Strictly Business Omaha - November 2020

STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM

OMAHA • NOVEMBER 2020 TM

• #StrictlyStaycation • Senior Memory Care • End-of-Year Business Spending • Employing Omaha CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • Pinnacle Bank • Scantron Technology Solutions • Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa

AGO

Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505

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RIVER CITY SIX

IN THIS ISSUE

WEBSITES + MOBILE APPS + SEO O + BRANDING + SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT + BLOG WRITING

STEPHANIE GRADE Ovation Heartwood Preserve

DON MLNARIK Lifetime Stone Restoration

MATT BUOL-FERG McGill Restoration

ED ABERSFELLER Storage Concepts, Inc.

TRAVIS BARKER IQ Car Wash

KRISTEN DINEEN Open Door Mission

NOVEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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402.934.3891 coxbusiness.com Strictly Business NOVEMBER Visit 2020 md.trapollo.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

In 1938, brothers George and Tom Dinsdale pulled their resources together to help Palmer, Nebraska, through the Great Depression. They had no idea they were creating a banking legacy that would last for generations. They opened what would become Pinnacle Bank, a financial institution founded on keeping local communities strong. Over 80 years later, Pinnacle Bank continues to offer quality banking and financing solutions with local service across Nebraska.

They also serve communities in Kansas, Arizona, Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Wyoming.

Today, Pinnacle Bank is committed to making banking even more accessible. With Pinnacle Bank, managing your account when and where you want is simple. Their online and mobile banking options offer nearly all the same personal banking services as an in-branch visit but from the comfort of your home. Here are just a few of the many online services they offer for consumers: PinnBank Online Banking is a free, fast, and secure way to access your bank account. You can check your balances, set up automatic payments, transfer money, and more from your computer or web browser. This also acts as the hub for many of the other remote banking services Pinnacle Bank offers.

Pinnacle Bank’s Mobile Banking app is available to download for IOS and Android devices. On compatible devices it allows for secure login through Facial Recognition or Touch ID. In addition to being able to check your balances and transfer money on the go, you can deposit checks from your smartphone with the mobile deposit feature.

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Making Managing Money Stress-Free with Multiple Remote banking options Pinnacle Bank CardControl is their newest app that helps users safeguard their debit and/or credit cards against fraud. Use the app to track and control the use of multiple Pinnacle Bank cards and turn them off and on as needed. You can also set specific restrictions by amount, location, and merchant type.

To take advantage of these great services, you’ll need a Pinnacle Bank checking account. Pinnacle Bank’s local branches are open and ready to assist you with finding the right account for you. You can also apply for your new account online at pinnbank.com. Pinnacle Bank offers personal checking account options for every need and budget, from their completely free checking to advanced accounts packed with added services, like identity theft monitoring. They even offer extra perks for seniors and students under 22, like refunds for up to $10 of foreign ATM fees per statement cycle.

With their wide variety of online and mobile banking services available, you have access to your Pinnacle Bank accounts nearly anytime for increased peace of mind and control over your finances. See for yourself why Pinnacle Bank truly encompasses the best of Nebraska in a bank. Stop into any of their 15 Omaha Metro area locations.

Contact your local branch for more details about any of the products described above. Financing subject to credit approval.

Regular account charges and standard carrier rates and fees apply.

Pinnacle Bank customers can now use Zelle® to send and receive money. Whether it’s saving you a trip to the ATM or taking out the guesswork of divvying up the lunch tab, Zelle is a fast, safe, and easy way to send and request money.

Funds are sent directly to the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile phone number.

Copyright © 2020 Pinnacle Bank. All rights reserved. Terms and conditions apply. Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

402-697-5990 | omaha, ne visit www.pinnbank.com for more information #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NOVEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

Grace Under Fire, Leading with a Growth Mindset When I sat down to write my letter this month, I started by reading back through each letter I’ve shared since the craziness ensued earlier this year. One month I’m talking about the importance of a press release and the next I’m telling readers not to panic...quite the contrast. Admittedly, it was tough rereading my own words because it made me relive some of the emotions I’ve felt throughout this unpredictable time in all of our lives—confusion, denial, frustration, and even anger. These are not fun feelings to wrestle with, to say the least. However, as I sorted through previous headlines, I was overcome with gratitude and pride.

From Finding Perspective in Times of Distress and Uncertainty in April to last month’s charge to shop, eat, and stay local (read about the #StrictlyStaycation contest on page 37), I realized how much this experience has challenged me as a leader in ways I never thought possible. It forced me to decide if I’m going to have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset—something Jeanette McMurtry addressed in a recent article in Publishing Executive (www.pubexec.com). According to McMurtry, we have two choices to pick from: 1. Hunker down and hold tight to what we have so we can resume the life we once knew when the storm passes.

2. Focus on improving what we have, look for opportunities, and prepare for growth so we can hit the ground running and operate even better down the road.

Many were probably tempted to choose the former, but as a business owner, I had to think about my clients, readers, staff, and the community we serve. With all this in mind, there was only really one choice.

I’m thankful for the growth that has resulted from undergoing a trial as rigorous as COVID, and I’m proud to say that not only am I not the same leader I was at the beginning of this year, but Strictly Business isn’t the same magazine it was either. We got creative and brainstormed new ways to promote different businesses and organizations, especially those in industries that have been hit the hardest. For the first year in our 27-year history, we ran a Women-Owned Businesses feature designed to inspire. In addition, we added a special Employing Omaha

insert so that companies could highlight their career opportunities.

When restaurants were closed, we hosted our Friends4Lunch and Friends4Drinks networking events on Zoom. When more people were working from home, we pushed our online digital flipbook so our clients remained just as seen as before. Right now, we are working hard to improve our website so that our audience can easily access all the amazing stories we share each month right from their phones.

If it weren’t for COVID, would we have ever done these things? Yes, I believe we would have eventually, but it’s amazing to see what we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time because, well, we had to. I’m not only speaking for myself and Strictly Business—I’ve seen so many businesses in Omaha adopt and apply a growth mindset, and we must continue to do so if we want to come through this on top.

In her article, McMurtry referenced the March 2010 edition of the Harvard Business Review, Roaring Out of Recession, which reviewed winners and losers from three previous recessions (1980, 1990, and 2000) and found that businesses lead by a growth mindset rose above competitors substantially. In fact, their studies show that only 9% of businesses monitored survived and actually grew coming out of a downturn. What they did: • Kept and even added staff instead of letting people go • Remained committed to marketing programs • Invested in assets for long-term growth In his unpacking of McMurtry’s article on growth mindset, Freeport Press Author David Pilcher uses a phrase that I find to be very eloquently and accurately stated: Grace under fire. To me, this means remaining calm enough in a crisis to make smart decisions that will uphold the integrity of your business; and will ultimately do the most good for your people and your community.

As always, I wanted to encourage all of you reading this right now to stay local and shop local. Please keep that in mind while doing your holiday shopping and organizing events with family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

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

CONTENTS NEWS

4 Business 24 Personnel

28 Nonprofit 34 Health

SPOTLIGHTS

Hannah

Diane

Dillon

1 Pinnacle Bank 23 Scantron Technology Solutions 36 Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor/Operations Hannah Hundley - Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Copywriter Diane Gumaer - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Dillon Crawford - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

22 Outlook Nebraska

SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern - SZutavern@yahoo.com

COLUMNS

FEATURE STORIES 37 38 43 47

#StrictlyStaycation Senior Memory Care End-of-Year Business Spending Employing Omaha

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Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2020

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

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About the Cover

marketingmatters.

TECHNOLOGY WITH DIRECTION True North Technologies provides innovative digital marketing services for businesses of all sizes. From small companies to enterprise-level projects and websites, they provide structure, strategy, and analytics from the ground up.

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Launching a business? Preparing for a relaunch? Just want to freshen an existing brand? No matter your need, True North can help. From custom logos and graphics all the way up to full digital product designs and launches, they can help position your dream business for maximum success.

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If you’re a business in the modern world, a website is essential, be it for blogs, ecommerce, appointments, or all of the above. True North builds beautiful, functional websites that are designed to convert visitors into customers. From five-page sites to large enterprise-level websites, they can make your online presence memorable.

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Search Engine Optimization is the process of configuring websites to be best found by the major search engines. Keyword analysis, competitor analysis, and blog writing form the core of the services to help every business rank as high as they deserve. True North integrates SEO into the site during its creation, making sure the quality is baked into the final product.

Blog and Content Creation

True North wants your company’s voice, and its message, to be heard as clearly and as widely as possible. Blogs are the most reliable way to be found online. The True North team can create entertaining, keyword-rich and voice-specific blogs for any type of business. Confi gured with their social media service, they put your company and its message into the digital networks of countless users.

Social Media Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google My Business—you name it, True North uses it. They create content for your pages and set your posting calendar. They then show you real-time, updated analytics through their dashboard to help you get the most out of your postings across social media. With omnichannel analysis, True North ensures you reach more people with a tailored, specific, engaging message.

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www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com NOVEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Strictly Business Launches #StrictlyStaycation Contest to Support Local Hospitality Industry

New Private Luxury Car Condo Complex, Victory Lane Opens in Omaha

Strictly Business is encouraging locals to participate in their newly launched #StrictlyStaycation contest. The goal of the contest is to support the hospitality, dining, and retail industries in Omaha and Lincoln. With already a handful of hotels donating free overnight stays for the weekly drawings, this is a great opportunity to have some fun with family and friends while strengthening the community back up after taking a major hit from COVID. To enter, you must book a room at a hotel in Omaha or Lincoln and make a purchase at one nearby restaurant or shop. Take photos from your experience and post them on any social media platform with the hashtag #StrictlyStaycation. Everyone who participates will be entered into the drawings. In addition, there will be four main categories: Girls’ Night Out, Guys’ Getaway, Family Outing, and Couples’ Retreat (must book at least 3 rooms).

