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