their full potential. The Empowerment Network was recognized as the 2019 Advocate of the Year. Under Willie Barney’s leadership, the Empowerment Network has connected hundreds of youth with mentors over the last 10 years. MENTOR Nebraska also recognized Vicki Muli as the 2019 Mentor of the Year. Vicky has been a mentor through Girls Inc. of Omaha for more than eight years. MENTOR Nebraska’s vision is for every young person to have the supportive relationships they need to grow and develop into thriving, productive, and engaged adults. Learn more at www. MENTORNebraska.org or call (402) 715-4175.
The public is invited to attend the Luncheon, which will also feature an outdoor exhibit of various law enforcement units and vehicles including the Mobile Crime Lab and the Mobile Command and Communications Center, which is the newest piece of equipment purchased by the Foundation for the Department. Inside the venue, guests can also view displays on crime prevention, neighborhood watch and Explorer Post 591, which is sponsored by OPD’s Crime Prevention Unit. Individual tickets are $75. Tables of 10 can be reserved for $750 or Patron Tables of 10 for $1,500. Two chairs at each table may be donated to seat an honored officer and his or her guest. Contact Omaha Police Foundation Administrator Elizabeth Balazs at (402) 345-5401, ext. 102, or ebalazs@vgagroup.com by Friday, April 12 to purchase tickets. Tickets will not be available at the luncheon. For more information on the Omaha Police Foundation, visit www.OmahaPoliceFoundation.org.
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BUSINESS NEWS Nebraska Society of CPAs Prepares for Annual Conference on April 25 On Thursday, April 25, The Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) is holding their Annual Business and Industry NEBRASKA SOCIETY OF Conference at The Cornhusker Certified Public Accountants Marriott in Lincoln. Cost to attend is $265 for society members; $315 www.nescpa.org | 402-476-8482 for non-members. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:45 a.m. and the conference will be held from 8:20 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The event will open with an Economic Outlook presentation by Ernie Goss of Creighton University, followed by numerous breakout sessions and speakers throughout the day, including Emerging Technologies & The Role of the CITP by Frank Burnham, CPA, CITP; Five Employment Law Traps for CFOs, Susan Sapp by Cline Williams; and Thinking About Buying or Selling? Strategic M&A by John Gustafson, CFO Systems. The Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants is a dynamic association of nearly 2,600+ professionals dedicated to advancing the accounting profession and furthering the knowledge, competence, and performance of its members. The Society offers nearly 100 opportunities each year for CPAs and accounting professionals to meet and exchange ideas with their peers and develop leadership skills. For more information about The Nebraska Society of CPAs or to register for the event, please visit www.nescpa.org, email society@nescpa.org, or contact Kelly Ebert at (402) 476-8482 / kelly@nescpa.org.
Millard Business Association Announces 2018 Scholarship and Business Awards The Millard Business Association announced the 2018 scholarship awards and business awards at the Annual Awards Celebration on Thursday, February 28, at Champions Run. The theme of the event was The Emerald City in Millard. Business award recognition at this year’s event included: Entrepreneur of the Year – Darla Bengtson with Nebraska Realty; Citizen of the Year – Roxy Starkey with Books by Roxy; Professional of the Year – David Swearingen with U.S. Bank; Small Business of the Year – Auto Body Concepts Collision Center; Large Business of the Year – Southwest YMCA; Ambassador of the Year – Chris Standeven; and Hall of Fame Inductees included Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson, Rich Pahls, and Mayor Jean Stothert. The evening ended with some fun awards to go along with the Award Celebration theme tagline: We have heart…we have courage… we have brains… and tonight we celebrate those in our community. The Heart Award went to Kenny Engelmeyer for his passion in the Millard community; Courage Award was given to Toby Asplin for the risks he takes to build a new business; and Connie Rivera received the Brains Award for the connections she makes in the Millard area. If you’re a business owner who wants to get more involved with like-minded professionals and the community at large, the Millard Business Association is an awesome opportunity. Learn more online at millardbusinessassociation.org, or follow on Facebook (@ MillardBusinessAssociation) for future events. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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AnyWare Security Expands to Florida Market AnyWare Security has announced the expansion of its unarmed security guard ser vice to Florida. Since its launc h in May 2018, AnyWare Security has been partnering with businesses to ensure safety and protection in the Lincoln and Omaha community and beyond. Owner Spenser Ware moved to Lincoln from Florida six years ago. His familiarity with the Florida market made the expansion an easy one. Spenser has over five collective years of experience in the security and bodyguard services field. He has managed security teams for Universities, large club events, and concerts, along with apartments and construction sites. His inspiration for starting AnyWare Security was to meet a need for a reliable, top-notch security service company—one that knows what it’s doing. Spenser is very confident that the business will continue to grow and earn a positive reputation. To learn more, go online to anyware-security.business.site or call Spenser at (531) 333-0321.
Veterans in Business Forum Moves April Meeting to May The Veterans in Business Forum (VIBF) usually meets the first Friday of every month (08000900). However, they will not be meeting in April. The next meeting will be 3 May at the University of Nebraska–Omaha College of Business Administration, Mammel Hall – Room 215, 6708 Pine Street, Omaha, NE 68182-0048. Tony Barnes from Victory Riding Academy is slated as the guest speaker. The mission of the Veterans in Business Forum is to provide business support, education, and advocacy to help veterans succeed in business and increase community awareness of veteran-owned business activities. Veterans, active duty, reservists, and civilians are welcome to join and support each other and veteran-related goals. For the latest information, to be a guest speaker, and/or to be added to the mailing list, contact Michel Thornhill at (402) 932-7243 / info@littlemountainwebdesign.com (email is preferable). Visit www. omahanebraska.com/VeteransinBusinessForumOmahaNetworking to learn more about the organization. APRIL 2019 Strictly Business 11
BUSINESS NEWS Papillion Community Foundation’s 72nd Annual Papillion Days June 12–15
Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction Obtains R2 Certification
The dates of the Papillion Community Foundation’s 72nd Annual Papillion Days Celebration have been announced, June 12– 15, and there will be an exclusively named sponsor this year, Citizens State Bank. The celebration will open at Sumtur Amphitheater with a free concert by Recaptured, a tribute to Journey, on Wednesday, June 12 (gates open at 5:45 p.m.). The festivities will run through Sunday, June 15 at 6 p.m. The New Market in the Park and Papillion beer fest will begin on Thursday evening, June 13, starting at 5 p.m., along with opening night of the carnival. Friday is a fun-filled day that ends with an amazing fireworks display at nightfall. Saturday is the Annual Papillion Days Parade, and Sunday there is lots of Father’s Day fun.
Locally operated Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction announced in February that they have achieved certification to the R2 Responsible Recycling international standard for Electronics Recyclers. R2 is the leading standard for electronics repair and recycling. The R2 standard provides a common sense set of processes, safety measures, and documentation requirements for businesses that repair and recycle used electronics. R2 is rigorously and independently audited, emphasizing quality, safety, and transparency. Sadoff is now one of only three certified companies operating in the state of Nebraska.
Papillion Days is one of the top 10 local annual events in the area. The festival’s main purpose is to celebrate Papillion and to bring the entire community together to volunteer, give back, raise awareness, have fun, and relax. Since 1997, the Papillion Community Foundation has been working to fulfill its mission of identifying, developing, and supporting community programs that enhance the quality of life in Papillion. For more information about the schedule of events taking place, please visit www.papilliondays.org or contact the Papillion Community Foundation’s office at (402) 331-3917.
Omaha Performing Arts Announces 2019/2020 Season Performances Omaha Performing Arts (OPA) has announced an extraordinary 2019/2020 season of performances and a new Tony Award®-winning Broadway season, featuring four Omaha premieres and several returning favorites. Omaha Performing Arts President Joan Squires was joined by special guests and performers to share the upcoming performances during a sold-out event February, 25 at the Holland Performing Arts Center. The 2019/2020 season includes the popular Omaha Performing Arts Broadway Season and OPA Presents favorites of Dance, Jazz, Specials, National Geographic Live and 1200 Club. “This season is spectacular,” Squires said. “Our Broadway line-up is filled with some of the most sought-after tickets on Broadway and across the country. The ground breaking dance performances, upand-coming jazz musicians and popular artists are among the best touring performances from around the world!” Entertainment highlights of the upcoming season included performances from Disney’s The Lion King, Dear Evan Hansen, Anastasia, and Omaha jazz legend, Curly Martin and friends. Shows in the 2019/2020 season will appear at Omaha’s Orpheum Theater and the Holland Performing Arts Center in downtown Omaha. Current season subscribers may begin renewing their season subscription packages immediately at TicketOmaha.com, by calling (402) 345-0606 or in person at the Ticket Omaha Box Office located inside the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. OPA Presents season packages are now available to new subscribers. New Broadway subscriptions go on sale to the public in April. Full performance lineup and more information is available at OmahaPerformingArts.org. 12 Strictly Business APRIL 2019
“We consider ourselves in an elite class that has proven our security, processes, environmental commitment, and safety standards allowing us to operate as an internationally recognized recycling solution for businesses located in the State of Nebraska and beyond,” stated Jason Lasky, executive vice president of Sadoff. Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction, a Sadoff Iron & Metal Company, began in 1947 as a provider of ferrous and nonferrous metal recycling services for manufacturers and industry. Sadoff has been assisting companies and individuals with their sustainability efforts for over 70 years. The move to include electronics recycling and provide secure data destruction services was a natural addition to their scope of services. Their certification to the R2 standard is in addition to their other internationally recognized certifications; ISO 9001 for quality, ISO 14001 for environmental responsibility, and OSHAS 18001 for Health and Safety. In addition to their Wisconsinbased recycling centers, they have recycling facilities located in Lincoln, Omaha, and La Vista, NE. More information can be found online at www.sadoffecycle.com.
Cox Communications Offers Disaster Relief Plan for Omaha Flooding Victims Due to the extensive flooding and its impact to homes and businesses in the greater Omaha metropolitan area, Cox Communications is implementing its Disaster Relief Plan to impacted Nebraska and Iowa residential and business customers who would like to temporarily suspend their services. “We understand how important television, Internet, home automation and telephone services are to our customers as they are a primary tool for receiving information and connecting with friends and family,” said Lynne Sangimino, market vice president for Cox Communications. “Instating the Disaster Relief Plan is an important tool to support our neighbors and customers as they work to assess the condition of their homes or businesses.” The Disaster Relief Plan allows residential customers to keep their existing account, email address, and phone number at no charge for up to six months. This will allow customers to check email or voicemail from a computer or phone outside their home. Customers should call (402) 933-3000 and select option #4 to activate the plan. Displaced customers who would simply like to transfer their existing services to a new location temporarily or to a new residence can do so at no charge. Additional information is available at www.cox.com. Customers can also text a representative by typing HELP to 269898 on their mobile phone or visiting www.cox.com/chat for support any time. A full listing of Cox Solutions Store locations is available at www.cox.com/retail. Cox Business customers who need to move services to a temporary location or require a temporary suspension of services can contact the Cox Business team at (402) 934-6000. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
BUSINESS NEWS West Gate Bank Hosts Presentation by Van Deeb on Success in Sales and Service Industry In March, West Gate Bank welcomed author and motivational speaker Van Deeb for a special presentation on becoming successful in the sales and service industry. His discussion, titled “The Power of Asking” How to ASK your way to success, challenged listeners to follow the single most important step to success: learning how to ask clients for their business properly. West Gate Bank announced that the event experienced excellent turnout and thanked everyone who attended the presentation. A special thank you goes to their sponsors, the Dvorak Law Group and the Nebraska Title Company. Omaha business leaders were also invited to join a panel discussion, which included Carl Sjulin, president and CEO of West Gate Bank; Bob Danenhauer, the director of PGA REACH Nebraska; and Jeff Herdzina the founder and president of ExitBig. As part of their ongoing dedication to Omaha and Lincoln, West Gate Bank and its employees are involved in over 100 community charitable and civic groups. Future events are being planned to benefit the People’s City Mission, Lincoln Community Foundation, and Junior Achievement. Because of West Gate Bank’s commitment to promoting local growth, 100% of deposits are reinvested into the local community. West Gate Bank® is a family-owned community bank that is committed to your success and invested in your financial well-being. To learn more, go online to westgate.bank and follow them on Facebook (@ WestGateBank) to learn about future events. ®
Apartment Association of Nebraska Offers April Educational Opportunities The goal of the Apartment Association of Nebraska (AAN) is to help create and maintain a high level of professionalism in the multi-family rental housing industry. Because of this, the AAN has planned several opportunities for professionals in a variety of fields to network, enjoy a meal, and learn critical skills this April. Upcoming events are as follows: • April 10, noon–1 p.m.—Maintenance IQ: HVAC Diagnosing & Repair, learn tips and tricks from top HVAC professionals to improve work orders and service calls. • April 11, 1–2:30 p.m.—Empower Hour: BlueMoon Leasing & Tenant Law, a lunch and educational session with attorney Gene Eckel of Goosmann Law Firm on The NAA Click and Lease Program and tips regarding Tenant Law. • April 17–18, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.—Maintenance Toolbox Refresher Intensive: 2 Day HVAC Class, focusing on the basics of HVAC systems on day one and advanced safety and troubleshooting techniques on day two. Each of these events will be held at the Apartment Association of Nebraska Development Center, 4862 S. 96th St. Members of the AAN receive a discounted price on all events, but non-members who wish to learn about these topics are also welcome to register. Registration can be found on www.aaneb.org/events. Contact AAN by calling (402) 333-5331. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Corpuz Family Dentistry Celebrates 16 Years Corpuz Family Dentistry, led by Dr. Ralph and Susan Corpuz, is celebrating 16 years in Omaha this year. While it’s been 16 years for the family business, Dr. Ralph has been practicing dentistry for over 26 years himself. Corpuz Family Dentistry provides a wide variety of dental services to the Omaha community, such as preventative dentistry, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, and Invisalign. Their main goal is to provide patients with the most current and advanced dental care available, all while being in a comfortable, relaxed setting. Living room furniture, large saltwater fish tanks, and a fireplace in the lobby make guests feel at home every time they visit. Over the years, Corpuz Family Dentistry has found ways to go above and beyond for their guests. These ways include providing spa services, such as Paraffin hand dip, warm neck wraps, massage chairs, comfy blankets, and TVs to watch during the appointment. They even have a fun kid’s zone to keep kids entertained. The Corpuz Family Dentistry team is committed to treating their guests with respect, dignity, and compassion. They pledge quality dentistry with a gentle touch! To accomplish their mission, they provide a highly trained, ethical, and professional staff; state-of-the-art equipment and technology; and a genuine concern for their patients’ time. Another thing that Corpuz Family Dentistry prides themselves on is that their office is paperless—they are green and proud! Anyone is welcome to tour their geothermal building and admire their 90% refurbished, upcycled interior décor items, many of which are from Habitat Restore. They also have a soft water system and only use reverse osmosis water. To learn more about Corpuz Family Dentistry, check out their website at www.corpuzfamilydentistry.com or give them a call at (402) 334-5656.
RDG Planning & Design Announces Omaha Headquarters Expansion RDG Planning & Design today announced an expanded headquarters in Omaha. The 54-year-old organization, which currently has offices in three states, will renovate a half-city block near downtown Omaha’s historic Old Market district. The announcement comes on the heels of a $290 million, 90-acre plan to revitalize Omaha’s Gene Leahy Mall and riverfront, just blocks from RDG’s new, headquarters at 1301 Harney St., the former Greater Omaha Chamber building. “Our Omaha office is a nationally recognized architectural firm in Senior Living, Early Childhood Education, Health Science Education and Worship facilities, and a Midwest leader in Landscape Architecture, Community and Regional Planning, and College and University projects. “Our reach is national, but our heart is here in downtown Omaha,” said John Sova, president, RDG Planning & Design. One of Architect Magazine’s past Top 50 Design Firms, RDG Planning & Design offers “meaningful, collaborative solutions to place-creation,” Sova said, an approach that will help guide the transition of their new headquarters, which, when finished, will house eighty employees in more than twenty-thousand square feet. RDG Planning & Design is a network of 180 design and planning professionals driven to make a difference. With office locations in Omaha, Des Moines, and St. Louis, the organization provides integrated design solutions, in a host of specialization market sectors, including community and regional planning, historic restoration, public art, parks and recreation, government and public safety facilities, transportation enhancements, urban design, sports and recreation, corporate, healthcare, higher education, health sciences, K–12 and early education, senior living, and worship facilities. Currently in 2019, RDG has active projects in 28 states. Learn more by calling (402) 392-0133 or go online to rdgusa.com/offices/omaha. APRIL 2019 Strictly Business 13
BUSINESS NEWS Goedecke Construction Equipment and Supplies Announces Vendors for Open House
Premier Claims Named “Public Adjuster of the Year” at Annual SVG Industry Awards
Goedecke Construction Equipment and Supplies, the construction industry leader in providing innovative solutions to professional contractors, has opened its first Nebraska location in Omaha. To get the word out about their commercial and residential services, Goedecke will host an open house all day on Wednesday, April 24. The event will allow attendees to tour the facility, meet with specialists and vendor representatives, and view product demonstrations. Guests are encouraged to stick around for refreshments and a chance to win various prizes in raffle drawings.
Premier Claims was recently named Public Adjuster of the Year at the annual SVG industry awards in Las Vegas. Premier Claims beat out two industry giants to take home this prestigious award.
Goedecke has also invited industry partners to be vendors at the event to showcase their products and services. Confirmed vendors include: Adhesives Technology; Five Star Product, Inc; Insulfoam; Lite-Form Technologies; Sky-Climber; SureBuilt; Titcomb Bros.MFG; Marshalltown; Kraft Tool Co.; Dayton Superior Corporation; Husqvarna Construction; Prosoco; and Watson Bowman & Acme.
The awards ceremony took place on Thursday, February 21 at the annual Win The Storm Conference held at the South Point Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Win The Storm is the number one conference and trade show in the insurance restoration industry. Nominees for this award were selected by their peers after proving their commitment to work side by side with industry contractors and their mutual property owners while producing results to help them rebuild faster after large storms and catastrophic events.