The winning group of each category will get included in a fun special full-page feature in Strictly Business with a photo and write-up! For those who are not on social media, feel free to call (402) 466-3330 or email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com with your entry. More information can be found on page 37 or online at strictlybusinessomaha.com.

Victory Lane Omaha, a private luxury car condo complex, has officially opened off of 204th Street and West Center Road.

Partners/Owners Scott Rouse, Bill Peel, Robert Foster, and Mike Welniak are excited to bring this unique concept to Omaha. The purpose of Victory Lane is to give collectors a safe and secure space to store his or her investment and socialize with like-minded auto enthusiasts.

The complex is also designed for car shows, fundraisers, and other special events. Construction began in March 2019 with Welniak, owner of S&W Fence Inc., serving as project manager. Ironhide Construction was selected as the builder.

Victory Lane Omaha features about 50 basic units. There are three floor plans, ranging from 850 to 1,190 square feet. The smallest base unit can accommodate up to four vehicles; the largest, six to eight. Each unit is 42’6” deep with 20-foot ceilings, in-floor heating, hook-ups for plumbing and electrical service, cable/internet service pre-hook-up, and capability of accepting one or multiple lifts for stacking cars. On-site amenities within this premium gated community include 24/7 key-card access, camera and security monitoring service, beautiful landscaping, and more. Unit owners are also given options for interior upgrades such as a mezzanine floor, sheet metal wall finish, and a bar/lounge area.

Those interested in learning more about available units at Victory Lane Omaha or scheduling a tour can contact Robert Foster at (402) 3219951 / grobertfoster@gmail.com. Check out the gallery and event calendar online at victorylaneomaha.com.

The Omaha Bakery Opens Second Retail Location in Elkhorn Area of West Omaha The Omaha Bakery’s successful venture into the ketogenic world has led to the opening of a second store in west Omaha’s Elkhorn area, near 210 Street and Cumberland Drive. Carrying its explosively popular keto line and classic favorites, the new 2,500-square-foot bakery began serving customers on October 5.

This expansion also allows The Omaha Bakery to more readily deliver to Lincoln sites.

“Keto bakery products and keto meals have absolutely continued to soar since we introduced our keto line two years ago at our first Omaha Bakery store just north of the Nebraska Furniture Mart,” said The Omaha Bakery owner Michelle Kaiser, who moved a seven-yearold business from Fremont, Nebraska, to central Omaha in 2016, which later led to a major expansion of her building space there.

After experiencing the life-changing results of going on a keto diet in 2018, Kaiser developed a 45-product keto line whose distribution first spread regionally and now nationally.

Kaiser took her idea about the second location to marketing entrepreneur and president of 316 Strategy Group Joe Kenney, who quickly did his homework and supported the idea, then helped her work out details in the summer and put all of the pieces together quickly. The Elkhorn-area store will be the point of dispatch for Omaha Bakery deliveries to its successful drop-off site 48 miles away in Lincoln’s Haymarket that began in summer 2020. Deliveries to Lincoln are made to Breezy Island Ice, 350 Canopy St., STE 120D on Fridays, and orders should be placed at least two days in advance.

The Omaha Bakery is a full-service bakery and tasting experience for every day and every occasion. For more information, visit theomahabakery.com and Facebook (@TheOmahaBakery), or call (402) 991-9200.

6 Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2020

Techtonic Brings Revolutionary Tech Apprenticeship Program to Nebraska Colorado-based Tec htonic, a leader in developing enterprise technology solutions and empowering a diverse tech workforce, enters Nebraska with an industry-leading Software Development Apprenticeship Program that proves you don’t need a college degree—or a certificate from a coding boot camp—to break into the technology industry.

Heather Terenzio, founder and CEO of Techtonic, shares that, “The tech industry is beginning to realize the importance of diversification, both in talent and location, and we are honored to be leaders in these shifts. Successful careers in the tech sector should be open to all; underrepresented demographics and overlooked communities in middle America.”

Techtonic’s highly selective, paid Apprenticeship Program welcomes people from all different backgrounds into the classroom for 12 weeks of rigorous training on cutting-edge platforms before taking them onto the development floor for 40 weeks of hands-on experience writing actual code for real Techtonic clients. To date, 100% of graduates from Techtonic’s Apprenticeship Program have received a salaried job offer.

“Techtonic has the expertise to radically transform the workforce pipeline and address the overwhelming demand for tech talent in Nebraska” says Jona Van Deun, president of Nebraska Tech Collaborative. “With nearly 15 years of providing product-driven software solutions, and a fully accredited software development apprenticeship program, we are thankful and proud to have Techtonic as a partner of the Nebraska Tech Collaborative!“ In an effort to make technology careers more inclusive, Techtonic has also established the Coalition for Diversity in Tech Talent with the goal of placing 100 diverse or underrepresented candidates, sponsored

by Coalition partners, into their Software Development Apprenticeship Program by January 2022. To learn more, visit www.techtonic.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Neff Towing Rolls Out 75th Anniversary Logo, Unveils Sleek New Website After 75 years of providing top-notch emergency roadside services in Omaha, Neff Towing made 2020 the year to update their branding and launch a sleek new website.

These efforts are a testament to the company’s continued growth and dedication to remaining at the forefront of its industry. The special anniversary logo catches the eye with its bright colors and pays tribute to the milestone with the year the company was formed, 1945. The true advancement is the launch of a modern new Neff Towing website.

Though the company remained active on its Facebook, now customers can find all the information they need about Neff Towing’s services online in one cohesive place.

Neff Towing has a variety of heavy-duty vehicles that can handle everything from towing a small car in for repairs to cranes that can get 18-wheelers out of ditches and lowboys that can haul your equipment across the state. They also provide roadside assistance for jump-starts, tire changes, and lockouts. You can call Neff Towing for recovery services as well, such as rollovers, load shifts, and winch outs. The best part? Their professional team is available 24/7. As a third-generation business that has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, Neff Towing is a company you can trust. Give them a call at (402) 7335500 to congratulate them on 75 years or at (402) 740-5518 for after-hour service, and visit the new website at www.nefftowing.com.

A better way to home.

Zeal Partners with Businesses to Offer Benefits that Achieve Work/Life Balance Zeal was founded in Omaha shortly before the pandemic with a single goal—to make it easy to fi nd local, trusted help for life’s busy tasks. When businesses partner with Zeal, they can expand the benefits they already provide to include something unique and truly valuable, providing their employees help where they may need it, more time, and tangible stress relief. Zeal’s team of personal assistants and partnerships with local service companies such as meal planning, pet services, and handymen allows Zeal to take on most anyone’s to-do list and get it done.

Current challenges have resulted in today’s employee spending hours each day on personal needs, during work hours, causing burnout and resulting in productivity taking a big hit. Team members need help now more than ever. Zeal provides help to business employees through onsite concierge assistants (help for the day!) and through a membership service where businesses can give employees credits on a recurring basis to use toward scheduling help as they need it on Zeal’s proprietary online service platform.

As the holidays approach, Zeal is expanding their offerings to business owners and their employees to include holiday event planning, specialized holiday on-site help, and the opportunity to provide the gift of help! Preparing for and participating in the holidays will be a challenge for everyone this year. Including Zeal in the business holiday planning allows ease in handling the typical holiday to-do list. Zeal provides services such as shopping and delivering employee and clients gifts and planning and facilitating the details of most businesses’ first ever virtual holiday event. Invite Zeal into your business for the day to gift wrap, provide cookies for the upcoming exchange, ship, wait in line—or whatever holiday hectic your employees have weighing them down. The holidays should be fun, let Zeal help! For more information, visit www.zealhelps.com or call at (402) 936-7399. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

18K

UNITS MANAGED

• • • • • • •

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NEW PROPERTIES IN 2019

Multifamily Property Management Affordable Housing New Construction Lease-ups Development & Consulting Value-Add Renovations Repositioning Troubled Assets Compliance Services

SELDIN.COM 402.333.7373 NOVEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Business Ethics Alliance Fall Network Virtual Luncheon Addresses Caring for Employees

Stories Coffee Offers Holiday Gift Baskets with Products from Local Businesses

The Business Ethics Alliance announced that their Fall Ethics Network (virtual) Lunc heon will feature the Greater Omaha Worklab (GrOW) and address how the organization can help companies care for the “whole employee.” On tap for November 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., speakers will demonstrate how this one program helps vulnerable employees thrive in the workplace through on-site personal coaching and resource navigation.

In their spirit of celebrating community, Stories Coffee Co. is offering fabulous gift baskets for your holiday gift-giving needs and packed with unique products from a variety of local businesses.

You’re sure to be a hit with your gift recipients when they find Stories coffee beans, mugs, and tumblers, as well as chocolates and popcorn from The Chocolate Season, black bottom biscotti, some Cup of Coa hot-cocoa mix, and the pièce de résistance: a coffee-scented Bianchi candle—using Stories Coffee’s signature coffee beans and handpoured in Papillion by Nic Bianchi.

You’ll find an option to fit any budget, with baskets available at four price points: $35, $55, $100, and $150. They make great gifts for clients, employees, family, and friends alike. These baskets go the distance to support your local businesses, too, something that’s always important but never more so than in 2020. All of the instructions will be online, but you can order the holiday baskets at Stories Coffee or on their website, storiescoffeecompany.com. Only a specific gift box is shippable, and the rest can be picked up in the shop.

Stories Coffee Co. is located at 114th and Davenport in the heart of Omaha. You can also purchase their beans online, along with trendy swag for the true Stories fans out there. To learn more about how they invest in the stories of their customers, vendors, partners, and those in need in the community, visit storiescoffeecompany.com or call (531) 213-2742.

