Strictly Business Omaha June 2018

STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM

OMAHA • JUNE 2018

TM

A Successful Partnership Between The Nebraska Bankers Association And Five Nines A Letter From James Bowen, Founder Of Five Nines Inside

gonines.com

• Father’s Day • Growing Your Business • Senior Health • Commercial Remodeling Client Spotlight • Echo Systems • Eleven Twenty-Three

RIVER CITY SIX

In This Issue

Pictured from L to R: Richard Baier – President & CEO, NBA; James Bowen – CEO & Founder, Five Nines; Joel Friesen – President, Five Nines; Ron Arrigo – Executive Vice President, NBA

JOAN KURTENBACH

HEATHER KIRK

RENAE HARRINGTON

SHANNAN BRADLEY Douglas County Health Center

DARCIE DINGMAN

REBECCA TURNER

Heartland Payment Systems

Santa Monica

Dingman’s Collision Center

Control Depot

Grief’s Journey

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business

1

AGO

Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505

PRSRT STD 3RD CLASS US POSTAGE

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 unrivaled 24/7 support. You can find us hard at work any time, day or night, because we care about your business as much as you do.

24/7 BUSINESS-CLASS SUPPORT

GET A $200 VISA® PREPAID CARD $200

AFTER ONLINE REDEMPTION†.

MENTION “REWARD PROMO” TO QUALIFY.

GIG-SPEED INTERNET

SCALABLE VOICE SOLUTIONS

25 Mbps INTERNET AND ONE LINE OF STANDARD VOICE WITH UNLIMITED NATIONWIDE LONG DISTANCE *

$

84

/mo

with a 3-year agreement

SWITCH TODAY. Call 402-934-3891 or visit coxbusiness.com *Offer ends 8/31/18. 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 25 for mos. 1-6 and $99.00 for mos. 7-36. Price based on 3 year service term. 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 5/1/18 and 9/1/18 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 9/30/18 and must follow instructions rec’d after service activation. Limit one Prepaid Card per customer, total not to exceed $200. Allow 6-8 weeks after redemption for delivery. Cards issued by MetaBank®, member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc and are subject to issuing bank’s terms and conditions of the card. Card does not have cash access and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the U.S. only. Cards valid through expiration date shown on front of card. Valid in U.S., U.S. territories and Puerto Rico. Offer subject to change at any time without notice. Other restrictions apply. © 2018 Cox Communications Inc. All rights reserved.

FPA105473-0011

2

Strictly Business JUNE 2018

HIS HAIR

-------------------------------- and--------------------------------

HER HEART

Today

Before

6 Months After JUNE 2018 Strictly Business

3

FOCUSING ON YOUR BRAND

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

Great Brands That Compete on Value: Continue to Find Value in Print I have yet another Freeport Press gem to share with you this month and it’s an eye-opening read that really puts things into perspective. The following scenario that plays out is all too common – does it sound familiar to you?

This is How You Sell an Ad Author: David Pilcher We talk a lot about the need for publishers to take an active role in educating advertisers about the value of print. We used to almost take it for granted that our ad partners understood the “why” behind their ad choices. But with the advent of digital, everything has changed, and publishers must become advocates for their ad partners. We need to help them understand where print fits in today’s consumer funnel and the truth about print in the digital age. This isn’t a call to bash digital; we don’t know what our ad partners know about their results with digital, and they need to make those decisions. But we can certainly help enlighten them on how digital has actually made print better, helping it be a more creative and welcoming experience for many readers.

A printing customer of ours shared an exchange they had with a local Gold’s Gym franchise, one of their major advertisers. It was so well handled – and with a terrific outcome – that we had to share parts of it with you. As Tim (our customer) explains…“They were on the front and back cover for about 13 years.

Then one day the owner said they just were not getting the response they used to, in terms of ROI and that they were going to go to digital, where it seemed like the ROI was better. That was in March of 2014.” Fast forward to last fall, and a local ad agency contacted him saying they were trying to get one of their clients back into magazine advertising. (Yes, ad agencies are increasingly aware that ditching print altogether was probably a bad move for most of their clients.)

Turns out, the client was Gold’s Gym, the same one that left them back in 2014.

Our customer went to work, helping Gold’s Gym make some updates to their website and working with them to create an ad that would be as effective as possible. The 2/3 page ad did really well by the advertiser’s account, so of course, Tim asked them to continue and pitched them another ad option he thought would work even better. The response was not what he’d hoped: “We’ve got solid momentum in referrals and social media. As you can imagine, our ideal scenario, though maybe not realistic, would be to not do print media, at least not all year due to the cost. So, we may take a hiatus over the next few months to see if we can still hit our numbers.” Tim sent back a lengthy email explaining the key benefits of print to a company like Gold’s Gym, including the importance of the trust factor, and the way print gives brands the ability to stand out in a crowded field. He made his case clearly and passionately, backing it up with facts on the

current state of the online marketplace: “I was reading the other day that 90% of online content has been created since 2016, so the sheer volume of things online is making it harder and harder to break through all the noise. There are 455,000 tweets and 3 million Facebook posts A MINUTE. Every day more than 4 million hours of content is uploaded to YouTube and 269 billion emails are sent.

Everyone and their brother has a blog, a Facebook page, and is posting, posting, posting or selling something. As a business, how do you even begin to stand out, let alone dominate a space like that? How do you present yourself as a brand that is head and shoulders above the competition? The answer is you really can’t.”

The reply from his advertiser blew him away: “We 100% agree with you. We have tried very diligently with our gym business to go 100% digital and it just doesn’t work. I believe for the reasons you cite. After analyzing the [latest campaign] ad results and assigning weight for the non-measurable results, we believe it’s the right decision to continue. You are always helpful and we know you have your customers’ best interests in mind to achieve the most effective advertising for us, which of course is a win-win. So, we will continue with the ad.”

There is huge value in print for our advertisers. And it is up to us to help them understand and see that, in a way that lets them know we have their best interests at heart.

This is right on the money and I couldn’t agree more or have said it better myself, because it’s not just about selling an ad to me. Ultimately, my sense of purpose comes from seeing my clients succeed and the gratitude they express about the part Strictly Business played in that. Nobody else here in our market does what we do; we strongly believe in what we bring to the table and truly have our clients’ best interests at heart. Along with an eye-catching display ad, there are numerous opportunities to include supporting editorial published print, online, and on social media that are all value-added, meaning FREE, no strings attached. We do this to strengthen our advertisers’ campaigns and give them a platform with a targeted, captive audience and incredible reach, so they can share their expertise and differentiate themselves from the competition based on the value of their offerings and the distinctiveness of their brands. Furthermore, we have an intentionally low entry point because we want as many businesses as possible to be able to take advantage of having a presence in Strictly Business and all that comes along with it. If you want to learn more about all that we have to offer and how it will benefit your business, I welcome your interest – let’s talk!

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 33 Health

SPOTLIGHTS

Amanda

Holly

Hannah

16 River City Six 22 Echo Systems 34 Eleven Twenty-Three

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor Amanda Wilson - Amanda@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Holly Ryan - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

23 Sandler Training

SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Executive Assistant Hannah Hundley - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern - SZutavern@yahoo.com

ASK THE EXPERT FEATURE STORIES

35 37 42 45 4

Father’s Day Growing Your Business Senior Health Commercial Remodeling Strictly Business JUNE 2018

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 ©2018 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505

ABOUT THE COVER

“

A Successful Partnership Between The Nebraska Bankers Association And Five Nines A Letter From James Bowen, Founder Of Five Nines

Lincoln Office: 5617 Thompson Creek Blvd Phone: 402.817.2630 | Email: Lincoln@GoNines.com Kearney Office: 5609 First Avenue, Suite A-1 Phone: 308.455.4000 | Email: Kearney@GoNines.com

GONINES.COM

STAY CONNECTED /StrictlyBusinessMagazineOmaha

To Subscribe:

“

Omaha Office: 11602 West Center Road, Suite 300 Phone: 402.253.0990 | Email: Omaha@GoNines.com

Dear Strictly Business readers, The Nebraska Bankers Association (NBA) and Five Nines formed an official relationship in 2016. With a growing number of banks partnering with Five Nines for their Managed IT Services, we knew that a successful partnership with the NBA would help us best serve our financial clients. We wanted to be in a position to better understand the current and future needs of financial institutions in Nebraska and to further develop our expertise to serve them. We are grateful to the NBA for that engagement and for their leadership to financial organizations throughout Nebraska.

Five Nines was founded nearly 12 years ago as a result of two individuals, running small outsourced IT services companies, deciding to join forces. I’d have to give Nick Bock credit for making this happen; he got me on board by beating me at a bid we both wanted and using that opportunity to get my attention. After we sat down and discovered we were both after the same thing, both cared about clients and service the same way, and both wanted to create a pure Managed IT Services company, we created Five Nines.

Five Nines has since become the largest independently-owned Managed IT Services company in Nebraska, with offices in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney. We are unique in that Managed IT Services is all we do. For many other companies in our field providing IT Support is a secondary pursuit, while for us 100% of our focus is dedicated towards being the best outsourced IT department we can be.

In fact, our name, Five Nines is in direct reference to 99.999% UPTIME, which is our mission as a business. We even measure this, as we track every outage and our response to them in great detail so that we can improve operations and avoid future disruptions for our clients. As I’m writing this letter, our actual statistical UPTIME across our client base is 99.99850%.

Financial institutions are a perfect match for our business model and mission, as banks have to be available 24/7 for their clients. This means their technology backbone has to be rock solid and their IT Services partner has to be organized and reliable. Five Nines has invested heavily in our IT best practices, security practices, and business continuity for our clients, and we continue to reinvest in our future as Nebraska’s best MSP. If you’re a member of the Nebraska Banker’s Association, or a client of Five Nines, thank you for supporting this partnership. If you’re in the market for a successful IT Services Partnership, or are someone looking for a career in the technology services field, I welcome you to visit us at GONINES.COM. Thank you, James Bowen | CEO - Five Nines

24/7 @SBMAGOMAHA

www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com/subscribe-strictly-business

Strictly Business Magazine P (402) 466-3330 • F (402) 466-3476 Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com JUNE 2018 Strictly Business

5

BUSINESS NEWS Never Idle Announces Acquisition of FleetRight, Inc.

Alamo Drafthouse Announces Plans to Open Midtown Location

FleetRight, Inc. was recently acquired by Never Idle and is now operating under that company name.

Founded in 2015 by Zach Schreiber, FleetRight, Inc. of Lincoln, NE was established as the city’s first trusted online community marketplace and auction platform for contractors buying and selling heavy equipment. As Schreiber identified new trends and challenges his clients were facing in that space, it led to the evolution of the business into an economy sharing platform. This service model aligned with that of Never Idle, a company founded by Terry Dolan, former president of Ritchie Bros.

Auctioneers.

Dolan expressed, “Zach and I shared the same vision for our contractor marketplace, so we decided it was best to join forces. Together, our key focus remains supporting contractors who are looking for ways to maximize their return on investment by providing a platform and tools to manage underutilized equipment.”

As a result of Never Idle’s acquisition of FleetRight, local contractors now have access to a larger inventory of assets populated by a larger membership network.

If you’re a contractor, don’t let your equipment sit idle and visit with the Never Idle team to see how you can increase utilization and value with your equipment fleet. Contact Zach Schreiber at (262) 326-4353 / info@GoNeverIdle.com or visit www.goneveridle.com for more details.

Midtown Crossing is elevating its entertainment profile with the addition of a distinguished new anchor tenant, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, the nationally-renowned dine-in theater heralded by Entertainment Weekly as “the best theater in America.”

“We’ve worked extremely hard over the past two and a half years to create the best cinematic experience for the Omaha community with everything from our sound and presentation all the way down to the popcorn,” said Derek Dillon, Alamo Drafthouse Omaha creative manager. “We’re excited to further expand our Omaha footprint by providing Midtown Crossing and Omaha’s urban core with our unique Alamo Drafthouse experience.”

In addition to screening a diverse range of films – from the latest blockbusters to classic cinema – Alamo Drafthouse offers in-seat dining and a full, multi-course menu: burgers, pizzas, salads, snacks and desserts prepared fresh from locally-sourced ingredients. Beers from local craft breweries are also highlighted and promoted, and all orders are served by wait staff trained to be inconspicuous.

Based in Austin, TX, Alamo Drafthouse has locations throughout the country, including a second metro-area theater in La Vista. The Midtown Crossing opening is slated for 2018 and will occupy the space currently leased by Marcus Midtown Cinema, which closed its doors on May 14.

Community involvement is also a company staple. Alamo Drafthouse supports organizations making a positive difference in their local communities and serves as presenting sponsor for Midtown Crossing’s free community series Monday Night at the Movies.

Find out more about Alamo Drafthouse Cinema online at drafthouse.com.

West Gate Bank to Acquire Omaha Branches From Great Southern Bank West Gate Bank® has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire three Omaha area branches from Great Southern Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: GSBC). The transition is expected to take place in July 2018, pending regulatory approval.

“West Gate Bank is celebrating its 50 year anniversary, and we are excited to bring our brand of Nebraska community banking to Omaha,” said Carl Sjulin, president of West Gate Bank. “As the Omaha and Lincoln economies grow closer, it is a natural extension of West Gate Bank’s franchise to expand into Omaha. For the past several years, we have been actively lending in Omaha, and with the addition of these branches, we will be able to expand our commercial and mortgage teams and add business cash management services.”

Great Southern Bank customers at the Omaha-area branches should continue to bank as they always have. Important information about the acquisition will be mailed to customers in the coming weeks.

Great Southern will maintain a commercial lending office in the Omaha market.

Omaha-area Great Southern Bank branches to be acquired are: 9775 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68127; 1004 Cornhusker Road, Bellevue, NE 68123; 1020 S 179th Court, Omaha, NE 68118.

The purchase will increase the number of West Gate Bank branches to 10. “We look forward to serving the Omaha community in our next 50 years,” Sjulin stated.

West Gate Bank® is a family-owned community bank celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2018. As a full-service banking institution, West Gate Bank is large enough to serve all your personal or commercial banking needs, yet small enough to provide the outstanding personal service that only a community bank can deliver. West Gate Bank is committed to your success and invested in your financial well-being.

“At West Gate Bank, our interest is you!” Visit westgate.bank for more information.

6 Strictly Business JUNE 2018

New Master’s Programs Offered Online by University of Nebraska A Finance, MS and a Business Analytics, MS program are now being offered online by the University of Nebraska– Lincoln.

Finance, MS: The online Master of Science in Finance curriculum is designed to provide students with the fundamental skills that employers seek to make the smartest financial and investment decisions. Courses in this program provide students with comprehensive skills directly applicable to this field.

Business Analytics, MS: The online Master of Science in Business Analytics prepares business leaders to solve specific business problems by mastering a new set of analytic skills. Business analysts are paving the way for innovation in productivity and competition through courses that strengthen business methods, tools and software.

This program prepares students for work in this growing field by providing opportunity for real-world application in interpreting data and using it to make better business decisions.

Both 30 credit hour programs consist of courses that are offered completely online, optimized for mobile access and offered in 8-week sections. Courses are developed and taught by highly respected Big Ten faculty.

With these programs, the University of Nebraska offers nearly 30 online program options in the area of business. These programs range from certificates, bachelor’s programs, master’s programs and minors. The University of Nebraska Online, NU’s collaborative online initiative, provides information on all of these programs and the more than 125 online programs offered by the University of Nebraska at online.nebraska.edu.

BUSINESS NEWS Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Date Announced for 6th Annual Ribstock MBA BBQ Festival

The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace M u s e u m will hold a celebration in honor of its 20th year in Ashland, NE on June 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a living history day and a U-2 Display exhibit opening with keynote speaker Francis Gary Powers, Jr. After the presentation and exhibit opening the Museum will debut its first interactive app. Guests will be able to access the app on their mobile devices or by checking out a tablet from Museum guest services. The Museum will offer several history tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.

The event, exhibit opening, tours, and lecture are part of Museum general admission and free for members. Advanced registration is not required. Admission costs are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors or military, $6 for youth ages 4-12, and children 3 and under are free.

The museum is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.

The Millard Business Association’s Ribstock committee is excited to announce the 6th Annual Ribstock MBA BBQ Festival is scheduled for July 28. The event will again be held in the parking lot of the Millard Super Saver at 5710 S. 144th St. from noon - 11 p.m.

The story of Ribstock centers on the idea of bringing people together for a love of BBQ and community.

The concept of hosting a local BBQ festival started with a simple conversation between MBA members Jeff and Michelle Helany and current Ribstock Chair, Kenny Engelmeyer. Jeff suggested a BBQ event based on his memorable experiences in the south to Kenny, who decided to propose this idea to father and son professional BBQing team, Steve and Jeff Gehring. Together, they created Ribstock!

Ribstock a multi-purpose community event focused on three things: Scholarships, Project Wee Care, and community involvement. The Millard Business Association (MBA) and Millard Business Community Foundation present six $1,000 scholarships annually to students of the Millard School district. Additionally, over the course of ten years, Project Wee Care has helped over 10,000 people in the Millard area have a merry Christmas despite their financial circumstances. Event sponsors will be given the opportunity to address members of the community and talk with them about their businesses and how they may be able to network.

For more information, visit www.ribstockbbq.com.

Pinnacle Bank Championship Qualifier Returns to ArborLinks This June Golfers with Nebraska ties will have the opportunity to earn a spot in the 2018 Web. com Tour Pinnacle Bank Championship and compete for a share of the $600,000 purse. The 36-hole qualifier returns to ArborLinks in Nebraska City on Tuesday, June 12. Professional and amateur golfers with Nebraska ties can vie for an exemption into Nebraska’s Web.com Tour event, the 2018 Pinnacle Bank Championship, presented by Heartland Chevy Dealers and hosted at The Club at Indian Creek.

“Over one day, the 36-hole qualifier, at ArborLinks will be a spectacular test of golf for some of the great golfers from our Nebraska communities,” said Marc Hock, Pinnacle Bank president. “We’re excited to provide this opportunity for more golfers with Nebraska ties to compete for the opportunity to tee it up with some of the best players on the Web.com Tour.”

Any professional or amateur with a 4.0 handicap index or less with Nebraska ties will be eligible to compete. Current legal residents of Nebraska, Nebraska Section PGA Members and PGA Associates, students and graduates of Nebraska colleges or universities and individuals born in Nebraska and graduated from a Nebraska high school will be eligible.

“We’re excited to have the qualifier return to ArborLinks and provide Nebraska golfers with a chance to participate in our event on July 19-22.

We encourage everyone to come out and watch the local golfers who qualify,” said Jessica Brabec, Pinnacle Bank Championship tournament director.

The qualifier at ArborLinks is limited to the first 60 entrants who meet all eligibility and handicap requirements. Entry deadline is Friday, June 8 at 5 p.m. Complete details are available by visiting the tournament website at thepinnaclebankchampionship.com or www.nebraskapga.com.

“In the inaugural Nebraska Qualifier last year, the level of play by the talented amateur and professional golfers was evident,” said David Honnens, PGA, Nebraska Section PGA CEO. “Rylee Reinertson was a tremendous ambassador last year and two professional golfers from the Nebraska Qualifier, Ryan Vermeer, PGA and John Hurley went on to qualify via the Monday Qualifier for the Pinnacle Bank Championship.”

For more information, please visit thepinnaclebankchampionship.com.

Sarpy Chamber Announces Purchase of Papillion Office Building The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce has announced the purchase of a former law office building located at 1243 Golden Gate Drive in Papillion.

President Karen Gibler made the official announcement on May 23.

“The purchase of these new offices is both an investment in our organization’s future and our community. The hard work and commitment of the Chamber staff, board of directors, partners, and members allowed us to make this acquisition from a position of financial strength,” said Gibler. “We are so excited about what this means not only for us, but our membership. Through building ownership, we will have the unique opportunity of saving on costs for our members while being able to expand our services and outreach.”

In addition to being home to the work of the Sarpy Chamber, this 4,880-square-foot building will have additional office space available to small businesses. “We see this as a great resource for local small businesses to lay down roots for success in the community,” said President Gibler.

The acquisition of the Papillion office building officially closed on Tuesday, May 22. The Chamber is projected to move into their new office building in late summer/early fall.

For more information on the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce’s events and groups, please visit www.SarpyChamber.org.

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business 7

BUSINESS NEWS Metonic Announces Plans for 192nd & Pacific Townhome Development Metonic Real Estate Solutions, an Omaha-based real estate investment company, recently announced details of Ravello 192, a new 118-unit townhome development located at the northwest corner of 192nd & Pacific Streets. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 30.

The development is a new concept to Omaha multifamily living, with customization and long-term leases available for residents.

Thoughtful and luxurious design elements will offer residents spacious common areas and amenities such as private entrances and garages, covered porches, tile entries, a pool, and a fitness center. The homes will be available in one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom floor plans, ranging from 690 square feet to 1,432 square feet.

Located near Methodist Women’s Hospital, Shadow Ridge Country Club and Golf Course, high-end retail shopping, and Elkhorn South High School, Ravello 192 boasts easy access to the West Dodge Expressway, providing residents with easy commuting options.

“We believe Ravello 192 will fulfill an unmet need for a distinctive townhome community in West Omaha” said Eric Rodawig, treasury director for Metonic. “We are excited to provide an unparalleled experience for our residents at one of the best locations available in Omaha.”

Dicon Corporation is the general contractor for the development with Great Western Bank providing construction financing. Seldin Company will provide lease-up and property management services, and Blackman & Associates is contributing consulting and accounting services. Construction is underway, with pre-leasing available this fall.

For more information, contact Eric Rodawig at (402) 952-4577.

PERSONALIZED

SOLUTIONS

We’re experts who’ve mastered the art of collaboration, offering you a diverse collection of resources under one roof.

With connections to the best insurance carriers in the industry, you can trust UNICO to connect you to a full suite of insurance solutions designed to protect your business and family.

Some of our services include: ⊲ Home and Auto

⊲ Property & Casualty

⊲ Individual Health

⊲ Worker’s Compensation

⊲ Professional Liability

⊲ Employee Benefits

⊲ HR Solutions

⊲ Risk Control & Safety Services

unicogroup.com 402.434.7200 (O) Where Connections Make a Difference.

8

Strictly Business JUNE 2018

Find “Fun for All” This Summer at Fun-Plex The long offseason is finally over and Fun-Plex is open, complete with a brand new water attraction, Rockin’ Rapids, one of the tallest, longest slides of its kind.

This brand new, five-story, double-rider slide has two tubes collectively moving 3,000 gallons of water per minute. The first, a partially enclosed slide, features alternating bands of color in closed tunnel sections. Sheets of water will drench riders as they blast through to the open-air portions of the slide. The second tube slide, which will be fully enclosed, features dazzling translucent fiberglass that will use daylight to create a unique ride experience for visitors. The future also looks promising for more water attractions at the park. In order to focus available resources on the development of more exciting attractions in the future, The “Big Ohhhhh!” Rollercoaster has been removed from park grounds.

There’s even some new indoor changes happening at the park as well.

Fun-Plex’s arcade, now called “Game Galaxy,” offers a variety of arcade and redemption games to challenge young and old. Two new marquee pieces in the game collection are a giant Space Invaders game that invites players to sit in battle seats and aim their space cannons on an oversized screen, and a giant Pac-Man game that controls like the classic, but on a larger-than-life screen.

Fun-Plex, located on 70th & Q in Omaha, NE, is the state’s largest ride and water park, featuring mini golf, go-karts, kiddie and family rides, Rockin’ Rapids, Makana Splash AquaPlay Structure, Motion Ocean Wave Pool, Lazy River, and Breaker’s Bay-Nebraska’s only swim-up bar. Fun-Plex is now offering twilight discount events weekly Monday-Saturday, from daylight to twilight. Fans can check www.funplex.com or the Fun-Plex social media pages for promotion details.