Goedecke’s mission is to build value through long-term relationships, supplying services, and delivering solutions to builders on their projects. Since its inception in 1947, Goedecke has provided customers with the best selection of construction equipment available in one place.
Premier Claims is a fully-licensed and bonded public adjusting firm located in Omaha. Across the country, they work with individual homeowners, property management companies, small businesses, and corporations alike. Unlike the majority of public adjusting companies, who are licensed in one or two states, they work in all fifty states, Puerto Rico, DC, and the Virgin Islands. Their extensive work in areas affected by natural disasters allows them to better assist businesses and property managers who hold insurance policies in various states.
Goedecke provides engineered products such as sealants and coatings, concrete forming and shoring products, and construction equipment. The company has a total of seven locations across Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, and most recently, Nebraska. Their Omaha location is located by the airport at 526 Crown Point Ave. To RSVP for the open house, contact Nikki Kent at nkent@vlgoedecke.com. Visit goedeckeonline. com for more information or call (402) 359-1756.
As insurance carrier’s profits continue to shrink, the need for advocating on behalf of policyholders continues grow. Insurance carriers hold significant leverage over their insured, so Premier Claims levels the playing field with equivalent validity. Insurance carriers hire expert adjusters to represent their best interests. Policyholders should do the same. For more information, visit their website at www. premier-claims.com.
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From left: Allen Chaffee and Matthew Klemke, O.D.
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BUSINESS NEWS MECA Holds Ground Breaking for Gene Leahy Mall
Empowerment Network Presents Annual Rebuilding the Village Conference
The Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) will oversee the construction, maintenance, and activation of Omaha’s renovated riverfront. Ground was officially broken at Gene Leahy Mall on February 28, marking the start of this approximately fouryear construction process, currently scheduled for overall completion in late 2023. Katie Bassett is tasked with supervising the project, serving as MECA’s new vice president of Parks, a position newly created by MECA for this nearly $300 million endeavor.
The Empower ment Network, an organization dedicated to promoting personal responsibility and improving the economic conditions of AfricanAmericans, North Omaha residents, and the citizens of Greater Omaha, will host its 12th annual Rebuilding the Village Conference on May 24, 7 a.m.–3 p.m., at the Hilton Downtown Omaha. This year’s theme is “Collaborating on a Common Agenda.” Attendees will hear about the organizations’ plans for 2025 and gain knowledge from a series of talks and breakout sessions focused on relevant topics. May 19 is the deadline to register for the conference.
Members of the riverfront groundbreaking shovel team include: Roger Dixon, president and CEO, MECA; Mayor Jean Stothert, City of Omaha; Ben Gray, Omaha City Council president; Ken Stinson, Downtown Riverfront Trust (DRT); Mogens Bay, Downtown Riverfront Trust (DRT); Jay Noddle, MECA board member; Brook Bench, City of Omaha parks director; Kyle Fiddelke, managing principal, OJB Landscape Architecture (OJB); Matt Tondl, senior vice president, HDR; and Barry Thoendel, area manager, Kiewit. MECA has entered into agreements with OJB and HDR for their continued efforts to conceptualize and design the riverfront transformation. Kiewit has been contracted to act as construction manager. By May, demolition and grading will be underway. Construction and project updates (including upcoming closures) will be regularly communicated online at www.riverfrontrevitalization.com.
Scantron Technology Solutions Announces FutureOPS Presentation Lineup The 9th annual FutureOPS conference on Thursday, April 25, sponsored by Scantron Technology Solutions, has announced its presentation lineup for the conference, which is geared toward banking professionals. Topics include critical issues in banking technology with an emphasis on cybersecurity and analytics. Sessions will include: Cybersecurity Incident Response by Pratum, Cheap Solutions to Big Cybersecurity Threats by Secure Guard Consulting, Big Data, What Do You Do with It? by Journey Technology, Advanced Workflow Tools for Pipeline Visibility and Process Inefficiencies by Wolters Kluwer, and The Importance of a Good Office Print Strategy by Scantron. Other discussion topics will include mobile banking, consulting services, core providers, disaster recovery, ITM & ATM products and web design. In addition, Scantron will deliver a session on Managed IT Services. Additional exhibitors at this year’s conference are premier sponsors Harland Clarke, Shazam, and Tierpoint, as well as Microsoft, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction. The conference will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn & Suites, located at 2202 River Rd. (next to the Ameristar casino) in Council Bluffs. It also includes continental breakfast, snacks, a sack lunch, many great door prizes and a round table session. Register for the conference on the Future OPS website (www.futurebankops.com) or call (800) 888-2135 and ask to sign up for the Future OPS event. Omaha-based Scantron Technology Solutions has been a leader in managed IT solutions for more than 35 years. Scantron empowers growth through intelligent, mission-critical assessment, technology, and data capture solutions for business, education, certification, and government clients around the world. Learn more at www. scantron.com/omaha or call (402) 697-3308. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
The Empowerment Network’s mission is “Working together to transform the City of Omaha into a GREAT city, thriving and prosperous in every zip code and neighborhood; a place where all citizens are engaged and empowered and have full access to the incredible opportunities that are available.” For more information about the Rebuilding the Village Conference or the Empowerment Network, visit empoweromaha.com or contact Vicki Quaites-Ferris at (402) 502-5153 / vqferris@empoweromaha.com.
Greater Omaha-Council Bluffs Repeat as Number One in Top Metros Six counties, two states, one win: For the fourth year in a row, and the fifth time since 2014, Site Selection named Omaha – Council Bluffs No. 1 for new and expanded corporate facilities among areas with populations between 200,000 and 1 million in 2018. Site Selection, published by Conway Inc., is the senior publication in the corporate real estate and economic development fields, and is the official publication of the Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC, at www. iamc.org). Site Selection’s yearly analyses are regarded by corporate real estate analysts as “the industry scoreboard.” “There’s no question our investors played a substantial role in this success,” says David G. Brown, president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber. “Over the past 25 years, in a series of five-year campaigns, stakeholders have provided more than $77M in funding – all of which we’ve reinvested in the community to create growth, expansion and forward momentum. Our No. 1 status really illustrates a remarkable partnership between businesses, the city and the people who power this region. Thanks to everyone who invested in order to achieve this ambitious goal.” Presented today at the Greater Omaha Chamber by Adam Bruns, managing editor, Site Selection, the win included such regional projects as: • MetLife - Opening a 300-person service center in Downtown Omaha • Fywheel – Expanding headquarters to 65,000 square-feet in Millwork Commons, North Downtown • Warren Distribution – Expanding in Council Bluffs: $12.8M, 211,000 square feet, creating 30 jobs • i2c Inc. – Expanding to Omaha, creating 300 jobs • Toast – Expanding to Omaha with a potential of creating 500 jobs • Facebook Expansion – Growing to 2.6M square feet in Sarpy County The Greater Omaha Chamber Economic Development Partnership represents a six-county area from two states (Nebraska and Iowa) that includes Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Pottawattamie, Sarpy, and Washington Counties. This seamless regionalized partnership operates as a comprehensive resource, driving growth and championing collaboration. Learn more online at www.omahachamber.org/economic-development. APRIL 2019 Strictly Business 15
BUSINESS NEWS Valeriya Life Celebrated Opening with Greater Omaha Chamber
Cirque du Soleil Comes to CHI Health Center April 24–28
Valeriya Life, a medical aesthetic and wellness spa in Omaha, opened their doors in October of 2018. To celebrate the start and growth of this new business, the Greater Omaha Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting at Valeriya Life on February 21. Owner Valeriya Kettelhut had the honor of cutting the red ribbon for this special day!
Cirque du Soleil will present CRYSTAL at CHI Health Center on Wednesday, April 24 through Sunday, April 28. Show times are as follows: April 24–27, 7:30–10 p.m.; April 27, 4–6:30 p.m.; and April 28, 1:30–4 p.m. and 5–7:30 p.m. CRYSTAL is Cirque du Soleil’s 42nd creation, and it explores the artistic possibilities of ice for the first time. This unique production pushes boundaries of performance by combining stunning skating and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination. Watch as world-class ice skaters and acrobats take their new frozen playground with speed and fluidity as they challenge the laws of gravity with never-before-seen acrobatics. Follow Crystal, the lead character, on an exhilarating tale of self-discovery, as she dives into a world of her own imagination.
Valeriya Life delivers skin and body treatments, along with premium health and beauty products. Some of the treatments they offer are designed to treat saggy skin, cellulite, wrinkles, and anti-aging. The studio also provides highly-individualized, exclusive body and face treatments, using the latest generation of world-leading technology. Their trained professionals have extensive clinical knowledge and experience in cosmetology. They use advanced technologies, stem cell therapy products, and nutritional support. Valeriya Life also offers various promotions to engage their patients in a new, innovative, technology-driven lifestyle to improve your inner confidence, outer beauty, and, ultimately, your health. For more information about Valeriya Life, located at 15825 W. Maple Rd., STE 105 (Shear Studios), visit their website at valeriyalife. business.site, their Facebook page (@ValeriyaLife.spa), or give them a call at (531) 777-2752.
CRYSTAL invites you to suspend reality and glide into a world that springs to a colorful life with astounding visual projections and an original score that seamlessly blends popular music with the signature sound of Cirque du Soleil. CRYSTAL features an international cast composed of figure, extreme and freestyle ice skaters, acrobats, musicians and a comic character. Eleven different nationalities are represented in the cast. Originally composed of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group completely reinvented circus arts and went on to become a world leader in live entertainment. Their mission is to invoke the imagination, provoke the senses, and evoke the emotions of people around the world. Reserve your tickets to Cirque du Soleil in Omaha by going online to cirquedusoleiltix.info. Learn more about CRYSTAL at www.cirquedusoleil.com/crystal.
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BUSINESS NEWS Holmes Murphy to Host Seminar on Maximizing Your Aging 50+ Workforce
Nebraska’s Largest Renaissance Faire Comes to Bellevue Berry Farm in May
On Wednesday, April 17, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., Holmes Murphy will be hosting a free in-person and live streamed event, titled Costs of an Aging Workforce: Prepare Your Fleet & Drivers For a Safe & Productive Environment. The goal of this seminar is to help employers with fleets of 50 to 5,000 units, CEOs, CFOs, owners, risk managers, and safety consultants manage the safety of their employees. Attendees will leave with expert tips to optimize performance with their aging workers, reduce costs, and gain a competitive advantage over competitors. The event will be held at Holmes Murphy, 13810 FNB Parkway, or it can be accessed from a “Live” video webcast on your computer. Did you know that by 2020, it’s expected that a quarter of the U.S. workforce will be age 55 or older? On top of staying up to date on the latest regulatory changes and being responsible for a large number of drivers (some across several states), it is no surprise that many fleet business owners are now facing a wide array of driver physical aging challenges that can impact productivity and increase risk and injury. There are ways businesses can prepare and manage through the safety, DOT/ regulatory compliance issues, legal, and health risks of an aging fleet. Join experts from Holmes Murphy and National Transportation Consultants (NTCI) for a panel discussion where they will share street smart solutions, unknown requirements, and from-the-field recommendations, including best practices for maximizing your aging 50+ workforce. Holmes Murphy is an independent insurance brokerage, serving leaders across the nation in the areas of property casualty insurance, employee benefits, and so much more! To register for the seminar, go online to www.holmesmurphy.com/events.
On the weekends of May 4–5 and May 11–12, the Re n a i s s a n c e F e s t i va l o f Nebraska will be at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch (11001 S. 48th St., Papillion). The first weekend, with its Magic & Majestics theme, will feature all the wizards, magicians, sorcerers, and conjurers of the land. The second weekend will be known as a Celtic Celebration, paying tribute to the Irish, Scottish, Gaelic, and Welsh. With this much variety, it won’t be uncommon for people to attend both weekends!
Care Consultants Reveals New Features of 2019 ElderCare Resource Handbook Care Consultants for the Aging is working hard on the new 2019 Lincoln ElderCare Resource Handbook. There is an Omaha version available as well, which will be current until 2020. This handbook has been around for many years, serving as an all-inclusive listing of services, programs, and other resources available for the aging in each area. This year, Care Consultants is excited to release some great new features to its Lincoln edition, including an easy-toremember web domain (LincolnHandbook.com), hyperlinked company logos featured throughout website, full-color advertisements, ad design assistance, and a pre-order option. Care Consultants is currently taking ad reservations for the 11th edition of their Lincoln ElderCare Resource Handbook. Full-page, half-page, and 1/3-page ads are available in full-color and B&W. Any company that has been in business for a minimum of 12 months can also be listed in the appropriate category at no charge. The printed version of this new edition will be available later this summer. ElderCare Resource Handbooks are distributed to hospitals, physicians’ offices, social workers, case managers, discharge planners, attorneys, financial planners, home health agencies, senior living communities, churches, and many more over the next two years. This is the best opportunity around to have your company recognized by thousands throughout Lincoln and surrounding areas. Learn more about Care Consultants for the Aging online at CareConsultants.com. Information for the Omaha ElderCare Resource Handbook can be accessed at OmahaHandbook.com. Please direct further questions to President Kyle Johnson at (402) 398-1848 / Info@OmahaHandbook.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
The New Riders of the Golden Age, internationally acclaimed joust professionals from Sarasota, FL, will offer a different equestrian jousting program each festival weekend, three times daily. These true-to-life jousters will surprise and delight with their live steel swordsmanship and daring deeds, clashing with one another in genuine full-contact competitive matches. Everyone in attendance will want to witness the pageantry and peril that only these brave knights and their warhorses can bring to the battlefield. To round out your daily adventures, enjoy historical re-enactment groups full of informational fun, games of skill, hands-on activities, and free craft-making for the wee-folk. With more than 60 merchants, over 200 costumed characters, and dozens of performers, this really is Nebraska’s largest Renaissance festival! Learn more online at renfestnebraska.com.
Getzschman Shares Critical Flood Safety Advice, Offers $500 Rebate Due to the historic flooding experienced in Nebraska, which has caused more than $1 billion in damages, Getzschman Heating & Air Conditioning is preparing to serve the many Nebraskans whose heating and cooling systems may have been damaged by the flooding. To help families in need of purchasing a new system, Getzschman Heating has announced a $500 rebate to families purchasing a Mitsubishi Electric multi-room system. The offer for a $500 rebate will end May 31, 2019. The team at Getzschman Heating have also published a video on their official Facebook page (@thegforceteam) discussing how to safely handle a furnace or water heater which has been submerged in water. As a diamond contractor and supplier for both Mitsubishi and Daikan systems, Getzschman offers the expertise to empower families to choose the most efficient and cost-effective systems to make their homes comfortable. The family business was founded in 1960, and remains locally owned and operated to this day. They offer benefits to their customers, who they lovingly nickname “The G Force.” They also offer a G-Force Membership Agreement to prolong the life of all equipment and ensure efficient energy usage that saves money on energy bills. Omaha residents can contact their local Getzschan Heating and Air Conditioning team at (402) 554-1110. Locations are also available in Fremont and Blair, Nebraska. Learn more online at www.getzschman.com. APRIL 2019 Strictly Business 17
BUSINESS NEWS Wakanyéja: A Conference on American Indian Behavioral Health
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Join the UNL Center for Great Plains Studies for Wakanyéja, a conversation about American Indian behavioral health on April 23–24. The April 23 event will run from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on the University of Nebraska–Omaha campus in the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, 6400 University Dr. On April 24, the event will take place at the Michael F. Sorrell Center, 619 S. 42nd St., from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This two-day conference will bring together tribal community members, respected elders, health advocates, academics, biomedical scientists, and tribal health representatives to help better understand community issues and work to address health disparities. More than a dozen conference speakers will engage with these issues from multiple view points. Topics include how behavioral health issues develop, health services, policy, and health behaviors including youth risk and protective factors. The health of a tribe can be measured in the vitality of its people, but perhaps more so in their spiritual wellbeing. The diverse paths people take to health can lead to new ground in discussions of American Indian health. Significant and lasting change can only happen when those who represent indigenous communities engage with one another to support cultural traditions alongside biomedical research and clinical practice. This conference is intended to bridge the gap between academics, scientists, physicians, and the communities impacted by behavioral health issues. This event is open to the public. Register online at www.unl.edu/ plains/2019-symposium.
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On April 17, from 6 to 9:30 p.m., the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Omaha Business Hall of Fame Gala will take place at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Join the Chamber as they celebrate their 2019 inductees’ profound legacies of achievement and bold community impact. Tickets for the event will be $250 for members of the chamber and $275 for non-members, with $150 of each ticket being tax deductible. Initiated in 1993 as part of the Greater Omaha Chamber’s centennial anniversary, the Hall of Fame event includes dinner reception, induction ceremony, and dessert. Achievements are then showcased in a permanent display at The Durham Museum. For some, their names are as recognizable as a leading household brand. For others, their work stands as a testament to their innovative thinking and never-say-never commitment to their business, industry and the community. Every year, past and present outstanding Omaha-area business leaders become part of the Omaha Business Hall of Fame at a gala event. 2019 Inductees include: • Daniel J. Bishop, Founder and Chairman of the Board, The Maids International • Gail DeBoer, President & CEO, Cobalt Credit Union • John W. Estabrook, President and CEO (retired), Methodist Health System • The Kavich Family, All Makes • Gale L. Wickersham, Chairman & Founder, Wick’s Truck Trailers, Inc. The Greater Omaha Chamber’s mission is to champion a thriving business community and a prosperous region through visionary leadership and collaboration. For any questions about the event, please email Christine Fortier at cfortier@omahachamber.org or visit www.omahachamber. org/bhof/ to register for the event. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
BUSINESS NEWS Mosquito Joe Eyeing Growth in Omaha Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company, is looking to bring 2–3 locations to the greater Omaha region within the next year, which could bring 10 to 15 new jobs to the community. The leading outdoor pest control company is committed to making outside fun again and sees opportunity for improving the quality of outdoor life for Nebraskans. “The demand for Mosquito Joe services in bringing relief to families and their pets from mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas is ever increasing, and Omaha is no exception,” said Lou Schager, Mosquito Joe president. “Our service provides peace of mind for families against mosquitoes that carry diseases like West Nile Virus, as found in increasing numbers in the Omaha area.” With an initial franchise fee of $35,000, Mosquito Joe has taken a proven, scalable concept to market with one of the lowest franchise fees in the industry, providing an attractive business opportunity in a growing segment with a high-gross margin. In 2018, Mosquito Joe was ranked as a Top Low-Cost Franchise by Franchise Business Review and earned the No. 9 spot on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Best Franchise for Any Budget-Top 50 under $100,000. In 2019, Entrepreneur Magazine also recognized Mosquito Joe as the No. 1 franchise in the pest control industry. Mosquito Joe® was founded in 2010 and has since expanded to over 285 locations throughout the U.S. Acquired by Neighborly® in 2018, Mosquito Joe is part of a community of home service experts, leveraging Neighborly’s nearly 3,500 professional home service experts across 14 brands in the U.S. and Canada with a unique direct service function that provides consumers assistance with nearly all aspects of their home care needs. Learn more at GetNeighborly.com / MosquitoJoe.com.