The Business Ethics Alliance builds leadership, strengthens organizations, and elevates Greater Omaha through positive, practical business-ethics education. They do this via signature events throughout the year for the community and via workshops and training aids that can be tailored and delivered directly to your organization, in-person or virtually. For more information or to register for the November luncheon, visit businessethicsalliance.org or contact Alise Hernandez at (402) 280-2235 / info@businessethicsalliance.org.

“ From left: Allen Chaffee, Omaha Market President; Matt Biggs, VP/Relationship Manager; and Charlie Yin, owner of Local Beer Patio Kitchen and Catalyst Brewing Company.

My Cornhusker Bank team takes the time to understand me and my specific situation. They determine the best services and programs for the benefit of my business. Matt and his associates have been instrumental in assisting me with my personal and business needs and executing a financial road map to achieve my goals. Their approach, time and time again has always been customer-first and this is why we choose to do business with Cornhusker Bank.

“

GrOW is a program within the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and is part of a novel endeavor to help employers across the country collaborate with their local communities to invest in their workforces, resulting in stronger businesses and inclusive economic growth. During the virtual luncheon, business leaders who have partnered with GrOW will talk about the importance of realizing that employees’ personal lives don’t stop when they come to work and how this program can ethically help employees clear outside-of-workplace barriers and result in more engaged and productive team members.

Charlie Yin, owner of Local Beer Patio Kitchen and Catalyst Brewing Company

11102 Blondo Street, Omaha, NE 402-671-0200 | CornhuskerBank.com Member FDIC

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Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2020

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BUSINESS NEWS King Insurance Gains Access to Additional Markets to Better Serve Their Customers Through their recent merger with Empire Park Insurance, the family-owned and operated King Insurance effectively doubled its market reach. The two companies recently combined expertise and resources in the greater Omaha and surrounding areas, and King Insurance quickly leveraged that access to support and insure body shops, glass shops, and auto-repair shops, in addition to home, auto, and commercial coverage. An independent agency, King Insurance has steadily built its business based on outstanding customer-account servicing.

“We’re committed to providing excellent service and building strong relationships with each and every one of our clients,” said Rick King, president of King Insurance. “We excel at providing the highest level of customer service and industry knowledge to these new markets.”

King Insurance is an independent agency that focuses on providing insurance solutions tailored to the needs of its commercial and personal clients. For more than 40 years, King Insurance has worked with a group of financially sound, reputable insurance companies to provide clients the best coverage at a competitive price. To learn more, visit kingins.com or call (402) 597-5224.

Seldin Company Acquires S.T.A.R. Momentum Compliance Consulting, Inc. Seldin Company is pleased to announce the acquisition of S.T.A.R. Momentum Compliance Consulting Inc. This company will now operate under the Seldin Company brand as STAR Compliance Consulting, a Division of Seldin Company (STAR).

This acquisition will complement the already strong Seldin Company Compliance department. STAR will provide third party compliance services to multifamily communities and offer national training and consulting to industry partners. According to Alicia Clark, Seldin Company president and CEO, S.T.A.R.'s company structure and the employees fit perfectly with the Seldin culture and the commitment to the preservation of affordable housing.

Heather Staggs, previously President of S.T.A.R. Momentum Compliance Consulting Inc., will bring years of compliance knowledge to her role of senior vice president of compliance at Seldin Company. She is an expert in Fair Housing practices and affordable housing program compliance rules and regulations and holds various affordable housing designations and credentials such as the CPO™, FHC™, SHCM™ and AHM. Heather is a member of the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) and the past Chair of their Fair Housing Committee and is currently the incoming Chair of their Education and Training Committee. She also sits on the SHCM™ Special Advisory & Technical Committee. Heather was given the distinct honor of NAHMA’s Industry Achievement Award in 2019 and is a current NAHMA approved CPO™, BCD™, and FHC™ Instructor.

Seldin Company is a leading property management firm with deep roots throughout the Central United States. Headquartered in Omaha, Seldin was founded in 1923 and engages in the management and expansion of over 18,000 apartment homes across eight states.

With decades of expertise managing affordable and conventional multifamily communities, Seldin Company is proud to be an employer of choice and manager of properties that are the best places for residents to call home. To learn more, visit Seldin.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Commercial • Residential Call today! (402) 215-1914

Apartment Association of Nebraska Opens New Development Center The Apar tment Association of Nebraska and Nebraska Maintenance Academy hosted a ribbon cutting on August 27 for the grand opening of their new development facility in Omaha located on 120th and Center in Westwood Plaza. The new center features two large classrooms and large maintenance education warehouse for optimal in-classroom and hands-on training for those in the real estate and multifamily housing industry from on-site maintenance to corporate-level positions.

The mission of the Apartment Association of Nebraska (AAN) is to support, inform, and connect the multi-family housing industry through education, legislation, and professional networking. The AAN Nebraska Maintenance Training Academy (NMA) is a tuitionfree vocational training program created to assist the multi-family rental industry in filling essential maintenance roles within the state of Nebraska. To learn more, visit www.aaneb.org or contact Rhonda Pederson at (402) 333-5331 / director@aaneb.org.

Nebraska Bankers Association Recognizes Members for Providing PPP Loans The Nebraska Bankers Association (NBA) members made more than 83% of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to Nebraska businesses in the wake of COVID-19. Companies in all 93 Nebraska counties turned to a Nebraska bank when applying for a PPP loan. All told, nearly 45,000 PPP loans were made to Nebraska businesses, providing more than $3.4 billion in assistance and helping retain more than 330,000 jobs!

“The success of PPP in Nebraska is a testament to the collaborative relationship that exists between our Nebraska banks and their small business customers,” said NBA Chairman Chris Hove.

The loan program was part of the CARES Act pandemic relief legislation.

Eligible businesses received funds to pay eight weeks of payroll costs and business overhead expenses. Nebraska banks worked around the clock to process the loan applications and deliver funds at a critical time for Nebraska businesses. NBA’s new video and marketing campaign highlights the work of its member banks to provide PPP loans to their small-business customers. Selected PPP loan recipients share in the videos how their banks were there for them when they needed it most.

Founded in 1890, the Nebraska Bankers Association is the voice of Nebraska’s $77.9 billion banking industry, which comprises small, regional, and large banks that together employ more than 15,000 people and safeguard nearly $67.1 billion in deposits.

Learn more at nebankers.org.

NOVEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 9

BUSINESS NEWS HBE Named to List of Accounting Today’s 2020 Best Accounting Firms to Work For

Superior Cleaning Services to Gift Cleaning Services to Frontline Nonprofits

HBE LLP, one of Nebraska’s leading providers of professional advisory services, has been named one of Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work For. This is the third year HBE has been recognized as one of the nation’s top 100 employers in the profession.

Firms from across the United States entered the two-part survey process to determine Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work For. The first part (25%) consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. The second part (75%) consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top firms and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data and determined the final ranking.

HBE has a long history of employee satisfaction due to core values centered upon integrity, respect, and teamwork. In addition to being a Best Firm to Work For, HBE is also one of Accounting Today’s top 10 Best firms for Young Accountants and was recognized by the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance as one of the Best CPA Firms for Equity Leadership.

Operating from Lincoln, Omaha, and Norfolk, HBE LLP offers comprehensive financial management services for businesses, nonprofit and governmental organizations, and individuals. Services include specialized advisory, accounting, audit, tax, outsourced accounting and CFO solutions, data analytics, and personal financial planning. To learn more, visit www.hbecpa.com.

Given the sacrifice and toll the pandemic has taken on so many frontline workers, Superior Cleaning Services is reaching out to gift their services to as many “essential” workers as possible in the Greater Omaha area. That includes, but is not limited to, those working at food banks, homeless shelters, fire departments, and many other nonprofit organizations. Superior, which also offers affordable cleaning services to all homes and businesses in the area, is certified to use eco-friendly, CDC-approved powerful chemicals to completely neutralize infection viruses and disease on surfaces in homes or businesses for up to 90 days per treatment.

Superior Cleaning Services takes their responsibility to help keep their community clean very seriously. Among the diseases their cleaning system can neutralize are influenza, COVID-19, Hepatitis B (HBV), HIV, Staphylococcus, pneumonia, and more. The company’s staff is small but efficient, effective, dependable, and committed to excellence.

Superior Cleaning Services is located at 7634 Wright St. in Omaha.

Whether you are in need of janitorial services, last-minute cleaning, or just want to sanitize and disinfect, Superior Cleaning Services has you covered. Give them a try and you’ll find they’ll quickly become not only essential, but a powerful tool for presenting a clean and organized workplace or residence. For more information, contact Leah at (402) 298-0712 / superiorcleaningservicesidp19@gmail.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Greater Omaha Chamber Announces Economic Outlook Forum November 19

Moore’s Concrete Construction Approaches 25 Years in Business, Updates Logo

The Greater Omaha Chamber is hosting their Economic Outlook forum virtually on November 19 to help prepare business leaders, advisors, and economic-development professionals for what’s to come. The 2020 event will focus on two topics paramount to economic recovery: consumer confidence and jobs. Keynote speakers Glenn Fodor CFA, senior vice president, data and analytics for Fiserv, and Guy Berger, Ph. D and principal economist for LinkedIn, will provide current information and analysis of the business climate, economic performance, emerging trends, and attitudes toward future growth. Slated for 3:30-5 p.m., expect a thoughtful discussion of the national and local economy, performance data, and perceptions.

As Moore’s Concrete Construction, Inc. approaches 25 years in business in 2021, the company has decided to update their logo in celebration. The new logo, designed by local graphic artist Brady West, adds a tasteful touch that establishes their authority as a local business that’s been operating since 1996. Moore’s is family-owned by Steve and Barbara Moore.