BUSINESS NEWS Monster Tote Comes to Omaha Monster Tote, an eco-friendly moving supply company that provides an affordable alternative to cardboard boxes, recently entered the Omaha market.

Monster Tote is an independently owned and locally operated tote rental company serving residential and commercial clients in the Omaha Metro area. A Nebraska native, owner John McConnell returned to establish the Omaha location and has also launched a second location in Fort Collins, Colorado.

If you’re considering buying new boxes or totes at your local retailer for a move, renting them is a great alternative. Monster Tote offers packages tailored to fit the specific needs of each client, and you could be saving a significant amount of money, time, and hassle while being environmentally conscious in your efforts. These zero-waste totes are a snap to obtain and easy to use. They are rented by the week, delivered to you, and picked up for free!

“At Monster Tote, we truly care about making your move eco-friendly and easy,” McConnell emphasizes. “We know moving can be stressful, and we want to make it as convenient and hassle-free as possible.”

To find out more about Monster Tote or to schedule your green totes for an upcoming move, visit the newly-launched website at www.monstertote. com or call (833) 698-6837.

Village Pointe Farmers Market Open for Business Real Food. Real Farmers. Bring the perfect mix of culinary inspiration, from organic vegetables to farm fresh eggs and cheeses to your table from the Village Pointe Farmers Market. It will be held every Saturday (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) now through October 6, rain or shine, and will feature 30+ vendors. Additionally, enjoy free yoga classes hosted by Simplicity Wellness Yoga and More from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. The Village Pointe Farmers Market is located in the southeast parking lot of Village Pointe Shopping Center on 168th & Dodge in Omaha.

Control Depot Adds New Product Line From Viconics Technologies Control Depot established a new partnership with Viconics Technologies, Inc. in May to offer their entire line of HVAC temperature controllers and digital thermostats.

Viconics products are designed for ease of installation and commissioning, optimized energy savings and improved occupant comfort. Their simplified automation solutions offer Control Depot’s customers and partners lower total installed costs, improved return on investment and accelerated payback.

Control Depot chose to partner with Viconics based on their strong offerings of simplified retrofit-friendly automation solutions at a very attractive price point.

Control Depot is a building automation and controls distributor serving clients in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota. As a controls distributor, they sell and support a wide selection of residential and commercial controls and components to contractors and building owners.

Stop by their store at 9304 G Ct. in Omaha or visit www.controldepotinc. com to learn more about how Control Depot and Viconics can help with your HVAC control needs. Further questions can be directed toward Jeff Killeen at (402) 934-0078 / sales@controldepotinc.com.

Living in the Yellow Expands Women’s Training Programs, Faculty Living in the Yellow has been providing Basic Pistol Training for Women since 2014 and has just been approved by the Nebraska State Patrol to provide CHP (Conceal Handgun Permit) classes for women as well.

The primary instructor and author of the CHP curriculum is NRA Trained Instructor and RSO (Range Safety Officer) Patty Nun, who is also a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). Living in the Yellow is also adding adjunct instructors, which include a seasoned law enforcement officer and a lawyer to discuss the responsibility of becoming a CHP holder.

The next CHP class is scheduled for Saturday, June 23. The Basic Pistol Class is a prerequisite to attending a CHP class. Looking ahead, Living in the Yellow’s next Basic Pistol Class is scheduled for Saturday, September 22, designed for women who have little or no experience with the safe operation of a handgun.

For more information or to register for one of these programs, go to www.LivingInTheYellow.org/classes or call Patty Nun at (402) 432-6470.

New Latin Restaurant Concept The Hunger Block Now Open The Hunger Block, a new Latin restaurant to the Omaha area, opened its doors to the public in late May. The restaurant is located in the old Little España location in the heart of Rockbrook Village. Co-owned by Carlos Mendez, Palmira Balsiene and Rognny Diaz, The Hunger Block offers a unique selection of made-from scratch dishes and drinks that will represent authentic Latin American dishes in a fun, relaxed, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, both Mendez and Diaz wanted to open the concept in Omaha because there currently aren’t options that truly represent the Latin culture as a whole. “Right now you can’t find much other than Mexican restaurants in Omaha and our concept will showcase how diverse our culture can be from one country to the other,” adds Mendez. “This menu is a representation of our favorite dishes from both Venezuela and the numerous Latin American countries we’ve travelled to throughout our lives.”

The restaurant will feature authentic Latin dishes and a portion of the menu will be dedicated to the street food you can find in many Latin American countries, which is also the inspiration behind the name of the restaurant. Mendez explains, “If you travel to Venezuela, Columbia, Peru, Mexico, etc., you will find food vendors gathered on a particular street or block selling some of the most fresh, flavorful, made-from-scratch food in town. In Spanish they call it La Calle Del Hambre, which translates to The Hunger Street.”

Open for brunch, lunch, dinner (and look for a happy hour menu coming soon), patrons can expect to indulge in the culture of Central and South America, from authentic food, to atmosphere and family-style dinning.

Menu items will be made using fresh ingredients, many of which will be sourced locally, and will feature everything from street tacos to stuffed arepas (similar to a sandwich and made with grilled cornmeal masa), empanadas, fried plantains or patacon, as well as Latin-style hot dogs and burgers.

The Hunger Block will be open Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – midnight, and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, visit www.thehungerblock.com or contact Carlos Mendez at (402) 557-6738 / carlos@thehungerblock.com.

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business 9

BUSINESS NEWS Recruiting Firm Aureus Group Recognized

by Forbes Aureus Group , a leading staffing and recruitment firm headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, has been named by global media company Forbes to its 2018 list of America’s Best Professional Recruiting Firms. Aureus Group, an affiliate of C&A Industries, Inc., specializes in staffing within the areas of accounting & finance, information technology & systems, healthcare leadership, and executive search. With a national reach, the firm is rooted in the Midwest with regional offices in Kansas City, Missouri and Des Moines, Iowa.

Forbes partnered with analytics firm Statista to compile the list which ranks the top recruitment agencies. Aureus Group is ranked #70 in the group of 250 firms, up from #105 ranking in 2017.

Selection was based on industry research and survey results involving recruiters, employees who have worked with recruiters, and HR managers.

Survey participants were asked to recommend up to ten recruiting firms (excluding their own). Rankings were established based on the number of recommendations received. More than 14,500 nominations were submitted as part of the survey process.

“This unsolicited accolade is indicative of the way each of our teammates approaches every customer and candidate. Our mission, to be the search & staffing provider and employer of choice by helping people and companies achieve their goals, is more than a statement, it’s the picture we paint every day,” said Chris Carlson, managing director, Aureus Group. “With a talented tenured team, we value a transparent culture, two-way honest communication, and treating everyone with dignity and respect. It’s truly an honor for us to serve our marketplace.”

For more information about Aureus Group, visit www.aureusgroup.com or call (402) 891-6900. ®

Brookelyn’s Hair & Replacement Attends Hair Loss Council’s Annual Conference Brooke and Theron Ahlman with Brookelyn’s Hair & Replacement attended the 2018 Hair Loss Council’s Annual Conference in Nashville April 21-23. At the conference, various company representatives showcased their offerings and classes were taught by l e a d i n g i n d u s t r y professionals. With the opportunity to learn about new and innovative products and techniques and to connect with a wealth of resources, Brooke and Theron came away from the experience with a lot of new ideas to better serve their clients.

They returned to Lincoln inspired and ready to put everything they learned into practice!

Brookelyn’s Hair & Replacement was the only hair loss studio in Nebraska to attend the show and is currently the only member of the council in the Lincoln area.

Brookelyn’s Hair & Replacement offers non-surgical hair loss replacement systems and services along with regular haircuts, perms, colors and extensions. The hair systems offered aren’t noticeable to others and can be styled up or down, allowing you to live life to the fullest without worrying about how you look.

To learn more about Brookelyn’s Hair & Replacement, visit www. brookelyns.com or contact Brooke Ahlman at (402) 649-0212 / brookelynshair@gmail.com.

10 Strictly Business JUNE 2018

MultiCare Medical Celebrates Grand Opening Drs. Kurt and Tonya Boec kenhauer at MultiCare Medical in Papillion, Nebraska are paving new paths in healthcare.

As Nebraska’s premier fullyintegrative medical clinic for pain relief a n d m a n a ge m e n t , the multi-disciplinary integrated team focuses on function and incorporates the best of healthcare including medical doctors, chiropractors, nurse practitioners, and physical therapists. The office is equipped with hospital grade digital X-ray, full color ultrasound, lab facilities for blood work and allergy testing, computerized range of motion, and much more. The practice specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic pain and is one of the only medical facilities in the area that provides regenerative therapy which includes stem cells.

MultiCare Medical hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce on May 15 to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new office, which is located at 72nd & Cornhusker.

The Boeckenhauers also own and operate Revive Day Spa and Grajeja, LLC, a commercial real estate development company.

For more infor mation about MultiCare Medical, visit MultiCareMedical.com or call (402) 505-7989.

Research Reveals Greater Omaha Outpaces Peers, Nation on Key Comparatives The “2018 Barometer,” which compares the economic performance and characteristics of the Omaha - Council Bluffs - Fremont metro with 9 other metros to reveal strengths and opportunities for growth, was released on May 16. One of the region’s most comprehensive, comparative analyses, the report uses multiple indexes to evaluate Omaha’s competitiveness against other high-performing metros. The report includes comparatives for Omaha’s “peers” (Salt Lake City, UT; Louisville, KY Colorado Springs, CO), “competitors” (Des Moines, IA; Kansas City, MO-KS; Oklahoma City, OK) and “aspirational cities” (Austin, TX; Raleigh, NC; Nashville, TN).

“One unexpected finding in the 2018 Barometer report was a sharp 13.6% increase in wages per job in the Omaha Metropolitan Area between 2014 and 2017,” said Dr. Eric Thompson lead researcher and director, Bureau of Business Research College of Business Administration University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “These sharp increases are encouraging, given ongoing efforts in Omaha to raise wages by educating and training workers for information technology and other higher wage occupations.”

Key data showed: • Entrepreneurs in Omaha earn twice as much as the US average • High quality of life – with abundant arts and cultural opportunities (No. 2), quick commute times (No. 2) and accessible health care (No. 1) • Innovation is consistently rising in Greater Omaha – with 5% growth since 2014, trending to surpass Nashville’s rating • Business costs are low, with Omaha ranking second only to Louisville, KY Overall, the Barometer revealed Omaha-Council Bluffs-Fremont’s economic growth continues to be about 22% above the U.S. average. Other characteristics, such as high educational attainment, low business costs and abundant amenities, give Omaha a strong advantage in entrepreneurship, business climate and quality of life.

BUSINESS NEWS Starship Ft. Mickey Thomas, Survivor Will Rock Metro Credit Union Celebrates America Get ready to rock the park! The Metro Credit Union Celebrates America free concert and fireworks show will feature two iconic bands: Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas and Survivor will co-headline the event.

Omaha’s favorite cover band, The Confidentials, will open the show on Friday, June 29 in Omaha’s beautiful Memorial Park. This year marks the 28th year of this event. Metro Credit Union Celebrates America begins at 6 p.m. with the National Anthem by the USAF Heartland of America Band. The fantastic fireworks finale is set for 10 p.m. The display is set to music that can be heard in the park and also will be available for the first time through a phone app.

Hosted in cooperation with the City of Omaha, Metro Credit Union is the presenting sponsor of this favorite summertime tradition; Baxter Volkswagen and News Radio 1110 KFAB are supporting sponsors; WoodmenLife is fireworks sponsor. More than 60,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is one of the largest free outdoor concerts in America.

Culprit Café Opening Second Location Culprit Café, Omaha’s highly-reviewed hotspot for brunch, coffee and dessert, is doubling its local presence with the opening of a second location in Midtown Crossing.

Rooted in bread, coffee and community, Culprit Café is expected to open its midtown store in June. Similar to the original downtown location, guests can expect a tantalizing breakfast and lunch menu; a selection of artisan breads (hand-rolled and baked in-house); fresh, in-house pastries; and a variety of desserts, including a daily rotation of seasonal tarts, tiramisu, cheesecakes, and dietary-restrictive options as well. Culprit Café serves certified-organic coffee from Broadway Roasting Co. in Kansas City, Mo., and tea from local maker The Tea Smith. All syrups are made in-house.

Owner Luke Mabie says opening a location in midtown made sense: “There’s a great energy in midtown. We wanted to contribute and be part of that community. Plus, this puts us even closer to our customers coming from places like Creighton and UNMC. We’re right at home in downtown Omaha, and we’re going to be right at home in midtown.

This is an exciting next step for us.”

Culprit Café will be located 3201 Farnam St., in the space formerly leased by Delicé European Bakery and Café. For more information, visit www.culpritcafe.com.

Introducing Soul & Swag Soul & Swag is a rapidly growing company located in Omaha, Nebraska that thrives on being positively different and innovative. This womenowned business will be launching a swag experience at their new studio located at 4509 S. 143rd Street, Suite 11 on June 14. Cola Svec and Angie Svec extend the invitation to join in SoulSwagChellaf 2018 from 4 - 7 p.m. There will be prizes, appetizers and beverages.

At Soul & Swag, they believe different is good. The professionals at Soul & Swag truly love what they do and have over 35 years of combined experience to offer businesses, organizations, and associates here in the Omaha Metro. Focused on continuous transformation and innovation, you can expect to team up with consultants who will work hard for you and deliver a finished promotional product you’ll be proud to share. Central to the process is matching brands with suppliers who truly care and the guiding principles that passion starts with a commitment to excellent experiences and that purpose is the bedrock of all connections. With the intention of rising by lifting others, while Soul & Swag helps clients build brand love, as a small business that’s locally owned and operated, they’re also dedicated to doing their part to help build a strong community by giving back.

Find out more about Soul & Swag online at soulxswag.com or by contacting Cola Svec at (402) 616-6250 / cola@soulxswag.com.

ONE CALL. ONE SOURCE. Full Service Fire Protection Company

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION TODAY! PHONE: 402-592-1999 4404 S. 76th Circle, Omaha, NE 68127 www.FireGuardUSA.com

Platinum Systems Distributor

Fire Alarm Systems Conventional, Addressable NetSolo Broadband Mass Notification

Authorized Dealer

Portable Extinguishers Restaurant Fire Protection Industrial Fire Protection Suppression Systems Inergen, Sapphire, Novec 1230, Carbon Dioxide Low & High Pressure

Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Updates Resources for Gardeners If you’re a gardener, no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll likely find it online at plantnebraska.org/plants courtesy of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. The website was recently updated, with new content and additional information on the lists of native and recommended plants and trees, monthly garden guides, videos, pollinator information, water-wise recommendations, ideas for outdoor activities for both kids and adults, and much, much more! Some of the helpful topics covered include common tree planting mistakes, effective watering, prairie gardens, turfgrass tips, and weeds, mulch and butterflies.

The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum plants Nebraska for healthy people, vibrant communities and a resilient environment. The organization offer resources to help Midwest gardeners improve their home and community landscapes, encouraging plants and landscapes that are beautiful and beneficial for ourselves as well as the larger environment. To learn more, visit the website listed above or contact the Arboretum staff at (402) 472-2971 / arboretum@unl.edu.

Blur Parties Returns to Omaha for 8th Annual College World Series Tailgate For the 8th year, Blur Parties will be right in the middle of the action for the 2018 College World Series June 16-22. Grab your hospitality tailgate tickets and head to Omaha for your corporate gathering or day out with friends! Tickets gain you access into tailgate festivities, including a buffet featuring Omaha Steaks, HDTVs with baseball games broadcast live, music, full bar, tailgate games and plush seating.

You can even take a break from the warm weather to dip your toes in the cold tub while enjoying an ice cold beer!

All tickets include all-day access, pricing is as follows: $40 - Buffet, soda, water and access to cash bar for beer, wine and mixed drinks; $75 - Buffet, soda, water, beer, wine and access to cash bar for mixed drinks; $90 - Buffet, soda, water, beer, wine and mixed drinks.

Purchase tickets online at www.blurpartiesomaha.com or contact (402) 413-9855 / chelsea@blurparties.com. Tailgate and buffet hours can be viewed online and change daily based on game times. Blur Parties can also help you customize your hospitality experience by lining up game tickets, hotels or transportation!

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business 11

BUSINESS NEWS BLUEBARN Theatre Presents “The City in the City in the City” BLUEBARN’s current production is the premiere o f t h e n ew p l ay by Matthew Capodicasa, The City in the City in the City.

Capodicasa’s other plays include You Remind Me of You, Frelmetsch the Maneater, Vessels, All the People You’ve Been, and Chaos and Caesar Salad. His work has been presented or developed at the Kennedy Center, the National New Play Network, Primary Stages, the Flea Theater, the Abingdon Theatre, the Great Plains Theatre Conference, the Bloomington Playwrights Project, Theater Masters, the Habitat, Fordham University, and NYU’s Experimental Theatre Wing. He is the recipient of the Woodward/Newman Drama Award, and his plays have been finalists for the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference and the Heideman Award.

In the play, an unlikely duo sets off on an adventure to a strange city of doubles, checkpoints, mystifying bureaucracy, ancient graves, and a hidden world neither of them expected to encounter. Two actors play dozens of roles in this Great Plains Theatre Conference pick.

Through June 17, performances will be on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday June 3 and 17 at 6 p.m., and Sunday, June 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for students/ seniors 65+. To purchase, call the box office Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or visit www.bluebarn.org.

Wohlner’s Celebrates Milestone 100 Years Wohlner’s Neighborhood Grocery & Deli, Omaha’s oldest grocery operation, hosted a month-long celebration in May as it marked 100 years of feeding the community and supporting a strong local economy.

Third generation owner Mike Schwartz is continuing a tradition of service and selection that started with his grandfather Albert Wohlner in 1918. “I think my grandfather would be very proud of the fact that, after all these years, we haven’t lost sight of what’s really important – taking care of our customers and supporting our community,” Schwartz said.

Wohlner’s invited the community to celebrate the store’s centennial with an entire month of 100¢ deals, fun themes, prizes, giveaways, and old-fashioned neighborhood cookouts.

Wohlner’s has been locally- and family-owned since day one. Albert Wohlner opened the original store at 33rd and California Streets, ten years after he immigrated to the United States. The store moved to 5205 Leavenworth in the mid-1930s and stayed there until a shift to Aksarben Village in 2008. The 2010 opening of Wohlner’s in Midtown Crossing – just five blocks from the original location – brought the store full-circle.

Wohlner’s is known for its complete selection of groceries, fresh produce and sundries; the finest meats cut and wrapped by onsite butchers; a take-out deli with hot prepared foods; and an upscale wine/beer/spirits department.

Visit www.wohlners.com for more information.

STORM SEASON

LOVE OUR ROOFS

ROOF REPAIR! LOVE OUR ROOFS

WHO WE ARE

WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE XCEL

When your home has been hit by LOVE OUR ROOFS • Our repairs or replacement will meet or exceed LOVE OUR ROOFS a hail storm, you might have to city and national construction codes. call your insurance company to file a claim. Instead of dreading • You’ll receive written guarantees for the product the process of getting your roof and workmanship. and exterior repaired, let the professionals at Xcel Roofing help you out. We offer nearly three • Your work will look as good or better than what decades of experience dealing with you had before the storm. insurance claims.

ROOFING • SIDING • WINDOWS • GUTTERS Call today to schedule your FREE ROOF INSPECTION! 402.345.9235 | info@loveourroof.com | LoveOurRoof.com

12

Strictly Business JUNE 2018

BUSINESS NEWS Della Costa Opens Farnam Street Coffee Bar

Bliss Boutique Relocates to Rockbrook Village

Midtown Crossing’s Della Costa is enhancing its footprint in the neighborhood with the opening of a new coffee and pastry bar, Café Costa.

Rockbrook Village is excited to announce the addition of Bliss Boutique to their ever-growing list of retail shops. Bliss offers clothing for women of all body types that’s both on-trend, yet affordable.

“Not everyone has the same body type, coloring, comfort level, or budget,” explains owner Valerie Vander Linden. “We help customers think outside the box while still feeling comfortable and confident.” Stylists at Bliss focus on providing customers with personalized services and putting together outfits for the individual versus taking a cookie-cutter approach.

Vander Linden studied apparel, merchandising, and design at Iowa State University and had always dreamed of owning her own boutique.

She also boasts 6 years of experience in the retail industry where she worked for both small retail shops as well as corporate retail chains like Gordmans and Buckle.

Bliss, which moved from its original location in Bel Air Plaza off of 120th & Center, chose Rockbrook Village for their new location because most of their customer base lives in and around the Rockbrook area, and now their customers will be able to shop several retail stores in the same plaza.

Bliss Boutique officially opened for business in Rockbrook Village on April 30 and celebrated their grand opening on May 3. Bliss is located in the southwest corner of Rockbrook Village at 11045 Elm Street. Hours are Tuesday—Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and 12 – 4 p.m. on Mondays.

For more information, please contact Valerie Vander Linden at Bliss Boutique at (402) 991-3595, via email at blissboutiqueomaha@gmail. com, or visit the website at blissboutiqueomaha.com.

Located in the Farnam entrance of Della Costa, Café Costa features local coffees by A Hill of Beans Coffee Roasters as well as housemade pastries, including cookies, scones and croissants, from in-house baker Mandy Vorthmann. Iced tea drinks and smoothies complement typical coffee selections, and homemade ice cream is for sale by the pint.

Café Costa is designed to be an extension of Della Costa’s Mediterranean-concept with a comfortable, relaxed feel.

“The area is now fitted with comfortable nooks to hide as well as traditional cafe seating and midcentury couches to relax on,” says Justin Halbert, who co-owns Della Costa and Café Costa with his brother Aaron and their uncle Ron Samuelson.

Café Costa officially opened on May 3 at 220 S. 31st Ave., Suite 3103. Regular business hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The owners plan to eventually phase-in breakfast items, including egg sandwiches and crepes, grab-and-go lunch options and more.

Café Costa’s parent concept, seafood inspired Della Costa, opened one year ago and features regional dishes from the coasts of Italy, France, Spain, Morocco and Greece. To make a reservation, visit dellacostaomaha.com/reservations.

Bacon-Loving Crowd Enjoys a Wide Variety of Bacon Treats at 2018 Star City BaconFest The 2018 Star City BaconFest drew its largest crowd on Sunday, April 22. With over 600 people enjoying bacon-inspired treats from leading Lincoln-area restaurants.

The event was hosted by the Cornhusker Marriot Hotel.

The annual event, sponsored by the Nebraska BaconFest attendees voted Ashland Country Pork Producers Association Club’s entrée first place. From left: Brandy (NPPA) and the Nebraska Nielson, Nebraska Restaurant Association membership and marketing coordinator; Restaurant Association Jaki Zahourek, assistant food and beverage (NRA), benefits culinary director and Chef Sarah Anderson from the students in the state and Ashland Country Club; Darin Uhlir, NPPA will provide over $5,000 president; Al Juhnke, NPPA executive director. in scholarships through the NRA’s Hospitality Education Foundation.

BaconFest-goers were asked to vote for their favorite treats again this year. First place: Ashland Country Club, for its Sweet & Spicy Bacon Bite; Second place: Coops Corner for its Bacon Ice Cream; Third place: Venue Restaurant for its Pastrami Cured Bacon Arepas.

Participating vendors included: 9 South Char Grill, Ashland Golf Club, Billy’s Restaurant, Cappy’s Hot Spot Bar and Grill, Coop’s Corner, HiWay Diner, HopCat, Leadbelly, McKinney’s, The Normandy, Smoking Gun Jerky, That Place Steakhouse & Saloon, The Eatery, Screamers Dining & Caberet, Single Barrel, and Venue Restaurant & Lounge. Special thanks to Hormel for providing all the bacon used by the chefs.

Entertainment was provided by Screamers Dining and Cabaret, where several performers entertained the crowd throughout the evening.