Association of Builders and Contractors Prepares for Main Events in April The Cornhusker Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has two big events happening this month. On Wednesday, April 17, there will be a graduation celebration held at Round the Bend Steakhouse in Ashland for the current apprentices of the ABC - Cornhusker Chapter. In order to train skilled workers of the future, ABC offers an apprenticeship program, in which an agreement is entered into between an employer, the employee (apprentice), the program sponsor (the Cornhusker Chapter of ABC) and the various governing agencies (a licensing board). In short, each partner agrees to do certain things in order that the apprenticeship agreement is fulfilled. Care must be taken to insure that each party is knowledgeable and exhibits due diligence about their responsibilities. The following week, on Thursday, April 25, the 29th Annual ABC Excellence in Construction Awards will honor contractors in the construction industry’s premier annual awards program. The Nebraska award ceremony will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Rococo Theatre in Lincoln. The Associated Builders and Contractors represent the interests of free enterprise and the ability for business owners to operate their business in a free, merit-based, competitive system. Their principles are described by the merit shop philosophy. They also help members train workers, win work opportunities, and promote safe, ethical, and profitable business practices for the communities they serve. The ABC also analyzes construction-related economic data and trends to provide news releases on issues affecting construction workers and the industry. Apprenticeship applications or request forms for employers and event registration can be found online at www.abcnebraska.org. Questions can be directed to the ABC Omaha Training Center (2602 Harney St.) at (402) 344-4258 or the ABC Lincoln Training Office (830 Westgate Blvd.) at (402) 477-4451. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
BNI® National Conference Held First Week of April in Dallas Every year, the BNI ® Heartland directors dedicate five days to continuing education at the BNI National Conference. Directors from across the country will convene in Dallas on April 1 to kick of the week. After learning and collaborating with the greatest networkers in the United States and around the world, BNI members will join the action on April 4–6 for days packed with breakout and general sessions and dynamic keynote speakers. All the information is then shared to members locally to help them continue to grow their business through the power of referrals. Learn more about the conference online at www. eiseverywhere.com/ehome/bniusevents/schedule. One of BNI’s core values is lifelong learning, and they know that it is just as important to work on your business as well as in your business in order to succeed. In other words, if you’re not moving forward, you’re going backward. BNI looks forward to bringing the knowledge and power of the global network to their members, and to continue to help the local economy and businesses grow through referral-giving in the spirit of Givers Gain. BNI® is the world’s leading referral organization, with over 245,000 members in 70+ countries. Members generate word-of-mouth business for each other through structured, results-driven groups around the world. In 2018 alone, BNI members generated over $15 billion (USD) in revenue for member-businesses. For more information on becoming a BNI® member, visit bniheartland.com or contact (402) 880-6311 / info@bniheartland.com.
BBB Tracker Finds Riskiest Employment Scams in 2018 Employment scams were the riskiest scams in 2018, according to the latest report from the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB), Tech-Savvy Scammers Work to Con More Victims: 2018 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report (BBB.org/RiskReport). Employment scams had more instances and higher losses than in previous years when it ranked the third riskiest. The report is based on data supplied by consumers to BBB Scam TrackerSM (BBB.org/ScamTracker) and is based on the BBB Risk Index—a unique algorithm that calculates exposure, susceptibility and monetary loss to offer a more accurate assessment of scam risk. It’s the first time in the three years this report has been issued that one scam dominated across so many demographic subgroups. It was the riskiest scam in three of the six age groups, and for both men and women. It was also the riskiest scam for military families, veterans and students. The Risk Report indicates one possible reason: Amazon was in the news a lot in 2018 with its high profile search for a second headquarters. It was also the 6th most impersonated organization mentioned in BBB Scam Tracker reports, after not even making the top 15 in previous years. In 2017, only 24 BBB Scam Tracker reports were employment scams that mentioned Amazon. In 2018, that jumped to 564. Better Business Bureau has been serving the local communities since 1936. The overall mission of BBB is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. Learn more online at bbb.org/nebraska or call (800) 649-6814. APRIL 2019 Strictly Business 19
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Katlynn Pyatt
CENTRIS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Meet Katlynn Pyatt, marketing manager at Centris Federal Credit Union. Tell us a little about your business. - When the banks in town weren’t meeting their needs, workers at an Omaha telephone company started a credit union in 1934 with just $49 in deposits and seven members. Today, Centris is a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution. Our members’ financial well-being is our first priority. How did you get started in the business? - I graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) with a degree in advertising from the College of journalism and mass communications. I started as the marketing assistant at Centris and have had the privilege of working my way up to the manager role. I have a real passion for marketing/ advertising as an industry, and have been able to apply that passion to a variety of roles within the marketing department here at Centris. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I worked on obtaining a professional certification from Cornell University (Data Driven Marketing), while also preparing to go out on maternity leave with my youngest daughter. It taught me a lot about time management, but also about my ability to accomplish something really awesome at a time when I think most women are told to start pulling back in their careers or taking on less professionally. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I’m extremely proud of the work I’ve done to enhance our marketing team. When I moved in to the manager role, I introduced a more robust marketing planning process that better aligned us with the production goals of our various lines of business. It allowed us to be more strategic in our promotion campaigns. Tell us a little about your family. - I have a husband, Eric and two children, Hudson (5) and Nora (2). What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - If I’m not spending time with my husband and kids (usually at the zoo), I love to explore boutiques or to get a mani/pedi! As of late, my husband and I have been tackling several home renovation projects. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - During my time at UNL, I was on the flagline in the Cornhusker Marching Band. For several years after I graduated, I choreographed for my high school’s flagline. It’s something I miss doing dearly because it was another creative outlet for me, I got to share my love of music and help create the same positive experience for high school students that I was fortunate to have when I was that age. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and how you do it.” –Maya Angelou. What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I am a teammates mentor and a Scrubs Ambassador at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. I’m particularly passionate about Children’s Hospital because my daughter was hospitalized there when she was four weeks old with bacterial meningitis. What is your favorite movie? - I’ve never really grown out of loving Mean Girls, but I’d also have to say I’m a sucker for The Blind Spot. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Billy Joel! I played piano for 13 years and I used to play his songs for recitals. I recently went to see him play at Madison Square Garden. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 758-6521; Email: kdutkiewicz@centrisfcu.org; Website: www.centrisfcu.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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DINGMAN’S COLLISION CENTER Meet Michael Shaneyfelt, repair process manager at Dingman’s Collision Center. Tell us a little about your business. - Dingman’s Collision Center is a family owned business that has been in Omaha for 22 years. We have four collision centers and a mechanical repair center. We are dedicated to delivering the best customer experience and the best repair possible for each and every customer. I have been with Dingman’s Collision Center for nine years and enjoy working with our customers to achieve the common goal of making a safe, high quality collision repair.
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How did you get started in the business? - I went to college after high school for auto body repair and started working for a local new car dealer. As my career started, I found the customer service and management direction gave me the most satisfaction. I moved through several departments at the dealership. I spent 15 years in the service department as a service advisor and then moved back into the body shop as the body shop manager. I have been in collision center management for about 18 years. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Keeping up with the technology automakers are putting into their products. I have been in the automotive industry over 30 years and in the collision repair industry over half of that. With the changes automakers have made, from the metals used to produce the cars to the electronics that have been added to the cars, I’m learning something new every day. That’s one aspect that makes this business fun and exciting. Tell us a little about your family. - I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart Cheryl for 29 years and counting. I have two daughters, Katie and Megan. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy fishing and canoeing. I spend every waking moment I can at a lake. Some say I am obsessed with fishing, but I consider it a healthy hobby. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I spent about 15 years as a volunteer firefighter/EMT with two local fire departments. Who inspires you? - My dad. He has inspired me to be the best I can be. He taught me through his actions that patience and kindness go a long way. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “We would rather be the best than apologize for anything less.” What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - InterIndustry on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing the information, knowledge, and skills required to perform complete, safe, and quality repairs. I have been with I-CAR as an instructor for about two years. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences with others in my industry so that everyone has access to the information and skills necessary to provide a safe and a good quality repair. What is your favorite TV show? - Game of Thrones. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Most recently, I’ve enjoyed Ika Ramen and Izakaya and The Blackstone Meatball. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 502-8757; Email: mikes@dingmans.com; Website: www.dingmans.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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Strictly Business APRIL 2019
Meet Jack Swanda, on air talent for Boomer Radio. Tell us a little about your business. - I am sort of a dual businessperson. I am the voice of Boomer Radio’s The Drive Home show, which happens daily from 3 to 6 p.m., and I am also a financial advisor with Wealth Partners, an advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial. How did you get started in the business? - I’ve known that I wanted to be on the air since I was a sophomore in high school. I have always loved broadcasting. In the past, I worked supplying programming to stations around the country. I also had a pretty popular show called Out of Bed with Jack and Fred for 13+ years. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - When you do something that you love and that you’re gifted by God to do, there really are no challenges. We have a great audience at Boomer Radio—the show allows us to put aside our differences and remember the good times and great music that happened in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. What has been your most important achievement professionally? Being able to have longevity in the industry. It can be difficult to keep up as a broadcaster over time. Formats change, the business model changes and you have to learn to adapt. Tell us a little about your family. - I actually just celebrated my 42nd anniversary with my wife Karen. We have three daughters who are all married and have given us seven grandkids. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Growing in my faith is really important to me and the time in my life when that became very real to me was a big turning point. Becoming a father was also huge. Children save us from ourselves. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Watching Husker football or major golf tournaments! What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - My “double-life”/dual-career. My financial clients are surprised to know I am a radio personality and vice versa. Who inspires you? - Anyone who has made a sacrifice for others. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Give thanks in ALL circumstances.” -1 Thessalonians 5:18. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To always have ice cream in the freezer. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Between both of my jobs, I utilize a variety of talents, but I would say I am one talented channel surfer. What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Metro Area Youth Foundation. They work to provide financial and other support to families of children diagnosed and receiving treatment for cancer. We also support Assure Women’s Center. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. What is your favorite TV show? - Monk. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Tom Osborne. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Email: jswanda@walnutradio.com; Website: www.myboomerradio.com / JackSwandaAdvice.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
JENNY
Jenny Trebold
OASIS SENIOR ADVISORS Meet Jenny Trebold, senior advisor at Oasis Senior Advisors. Tell us a little about your business. Oasis Senior Advisors is a free senior housing service that assists individuals and their families in finding the right senior living community. We provide an in-depth consultation where we discuss things such as financial options, client lifestyle, and medical needs. Based on the consultation and our expertise, we recommend communities that we feel would be the best fit. We spend time touring a variety of communities with the family and help answer any questions they might have. Once a community is selected, we make sure the transition into the new community is seamless. How did you get started in the business? - I worked as the admissions coordinator for a large skilled nursing and rehabilitation center for over 12 years. My favorite part of the job was when I got to assist seniors and their families, so joining Oasis allowed me to focus all of my attention on this. Tell us a little about your family. - I grew up on a farm in a small town in Iowa and I have a twin brother. I’ve called the Omaha area home for over 20 years. My husband and I have two children, ages 10 and eight, and currently reside in Gretna. We have a six-pound Morkie dog named Cooper. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy going to see a movie with my family or shopping. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I love the outdoors. I actually used to work as a park ranger’s assistant in Iowa, where I learned many interesting things, including how to drive a dump truck, tractor, and skid loader. I met some of the most interesting and kind people in this position. Who inspires you? - My husband and my mother. My husband always sees a positive perspective in every situation, and my mother is one of the strongest people I know. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My dad used to tell me, “Keep your chin up and smile.” I think about it all the time. A smile can make a huge difference in someone’s day. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Caring. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” by David Lee Murphy and Kenny Chesney. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - The ability to heal. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would love to be a registered nurse. Nurses care for people in their most vulnerable states. To this day, I still remember the nurses who cared for my father over 20 years ago. I also remember the nurses who cared for my mother after she had two strokes. Which talent would you most like to have? - The ability to play the violin. What is your favorite movie? - Aquaman. What is your favorite TV show? - I’m not sure I should admit this, but...The Bachelor. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 669-9490; Email: jtrebold@youroasisadvisor. com; Website: answersformom.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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Strictly Business APRIL 2019
Allen Chaffee
CORNHUSKER BANK Meet Allen Chaffee, the market president of Cornhusker Bank in Greater Omaha. Tell us a little about your business. Cornhusker Bank is a 115-year-old, familyowned, community bank serving the Lincoln/Omaha metroplex. As the market president of the Omaha market, I am tasked with client, team, and branch expansion and development for the Greater Omaha area. We officially opened our Omaha Loan Production office April 1, 2018, and I am very excited that our first full service branch in Omaha is being planned to be online late in 2019 subject to regulatory approval. Cornhusker Bank specializes and focuses on commercial, private, and mortgage banking. How did you get started in the business? - I have been a banker my entire 20-year career, starting as an intern for the finance company arm of Top 5 domestic bank during my senior year at the University of Kansas…Rock Chalk Jayhawk! I have been lucky enough to be a banker in the Greater Omaha area for 15 years. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Being market president for Cornhusker Bank. It’s an honor to have the opportunity and trust to bring such a great brand and company to the Greater Omaha community. Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to my wife, Sinead, for 18 years. We have very active 13-year-old boy/girl twins, Easton and Keara, who will be high school freshman this fall in the Blair Community Schools. I am originally from Clay Center, KS and my wife is from Platte Center, NE. When not chasing our kids around to different activities, we love to travel. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Work and relax with my family on our acreage in Blair. Also love to play golf with my son or watch my daughter play soccer. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I am a farm kid from Kansas. My parents still farm and ranch in Clay Center to this day. We get back as much as possible to see family, enjoy the farm, and deer hunt. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - I love Cornhusker Bank’s core values: Own it, care deeply, deliver the “wow” experience, build positive relationships, and do life together. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Efficient. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Centerfield” by John Fogerty. What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I am a proud board member of the Blair Family YMCA, Omaha Outward Bound School, Omaha CRE Summit, and the Blair Bear Backers booster club. My family is also very involved and passionate in our Catholic Faith at St. Francis Borgia in Blair. I am a member of the finance committee and Knights of Columbus. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. What is your favorite movie? - Shawshank Redemption. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Hiro 88. We are very lucky to have the Yin family in our Omaha community. IIf our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 779-1420; Email: Allen.chaffee@cornhuskerbank. com; Website: www.cornhuskerbank.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
BEAU
Beau Jepson
PERRY REID CONSTRUCTION Meet Beau Jepson, project manager for Perry Reid Construction (PRC). Tell us a little about your business. - The business is family-oriented and we’re a tight knit group. We work hard to exceed our clients’ expectations and we do anything we can to satisfy them. I’m thankful to work for a company with such a strong moral foundation, one that loves to give back to the community. How did you get started in the business? - I’ve been with PRC for a little over one year. Perry Reid Construction was founded in May 2017 and I joined the team about seven months later. I graduated in 2014 from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a degree in construction management. I was connected with the current vice president of PRC through a different company, and that connection lead me to where I am now with PRC. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Every day presents a different challenge/learning experience. I would say my biggest challenge thus far was making the leap back into the construction industry after I dabbled with some other industries. What has been your most important achievement professionally? Completing over a dozen projects in five years’ time. Tell us a little about your family. - I grew up in central Nebraska. My parents still live in Grand Island and I have a sister who lives in Kearney. I’ve got a son who is almost two years old and I’m getting married in June of this year! What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - The birth of my son. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I coach junior wrestling for the Lincoln Warriors Wrestling Club, so my weekends are pretty busy with wrestling meets in surrounding towns. Who inspires you? - My fiancé. She means the world to me—she inspires me to be myself and enjoy life. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - The classic Michael Jordan quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Loving. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Either the ability to read minds or to know all the information I need in the moment I need it. Which talent would you most like to have? - To be better at golfing. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Professional golfer. What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - The Lincoln Warriors Wrestling Club. I know how much my own coaches meant to me growing up, and I feel like this is a good way for me to give back and help other kids grow in life. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Most of my reading material is made up of building and safety code books. Otherwise, I am reading marketing reports. What is your favorite movie? - Happy Gilmore. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Vince Lombardi. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 488-1666; Email: bjepson@buildprc.com; Website: buildprc.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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PERSONNEL NEWS ENCAP Welcomes Meredith Metcalf as New Deputy Director
McGill Restoration Welcomes Derek Landis and Jennifer Baldwin to Team
Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (ENCAP) has recently hired Meredith Metcalf as deputy director, a new position within ENCAP’s leadership team. “We are thrilled to welcome Meredith to the ENCAP team,” said Aaron Bowen, executive director. “Reducing the power of poverty in our community is no small task. The expertise she brings to the agency boosts our capacity to achieve results and grow our work.” Metcalf grew up in Lincoln, and holds a Master’s in Social Work from Denver University, earned her Professional in Human Resources Certificate, and is bilingual in Spanish. She brings with her a decade of experience in the non-profit and for-profit arenas. She has worked with young people, victims of domestic violence, families, and refugees and immigrants. Metcalf is also an adjunct professor in the Sociology Department of Metro Community College, knows the grant development and management world well, and has extensive experience creating policies and operational improvements. “I could not be more excited to get started,” said Metcalf. I see the deputy director role as the perfect blend of my passions for developing teams and systems, building community, and helping families change their lives for the better.” ENCAP is a non-profit community based organization that has been providing social and human services to people facing poverty in Douglas and Sarpy Counties since 1965. For more information about programs and services, go to www.encapnebraska.org or facebook (@encapnebraska).