They provide concrete flatwork services to residents and businesses of Omaha, including tearing out and replacing old concrete; parking lots, ADA work, curb and gutter; decorative and standard concrete pouring; the construction and reworking of driveways; and more.

Moore’s has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2012 and has established a storied reputation in Omaha for their professional work, creative solutions, and courteous staff. Moore’s has won Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha Award for nine consecutive years, most recently for Concrete Installer.

Tickets for the virtual event are $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Group ticket packages intended for small businesses or nonprofits to gain access at a discount for purchasing as a group run $250 for members and $350 for non-members, including 12 tickets. Corporate sponsorships include 30 single tickets and company recognition during the live event, for $650. All event tickets include access to the event recording and materials through 2020. Reservations are due by November 16, and no refunds will be granted after that date.

The mission of the Greater Omaha Chamber is to champion a thriving business community and a prosperous region through visionary leadership and collaboration. To make reservations for the Economic Outlook event, visit your.omahachamber.org/events, call (402) 9787957 or email kmanly@omahachamber.org.

Moore’s Concrete Construction, Inc. is excited to continue their work with the businesses and homeowners of Omaha for all their varied concrete needs. If you’re considering a new parking lot, driveway, or have a desire to remodel the concrete at your home or business, reach out to Moore’s at (402) 491-3622. You can also go online to mooresconcrete.com.

Centris Credit Union and Storm Chasers Extend Fun Zone Naming Rights 10 Years Centris Federal Credit Union and the Omaha Storm Chasers proudly announced a 10-year extension of their Founding Corporate Partnership, effectively securing the naming rights of Werner Park’s Family Fun Zone through the 2030 season. The ballpark’s kids’ area has been named the “Centris Family Fun Zone” since its official opening in April 2011.

“Our partnership with Werner Park has become part of the Centris experience for our members and employees,” said Centris Vice President, Community Development Dawn Gonzales.

“Annually we look forward to baseball season and being at the ballpark because of the exceptional experience our staff and guests receive. Our employees enjoy and appreciate the benefit of sharing a VIP experience with their friends and family sitting in the Centris seats. Members have made memories that will last a lifetime playing or watching their children play in the Centris Family Fun Zone and attending our annual movie nights. We are very proud to be able to continue our partnership with the Omaha Storm Chasers and now Union Omaha.

The partnership between Centris Federal Credit Union and professional baseball in Omaha dates back to Rosenblatt Stadium. Centris was announced as one of two founding corporate partners—and one of only nine premier partners—for the Sarpy County Baseball Park on November 11, 2010. The Omaha Storm Chasers begin their 10th season at Werner Park in April 2021.

Founded in 1934, Centris Federal Credit Union is Nebraska’s largest federally chartered community credit union. It serves Douglas, Sarpy, Lincoln, McPherson, and Pottawattamie counties and has 14 offices in Omaha, Grand Island, North Platte and Tryon, Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Learn more at centrisfcu.org or call (402) 334-7000. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS NAWIC Announces Funding for Endowed Scholarship for NU Construction Student

Clearwater Encouraging All to Celebrate World Kindness Day on November 13

The Greater Omaha, Nebraska Chapter 116 of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is excited to announce funding for a second endowed scholarship.

The chapter began funding an endowed scholarship at Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in 2018, and students attending the University of Nebraska (NU) for a construction-focused degree soon will be able to apply for a NAWIC-endowed scholarship, as well. Interested parties should contact the Financial Aid Office at MCC and NU for additional information about the two scholarships.

C l e a r wa t e r C o u n s e l i n g, P C i s celebrating World Kindness Day— observed on November 13 every year—to highlight good deeds in the community and focus on the positive power of kindness. In this tumultuous year, Clearwater Counseling is urging the community to join in celebrating kindness and understanding and make these habits part of their everyday lives.

Being kind comes in many shapes and sizes, but there is no act of kindness that is too small. Millions of people are affected by mental health diagnoses every year, but because mental health is an internal battle, it can be difficult to know who is battling a hard situation. For this reason, it’s especially critical to be kind to others always. Showing kindness can be as simple as asking questions, listening intently, validating feelings, providing encouragement, or offering help.

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

NAWIC is committed to championing women to impact the direction of the construction industry. They provide women with education, support, and networking to help advance their careers in construction, build their technical skills, and help them become leaders. All women working in construction are eligible for membership, including those working in the trades, project management, marketing, administration, and executive leadership. Women in related industries who work on construction-related business, such as finance, legal, and other industries, are welcome too. Meetings for the Greater Omaha area are on the second Thursday of each month in varied locations and are open to the public. Visit nawicomaha.com for more information or email them at nawicomaha@gmail.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Building Omaha Breaks Ground on New Electrical Training Center Local nonprofit Building Omaha is doing their part to promote the union electrical construction industry and train people for high-tech, highbenefits, and high-paying jobs. On October 23, they broke ground on a brand new Electrical Training Center coming to 8960 L St. in Omaha.

The new 24,000-square-foot addition to their current training center will put the campus over 56,000 square feet, and it’s in high demand as they currently have a waiting list of nearly 300 for their apprentice programs.

America will face a shortage of electricians in the near future, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). The trade group says that 7,000 electricians join the field each year, but 10,000 retire. The BLS reports that employment of electricians is projected to grow 10% from 2018 to 2028—faster than the average for all occupations. Their findings also show that skilled trades like electricians once again top the latest list of the most difficult-to-fill job openings.

College is not for everyone and joining the skilled trades is a great way for people to earn while they learn, all tuition-free. Their current training building was built beginning in 2002 with no major upgrades since the grand opening. Just over 1,000 have graduated from the programs since the building was opened, so it’s time to modernize and update.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) works together with The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) to provide their customers with the highest level of trained professionals in the electrical industry. Building Omaha (IBEW-NECA) was established through a collective bargaining agreement devoted to promoting the union electrical construction industry through advertising, publicity, continuing education, and a wide range of services to both the union and management members. For more information, visit buildingomaha.org.

ActionCOACH Offers BusinessRICH Workshop to Boost Businesses’ Performance On November 6–7, A c t i o n C OAC H O m a h a is providing a two-day BusinessRICH workshop that can help business owners boost the performance of their companies.

ActionCOACH touts the popular workshop as an event that finally guarantees you more profits, with a focus of making sure that business owners leave with a fully stocked toolkit of strategies to achieve real, meaningful results that will help build their businesses into highperforming profit machines.

Over the course of the workshop, the ActionCOACH who leads the format will delve deeper into a host of the company’s systems, including: 74 lead generation strategies; 82 strategies to increase conversion; 53 strategies to increase the number of transactions; 50 ways to increase the value of every sale; 70 ways to increase margins and cash flow; and curriculum focused on teambuilding, company vision and culture, and planning and goal-setting strategies designed for immediate impact.

“Business owners come in with a lot of preconceived notions about how business should work and leave with the knowledge of how it really does,” said ActionCOACH Owner Jim Barger. “It’s a whole new way of looking at your business—even for those with advanced degrees and MBA’s. It’s a real-world type of workshop—and that’s why it continues to be so popular and successful.”

ActionCOACH Omaha is always ready to assist local business owners with coaching, training, ideas, strategies, and an understanding ear.

The cost of the two-day BusinessRICH workshop is $2,499. It begins at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 6 at the ActionCOACH Success Center, 10828 Old Mill Rd., STE 4, and concludes at 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 7. For details about the workshop, visit businessrichomaha. com or call (402) 676-8809. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Emily@revealandheal.coach | www.revealandheal.coach God’s Got Your Back Announces Launch of Fundraiser for Multiple Myeloma Foundation God’s Got Your Back Owner Judith Ngozi Obodougo is excited to announce details about the November 12 virtual fundraiser launch of the nonprofit Calistus Multiple Myeloma Foundation that she recently founded. The goals of the new nonprofit are to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma and to help families affected by the devastating disease. The launch—on Zoom from 12 to 6 p.m.—will be hosted by Mr. King William and will feature guest speaker and University of Nebraska Medical Center Oncologist Dr. Sarah Holstein. Foundation Board members will also talk about how the Foundation can help the community. Tickets are $10 apiece, with all proceeds going to support families dealing with Multiple Myeloma diagnoses.

According to Myeloma Revealed, Multiple Myeloma is the secondmost common blood cancer, with nearly 160,000 new cases per year worldwide. It is an incurable B-cell malignancy wherein abnormal clonal plasma cells proliferate and accumulate in the bone marrow, which lead to the 2016 death of Judith’s father, Nigerian Chief Sir Calistus Obodougo, in whose memory she founded the Calistus Multiple Myeloma Foundation. In the United States, more than 32,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2019 and 12,960 patients died.

To register for the Calistus Multiple Myeloma Foundation launch fundraiser, visit calistusfoundation.org or contact Judith at (402) 686-3559 / Judith@calistusfoundation.org. You may also donate to the Foundation through TAGG and Benefit apps on Google, and through Share Omaha at shareomaha.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS Heartland International Holds Metal Roofing and Advanced Roofing Systems Training

Dundee Bank Installs New Solar Panels to Get Branch Running on Clean Energy

Heartland International invites current and aspiring roofing contractors to learn more about Conklin Roofing Systems at the upcoming Metal Roofing and Advanced Roofing Systems Training seminars on tap in Kansas City in November and December. The one-day Metal Roofing System Training will cover not only the application process of a Conklin MR® System but also will provide an overview about how to get started as a Conklin contractor and introduce strategies for making sales calls, quoting a roof, presenting proposals, and working with building owners. The next Metal Roofing System Training programs take place on November 19 and December 17.

Dundee Bank installed new rooftop solar panels that have the bank now running on sustainable, clean energy. The bank worked with Boyd Jones to complete the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system atop their location at 5015 Underwood Ave. The new system will reduce the branch’s carbon footprint and generate an estimated 14,400 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, or roughly the amount of energy consumed by 16 Omaha households in an average month.