Omaha Gives! Celebrates 6 Years With $42M Raised Since 2013 A total 50,463 donations were given to 970 nonprofits during the 6th annual Omaha Gives! on May 23. This year’s 24-hour online giving day, presented

by American National Bank, raised $7.4 million from 18,548 donors.

Since its beginning in 2013, the giving day has now raised more than $42 million from a cumulative 251,403 donations for nonprofit organizations throughout Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie Counties.

This year $100,000 in prizes were given out to participating nonprofits, with 100 prizes of $1,000 each amplifying the money organizations raised from individual donors. Complete leaderboard results with the number of donors, donation totals, and prizes awarded for each organization can be found at www.omahagives.org.

In addition to winning prizes, 73 nonprofits boosted their giving totals by utilizing dollar-for-dollar matching challenge funds secured from individual donors. Together, these organizations raised $588,923 in matching funds.

Adding to the fun, nearly 400 community members set-up personal Cheer Pages to engage their own social networks on behalf of favorite nonprofits. New this year, 7 prizes were awarded to individuals whose Cheer Pages raised the most money or boasted the most unique donors.

Omaha Gives! continues to inspire the community to engage in local philanthropy, introduce donors to new organizations, and further the connections between residents and the region’s growing nonprofit community. Leading the way for Omaha Gives!, the Omaha Community Foundation is proud to help good grow in Omaha by helping more than 1,500 donors facilitate their charitable giving. Since its inception in 1982, donors have granted almost $1.6 billion to area nonprofits, supporting more than 3,000 local charities.

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business 13

BUSINESS NEWS Veterans in Business Forum Announces Upcoming Meetings

Omaha Walmart Supercenter Remodel Focuses on Convenience, Customer Service

The Veterans in Business Forum (VIBF) meets the first Friday of every month (0800-0900).

Their next meetings are 1 June and 6 July 2018 at College of Business Administration, Mammel Hall – Room 215, 6708 Pine Street, Omaha, NE 681820048. A featured guest speaker for the June meeting will be Elizabeth Yearwood of the Small Business Administration. She will speak on resources for small businesses. Among the guest speakers in July will be Michael McKee of Legal Shield, who will speak on identity theft.

Omaha residents got their first look at the newly remodeled Walmart Supercenter at 16960 W. Maple Road on May 4 upon completion of the much-anticipated project. A grand reopening celebration began at the store that Friday morning at 8 a.m. Customers will enjoy the following store improvements: • State-of-the-art electronics department with interactive displays • Refreshed pharmacy with new consultation room • New tool department with a new look and added variety of tools • Addition of self-checkouts at the front of the store to save customers time • New Walmart Pickup Kiosk available to increase convenience • Updated apparel departments with new signage and fitting rooms • Improved produce department layout to better reflect customer shopping patterns • New layout and larger assortment in Home department “We’re always looking for ways to make our customers’ lives easier,” said Store Manager Gregory Armstrong. “We’re excited for everyone to come see how we are helping give time back to our customers with a new and improved shopping experience.”

Visit www.facebook.com/Walmart5141 for more news about your Omaha Walmart.

The mission of the Veterans in Business Forum (VIBF) is to provide business support, education and advocacy to help veterans succeed in business and increase community awareness of veteranowned business activities. Veterans, active duty, reservists and civilians are welcome to join and support each other and veteranrelated goals.

For latest information, to be a guest speaker and/or to be added to the mailing list, visit www.omahanebraska.com/ VeteransinBusinessForumOmahaNetworking or contact Michel Thornhill at (402) 932-7243 / info@littlemountainwebdesign.com.

14

Strictly Business JUNE 2018

BUSINESS NEWS Modern Love Announces Move to New Location, Larger Space

NRC Announces Free Webinar on Recycling Model Rural Communities

To accommodate more fans of its swanky vegan comfort food, locallyowned Modern Love is moving to Midtown Crossing.

“The new location will offer everyone what they’ve been wanting: more seats. We can’t wait to have enough space and parking to feed everyone,” says Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Modern Love chef and owner.

Moskowitz says the name Modern Love is “all about our food – classic comfort foods, made with love and a modern twist. We use the freshest ingredients, sourced as locally as possible, to create the foods our customers crave. It’s a vegan restaurant, but it’s a restaurant for everyone.”

Modern Love will be located at 3157 Farnam Street, in the space formerly occupied by Chicago Dawg House. Chicago Dawg house owner Kelly Keegan says he wanted to focus on building Omaha’s burgeoning food truck scene.

Moskowitz and GM/Partner James Walmsley are thrilled to be moving in and anticipate a mid-summer opening.

“We love the central location, the walkability and we love our corner space – two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows looking right out onto the greenery. The setting is so spacious and relaxing,” Moskowitz says.

Modern Love’s original location on south 50th Street will be closing.

Find out more about Modern Love online at www.modernloveomaha.com.

The Nebraska Recycling Council (NRC) will host a free webinar on Tuesday, June 5 from noon to 1 p.m.

Recycling in rural areas presents unique challenges. One option is to form multicommunity partnerships to capitalize on economies of scale. Learn how rural Nebraska communities in can improve their recycling programs with the hub and spoke recycling model. To register: register.gotowebinar.com/ register/3119053194992485889.

The presenter will be Sarah Pierpont, executive director of the New Mexico Recycling Coalition and founder/director of Pierpont Consulting.

In partnership with SCS Engineering, she completed the statewide Rural Iowa Hub and Spoke Recycling Study for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that categorized and assessed rural recycling within Iowa, and incorporated a feasibility study to determine the appropriateness of hub and spoke recycling for improving efficiencies. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geology from Colorado College.

The Nebraska Recycling Council’s mission is to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of resource recovery in Nebraska. The organization’s goal is to re-energize resource recovery in Nebraska through innovation, education, training, and the power of collaboration.

Visit www.nrcne.org for more information.

Miller Electric Expands Headquarters Space Miller Electric recently completed the expansion of its office headquarters, where it has conducted business for more than 60 years. Its volume of both new work and repeat business led to a need to accommodate nearly 70 office employees with additional office and warehouse space capable of providing much needed flex space for conferences, officing and loading/unloading activities. Its growth in prefabrication work also led to the expansion of its prefabrication facilities, which now number two and are located in Council Bluffs, Iowa and West Omaha. All of that growth is reverberating in local, national and international recognition from various awards organizations.

Miller Electric was recently recognized with a Best of Omaha B2B Award for the 13th year in a row and an ASHE Vista Award from the American Society for Healthcare Engineering. Additionally, the contractor won a Gold Stevie® Award for Sales & Customer Service in the 2017 International Business Awards®, taking top honors for Customer Service Success, along with Samsung Electronics America. Bronze winners were from companies located in Montreal, Canada, and Mumbai, India.

“We know we’re only as good as the customers we serve, and those customers made us the best in Omaha,” said Miller Electric President, Ray Brugeman.

More than 2,500 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were evaluated in this year’s International Business Awards competition. Winners were determined by the average scores of more than 150 professionals worldwide in seven specialized judging committees. It’s clear from the judges’ comments that the contractor’s dedication to excellence and commitment to putting its customers first came through: “The fact Miller believes every employee is a customer service representative is outstanding. Sticking to your roots of quality work is important and commendable in today’s environment where a lot of companies run for the revenue.”

Operating primarily in Omaha, Southwest Iowa and Eastern Nebraska, Miller Electric Company has more than 105+ years of experience designing, installing and maintaining commercial electrical and low voltage systems. Its 1,200+ employees serve clients from diverse industries, helping them with everything from preventative maintenance needs to large-scale industrial projects. For more information visit millerelect.com.

Veteran Architect Opens Omaha BWBR Office Scott Kirchner, AIA, a health care architect who has spent his 25year career helping organizations transform and improve the way they deliver care, recently joined BWBR, one of the largest and most experienced design firms in the region, to open a new office in Omaha serving Nebraska and the surrounding region.

An Omaha native and graduate of the University of NebraskaLincoln, Kirchner brings extensive experience in the health care marketing to BWBR. He has served both large and small health care organizations to examine their practices and find solutions that create more efficient and patient-centered facilities from the Plains region to Colorado and across the southern United States.

“BWBR’s work is known for being client-centered and focused on the needs of the communities that the organizations serve,” Kirchner said. “Beyond its work, though, BWBR’s culture and values makes this an attractive opportunity and will be refreshing for so many organizations who need design thinking to advance their missions and goals.”

BWBR’s Omaha office will be the third for the 96-year-old design solutions firm and the second it has opened in the past six years. In 2012, BWBR launched an office in Madison, WI that now employs 9 people. Started and still operating in Saint Paul, MN, BWBR is one of the region’s leading architectural, interior design, and planning firms with specialists in health care, high-tech manufacturing, workplace, and academic centers.

Joining Kirchner leading work out of the Omaha office will be Jason Nordling, AIA, a principal at BWBR with extensive experience in health care, as well as Stephanie McDaniel, AIA, and Terri Ulrick, AIA, seasoned architects with experience in higher education, lab design, high-tech manufacturing, and government sector projects.

The new office is located at 950 S. 10th Street #5 and can be contacted at (402) 321-5656. Learn more about BWBR online at www.bwbr.com.

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business 15

BUSINESS NEWS Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, DiVentures Announces Partnership

Business Ethics Alliance: Exercise Caution With College World Series Ticket Gifts

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is happy to announce DiVentures as an official partner of the Zoo. This innovative partnership will focus on Ocean Health Conservation and Education programs. Over the next 5 years, DiVentures will be supporting the following key projects of Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium: • Coral research, conservation and restoration through the Zoo’s partnership with SECORE International, a leading conservation organization for the protection and restoration of coral reefs. Funds will allow SECORE to purchase coral seeding units, which are integral to upscaling experiments and restoration efforts.

• Ocean and fresh water policy, conservation and awareness by supporting the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP). Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium was a founding member of ACP, which is a collective of 22 Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited aquariums across the country taking action together to advance ocean and freshwater conservation.

• Education and engagement by creating curriculum for the Ocean Health Conservation Program and funding a newly created position of conservation education coordinator at the Zoo. This role will be responsible for developing Ocean Health Conservation Programs, developing curriculum for Zoo events, day camps and classroom activities focused on healthy oceans, and building partnerships with other organizations to increase our reach and effectiveness.

• Providing corporate donations for the Zoo’s upcoming sea lions project.

DiVentures (www.diventures.com) is the nation’s largest and fastestgrowing scuba and swim center with six locations across four states.

With the College Wor ld Series coming up, is your company gift policy in order?

Event tickets can be a great “thank you” to customers and suppliers, but such gifts can present ethical concerns for all parties involved. While there is nothing inherently wrong with giving or receiving a gift, business leaders need to consider how their policies might encourage questionable behavior.

The Business Ethics Alliance has seen this come up as a topic of discussion among large and small companies alike. It can be tricky, and there is no single right answer. What companies want to avoid are policies that no one knows about or follows.

What can companies do to tackle this common problem? First, assess your current policy to see where things could go wrong.

Consider the contexts in which gift-giving might occur in your industry. Next, be sure to give staff direction on how to discern whether a gift is appropriate or not. When in doubt, the safest bet is probably to politely decline the gift, but be sure to create a process for disclosing any giving or receiving of appropriate gifts.

Formal policies can help set the tone for cordial gift giving and receiving. A great way to start is to use the Decision Making Model found online at businessethicsalliance.org/ resources#decisionmakingmodel.

Attorneys who think like business owners and know how to get the job done.

(402) 280-7648 • w w w.G o o s m a n n L aw.co m Located in West Omaha next to Village Pointe 17838 Burke Street, Suite 250, Omaha, NE 68118

16

Strictly Business JUNE 2018

BUSINESS NEWS Superstar Keith Frank to Headline 4th Annual Zydeco Festival

Lincoln’s Pub Set to Open This Month in Council Bluffs

A big-name headliner, a brand new sponsor, fabulous themed food and free admission – it’s shaping up to be another exhilarating year for the only festival of its kind in the region: the Zydeco Festival, presented by Sprint. Launched in 2015, the daylong crowd pleaser returns to the Pavilion at Turner Park on Saturday, June 23.

Jon Nelson, formerly of Cellar 19 Wine & Deli and current owner of Jon’s Naturals in McClelland, IA, will soon open a gastropub featuring burgers, dry-aged steaks and chops. Their offerings will include a full-service restaurant along with weekend brunch.

Starting at 3 p.m., festival guests will experience seven hours of foot-stomping zydeco music, Creole- and Cajun-style food, activities, games and giveaways. This year’s festival, held during the College World Series, is expected to draw approximately 10,000 people throughout the day.

Headliner Keith Frank will take the stage at 7 p.m. He will be joined by opening act and local zydeco band The Prairie Gators and supporting act Chubby Carrier, a renowned performer from the heart of Creole country who will go on at 5 p.m.

Midtown Crossing restaurants will be on location offering cold drinks and “zydeco-themed” food, which has included beignets, crawfish and crawfish tacos, alligator on a stick, chicken and waffles, and Abita beer. Restaurants on the park are accepting outdoor patio reservations.

This year’s Zydeco Festival will be held in conjunction with the 4th annual Midtown Living Tour, a celebration of the modern midtown lifestyle that will feature self-guided tours of fully-furnished apartments and condominiums in seven different midtown communities.

NBDC Salutes Five Companies During SBA Small Business Week To celebrate U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Week, the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) highlighted five small companies that represent the best of Nebraska entrepreneurship—innovative, open to learn, and responsive to their communities. State Director Catherine Lang selected businesses that engage with NBDC to successfully improve sales, commercialize innovation, plan for transition, pursue global sales, or invest in their companies.

Control Management, Inc. (CMI) is an excellent example of a growing business contributing employment to the community. Headquartered in Omaha with offices in Lincoln and Columbus, the company grew from four people in 1985 to 35 employees today. CMI designs, engineers and installs building control systems and is the leading direct digital control automation company in the Midwest. The company works with K-12 and higher education, corporate offices, the government, data centers, and hospitals. CMI recently completed SAM registration, which allows it to do business with government agencies as a prime contractor.

NBDC also selected Schuster’s Outdoor & RV, FarmAfield, Saunders Archery, and Kearney Glass for promotion during the week.

In 2017, NBDC helped small business clients invest in their businesses resulting in 1,868 jobs created or saved and contributed $496.5 million to the Nebraska economy. NBDC is a cooperative program of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the College of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. NBDC partners with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Wayne State College, and Chadron State College to provide consulting and business support services from offices in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, Grand Island, North Platte, McCook, Wayne, Scottsbluff, Norfolk, and Chadron.

The new restaurant, Lincoln’s Pub, is named after one of Council Bluffs’ most famous visitors of the 19th century, Abraham Lincoln. It will occupy the restaurant-only side of the former Dixie Quicks space, approximately 3,900 sq. ft. located at 149 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs. The remaining former RNG gallery space is still up for lease.

“The Hughes Irons Facility Board liked Jon’s vision for the space, his proven track record and attention to exceptional service and product,” stated Sheryl Garst, CEO of the 712 Initiative. “We are excited to add another local eatery to the Council Bluffs community.”

Nelson plans to open Lincoln’s Pub sometime in June. If you would like more information, please contact Jon Nelson at (402) 321-3337 / info@jonsnaturals.com.

Funding Accelerates Nebraska Startup Ecosystem Entrepreneurs focused on building high-growth, software-centric companies in the Midwest have one less barrier in their path to scale.

The Startup Collaborative (TSC), an on-demand startup accelerator and program of the Greater Omaha Chamber, in collaboration with Murphy Vision Funds, has announced it would begin making growth capital investments in early stage tech startups.

Initial funding – $300,000, provided by Chris and Betsy Murphy, in partnership with First Westroads Bank – will be matched dollar-for-dollar

by Invest Nebraska, a private-public venture development organization that partners with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

The funding, a total of $600,000, seeks to increase participation in TSC’s on-demand fellowship initiative.

“Our family is honored to celebrate innovation by supporting Nebraska’s startup entrepreneurs, and our team at First Westroads Bank is excited to assist these entrepreneurs on their journey to starting a successful business,” said Chris Murphy, chairman and CEO, First Westroads Bank.

“We hope our investment in the region will serve as a spark that encourages others to help elevate our community and advance the next wave of creators and trailblazers,” said Daniel Murphy, director of marketing, First Westroads Bank.

Available funds will be deployed in $25,000 and $50,000 increments to qualifying participants in TSC’s fellowship program who have pinpointed product-market fit, developed a prototype, have an in-house team and at least 25 paying customers.

“By partnering with the Murphy Family and The Startup Collaborative, we saw an incredible opportunity to accelerate our mission of assisting entrepreneurs, investing in the state’s startups, and developing the innovation infrastructure needed to grow Nebraska’s innovation ecosystem,” said Dan Hoffman, CEO, Invest Nebraska.

“Finding product-market fit is hard enough – finding capital shouldn’t be.

We are dedicated to solving every barrier to grow our Midwest startups face, including access to capital,” said Erica Wassinger, cofounder, The Startup Collaborative. Wassinger added, “One of the many reasons startups fail is because they simply need capital to accelerate their growth. TSC buys down the risk of failure from other causes and will now be able to mitigate the lack of access to early-stage capital too.”

Interested entrepreneurs can earn their way to growth capital by joining the fellowship. Learn more about TSC online at startupcollaborative.co.

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business 17

Commercial Vehicle Repair, Large Or Small...

WE DO IT ALL!

All Day. Any Day. No Appointment Necessary.

49.95 DOT Inspections $

Complete Vehicle Maintenance Oil Service • Transmission Services Antifreeze/Cooling System Services Differential Services • Brake Services

18

JOAN

Joan Kurtenbach

HEARTLAND PAYMENT SYSTEMS NOW SERVICING A/C! 207 N. Jackson Street Papillion, NE 68046 www.FleetmarkSolutions.com

Strictly Business JUNE 2018

Meet Joan Kurtenbach, a senior product advisor with Heartland Payment Systems, specializing in Heartland Payroll+HR and serving clients in the Nebraska territory.

Tell us a little about your business. - Heartland Payment Systems serves businesses of all sizes, vested in helping you achieve your goals by providing a wide range of solutions. One of those is Heartland Payroll+HR, which takes the guesswork out of processing payroll and managing the intricacies of human resources regulations and issues.

Payroll+HR is a turnkey payroll service with a full range of human resources tools to support your business. We proudly offer a 3 year price lock, a single point of contact for payroll and a virtual SHRM rep for those businesses that could use a little extra compliance help with handbooks, policies, and consulting.

How did you get started in the business? - I have been working in the payroll industry for the last 20 years. Two years ago I was approached by the company to take care of the Nebraska market and love it!

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Randy and I share three beautiful daughters: Sara, Amy, and Michaela. Our life is now blessed with seven grandchildren and two more on the way!

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - I battled Crohn’s disease in my early 30s. Thanks to great doctors and positive, prayerful people around me, I have been in remission for two decades. What a blessing!

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I most definitely do a little “digging in the dirt” (gardening) and reading. Given the time (and money!), I can easily read a book a week. I also love to draw and paint.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I am a middle child out of eleven siblings and grew up on a farm.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - That friendships take work. Whether that be a spouse or best friend, putting a lot of work into listening, talking, laughing, forgiving--these things make lasting friendships.

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

Which talent would you most like to have? - I wish I had a better poker face. One of my favorite funny sayings is “I can’t be held responsible for what my face does when you talk.”

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - There are times that I wish I could go back in time to when I was 18 and choose my major over again. I think I would have made a great nurse.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Ageless Memory by Harry Lorayne, it is fascinating!

What is your favorite movie? - You’ve Got Mail!

What is your favorite TV show? - I could watch Frasier and M*A*S*H for hours--I love to laugh!

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Andrés Tortillery Restauranté & Tequila Bar in One Pacific Place! Their street tacos are delicious!

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - The Apostle Peter. I think it would be so interesting to find out what it was like to have spent 3 years walking and talking with Jesus.

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

- Email: joan.kurtenbach@e-hps.com; Website: www.heartland.us.

HEATHER

Heather Kirk

SANTA MONICA Meet Heather Kirk, executive director of Santa Monica.

Tell us a little about your business. - Santa Monica provides a continuum of care to women with co-occurring disorders. We have three different locations that offer long-term residential services, including a Halfway House, a step down to our ¾ way house, and transitional living apartments.

How did you get started in the business? - Fifteen years ago I was provided an opportunity to work in the nonprofit world and it has been my home ever since. I have worked in a variety of capacities, from board member all the way up to my current position.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? According to Emergenetics, I am strong in analytical and structural assets, with an acceptable amount of visionary skill, but fall short in the social asset. It does not mean I cannot navigate social skills, but it takes a lot of energy for me to be successful at it. I work in the Behavioral Health field, which is heavy in the social area. That has been my biggest challenge.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Helping Santa Monica grow. We have created a sound foundation for the agency, sound business practices and have grown from one location to three in just the last few years.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married for 20 years to my husband Todd. We have two boys, Kadin (24) and Jacob (23), and an English bulldog puppy, Rousey. She’s named after Ronda Rousey, the UFC fighter. And she is naughty.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Sixteen years ago I overcame a situation that impacted my life in every way and in every area. I am grateful for the motivation and support I received that allowed me to make it through to where I am today.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love being outside, especially on the beach and in the water and enjoy activities like sand volleyball, boating and skiing.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I played three instruments in high school (flute in concert band, saxophone in jazz band and drums in marching band).

What are you the most proud of? - Obtaining my Master’s degree.

I was a below average student in high school and didn’t think I could accomplish all that I have, but I excelled in college and I am grateful for the opportunity. I would go back and get my PhD if I could afford it.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - When I was young my Dad said, “Everyone deserves a second chance.” That has always stuck with me, along with my mother always guiding me to present myself as a lady, with class.

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

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Omaha has so many nonprofit organizations with amazing missions it is hard to choose, but my heart lies with organizations that serve women and girls. I know the struggles I have had being a woman and I want to empower others to reach for their full potential.

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

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

- Phone: (402) 558-7088; Email: heather@santamonicahouse.org; Website: www.santamonicahouse.org.

Protect Your Home & Family

Call or text Grant & his team today! 402.909.5050 Text “StrictlyBiz” for a free gift card to the Omaha Bakery

1st place 13 straight years!

402.558.3500 402.502.8757 402.502.5511 Corner of 50th & South Saddlecreek

SW Corner of 144th & Industrial Rd

SW Corner of 120th & Maple

402.933.9400

Corner of Washington & Lincoln; Papillion

Dingman’s Mechanical Repair now open on the SW Corner of 120th & Maple!

“We’d Rather Be The Best Than Apologize for Anything Less.”

www.dingmans.com JUNE 2018 Strictly Business

19

RENAE

Renae Harrington

CONTROL DEPOT Meet Renae Harrington, an inside sales representative with Control Depot.

Tell us a little about your business. - Control Depot provides innovative, cost-effective control solutions and web-based facility integration designs across a spectrum of building types in the residential and commercial markets.

We are the premier controls distributor in the Nebraska and Iowa area, specializing in HVAC controls.

Check This Out Affordable Wireless Headsets for Home and Office Plantronics CS540 Premium Wireless Headset System 1-Year Warranty Only $140.00

Get them now!

Call Mickaela

402-951-9115 Mickaela@headsetters.com

How did you get started in the business? - I joined Control Depot in 2008 because I wanted to learn more aspects of our industry.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Trying to stay on top of our many vertical markets that are rapidly changing.

Control Depot provides solutions for HVAC controls, security and access controls, lighting controls and gas detection systems.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- The satisfaction of helping customers succeed and building lasting relationships with them.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to my husband Mike for 21 years and we have a beautiful 17-year-old daughter, Montana. We also have a 9-year-old yellow Lab named Charlie, otherwise known as our gentle giant.