McGill Restoration, a Nebraska-based contractor specializing in concrete and masonry repair, is excited to welcome Derek Landis and Jennifer Baldwin to the team! Derek started in February with Mcgill as project manager/estimator, coming from the home improvement industry. He is excited about starting with a company that really goes out of their way for their clients in order to deliver the highest quality of work possible. Jennifer was brought on to McGill in December of 2018 as a project manager/estimator as Derek Landis well. She enjoys working at McGill because of the culture. McGill Restoration gives their employees every opportunity to better themselves through education and on-the-job training. This investment in continuing education is vital in restoration as techniques and tools are ever evolving. They focus on the community by restoring vital infrastructure (highways, bridges, and parking decks) and historical buildings, improving our modern city while revitalizing our living history. Founded in 1985, McGill Restoration is trained Jennifer Baldwin and certified in a majority of techniques of the restoration business. There is no other need to sub out, they do it all and they do it the right way. To get in touch with McGill Restoration about your project needs, visit mcgillrestoration.com or contact the office at (402) 558-7989.
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Strictly Business APRIL 2019
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PERSONNEL NEWS HETRA Welcomes Lisa Glidden to Board HETRA (Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy) proudly welcomes new board member, Lisa Glidden! Lisa has been around HETRA since her daughter started riding horses there 10 years ago. She has volunteered for several events including Little Britches, Blue Jeans & Dreams, and has helped in the HETRA office. She has been heavily involved with volunteering in her children’s sports and school activities for 16 years and she has been in human resources for over 20 years. Lisa is currently a recruiting consultant at Securities America, Inc. HETRA’s mission is to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally of adults and children of all ability levels through equineassisted activities. Visit www.HETRA.org to learn more.
Legacy Design Strategies Law Firm Adds Attorneys Kastrick, Garman, and Berryman Legacy Design Strategies Law Firm, a part of Andrew C. Sigerson, P.C., L.L.O., is pleased to announce the addition of three attorneys to its team: Colin Kastrick, Charles Garman, and Scott Berryman. Kastrick is a native of Papillion, NE. He graduated from the University of Nebraska– Omaha in 2014 with his Bachelors of Science in business administration with an investment science and land use economics specialization. He also earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska Colin Kastrick College of Law in 2017. Kastrick works with new clients in counseling and designing comprehensive estate plans. Garman joined Legacy Design Strategies in January of 2019. He focuses primarily on administering wills and trusts. Garman is bilingual, after having spent most of his childhood in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. He attended Creighton University School of Law, graduating with his J.D. in 2005. Subsequently, Garman practiced in the area of debtor creditor law and taught courses in Charles Garman real estate and business law at Metropolitan Community College. Berryman has worked in private practice, government practice, and done significant pro bono work in the non-profit world. He has been a solo practitioner, worked in a Midwest mega-firm, and has found the right size in a boutique firm. A lifelong Nebraskan, Scott has lived over a decade in each of Nebraska’s congressional districts. He is a graduate of Leadership Omaha and the FBI Citizens Academy. Scott has served as “Of Counsel” Scott Berryman to the firm for several years, but has now joined full-time in the Trust Administration and Probate Department. Legacy Design Strategies, located at 9859 S. 168th Ave., is a boutique firm that limits its practice to estate and business and elder law/ Medicaid planning. The firm’s attorneys are licensed to practice in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, Missouri, Montana, Wyoming, and Minnesota. Learn more online at www.ldstrategies.com or call (402) 505-5400. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
K.C. Belitz Joins Nebraska Community Foundation as COO Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) proudly welcomes K.C. Belitz of Columbus to assume a new position, created to address the growing demand for NCF’s services throughout Greater Nebraska. As chief operating officer, Belitz will head up a team of fund and community development, marketing and gift planning professionals working to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. In this new position, Belitz will work to advance three key goals critical to the success of 250 communities across the state that benefit from NCF affiliated funds and donors. These include using unrestricted endowments to create positive change that may otherwise not occur, researching and promoting effective practices to attract people to Nebraska hometowns, and ensuring that the NCF network is increasingly diverse and inclusive. For nearly two decades, Belitz worked for the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, doing business and community development for 800 members and the Columbus region. He said he is eager to apply the skills learned in that position in a statewide context. Belitz will be based in Columbus but will also office in Lincoln. Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. For more information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330.
Cornhusker Bank Promotes Sherla Post and Lynda McGill Cornhusker Bank is pleased to announce the promotions of Sherla Post to executive vice president/human resources and talent development and Lynda McGill to vice president, audit manager. “Both of these associates continue to develop themselves and their departments and take on added responsibilities in their areas as the bank continues to grow. They serve the bank with excellence, a high attention to detail, and commitment,” noted president/CEO, Barry Lockard. Sherla Post Ms. Post develops and leads all human resource functions, as well as the human resource staff for the bank, including all talent development based efforts. Sherla collaborates with management to develop a talent based organization, which cultivates the bank’s culture and operating model. Ms. McGill leads the bank’s internal audit function and supervises internal audit staff. Her responsibilities include conducting internal audit risk assessment, determining the annual audit schedule, and coordinating the department’s Lynda McGill activities with applicable regulatory agencies and examiners. Cornhusker Bank remains the oldest locally-owned bank, demonstrating stability, soundness, and investing in the future growth of the community, its valued customers, and associates throughout its 115-year history. For more information, please visit www.CornhuskerBank.com. APRIL 2019 Strictly Business 27
PERSONNEL NEWS Dreamweaver Foundation Welcomes Lindsay VanZee as Dream Coordinator
United Republic Bank Announces Executive Team Promotions and New Hires
The Dreamweaver Foundation is thrilled to announce that Lindsay VanZee joined their team in March! Lindsay has enjoyed creating memorable experiences since she was a young girl. After seeing the happiness a family vacation or special event could bring to people’s lives, she decided her career path. Lindsay received her bachelor’s degree in resort and hospitality management from Florida Gulf Coast University, where she specialized in event planning. She loved learning how to make any life event unforgettable. After college, Lindsay enrolled in Yoga Teacher Training, during which she developed stronger mindfulness and movement techniques. Taking this education back to her home state of Nebraska, she received her master’s degree at UNO in health, physical education, and recreation. As dream coordinator, Lindsay looks forward to cultivating meaningful relationships with Dreamers and understanding the significant details of individual dreams. Lindsay is fueled by warm sunshine, a secret kayak spot, and quality time with her husband and dog. As an active member of Urban Abbey and various non-profits, she enjoys giving back to the Omaha community. Dreamweaver Foundation is dedicated to fulfilling life-long dreams for terminally ill seniors in need. They strive to enrich the quality of life and are committed to honoring our most cherished generation in their final days. If you would like to learn more about Dreamweaver, please visit www.dreamweaver.org or call (402) 697-5471.
United Republic Bank is pleased to announce the promotions of key senior leadership staff and the addition of four new employees. Stephen McCown has been promoted to president/ CEO of United Stephen McCown Amy Mrsny Re p u b l i c B a n k , replacing Mike Pate, who retired from banking in December. McCown has been with United Republic Bank for six years, previously ser ving as the c hief operating officer. McCown has worked in the Larry Marinovic Radean Cox banking industry for more than 30 years and held many senior management positions. In addition, several long-time employees are now holding leadership positions. Amy Mrsny is the new executive vice president of operations. In this role, Mrsny will oversee the operations of the bank to include technology, human resources, and retail banking. She has been in banking for 26 years and began working at United Republic Bank in 2013. Larry Marinovic has been promoted to executive vice president of lending. Marinovic is a veteran of the local commercial real estate industry and has more than 28 years experience in commercial banking. Radean Cox is the senior vice president of loan operations. With 42 years of banking experience, Cox manages all aspects of the loan operation process to ensure customers receive exceptional service. In addition to these executive team changes, United Republic Bank continues to grow its Omaha team with four new employees. Wendy Boyd and Levi Handley joined the team as commercial lenders. Jennifer Kermoade has been hired as the finance/operation project manager and John Christensen will serve as United Republic Bank’s compliance manager. Formed in 2006, United Republic Bank became the first independent community bank chartered in the Omaha area in 16 years. United Republic Bank provides a wide range of relationship-driven commercial banking products and services to meet the needs of businesses and individuals. For more information, visit unitedrepublicbank.com.
Dr. Asaad Mahdi Joins Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation Dr. Asaad Mahdi has been hired for the child care development outreach and translator position for the Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC). Dr. Mahdi has his PhD in Statistics from University Kebensaan Malaysia. He has experience teaching graduate and undergraduate students for more than 20 years in USA (UNO) and overseas (Iraq and Malaysia). Dr Mahdi also has experience with preschool, elementary, middle, and high school students. He was a principal of an international school in Malaysia for three years where the students were from all over the world. He held other positions such as the director of planning and sustainable development division in the ministry of Environment, Baghdad Iraq. As a trainer, Dr. Mahdi organized courses to improve the work of the employers at the University of Baghdad and the employers of the Ministry of Environment, Baghdad, Iraq with coordination with the WHO (World Health Organization). As a researcher, Dr. Mahdi participated in many conferences and has had more than 15 research articles/studies. Dr. Mahdi will communicate with the refugee and immigrant community (Asian and African) residing in Nebraska to identify their needs and how can MLCDC help them. Also, Dr. Mahdi will collaborate in the development of culturally competent curriculum and resource materials in English and Arabic, promoting MLCDC’s childcare programs and services. He will perform data analysis on childcares in Nebraska and Iowa and periodic reports. For more information about Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation, visit www.midlandslatinocdc.org or contact them at (402) 933-4466 / info@midlandslatinocdc.org. 28 Strictly Business APRIL 2019
It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know & Who Knows You! At Strictly Business Magazine we strive to recognize local businessmen and women for their significant awards, promotions, achievements, and/ or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Omaha community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330 or submit your news via our website at www.strictlybusinessomaha.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
PERSONNEL NEWS Todd Foje Elected 2019 Chairman of Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Mike Blackmon Named Top Agent at BHHS Awards Breakfast
Great Plains Communications, the largest independent telecommunications provider in the state of Nebraska, recently announced CEO Todd Foje has been elected as the 2019 chairman of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Foje began his official duties as chairman during the Chamber’s annual meeting in Lincoln on February 7. Throughout 2019, he will lead the organization’s key legislative priorities, including strengthening workforce development, promoting tax relief, and improving Nebraska’s overall business climate. Prior to his appointment, Foje supported the continuous improvement of Nebraska’s business climate as a board member of the Chamber. An Omaha resident, he has lent his time and energy to charitable services in state and local communities, including volunteer and board roles with the American Red Cross, Creighton Prep High School and Duchesne Academy, and as a mentor through the TeamMates youth mentoring program. The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry works effectively with Nebraska lawmakers, as well as state agencies, on issues impacting local business. Contact the Nebraska Chamber at (402) 474-4422 or go online to www.nechamber.com.
Commercial agent for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS), Mike Blackmon, was awarded the #1 Commercial Real Estate Agent in the Omaha office at the BHHS Awards Breakfast in March. The following week, at the National Convention held in San Antonio, TX, Mike Blackmon was named among one of the Top 5 Commercial Agents Nationally based on closed gross commission income. Mike provides commercial brokerage and leasing services for both Nebraska and Iowa, with a National scope through our 2,000 offices nationwide. With a background in banking and insurance, Mike has proven that results count and the knowledge and experience of over 35 successful years in the Real Estate Brokerage business is invaluable for both buyers and sellers. In addition to Mike’s duties as the commercial division manager for the Omaha regional office, Mike serves on the National Advisory Board for the corporate Berkshire Hathaway HS – Commercial Real Estate; 2018 President of the Midlands Regional Commercial Information Exchange (MRCIE.com); and on the Governmental Affairs Committee for the Omaha Board of Realtors. He is also a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Nebraska Association of Realtors, and the Nebraska Chapter of the CCIM. If you would like more information, please contact Wendy Richey at (402) 547-5062 / Wendy.richey@bhhsamb.com. Learn more about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices online at www.berkshirehathawayhs.com.
Amplify Arts Announces Recipients of 2019 Artist Support Grants Amplify Arts is pleased to announce two recipients of Amplify Arts’ 2019 Artist Support Grants. Congratulations to Sarah Hummel Jones, recipient of a 2019 Artist Support Grant, and Corson Androski, recipient of the 2019 LGBTQIA+ Artist Support Grant. They will each receive unrestricted cash awards of $5,000. Each year Amplify Arts designates one Artist Support Grant for an artist working in any discipline who self-identifies as a member of a community or communities that have historically Sarah Hummel Jones faced discrimination or been denied access to institutional support based on race, age, national origin, religious background, differing abilities, sex, sexual orientation, or gender. Sarah Hummel Jones has been living in Omaha for the past three years and she is the Co-Op Studio manager at the Union for Contemporary Art. Corson Androski is a researcher, conservationist, software developer, and photographer/filmmaker from Hutchinson, KS. Corson Androski Artist Support Grants are awarded by an external jury of artists, arts professionals, and qualified community members to an individual artist, collaborative group, collective, or duo. The 2019 Artist Support Grant jury included Hyunjee Nicole Kim, independent writer and curator, Stephen Osberg, Director of Transportation Development at the Greater Omaha Chamber, and Amanda Smith, 2018 Artist Support Grant recipient. This grant supports artists making outstanding work in any discipline. Amplify Arts (formerly Omaha Creative Institute) is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to promote unity, innovation, and progress in the arts to build strong and vibrant communities. To learn more, please visit www. amplifyarts.org or call (402) 996-1092. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Grief’s Journey Welcomes Alex Jurgens and Tessa Luczynski Grief’s Journey recently welcomed two new team members, Alex Jurgens as the associate outreach and inclusion coordinator and Tessa Luczynski as the program coordinator. Alex’s recent experience in losing a close loved one connected him to Grief Journey’s mission. His background in various non-profits is attributed to his passion for human relations and development. Alex received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in organizational leadership from Alex Jurgens College of Saint Mary’s. Alex is a firm believer in the power of human connection and support and how it helps people overcome difficult life circumstances. Tessa received her bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies with an emphasis in education, psychology, and gerontology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Before coming to Grief’s Journey, the majority of Tessa’s career included working with people with disabilities in various settings, such as recreational play therapy, job coaching, and Tessa Luczynski volunteer work. Her true passion lies in helping others, as she finds purpose in program development and supporting those who volunteer. She looks forward to helping others find their passions as well. Grief’s Journey is that “no one has to walk their grief journey alone.” For more information, or to make a donation, visit the Grief’s Journey website at griefsjourney.org or contact them at (402) 502-2773. APRIL 2019 Strictly Business 29
NON-PROFIT NEWS Angels Among Us Announces Two Signature Event Dates
Midlands Community Foundation to Host 38th Annual Golf Tournament
Angels Among Us is excited to announce its two signature event dates for 2019! On July 8, Angels Among Us is partnering with Bland & Associates for its annual Bland Cares golf outing at Champions Run. Registration for this golf outing is open online.
Midlands Community Foundation will host its 38th annual golf tournament at Platteview Golf Club on Monday, May 20, with a shotgun start at 12 p.m., noon. The event will conclude with a steak dinner and awards ceremony following golf.
In addition, the 2019 Artists and Angels Gala will take place on September 20 at A View on State. This event will include many new features this year and the live auction will include a piece of art from Jeff Hanson Art. Jeff Hanson, a visually impaired childhood cancer survivor, creates brilliant acrylic on-canvas works and has generated over $5 million for various causes with his art. Registration for the Artists and Angels Gala will open late spring.
Proceeds for the tournament will benefit the Papillion-LaVista Community Theatre (Kids Music Clinic), Monarch Band Boosters Association (student performances at senior centers), Conestoga Elementary School (equipment for outdoor classroom) and the Summer Reading Programs at libraries in Sarpy County (Bellevue, Gretna, LaVista, Papillion and Springfield) and Cass County (Elmwood, Louisville, Plattsmouth and Weeping Water).
Angels Among Us is a Nebraska non-profit 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 financial support. In 2018, Angels Among Us provided financial support to 99 families, giving over $355,000, so they were able to remain stable during their pediatric cancer journey. Please contact Alyssa Theilen, director of community relations/ development, at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org for any further questions, or go online to www.MyAngelsAmongUs.org to learn more.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Receives Premier Rating from Charity Evaluator Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is proud to announce that because of the organization’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency, the agency has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the third consecutive time that Big Brothers Big Sisters has received this top distinction. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands’ exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, president & CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This adds BBBS to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome mentoring needs in communities. Based on its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support BBBS.” Big Brothers Big Sisters strives for all youth in the program to reach their full potential. A Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple provides youth with a sense of safety and security, emotional support, and social skill promotion. Bigs and Littles are matched based on common interests so they can have the benefit of doing activities together that they both enjoy. For more information, visit their website bbbsomaha. org or contact Abiola Kosoko at (402) 504-4719 / akosoko@ bbbsomaha.org. 30 Strictly Business APRIL 2019
Sponsorship opportunities are available. The $135 participant registration fee includes golf, sack lunch, two chances to win a $250 Scheels gift card in a putting contest, two mulligans, two complimentary beverages, ice cream, and steak dinner. The mission of the Midlands Community Foundation is to benefit the diverse needs of the Sarpy and Cass county communities by providing financial support, involvement, and service. To register or for more information, contact Midlands Community Foundation at (402) 991-8027 or visit www.MidlandsCommunity.org.