The solar-panel installation is the most recent in Dundee Bank’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. Other completed parts of their green initiative include: • Obtaining the first Powered Locally Certification from Bluestem Energy Solutions • Implementing a zero-waste initiative with Hillside Solutions • Working with Verdis Group to explore reduction and offset of greenhouse-gas emissions • Adding a zero-waste coffee bar and water dispenser that eliminated single-use plastics • Using post-consumer paper Dundee Bank opened its original Omaha location in the heart of the Dundee neighborhood in 2006 and a second location in the Blackstone District in 2015. The locally owned bank prides itself on personal service and a focus on community. Nearly 100% of the bank’s deposits are invested back into the community. To learn more, visit dundeebanking.com.

The three-day Advanced Roofing Systems Training provides a more in-depth coverage of Conklin Roofing Systems and gives contractors a chance to participate in a hands-on construction of the systems using industry-standard tools and materials.

Participants in this training must have completed a one-day Metal Roofing System Training program as a pre-qualification.

The next Advanced Roofing Systems Training programs are set for November 11–13 and December 9–11.

For more information about the Heartland International, Inc. training programs, please visit heartland.conklinamerica.com and howiroofnow.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Omaha Dog Bar to Open in Little Bohemia Omaha Dog Bar, a dog park, bar, and eatery, announced it will officially open its doors this winter in Little Bohemia, a residentialbusiness district just south of downtown. Omaha Dog Bar, which was supposed to open its doors early this spring, was forced to delay its grand opening until this winter due to COVID-19. Thankfully, this quirky, membership-based pet lounge will be coming to Little Bohemia before the end of the year, just in time for the holidays.

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Omaha Dog Bar is the brainchild of Leah Thrasher, an Omaha resident who wanted to create a more dog-friendly community in her city. Thrasher’s vision is to bring to Omaha a place where both humans and canines can socialize together while eating and drinking. Omaha Dog Bar will feature a climate-controlled indoor dog park for your canine friend to play and socialize in for those blistering summers and frigid winters. The bar and eatery will offer a selection of domestic and local craft beers, wines, coffee drinks, and homemade sodas. The snack menu has delicious treats for both you and your pup, and local food trucks will be available on weekends. The Omaha Dog Bar will be a place for social, educational, and recreational activities for both you and your dog, including breed-specific meet-ups and regular training demos. To learn more or inquire about a membership, visit omahadogbar.com.

365DailyHustle Courses Teach Professional Women to Stop Surviving and Start Thriving Karissa Williams, founder of 365DailyHustle, is serving up special opportunities in November and December for women who are looking to set goals, create healthy habits, build a stronger, more resilient mindset, and take back their calendars so they can go from surviving life to THRIVING!. An Amazon bestselling author, life and health coach, and motivational speaker, Karissa is hosting a free five-day online masterclass November 16-20 to help women show up and become unstoppable in life and is registering women for her Signature Group Coaching programs that will kick off in December. In addition, she will be doing a book signing of her new book, Women Who Boss Up, and providing a keynote talk, “Surviving to Thriving: How to Hit the Reset Button,” at the new Peregrine Omaha

by Hilton in December, though the exact date is not yet set.

365DailyHustle was borne from Karissa’s own successful journey, through which she conquered her personal challenges and gained a unique perspective about how to help other women “Boss Up” and overcome life’s biggest transitions. In 2019, she left the corporate world, became a certified life, health, and mindset coach, started her own business, and has been featured on networks including NBC, CBS, and in USA Today. Her mission is to empower, inspire, and motivate high-performing female entrepreneurs to balance life, health, and business by “Bossing Up” and creating habits that support a thriving life.

Founded in 2018, 365DailyHustle offers signature coaching programs, including one-to-one VIP coaching, online group coaching, and corporate coaching, as well as a 365 Empower U newsletter to deliver a weekly dose of motivation to women. Karissa also provides motivational talks, lunch-and-learns, masterclasses, and workshops as a keynote speaker and crowd motivator. For more information or to register for an event, visit 365dailyhustle.com, call (402) 880-2142, or follow her on Facebook (@DailyHustle1) and Instagram (@365.Daily.Hustle). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BBB Advises Businesses of Effective Social Media for Achieving Brand Loyalty The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is offering insight to local businesses about the importance of social media to brand loyalty, customer satisfaction, and communication to their success. Especially in the wake of the pandemic where so much more business is being accomplished online, social media often is the go-to place to nurture customers. As such, it can play an essential role in your small business because it can demonstrate your authenticity, transparency, and help build awareness.

Not convinced? BBB offers the following statistics that every marketer and business owner should know: • 97% of digital consumers have used social media in the past month (globalwebindex) • Social ad spending is forecast to increase by 20% to $43 billion in 2020 (eMarketer) • Roughly two-thirds of U.S. adults now report that they use Facebook (Oberlo) • 53% of consumers say they’re likely to buy from brands that are transparent on social media (SproutSocial) While your company might already be using social media, the question remains: Are you using it effectively by creating goals, knowing and listening to your audience, maintaining your accounts, and creating a calendar to keep you organized? What does your brand communicate?

BBB suggests thinking about social media as a place to show people your business’s personality and why your brand matters. Whatever your goals for your business, they recommend always being responsive to customers and truthful in advertising.

The Better Business Bureau has been serving local communities since 1936. The overall mission of the organization is to be a leader in advancing marketplace trust. Learn more at bbb.org/Nebraska or by calling (800) 649-6814.

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BUSINESS NEWS Thrasher Foundation Repair Announces Expansion into Gutter Replacement Services

Certified Piedmontese Offering Delectable Beef Options for Holiday Business Gifting

Thrasher Foundation Repair, the leading provider of foundation repair and basement waterproofing solutions in a four-state region, announced on October 6 that it is expanding its service offerings to include gutter replacement. After an extensive search, Thrasher chose GutterShutter™, manufactured in Cincinnati, OH. Thrasher is the exclusive dealer in the Omaha and Wichita markets.

Certified Piedmontese is offering a full slate of mouthwatering, healthful beef to satisfy any business gifting needs, be that for the holidays, customer or employee appreciation, or a business promotion or celebration. That includes a variety of gift boxes that range in price from $50 to $200, or you can create a custom option tailored to your recipients’ tastes. By giving the gift of quality Certified Piedmontese beef, you’ll show your appreciation and show your customers or employees that you recognize their importance to your business. These high-quality gifts are sure to be a welcomed surprise for just about anyone!

Popular gift boxes include a mouthwatering selection of steaks that can include New York Strip, Flat Iron, Bavette, Sirloin, Filet Mignon, Tenderloin tips—or a combination thereof—and you can add lean hamburger, all-beef hot dogs, and more. Have them packaged with an exclusive seasoning variety pack to put the proverbial cherry on top! If you go to Piedmontese.com/businessgifts, you’ll see some of the most popular collections, including the Specialist Collection, Director Collection, Executive Collection, and Presidential Collection.

Certified Piedmontese is a premium beef option that does not sacrifice flavor or tenderness. Their Piedmontese cattle are raised responsibly in Nebraska using ranch-to-fork processes that ensure traceability, environmental sustainability, and human animal handling. All Certified Piedmontese beef is also verified all-natural and raised without hormones, antibiotics, or steroids. For more information, visit Piedmontese.com or contact Joe Finegan at (800) 414-3487 / joe-finegan@piedmontese.com.

“The decision to expand into a gutter replacement system was a logical one for us,” said Dan Thrasher, president of Thrasher. “We have built our business over the last 45 years, on keeping our customers’ basements dry and their foundations, sound. A proper gutter installation prevents rainwater from spilling off the roof and being absorbed into the ground. This pooling water, combined with our expansive clay soil, swells and forces the foundation walls to bear unnecessary added pressure.”

“We selected GutterShutter™ because it’s a great product,” added Thrasher. “It is completely covered and sealed with no vertical openings, mesh, or screens, making it clog-free—eliminating the need for cleaning. We liked that it is manufactured in the United States and has a 25-year transferable warranty.”

Founded in 1975, Thrasher Foundation Repair helps homeowners preserve and improve their homes' value using patented basement waterproofing and structural repair solutions. Additionally, Thrasher provides concrete leveling and repair, egress window installation, crawl space repair and gutter replacement—all with industryleading products, installation techniques, and warranties. Thrasher serves Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri from its headquarters in Omaha. For more information, visit www.gothrasher.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Morten Marketing Launches Omaha Small Business Networking Group

Immanuel to Add Memory Support, New Amenities to Pacific Springs

Morten Marketing, owned by Nolan Morten, has launched Omaha Small Business Networking. The group will begin hosting events at Craft Axe Throwing in December. Each month, three lanes will be reserved for networking participants who sign in.

Nolan will be sharing social media marketing tips on how to generate more reach, traffic, and conversions.

Those who are interested in getting involved and want to learn about the first event can request to join the Facebook group for Omaha Small Business Networking. This group is free to join. Nolan has also rolled out the same model in the Lincoln market.

Immanuel, the Midwest leader in retirement living and senior living communities, announces big changes to Pacific Springs, a signature campus in west Omaha. With construction already underway, this retirement community will see new common spaces, enhanced services and a new assisted living and memory support neighborhood, opening in the fall of 2021.

Pacific Springs, an Immanuel Signature Community located adjacent to the Pacific Springs Golf Club at 805 S 173rd Plaza, offers premiere independent and assisted retirement living apartments to area seniors.