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

- Getting married and the birth of my daughter.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy spending time with family and anything we can do outdoors. I also enjoy boxing, biking and hanging out by the pool with friends.

What are you the most proud of? - Watching my daughter grow up to be a smart, beautiful and caring young lady.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Always have a plan!

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - The ability to cure catastrophic diseases, especially the ones affecting children.

Which talent would you most like to have? - The ability to communicate well with others. I’m always working diligently to improve my skills in that area but it would be nice for it to come naturally like it does for some people.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Nursing. I would love to make a difference in people’s lives.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Way too many to list because I love to read!

What is your favorite movie? - Can’t Buy Me Love.

What is your favorite TV show? - Survivor.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Hector’s Restaurant, they have the BEST Baja-style Mexican cuisine around.

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

HEADSETTERS.COM • 7758 Cass St. 20

Strictly Business JUNE 2018

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

- Phone: (402) 934-0078; Email: rharrington@controldepotinc.com; Website: www.controldepotinc.com.

Restore Your Confidence!

SHANNAN

Shannan Bradley

DOUGLAS COUNTY HEALTH CENTER

402.991.9200

Meet Shannan Bradley, chief nursing officer at the Douglas County Health Center.

Tell us a little about your business. - Douglas County Health Center is a long-term care and skilled rehabilitation facility. Our mission is to promote and protect the public’s health and create a healthy and resilient community. As a public health agency overseeing the wellbeing of more than a half a million people in Eastern Nebraska, we take this responsibility with great seriousness.

How did you get started in the business? - I’ve always had an attraction to health care professions, specifically nursing. I served in the military as a medic a long time ago and then went on to become an emergency room trauma nurse at Creighton Medical Center and, most recently, I served on the leadership staff at Nebraska Medicine.

Before

Offering non-surgical hair replacement for men & women.

Call Brooke Today! 402-649-0212 7405 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln www.Brookelyns.com

/TheOmahaBakery 608 S. 72nd St. • Omaha, NE

A NEW Year NEW Smile with

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - In nursing, a field that is constantly exposed to death and dying, there are challenges every day. It’s hard not to get attached to my patients.

There’s nothing more challenging than holding someone’s hand as they take their last breaths and leave this world, but it has taught me to celebrate and appreciate life all the more.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Becoming the chief nursing officer at DCHC is definitely my greatest achievement because it is signifies a culmination of everything I’ve done to get to this point. I’m proud of the hard work I’ve put in to get where I am today and I’m grateful for the opportunity to oversee our amazing staff of nurses.

After

Receive $500 off an invisalign® treatment through June 30th

NEW! No credit check, no interest,flexible payment patient financing Call for an appointment today!

402-933-4632

Tell us a little about your family. - I have an awesome 21-year-old daughter named Daeja. She wants to be a nurse just like her mama and has the sweetest spirit. I also have an amazing 17-year-old son named Devyn. He is a big sports fan—his dream is to play football for Nebraska one day. I could not have been blessed with two better kids.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I don’t think I’m alone here when I say an ideal day off involves lounging around on the couch all day relaxing. And of course, spending time with my family.

HOME EQUITY LOAN or LINE OF CREDIT

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Hawaii!

.95%

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Never forget what’s important in life and don’t take any day for granted.

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - The Rocky theme song, “Gonna Fly Now.” What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I’m funny. My kids don’t think so, but I do.

FIXED APR FOR

60 MONTHS

noun

IN-SPI-R A-TION Making your dreams a reality.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I’m a huge Harry Potter fan!

What is your favorite TV show? - As nurse, my favorite thing to do is watch hospital shows like Grey’s Anatomy and critique everything.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Mai Thai.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - The Boys & Girls Club is amazing. They really helped me when my son was young.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 444-7471; Email: shannan.bradley@douglascounty-ne. gov; Website: www.douglascountyhealth.com.

T H E

W AY

B A N K I N G

S H O U L D

B E

MEMBER FDIC

Annual Percentage Rate (APR). New money only. Other offers available. This offer applies to home equity loans and lines of credit for single-family owner occupied homes. Estimated payment on a 60 month fixed $10,000 loan at 4.95% APR would be $186.32 per month. For a fixed rate, interest only line of credit, if you made only the minimum payment and took no other advances, it would take 5 years to pay off a credit advance of $10,000, at and APR of 4.95%. During that period, you would make 59 monthly payments ranging from $37.97 to $42.04 and one final payment of $10,042.04.

Payment examples do not include amounts for insurance and taxes. Loan fees, including an external appraisal if applicable, will be charged at the time of closing and can range between $900 and $950.

Subject to Pinnacle Bank credit underwriting. Offer expires June 30, 2018.

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business 18_POG05_HOMEEQUITY_STRICTLYBUSINESS_AD.indd 1

21 4/9/18 1:54 PM

DARCIE

Darcie Dingman

DINGMAN’S COLLISION CENTER

Change Your Water, Change ® Your Life!

Make your own healthy, alkaline, antioxidant drinking water that's rich in minerals and purged of impurities, right in your own home!

Benefits of Kangen Water®: Preserves your daily life hygiene Healthy drinking and cooking Removal of chlorine, rust and cloudiness Gentle cleaning and beauty care Disinfecting properties

Contact Donna, your Kangen Water® of Omaha distributor, today!

402-938-4267

djretherford@kangenwateromaha.com www.KangenWaterOmaha.com 22

Strictly Business JUNE 2018

Meet Darcie Dingman, director of marketing and human resources at Dingman’s Collision Center.

Tell us a little about your business. Dingman’s Collision Center is a family owned and operated business that has been serving customers in the Omaha metropolitan area for the past 21 years. Both my parents and brothers are involved in the business and our collective focus is on building relationships with our customers and working on their behalf to perform proper and safe repairs. We also recently expanded with the addition of a new division, Dingman’s Mechanical Repair.

How did you get started in the business? - I joined the family business over 12 years ago after finishing my degree in Human Resource Management. We were beginning to expand and I wanted to be a part of what my parents had worked so hard to build. It is exciting to see our expansion just in the time that I have been on board!

Tell us a little bit more about your family. - My husband Rod and I have a daughter Olivia (2) and are expecting another little girl in August.

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

- Becoming a mother was my biggest turning point; it put everything in perspective.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spending time with my family. Whether that be going to brunch and then running the errands that we don’t have time for during the week or going to the zoo, I just love spending the day with my husband and daughter.

What are you the most proud of? - I feel like there is a theme going here, it’s definitely my family. The family I work with that works so hard to be the best in our field and then my family that I go home to every night. They bring me joy and keep me balanced.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Don’t ignore your inner voice. I believe that if we listen to our inner voice, it will often point us in the right direction in all aspects of life.

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To be in multiple places at once. Balancing home and work life can be tough and I wish I were able to do more at each place.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Commercial real estate agent. I think it would be rewarding to be part of a city’s growth and development, and so interesting to always know what is happening all over the city.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Dingman’s is involved with Open Door Mission in many ways throughout the year trying to help in any way that we can. I also have a heart for organizations like Community Alliance. Organizations that truly change people’s lives are amazing to me. For our business and personally, when we have the opportunity to be a small part of that work, we’re honored to show our support.

What is your favorite movie? - Sixteen Candles. It hasn’t changed for the last 25 years!

What is your favorite local restaurant? - This is a tough one; there are so many great restaurants in Omaha. My two go-to’s are Pitch Pizzeria and Marks in Dundee.

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

- Phone: (402) 502-8757; Email: darcied@dingmans.com; Website: www.dingmans.com.

REBECCA

Rebecca Turner

GRIEF’S JOURNEY Meet Rebecca Turner, CEO of Grief’s Journey.

Tell us a little about your business. - Since 2001, Grief’s Journey (formerly Ted E. Bear Hollow) has provided a welcoming, safe place for grieving children, teens, and adults to offer each other hope and support. Our vision is that no one has to walk their grief journey alone, and we believe we’re creating a more compassionate and resilient community through our support programs, professional training and consultation. Our agency relies on charitable contributions, special event income, and volunteerism to sustain our free programs.

How did you get started in the business? - A friend forwarded me the position description because she knew about my family’s personal experience with grief. I jumped at the opportunity to help lead and grow an organization I knew was vitally important to our community.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Finding the confidence to think bigger and go deeper, but when you carve out the time and guts, it pays off!

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Assembling and nurturing the BEST staff teams ever!

Tell us a little about your family. - My amazing husband and I have a very charming 3 year old. We’re all a little obsessed with hockey and Star Wars.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - I got pretty sick when I was in college; the kind of sick that would have/ could have made me delay graduation and miss out on a lot of the best of early adulthood. I took the opportunity to listen to my body (that was stressed to the brink), ease up on myself a little bit, and discover a different path.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Hiking/camping with my family.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - We build an ice rink in our back yard every year.

What are you the most proud of? - My ability to rise to the occasion.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - To embrace my “inner Susan Sarandon,” meaning to find my voice and speak up.

The advice came from a boss and mentor who thought perhaps I was too concerned about appearing ladylike.

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To erase regret.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I rearrange my furniture weekly.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Creative writing or fine art.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - We have so many wonderful organizations in Omaha! I greatly respect and admire the work of organizations such as 75 North and Omaha by Design, Women’s Fund of Omaha, Women’s Center for Advancement, YES, Intercultural Senior Center…the list goes on and on. I just wish I could do more to support all of them.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Again, there are so many to choose from! Right now, we keep Salween Thai and Lalibela in regular rotation.

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

- Email: rturner@griefsjourney.org; Website: www.griefsjourney.org.

WE INVITE YOU TO

CON T EM PL AT E. CU LT I VAT E. COL L A BOR AT E.

MEET YOUR TEAM IN OUR INSPIRING SPACES. DowntownOmahaMarriott.com 2 2 2 N o r t h 1 0 t h S t r e e t , O m a h a | 4 0 2 . 8 0 7. 8 0 0 0

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business

23

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

THE ART OF MODERN FUNCTION

Echo Systems is the region’s leader in residential and commercial technology and lighting.

How long have you been in Omaha? - Echo Systems, a division of Echo Group, has been operating in Omaha for over 15 years, and has quietly emerged as the Midwest’s fastest growing provider of professional electronic systems for homes, schools, offices hospitals, hotels and houses of worship. We first opened our doors in 2003. Our Experience Center is located in the heart of Omaha on 120th and I St. at 4315 S 120th St, Omaha, NE 68137.

What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours? - From the first meeting, Echo Systems starts all interactions focused on building a relationship. The AV industry is often very focused on the technology, but the real-world goals of their clients are not always put at the forefront. We take time to get to know our client’s preferences and lifestyle, and tailor our technology design to fit them specifically.

What do you like about doing business in Omaha? - Omaha is an amazing place to do business. In it resides a smart and sophisticated clientele, with a strong foundation for family and community. It is the ideal location for our relationship-oriented design approach.

Do you have a business philosophy? - Simplicity and aesthetics. We strive to design and deliver systems that are both easy to use and that seamlessly integrate in the aesthetic of the home or business.

What changes have you seen in your business/industry the past few years? - Technology is ever-changing. The Echo Systems team is dedicated to staying at the forefront of practical industry knowledge, staying on top of trends that help seamlessly blend technology with our daily lives. Over the past 20 years, society has gone from clunky flip phones to powerful smart devices, capable of not only controlling how we all communicate, but how we control the environment around us. We’ve also seen bulky audio/video systems turn into compact, intuitive media suites that can fit in a relatively small space. Voice recognition has become more reliable and can now be incorporated into how we control the spaces where we live and work. To help demonstrate all these wonderful new advancements, we designed a 12,000 sq. ft. $2.5 million dollar “Experience Center.”

What has been your most important achievement in business? - One of Echo Systems’ proudest achievements is the sustained success we have achieved, and the low turnover of our hardworking staff. It is a great feeling to be recognized both by others in our industry as well as our customers.

Echo Systems is proud to be an 11-time award winner as a trusted Lutron dealer. In 2017, CE Pro ranked Echo Systems the 32nd largest AV Integration business in the nation by revenue.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about your business that most people don’t know?

- Seeing is believing. Our Experience Center is truly a unique place. It is unlike anything in the nation, and showcases the wonderful things that can be done, when design meets function. This “Experience Center” is a must for anyone considering updates to technology. Our staff takes time to answer questions and demonstrate cutting-edge trends to both potential clients as well as anyone who simply wants to be blown away by something they have never seen before.

At Echo Systems. we provide the ultimate technology lifestyle. If a picture is worth a thousand words, experiencing the look, convenience and sound is worth a million. We’re excited to meet you, show off our new look and introduce you to our knowledgeable consultants. Learn more about Echo Systems online at echosystemsmidwest.com. Stop by our Experience Center or contact us at (402) 334-4900 today!

Contact us today to learn more! 402.334.4900 | EchoSystemsMidwest.com 24

Strictly Business JUNE 2018

SANDLER TRAINING

by Karl Schaphorst, President

402-403-4334

www.karlschaphorst.sandler.com

You Sell Pain Relief!

Tim arrived at the prospect’s office 15 minutes before the appointment so that he could sit in the car and mentally review what he was going to say. Tim very carefully visualized each step of his presentation, making sure that the benefits of buying from him and his companies were crystal clear. Looking at his watch, he took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and proceeded in to the appointment. Once the pleasantries were over, Tim got right down to business.

“For the past 5 years, I have represented my company, which has been in business for over 50 years and provided, to businesses like yours, the products and service which enable you to meet your customers’ demands.” “That why I agreed to see you Tim,” responded the prospect, who then added, “I have a real need for what you are selling. In fact, I have to have it or staying in business will be almost impossible.” “I’m glad you agreed to meet with me. Our products have the longest mean time to failure in the industry and as a result, your downtime will be reduced by 75% within the first two years.” “Tim, that’s great to know. But my engineering department is not sure that we can retrofit your devices onto our equipment.” “That’s something I’m sure we’ll take care of later.” The prospect went on to say, “My production manager is very concerned, and so am I, that retraining our workers will take a long time. We can’t afford to let production slip.”

Tim replied, “I understand everything you are telling me. My advice is this: Don’t worry. We’ve handled bigger problems than yours.”

About 20 minutes later, the prospect thanked Tim for coming by and promised to review the proposal when Tim sent it over. Once Tim left the office, the prospect sat behind his desk with a nagging feeling that got more ominous the more he thought about it. “That salesperson,” he thought, “didn’t listen to anything I said.” He picked up the phone, pressed a button and said, “Maggie, when and if Tim calls in the next few weeks, tell him I’m out of the office...and he’s probably going to send along a proposal, just file it. Thanks.”

Update Your Home to

Perfection!

• Local tile contractor • Custom design, showers, & heated floors • We work with you to make your home remodel stress free and to perfection!

Tim ignored 3 chances handed to him by the prospect that would have led to the prospect believing that what he said mattered. The prospect was in pain, Tim ignored the pain, and now the prospect is going to ignore Tim. Despite what customers and prospects say, they buy from you to get rid of some pain that either is present or will be present without your product/service. They do not buy the product/service because you are a wonderful person. Of course, this does not mean that you should be anything less than wonderful. The point is that your customers and prospects can buy what you are selling from any number of other vendors at any time. So why do they buy from you?

The story on the reverse side contains prospect pain statements that Tim ignores in his rush to make his presentation. Tim’s need to present causes him to completely ignore what the prospect is saying. For example, “I have a real need for what you are selling. In fact, I have to have it or staying in business will be almost impossible.” Tim goes right on ignoring this pain statement. He should have stopped the prospect and asked, “Staying in business will be almost impossible?” By asking this question, Tim is increasing the prospect’s pain. Once the prospect is ready for a trip to the hospital, Tim will then present the solution to the pain.

You cannot ignore a prospect or a customer who is in pain and get away with it. If you do, he/she will take it out on you because from his/her point of view, you were insensitive and did not listen. Instead of Tim presenting features and benefits, he should have listened to the presentation that the prospect was making. People in pain resent people who cannot take the pain away. You sell pain relief.

Sandler Training is a global training organization with over three decades of experience and proven results. Sandler provides sales and management training and consulting services for small- to mediumsized businesses (SMBs) as well as corporate training for Fortune 1000 companies. For more information, please contact Karl Schaphorst at (402) 403-4334 or by email at kschaphorst@sandler.com. You can also follow his blog at karlschaphorst.sandler.com.

Danny Reynolds

Mike Prendergast

CUSTOM TILE & DESIGNS Bathrooms ♦ Kitchens ♦ Floors

Call today to learn more!

402-578-3777 | 402-905-5859 Check out our projects online!

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business

25

PERSONNEL NEWS Five Nines Introduces Newest Engineer Gail Davenport

West Gate Bank Promotes Brock Shelton and Kristi Thornton

Five Nines is excited to announce the hiring of Gail Davenport to the Tier 2 team out of the Lincoln office. Before becoming a Five Niner, Gail worked within various IT roles, and has over 15 years of experience in the field. He looks forward to becoming more involved in networking and infrastructure through opportunities provided by Five Nines.

The West Gate Bank® (westgate.bank) Board of Directors has elected Brock Shelton senior vice president, Business Banking Solutions and Kristi Thornton senior vice president, Omaha retail market manager.

Brock Shelton joined West Gate Bank as a teller in September of 2002. During his tenure with West Gate Bank, he has served as a new accounts representative, Consumer and Business banker and branch manager. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and brings Brock Shelton nearly 20 years of banking experience to his new role as senior vice president, Business Banking Solutions. Shelton is responsible for leading the Business Banking Solutions team in Lincoln and Omaha, providing superior customer account service to business and consumer clients, as well as providing cash management solutions to business customers.

Shelton serves on the Board of Directors for the People’s City Mission and Friendship Home, both Lincoln-based non-profit organizations, as well as participating in a number of other Kristi Thornton community activities.

Brock Shelton is located at West Gate Bank® Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road in Lincoln and can be reached at (402) 323-8902 or bshelton@ westgate.bank.

Kristi Thornton joined West Gate Bank® in 2011 as an assistant branch manager at the Midtown location at 50th & O Street in Lincoln. In 2015, she was promoted to assistant vice president, branch manager at the Southridge location at 27th & Old Cheney Road in Lincoln. She transferred back to Midtown as branch manager later that year. In August, 2016, she was promoted to vice president, branch manager of the Midtown and Southridge locations. In that role, Thornton oversaw both branch locations, was responsible for the development and maintenance of business relationships with customers, and coached her staff to achieve customer service and sales goals. She brings 20 years of banking experience to her new role where she will lead the Omaha Retail team. Her responsibilities will include managing the Pacific Springs branch while coaching and mentoring the other Omaha branch managers and their teams.

Thornton is involved in various local organizations in Lincoln. She is a member of Business Networking International (BNI), Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, participates in Women in Sales & Business and is in the current Leadership Lincoln Fellows class.

Kristi Thornton will be located at West Gate Bank® Pacific Springs at 180th & Pacific in Omaha and can be reached at (402) 323-7250 or kthornton@westgate.bank.

“Gail has hit the ground running, and every day he makes it abundantly clear that he has been a great addition to our team,” said Michael Swyers, operations team manager at Five Nines. “His vast experience as well as his dedication to our clients and others within our team make him a perfect fit, and we are happy to have him as a Five Niner.”

Founded on an intense desire to solve problems and build long-term relationships with clients, Five Nines leverages technology to drive business success. With offices in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney, Five Nines advises the best IT solutions for Nebraska based businesses, offering Managed IT Services. Through its unique service model, Five Nines’ clients experience reduced costs, accelerated growth, and increased productivity. Learn more at: www.gonines.com.

Attorney Jeana Goosmann Awarded by America’s Top 100 Attorneys® Jeana Goosmann, CEO and managing partner of the Goosmann Law Firm, has been selected

by America’s Top 100 Attorneys® as a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Goosmann has joined an elite group of attorneys across the nation with less than 0.5% of active attorneys in the United States receiving this honor.

Goosmann was selected based on her years of exceptional advocacy, ethical standards, success, and legal accomplishments.

Goosmann is the CEO’s attorney and personally acts as general counsel to company presidents, CEOs, and corporate executives. After becoming an entrepreneur and starting Goosmann Law Firm in 2009, she’s grown the firm successfully at a rapid pace, earning her firm recognition as one of the Top 100 Fastest Growing Law Firms by the Law Firm 500. Goosmann’s legal advice is sought after by the most successful CEOs. Her clients include large national corporations as well as local closely-held companies and family-owned businesses of all sizes. Goosmann has represented clients on Forbes’ billionaire’s list, Senators in trial, and companies involved in anti-trust class action, toxic tort, business fraud, piercing the corporate veil, adversary proceedings, mass product recall, breach of contract, explosion litigation and business torts. Goosmann also helps out-of-state lawyers with transactions and litigation in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

Along with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Goosmann was selected as a Member of the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel in 2017 and 2016. She has achieved the Martindale AV-Rated Attorney for Legal Excellence and Ethics and has been named on the Great Plains Super Lawyers List. Over the years, Goosmann has become an author and prolific speaker presenting at national and state legal conferences across the United States.

To learn more about the Goosmann Law Firm, visit www.GoosmannLaw. com or call (855) 843-4531.

26 Strictly Business JUNE 2018

Six Join Omaha Press Club Hall of Fame One of the Omaha Press Club’s most glorious celebrations, a night to honor journalists past and present, takes place June 2. Inducted at the 10th Annual OPC Journalists of Excellence Hall of Fame are six industry professionals recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the media industry. Past Hall of Fame recipient, John Prescott, is emcee for the event, sponsored by Firespring. The 2017 inductees include: Harold Dow, KETV, CBS News (posthumous); Jim Fogarty, Legacy Preservation, KETV, Omaha World-Herald; Cate Folsom, Omaha World-Herald; Ron Hull, NET, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; R.W. (Jeff) Jordan, KMTV, Union Pacific, Omaha World-Herald (posthumous); Bob Runnels, KMTV.

PERSONNEL NEWS Remington Heights Hires Cortney Hartz as Director of Sales and Marketing

Marzia Puccioni Shields Joins Heartland Family Service as Chief Development Officer

Cortney Hartz joined the Remington Heights staff on May 7 as their new director of sales and marketing. Cortney comes to Remington Heights with over 10 years of experience in the healthcare field as a social worker. She graduated from Kansas State University and has spent her career working with the elder population, both in long-term care facilities and with hospice organizations.

Heartland Family Ser vice (HFS; HeartlandFamilyService.org) is pleased to announce the arrival of Marzia Puccioni Shields, the agency’s new chief development officer.

Puccioni Shields comes to HFS from Creighton University, where she served as the director of development for their School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. Prior to that, she spent 10 years with the Arthritis Foundation, initially serving as the executive director of the Nebraska Chapter and later as an area vice president of the newly-created Heartland Region. Puccioni Shields began her career in the non-profit sector in 1992 after working as a special events coordinator for the American Diabetes Association.

“I have been privileged to lead the development efforts of wonderful organizations, and Heartland Family Service is an exceptional organization,” said Puccioni Shields. “I am honored to join this amazing team as the chief development officer. The vital work done by staff, volunteers, and all stakeholders to fulfill the mission and serve our community and people in need is something that resonates with me very deeply.”

Marzia Puccioni Shields and her family immigrated to the United States from Italy in the 1960s. She lives in Omaha with her husband and their rescue dog and has two daughters, two sons-in-law, and two grandkids.

Remington Heights Independent and Assisted Living, located at 12606 W. Dodge Rd., provides outstanding services and quality care in elegant, homelike surroundings. Their experienced and enthusiastic staff will work with you to develop a care plan tailored to your needs. Remington Heights offers a full range of services including personalized care, delicious meals, and daily activities. For more information, visit www.remingtonheightsretirement.com or contact Cortney Hartz, Director of Sales and Marketing, at (402) 4935807 / clhartz@centurypa.com.

Local Businessman Gerry Phelan Announces Retirement Gerry Phelan, a seasoned businessman who pursued his entrepreneurial passion by literally carving out a niche in the woodworking industry, has announced his retirement effective May 12.