Family Housing Advisory Services Receives $20K Grant from First National Bank Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc. has been awarded a $20,000 grant from First National Bank of Omaha, which also operates as First National Bank Fremont and First National Bank North Platte. Family Housing Advisory Services’ mission is to improve the quality of life and eliminate poverty by helping people achieve housing stability and financial security. This funding will help the organization develop financially-wise consumers through education and coaching, encourage residents to build wealth through financial incentives and matched savings, prepare foster care youth to financially transition to adulthood and alleviate poverty through tax credits. Together we change communities by educating and empowering individuals and families, one household at a time,” said Teresa Hunter, executive director/CEO at Family Housing Advisory Services. In total, First National Bank of Omaha has awarded more than $1.1 million in community development grants to 51 organizations in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas. The grants, which support Affordable Housing, Educated Workforce and Economic Development programs, mark the bank’s final disbursement of grant funding for the year. First National Bank awarded a total of $1,840,000 in community development grants in 2016 to organizations across its seven-state service area. To learn more about Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc. visit www.fhasinc.org or call (402) 934-7921. To view First National Bank’s 2016 “First in the Community Impact Report” and learn more about the full extent of its community contributions, please visit www.firstnational.com/site/about-us/in-the-community/ index.fhtml. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
NON-PROFIT NEWS La Vista Community Foundation to Host GOLF CLASSIC in August La Vista Community Foundation (LVCF) will hold their annual GOLF CLASSIC Scramble on Friday afternoon, August 9. The event will be at Tara Hills Golf Course (1410 Western Hills Dr.) and begins at 11 a.m. This fun golf tournament helps raise funds to support LVCF’s mission and maintain their Community Grant Program, aiding many worthwhile human needs and education efforts in the La Vista area. The proceeds also help with many recreation and entertainment programs that happen in our community. The 2019 LVCF GOLF CLASSIC can be participated in as a golf foursome or an individual golfer. Participants will enjoy fun networking and a BBQ dinner to complete the tournament. Great prizes are also offered as part of the tournament each year! Information is available for sponsoring this important community event. La Vista Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of where people live, work, and play in La Vista. For information on their organization or to register for this golf fundraiser, please contact John Yochum, executive director, at (402) 960-9625 or go online to www.LaVistaCommunityFoundation.com.
Community Health Charities Awards Curt Gordon Memorial Foundation Grants Community Health Charities of Nebraska, soon to be CHAD (Combined Health Agencies Drive), announced the 2019 Cur t Gordon Memorial Foundation grant recipients. Distributions made from the endowment fund are generated by funds from donors above and beyond the annual workplace campaigns across the state. Six of the organization’s 22 member charities received programming grants this year: • Autism Action Partnership: $3,000 to fund the Circle of Friends program in 10 schools. • Arthritis Foundation Nebraska: $2,000 to send two kids to JA summer camp and a $500 sponsorship for JA Family Day. • Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska: $1,500 to fund outreach to one organization to train employees to screen, identify, and manage brain injury. • Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Nebraska/Iowa Chapter: $2,500 to fund two scholarships for Camp Oasis. • JDRF International – Heartland Chapter, Lincoln and Greater Nebraska: $3,250 to fund two family movie days in greater Nebraska.
Save the Date: Omaha Gives! May 22 Be sure to save the date for Omaha Gives!, Omaha’s 7th annual 24-hour c haritable challenge set for May 22, presented by American National Bank. This online, year-round platform connects those who want to keep the giving going and area organizations working to create change in a big way! It only takes a $10 donation to join the community giving. In 2018, the Omaha community supported 960 non-profits, bringing together donors from the Metro area (and across the country!) during Omaha Gives! A total of $7.4 million was raised through last year’s giving day, from 18,548 donors and 48,279 donations. The event continues to create new opportunities for non-profits to gain support; almost one-third of donations in 2018 were first-time gifts to a nonprofit and 75% of the total donations were $100 or less, reinforcing that giving together makes a significant impact. The goal of Omaha Gives! is to inspire the community to come together for 24-hours to give as much as possible to support the work of public 501(c)(3) non-profits in the metro area. Be sure to visit omahagives.org to learn more, search profiles of participating nonprofits, make your donation, and track progress during the event on the leaderboard.
Inclusive Communities Announces Humanitarian Brunch Award Winners Inclusive Communities is proud to announce this year’s award winners, who will be honored at the Humanitarian Brunch, which will be on April 7 with a Hosted Brunch Happy Hour between noon and 1 p.m., followed by Brunch and Program. The honoraries are as follows: • Humanitarian of the Year Award Winner was Marta Nieves. Marta is a long-time community activist who works to promote social justice issues. As former Chair of the Democratic Latinx Caucus, Marta worked to bring together people in the Latino community, helping them recognize commonalities and work together toward equality and justice. Marta worked for Girl Scouts and Girls Inc., and served many non-profits as a volunteer and consultant. • Otto Swanson Partner of the Year Winner was The Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center. The Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC) at the University of Nebraska Omaha is a one-of-a-kind place designed to facilitate collaboration among nonprofits, community groups, and UNO. Inclusive Communities is proud to be housed in the CEC. This partnership has led to countless opportunities for partnership with other organizations and broadened reach.
• UCP: $5,500 to fully fund the expansion of the Go Baby Go program to greater Nebraska.
• Volunteer of the Year Award Winner was Emily Schirmbeck. Emily has shown incredible commitment and dedication to Inclusive Communities by volunteering for over 10 IncluCIty camps. Emily is a CNA who spends four days three times a year as the Medical Contact, tending to any injuries, ensuring all medications are distributed properly, and often serving as a counselor.
Community Health Charities of Nebraska also announced the winner of the first-ever Community Choice grant on its website: www.chcne. org. The $1,000 grant recipient was chosen by community vote. Learn more by calling (402) 614-8500 (state office). #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Inclusive Communities envisions a society that is strengthened by diversity, inclusion, respect, and justice for all people. Visit www.inclusivecommunities.org for available tickets to the awards brunch. Call (402) 391-4460 with any questions. APRIL 2019 Strictly Business 31
• Kidney: $3,850 to provide approximately 230 detection screenings in conjunction with CHAD workplace giving campaigns in 2019.
NON-PROFIT NEWS Cross Electronic Recycling Announces Collection Events for Electronics
Heartland Family Service to Host 15th Annual Strike a Chord Gala
Cross Electronic Recycling has announced multiple electronic collection events that are scheduled for April and May. These events are scattered throughout the city and are open to the public.
Heartland Family Service welcomes you to join Jay Ferris and Vicki Quaites-Ferris for the 15th Annual Strike a Chord Gala on Friday, June 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. Presenting sponsors for the event are Heartland Properties and Veridian Credit Union.
Cross Electronic Recycling will accept anything with a cord, battery or motor—as small as a cell phone to as large as a car, and everything in between! This includes computers, televisions, large appliances, vehicles, and so much more. See a complete list of items online at www.crossrecycling.com as well as information on current environmental fees. All items are used for Cross Training Center’s vocational training and work experience program. The program is specifically designed for those who have chronic barriers to employment due to being under educated, incarceration, homelessness, challenging mental or emotional disorders or who live in chronic poverty for numerous reasons. When you recycle electronics, you help two great causes: the impoverished to become employed and saving our environment. Learn more at www.crossrecycling.com / www.crosstc.com. Contact Mike Bunach for information on times and locations at mikebunach@ crosstc.com / (402) 590-2100.
Methodist Jennie Edmundson Foundation Holds 2019 Auxiliary Annual Meeting A special lunc heon was held on April 1 at Ameristar in Council Bluffs for the 2019 Auxiliary General Annual Meeting. Steve Baumert, president and CEO of Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, spoke to over 100 Volunteers in attendance and thanked them for all they do for the hospital. This year, 245 volunteers were invited to attend, and certificates and pins were awarded for their hours of donated service for 2018. There were 49 specific volunteers who were recognized for reaching significant lifetime milestones in 2018 reaching hours of 50; 500; 1,000; 2,000; and up to 8,000. The Lifetime Hours recognition was presented to Lucille Dunlevy. Lucille has donated hours totaling 13,395 over her years as a volunteer at the Jennie Edmundson Foundation. In 2018, this 97-year-old volunteered 230 hours. She volunteers in the office at Jennie’s House, the daycare for hospital employees. She is legally blind, but her love for children shows as she shares with the children how she reads braille and manages with her disability. Lucille is not the oldest of the volunteers at Jennie; Velma McElderry is 102 and can be found most Sunday evenings working in the Jennie Gift Shop making sales and running the register! The 2018 Volunteer of the Year was presented to Marsha Underwood with 1,085 hours for 2018. Marsha is one of our East Lobby volunteers, where she greets, assists, and escorts visitors and patients coming in to the hospital. At Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, they value their volunteers and thank them for giving of their time and talents. Volunteers add to the quality of services they provide for their patients, their families, and our community. National Volunteer Week is April 7–13, 2019, so tell a volunteer “Thank you!” Go online to www.jehfoundation.org or call (712) 396-6040 to learn more about volunteer opportunities. 32 Strictly Business APRIL 2019
The Strike a Chord Gala features the Salute to Leadership and the Salute to Achievement Awards, as well as games, live entertainment, a raffle, and silent and live auctions. All proceeds benefit Heartland Family Service programs in southwest Iowa, including the K-12 therapeutic school for students with major mental health diagnoses; support services and housing for single mothers; professional mental health counseling for children and their parents; and community prevention, education, and treatment for those struggling with substance abuse and problem gambling. Founded in 1875, Heartland Family Service currently serves over 52,000 individuals of all ages each year from over 15 locations in east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Their 50+ programs provide critical human services to the individuals and families who ultimately shape the future of the community in the following focus areas: child and family well-being, counseling and prevention, housing, safety, and financial stability. Tickets for the event are $80 each or $800 for a table of 10. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit their website at HeartlandFamilyService.org or contact Sarah Dighans at (402) 5527475 / SDighans@HeartlandFamilyService.org.
Open Door Mission Announces Confirmed Restaurants for Ladle of Love Event On April 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Open Door Mission invites you to taste delicious soups, breads, and desserts prepared by area chefs at their 7th annual Ladle of Love. The event will be held at Open Door Mission’s Garland Thompson Men’s Center (2705 N 20th St. East). Confirmed restaurants include: Mangia Italiano, Embassy Suites Nines Restaurant, Hilton’s Liberty Tavern, Patricia Catering, Pitch, and Della Costa. Attendees will have the opportunity to cast their votes for the “Best Soup of the Day,” which will be tallied up for the gold, silver, and bronze Ladle of Love awards! The family-friendly event will feature live music by Prairie Gators Band, dancing, a silent auction, a bounce house, and a clown making balloon animals. The event will also display artwork created by guests who have found safe shelter at Open Door Mission. Adults are $15 and children ages 6–12 are $7 if you buy your tickets in advance. Proceeds from the event help meet basic needs and provide life-changing programs for the hungry and homeless at Open Door Mission. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 917 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women and children, serves over 3,500 nutritious meals and provides preventative measures to more than 1,000 people living in poverty. For more information about Open Door Mission, please visit www. opendoormission.org. If you or your business would like to sponsor the event or your restaurant wants to be in the soup competition, please contact Deb Saraka-Rubin at (402) 829-1503 / dsaraka-rubin@ opendoormission.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
NON-PROFIT NEWS Nonprofit Association of the Midlands to Release Economic Impact Report
The Set Me Free Project Celebrates Success of 2019 Comedy for Change Event
Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) is excited to announce that it will be releasing its 2019 Economic Impact Report this month. This report was last completed in 2012, so it was time for updated report. The report includes important information about the non-profit workforce and volunteering in Nebraska, as well as the overall impact the non-profit sector makes on state economy.
The Set Me Free Project team is so grateful for everyone that braved the weather to join them for a fun night of laughter, an auction, dinner, and drinks at 2019’s Comedy for Change event on March 7! The event was a night that gave everyone permission to laugh. Sex trafficking is a very heavy topic, and the Set Me Free team wants to make sure that they and their supporters take a break and encourage everyone to enjoy themselves. This annual event brings a majority of necessary funds to The Set Me Free Project for the whole year. If you were not able to attend, but would still like to contribute a donation, please do so at setmefreeproject.net.
NAM helps non-profits help their communities. There are thousands of non-profits in the local community—each trying to make a difference on its own. NAM brings them together so that each non-profit member can benefit from the collective strength of the organization. NAM is committed to the following goals: • Enhance public recognition of the importance and role of the nonprofit sector to the people of Nebraska. • Provide access to high quality assistance and information on effective non-profit management and practices. • Advocate on issues that affect the capacity of all non-profits to address their communities’ needs.
Additionally, The Set Me Free Project has recently posted job opportunities. The positions they’re looking to fill are: part-time educator; Americorps VISTA volunteer; data analyst/donor relations; and volunteer/outreach coordinator. All of the descriptions for these positions, as well as details to apply, are available on the website under the “connect” tab.
For more information, visit www.nonprofitam.org. Questions can be directed to Hannah Young at (402) 827-3065 or hannah@ nonprofitam.org.
The Set Me Free Project’s goal is to stop trafficking before it starts. Everyone can have a part in this, #traffickingstopswithme. Educate yourself, encourage others to be educated. Awareness is only one step; prevention is a crucial element to ending human trafficking. For more, visit setmefreeproject.net or contact the organization at info@ setmefreeproject.net / (402) 521-3080.
Clinical Services Program Now Available at Omaha Home for Boys
Outlook Nebraska Announces Tee It Up Fore Sight Fundraiser, Offers Blind Golfer Academy
Omaha Home for Boys is excited to announce the launch of a Clinical Services Program that provides a number of behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse services. The Clinical Services Program expands beyond the Home’s clients to serve additional youth and families in the community. The Clinical Services Program is fully staffed with a clinical director, therapists, a youth care worker and a clinical skill builder. The program is currently accepting new clients.
Outlook Nebraska’s annual Tee It Up Fore Sight fundraiser to benefit Outlook Enrichment Programs will take place on Thursday, June 6 at Indian Creek Golf Course (3825 N. 202nd St., Elkhorn). This 18-round game will be a four-person scramble with a shotgun start at 12-noon. Registration includes golf, lunch, and dinner. Registration will go from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and lunch will be 11 a.m. to noon.
• Foster communication and cooperation among non-profits.
Ser vices open to the public include evaluations and outpatient programs for individuals and adolescents. These services focus on assessing treatment needs, developing a treatment plan and therapy for those dealing with mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse issues. The Home’s Clinical Services Program also accepts clients who have been court ordered to participate in day reporting, family support or intensive family preservation, all of which offer therapy and skill building to help clients improve their overall functioning in school and in the community. To refer a client or schedule an appointment at Omaha Home for Boys, please contact Daryl Howard, clinical director, at (402) 457-7042 or clinicaladmissions@omahahomeforboys.org. Tours of the new program are also available by contacting Daryl. To learn more about the Home’s new Clinical Services Program, please visit OmahaHomeForBoys.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
In addition, whether you are new to vision loss or are visually impaired and love golf, Outlook Nebraska’s Blind Golfer Academy is for you! On Thursday, June 7, from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Indian Creek Golf Course, come learn chipping, putting, and swinging techniques from adaptive sports specialists and local golf pros. Master your golf swing before trying it out on the links. The only requirement to participate in the clinic is to enjoy golf. The mission of Outlook Nebraska is to positively impact everyone who is blind or visually impaired. This is done through robust employment opportunities, adaptive technology training, recreational programs, cultural experiences, community education and collaborative programs that allow people to meet others with similar situations and open a world of organizations that are around to help. Tee It Up Fore Sight is still looking for sponsors, and they will work with you to find an amount that fits your budget. More information and registration for either of the events listed above can be found at outlookne.org. Contact Donna Faust Aman at (402) 614-3331 with any questions. APRIL 2019 Strictly Business 33
NON-PROFIT NEWS Heartland Hope Mission Seeks Community Support to Replace Delivery Truck
YMCA of Greater Omaha to Host Healthy Kids Day® Celebration
Heartland Hope Mission needs your help to repair their truck and get it on the road again! Five days a week, Heartland Hope Mission picks up food from local retailers like Hy-Vee, WalMart, Target, and Baker’s. They then distribute it to local families in need. Recently, the truck’s engine went out, and they need to get it back on the road to effectively serve working poor families. “The need for our truck is real. With over 16 pickups every day, relying on a van is strenuous and means lots of extra trips and time,” said Patrick, pantry coordinator.
The YMCA of Greater Omaha’s Healthy Kids Day® celebration will be on Sunday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stinson Park in Aksarben Village. This is a free opportunity for families to celebrate health and encourage kids to learn healthy habits, engage in active play, and develop a lifetime love of physical activity. Goodie bags and helmets provided by the Children’s Hospital and Medical Center will be given away while supplies last. Registration is not required for this free event.
A generous donor has stepped up with a $10,000 matching grant! That means every dollar you donate will be matched up to $10,000. Heartland Hope Mission would greatly appreciate your consideration of a one-time generous gift to help with truck repairs. Their goal is to raise $20,000. Your donation will help them pick up over 900,000 pounds of food this year! 100% of the funds raised will go directly toward the mission’s truck expenses. Every donation of any amount is important so Heartland Hope Mission can meet their goal. Donations can be made online at HeartlandHopeMission.org! Keep up with the mission on Facebook (@HeartlandHopeMission). Heartland Hope Mission is located in Omaha at 2021 U St. Questions can be answered via their phone at (402) 733-1904.
TS Bank Celebrates Honorary Chairs at American Red Cross Heroes in the Heartland TS Bank is excited to celebrate Mick and Judy Guttau as the recent honorary chairs at the American Red Cross Heroes in the Heartland event held on March 7 at the Hilton Downtown Hotel in Omaha. The Heroes in the Heartland event honors individuals who have saved another person’s life during the past year or who have positively impacted the quality of life in the Omaha Council Bluffs Metro area. For several years, Mick and Judy Guttau have been gracious supporters of the American Red Cross. Additionally, TS Bank has donated a multi-year gift of $15,000 to be utilized for disaster relief in the southwest Iowa region. Mick Guttau served as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, an experience his children said helped shape his life after military service. TS Banking Group CEO, Josh Guttau, said his parents’ involvement with the Red Cross was, “driven by Mick’s experience in Vietnam with friends that went through trauma, and seeing the importance of blood and emergency response that the Red Cross represents.” The American Red Cross is an organization committed to helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in our communities. To consider a donation to the American Red Cross, contact erin.dewitt@redcross.org. TS Bank’s mission is to Ignite Prosperity® in the communities it serves. Leading the resurgence of community banking, TS Bank reinvests 10% of their net income locally, hosting educational events and partnering with local organizations and non-profits. Treynor State (TS) Bank was chartered in 1923 and branded to TS Bank in 2005. TS Bank has $381 million in assets, along with the largest Iowa state-chartered C-Corp trust department west of Des Moines at nearly $290 million in assets. For more information, visit tsbank.com. 34 Strictly Business APRIL 2019
Healthy Kids Day® is the YMCA’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families. In addition to providing swimming, gymnastics, and a place for kids to hang out, the YMCA also supports families who want to teach their kids about healthy habits and keep kids active. The YMCA’s long history of promoting healthy opportunities for young people dates back to its founding on June 6, 1844 by George Williams, a sales assistant in London who became concerned by the unhealthy social conditions for city dwellers which arose during the Industrial Revolution. After decades of development, modern centers offered by the YMCA provide opportunities for sports and aquatics, as well as programs for youth, families, and active older adults. Many health and fitness classes are free for members. You can follow events hosted by the YMCA of Greater Omaha by following their Facebook page (@metroymca) and learn more about membership online at metroymca.org.