The renovations will connect Pacific Springs Village’s assisted living neighborhood to its independent living neighborhood while adding comprehensive memory support to the campus. Renovation plans also include enhanced common spaces including a new Thrive by Immanuel fitness center and wellness studio, onsite restaurant and lounge featuring a golf simulator, outdoor areas and walking paths, and a chapel beautifully adorned with a locally designed stained glass window donated by residents. The new memory care apartments join Immanuel’s existing memory care communities with the latest in compassionate programming supporting those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The memory support neighborhood includes plans for an outdoor courtyard, complete with covered porch and areas for art and music activities.

Immanuel’s newest life enrichment programming is leading the way for these and other changes. Thrive by Immanuel, focuses on wellness of the whole person—mind, body and spirit. Education courses, social engagement, spiritual support, and wellness are all incorporated through nine Thrive principles like music, lifelong learning, connection and more. To learn more, visit www.immanuel.com.

Omaha Small Business Networking is a great place to meet ideal clients online and in person, get recommendations, and get marketing tips. This group is all about creating collaboration and sharing between local businesses. If you have questions, contact Nolan at (402) 540-6686 / omahasmallbusinessnetworking@ gmail.com. If you would like to learn about Morten Marketing, visit mortenmarketing.com.

FBG Service Corporation Celebrates 60 Years FBG Service Corporation, a commercial cleaning and facilities maintenance company, celebrated its 60th year in business in October.

Headquartered in Omaha, the 100% employee-owned company delivers and manages services across the U.S. With district offices in Colorado Springs, Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, the Quad Cities, and Minnesota, FBG employs approximately 1,300 people nationwide.

Wayne Simmonds founded what would become FBG Service Corporation predecessor company, Floor Brite, in Omaha in the mid 1950s. FBG became incorporated in 1960. Wayne’s daughter, Terri Gogetap, currently serves as president and CEO. Mr. Simmonds passed away in June of 2019 at the age of 80. Simmonds created an entrepreneurial work environment right from the start.

“Employees have always been empowered to make the right decisions for our clients. My father wanted our teams to think of themselves as owners of the company. It was always his dream to share the company ownership with our employees,” said Gogetap. In 1994 FBG awarded its first ESOP certificates to qualified employees. “Dad felt if employees have a stake in the game, they are more likely to care more, work harder and deliver consistent results,” she continued.

“Who would have thought we would be celebrating in the midst one of our most challenging years yet. Demand for our office disinfection services have increased exponentially, and we’ve had to intensely train even more Emergency Response team members to handle that demand across our service area,” Gogetap said. “The pandemic has definitely changed how we approach our services.”

FBG uses EPA registered disinfectants that are approved to kill the SARSCoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 and apply the disinfectant through an Electrostatic Disinfection System (EDS). The full room spray application can be applied as a preventive treatment or in response to a suspected or positive COVID case. The spray provides disinfectant coverage on all surfaces and because of the electrostatic nature of delivery, it treats all surface areas, seen and unseen. Occupants can resume work almost immediately after the application.

FBG Service Corporation is focused on delivering great experiences to customers and the people who live and work in the facilities in which they’ve been entrusted. To learn more about FBG Service Corporation or the Electrostatic Disinfection System (EDS), visit their website at FBGServices.com or call (800) 777-8326, ext. 5064. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2020

STEPHANIE

Stephanie Grade

OVATION HEARTWOOD PRESERVE Meet Stephanie Grade, general manager at Ovation Heartwood Preserve.

Tell us a little about your business. Ovation is an amazing upscale senior living community that is rich in amenities and driven by a hospitality model located in the Heartwood Preserve.

How did you get started in the business? - It was a desire to align my professional life with my passion for making a difference in the lives of others. After a fantastic career in hospitality, I wanted the majority of my actions and time to make a lasting impact for those I serve. Serving our seniors is an amazing way to honor my values and give back.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Driving change in established cultures where expectations have not been realized or fully communicated.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Starting the first Project Search site in Omaha in Partnership with the Papillion-La Vista School District. It was the first time I truly understood how it felt to have my work have a greater meaning. I loved working with people that have unique abilities and helping them to expand their horizons professionally.

Tell us a little about your family. - I was born and raised in Nebraska with most of my family still living in the general area. I have a wonderful husband, Shane, who I have been with for nearly 20 years; a beautiful daughter, Elaina, who is six and the queen of our home; and Lola, our 10-year-old English Bulldog. My daughter calls Lola her sister. We are a close family and spend most of our time together when not working.

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

- Becoming a mother. It gave me a new perspective on the meaning and value of how I spend my time and how I wanted my daughter to view the world and me. It was the key factor in driving my desire to align my personal and professional values.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to see live performances—everything from a moving musical to a great game of baseball with my family.

Who inspires you? - My mom. She always reached for greater things while showing kindness at every turn. She encouraged and required her children to think of how they were going to do even greater things and challenged us when she felt we were straying from who we were intended to be.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - "The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist see the opportunity in every difficulty." – Winston Churchill If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Passionate.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Teleportation.

It would open up the world to you and be amazingly efficient.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Baking. My husband encouraged me to open a bakery for a few years, but I wouldn’t because I'm afraid I'd lose the joy I receive from it.

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

What is your favorite TV show? - The Handmaid’s Tale.

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 999-7900; stephanie.grade@ovationbyavamere.com; ovationbyavamere.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

DON

Don Mlnarik

LIFETIME STONE RESTORATION Meet Don Mlnarik, owner at Lifetime Stone Restoration.

Tell us a little about your business. We are a locally owned and operated professional stone restoration company that specializes in bringing back stone surfaces to their original glory for the past 12 years.

We can fill in cracks and holes to closely match the surface and color of your stone. If it is scratched and dull, we use the latest in diamond technology to bring it back up to a natural shine. If you are not wanting a high shine to your stone, we can give it an even matte or satin finish. Once finished restoring the stone to the customer's requirements, we apply a clean penetrating sealer to help with future staining. Since we are not a franchise, we can change our processes and materials anytime we find a better way of doing things. We don’t only restore stone—we can clean your manufactured tile and grout, seal the grout, and change its color without removing it. Showers are always something people have a difficult time keeping clean. We can remove the stubborn soap scum buildup, mineral deposits, and mildew, and replace the damaged caulking. We finish up the shower by sealing all the grout to help slow down future mildew growth.

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How did you get started in the business? - Honestly, I was tired of sitting behind a desk. I researched all sorts of businesses for almost two years. I came across a company that did stone restoration and it looked exciting. I knew people in the construction business and asked them what they did with worn or damaged stone floors and vanities. The answer was the same from all of them...rip it out and throw it away. I saw there was a need for the restoration of stone in the Omaha area. I did a lot of research on the subject and took two classes on stone restoration. After I was trained and bought my first set of equipment, I tiled half of my garage in different types of stone to practice on for a couple of months.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Getting the word out on what stone restoration is. Since no one was doing this work in the Omaha area, no one really knew this work even existed. Even after doing this work for over 12 years, I still come across people who have stone floors, counters, or showers who have no idea they can be restored.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife and I have been married for over 20 years and have two children. My wife works from home for American Express Corporate Travel. My son attends Skutt Catholic High School and helps me do this work when he is on breaks. My daughter attends St. Wenceslaus.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Testing out new processes and products for my business. When my wife coaxes me to really take a break, I enjoy fishing, hunting, and camping with my family.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I am a member of the Knights of Columbus. I believe in the work they do with helping the community such as food banks, the special Olympics, and other meaningful fundraisers.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar. I love seafood and this is the best place in town for fresh fish.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 916-1700; www.lifetimestone.com (complete the online form to let us know what you are wanting to have done). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Tell us a little about your business. - At McGill Restoration, our core focus is the rehabilitation on preservation of concrete and masonry infrastructure. This has us working most often on bridges, buildings, and parking structures. We also have a focus on industrial/utility facilities where we can apply different types specialty chemical resistant coatings and perform repairs on the concrete infrastructure at those facilities that keeps cities running.

How did you get started in the business? - My road into the construction industry was definitely not a direct route. I went to college here in Nebraska and bounced between two or three different majors before moving to Dallas in 2002 to run a Dr Vinyl franchise. After a couple of years of running the operation, I purchased it outright and continued to run and grow the company until 2011. In late 2010, I decided I was not being challenged in a way that was fulfilling and began looking to sell the company so I could get into the construction industry. By early 2011, my company was sold, and I had moved to New York City to begin taking classes at NYU in pursuit of my Construction Management Degree. While at NYU, I worked for the MTA doing foundation and pile inspection on projects that were being built above subway lines. After graduation, I worked for AECOM on a $225-million subway tunnel reconstruction project at the southern end of Manhattan before moving back to Nebraska in 2016 and beginning my career at McGill Restoration.

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What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Making a career change in my early 30s. Going back to college with all the responsibilities of working full time and going to college full time was definitely a challenge. My son was also born while my wife and I were still in NYC and I was beginning my role with AECOM. Juggling a work and personal life in NYC with a newborn made for quite a few challenges, and is what ultimately led us back to Nebraska.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife and I have a fiveyear-old son who keeps us on our toes. With kindergarten starting this year and him involved in football, hockey, and swimming, life is a little hectic. We are also expecting our second child in March and have two crazy dogs—a Weimaraner and a German Shorthair Pointer.

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What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - The birth of our son. Before he was in the picture, my plan was to stay in NYC after I graduated and then try to move overseas or go somewhere for work that would have been completely unique.

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What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to play golf and would go everyday if it were feasible.

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What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - "It is always easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them." - Alfred Adler If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Definitely a professional golfer.