Phelan owned and operated Midwest Woodworkers, a business that served customers in the Omaha Metro for just shy of four decades, for 8 years. He facilitated the acquisition that led to it becoming Woodcraft in April of 2017, and then continued to lead the business in a management role afterwards to ensure a smooth transition.

Prior to owning Midwest Woodworkers, Phelan was an independent small business consultant for four years, the director of training and development for TD AMERITRADE for six years, and had a successful twenty-year career with International Paper Company and its distribution arm, xpedx. During that time, he filled a variety of management roles including division general manager, vice president of operations, treasurer, credit manager and data processing manager. He planned and led numerous large scale projects in diverse areas like green fielding, mergers, systems conversions, facility moves, systems, sales and new building construction.

A longstanding fixture in the Omaha Metro business community, Phelan has been actively involved with many different organizations throughout his career. He is currently the chair of the Omaha chapter of SCORE, a volunteer organization that provides education and mentoring to emerging entrepreneurs and existing businesses. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Business Ethics Alliance, which builds leadership, strengthens organizations and elevates Greater Omaha through positive, practical business ethics.

Gerry’s retirement plans include continuing to operate Wood Is Good, a light manufacturing business that produces carving supplies and sells them wholesale in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Please join in congratulating Gerry Phelan on his retirement!

Jeffrey Cannon Named Executive Director at Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum The board of directors of the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum (sacmuseum.org) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Cannon as the Museum’s executive director.

Cannon brings 25 years of experience in leading and developing museums and cultural facilities around the world, including the Smithsonian Institution, the Qatar National Archives, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Saudi Arabia, and many others, both large and small. His expertise includes visitor-based planning, development, fundraising, capital planning, and leading large teams of museum professionals.

Cannon began his career in Nebraska after completing master’s degrees in museum studies and administration and in architecture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He served in the collection management department at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha before applying his museum expertise with the Leo A. Daly architecture firm during the construction of the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum’s 330,000-square-foot facility that opened in 1998.

That project led to an interest in museum development. In 2007, Cannon moved to Washington, DC as vice president of AECOM where he led a multi-disciplinary team responsible for redevelopment of the Smithsonian museums on the mall. He subsequently worked for two other museum consulting firms before opening his own firm in 2013, Cannon Museum Group of Columbia, Maryland. As a consultant, he has helped museums and heritage sites around the world deal with issues of collections stewardship, guest engagement, sustainability and capital resource allocation. He has consulted on high-profile projects, worked with a number of other air and space museums, and been a frequent national conference speaker on contemporary issues facing museums and attractions.

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business 27

PERSONNEL NEWS Hillcrest Rehab Administrator Grace Knott Elected President of NPTA

Pinnacle Bank Names Paige Korten Branch Manager

Grace Knott, PT, GCS, rehab administrator for Hillcrest Rehab Services, was recently elected president of the Nebraska Physical Therapy Association. Knott has been a longtime member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Nebraska Chapter. In 2015, Knott was awarded the Mary Ellen Sacksteder Award by the NPTA for her outstanding contributions to the advancement of physical therapy.

“Grace has been a tremendous advocate for the physical therapy profession her entire career,” said Matt Oestmann, vice president of Rehab & Post-Acute Services for Hillcrest Health Services.

Knott is a graduate of Kansas University in physical therapy and has extensive experience in acute, skilled nursing and outpatient settings as both a clinician and a manager. Her passion is working with the older adult, especially in the areas of fall risk reduction, dementia care and optimal aging. She is a frequent lecturer for the Omaha “Tai Chi for Balance” community program and lectures in the area of dementiarelated therapy services. In her role at Hillcrest, Knott leads the rehab directors in Hillcrest’s post-acute rehab facilities.

Hillcrest Health Services offers the region’s largest continuum of health services for aging adults, including independent and assisted living, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, long-term care, memory support, adult day services, certified skilled home health and in-home personal care, telehealth services and hospice care. Hillcrest currently serves nearly 1,200 aging adults daily across 10 counties in Nebraska and Iowa. For more information, visit www.hillcresthealth.com.

Pinnacle Bank recently promoted Paige Korten to branch manager and retail banking officer.

Korten manages the retail department at the downtown Omaha branch.

In her new role, she is responsible for overseeing daily branch operations and promoting bank services while providing exceptional customer service. Korten has been with Pinnacle Bank for nearly two years gaining experience in various roles including teller, new accounts representative and personal banker.

She earned her associate’s degree in science from Illinois Central College and her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Family-owned since 1938, Nebraska-based Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc., is a $10.4 billion financial holding company operating 149 community banks in seven states including 61 locations in Nebraska. For more information, visit pinnbank.com.

Gina Samland Joins SilverStone Group SilverStone Group is proud to announce the addition of Gina Samland as an account manager/senior consultant to their Group Benefits Team. Samland will be responsible for delivering short- and long-term strategies to help proactively manage her clients’ employee benefit plans. Through continual evaluations and strategic planning, she will help clients control costs and remain competitive in their respective industries.

Samland has more than 30 years of experience, most recently as the assistant vice president/account executive for Aon Risk Solutions. She has also served as vice president for Employee Benefits/practice leader at Aon Consulting, managing director for Wells Fargo Insurance Services and senior vice president/ sales executive of Employee Benefits for USI Insurance Services. Her background includes a strong history of advising clients in the retail, public sector, manufacturing and professional service industries. Samland is a trusted business partner and has earned this reputation by providing unmatched customer service. She is dedicated to learning every critical detail before presenting clients with potential solutions. Her thorough approach helps ensure that every client’s unique needs are addressed in the most effective manner possible.

“SilverStone Group is excited to welcome Gina to our employee benefits consulting team. Not only does she bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team, she will also be a great role model and mentor for our employees,” said Principal and Senior Consultant Bill Fox. SilverStone Group (sileverstonegroup.com) is a privately held, employeeowned firm providing consulting and advisory services in the areas of employee benefits, risk management and wealth management solutions.

28 Strictly Business JUNE 2018

Special Olympics Nebraska Announces New Board Members Special Olympics Nebraska has voted in three new board members: Jake Muhleisen, Luke Paladino and Marc Wisdom.

Jake Muhleisen, vice president, Commercial Loans, has been with Union Bank & Trust for 11 years. He is a graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. He earned a master’s in business administration from Creighton University. He is a member of the Lincoln Young Professionals Group and Beta Gamma Sigma. He has served on the boards of Lincoln Jake Muhleisen Children’s Zoo and Bright Lights.

Luke Paladino is a senior trust officer with NBC Trust Company. He has more than 12 years in trust and estate planning experience. He is a member of the Nebraska Bar Association, Omaha Bar Association, Omaha Estate Planning Council, and Leadership Omaha Alumni. Paladino has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Rockhurst University and a Juris Doctor degree from Creighton University. He has also served on the Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands Board Luke Paladino of Directors.

Marc Wisdom, president of First Westroads Bank, was a member of Leadership Omaha and awarded with recognition as 40-under-40.

He has 18 years of experience in the banking industry and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a master’s in business administration from Creighton University. He has served on the boards of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Board and the Omaha Community Playhouse.

Marc Wisdom Special Olympics Nebraska is a 501(c)3 organization serving the state of Nebraska and is a chapter of Special Olympics International. Learn more at www.sone.org.

PERSONNEL NEWS Stacie Neussendorfer Joins Foster Group Foster Group is pleased to welcome Stacie Neussendorfer, JD, CFP®, CAP® as a lead advisor to its Omaha office. With 18 years of industry experience and a background in law, Neussendorfer works with clients to design financial solutions that reflect their personal values surrounding wealth and the legacy they desire to leave behind.

Reflecting on Neussendorfer’s addition to the team, CEO Buck Olsen commented, “Stacie is a tremendous strategic addition to our growing Omaha team. Along with her great background and technical knowledge, she brings warmth and a passion for ensuring the clients she serves are indeed truly cared for.”

Foster Group (www.fostergrp.com), founded in 1989 and headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, expanded its services to Omaha in 2010. Clients will benefit from strategic wealth planning as Neussendorfer focuses on the tax implications of wealth accumulation and its transfer. With an eye toward complex estate planning, she also will focus on charitable planning, trusts, and estate administration.

An Omaha native, Neussendorfer earned her B.A. in Political Science and Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In addition, she is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and has earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation. She is a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association, the Omaha Estate Planning Council, the Society of Financial Service Professionals, and the Omaha Chartered Advisors in Philanthropy Advisory Board. She also serves on the Executive Leadership Team for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Expo and is a board member of FITGirl, Inc. ®

Introducing Bridge to Better Living’s Newest Transition Consultant Kaylee Chilton Bridge to Better Living is pleased to announce Kaylee Chilton as their newest Omaha area transition consultant. Kaylee’s love for the aging population began at an early age while spending hours of quality time with grandparents. Kaylee often helped them in the barber shop and ice cream parlor they owned in a small Iowa town. Her deep love for both sets of grandparents continued until the time of their passing.

Kaylee’s devotion to seniors is a constant in her life. Using her skills to match passions and talents Kaylee has worked with over 300 volunteers in nine retirement communities in a former career. She authored “Life Story,” a booklet used by volunteers and seniors as a keepsake for families. Kaylee is a hospice volunteer and serves as a guest lecturer for the UNO Gerontology classes. Her life passion is to help aging adults have new experiences and create lasting memories. Kaylee feels it is an honor to help seniors and their loved ones navigate through the difficult research when finding the “right” living option. Kaylee embraces Bridge to Better Living’s mission of “Placement with Passion.”

Bridge to Better Living, at no cost to the client, assists seniors to find the best quality of life when choosing a move to a Senior Living Community; Independent, Assisted, Memory Care or Long-Term Care. Their experts serve Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding areas. Bridge to Better Living is Nebraska owned and was founded in 2010 by Mary Ann Stallings.

Kaylee’s qualities and background are a tremendous asset to the Bridge to Better Living’s consultant team of Robbie Nathan, Jolee Urbanovsky and Margaret Burnham.

For more information or to meet with Kaylee, contact via the website at bridgetobetterliving.com or call (402) 802-3301.

Children’s Scholarship Fund Appoints Brenda Helget as Director of Development Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha (CSF) is pleased to announce that Brenda Helget has been named director of development.

Executive Director Joel Long is very pleased to have Helget join CSF and is confident her professional expertise and knowledge of the community will greatly benefit the organization. Helget is a native Nebraskan and has over 20 years of development experience, most recently at the University of Nebraska Foundation.

Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha believes that all families, regardless of income, should be able to choose the best educational setting for their children. Since founded in 1999, CSF has provided 33,000 partial-tuition scholarships for low-income children totaling $34 million. This year, CSF awarded 1,800 scholarships valued at $2.7 million to students attending over 80 different private and parochial schools.

Learn more about how Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha gives parents a choice and children a chance at www.csfomaha.org or by calling (402) 819-4990.

Nebraska Community Foundation Makes Two Staffing Announcements Nebraska Comm unity Foundation is pleased to make two announcements regarding its growing team of community philanthropy advocates serving Greater Nebraska.

Dena Beck has been hired as the new affiliated fund development coordinator for south-central Nebraska. Beck works from her home office north of Minden, Nebraska, providing technical assistance to Nebraska Community Foundation’s affiliated funds and donors. Beck works with volunteer leaders to build community awareness, conduct successful fundraising efforts and increase community impact t h ro u g h g r a n t m a k i n g a n d c i t i z e n engagement.

Dena Beck

Additionally, Janny Crotty was recently named assistant director of advancement.

In her new role, Crotty works to develop and implement fundraising strategies to support and sustain both Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) and its Janny Crotty network of 219 affiliated funds across the state. As a former affiliated fund development coordinator, Crotty also continues to support NCF’s community development work in southeast Nebraska.

Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, the Foundation serves communities, donors and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education and training to a statewide network of 1,700 volunteers serving 250 communities. Since 1993, NCF has reinvested $292 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business 29

NON-PROFIT NEWS

Tickets Available to Omaha Home for Boys Imagine Our Youth Fundraising Celebration The 2018 Imagine Our Youth Fundraising Celebration is an evening of inspiration and action in support of the youth, young adults and families ser ved by Omaha Home for Boys. The annual Imagine Our Youth Fundraising Celebration will take place at the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District on Thursday, September 6 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Omaha Home for Boys is excited to announce that J.R. Martinez will be this year’s keynote speaker. Martinez is no stranger to adversity. After sustaining a devastating burn injury while serving in the U.S. Army, Martinez’s recovery tested his determination like never before. He persevered to become a star on daytime’s All My Children, a New York Times bestselling author and Dancing with the Stars champion. Martinez will bring his message of resilience, determination and hope to the 2018 Imagine Our Youth Fundraising Celebration.

The Imagine Our Youth Fundraising Celebration will also feature a VIP reception with the opportunity to meet and interact with J.R. Martinez as well as live and silent auctions, social hour, dinner and a program. For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities, individual tickets or tables, please visit www.

OmahaHomeForBoys.org or call (402) 457-7014.

Wheels of Courage Car Show Rolling Into Council Bluffs on June 23 Founded in 2015, the annual “Wheels of Courage” Car Show has become an important event to support the Jennie Edmundson Foundation’s Spirit of Courage Charitable Patient Care Fund.

Car enthusiasts of all ages are invited to join in the fun at this year’s show on Saturday, June 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Quaker Steak & Lube in Council Bluffs.

There are now 14 car categories that are open to the public. This year’s show will be professionally judged and first, second and third place trophies will be presented. The number of car entries grows each year, as do the dollars raised. “The first year, we raised around $10,000, the second year was near $25,000, and last year we were around $30,000, so the event is gaining in support, awareness and participation,” notes Carol Elder, a member of the Planning Committee. “We will also be selling 50/50 raffle tickets every Thursday night during the Car Cruise-In at Quaker Steak & Lube until the event, with half the pot awarded to the winner and half to the Spirit of Courage fund the day-of.”

Proceeds from this event will help to ease the financial burdens of cancer patients in the areas of medications, treatments and deductibles, as well as everyday living expenses. The funds provide much-needed help to hundreds of Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital patients each year.

To get involved, register a vehicle, purchase a sponsorship, t-shirt, or raffle ticket, or bid on silent auction items. For more information, call (712) 396-6040 or visit www.jehfoundation.org/events/wheelsof-courage.

30 Strictly Business JUNE 2018

Strictly Business is Calling All Non-Profits Strictly Business will be featuring a host of local non-profit organizations in our July 2018 issue and we want to help raise awareness for your organization too! As a part of the mission of Strictly Business Magazine, we feel that keeping our readers educated about local non-profit organizations and their unique and important contributions to our community is paramount. This bi-annual feature is an excellent opportunity for non-profits to gain exposure among our readers, as well as for our readers to familiarize themselves with the needs of these organizations and the valuable work that is going on in our community. If you are a non-profit organization serving the Omaha Metro community and are interested in being featured in Strictly Business, please call (402) 466-3330 or email office@ strictlybusinessomaha.com. You may view our past Supporting NonProfits stories at www.strictlybusinessomaha.com.

Midlands Community Foundation Awards Grants Totaling $96,936 Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) has awarded grants totaling $96,936 to 23 non-profit organizations serving Sarpy and Cass counties including: Arts for All, Inc.-$1,500; Assure Women’s Center-$10,028; Autism Action Partnership-$2,500; Bellevue American Legion Post 339-$4,000; Chasers Charities-$1,474; CHI Health Midlands Hospital-$7,000; Christian Heritage Children’s Home-$1,500; Common Fund of the Heartland-$5,000; The Durham Museum-$3,000; Fontenelle Forest-$5,000; Food Bank for the Heartland-$15,000; Housing Foundation for Sarpy County-$4,000; Joslyn Art Museum-$5,000; Lofte Community Theatre-$4,000; Mercy Housing Midwest-$2,000; Omaha Conservatory of Music-$2,500; Omaha Symphony-$2,500; Omaha Zoo Foundation-$6,500; Papillion Area Historical Society-$1,500; Papillion La Vista Community Theatre-$1,750; Project Harmony-$1,000; Tri-City Food Pantry-$7,684; Youth Emergency Services-$2,500.

Pictured (L-R): Front Row - Julie Bear, Midlands Community Foundation Grants Committee Chair; Mary Fraser Meints, Youth Emergency Services; Emily Tonniges, Papillion-LaVista Community Theatre; Nancy Round, Joslyn Art Museum; Judy Mallory, Arts for All, Inc. Middle Row - Patrick Sullivan, Midlands Community Foundation Board President; Carolyn Pospisil, Housing Authority for Sarpy County; Melissa Nelson, Tri-City Food Pantry; Ryan Leichenauer, Fontenelle Forest; Stephanie Dowell, Project Harmony; Michaela Ahrens, Autism Action Partnership; Anne Pope, Lofte Community Theatre; Judi Martin, Common Fund of the Heartland; Joanie Mathis, Omaha Symphony; Diane Knicky, Midlands Community Foundation Director of Operations and Public Relations. Back Row - Tonee Gay, Midlands Community Foundation Executive Director; Don Kiviniemi, Bellevue American Legion Post 339; Garret Cobb, Mercy Housing Midwest; Matt Owen, Chasers Charities; Kelsie Sis-Davis, Omaha Zoo Foundation; Mark Kresl, Omaha Conservatory of Music; Toni Clarke, Assure Women’s Center; Amanda Smith, CHI Health Midlands Hospital; Debbie Allard, Papillion Area Historical Society; Ericka Smicka, Food Bank for the Heartland; Brad Brown, Christian Heritage Children’s Home; Corey Wilson, The Durham Museum.

This is the second of two grant distributions for MCF’s fiscal year. The next grant deadline will be August 1, with funds distributed in October.

MCF places an emphasis on prevention and education, with a strong commitment toward programs benefiting health, art, culture, community, economic development, education, and human services.

NON-PROFIT NEWS

Vision Maker Media Documentaries Highlight Native History and Language

“Stand Up for Kids!” Comedy Night to Support Jefferson House

Two documentaries on PBS this summer highlight the importance of history and language for Native Americans in Minnesota and Alaska. Ohiyesa: The Soul of an Indian follows Kate Beane, a young Dakota woman, who examines the extraordinary life of Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa). Kate traces Eastman’s path—from traditional Dakota boyhood, through education at Dartmouth College, and in later roles as physician, author, lecturer and Native American advocate. Keep Talking features four Alaska Native women fight to save Kodiak Alutiiq, an endangered language now spoken by less than 40 remaining fluent elders. To learn more about Native Stories for Public Broadcasting, visit the Vision Maker Media website at www.visionmakermedia.org.

You are invited to join Heartland Family Service for a night of laughs and fun at the 14th Annual Jefferson House “Stand Up for Kids!” Comedy Night!

The theme for this year’s event is “Where Hope Grows!” and it will be held at the Fremont Golf Club on Friday, August 17.

Kicking off at 6 p.m., the evening will include dinner, silent and live auctions, and live entertainment.

Additionally, the “Spirit of Jefferson House” award will be presented to this year’s recipients, Teresa and Terry Woolridge. Individual tickets are $60, and table sponsorships are $800 for a table of eight. All proceeds will benefit the Heartland Family Service Jefferson House, which provides residential safety to children from birth to age 18.

Tickets may be purchased online at HeartlandFamilyService.org. Please direct any inquiries to Nicole Tromler at (402) 552-7424 / NTromler@ HeartlandFamilyService.org.

Founded in 1875, the mission of Heartland Family Service is to strengthen individuals and families in our community through education, counseling, and support services. Heartland Family Service currently serves more than 52,000 individuals of all ages each year from more than 15 locations in east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Their 50 programs, including the Jefferson House, provide critical human services to the individuals and families who ultimately shape the future of our community.

Help “Hydrate The Homeless” This Summer The streets are getting hotter, which means Open Door Mission is going through its water supply quickly! Can you help them “Hydrate the Homeless” this summer? From now through August 10, grab bottled water and donate at the Timberlake Outreach Center or their other Family/Donation Centers. Additional drop-off locations will be added next month, so be sure to listen for the Hydrate the Homeless media campaign in July for more details as they are announced!

Open Door Mission is committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty in our community by providing basic needs and life-changing programs for the homeless and needy who need them most. Each day, Open Door Mission​’​s campus offers 816 safe, shelter beds to homeless men, women and children and serves more than 2,100 hot, nutritious meals to feed the hungry. They also provide homeless preventative measures every day to more than 1,000 people living in poverty, empowering individuals and families to remain in their own homes and preventing homelessness. Learn more at www.opendoormission.org or contact Open Door Mission at (402) 422-1111 with any inquiries about how you can support their community initiatives this summer.

Grief’s Journey to Host Summer Family Days Grieve to the beat of your own drum at Grief’s Journey’s Family Day - Summer 2018. Families will have the option of attending on Saturday, June 23 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or Sunday, June 24 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Local musician Michael Fitzsimmons will be the special guest performer, leading everyone in an interactive drum circle. All attendees will be able to make their own drum to bring home along with a variety of other music festival inspired activities, which will be the same on both days. The event is designed for those ages 3-18 and their adult caregivers. Participation is free and lunch is provided. Pre-registration is required and space is limited – register online at www.griefsjourney.org.

Since 2001, Grief’s Journey has been a welcoming, safe place where grieving children, teens and adults find hope. As the region’s cornerstone for grief support, Grief’s Journey provides free peer support programs as well as training, education and consultation throughout Nebraska and Iowa. Grief’s Journey relies on charitable contributions, special event income and volunteerism to support its free programs. For more information, contact (402) 502-2773 / info@griefsjourney.org.

Tickets, Sponsorships Now Available for City Sprouts Annual Grow With Us Gala City Sprouts is hosting their annual Grow With Us Gala. The theme of this year’s Gala is “An Afternoon of Culinary Adventure,” featuring live culinary demonstrations by local gourmet chefs, who will prepare signature dishes using City Sprouts fresh produce for a unique dining experience!

This fundraiser dinner supports the City Sprouts Urban Farming Internship, which trains 16 local, underserved youth in farming, culinary arts, practical life skills, education, and public health each summer. The Gala takes place on Sunday, August 26 from 1:30 - 4 p.m. at the Metropolitan Community College Institute for Culinary Arts, located at the Fort Street Campus at 5300 N. 30th Street.

City Sprouts invites community members to attend and participate in the Gala. Tickets will be available at www.omahasprouts.org/gala starting June 1. Businesses are invited to sponsor the Gala at one of four sponsorship levels: Giant Peach ($5,000+), Hot Pepper ($2,500), Cool Cucumber ($1,000), and Sweet Pea ($500). More information about sponsorships will be available at www.omahasprouts.org/ gala, or by emailing Roxanne Draper, executive director at director@ omahasprouts.org.

City Sprouts, a 501c3 nonprofit, is Omaha’s longest-running community garden. Originally founded in 1995, City Sprouts has expanded its facilities from the original community garden to include an education center, an urban farm, a second community garden in South Omaha, and a chicken coop full of laying hens. By providing education on gardening and sustainability, fresh and affordable food, a community gathering space, and employment opportunities, City Sprouts empowers the community to sustainably grow, eat, provide and promote healthy, local foods. Learn more at www.omahasprouts.org.

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business 31

NON-PROFIT NEWS

Registration Underway for 2018 Bland Cares/Angels Among Us Golf Outing

Funds From Fireworks Sales to Benefit Cross Training Center

As you may have already heard, Bland Cares Foundation and Angels Among Us will once again join forces to present the 2018 Bland Cares/ Angels Among Us Golf Outing to benefit local families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. The event, which is held annually, will be at Champions Run Golf Club on Monday, July 9 with an 11 a.m. shotgun start. Only a limited number of teams will be able to participate, so get your team signed up today by going to www.myangelsamongus.ejoinme. org/2018golf.

Congratulations to Cross Training Center for receiving a permit from the City of Omaha to sell fireworks!