MICAH House Requests Canned Fruit MICAH House, a homeless shelter for families and women, needs your help! On average, it takes 25 cans of fruit to provide one meal at MICAH House. Unfortunately, over the winter, the pantry shelves have become bare and the current supply of canned fruit is very low. Each day, MICAH House provides three meals and two snacks to the dozens of individuals seeking help and services when they have nowhere else to turn. In total, MICAH House served more than 26,000 meals to families and women in need last year. With each of these meals, MICAH House provides a fruit and vegetable option—an important part of a nutritious and well-balanced meal. MICAH House is asking for your help to stock the pantry! Organize a personal or company-wide donation drive and collect canned fruit to provide healthy options for homeless children, families, and women. Contact Rachel Morehead with questions at rachelm@ themicahhouse.org about this. MICAH House, founded in 1986, is an emergency family homeless shelter that provides shelter and support services to hundreds of children and adults annually. Through a network of services, MICAH House provides support and security to individuals who are uncertain about their future and are worried for the safety and well-being of their children. Families and single women who enter MICAH House are provided an array of services including nutritious meals, counseling resources, an on-site health clinic, and a trauma-informed (BUDDY) play program. Learn more online at v. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
NON-PROFIT NEWS American National Bank Sponsors Omaha Fashion Week’s Cancer Survivor Show
BOMA Omaha to Host 17th Annual UNO Charity Golf Outing May 13
American National Bank was the proud sponsor of Omaha Fashion Week’s Cancer Sur vivor Show on Thursday, February 28. The emotionally charged evening united over 100 cancer survivors for a night of celebration. Survivors ranged in age from three to 81, including American National Bank’s very own Pictured: Bonnie Allen, American employee, Bonnie Allen, who is a National Bank employee, walking the runway. breast cancer survivor. The sold out show was filled with positive energy and celebratory tears as survivors danced, spun, and high-fived their way down the runway.
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), Omaha and International Facility Management Association (IFMA), will host their 17th annual UNO Charity Golf Outing on Monday, May 13. Funds raised at the event go toward two scholarships for students in real estate management. The outing will take place at The Players Club at Deer Creek in Omaha (12001 Deer Creek Dr.). Registration and lunch will begin at 10 a.m., there will be a shotgun start at 11 a.m. and the awards dinner will start at 4:30 p.m. Cost to participate is $150 for individuals or $600 for a foursome. Each golfer will receive registration for 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, complimentary lunch, two drink tickets, dinner, and entry into prize drawings. Registration and payments are due by Monday, May 6. There are varying sponsorship levels still available ranging from $350 to $3,000. Contact gwehner@marcotteins.com for interest in sponsorship.
In partnership with Methodist Hospital, half of the proceeds from the show went to support the Inner Beauty Salon at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, which works with cancer survivors to deal with changes to their image while undergoing treatment. American National Bank is the second largest locally-owned bank based on deposits in the Omaha/Council Bluffs market area. With $3.8 billion in assets and greater than 570 employees, it operates 30 full-service offices in Nebraska and Iowa, and seven locations in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, operating under Western Bank, a Division of American National Bank. For more information, visit www. american.bank.
Jewish Family Service Offers Mental Health Counseling There are many counseling agencies in the Omaha area, but Jewish Family Service (JFS) is unique, and they are proud to be offering mental health counseling. JFS makes an extra effort to create a treatment environment that includes extensive communication with doctors, caseworkers, foster parents, school counselors and parents. Jewish Family Service is a family-centered agency with a clear goal: maintaining focus on the client and the family, not on the dollar. Counseling is provided to all clients regardless of religion, gender, ethnicity or ability to pay. Their success is measured not by their reimbursement, but by the thoughtful collaboration that leads to personalized treatment necessary for a client to improve. Jewish Family Service’s Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioners represent a combined experience of over 40 years in the field of mental health. Their therapists have masters degrees in counseling, are licensed by the State of Nebraska, and Nationally Board Certified. JFS therapists help people with premarital issues, parent/child relationships, conflict in marriage, single parenting, adoption, dealing with illness, grief and personal adjustment to new situations in the family or at work, as well as a multitude of other issues encountered in life. With a Certified Play Therapist on staff, JFS is uniquely positioned to provide counseling to children in a way that meets them on their level and garners the trust that is essential to healing. Jewish Family Service welcomes you to experience the services they have to offer. Call (402) 330-2024 or visit www.jewishomaha.org for more information or to schedule an appointment. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
BOMA’s goal has always focused on actively and responsibly representing and promoting the interests of the commercial real estate industry through effective leadership and advocacy, through the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information, and through professional development. Their mission is to help members improve property performance through education and advocacy. To sign up for the event, find the form online at bomaomaha.org.
JDRF Promise Gala Raises $1.6M for Type 1 Diabetes Research The 22nd annual JDRF Promise Gala – Invest in a Cure, organized by the JDRF Omaha-Council Bluffs Chapter, raised more than $1.6 million to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications. Honorary chairs, Stephanie and Robb Pantano, and event chairs, Carolyn and Chase Sutton, helped bring together business and community members to the CHI Health Center Omaha for this amazing event on February 23. The JDRF Omaha-Council Bluffs Chapter gratefully acknowledges its presenting sponsor, Renaissance Financial. For the first time in its history, the event was live streamed due to the blizzard to allow guests to be a part of the night if they were not able to drive to the Gala. A passionate crowd, in the ballroom and at home, bid on silent and live auction items and donated to the signature JDRF Fund A Cure program. Fund A Cure provides the opportunity to make a 100% tax-deductible gift directly to fund critical JDRF research priorities. As a result of the guests’ incredible generosity, Fund A Cure contributions raised over $1 million! The evening ended with a concert from platinum-selling artist Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and—at present—nothing you can do to get rid of it. JDRF has invested more than $2 billion in research funding since its inception. JDRF collaborates with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org/omaha or follow along on Twitter (@JDRFOmahaCB). APRIL 2019 Strictly Business 35
NON-PROFIT NEWS Project Harmony Launches New Website Project Harmony invites visitors to explore its new website (www. ProjectHarmony.com) —a website devoted to increasing awareness and understanding of child abuse and neglect. Their new website has been designed to provide a more user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality throughout, allowing site visitors to access relevant information and videos. The Project Harmony website provides specific details on programs and services offered along with additional resources to help keep kids safe. The site also provides numerous ways that visitors can give back to help Project Harmony with its mission focused solely on ending child abuse and neglect. Visitors are encouraged to explore the website and sign up for Project Harmony’s monthly electronic newsletter. This site will enable visitors to stay informed on the most current, up-to-date information regarding research, trainings and events taking place in our community all with one goal in common: ending child abuse. Anyone can have the opportunity to help a child— to help that child find the courage to use their voice—and to see the vision of what potential that child can have. Thanks to the vision of Project Harmony, anyone can be that someone. One Child. One Voice. One Vision. #BeSomeone. Learn more online at ProjectHarmony.com or call (402) 595-1326 with any questions.
Nebraska Recycling Council to Host Earth Day Collection Event April 27 The Nebraska Recycling Council is hosting a Collection for Hardto-Recycle Materials (CHaRM) on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC) in conjunction with Lincoln Earth Day. Vehicles will enter NIC from the eastern-most entrance off Salt Creek Roadway. Electronics, including CRT monitors, will be collected free of charge (TVs will be an additional charge; no microwaves will be accepted). A document shredding truck will be present to shred personal documents. Rechargeable batteries and many household goods, including furniture, small appliances, shoes and clothing will also be accepted. Volunteers will be present to unload vehicles. For a comprehensive list of materials that will be accepted, visit www.nrcne.org. Sponsors of this community event are: Valmont Industries, Nebraska Innovation Campus, Tetrad Property Group, Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction (R2 Certified), Goodwill Industries of Southeast Nebraska, Interstate All Battery, Security Shredding Services, and The Mill Coffee and Bistro. ALLO Communications employees will also be volunteering to unload vehicles. Nebraska Recycling Council is a statewide, member-based, nonprofit organization, headquartered in Lincoln. Their motto is, “Waste Nothing.” For more information, visit www.nrcne.org or call (402) 436-2384.
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NON-PROFIT NEWS Hy-Vee Collects Donations for CEDARS Hy-Vee is known for having a helpful smile in every aisle. Now, shoppers have one more reason to smile. During the month of April, local Hy-Vee locations are getting into the philanthropic spirit by collecting monetary donations for CEDARS. Collection boxes will be displayed in checkout lanes. Individuals interested in helping children and their families are encouraged to donate their spare change. “Every little bit helps,” says Kristine Morton, vice president of CEDARS Home for Children Foundation. “This community has a long history of providing support for the families we serve. In fact, we couldn’t provide the high level of care we do without them. As we walk alongside families and help them grow stronger, it’s the kindness and compassion of this community that makes all the difference.” Every day CEDARS works to build stronger families in our community, which ensures that the vulnerable children receive the safety and stability they need to thrive and reach their full potential. For over 70 years, support from caring individuals, families, and like-minded organizations have allowed this work to continue. This past year, CEDARS served 194 families and 2,441 children. To learn how CEDARS supports families in the community visit cedarskids.org or call (402) 434-5437.
Parkinson’s Nebraska Supports Maintaining Movements for Parkinson’s Class Parkinson’s Nebraska is proud to support Nate Hall and his Maintaining Movements for Parkinson’s class. Nate, from Style Fitness and Nutrition in Omaha, is an inspiring example of the passion people have for helping the Parkinson’s community. His journey with Parkinson’s began with his father’s diagnosis. After his father began to experience symptoms, he was inspired to develop a program that challenged patients to use their minds and control their body to help slow the side effects of Parkinson’s. In February, Parkinson’s Nebraska approved a $563.20 grant for Nate’s class to go towards new equipment including versa tubes, sparring gloves, and an agility ladder. The organization looks forward to partnering with Nate to help create a bigger impact in the Parkinson’s community. The class has grown steadily since it began. He expects 10 people in his next class. His class provides more than physical benefits. It provides comradery and support that you can only get from people going through the same experience. Maintaining Movements for Parkinson’s is a free class held at Style Fitness and Nutrition (15117 Industrial Rd.), and, in honor of April being Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Nate has just announced that he will be increasing the number of classes, offering them once a week, every Friday at 5 p.m. To learn more, contact Nate at (402) 719-7853 / nate@stylefitnessomaha.com or go online to stylefitnessomaha.com. Parkinson’s Nebraska is the primary source of education, support, and resources for Nebraskans whose lives are affected by Parkinson’s Disease. They are locally-based, passionate, and proud that all funds stay in Nebraska. To learn more, call (402) 715-4707 or visit www. parkinsonsnebraska.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Earth Day Omaha Coalition to Host All-Day Celebration for Earth Day on April 13 In honor of Earth Day on April 22, the Earth Day Omaha Coalition will host its 30th annual Earth Day Omaha event on Saturday, April 13 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Elmwood Park. This event acts as a showcase for the many charitable scientific and educational efforts that advocate for sustainable environmental practices and lifestyles. There are over 100 exhibitors and vendors from areas of non-profit, business, governmental organizations, community groups, and schools scheduled for this year’s event. Earth Day Omaha’s main stage will host a variety of musical acts and yoga. The 2019 lineup includes Mesonjixx, Yoga Rocks the Park, Ojai, Nation, Michael Murphy, and the awards for Friend of the Environment. The event will also feature free tree climbing, valet bike parking, electronics recycling, an electric vehicle display, and a beer garden, science zone, and food court! For more information about the Earth Day Omaha Coalition, visit their website at earthdayomaha.org or find them on Facebook (@ EarthDayOmaha). Email info@earthdayomaha.org with any questions.
Youth Emergency Services Receives Funding from MACCH Grants The Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless (MACCH) and its partner agencies has earned nearly $4.7 million dollars from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In addition to renewal funding for rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing, MACCH received new project funding of $157,564 for Youth Emergency Services (YES) to expand rapid rehousing resources for local youth and young adults, ages 18 to 24. “This additional resource will enhance efforts to end homelessness among young adults experiencing the crisis of homelessness,” said Lisa Vukov, MACCH assistant director. YES served nearly 4,000 young people through their various programs in 2017-2018, a 25% increase from the previous year. The MACCH award is part of HUD’s nearly $2.2 billion nationally in renewal and grants for projects funded through the Continuum of Care (CoC) program. The grant money will support the continuing efforts to provide housing and support services to individuals and families in Douglas and Sarpy counties in Nebraska and Pottawattamie county in Iowa. MACCH is the Omaha metro area’s chief collaborative voice regarding the prevention and ending of homelessness. MACCH’s main objective is to secure funding for and unite the efforts of agencies such as YES that serve homeless and near-homeless individuals and families in the OmahaCouncil Bluffs metro area. For more information about the grant, contact Andrew Schnitker at (402) 689-5935 / andrewschnitker@unomaha.edu. Youth Emergency Services is the only non-profit in Omaha with the sole mission to help homeless and nearly homeless in our community. Last year, YES provided support and services to a record number of 3,376 youth in the Omaha metro area. Many of these youth have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused, making it unsafe for them to return home. Without YES, these vulnerable young people cannot succeed independently. Some of the items included on the list are as simple as lip balm, hoodies, razors, etc. Other donations can go towards providing experiences for the youth by donating gift cards to restaurants, movie theaters, hair/nail salons, or other stores. To learn more about Youth Emergency Services, visit www.yesomaha.org or call (402) 345-5187. APRIL 2019 Strictly Business 37
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How Do I Know that is a REAL Service Dog? Today, any pet owner can go online and purchase a service dog vest, and pass their dog off as a service dog in your place of business. The problem is that the proprietors of establishments where people bring their dogs have no way of determining whether a dog is a real service animal. Many businesses, unable to tell fake service dogs from real ones, allow all of them in to avoid getting sued. Many owners of service dogs avoid those places for fear of exposing their animals to danger from untrained dogs. Service dogs, trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability, were first used by people with vision and hearing impairments. Now service dogs are used for wheelchair support or to help with challenges with walking. People with invisible disabilities, like those who are prone to seizures or need to be alerted to medical conditions like low blood sugar, and people with autism or mental illness. The American Humane Association, which promotes the welfare and safety of animals, says there are 20,000 service dogs working in the U.S. today.
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Because there is no certification or official national registry of legitimate service dogs, there is no way to verify whether a dog has undergone rigorous training to become a service animal. Of course, there is still going to be that handful of people who try to skirt the law, so the best thing that you can do is look for signs that determine whether a dog is actually a service dog. Service dogs are docile and held to “four on the floor,” meaning that all four legs must be on the ground when they are not assisting their owner. If someone is claiming their dog is a service dog, take note of their behavior. If they’re being carried in a bag, trying to greet people, begging for food or making any sort of noise, that’s your cue to inquire about their purpose. The American with Disabilities Act requires all places open to the public, such as businesses, government agencies and entertainment venues, to give access to service dogs and their owners. And, it permits them to ask only two questions: whether the dog is required because of a disability and what tasks the dog is trained to perform. It is illegal to request documentation for the dog or to ask the nature of the owner’s disability. Another complication is now added to the mix: the growing use of “emotional support dogs,” which are intended to provide comfort to those with anxiety or other emotional problems. Some of them may have received special training, although nothing as rigorous as the training for service dogs. Emotional support dogs are not covered under the ADA and can legally be denied access, however, most ESA owners are not even aware of the laws and try to bring their dogs into places of business. To find out more information on this subject, or train your staff, you are welcome to attend Dometi-PUPS upcoming seminar: Is That Service Dog An Imposter? on April 24. Email info@domesti-pups.org if you plan to attend or have any questions. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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HEALTH NEWS NAMI Omaha Announces Next Mental Health Public Educational Meeting
UNMC’s Primary Care Program Ranked Among Top 10 in Nation
NAMI Omaha’s next Mental Health NAMI Affiliate meeting will be held on Thursday, May 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. This meeting is free and open to the public. Dr. Gabriel Long and Dr. TJ Alger from Awaken Chiropractic will present about chiropractic care; how it can help people; and about the assessment and care they can utilize to help your body function to its optimal potential. Through physical, chemical, emotional stresses, the bones of your spine can go out of alignment and stress the exiting nerves leading to aches, pains, and other dysfunction of the organs of our body. These meetings take place the first Thursday of each month at First United Methodist Church, located at 7020 Cass St. in Omaha. Parking is available on the east and north side of the church. Enter through doors 4 or 6 and proceed to room 112.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine (UNMC) has been ranked among the nation’s top 10 Best Primary Care Programs by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2020 Best Graduate Schools rankings released in March, the college’s primary care program is tied for 8th out of 185 schools.
NAMI Omaha is a non-profit organization composed of consumers, family members, professionals, and friends who have come together to share and take comfort in the commonality of their experiences and to educate members of their communities about serious brain disorders. Along with education/literature, support, workshops, conferences, and more. NAMI Omaha actively advocates at the local, state, and national levels to improve the services and the lives of those affected by mental illness and their families. For information on NAMI Omaha, go to namiomaha.org or call (402) 345-8101 / (877) 463-6264. For helpful articles on mental illness, go to the Facebook page (@NAMIOmaha).