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20

Mary Byrnes 402-515-8024

Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2020

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 438-4110 (Lincoln office) / (402) 558-7989 (Omaha office); mbuolferg@mcgillrestoration.com; mcgillrestoration.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

ED

Ed Abersfeller

STORAGE CONCEPTS, INC. Meet Ed Abersfeller, president of Storage Concepts, Inc. Tell us a little about your business. - For the past 35 years, Storage Concepts, Inc. has been bringing high-quality organization and storage products to the upper Midwest. Initially, our expertise and focus was in the industrial arena with custom warehouse storage systems. However, when we moved into recessionary times, new warehouse, distribution center, and large-parts storage building construction became nearly non-existent. About the time Ronald Regan's economic measures began to take hold in the mid-1980s recession, and home building here in Nebraska was recovering, a new trend in California was developing: custom closets. We recognized the category was completely lacking here in Omaha. So, we began taking the idea to local home builders with much success. Twenty-five years later, we are the oldest custom closet company in Nebraska.

How did you get started in the business? - We researched manufactures across the country, found some nice high-quality products not available here, took on their lines, and grew the business from there.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Like most small businesses, we are dependent on a robust economy to prosper and grow. In addition to providing our services to the consumer directly, the home builder is also a primary customer. When we move into a recessionary period like the last one, we all feel it.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Longevity in this business. We are now on the cusp of the next generation taking the reigns—exciting times here.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Mickie and I have two children and four grandchildren. My oldest daughter Becky and her husband Matt are with the company and in the process of becoming the next owners of Storage Concepts Inc. My younger daughter Sarah is an elementary school teacher and her husband is a tax specialist with an Omaha firm.

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

- The U.S. Army. Traveling overseas and seeing how some people are forced to live, made me fully appreciate just how well I have it here.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Shared activities with family and friends. I'm also an avid reader.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I'm a licensed pilot and aviation was my original career path.

Who inspires you? - Captains of industry, especially those women who have broken the proverbial glass ceiling. Having a daughter in the business, I like to point to those successful women as a model for success.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - "If you really look closely most overnight successes took a long time." – Steve Jobs If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Fair-minded.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - "Imagine" by John Lennon.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Habitat for Humanity. They, like us, make peoples’ lives better by helping them get organized in their homes What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - J. R. R. Tolkien's Hobbit series.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 592-7753; ed@storageconceptsinc.com; storageconceptsinc.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

More than ever, this is what defines our community.

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21 9/4/20 2:39 PM

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BUSINESSRICH OVERVIEW: Over the course of the workshop, the ActionCOACH leading the format will delve deeper into many of the company’s systems, including: • 74 lead generation strategies • 82 strategies to increase conversion • 53 strategies to increase number of transactions • 50 ways to increase the value of every sale • 70 ways to increase margins and cash flow In addition, the BusinessRICH curriculum focuses on team building, company vision and culture, planning and goal-setting strategies designed for immediate impact.

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IQ CAR WASH Meet Travis Barker, owner of IQ Car Wash in Omaha.

Tell us a little about your business. - IQ Car Wash uses state-of-the-art equipment to get cars clean. We offer our customers variety by allowing them to wash how they want. They can use our self-service bays or our touch-free and soft-touch automatic options. Our automatics use a 3D scan so that the machine washes to the contour of the vehicle. This gives each customer a custom wash, every time. We guarantee our products and believe in top-notch customer service and a clean facility to ensure customer satisfaction.

How did you get started in the business? - While working as a mechanic in West Omaha, I noticed there was a lack of car wash options in the area. I have a preferred style of car wash that was not readily available to me. When researching car wash equipment manufacturers, I made a call to D&S Equipment. D&S connected me with Midwest Car Wash Equipment. While learning about their products, I knew within a few weeks that this was the right equipment and sales team to start my business.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The process of building the physical building. Our facility was built from the ground up. We had several challenges from environmental to regulations and interpretation.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Having a dream and seeing it through.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Erica and I have twins, who are five. Our son is Logan and our daughter is Alexa. They started Kindergarten this fall. We live in the city of Omaha and live close to my mom Lois, who is our business partner.

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

- When I was 14, my mom and I moved from California to Nebraska after the passing of my dad.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love spending time with my family. I also enjoy going out to the track for a day of auto cross.

Who inspires you? - My good friends, John and Caleb.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Don’t hear what I’m not saying.

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - "Fuel" by Metallica.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Flying.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Working on performance cars.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Mechanical engineering in a performance division.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Food Bank for the Heartland.

What is your favorite movie? - Gone in 60 Seconds.

What is your favorite TV show? - Top Gear.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Dave Grohl. He was the drummer for Nirvana and founded the band Foo Fighters.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 720-1069; travis@iqcarwashomaha.com; www.iqcarwash.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

KRISTEN

Kristen Dineen

OPEN DOOR MISSION Meet Kristen Dineen, public relations coordinator at Open Door Mission.

Tell us a little about your business. - Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty.

How did you get started in the business? - In 2018, my 27-year radio career came to an end when the radio station I worked for was sold to another company and I lost my job. I was looking for a new career that provided more stability for my family, but I also wanted to feel like I was making a difference. I had worked with Open Door Mission in partnership with the radio station I worked at, so I was very familiar with what they do and how they help people.

My two bachelor degrees are English and communications, so they fit the qualifications for a job in public relations.

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What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Losing my job two years ago and having to start over professionally with a new career mid-life.

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Dana and I have four kids: Cody (24), Molly (14), Lyla (7), and Sophia (6). We are also about to be first-time grandparents to baby Carter!

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - I worked in radio in California for 11 years when I lost my job due to budget cuts. I felt like God was leading me back “home” to Nebraska, so I packed up my things and headed back to my home state. It was just a few months later my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time so I could be there to help here through treatments (10 years later and she remains cancer free) and within six months of moving back to Nebraska, my mom set me up with my now husband!

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spend time with my family! We love to be outside when the weather is nice.

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Who inspires you? - My youngest daughter, Sophia. She was born with special needs, but we didn’t learn of her diagnosis until she was 18 months old. My precious girl is sweet, happy, and so loving. She enjoys the moment. Things we take for granted can be a challenge for her, but she is so strong and brave. She says “Best day ever!” almost every single day and means it.

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

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would LOVE to narrate audio books or be able to write books.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Open Door Mission! It’s not just because I work there...I have seen firsthand the lives that are changed there every day.

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What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - My favorite book is the Bible, but I do love to read all sorts of books from fiction to biographies.

What is your favorite TV show? - This is Us. What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? - Firebirds, The Good Life, Fernandos…don’t make me pick just one!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 829-1538; kdineen@opendoormission.org; www.opendoormission.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

8052 H St, Omaha, Nebraska 68127 402.592.7752 | Storageconceptsinc.com/home-office NOVEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

23

ASK THE EXPERT: OUTLOOK NEBRASKA

WE WORK. WE GROW. WE LIVE. WE CONTRIBUTE.

Thank you to these businesses who recently joined the Chamber and invested in the community 365 Daily Hustle

Morten Marketing

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Eight Tips for Rffective Virtual Networking We use traditional networking to engage in conversation, give elevator pitches, and exchange business cards. People are social distancing and working from home because of COVID. However, we still need successful networking to meet people and add value. Through virtual networking, you could learn about a job opening, find a mentor, or meet a future client at home.

1. Clarify goals and objectives—Establish your networking goal. Do you want to expand your connections? Are you trying to grow your business or advance in your company? Make a career change? Define your reason for reaching out to people so that you don’t waste time.

2. Reach out to your network—Check in with your contacts. People you know through online networking and in your existing professional circle might have full plates during this uncertain time. Use social media or email as the first point of contact. Call or video chat if it is encouraged by your connection.

3. Search for online networking opportunities—Professional organizations and alumni groups host online networking events so people can connect safely. Interact with likeminded people in Facebook or LinkedIn groups. Learn and share new skills and job search tips.

4. Schedule virtual meetings—Send a follow up email to those you meet during virtual networking events. Email your strongest professional connections at least once every quarter. Don’t just reach out when you have a favor but to stay engaged and build a professional relationship.

5. Network with your manager and colleagues—Solid work performance and being enjoyable to work with will delight your team. Impress people while working from home with communication, time-management, independence and prioritization. Take the initiative and check in more often. Keep them updated on your projects, work assignments and deadlines. Ask if there is anything else you can do.

6. Follow up with the hosts of webinars, podcasts and blogs— Attending a webinar, virtual conference, listening to a podcast or reading a blog post could generate job leads, business contacts and coaching.

Take advantage of opportunities to ask questions. Send a follow up email.

7. Ask for informational interviews—An informational interview is either: 1) Meeting a professional working in the organization or industry you are interested in, 2) meeting an individual in your ideal position and asking how they got their start. Do your homework and learn how to properly conduct an informational interview.

8. Attend a virtual job fair—Virtual job fairs increased because of COVID-19. Dust off your resume and sign up for an upcoming fair.

Depending on the fair, you could hear from the hiring managers about company culture, overall goals and types of candidate qualifications.

Follow up with the hosts or hiring managers.

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What are the biggest threats to cybersecurity?

The biggest threat to cybersecurity is organizations that don’t think they need it. You may think that your business isn’t big enough or that your information isn’t valuable enough to be enticing. However, hackers aren’t choosy—and once you’ve had a security breach, it’s too late.

Another common threat we see is organizations with cybersecurity measures that they do not test or enhance regularly.

Hackers are constantly finding new ways to obtain sensitive data, so it’s critical to stay on top of changes in potential threats.

What type of businesses need device hardening?

What is device hardening?

Device hardening is the process of eliminating or reducing vulnerabilities. Any device internet-connected should have some form of device hardening in place. This includes firewalls, servers, workstations, laptops, iPads, phones, POS systems, and vulnerability scanners, to name a few.

Clients often come to Scantron and say, “We know we need cybersecurity, but we don’t know where to start.” Our team assesses their needs, their threats, where the loss of data could come from, and what solutions provide the best protection.

All businesses need to be doing something to protect their data. Those in the financial and medical sector are particularly prime targets for hackers and scammers. If your organization is responsible for sensitive data, whether it’s your own or that of your clients and customers, there are tools available to keep that data secure. Don’t wait until you have a data breach; it will be too late.