Accordingly, Cross Training Center is hard at wor k organizing what is set to be their biggest fundraising event of the year.

This event is staffed by employees of Bland & Associates, PC accounting firm and all money raised is used to help supply funding for families who are struggling due to a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

There are currently several levels of sponsorship opportunities available for other organizations that would like to get involved, including putting green sponsor, corporate sponsors, hole sponsors and more. Those interested may contact Shari Holl at (402) 9340999 / shari@myangelsamongus.org.

Angels Among Us is a Nebraska nonprofit that provides financial support for families needing assistance due to a cancer journey. Any family living-in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply.

Angels Among Us pays bills to creditors on behalf of the family, ensuring that funds go for their intended purpose. More information can be found at www.myangelsamongus.org.

NAWIC Announces 2018 Construction Scholarship Recipients The National Association of Women In Construction ( N AW I C ) i s p ro u d t o recognize the recipients of its 2018 scholarships.

These scholarships are to encourage and assist men and women entering the construction industry by pursuing a college degree or through a registered trade apprenticeship. The 2018 NAWIC scholarship recipients are: Lexi Weisbeck, Construction Management student at South Dakota State University; Kelsey Stithem, Architectural Engineering student at University of Nebraska – Kearney; Samuel Hirsch, Construction Management student at University of Nebraska – Omaha; Brook Boehmer, Construction Management student at University of Nebraska – Omaha; Payton Betzold, Architecture student at University of Nebraska – Omaha; Kolton Smith, Plumbing apprentice at Plumber’s Local 16; Jonathan Gale, Plumbing apprentice at Plumber’s Local 16.

Recipients will receive their award and be recognized at NAWIC’s annual golf outing, to be held at Indian Creek Golf Course on August 21. Partial proceeds from the golf outing, held jointly with CFMA, support industry education programs and scholarships with both organizations.

NAWIC would also like to recognize Patty Vitale with Eyman Plumbing Heating and Air, the organization’s incoming Scholarship Committee Chair.

NAWIC is an international organization of women working in and around the construction industry. Its core purpose is to enhance the success of women in the industry through education, networking, and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.nawicomaha.com or contact Karli Meisinger at (402) 403-8851 / nawicomaha@gmail.com.

32 Strictly Business JUNE 2018

Between June 20 and July 4, Cross Training Center will have a tent located at 72nd & L St., in front of Menards. Volunteers are needed for daytime, evening and weekend hours to help with stocking shelves, cashiering, sacking, customer service, unloading trucks, setting up and tearing down. This is great opportunity to volunteer as a group or individually. Volunteers must be 13 or older unless accompanied by an adult. Get signed up today online at crosstc.com - your help and support is greatly appreciated!

The mission of the Cross Training Center is to equip unemployed, disadvantaged and undereducated men and women with the necessary skills and resources in order to attain employment with a living wage and continue on a career path. The program is specifically designed for those who have chronic barriers to employment due to incarceration, homelessness, gang involvement, substance abuse, challenging mental or emotional disorders or who live in chronic poverty for numerous reasons.

To learn more about the organization or for inquiries about the fireworks sale/fundraiser, visit the website or contact Brenda Banks at (402) 960-9789 / brenda@crosstc.com.

Walk & Run the Park in Support of Parkinson’s Nebraska Get ready and get set to go…LOCAL! Please make plans to join Parkinson’s Nebraska at Elmwood Park on Sunday, September 30 for a beautiful day in the park with the local Parkinson’s community!

The Walk & Run the Park for Parkinson’s event has something for everyone–a 1.25mile loop through Elmwood Park is a great workout (or a leisurely stroll) for walkers, the park setting offers plenty of space for the kids to run around, there will be entertaining performances featuring the Country Kickers America and groups from the local Parkinson’s community, awesome t-shirts, and a delightful picnic brunch sponsored

by Anderson Convenience Market in the beautiful Elmwood Pavilion.

Parkinson’s Nebraska is very excited to be “shaking things up” this year with the addition of a professionally-timed 5K Race, the 1st Annual “Shake-a-Leg 5K!” The organization has teamed up with Peak Performance to offer runners of all ages and abilities a refreshing 5K (3.1 mile) course through scenic Elmwood Park!

You know that the people who bring you the Skate-a-Thon every year know how to throw a great party, and 96.1 KISS FM’s own Montez will show you that they know how to have fun even without ice skates!

As always, all of the funds raised at this event will stay right HERE in Nebraska to support the LOCAL Parkinson’s community!

Registration is open! Get signed up today at runsignup.com/Race/ NE/Omaha/WalkandRuntheParkforParkinsonsNE. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available. Please contact Katrina at walktheparkne@gmail.com for more information. To learn more about the mission of Parkinson’s Nebraska, visit www.parkinsonsnebraska.org.

NON-PROFIT NEWS

Nebraska State Stroke Association Up and Running in New Location

Nebraska Community Blood Bank Receives Spirit of Service Award

After almost 10 years of operating out of St. Elizabeth’s marketing department’s building on 6900 L St., the Nebraska State Stroke Association (NSSA) has moved! Its office is now located in the Barkley Memorial Center on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus, which houses the UNL Barkley Speech Language and Hearing Clinic. As of June 1, NSSA’s new address is 264 Barkley Memorial Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0738. NSSA provides education on stroke prevention and resources for stroke survivors across Nebraska. To find a stroke support group near you, help with a local stroke awareness event, or book a speaker, visit www.NebraskaStroke.org or contact (402) 484-8131 / hello@nebraskastroke.org.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for Civic Engagement Service-Learning Organization recognized Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) as one of its 2018 Spirit of Service recipients.

Award recipients were nominated by members of the community and then evaluated by the servicelearning group. NCBB received two nominations and was selected for its impact in the area of community service-learning.

“Giving blood to save the lives of people in your community is a true testament to someone’s character,” said Ellen DiSalvo, NCBB president. “Not only is donating blood a good thing to do, it’s something that somebody has to step up to do and we are very thankful for the many civic-minded students and community members who support blood donation. When you’re a student, it’s not easy to find time to volunteer regularly or invest in a cause financially. As a Nebraska Community Blood Bank blood donor, in less than an hour you are able to impact someone’s life remarkably.”

NCBB provides lifesaving blood to local hospital partners in seven counties, including Omaha and Lincoln. NCBB is celebrating 50 years this year and is thankful for the many donors and blood drive sponsors who’ve helped reach this milestone. As our communities continue to grow, so does the need for blood. NCBB seeks to partner with more groups each year to continue to meet the need. Help save lives by hosting a blood drive at your organization. Learn more at NCBB. org/host-blood-drive or (402) 486-9427.

Team Registration Open for Cancer Alliance of Nebraska’s Annual Volleyball Tournament On Saturday, July 21, Cancer Alliance of Nebraska (CAN) will host its 3rd Annual “Blockout After Dark” sand volleyball tournament at Sinnotts Sand Bar in Papillion (204 E Lincoln St.). There will be a competitive and a non-competitive bracket with round robin and tournament play.

Six player teams are co-ed and must have at least three girls. Cost is $150/team. Along with tournament play, attendees will enjoy food, drinks and music from DJ JAB. CAN is also currently looking for t-shirt sponsors for the event. For more details on this, along with registration information, email volleyball@ canceralliance-ne.org. You can also find out more on the Facebook event page, “3rd Annual BLOCKOUT AFTER DARK.” All funds raised at this event will go towards cancer research. Cancer Alliance of Nebraska is a nationally-recognized cancer research nonprofit that provides breakthrough treatments to cancer patients through clinical trials in the comfort of their own communities. To learn more, visit cancerallianceofnebraska.org or call (402) 991-8070.

Join Heartland Hope Mission at Open House The Heartland Hope Mission invites you to join them at their South Omaha location (2021 U St.) on Friday, June 8 at 11:30 a.m. for their monthly open house. This is an opportunity to meet CEO Chelsea Salifou, staff, and board members of the Mission. The purpose of this event is to educate local organizations on how to promote job openings and “Good Faith Efforts” in the Omaha community.

Guests will enjoy free lunch, tours, networking, and a chance to learn how your organization can increase community engagement and build your team. All open houses, hosted every second Friday of the month, and are free to attend but RSVP is requested by emailing Renae@ HeartlandHopeMission.org or calling (402) 733-2077 Ext. 11.

Heartland Hope Mission was born out of a church that became overwhelmed with requests for assistance. This year, Heartland Hope Mission is celebrating 15 years of service to the community. Their programs help to promote self-sufficiency by providing employment, resources, and financial classes to those in need. Learn more at heartlandhopemission.org.

Omaha Creative Institute Announces Next Event in Working Artists Wednesday Series Working Artist Wednesdays in June are all about covering your assets. The topic of discussion during the main session will be archives. Why is important to create and maintain an accurate archive of your work? Where do you start and how do you stick with it?

Join Jun Kaneko Studio archivist, Natasha Bishop, on June 6 at 6:30 p.m. in OCI’s new space, located at 1419 South 13th Street, to learn best practices when it comes to getting a handle on knowing exactly where your work has been and where it’s going next.

OCI’s Working Artists Wednesday is a year-round event series, which provides professional development opportunities that focus on learning practical skills, designed to help Omaha area artists cultivate or refresh the professional aspects of their creative practice.

Each month is devoted to one topic. Expert community partners will lead a main learning session, followed by a hands-on, collaborative workshop later in the month. Participants will create robust networks of peers and professional contacts alongside these opportunities to self-evaluate and learn from others’ experiences.

Every session/workshop is free and open to the public. OCI cannot offer childcare services, but parents you are more than welcome to bring your children if childcare is not available to you.

The WAW Series is sponsored in part by the Iowa West Foundation.

For more information, visit www.omahacreativeinstitute.org or contact Peter Fankhauser at (402) 671-0349 / peter@ omahacreativeinstitute.org.

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business 33

NON-PROFIT NEWS RTBS to Host Volunteer Appreciation Event Radio Talking Book Service volunteers are the best! On Wednesday, June 27, Radio Talking Book Service (RTBS) will host a luncheon to thank their volunteers – the dedicated and passionate people who bring the printed word to life for RTBS listeners! The annual Volunteer Appreciation Event will be held at the Immanuel Conference Center, where volunteers who read live, record in studio, or assist with administrative tasks will be honored with an afternoon of entertainment, door prizes, and refreshments.

Betty Deepe, RTBS’s new volunteer coordinator, commented, “Over the past four months, I’ve been overwhelmingly impressed by the longevity and commitment to service of our volunteers. They come in week after week…some, year after year…and make it happen.

They make my job TOO easy!”

Radio Talking Book Service, Nebraska’s Audio Companion, was founded in 1974 and provides diverse, human-voiced print information for individuals with visual or physical disabilities which prevent them from reading. RTBS provides 24/7 programming, both informational and entertaining, from 12 newspapers, 70+ magazines, and books. Programming is delivered to their listeners via various types of preprogramed radios, the Internet, phone apps (TuneIn and Sero), AudioNow and podcasts. Please visit www.RTBS.org for more information: listen live, apply for a radio, volunteer, or donate.

Date Announced for Youth Emergency Services’ 10th Annual Dance for a Chance Save the date! This year, Youth Emergency Services’ 10th Annual Dance for a Chance will take place Friday, August 3.

D a n c e f o r a C h a n c e, presented by C&A Industries, pairs local community leaders with professional instructors to raise needed funds to benefit homeless youth in the Omaha metro area. Dancers will perform a short routine in front of a panel of judges and a crowd of Youth Emergency Services supporters for an incredible night of fun and entertainment.

The event will be held at the Omaha Design Center (1502 Cuming St.), where guests will enjoy heavy appetizers, beverages, a silent auction and plenty of entertainment courtesy of this year’s dancers.

The line-up includes: Rob Corsaro, Physicians Mutual; Shonna Dorsey, AIM Institute; Michele Ernst, First Data; Diana Florescu, UNMC; Nick Huff, hutch; Chris LaCroix, Verdant; Nikita Miles, Aureus Medical; Dominique Morgan, Black & Pink; and Megan Thom, Harry A. Koch Co. Dance for a Chance will raise funds for YES, the only organization in Omaha focused on meeting the needs of homeless and at-risk youth ages 12-21 in our community, offering a full spectrum of care.

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.

Visit www.yesomaha.org/dance to purchase tickets, vote for a dancer, or sponsor the event. Questions? Contact Angela Heim at (402) 3455187 / aheim@yesomaha.org.

34 Strictly Business JUNE 2018

Mark Your Calendars for MAYF’s Summer Bash for Childhood Cancer The Metro Area Youth Foundation, Inc. (MAYF) will host their 12th annual “Summer Bash for Childhood Cancer” on Saturday, August 25 at Embassy Suites La Vista. The theme this year will be “Evening in Paris” and the event will feature a program, dinner, live and silent auctions, and a dessert auction.

Summer Bash, sponsored by the Omaha Metro Area Optimist Clubs, is a local fundraising effort that benefits kids with cancer and their families, the Pediatric Oncology Units at The Nebraska Medical Center and Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, and finally, Camp Quality Heartland and Camp CoHoLo, two area camps for kids with cancer.

In the first 11 years, the Summer Bash for Childhood Cancer raised over half a million dollars for individuals and families fighting cancer in the Omaha area. In 2018, MAYF hopes to achieve even greater success with the help of organizations in the community. It’s this type of generosity that has helped over 100 families in 2017 pay for car repairs, rent, utility bills, purchase medicines, food and gas in order to make the trips to the hospital for treatment.

For information on how to purchase tickets or a table, become a sponsor, or donate auction items, visit www.SummerBashforCCC.org or contact (402) 734-0270 / summerbash@cox.net.

Project Harmony: Summer Safety Includes Technology Safety Summer safety for children goes well beyond sunscreen, swimming, biking, and softball/baseball. With the explosion in communication tools, technology should be included within your summer safety checklist.

Project Harmony would like to remind parents of the risks involved and provide parents with a few safety tips to keep children safe as they engage in social media, explore the internet and text friends this summer.

• Get Tech Savvy. Even if you are not a Facebook fan, become familiar with the tools and social media platforms your kids are using. Follow their activity and know who their connections are.

• Set Limits. When it comes to kids and technology, children require clear boundaries and an understanding of the appropriate use of technology. Parents need to be not only vigilant about their kids’ online behaviors, but also consistent when it comes to enforcing the rules.

• Watch Smart. Use tools to filter movies and programming based on ratings, violence and sexual content.

• Surf Smart. Use tools that restrict access to sites with inappropriate content and monitor whether settings have been changed.

• Be Wireless Smart. Take the phone away at bedtime or install “sleep” functions on the phone so that calls received after a certain hour go directly to voicemail.

• Don’t overshare. The temptation to post pictures from vacations and pool parties will be high and it is a prime time for older teens to review their digital footprint as they begin to think about college applications.

Join Project Harmony on Monday, June 25, at 6 p.m. for the next online safety training session. This course is designed to educate, equip and empower parents, caregivers and educators with the knowledge and resources needed to protect children from online dangers including predators, cyberbullies and threats related to gaming, social networking and mobile devices. Register today at ProjectHarmony.com.

HEALTH NEWS Nebraska Lymphoma Walk Raises More Than $43K

American Heart Association Brings Attention to Adjusted High Blood Pressure Range

The Lymphoma Research Foundation held its 9th annual Nebraska Lymphoma Walk at Mahoney State Park. The walk attracted more than 36 teams and 375 participants and raised nearly $43,000.

Proceeds from the walk will benefit Nebraskans through research grants and patient services. To date, $643,000 has been raised through walk participants and sponsors.

The Lymphoma Walk is a 5K fun-filled, non-competitive event that offers individuals and teams an opportunity to walk to support those whose lives have been touched by lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes. About 450 new cases of lymphoma are diagnosed in Nebraska each year.

It was recently announced that high blood pressure is now defined as readings of 130/80 mm Hg and higher. This is a change from 140/90 mm Hg and higher, reflecting complications that can occur at lower numbers.

OneWorld Presents 2nd Annual ¡Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving!® Event On Saturday, June 30 from 1-5 p.m., OneWorld and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health will present Omaha’s second annual ¡Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving!® event. This free, family-friendly event promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles for all with a focus on Hispanic families. The event will be held in the parking lot on the north side of OneWorld’s Livestock Exchange Building campus (4920 S. 30th St.).

Attendees will have opportunities to try a variety of physical activities, including sports and exercise demonstrations. OneWorld and our community partners will provide free health screenings and health education. Food, music, live entertainment and giveaways will also be included in the day’s activities and attractions. People of all ages are welcome at ¡Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving!®.

To learn more about ¡Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving!® in Omaha, please email Vivian Garcia at vgarcia@oneworldomaha.org or call (402) 502-8875.

NAMI Omaha Announces Upcoming Public Educational Meeting NAMI Omaha is excited to share that their next free Mental Health NAMI Affiliate meeting, open to the public, will be held on Thursday, July 5 from 6 - 8 p.m.

The topic for the July meeting will be “The Stigma and Challenges of Mental Health in the LGBTQ Community.” In this presentation, you will learn about the firsthand experience of a member of the LGBTQ community. Main talking points will include how he manages his mental health in a world where care is inadequate and how he overcomes stigma is still alive both inside and outside the LGBTQ community.

These meetings take place the first Thursday of each month at First United Methodist Church, located at 7020 Cass Street 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.

NAMI Omaha is a local affiliate of The National Alliance on Mental Illness. They provide free support to family and friends who have a loved one living with mental illness through education, literature, workshops, conferences, support groups and more. They also offer support groups to the individuals who have a mental illness.

For information, go to www.naminebraska.org or call (402) 345-8101.

For helpful articles on mental illness, follow on Facebook at www. facebook.com/NAMI/Omaha.

Why does blood pressure matter?

High blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) puts your health and quality of life in danger. Left uncontrolled or undetected, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and more.

Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure it is to have your blood pressure checked. When doing so, accuracy is critical – crossing your legs or even talking can have a significant impact on your blood pressure reading according to the American Heart Association, which identifies seven common errors that can lead to inaccurate blood pressure readings. The other five are having a full bladder, slouching or unsupported back/feet, unsupported arm, wrapping the cuff over clothing, and using a cuff that is too small.

Your best protection is knowledge, management and prevention.

Know your numbers and understand the symptoms and the risk! To learn more about blood pressure, visit heart.org.

Diabetes Education of the Midlands Gears Up for Free Expos Across Nebraska Don’t miss these free events! Diabetes Education of the Midlands is hosting Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Expos throughout Nebraska in 2018. These learning events are designed to help individuals compare products, understand out-of-pocket costs and personalize their diabetes therapy.

Current dates and locations include: Omaha (Diabetes Center of the Midlands, 2910 S. 84th St.) – June 14, August 2, September 6 and November 1 Lincoln (Hampton Inn & Suites, 8343 Husker Cir.) – July 12 and October 11 Grand Island (Quality Inn Conference Center, 7838 Hwy 281) – November 13 Kearney (Ramada Conference Center, 301 Second Ave.) – June 19 What to expect: Doors will open at 6 p.m. for an opportunity to meet with manufacturer representatives, followed by a breakout presentation at 6:15 p.m. where attendees will be given a brief, unbiased overview on all pump and CGM products, along with realistic expectations for pump and CGM therapy.

Who should attend? Anyone considering insulin pump and CGM therapy, along with current users who are interested in upgrading, comparing products or adding to their current therapy are welcome to attend.

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

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business 35

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Eleven Twenty-Three has partnered with Creighton University Athletics to create their men’s basketball gameday videos, posters, programs and season ticket designs for the last 5 years.

Big Ideas That Reach the Masses Is your business or organization creating an experience that connects the consumer to your brand emotionally? At Eleven TwentyThree, a locally owned and operated media and creative group powered by experts adept at masterminding targeted campaigns that deliver results, that’s their specialty, and they’re certainly passionate about it too.

Give us a brief synopsis of what your company does. - Eleven TwentyThree is a full-service creative and media planning agency. It’s not just TV and newspaper anymore. Today’s advertising is segmented and takes a professional team to navigate the gauntlet of options. Campaigns that succeed have creative content that is memorable while strategic, which is then placed in front of the correct audience in strategically selected mediums. While it may sound as easy as 1, 2, 3, advertising correctly and efficiently is very complex. At Eleven Twenty-Three, we have developed a formula that connects brands with their audience, creating engaging customers.

Who are the owners/ important executives? - Eleven Twenty-Three is built on the foundation established by Shana Boyd and Dave Distefano. Dave and Shana, between the two, have worked in almost every business category--healthcare, construction, hospitality, automotive, food service, sports teams, corporate and local franchises, fitness, event planning, clinical research and financial/banking, just to name a few.

What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours? - As an office we are proud of the culture we have created. Each team member contributes different strengths, so as a collective group, we can overcome almost any obstacle. (Oh, and our mascot is an Australian Shepherd that knows how to roll over when you give her the finger, so we have that going for us when we need a little humor to get us through.)

What do you like best about doing business in Omaha? - Omaha is an exciting and growing community that’s consistently listed as one of the best places in the U.S. to live and work. We love working with our clients, of all sizes, and watching them grow right along with the city. Omaha offers exciting opportunities for new partnerships as well. As this area grows, companies and brands are realizing that Omaha is a wonderful place to be. Fortunately, we have a great deal of experience in this market and know how to help them make an impact immediately.

CONSULT

BRAINSTORM

11TwentyThree.com • 402.593.1123 Strictly Business JUNE 2018

HAPPY CLIENTS

What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years? - In our industry, change is around us all the time. One of the biggest changes in the last few years has been the explosion of social media and digital advertising. A few years ago, businesses could approach both as experiments.

Now, it is imperative that both aspects are done correctly, no matter how large or small the campaign. There is no doubt that social media and digital advertising will continue to evolve at a rapid pace. At Eleven Twenty-Three we pride ourselves in always staying two steps ahead and keeping our finger on the pulse of what may be next.

What is the most interesting think about your business that most people don’t know? - One of Eleven Twenty-Three’s most interesting and unknown facts is that even though the agency is only 5 years old, we have decades of experience in the advertising and marketing field. Collectively the Eleven Twenty-Three staff has over 72 years of experience in marketing! We may be young, but we have a lot of experience to utilize in helping our clients grow!

Finally, what has been your most important achievement in business? Our most important achievement in business is two-fold. First, it’s been growing our agency from a meager two-partner shop in 2013 to a full team of committed, enthusiastic individuals who share our vision and passion for our clients. Secondly, the way we’ve seen our clients’ businesses grow as we’ve helped their advertising efforts in media and creative strategy has been rewarding beyond measure. There’s something really gratifying about helping a business owner make sound decisions with their ad dollars and then seeing their brand succeed.

Want to know more about how Eleven Twenty-Three can help you strengthen your brand? Contact the team today at (402) 593-1123 or visit www.11twentythree.com, where you can check out some of the work they’ve done for clients locally and nationwide.

A BRAND CONNECTION AGENCY. CONTACT US TODAY.

36

CREATE

Toast the good life Finest Wines and Beers Fantastic Views Weddings, Corporate Get Aways, Concerts, Friday Night and Sunday Music

Father’s Day

As June 17th draws near, have you found the perfect gift to show your appreciation for the special guys in your life who, in your book, are just the most incredible fathers out there? For those who haven’t, consider the following ideas that you can still swoop up with time to spare.

Whatever he likes to do in his free time, it’s a safe bet that a gift he can use while doing that is a solid choice.

If that includes tackling various projects around the house or working on a free-time project in the shop, be sure to stop by Woodcraft to grab a gift he’ll thoroughly enjoy putting to good use.

Gerry Phelan with Woodcraft first poses the question: “Do you know a dad who makes things with his hands?” If the answer is yes, he goes on to advise, “Whether Dad is garage tinkerer or a master craftsman with a complete workshop, here are some Father’s Day questions you might ask him to help connect with his interests.