Oasis Senior Advisors Franchisors Find Niche in Health Care Kyle Johnson and Jenny Trebold serve as senior advisors in Omaha for Oasis Senior Advisors, a franchisor based in Bonita Springs, Fla. with 72 locations in 28 states. More than 56,000 residents in Omaha are age 65 and older, according to U.S. Census data. So many cope with health issues that arise with age, and the growing demand for care leaves area physicians and health care professionals with more patients and less time. Oasis Senior Advisors is dedicated to helping seniors and providers alike by coordinating patient transition out of the hospital and into a healthy, secure living situation when the time is right. Oasis Senior Advisor’s collaboration with providers and health care professionals helps them identify communities that best accommodate each patient’s care level and needs, reducing the risk for hospital readmission and promoting a healthy recovery. Technological tools, like the OasisIQ™ software, help Jenny Trebold zero in on the right choice among an array of options that encompass retirement communities, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing homes and independent living options. She facilitates the transition between each of them, and she coordinates respite services, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, hospice and palliative care, family conflict mediation and elder law services depending on the senior’s needs. Jenny even helps identify funding options for senior living solutions. To learn more about Oasis Senior Advisors and how Kyle and Jenny are making senior living simple, visit AnswersForMom.com. Franchise opportunities are available throughout the country. Visit OasisSeniorAdvisors.com or call (888) 455-5838 to learn more. 40 Strictly Business APRIL 2019
Several other UNMC programs also received high rankings in the 2020 report. They include: • Physician assistant: tied for 15th out of 170 programs; • Public health: tied for 56th out of 177 schools and programs; • Research: tied for 65th out of 152 schools; • Nursing – master’s: tied for 64th out of 252 schools; and • Nursing – doctoral: tied for 67th out of 182 schools. The primary care ranking included indicators such as student admission statistics (MCAT, GPA and acceptance rate), the percentage of graduates entering primary care residencies, peer assessment, assessment by residency program directors, and other factors. The research ranking included the total dollar amount of NIH research grants and the average amount of those grants per full-time medical school science and clinical faculty member. The mission of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine is to lead the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities through premier educational programs, innovative research, and extraordinary patient care. Learn more online at www.unmc.edu.
American Heart Association’s Heart Walk Celebrates National 25th Anniversary For 25 years, the American Heart Association has motivated thousands of Americans to take steps to reduce cardiovascular disease and stroke. Locally, AHA will also be celebrating 25 years of Heart Walk celebrations with the Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk on Saturday, May 11. While the association is celebrating healthier lifestyles with this event, they are also celebrating survivors since numerous advancements in cardiovascular health have led to increased survival rates. Over the last 25 years, the AHA has worked to improve cardiovascular health by introducing Hands-Only CPR, implementing the Heart-Check Food Certification Program and encouraging people to make one small change to improve their health.. “Many special events have taken place at Heart Walks throughout the years including stroke survivors who thought they might not walk again who train to take a milestone moment; cardiac rehab staff who form teams of survivors; and those who walk in memory of loved ones gone too soon,” said Jennifer Redmond, executive director for the AHA. “In some instances, we have generations of families involved with the Heart Walk to commemorate their journeys.” The Heart Walks are now part of the Healthy For Good initiative, which is the AHA’s initiative to inspire all Americans to live healthier lives and create lasting change. It focuses on the simple idea that making small changes today can create a difference for generations to come. For more information about registering for the Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk, visit OmahaHeartWalk.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
HEALTH NEWS The American Lung Association Shares Safety Tips After Historic Flood The American Lung Association shared proper post-flood cleanup tips to protect lung health of residents impacted by historic flooding in Nebraska. The Lung Association stressed the importance of beginning the cleanup effort as soon as flood waters receded and following proven tips to reduce health risks. Chemicals, sewage, oil, gas and other dangerous substances found in floodwaters can pose health risks to area residents. “Standing water and dampness is a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses and mold,” warned American Lung Association chief medical officer, Albert Rizzo, M.D. “These can become airborne and inhaled, putting people at risk for lung disease. In fact, mold has been associated with wheezing, coughing, and in some cases asthma attacks, and some evidence links mold with respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.” Mold can grow anywhere there is water or dampness. Cleaning up affected homes and household items after the water recedes is vital to protecting respiratory health. The American Lung Association offers the following guidelines to help you and your family stay healthy as floodwaters continue to recede: 1. When in doubt, toss it out! Remove everything that has been soaked by water, including clothing, papers, furnishings, carpet, ceiling tiles and wallboard. Anything that cannot be cleaned and dried and anything porous (like drywall or carpet) that had been in floodwaters for 24 to 48 hours recede must be discarded. Simply drying out water will not remove the bacteria or toxins that can make people sick. Damp buildings and furnishings promote the growth of bacteria, dust mites, cockroaches and mold, which can aggravate asthma and allergies and may cause the development of asthma, wheeze, cough and other allergic diseases. Dangerous substances in floodwaters can include sewage, chemicals, oil and gas which can saturate materials in the home and give off harmful gases. 2. Use soap and water for cleaning, especially to scrub mold off hard surfaces. Do not use bleach, which can make it hard to breathe. 3. Consider hiring professional cleaners. Individuals with lung disease should seek help cleaning their homes and workplaces after floods. If more than 10 square feet of your home is flooded or if water has been in the building for more than one or two days, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends hiring professional cleaners. Flood waters bring in nasty residue that may contaminate porous building materials. Mold flourishes in this environment. Attempting to clean without professional help may increase the risk of developing respiratory problems from these exposures. 4. Do not burn debris or waste, which adds dangerous pollution to the air. Remove it to a designated disposal area. 5. Keep an eye on symptoms. It is not uncommon for people to develop health problems after a disaster such as widespread flooding, even if they’ve never had problems before. Be aware of any breathing problems that may arise, including: • Coughing, especially at night. • Wheezing or feeling short of breath. • Chest tightness or pain. • Get immediate emergency medical help if fingernails or lips are turning blue or if there is severe chest pain. Both could be lifethreatening. The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. If you are worried about your family’s lung health and have questions, call 1-800-LUNGUSA to talk to an American Lung Association respiratory therapist. More information on how lung health is affected by flooding is available at Lung.org/flood. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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The Nebraska Hospital Association Host Spring Showcase April 18 The Nebraska Hospital Association will host the 2019 Spring Showcase on April 18, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will take place at the Younes Coference Center in Kearney. Though this is a free educational and networking opportunity, registration is required. Several NGA Services Partners will be attending to speak with hospital professionals one-on-one about potential new technologies and hospital service lines. These service lines include practical “day to day” aspects of running a hospital, as well as financial assistance and programs to assists patients. Some service lines focus on improving human resources and financial services, as well as IT services, energy usage, waste disposal, and data management. Services will also be available to develop physical therapy and speech pathology services to assist patients with physical and verbal difficulties. The invitation is extended to staff from all NHA member hospitals and will include a breakfast, following by a discussion of how to build business relationships by Debra Fine of the National Speakers Association. Amy Williams, head coach for the Nebraska Huskers women’s basketball team, will be the special guest speaker for the networking lunch, and Dr. Bill Withers will deliver two presentations, the first entitled Our Permanent Whitewater World, and a second on the topic of servant leadership. While the event is free of charge for all employees of NHA member hospitals, registration is required. Learn more about the Nebraska Hospital Association at www. nebraskahospitals.org and check their events tab for more information about the Spring Showcase and other upcoming events. APRIL 2019 Strictly Business 41
Unplanned Life Changes In 1789, Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter that said, in part: “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Franklin’s wry words have become a popular idiom, especially, around tax season, because he recognized that there will inevitably be problems in life. We all have to consider what kinds of difficulties and unplanned circumstances could arise in the future. Some of these unplanned circumstances are caused by accidents or illness, others by old age, but preparation can help families navigate difficult circumstances. While some issues affect the elderly more, anyone young or old who experiences an accident should consider short-term 402.669.9490 rehabilitation care, which focuses on helping Omaha@YourOasisAdvisor.com the body recover strength following surgery AnswersForMom.com or accident. As the public relations coordinator Kyle Johnson Jenny Trebold for Brookestone Meadows, Michele Magner Senior Living Advisor Senior Living Advisor explained that, whether someone is young or old, understanding the type of care they need is their most important first step. Since there is | S H O R T- T E R M R E H A B I L I TAT I O N SKILLED NURSING such specific care for certain needs, not every Oasis Senior Advisors_KJohnson_Quarter Page.indd 1 1/11/2019 9:49:36 AMhome or living option is the right fit for a certain Michele Magner individual.” Brookestone Meadows “Since families who have unexpectedly experienced an accident or sudden illness might not be very familiar with the healthcare field, I think the number one distinction is between shortterm and long-term care,” Michele told us. “Another term for short-term care you should be familiar with is ‘sub-acute care.’ The goal is 24-hour care for a temporary period which will help a patient recover. Regaining physical strength and mobility isn’t just important after someone has had an accident. It’s also important following surgery, so it affects people of all ages. On the other hand, there is long-term care, which often involves skilled-nursing care if it’s in response to an ongoing medical issue. Both types of care should emphasize helping someone become more independent, recover strength and mobility, and enjoy a comfortable, social environment.” In-home care can be the most practical for families who prefer to be independent. It has become popular for those who wish to remain in their own home but still require some additional help. This can also apply to younger people who have experienced an injury and may require shortterm help rather than a long-term home. As the ELKHORN chief operating officer with Home Nursing 600 Brookestone Meadows Plz. With Heart, Jim Laughlin explained that, brookestonemeadows.com because every individual’s needs are different, it is important for you to communicate with a service that can flexibly meet those needs. “For example, if someone in your family is experiencing medical issues, beyond needing help with common household tasks, this is where skilled nursing would become important,” said Jim. “Our nurses specialize in treating a variety of conditions affecting heart health, breathing, the mind, and the bones. This kind of care isn’t Jim Laughlin just for individuals with an ongoing condition Home Nursing With Heart 42 Strictly Business APRIL 2019 #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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or disease. It can be important for post-surgical recovery as well for short-term patients. For short-term care, a nurse would help with keeping surgical wounds clean and ensure they are healing properly, and assist you in returning to regular life.” However, if someone does not require skilled nursing, they might still require therapy. Jim discussed four basic types of recovery therapies, each focusing on a different problem people can experience: • Physical therapy is the most general, and focuses on mobility and strength recovery using traditional modalities and exercises. It can also help you regain balance and make important movements such as traveling from your bed to the restroom more safely. • Occupational therapy focuses on improving ability to perform key, daily tasks. For example, patients and care staff may form a plan to improve coordination to perform tasks such as dressing, eating, writing, or reading. • Balance and fall prevention, like physical therapy, focuses on movement and strength. In addition, this strategy involves making a specific plan to remove common obstacles which can lead to falls and accidents. Whether it is someone’s vision or medication, or whether furniture in a home is laid out in a way that obstructs movement, there are many steps to ensure that navigating around the home does not become hazardous. • Speech therapy is not only common to help patients of strokes and hearing loss to regain their ability to communicate, it also can help with memory problems and trouble swallowing. In contrast, to the recovery methods for surgeries or accidents, memory and Alzheimer’s/ dementia caregivers focus on serving residents who struggle with memory loss. As Jolee Urbanovsky, transition consultant for Bridge to Better Living (BBL), explained to us, “Dementia is a true passion of mine and it affects so many individuals and families in different ways. There have been many stories and journeys I have been blessed to walk alongside. Although dementia is a cruel and evil disease, BBL is here to relieve some of the stress by offering a Jolee Urbanovsky shoulder to cry on—someone to sit and listen to Bridge to Better Living the concerns, confusion, and frustration families go through on a day to day basis. When a family member or spouse knows they have this kind of support, they will hopefully be able to take a deep breath and meet their loved one where they are in the disease process. Then, when the story is done, there will only be love and good memories for the family to cherish and remember.” We all know that seniors are affected more profoundly by an accident than a younger person would be. This means the need for care may arise unexpectedly in later life. “Unfortunately, unexpected and difficult situations or a crisis may happen at any moment’s notice,” noted Jolee. When considering options, Jolee advises families to look for teams who understand the healthcare industry and provide a variety of strengths. “We have an amazing team at Bridge to Better Living and have a combined total of over 140 years of working passionately with seniors and the healthcare industry. Because of our experience, we have a vast amount of resources or suggestions on whatever conversations are needed. The Transition Consultant team at Bridge to Better Living utilizes each other’s strengths and skill sets. If one team member doesn’t have the answer, I guarantee another team member will know or have the resources to answer the questions and be of assistance. The other huge advantage of working with Bridge to Better Living is having us at the family’s or senior’s side every step of the journey. We are not a one phone call kind of business. Bridge to Better Living values people. Their needs and concerns matter to us. With our knowledge, resources, and compassion for seniors and their families, Bridge to Better Living is able to help find the light at the end of the tunnel.” If someone waits for an accident or an illness to affect their family, this can limit their options to address problems quickly. During these times, access to information is often the critical piece of the puzzle families are missing to help their loved one. As the Omaha advisor for Oasis Senior Advisors, Kyle Johnson, has seen how unplanned life events often force unprepared families into a stressful decision-making process. “I’ve seen the stress of placing a loved one in a senior living community.
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You have so many questions. We help families navigate this maze and the best senior living environment which fits their individual needs.” Kyle believes that, by offering complimentary services, they can help families be prepared. “Sometimes an accident will force a family to have an immediate need for a new home. In other situations, a minor accident or near miss could prompt them to just start considering their options for the future. Seniors will often have questions about the homes they are considering. You should consider the social Kyle Johnson services they offer, whether nursing care or Oasis Senior Advisors special medical services will be required, those Care Consultants kinds of questions are common. At Oasis, we and for the Aging help families walk through these questions in a simple, step by step fashion, helping you narrow down the choices to those which best fit your needs. I also strongly recommend touring the places you are most interested in, which Oasis can help you arrange.” For families navigating health problems that their senior loved ones face, knowledge is one of the most precious things to have. There are many resources that exist to help families navigate these problems. Kyle explained that, for families that want to read about some of their options at home, the ElderCare Resource Handbook, provided by Care Consultants for the Aging, is an excellent resource. The handbook acts as a starting point for families that are researching their care options. Plus, there is an edition that focuses specifically on Omaha. The online version of the handbook is available for free and physical editions can be ordered for just a few dollars. Whether an accident, an illness, or a sudden death, unforeseen life events can affect the young and the old. Many resources and services exist to allow families to gather information on the options they have available to them to prepare for the future, even for the things we don’t expect.
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STARTING A BUSINESS Starting a business has its fair share of risks and rewards. For some, the risks are great and the rewards don’t seem to balance the scale. This is frustrating for some, but a true entrepreneur knows that overcoming the risks in order to start a business of their own is a reward in itself. Jethro Hopkins, the managing partner at No Coast Business Advisors, believes that starting a business is one of the most challenging and potentially rewarding things anyone can do in their life. According to Jethro, the starting point for any entrepreneur looking to start their own business is to have a good dose of common sense. Do you have any experience in the industry? Have you done some work there? These are the types of questions Jethro asks his clients when they come to him with a business idea. “If you’ve never worked in retail, don’t start a retail business. If you’ve never worked on cars, don’t start a car mechanic business,” Jethro stated. “It seems like common sense, but I’ve seen so many people mess this up.” No Coast Business Advisors specializes in educating new businesses. “There is a lot of information that people don’t know...and don’t even know that they need to know this information.” Jethro revealed. “Information about taxes, corporations, different legal entities...we can educate you on these topics. Depending on budgets, we can also provide things like lead generation, advertising, and exit planning.”
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Jethro Hopkins No Coast Business Advisors
Jethro went on to say that you should always go into a business with an end in mind. “If you’re in your late 20s, you shouldn’t go into the business thinking, ‘This is going to be what I will do for the next 40 years.’ You should have an end point in mind,” Jethro advised.
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While the prospect of starting a business may seem daunting, Jethro expressed his confidence that it can be one of the most rewarding personal experiences imaginable. “Once you get up and running, you will have the freedom to choose what you do. You will be able to do what you want, when you want to do it, and how you want to do it. Being a business owner is fantastic, if you can pull it off.”
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Jethro ended by pointing out that people do business with other people, not businesses, so he encourages every business owner should look into networking groups like Center Sphere or BNI. “Your family and friends will not be able to support you the way your network will,” Jethro commented.
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Jethro admitted that he has seen new businesses make a few common mistakes, including not having enough liquidity and not being prepared for the time commitment. “Being a business owner is the only profession in which you have to work 80 hours in order to not have to work 40 hours for someone else. It’s going to become the most important part of your life. Make sure your family is on board. If you are going to get into the market, you are going to have to understand both the business and local market in general. People will not just come to you just because you opened your doors. If you can’t get out there and sell it constantly, it’s not going to work. If you can’t sell, you’re going to fail.”
Strictly Business APRIL 2019
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networking is critical to Omaha’s business climate. “In my personal opinion, there is no better place to do business than in Omaha,” Brett stated. “I’ve done business all over the world and Omaha is full of great people who want you to succeed.” As Brett explained, the role of Center Sphere is to build networks and support for the local business community. “Center Sphere can help anyone who is thinking about starting a business, recently started Brett Boyer a business, or has been in business for 30 Center Sphere years. Although we offer a variety of opportunities within the structure of what is Center Sphere, the core of what we do is build relationships through networking. You will never have a big enough network as long as you are looking to make moves in business, thus we will always have something to offer any tenure of business.” Brett looks forward to making connections happen through his work at Center Sphere. “My goal is to make sure we are always adding value to The Network and making sure we are giving our members everything they need to be successful,” Brett said. “I take my job very seriously and I am excited to do it on a daily basis!” In his experience, the welcoming environment of Nebraska is incredibly rare in the business world, and he warns that the climate outside of Nebraska is noticeably harsher. “Trust that this is not the case everywhere you go,” Brett warned. “They could care less about you, it’s only about ‘the deal,’ and then getting the best one. I’ve learned many lessons the hard way for you. Being from Mullen, NE, I’d like to think that handshake deals still exist and a person’s word is as good as gold. Omaha is one of the few cities that keeps my hopes alive!” While finding capable, knowledgeable people in your field is vital, Brett also recommends business owners to find a balance between work and rest for their long-term health: “Have unwavering belief in what you’re doing, embrace and learn from the struggles along the way and surround yourself with like-minded people who will stand in your corner! Find a local mentor. Someone who has not only been successful in business, but someone you wish to emulate in life. At the end of the day, business is just a part of your life... and should not define who you are.” The phrase “getting over your skis,” is a good way to describe the problem that affects many startup businesses. According to Brett, overspending is one of the common mistakes he sees new business owners make in their early years. “One mistake I see over and over again in start-up business is the overspending pre-revenue. Raising money, giving away the most valuable asset they have at that moment (equity), just to spend it on a build out of a nice office space in which they have ZERO customers to bring in to show off. Now, every business is different, I just feel that most overspend and get behind from the beginning, which makes it hard to overcome down the road. Set yourself up for success not failure. Go prove your model on a small scale before going to market full-force. Spend your dollars wisely from the beginning and show investors that you’re fiscally responsible enough to handle their money in your company. That will go much farther than picking up the potential investor in your new Mercedes that is leased to the business.”