Gerry Phelan Woodcraft

How did he come by his skills? Were they passed down from his father or is your dad a self-taught craftsman? Sometimes crafts may have been passed down for generations. I bet you will find some great family stories when you ask those questions.

What is his favorite project? Whether it is a family heirloom or a practical solution to a problem wouldn’t it be good to know what makes him proud? And when you know, you can be sure to honor his accomplishment in the future.

Ask him about his tools – every craftsman has favorite tools that may have been passed down from previous generations or were used to rescue a project at some point. Was he entrusted with special tools by his father? That cherished tool may not be the most expensive or the most beautiful, but it probably has a place of honor in the shop.

Is there a tool in his shop that has a story? It may be about the time it rescued a project or when it was used in an unusual way. Or maybe there is a tool he just reaches for first every time.

If you connect with your dad on his craftsmanship and his tools here are some excellent ways to recognize him on Father’s Day: • If you are looking for a gift for his shop, pay attention when you are asking him the questions above to the thing he is wishing for; ‘If I just had a lathe I could….’

• Make a project for him. Particularly if he passed on his skills to you, he will be pleased and honored to have you put the time and effort into making something special for him.

FIRST PLACE EVERY YEAR! Located 10 minutes South of Omaha SoaringWingsWine.com | 402.253.2479

Quality Tools & Amazing Hardwoods Get into Woodworking with a class!

Call today for information.

402-330-5444 14605 Wright Street Omaha NE • www.Woodcraft.com • Are there grandchildren? Help them make a simple project and start them on the path of learning a craft. It doesn’t have to be complicated – a key holder, a birdhouse, a tie rack, a game. There are numerous books and kits available with suitable projects.

Even better, recognize Dad by making something with him. Your time and attention is the best gift of all. You will both benefit from having him pass along his knowledge and you can both enjoy some quality time together. You can make a project and memories at the same time.”

Finally, he notes, “If your dad is a woodworker, we have the tools, gadgets, and wood that will make his day. But in case you are still stumped, nothing tells Dad ‘It’s OK to spend time in your workshop’ like a gift card from Woodcraft. Then Dad can pick out his own gift at his leisure.”

How about the guy who likes to get away from it all once in a while to kick back, relax and enjoy a cold beer or a refreshing glass of wine? A trip to Soaring Wings Vineyard & Brewing will do the trick nicely, with a nice selection of award-winning wines and craft beers that he can enjoy in a scenic atmosphere by himself or with company.

Or, you could bring the gift of delicious craft beer or wine to him and he can enjoy it at his leisure. Even better yet, since oftentimes we don’t get to spend as much time together as we’d like, as previously mentioned, the gift of an experience is what truly makes for the best memories. Why not take him out for a day spent together bonding while enjoying a few drinks together?

That concludes our 2018 Father’s Day gift guide, chock full of inspiration that will help you with even the most hard to please dads or the dads who seem to have everything already. Just like we remind everyone during the holidays, since this is another big gift-giving holiday, be sure to support our local businesses!

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business

37

Marketing Tip #1

Get into prospects’ minds BEFORE they search!

Get prospects to type YOUR NAME in the search box instead of key words, which means...

Make YOUR NAME the search term!

YOU GET THE

SALE! AND when prospects do search for YOUR NAME they will find all of the great content we help you create!

CALL TODAY & LEARN HOW EASY IT IS!

Get Known In Print, Online, In Person & On Social Media StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com | 402.466.3330 38

Strictly Business JUNE 2018

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS If you’re reading this, there’s a pretty good chance that you’re among the legion of business owners who are actively working to grow their companies and/or professionals who are tasked with business development. While not all businesses have the goal of growth or are investing their resources in it, it’s safe to say that the vast majority do and are. Mirroring that, there are a wealth of resources right here in the Omaha Metro with specific offerings that can help businesses grow. To learn more about exactly how, keep reading!

“No hype, no upsell, no BS; just straightforward technology advice”

Exposure: Are you out in front of potential and current customers? If you aren’t, is referral business alone enough to support the sustained growth of your business?

Although integral to the growth of any business and a common way to generate business, especially here in the Omahaarea community, it’s highly unlikely to be enough on its own.

Making contact with people who have never been exposed to your business before and offering new ways for people who are familiar with you to engage with your brand are both equally important.

Effective marketing not only increases awareness, it educates your target audience about your offerings, provides a value proposition and a call to action, sets you apart from the competition, establishes you as an expert, and adds to your credibility – all things that people are looking for today to help them decide who they want to do business with from among the number of options in any given marketplace, ours included. Depending on your goals, whether it’s branding or a targeted promotion, there are excellent media options to utilize in a campaign that will generate more business, thereby leading to the growth of your business.

Another effective way to get your brand seen, but more specifically while you’re already out and about anyway, is through mobile advertising on vehicles. Whether you have a fleet of service or delivery vehicles, trailers and mobile equipment, or even a personal vehicle that you drive to and from your business, vehicle graphics are a great investment.

Great design can bring great results.

Signage on your storefront is also important for enhanced visibility to passersby. Depending on your location, yard signs, banners, and feather flags may be a good option. If you have large exterior windows, window graphics are a great way to add to the appeal of your store and advertise your products to people passing by.

Similarly, promotional products that display your brand are also excellent ways to get noticed and promote brand recognition, which ultimately drives business and growth.

Technology Made Easy

Adam Walter Chief Information Officer Adam@VirtualC.biz

Andrew Storz Chief Agile Officer Storz@VirtualC.biz

Your Partner for Technology Strategy

Creating Frameworks for More Effective Organizations

Technology is a critical part of every business. However, many organizations fail to align their technology strategy with their business strategy.

Our mission is to help guide your technology strategy & implementation to keep your business optimal.

Technology is an Ocean.

We are Navigators.

Agile is a mindset. Whether you’re an organization looking to gain competitive edge or an Agile organization looking to help with continuous improvement, we can help you realize your full potential.

Agile is an Ocean.

We are Navigators.

Contact us today! Info@VirtualC.Biz | www.VirtualC.Biz JUNE 2018 Strictly Business

39

People: There’s no question that your people are a big part of the success, or failure, of any business. Do you have enough people in place to support growth? Even more important, do you have the right people?

Talent acquisition and retention are a big deal right now with competition being fierce due to a labor shortage in many industries. With historically low unemployment rates, you need to know where to find the right people, and then be ready and willing to do what it takes to seal the deal.

Brad Jones MyStaff, Inc.

“Unemployment is at an extraordinary low,” advises Brad Jones with MyStaff, Inc. “Qualified job seekers are presently receiving multiple offers and are often less willing to consider temporary or temp-to-hire employment options. We are finding that more employers are utilizing our Direct Hire services to recruit talent into their organization.

Our team can help employers find and obtain skilled professionals who might not be actively looking for a new position.

We strongly encourage employers to move quickly. If the first candidate you interview knocks your socks off, HIRE THEM before another company makes them an offer. Don’t feel like you need to interview three comparison candidates. Likewise, be prepared to pay competitive wages. We are experiencing counteroffers, sign-on bonuses and higher wages in this economy.

40

Strictly Business JUNE 2018

At MyStaff, Inc., we can relate to the challenges our current economy presents for employers as staffing in Omaha can be a crowded industry. Companies and job seekers have many options when selecting a recruiting service too. Like many industries, I think internal employees make all the difference. I’ve always heard that ‘people work with people, people don’t work with companies.’ So we’ve made it our goal to hire likable industry experts who know how to build and maintain relationships. We want MyStaff to have a great name in town but more importantly, we want our team members to have individually built a reputation of integrity and success.”

On that note, Jones concludes, “The MyStaff team works to connect talented job seekers with attractive employment opportunities. Many of our clients are small business owners who don’t have time or access to the resources necessary to seek out talent. We are able to present high-potential employees to help businesses grow and achieve objectives. Rather than hire a fulltime HR person and/or pay for costly job boards, MyStaff can simplify the hiring process and find qualified applicants quickly and efficiently.”

Developing the people you have in place, from the owners and leadership team to the employees, is another important part of growth as it keeps you moving forward and collectively working toward achieving your goals. You may not think you have time or it’s needed, but professional coaching and/or mentoring can be invaluable to a business owner or manager who is responsible for leading his/her business to successful outcomes.

“As a leadership/executive coach, my role is to help clients grow their companies,” notes Dan Weber with Peak Pathways.

“What we focus on is growing the capability of the workforce from the leader on down through the entire organization. Our

foundational belief is that a company cannot grow any faster than the people in it grow. The leadership team ideally models that commitment to personal and professional growth with both words and actions.

At Peak Pathways, we customize our solutions in every situation, whether it is leadership coaching, career transition coaching, team coaching, or employee hiring and development. We think of Dan Weber coaching as just-in-time training; if the Peak Pathways time a client spends with us seems like an incremental commitment of their time, we are talking about the wrong things. Our conversations focus on what happened in the last week or what is challenging them in the week ahead.”

Tying everything together, he emphasizes, “Growing a business means getting more results. The simple formula we get clients to focus on is capability multiplied by action equals results.

Developing capability is commonly done through professional development, technology, production capacity or adding staff.

Increasing action, however, can many times have the most impact. Leaders who understand people and help them feel better about themselves as well as fare better can exponentially increase action. When everyone is engaged and each team member knows they make important contributions to helping the entire team win the growth is bound to happen.”

Technology: How are you currently utilizing technology? What’s out there that you haven’t tapped into yet? Today there are so many ways that technology can be leveraged to power business growth.

employees productive and customers happy. Working with Cox Business account teams solutions are designed for your business knowing that one size and speed does not fit all.

Technology investments can and should save money and help grow your business. Get help from experts who take the time to understand your business, and provide and manage the services that are right for you.”

As a business grows, so do the demands upon their technology.

It is at this point that small nuances can become major problems.

Worse yet, the technology that is serving your business needs fine today can, and often does, hinder your business as it grows. This can be avoided, if you have a trusted partner who will explain these things to you, in a way that you understand.

Technology does not have to be a thing that only the experts understand.

Also, sometimes it’s the little things that can be the most impactful, particularly for small businesses with limited resources. Take for example something as simple as Google’s G Suite. It’s perceived to be more professional and there’s a higher trust and credibility factor with an email that uses your domain name as opposed to @gmail.com or @yahoo.com. You can also take advantage of improved email security, a full suite of productivity apps, and accessibility from anywhere on any device.

When you think of technology, what first comes to mind is usually devices - computers, tablets, smartphones – and software/ applications. But having a technology strategy, and planning thoughtfully for how you’ll use these things to grow your business, is just as important as the things themselves.

“The purpose of Virtual C is to help companies navigate the business ocean,” says Adam Walter with Virtual C. “The

First and foremost, with the Internet of Things (IoT) and use of devices and sophisticated platforms to conduct business across all industries in the place of business and outside of it, you need to have the infrastructure and connectivity to support your operations.

“We are in a period of incredible technological change that significantly impacts all businesses,” explains Deena Hamilton with Cox Business. “In a hyper-connected world, businesses must ensure they have the mobility, bandwidth, and security to manage their businesses and satisfy customer needs in a competitive environment. This often requires technological investments – and the knowledge of where and how to invest. We increasingly see business Deena Hamilton owners and managers become more Cox Business comfortable turning to others for help.

They value the expertise a trusted advisor can provide and understand it can be more cost-effective to leverage business services providers to stay current with evolving technologies rather than hiring internal resources.

Cox Business is a full-service provider specializing in voice, data, video and security solutions that scale to meet the needs of any size business. We offer a hosted phone system rich in feature functionality that allows team members to work remotely while appearing to be ‘in the office.’ With user controls accessible from any internet connection, this solution is instrumental in business continuity and disaster recovery plans to protect business operations. The need for secure, fast connectivity isn’t a new trend, but it continues to require active network management. Businesses need the bandwidth to keep JUNE 2018 Strictly Business

41

advantage of working with us is that you no longer have to think about technology strategy. You can focus on business strategy and product development knowing that you have a partner guiding your technology and staff to better solutions.

Specifically, we are currently focusing on technology growth. Companies tend to get stuck relying on a product or single vendor to make technology decisions.

Adam Walter Our company comes in with unbiased Virtual C advice to help your company scale.

Sometimes this means coaching services for your management staff, sometimes it means a review of your company’s strategy.

We work with a variety of businesses from small non-profits to large fortune 500 companies. At Virtual C we are not interested in forcing you to buy more technology; we are interested in helping your business grow.”

He also sheds light on another common pitfall. “So often we see experienced people who are working in silos. They know how to do their job and try to show up with the wow factor in hand. Our company encourages an iterative approach to involve the customers throughout the process to get continuous feedback. By doing so, a customer doesn’t ever experience radio silence; they instead get to see the inner workings of the business as the product is delivered. My advice is to stop hiding things from employees and customers and start sharing as much as is possible. Utilize technology that increases communication in a seamless way.”

In response to the question about any current trends and new resources or concepts that would be particularly useful in

A Company Can’t Grow Any Faster Than The People In It Grow

Leadership/Executive Coaching helps leaders to personally grow in areas important to business results.

Career Transition Coaching emphasizes accelerating success for leaders facing new roles and responsibilities.

Team Coaching is working with staff members at various levels to reach new heights of productivity and personal satisfaction.

Team Selection & Development creates strategic plans and routines to hire and develop the right person for every job.

Contact us today! 402.203.9004 PeakPathways.com | Info@PeakPathways.com

42

Strictly Business JUNE 2018

growing a business, Walter articulates, “Being in the technology consulting industry we get asked this question a lot. Everyone wants to know what the latest and greatest technology is that they should be using. Our advice is to stop thinking about technology and start thinking about what will empower your people.

A good example is PowerPoint. The business world is obsessed with PowerPoint slides. But WHY? Researc h shows that PowerPoint is ineffective at disseminating information yet we can’t get businesses to stop requiring it for every meeting. You are much better served with a whiteboard and marker!

Ok, getting off my soapbox now. But the trend is technology minimalism. Technology should be seamless; it should fit naturally into your business flow. It should take what you already do well and make it easier. Investigate agile frameworks and bring this into your company so that when you need to scale or evolve you can.”

Tying everything together, he emphasizes, “The single most important thing you can do while you’re in the process of growth is to evolve. Don’t get into the mindset of ‘this is our product’; instead, spend more time on ‘this is who we are’ and create workflow that fits that. Apple is not an iPod company, they are a culture. What kind of culture is your company, who are you?”

Location(s): Growth can mean a number of things when it comes to the space where you conduct business. When you think of the future of your business, would growth require more space? A better location? More locations? It could mean adding another location, whether you’re building it from the ground up or finding the ideal space that’s move-in ready. It could mean moving operations out of your basement or garage into a physical storefront or office location. It could mean outgrowing your current location and making the move to a larger space that better fits your needs and supports expanded operations.

Whatever that may be for you, there are plenty of options to consider.

As far as office space goes, coworking spaces have become popular for SMBs. Similarly, leasing space in a building that has numerous business suites still remains a popular option.

This is mainly due to being more affordable and having more flexibility with lease terms, but it’s also nice to be in a community environment with neighboring businesses. Today, there are even office suites available that have additional services tailored to business clients, where tenants have access to resources such as an attractive reception area and receptionist services, all utilities paid, phone system, free parking, mail pick-up, janitorial services, complimentary coffee, use of a conference room, break room facilities, or the option to just have a virtual office instead.

As we get more mobile, our habits are changing and agility has become fundamental to growth. There’s been a shift away from working at home or in coffee shops to designated spaces to conduct business that promotes creativity and the exchange of ideas with others, which has also been shown to increase productivity. As a result, there are more ‘middle of the road’ options for office space that fall between the two extremes of working from home or having a standalone place of business and singlehandedly shouldering all of the costs that come along with it.

Commercial developments in high-traffic, high-visibility locations have also become much more common today for similar reasons.

Being a part of a neighborhood of complementary businesses helps generate more traffic and business for everyone.

Development: Developing strategic partnerships within the community or communities in which you do business will contribute greatly to the growth of your business and gives you the opportunity to help others grow theirs at the same time. Do you have a support system in place? If not, you definitely should – the saying “no man is an island” rings true here.

Another way to go about growing is through strategic acquisitions, which is also complementary in nature.

Jethro Hopkins No Coast Business Advisors

“At No Coast Business Advisors, we come alongside our clients to help develop a growth strategy that works for them,” says Jethro Hopkins with No Coast Business Advisors. “Primarily, we assist our clients with their expansion efforts through strategic acquisition. In certain instances it may make more sense for you to purchase a business that complements your current one, allowing you to diversify and expand your market share.

This might even be in a neighboring market, as strategic growth is no longer limited to local availability. When you’ve reached the point where you’re no longer looking for customers locally, strategic acquisition in other markets is an extremely viable alternative to building up your existing operations.

Upward trends all point to the fact that the opportunity is there.

Do be aware of the changes to the tax code in 2018 that affect how acquisitions can be done, because what you think you know from past experience or research may no longer be the case. Or, if you’re considering an SBA avenue of funding, they have changed their standards, so definitely schedule a time to sit down with your banker or intermediary to discuss what’s recently been implemented.

Whatever the situation, to best handle any matters related to the growth of your business, rely on your team of experts to advise and guide you through uncharted territory. This way you can discuss your specific scenario and how something applies to you, not just in general. Consult with them early and often to ensure you stay on the right track and nothing major catches you off-guard.”

Also on the topic of strategic growth, he further advises, “We can also help our clients to identify avenues of marketing to bring in more clients and other ways to generate more business.

Technology has made the market increasingly more diverse and far-reaching. In turn, our ability to handle having clients and operations in multiple states is getting easier. With respect to my business, the ability to search for buyers for my clients’ businesses nationwide instead of just locally is improving as technology advances, which is at a rapid pace. This applies almost across the board to any business.

As was previously mentioned, be sure to utilize the technology that’s available to you as you put the work in to grow your business. Even something as simple as shipping to clients, opening an online storefront, using video conferencing to do business with clients – there’s a lot of organic growth opportunity. That said, don’t underestimate the importance of face-to-face interaction and customer service when you do grow using technology.

Many times when a growth campaign is implemented, the costs exceed what was originally budgeted. Expect that going in and plan a cushion accordingly in order to avoid launching your

PAYROLL MADE EASY Competitive Pricing

• We value transparency • We offer all-inclusive payroll services pricing • No extra fees and no hidden costs • Your rate is locked in for three years

Single Point of Contact

Call Joan today!

• No phone trees • Exceptional customer support • A consultant who knows you & your business • Single-point-of-contact approach

402-850-5384 • www.heartland.us initiative and then being undercapitalized.

If you’re unable to take advantage of the opportunities that are generated by your investment, there’s no point in putting yourself in that position. It could actually end up doing more harm than good if you’re not prepared to handle the growth in a way that doesn’t detract from your brand or compromise it.

Many owners of SMBs are already in uncharted territory and don’t have the experience to handle a growth spurt gracefully.

Having the resources available to act when it’s necessary goes a long way in supporting positive outcomes as you navigate the learning curve that comes along with growth.

For the same reason, when you’re in growth mode, strategic partnerships will help you a lot. By forming alliances, you can help each other – we can all do more together than we can alone and each has our own experiences to share.”

So, the final question is: What is it that you need to facilitate the growth of your business or organization? Finding the answer, whether it’s simple or complex, is critical to connecting to the resources that can help you make it happen. Then, once you’ve identified them, be sure to use them to your advantage!

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business

43

Senior Health Helping You Choose A Retirement Community Independent Assisted  Memory Assisted  Long Term Care  

Serving Omaha, Lincoln and Surrounding Areas

BRIDGE to BETTER LIVING

Services at NO COST to the Client

402.802.3301 bridgetobetterliving.com

402.493.5807 | 12606 W. Dodge Road | RemingtonHeightsRetirement.com

ElderCare Resource Handbook The Handbook is an all-inclusive listing of services, programs and other resources available for the aging.

• Government • Financial • Legal • Medical Services

44

• Therapies • Home Health Care • Living Options • Transportation

• Food Programs • Resources • Elder Moving • Funeral Arranging

Purchase Your Copy Today!

OmahaHandbook.com Strictly Business JUNE 2018

What it takes to be in good health changes as we age, a process that is different for us all. In our senior years, just as in our childhood, teens and throughout adulthood, there are things that we can do to set ourselves up for the best outcome, whether it’s maintaining or improving our health and overall wellness. {Do You Know?} Your Options & Resources Here in the Omaha Metro, we have an abundance of resources for the aging population, who are valued members of our community.

It’s all a matter of knowing who to contact based on what’s needed, and then what the next step should be moving forward.

There’s no better place to find resources locally than in Care Consultants for the Aging’s ElderCare Resource Handbook.

Updated every two years, there are separate editions for here in the Omaha Metro and its neighboring city, Lincoln.

They are divided into five tabbed sections, listing options for “Government, Financial & Legal,” “Medical Support,” “Home Health Care & Support Services,” “Living Options,” and “Senior Services.” Kyle Johnson with Care Consultants for the Aging notes, “By Kyle Johnson understanding the services, resources, and Care Consultants options which are available locally, we for the Aging hope seniors and their families can make informed decisions which have the potential to enhance their quality of life and independence.” You can stop by and pick up the ElderCare Resource Handbook at your local office (7701 Pacific St., Omaha, NE 68114), send a check or money order or use a credit card over the phone to have one mailed to you, or log on to www.careconsultants.com and click on the “Resource Handbook” tab to view for free or pay through PayPal. Care Consultants for the Aging also serves as a home care registry, referring qualified, screened caregivers to the elderly. Johnson adds, “Seniors have options, and we can help point the way.”

There are many instances when in-home care would be beneficial for seniors to utilize. For example, falls are one of the most common sources of injury among seniors. According to the National Council on Aging, one in four Americans age 65 and older falls every year, and falls are the number one cause of injury-related death for older adults. Following a fall (or any other accident or illness) when a senior is being discharged from the hospital, outpatient surgery center, or rehabilitation facility, an in-home care provider can prepare a safe home environment and set up post-hospitalization care in the senior’s residence to provide whatever is needed for a speedy recovery.

Let’s say you have to undergo a medical procedure and/or recovery process that requires hospitalization or a temporary stay in a rehabilitation or skilled care facility. When it’s time to go home,

you’ll likely have discharge plans and instructions that will need to be followed closely for a period of weeks or months, including dietary restrictions, fluid intake, medication, stretching and/or exercises to perform, regular check-ups, and so on.

While between you and your family you may be apt to handle those things, for some seniors, it can be difficult to manage. However, not following this protocol can have dire consequences. That being the case, it could prove to be incredibly beneficial to bring on an in-home skilled care provider.

“At Home Nursing With Heart, we manage the critical process of the patient’s transition from the hospital or rehabilitation facility back to the home, and then the continuation of skilled care services in the home as he/she recovers,” advises Jim Laughlin with Home Nursing With Heart. “When someone is being discharged from a facility and released to go home, oftentimes they will need continued skilled nursing and/or therapy services there. That individual can simply tell their social worker or doctor Jim Laughlin they want to use Home Nursing With Heart Home Nursing With Heart and the rest will be taken care of from that point on.

With a full transition process in place, we ensure all communication, instruction, and recommended skilled services from the discharging facility are relayed, reinforced, and carried out as directed when the patient returns home. Our mission is to make the transition seamless for all parties involved, continuing skilled nursing and/ or therapy services in the home and remaining in constant contact with the patient’s physician.

Doctor’s offices and hospitals are very busy places, so when a physician sends someone home on new medications, sometimes there’s little or no education on how and when to properly take them. Furthermore, when there’s several, it can get confusing and be difficult to remember everything you’re supposed to be doing.

That can present even more of a challenge for seniors, particularly those with mobility or memory issues. Our skilled care nursing team spends a good amount of time handling medication reconciliation to ensure what the doctor’s office, the patient, and the pharmacy have directed all match. Then we help the patient understand their meds, as well as how and when to take them, and can even schedule visits to administer them as directed.