Mark Demke Pinnacle Bank
Brett isn’t the only one who shared concerns about new businesses failing to appropriately allocate money. Mark Demke with Pinnacle Bank also told us that a common mistake he sees is when an entrepreneur starts a new business and underestimates the cost to start and manage the business for the first few years. “Startup costs can be significant
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and may include rent, inventory, equipment, insurance, marketing, web design, office supplies, utilities, payroll, advertising, licenses, professional fees, and taxes,” Mark explained. “Unplanned or underestimated startup expenses can be disastrous to a new business. Even though it is important for an entrepreneur to be optimistic, at Pinnacle Bank, we often see new business owners overestimating their expected revenue and underestimating expenses when they are preparing projections.” To avoid this mistake, Mark advised being realistic with startup costs and projections, have a backup source of funds, and have a solid grasp of expected sales, gross margins, expenses, and cash flow. A knowledgeable business consultant can help estimate startup costs and prepare cash flow projections. Ideally, you want to use someone familiar with your chosen industry. The role Pinnacle Bank plays in the business startup process is assisting new business owners find the right products to fit their banking needs. All businesses are unique and have different needs, therefore Pinnacle Bank tailors their products to the individual business. Mark recommends developing a roadmap or business plan that outlines the business’s goals and to actively seek advice from other entrepreneurs and small business owners. “A great resource for small business owners is the Omaha chapter of SCORE where you can find a wealth of business articles, attend workshops, or find a business mentor all at low or no cost,” Mark noted. “Many business owners are very passionate and very good at what they do, however, they may need help in other areas ranging from finance, marketing, employee and customer relations, operations or human resources. It is important for a business owner to recognize his or her strengths and also be able to recognize when professional assistance is needed.” APRIL 2019 Strictly Business
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Brad Leggett Boomer Radio
Marketing/advertising seems to be a big one that business owners seem to overlook frequently. As Brad Leggett with Boomer Radio said, though...promotion is critical to generating new leads! “Don’t forget to budget some marketing money when you start,” Brad advised. “Just because you open your doors doesn’t mean people will come. That said, many new businesses start with a small budget at first and then allocate nothing for the future. Marketing is a forever thing.”
In radio, as Brad explained, retaining listeners’ attention is essential, but a businesses’ message also has to speak to a listener’s needs and desires. “We are experts at getting the attention of consumer,” Brad informed us. “We know how to speak to our listeners in a way that will motivate them to check you out. Remember, we can’t force them to do business with you, we can only encourage. We’ll get them there then you sell them with your value and good service. When we asked Brad what he thinks the three most common mistakes he sees being made in business, he told us: Number one, having too small of a marketing effort, which he addressed; second, not having a real plan or goals for the future; and third, not knowing who your real customer is and how to motivate them. Max Larsen Max D. Larsen and Associates
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As far as the second mistake Brad listed, Max Larsen with Max D. Larsen and Associates had some advice to share on
Strictly Business APRIL 2019
the matter. If anyone knows anything about starting a business, it’s Max Larsen. You may have heard his name before, as he was one of the key people involved in developing Gallup. He helped with building its infrastructure, staffing, and even created Gallup’s government services division from scratch. He then went on to manage the Gallup office in Washington D.C., consulting government agencies to improve performance. Prior to Gallup, Max was a math professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln before becoming the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. His experience and knowledge makes him a valuable resource for business owners who are looking for direction. When we talked to Max, he shared two crucial pieces of advice. The first was getting the right people in the right place in the company. “Whoever you hire will likely be there in 3–5 years...at least, that is the hope,” Max said. “Business owners need to hire people with the skills and knowledge to grow with the company. Some things are hard to train later. Turnover can be crippling to a new business. With the University of Nebraska and other prominent colleges nearby, we have a lot of talent in our community, and a lot of them are under employed. There are some concerning stereotypes associated with hiring millennials, specifically that they tend to hop from job to job quickly, but I’m a believer in the philosophy that if you give someone the space to use their talents while challenging them to reach their full potential, they will stay.” Max went on to say that his second piece of advice is to have a plan for success. “This is where I come in,” he exclaimed. “I can help businesses plan for their future, creating specific goals, strategies, and tools to measure success. Furthermore, I will help the business hold itself accountable. Every business owner should have a fiveyear plan. If you don’t know where you want to go tomorrow, you won’t be able to make the best decisions today.” To address the third mistake Brad mentioned, which was not knowing
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the customer, we feel like no matter if it’s the customer or a peer in your industry, listening and understanding the market you’re in is key. As a full-service advertising company, it is essential for Eleven TwentyThree to consider this same concept when it comes to branding and producing effective promotional materials. As a partner and creative director for Eleven Twenty-Three, Dave Distefano recommends listening and discerning the advice and input of those around you—no matter if it’s family, Dave Distefano friends, or competitors’ articles and Eleven Twenty-Three speeches—consider it all. The best startup/ business owners NEVER think they know absolutely everything. Distefano explained that, in advertising, media placement and creative messaging are essentials. “A company like ours would be able to help a new business or startup with brand I.D., collateral design, and video/photo production. We also help our clients with effective digital and social campaigns that are cost-effective and help pinpoint ads to just the right target demographic.” In Distefano’s opinion, one of the worst mistakes a new business can make is assuming that if you build it, they will come. “Don’t just start something new because it’s ‘on-trend.’ Pay attention to the marketplace of your particular industry and find a problem that’s not being solved within that industry. Then focus your energy on promoting to your potential customers EXACTLY what the solution is, so they clearly understand. Folks aren’t just going to beat down your door because you have a cool retro brick building space and a nice logo. Have those things if you want, but make sure behind that package is a valuable service to your clients.” On the topic of marketing your business, we would like to take this opportunity to share our advice. Yes, Strictly Business is a news source, but it is also a strong marketing tool. We’ll tell you exactly what we tell our clients—advertising is a long-term commitment. It takes time to gain recognition and credibility. Marketing your business is only successful if you’re able to be consistent about it. You want to continue being “in peoples’ faces,” because then they will start to think of you when it comes time to utilize your specific products/services. On that note, we also want to note that consumers aren’t going to call you and say, “I heard your ad on the radio” or “I saw your write-up in Strictly Business!” They might...but usually the decision to call is an unconscious one that came from seeing your name/logo over and over again in their daily routine. So we advice selecting an advertising medium that will effectively reach your target market. If you’re trying to connect with active business people in Omaha, who double as the city’s biggest consumers, you might find that advertising with us is a good option! You need to do what makes sense for your business in the market your in. Because researching the market is a crucial pillar for new businesses, Matthew Biggs, vice president and relationship manager for Cornhusker Bank, advises entrepreneurs to explore institutions that provide networking opportunities and business resources. “Surrounding yourself with a team of professionals and listening to their advice can help you avoid some of the common pitfalls of starting a new business,” Matthew told us. “There are several sources of information available to startup businesses and many of them are free! The Nebraska Matthew Biggs Business Development Center (NBDC) is a Cornhusker Bank great resource, and sba.gov has several articles and templates available as well. The ultimate goal of this research is to formulate a business strategy. Take advantage of any training or counseling services that can help you understand your market, both customers and competitors. Use this information to formulate a comprehensive business plan and include two to three years of financial projections.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart
When a bank or loan agency lends money to a business, the bank then becomes invested in that business’ success. Matthew explained that different options are available for startup companies, including small businesses. “Cornhusker Bank offers a wide range of business loan products and will analyze each startup company independently to determine which solution best meets the owner’s goals and maximizes the financial relationship,” Matthew stated. “Oftentimes, a startup company will not have access to the equity required for conventional loan options, in which case SBA (Small Business Administration) Loans are an excellent option. The bank will make a loan to the business using guidelines set by SBA, and, in return, the bank receives a partial guarantee on monies lent to the business. SBA Loans benefit business owners as they require lower down payments and provide longer financing terms than other conventional loan options. SBA Loans typically require additional paperwork and have a longer approval process, yet because they reduce the risk to the Bank, the likelihood of the startup receiving financing is historically increased.” Matthew went on to explain what he considers to be the four key mistakes for new businesses, and he offered suggestions to avoid these problems: 1. Maintain cash reserves. Whether unexpected expenses occur or projected sales aren’t met, there often comes a time where cash outflows exceed cash inflows. Keep cash available in reserve in order to make necessary monthly and fixed cost obligations. 2. Manage receivables. Establish procedures for getting billings out quickly and follow up with your customers to ensure timely payment. 3. Manage payables. Take advantage of payment terms offered by creditors. If a payment is due in 30 days, consider managing cash flow by utilizing those terms when needed. 4. Anticipate future needs. Prepare financial projections on a regular basis as they can alert you of potential shortages before they occur.
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Wendy Richey with Berkshire Hathaway’s AMB HS Commercial Division reinforced a lot of Matthew’s initial comments. “There are so many resources for starting a business in Omaha,” she agreed. “My suggestion is to take advantage of all of them. Use the local banks in town to help you with financing and shop around, every financial institution has different rules on lending. SBA offers classes to get you started in the right direction. It’s not just Wendy Richey start up costs, you have to factor in working Berkshire Hathaway capital for a good three to six months before positive cash flow is available. This can take up to a year, depending on the industry, so do you have enough money to live on and start the business as well? Talk to an accountant on how to start out right with costs and how to take make the best decisions on a budget. Maybe hire a business consultant that can advise you as well. You have to factor professional fees into your startup costs as well. If you’ve got the passion for your business that’s 90% of your needs taken care of. The other 10% is to let others help you along the way. Everyone wants to see a great success story.” Berkshire Hathaway AMB HS Commercial Division can be a great one stop shop for someone wanting to start a business. “Our commercial agents are experts at finding the right location for your business,” noted Wendy. «If you want to rent or to purchase, our agents can help you make that decision. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, so you want to make sure it fits in your plan.” “Our commercial division now also boasts a business acquisition, sales, and consulting component to our agency,” Wendy continued. “We specialize in selling solid performing existing businesses, which is probably your best option to do versus a start up. If a buyer finds a business that is already operating the start up costs have
just vanished and you can walk into one that is already generating income. A financial institution is more likely to fund a buyer if they can show an already working profit. We can help you prepare for bank presentations, what to look for in a business valuation, offer advice for using trusted advisors and help you secure a smooth transition as the new owner. We pride ourselves on finding the best marriage of sellers and buyers. We are always seeking future success stories. As far as the consulting portion, we want to help prepare businesses that are 3–5 years out that are thinking of divesting their business. We have an assessment that rates the health of your business on a scale for 0-100. The closer we can get you in the range of 80+ the better the opportunity is to get you top dollar. Any business can get sold but a great business gets bought.” Wendy wrapped up by pointing out that it’s very easy to get excited about the possibilities, but the fact is, not everyone is an entrepreneur. Is this something you have the guts to do? Owning your own business is very rewarding but not for the faint of heart. It’s long hours and total commitment. Know what your priorities are. If you’re jumping into an industry you know nothing about, take a year or two and work in it to see if that is where your passion lies. Again, to avoid mistakes, use the knowledge of others who have been there and done it. Winston Churchill said it best: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” Every business owner has had to overcome challenges to get their business to where it is today. Similarly, there isn’t a single business owner who would have been able to turn their business plan into a reality without a little help along the way. Whether it was in the form of financing, staffing, marketing, securing a commercial property, getting insured, etc., starting a business is not something you can do alone. Don’t be afraid to turn to the trusted professionals in these areas. They are right here in Omaha to help you!
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Max D. Larsen
Former Managing Partner at Gallup #PrintProudDigitalSmart
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
WE BELIEVE THAT BY BUILDING AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS, REFERRALS COME NATURALLY. Why join Center Sphere? • Gain confidence • Marketing opportunities • Build professional and personal relationships • Get positive business exposure • Receive guidance in growing your business • It’s an affordable addition to your marketing plan ($299/yr) What makes Center Sphere different than other referral groups?
CENTER•SPHERE is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. We have a structured and systematic referral process, strengthened by our comprehensive digital referral dashboard that produces undeniable and measurable results. Our methods, focusing on developing a network of allied professionals, lead to stronger relationships for you and your business. CENTER•SPHERE members meet weekly in chapters made up of one representative from each business industry. Chapters that compose your local network are no larger than 35 members. Members of Center Sphere are well-known and accomplished professionals in the community, motivated to grow their business and contacts, as well as yours.
• Meetings are only an hour long • Earn a free membership by referring up to three people to Center Sphere • We encourage members to visit other chapters • We host weekly social events • Our members are active in the community • We focus on quality over quantity
Don’t take it from us, here is what our members have to say...
Comprehensive Online Referral Dashboard
“Center Sphere has been a tremendous blessing to me professionally and personally! I have met so many people that I trust to refer my family and friends too. Our business has grown tremendously because of the trust the members have in us. I can confidently say I am a better version of myself because of Center Sphere!” - Susan Corpuz, Corpuz Family Dentistry
• Available to all active center sphere members • Access to our national database of members at your fingertips • Search memberships by name, industry, or region • Send and receive referrals instantly • Option to track your personal activity
“I recommend Center Sphere because it really gives you the opportunity to go around and tell your story in front of more people. You are welcomed and embraced through one specific chapter that really gets behind your cause and helps you get the word out about your business as well. Since my organization is a newer foundation, it helps to have those in the network rallying behind you.” - Erin Koesters, Little Giants Foundation “I’ve been a member of Center Sphere since 2015! It’s a great way to expand your circle of business contacts and make new friends!” - Lori Bickford, ACCESSbank
OMAHA•CONTACT: Amy Nieman, Area Director (402) 709-1774 Amy@CenterSphere.com
EXPAND YOUR NETWORK! VISIT A CHAPTER MEETING FOR FREE AND SEE WHAT ALL THE EXCITEMENT IS ABOUT.
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Summer
Activities For Kids It feels crazy to be talking about Summer, but it will be here before we know it! Between activities, camps, and summer classes, there is a lot to plan ahead for. Kids benefit from maintaining some form of structure in their lives. We also want to encourage parents to take advantage of the summer time to unplug from technology and experience a life of adventure and exploration. The first outlet for some summer fun in Omaha that we want to highlight is Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides, an amusement park located in the Ralston neighborhood. It is the largest amusement park in Nebraska. Fun-Plex will be offering their unique Camp Fun-Plex experience for yet another summer. The day camp is offered in two sessions, one in June and one in July, and they each run Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Kids will love exclusive private access to their favorite Fun-Plex rides and slides, as well as traditional camp activities like field games and crafts!” Katie Anderson, operations manager of Fun-Plex, exclaimed. “Kids love to be outdoors and experience the summer weather. Attractions, such as mini golf and go karts will feed their competitive side, while our pools and slides keep kids physically active.” Katie also told us about new movies coming to their popular ‘Dive-In’ movie nights in July. These events are a one-of-kind opportunity to enjoy a family-friendly flick in the water, under the stars. Check out their website this spring for the summer movie line up. Another place to check out in the Omaha area this summer is Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch. Every year, they offer “pick-ur-own” strawberries in May and June, raspberries June through September, and various vegetables throughout the summer. Berry Farm even arranges school tours from the beginning of May till the end of October, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Katie Anderson Monday through Friday. During these school tours, each child receives a coloring book, hayrack ride, and a fruit or vegetable. Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides We think it is really neat that Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch has opportunities for kids to learn about where their food comes from. There is a disconnect between children and their knowledge of where and how their food is grown. That is why Berry Farm not only allows kids to see what farm-to-table means, they actually get to be involved in the experience, as the farm is nearly 100% organic. Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch also holds multiple festivals. This year, The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska will be May 4, 5, 11, and 12. Kids will enjoy the pageantry and peril that only these true-to-life jousters and brave knights can portray. Along with interesting historical re-enactment groups, there will be hands-on activities and free craft-making for the wee-folk. In addition, on June 9, the farm will host the Mud Factor 5K Obstacle Run! This run is seriously fun, and there will be a shortened course so kids ages 4–13 and their families can run together. You won’t want to miss the Omaha Potter Faire on June 1–2 either. This Harry Potter-themed weekend of magic is truly one of a kind! There will be costumed characters roaming around, live owls, vendors offering wands, and, of course, Butterbeer! The Garbled Owl Butterbeer Shoppe will be on site serving delicious, non-alcoholic Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer. Finally, the Midwest Pirate Festival is August is 24–25. This event is complete with stranded pirate ship and Pirate’s Pub tavern. Spend time in the Pirate’s Port, Enchanted Forest, and the Sea-Side Towne. Kids will have a blast as they bounce on the inflated pirate boat and ride on the Heave-Ho Pirate Ship Swing! More information for all these events can be found online at bellevueberryfarm.com/festivals. Don’t forget about Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch’s many play areas and campfires open from March to November! Berry Farm is a great place to have your next birthday party. They can be scheduled for nearly any day of the week and generally at all times of the year. Your group can bring in food and cake to one of their campfire areas, or they’ll have Cowboy Ed and his staff arrange a meal for you. If you want a fun, active, outside birthday party, one that kids will never forget, call Berry Farm! Summers are about all of those activities you can’t experience the rest of the year. So get outside, get active, and make some memories with your kids right here in Omaha!
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Strictly Business APRIL 2019
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APRIL 2019 Strictly Business
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