That’s just one of the many instances when our services would be beneficial for seniors to utilize. Home Nursing With Heart has a very informative website in terms of outlining what different services include and why you’d use them. We have medical social workers on staff who are well educated on all of the resources available and we routinely match patient needs with these resources. I also recommend a visit to the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging website at www.enoa.org to see a very thorough list of services available to seniors that you may not know about and are very helpful. As far as having the finances to cover the care and support services you may need, I always recommend the family get together and understand what insurances policies are held and where they can be utilized in the future. The key ones to look at are long-term insurance policies, Medicare, Medicaid, and any other insurance plan you’ve paid for that can help.”

A local resource with an abundance of offerings, the Douglas County Health Center has proudly served as a resource for many seniors in the Omaha area for over 100 years and continues to be a leader in healthcare in our community. It is nestled in the Historical Field Club neighborhood, centered between two of Nebraska’s best-known hospitals and national leaders in acute care, the Nebraska Medical Center and the Omaha Veterans Medical Center.

Whether your health-related needs are temporary or permanent, Douglas County Health Center provides excellent options for

Experience the Future of Nursing Care Today!

Hillcrest Country Estates Cottages Freestanding skilled nursing households

(402) 885-7000

6082 Grand Lodge Ave, Papillion Take a virtual tour at hillcresthealth.com

both short-term post-acute rehabilitation and long-term care, with RN coverage 24/7 and deluxe private and semi-private suites. This includes memory support care; occupational, physical, respiratory and speech therapy; IV infusion therapy; orthopedic rehabilitation; prosthetic rehabilitation therapy; cardiac and respiratory rehabilitation; post-acute surgical recovery care; chronic disease and pain management; post-dialysis care; ostomy care and education; and additional on-site healthcare services, including podiatry, vision, and geriatric psychiatry. Admissions are accepted 7 days a week, including patients with Medicare and Medicaid.

Patients and residents have access to regular scheduled on-site physician visits and there is also an on-site pharmacy and dietician on staff who is available for nutritional consultations. If something is needed outside offsite, transportation is available. When it comes time for discharge, there is planning and coordination done to ensure the proper steps are taken once the patient returns home.

All of our local resources, many of which do have similar offerings, are also unique and have their distinct differences. These might be a big deal to you or may end up being minor in nature, but will impact your decision all the same. Be sure to learn more about the ones you’re considering so you can be confident that it’s what’s best for you personally and for your family. {Do You Know?} Your Future Plans The importance of open dialogue when making plans for the future, in the event of an emergency or just to be sure that a person is keeping up with what’s needed to stay healthy and happy, is not to be underestimated. According to Mary Ann Stallings with Bridge to Better Living, a service working primarily with seniors and their families, “We have always felt when someone begins to wonder about senior living options it is time to open the conversation and take the ‘first step.’ If one Mary Ann Stallings waits and a medical crisis occurs, Bridge Bridge to Better Living to Better Living is available to help but realistically there are more choices when planning ahead. Bridge to Better Living’s staff is well-versed in the healthcare field and understands the importance of researching options and making informed decisions. There is no cost to the client when working with our experts. BBL believes in Passion with Placement and a good quality of life.

It is very difficult to move from a home lived in for decades. A living change combined with downsizing often affects health mentally and/or physically. Depression may occur when a senior considers leaving a familiar environment. Seniors, even when they realize a change in living style is needed, may not be in a rush to make a decision. A third party such as BBL is helpful in opening difficult conversations and pointing out the positives. Bridge to Better Living easily converses with families and clients about changes brought on JUNE 2018 Strictly Business 45

by aging and the choices to be considered both present and future.

We recognize the importance of having support both medically, emotionally and avoiding social isolation. Quality of life is a longstanding priority.

members and spouses struggle to find care and rush to make preparations that could’ve been done far in advance. This is the best way to respect the wishes of the senior. They can contact us at Hillcrest and we can help.

Retirement living options should be approached in a positive manner. Bridge to Better Living will take as much time as is needed to discuss the differences of amenities and services in each type of community: Independent, Assisted, Memory Assisted and Skilled Care. If a client is needing time to acclimate to changes, we work with their schedule.

Hillcrest Health Services has the widest continuum of services for aging adults in Eastern Nebraska. We have almost everything seniors may need, from independent living to assisted living, nursing care, and post-acute rehab, to home care, hospice, in-home personal care, and even outpatient therapy and adult day services. With so many options, we often find it helpful to simply have aging adults or their caregivers to call us at (402) 682-4800 and have a conversation about their needs. We likely have some way to help. And if we don’t, we can make a referral to an organization that can.”

The only certainty in life is change. Everyone, not only seniors, should plan to have their finances secure. It is important to know if insurance will pay for medical care either at home or in a community.

Nutrition and exercise are not thoughts for another day. They make significant differences in the life we hope to live.

Bridge to Better Living encourages everyone, especially seniors, to take advantage of the free classes offered in the community to improve health and to increase awareness of resources to live a good life. At Bridge to Better Living the consultants have ‘walked the walk’ and have extensive backgrounds in health, home care, medical oversight, administration and an abundance of resources in legal, financial and senior services. There are no boundaries where quality of life is concerned.”

In agreement, Jim Janicki with Hillcrest Health Services further emphasizes, “We can’t stress planning enough. Aging adults should take time to visit various care facilities, work closely with their financial planners and make a living will and estate plan with their elder law attorney.

Jim Janicki If preparations aren’t in place when an Hillcrest Health Services unexpected health event occurs, then family

Serving Our Community For Over 125 Years

DOUGLAS COUNTY health center

Specializing in: • Long Term Care • Short Term Rehabilitation • Memory Care

Quality of Care Five Star Rating by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

402-444-7000 | 4102 Woolworth Ave., Omaha 46

Strictly Business JUNE 2018

He also brings attention to the importance of staying active, noting, “Often aging adults who aren’t very active think it’s too late to begin exercising. Well, it’s never too late to begin exercising. Staying active and moving around are the keys to successful aging, both mentally and physically. Hillcrest Physical Therapy can provide seniors with their annual wellness assessment that is completely covered by Medicare. This assessment can help seniors know what they need to do to stay healthy and fit, and may even identify some potential needs for therapy to help improve their mobility. Contact HPT at (402) 682-4210 to schedule a covered appointment.” {Do You Know?} The Warning Signs Along with taking preventative measures to stay healthy, it’s also important to be aware of the cues your body will give you to alert you something is wrong. Ignoring them or hoping they will pass could be to your detriment. The same goes for paying attention to your loved ones and noticing any changes in their health and wellness.

If you notice any of the following situations, don’t ignore them.

Instead, call someone who can offer guidance and help.

1. Frailty and/or arthritis 2. Visual impairment or macular degeneration 3. Confusion and/or forgetfulness 4. Hesitation or inability to drive 5. No desire to cook, fresh food has been replaced with processed and TV dinners 6. Loneliness 7. Difficulty with housekeeping 8. Instability and/or fear of falling 9. Needing help with medications 10. Change in cognitive abilities There will be many different kinds of changes in life linked to health and wellbeing that are all a part of growing older. This, in turn, will impact one of the biggest decisions a person will face--when and where to move from their homes to independent or assisted living communities. There are a lot of factors at play and everyone’s journey is different. For some, it’s a better fit to move in with children, siblings or other relatives, or to utilize the services of an in-home care provider. For others, the transition to an apartment in a retirement community makes more sense. Both have their benefits and perhaps some drawbacks, so it’s important to weigh your options thoughtfully.

Now that our local experts have given you plenty of information on a wide variety of topics to digest, it’s up to you to make the most of it, whether that’s doing what’s in your best interest to stay healthy and happy as you age or supporting your loved ones as they age. Since health is inextricably linked to quality of life, being in good health throughout one’s golden years is the key to fully enjoying them!

Commercial Remodeling We’re all familiar with the significant uptick in construction this time of year, with new buildings going up all over the city. Of course, who could miss all of the dreaded “Road Closed” and “Road Work Ahead” signs either? Not as visible unless you get to see the before and after, it’s also a great time to take on a remodeling project. In yet another installment of our annual two-part series, this month we’ll be covering commercial remodeling projects, and then next month, we’ll focus on residential remodeling projects.

So, you’ve taken stock of your surroundings it’s time for some improvements to your place of business. Commercial remodeling projects run the gamut from replacing the flooring or repainting the walls to completely gutting a building or a new build-out. It could be focused on the interior, exterior storefront and property improvements, or both. There are of course the design elements that you can see, but also equipment and systems that you don’t see that play a starring role in the building functioning properly behind the scenes and may be due for an upgrade. Some projects involve restoration, such as the renovation of historical buildings, which have been quite common in recent years in areas all around the metropolitan area.

Project Phases Your project will go through certain phases, during which time specific processes will take place. In the traditional project management model, this includes: Initiation: Exploration of an idea with the goal of examining the feasibility of the project.

Definition: Requirements associated with the project result are specified as clearly as possible, including identifying expectations of all parties.

Design: One or more designs are developed, which is/are used to choose the definitive design that will be produced.

Development: Everything needed to implement the project is arranged and in place.

Yesterday, Today &

Tomorrow

Kingery construction co. is there

Implementation: Just like it sounds, the construction process.

Follow-up: Anything else that needs to be arranged to bring the project to completion, such as arranging a maintenance schedule or even hosting a grand (re)opening party!

As you go through the various phases, Rod Berens with Kingery Construction offers the following advice: “When planning, you’ll be carefully considering the intended use(s) of your space and based on those specifics, how you’ll be enhancing or repurposing it. At the same time, incorporating features into the overall design that allow for flexibility, or flex space, is advised in modern workspaces.

For example, there are a lot of really nice Rod Berens portable partitions/walls on the market Kingery Construction today that allow you to reconfigure your space. That being the case, you could knock out the walls to open the space up, but you’d still have the option to section it off later if you choose without undergoing construction again.

For larger-scale projects, having an architect and a general contractor on board from the beginning is advised. By applying the expertise of both, you’ll be able to fully explore the possibilities from the two different perspectives. This way, you’ll end up with plans that have great design elements on the creative side but that have also undergone an edit process to eliminate anything that is problematic

Harper Schramm Smith - 1966

Apple roofing - 2016

Stolley Park Elementary - Fall 2018

Kingery Construction Co. has built a wide variety of projects for educational entities, hospitals, churches, commercial, governmental, industrial and private projects over the last 94 years.

Our management team can oversee any construction project your planning. Are you in need of a restoration, tenant improvement, an addition or the construction of a new facility? Kingery Construction Co. will deliver. Our promise is to complete your project on time and budget while meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations.

Dedicated to Quality Since 1924 201 N. 46th Street Lincoln, NE 68503 402.465.4400 www.kccobuilders.com

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business

47

from a production standpoint, which helps to minimize redesign costs. As far as referrals for both, don’t just go with whichever one is recommended. Instead, do your research on that one and a few others, check out their past work, talk to them to get a feel for how it would be working with them over a lengthy period of time, and decide for yourself.

Remodel work can be a lot more difficult than new construction because there are a lot of unknowns when you get into the project. We enjoy that challenge and have found that to be one of our specialties.

With a portfolio of work that includes a wide variety of projects, we’ve got a lot of expertise to offer. Furthermore, our average length of employment is 18 years, and close to 25 years in certain industries, so we are fortunate to have seasoned professionals with a great deal of experience on our team. This has allowed us to take on some very difficult projects over the years. Right now, we’re involved in a lot of large-scale projects that involve building additions. No matter what your project entails, my advice is to work with someone who has experience and demonstrated success with similar projects.

Many contractors have niches or tend to gravitate towards certain projects, whether it’s government, schools, restaurants, retail, historic buildings, etc. In order to avoid a scenario where your contractor is trying to figure things out as they go, it’s ideal to select a company that’s done the type of project you’re looking to do before, and the more times, the better.”

In closing, he particularly stresses, “Make sure you have a good set of working plans and specifications to avoid delays and additional costs. Also, exercise caution when attempting to cut corners or skimp on things to save money in the planning stages. Oftentimes in doing so, you’ll just end up spending a lot more later on down the line. It could be during the process when you have to make changes, which may involve different products that require lead time to order and receive, holding everything up in the process. Or, it could be afterward when wear and tear requires replacement earlier than it would with a higher quality product, and you might have to go through

48

Strictly Business JUNE 2018

the construction process all over again that could involve downtime for your business. Get a good set of plans and specs, involve your contractor in the planning process, and make the important decisions early on so that everything goes as smoothly as possible and you get exactly what you want out of the finished product.”

Getting bids to decide who to select for a project based on cost is common, and it’s wise to exercise caution with that process as well.

While very important, project cost is not always the best method of determining which contractor or subcontractor to choose. What may seem like a great deal or a low price upfront may actually turn out to be a costly long-term decision. It’s a professional’s experience and attention to detail that will ultimately give you more “bang for your buck” on the project over time. It’s highly recommended to work with a “known entity.” This is someone who has a proven track record, has an excellent rating with the Better Business Bureau, and can provide references that you are welcome to contact. Companies that are confident in their work and living up to the expectations of their customers will be transparent and up-front about the details during the planning stages, will follow-through with their performance on the job, and will stand by their work afterward.

There are also different construction delivery methods to consider. “Understanding the variations in construction delivery methods is extremely important before selecting one for a construction project,” advises Justin Kurtzer with Cheever Construction. “While there are many different types of delivery methods, the three most often utilized include Design-Bid-Build, Construction Management with variations, and Design Build. Selecting the correct delivery method can have a direct impact on the outcome of the project.

Numerous items will factor into your decision, including size of the project, complexity of

Justin Kurtzer Cheever Construction

the project, project type, and overall delivery schedule.”

Decisions, Decisions Back to the topic of budget, depending on the constraints that are present, it can often be tough to choose which upgrades should be made first and which can wait. By looking at the big picture, it will help you make those decisions based on investing in projects with the most justifiable returns.

402-512-5899 402-512-5899

While oftentimes a significant investment upfront, increased energy efficiency is a common theme of contemporary upgrades being made to commercial spaces because of its distinct benefits. From lighting solutions to building automation technology, there’s a lot of potential here.

“By far, anything considered ‘green’ should be a prime target for commercial remodel work,” emphasizes Pat Killeen with Engineered Controls. “In fact, many of our clients are building owners and managers who are looking for help in developing reliable and cost-effective solutions for their specific energy challenges and reducing their carbon footprint.

Our Building Services group can provide responsive retrofit and energy solutions Pat Killeen direct to building owners for those seeking to reduce their energy consumption and Engineered Controls improve the performance of their building.

Over the past several years, Engineered Controls has performed many large owner-occupied environmental controls, building automation, and security system retrofit projects with minimal disruption to their employees or the tenants of the facility. First, we work with you and your staff to determine the age, equipment status, and present energy efficiency of your building. Then we analyze your existing energy usage and suggest the most cost-effective solution that meets your utility goals.

THANKS OMAHA

FOR VOTING US BEST FOR 14 YEARS IN A ROW

STARTING NOV 25TH THROUGH MARCH 1ST 2018.

w w w .g e rs tp a in ting. com

-Premium Grade-

FREE PAINT

EXCELLENT SELECTION / ODORLESS PAINT AVAILABLE 3 YEAR WARRANTY LIMITED TIME SPECIAL! Schedule your entire home exterior paint project and you receive 5 gallons of topquality exterior paint FREE! Worth up to a $203 value!

Quality work does cost less than you think!

NOW THROUGH JUNE 30TH 2018.

There are quite a few possibilities for upgrades that could be incorporated to accomplish the goal of increased energy efficiency while also yielding other significant benefits.

A building’s mechanical systems can be optimized by providing supply air and supply water reset programs, automatically adjusting the temperature of the air or water depending on space demands and outside air temperatures. Mechanical optimization programs could also include demand control ventilation programs to provide the right amount of outdoor air required in the building to improve the indoor air quality. Additionally, constant volume air and water systems can be converted to variable air and water flow systems, delivering just the right amount of air and water based on demand.

Regarding a building’s electrical systems, there are a whole host of ways a building automation system or BAS can optimize electrical energy in buildings. The simplest and most recognized way is to monitor a building’s electrical energy usage. For most buildings, electricity is billed two ways: electrical energy consumption (kWh) or the peak electrical energy usage over a specific period of time (kW demand). A BAS has time-based scheduling programs that can be used to minimize the electrical consumption of a building. At the same time, it can also be constantly monitoring the building’s kW demand and as it begins to approach a predetermined peak demand, begin shedding or shutting off electrical loads automatically.

All of these mechanical and electrical optimization solutions are designed to maintain building comfort and maximize energy savings that result in reduced energy bills.”

Along the same lines, you’ve probably heard of smart home technology, and much of the same features are being used in commercial buildings as well. Killeen explains, “Today buildings of any size and shape can become intelligent buildings. With open protocol technology, multiple subsystems can be connected together,

JUNE 2018 Strictly Business

49

tie in with many other building automation solutions.

Helping You Get the Job Done since 1968 Pressure Washers

Drum Sanders

Acoustics Sound Masking with the use of acoustic wall and ceiling treatments is a big help in open office environments, lobbies, and conference rooms.

Chippers

Room Scheduling This provides a visual cue as to room utilization at a glance and also allows for scheduling of quick, ad hoc meetings via touch panels or via email/calendar programs.

With all of our offerings, Echo Systems’ focus on aesthetic integration and attention to detail gives our clients the functionality they want, while blending into their architectural and construction goals.”

For Equipment Rentals, Call Today!

Check out our website for more items!

402-331-6013 • www.honeymanrentall.com

on one network, rather than operating them all independently. This maximizes energy efficiency, lowers maintenance costs and provides centralized building control.

Building automation systems provide efficient control of internal comfort conditions, individual room control, increased staff productivity, effective use of energy, improved building reliability and life, quick and effective responses to HVAC and security problems, and save time and money. The systems also provide information on problems in the building, allow for computerized maintenance scheduling, are easy and effective for employees to use, and swiftly detect issues when they arise.

By integrating heating and cooling, lighting and security functions all within one common BAS platform, a building’s power systems; lighting and illumination; electric power and control; security, video surveillance and magnetic card access; heating, ventilation and airconditioning systems (HVAC); outdoor controls; and elevator controls will all be monitored and controlled from one central location.

While building automation systems have been around since the late seventies and early eighties, the addition of wireless technologies and the integration of wired and wireless systems are driving the market forward. There is a great demand for energy efficient buildings, hightech devices, and enhanced security systems that are now a central component of the building automation system. Wireless technology will continue to revolutionize the BAS market.”

Along with building automation technology, there are also a great deal of options for upgrading your audio/visual system and other aspects of your space that could benefit from the integration of advanced technology.

Doug Seaman with Echo Systems advises, “The changes we are seeing in commercial spaces are driven by both architecture/ construction as well as technology trends.

Any or all of the following upgrades are great ideas: Digital Signage and Interactive Displays These allow both internal customers (employees) and external customers to interact with your brand and company story. You could utilize them for wayfinding, meaning digital screens Doug Seaman to assist in navigating your way through a Echo Systems building, or the “lobby as marketing tool” concept, where the company story is told with digital video and sound. For any of these suggestions, aside from just a flat panel display, other display formats are available, such as projection systems, standard video walls, and even architectural video walls where the displays are arranged in an artistic layout.

Automated Shading Solutions Shades not only add a beautiful aesthetic to the property but also contribute to energy savings. Echo Systems can design and install an automated shading solution that can also 50 Strictly Business JUNE 2018

He continues, “Our most popular request lately has been what I will call a ‘digital refresh.’ Typically, a client may already have an audiovisual system in place, but its functionality has declined. Or, technology has changed so much since their solution was originally designed and installed that they need an upgrade to current technology. Solutions might be needed in the following areas: PC connectivity, migrating from VGA to HDMI, projectors and screens that are older formats, infrastructure that can no longer handle the new high-resolution laptops and tablets, and adding wireless presentation solutions.

Our second most popular request can be summarized by the following sentence: ‘I don’t want to see any wires or cables.’ The implication is that the client’s A/V systems were neglected over time, or were not designed or installed well. Echo Systems’ focus on aesthetics and integration means we think through even the smallest details about wiring.

The audio-visual industry has historically been an afterthought in the commercial construction world, so unfortunately ‘I wish someone would have told me…’ is something that we still hear too often. Get us involved as early as possible in design and construction. Our $2 million design center was built specifically to address aesthetic integration of technology within the design and construction process. There are always new product solutions and new design methods in our industry, and we want our clients to understand that we are thinking about how their technology can blend seamlessly into their environment.”

Contractor Corner Now let’s switch the focus from the client who would be looking to remodel to the contractors who work on these projects. If you’re reading this and you’re a local contractor, do you have a plan of action if you find yourself needing equipment to perform work that you don’t own or have access to otherwise?

With an extensive inventory of equipment available for rent locally, Honeyman Rent-All can provide anything that you might need for your remodeling project. Troy Honeyman with Honeyman Rent-All details, “There’s quite a bit of variance in remodeling projects, so you very well may need something that you don’t own or have onhand. That is where we can be of assistance, as we have a wealth of equipment and tools that are available for rental and our staff is on-hand six days a week to help you find exactly what you need to complete the job successfully. We also make sure that you fully understand how to operate each piece of equipment that you rent and we provide hands-on service.

At Honeyman Rent-All, we take pride in our extensive rental inventory. This includes a wide variety of equipment for specialized projects such as demolition, concrete, drills and attachments, drywall and wallpaper, electric hand tools, floor and carpet, landscaping, generators and welders, hoists, jacks, ladders, lifts, lighting and electrical, measuring and locating, painting, plumbing, pumps and hoses, saws, tractors and trailers, trenchers and skid steers, climate control, cutters, and air equipment. We look forward to working with you to ensure that you have the right equipment and tools for the job so that you can bring your clients’ projects to life!”

To sum things up, whatever you’ve got in store for your place of business, or whatever you need for your next project, there’s a local expert that can help you turn your vision into a reality.

Professional Service You Can Trust PARKING GARAGES/STADIUM REPAIRS Concrete Repairs – Shotcrete Post-tension Repairs Deck Coatings Water Repellents Concrete Strengthening Expansion Joints Vertical & Horizontal Caulking Epoxy Injection Wall & Ceiling Coatings Power washing & Cleaning Partial/Full Depth Concrete Repair

INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS & HIGH PERFORMANCE COATINGS Concrete Repairs – Shotcrete High Performance Coatings Faux Finishes Concrete Strengthening Epoxy Injection Water Repellents Abrasive Blasting Expansion Joints Bridge Deck Patching

INDUSTRIAL RESTORATION & COATINGS Caulking & Glazing Patching & Repair Pedestrian Coatings & Decorative Concrete Wall Coatings Below-grade Waterproofing Hot-applied Waterproofing Epoxy Flooring Pour in Place Concrete

MASONRY RESTORATION Tuck Pointing Repair & Replacement of masonry units, terra cotta, and precast Exterior Building Façade Cleaning Patching & Repair Water Repellents Caulking

PARTNER WITH US TODAY!

Building Relationships Through Craftsmanship

Omaha 402.558.7989 | McGillRestoration.com | Lincoln 402.438.4110 JUNE 2018 Strictly Business

51

Get The Maximum Amount For Your Business By Getting Pre-Qualified Before You Sell!

What this means for you: • Raise the value of your business by getting pre-qualified.

• Getting pre-qualified leads to a quicker and hassle-free process.

• Loans from $30,000 - $5.5 million are now available for ALL businesses.

• Operating capital can be provided during the business transition.

You have put in the time now get the full reward for all of your hard work!

We are the ONLY business brokers in Nebraska that can provide financial third-party verification to validate your asking price!

CALL TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOU! 402-217-2833 • www.NoCoastBusinessAdvisers.com 52

Strictly Business JUNE 2018