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Let’s Talk About Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity provides protection for any internet-connected device from threats such as hackers, malware, phishing, ransomware and more.

Every organization needs to address the growing and evolving threat of cyberattacks. Measures can be as simple as the passcode lock on your phone, or as complex as a full-scale program for your network. You can configure cybersecurity at the network and the device levels.

How can device hardening protect business data?

Device hardening is just one layer of a multifaceted approach. When it comes to device security, there’s no silver bullet or golden shield. You need to implement multiple processes that provide a framework of total security. Device hardening is a fundamental step in that process.

“Don’t wait until you have a data breach; it will be too late.”

What services does Scantron offer to help keep businesses safe from cybersecurity threats?

At Scantron, our solutions are fully customized according to our clients’ needs, and scalable to any size or type of business. Our process involves analyzing five security fundamentals. The first is a security assessment that establishes a baseline of an organization’s current cybersecurity measures and provides recommendations for better protection. The second security fundamental is a policy review to determine if the necessary procedures are in place in the event of a cybersecurity threat. Third, Scantron looks at hardware, software, users, and any security mechanisms that are available to make sure everything is being leveraged appropriately. The fourth step is continuing education and strategic security planning that provides a roadmap on how to respond in the event of a cybersecurity attack. The fifth step is vulnerability scanning, which is a device that constantly scans for network and software related threats and helps mitigate as much damage as possible.

Arturo Romero Senior Security Engineer

(402) 697-3308 | www.scantron.com/omaha #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NOVEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

25

PERSONNEL NEWS First Responders Foundation Welcomes Therapist Leslie Hartmann to Support Team

Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance Opens New Office, Welcomes Two New Staff Members

The First Responders Foundation recently welcomed a new therapist, Leslie Hartmann, to the First Responders Support Team (FRST). Leslie is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP) and specializes in working with spouses and children of first responders. She has more than eight years of experience working with families, as well as children and adolescents with behavioral and social challenges. Leslie’s experience also includes working in the correctional setting, dealing with inmates and corrections staff. As part of FRST, she will also facilitate a weekly substance support group. Leslie is married to a retired U.S. Marine who also was an emergency medical technician (EMT). She is available for both in-person and Telehealth sessions throughout Nebraska.

The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our first responders and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety. The programs and services of the First Responders Foundation are available for both paid and non-paid first responders. To schedule an appointment or talk with Leslie, call (402) 218-1234, option 2, or email leslie@ firstrespondersfoundation.org. For more information about the organization, visit firstrespondersfoundation.org.

Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance (OHKA) announced the opening of a new office and welcomed Sophia Quintero and Arturo Aceves to their team this fall. Sophia joined OHKA as the community engagement coordinator after graduating from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) with her Master’s degree in public health in May. She will focus on planning events and providing resources to clients and the wider Omaha community on healthy housing and lead-poisoning prevention. Arturo joined the direct service team and will be working to implement OHKA’s new virtual healthy-home assessments to continue serving families during COVID-19.

OHKA also hosted a virtual event on October 1 to celebrate the opening of their new office and training center, located in the old Maryland Theatre in Little Bohemia. OHKA is excited to join the Little Bohemia neighborhood and can’t wait to use the new space to work toward creating a healthy home for every child in the area. OHKA wants to thank all the donors who made the new office possible.

Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance is an Omaha-based nonprofit dedicated to improving children’s lives by assessing homes, educating families, making informed referrals, and connecting clients to home-repair services to reduce health and safety risks. To learn more, visit omahahealthykids. org or call (402) 934-9700.

Cathie and John Fullenkamp to Receive MCF's 2021 Reflection Award Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) is pleased to announce that Cathie and John Fullenkamp will receive the Reflection Award at the organization’s 2021 Reflection Ball on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at the Embassy Suites - LaVista. Each year, Midlands Community Foundation honors an individual or individuals who have contributed significantly to Sarpy and Cass counties and the mission of the Foundation with its Reflection Award.

Cathie is a graduate of the College of St. Mary with a degree in Medical Technology.

She spent 19 years of employment at Archbishop Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha. Cathie also served in a support capacity for Mary Our Queen Catholic Church, Mercy High School, and the Westside Community Schools Special Education Programs and Activities. She spent most of her time rearing their five children while giving back to the community, most notably to Mosaic, where their oldest daughter who is developmentally disabled lives.

John Fullenkamp graduated from Creighton University School of Law in 1970 and is admitted to practice law in Nebraska and Iowa (inactive).

Celebrating his 50th anniversary of practicing law, John is an attorney specializing in real estate with the firm of Fullenkamp, Jobeun, Johnson & Beller. He represents or has represented numerous commercial, office, industrialm and residential developments in Sarpy County.

Cathie and John have been married for 50 years. Their other children and spouses are: Dr. Mark Fullenkamp, and his wife Genevieve, RN; Dr. Michael Fullenkamp and his wife, Sally, Pharm. D.; Beth Fullenkamp Hix and her husband Jeremy; and Dr. Lynn Fullenkamp. John and Cathie also have six grandchildren.

The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to benefit the diverse needs of the Sarpy and Cass county communities by providing financial support, involvement, and service. To learn more, visit midlandscommunity.org.

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UNICO’s LeaAnn Moore and Scot Blehm Qualify for Million Dollar Round Table Congratulations are in order for UNICO Group’s Midland Financial Division financial advisors Scot Blehm and LeaAnn M. Moore, CRC®, AIF®, who have each earned membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). LeeAnn, a certified retirement counselor (CRC®) and accredited investment fiduciary (AIF®), is a 10-year qualifier of MDRT, with nine years at the Top of the Table and one year at the Court of Table distinction. Scot is an eight-year MDRT qualifier with three years at the Court of Table distinction.

LeaAnn M. Moore

MRDT membership is attained by life-insurance advisors who meet the organization’s annual production requirement and are members of their local life underwriters’ association. Round Table membership is an exclusive honor that is achieved by only a small percentage of all life insurance and financial-services advisors.

UNICO Group is a full-service insurance agency headquartered in Lincoln, with services ranging from telecommunications Scot Blehm to workers’ comp, employee benefits, personal insurance, financial planning, and human-resource solutions. Midlands Financial, a division of UNICO, offers financial services, including individual investment and retirement services, succession planning, and retirement plans. For more information about UNICO Group or their Midlands Financial division, call (402) 434-7200 or visit unicogroup.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Bridge to Better Living Founder Mary Ann Stallings Receives WOW Award

Parkinson’s Nebraska Proudly Announces Amber Winter as New Executive Director

Mary Ann Stallings, founder, president, and CEO of Bridge to Better Living, has been honored as a recipient of the notable Franchise Dictionary Magazine Women of Wonder (WOW) Award. Alesia Visconti, CEO of Franchise Dictionary Magazine, stated the following: “Each year, more and more women are impacting the franchise industry. They are changing the landscape, implementing new initiatives, and bringing groundbreaking ideas to the table. Our 50 Women of Wonder are some of the most talented, strong, and dynamic women franchisors in the franchise industry. Mary Ann and her team are not only business savvy, but model examples of the empathy so needed in today’s culture.”

The Board of Directors of Parkinson’s Nebraska is pleased to formally announce the promotion of Amber Winter to executive director. Amber started at Parkinson’s Nebraska in 2018, serving as the administrator of statewide programs and operations. A gifted and enthusiastic nonprofit professional, she is educated and skilled in designing programs that address unmet needs in the Parkinson’s community.

Under Amber’s leadership of statewide programs, Parkinson’s Nebraska has greatly expanded its reach outside of the Omaha metro area and has connected the statewide network through strategic engagement and programming. She is dedicated to excellence through continuous evaluation and improvement of the organization’s program effectiveness and is deeply committed to bettering the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease statewide. Amber is a 2019 summa cum laude graduate of Bellevue University with a Bachelor of Science in Nonprofit Management.

Parkinson’s Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) committed to helping people in Nebraska and the surrounding areas who are affected by Parkinson’s disease. Donations to the organization all stay local, giving residents suffering from Parkinson’s disease—as well as their families and caregivers—access to essential information and resources. For more information, visit Parkinsonsnebraska.org, follow them on Facebook (@parkinsonsnebraska), or call (402) 715-4707.

The choices for senior living retirement options are transparent with the no cost to clients assistance of the Bridge to Better Living team.

Thousands of lives have been changed with their unique one-on-one approach. Services are available in Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding communities. Contact Mary Ann and her team at BridgetoBetterLiving. com or call (402) 802-3301.

MENTOR Nebraska Names Melissa Mayo as New Executive Director MENTOR Nebraska’s Board of Directors announced on October 16 that Melissa Mayo has been appointed the new executive director of the nonprofit devoted to strengthening and advocating for youth mentoring in Nebraska.

Mayo’s hiring comes with the retirement of her successor, Deborah Neary, who led the organization for more than 10 years.

“While Melissa has served as MENTOR Nebraska’s Interim Executive Director over the last three months, our organization and community have also had an opportunity to see her dedication, vision, and leadership in action over the past 20 years,” said MENTOR Nebraska’s Board President Chris Rodgers.

“Melissa and the MENTOR Nebraska team have demonstrated innovation and collaboration through the pandemic and are positioned to continue our statewide expansion to support the mentoring movement.

All of us at MENTOR Nebraska are thrilled to have Melissa lead us in this exciting stage of growth.”

Mayo previously served as the senior programming director at MENTOR Nebraska, where she led expansion efforts of Success Mentors and STRIVE refugee mentoring in several Nebraska school districts while supporting evaluation and operations functions for the organization. She has spent her career dedicated to youth through leadership roles at the United Way of the Midlands, Latino Center of the Midlands, Partnership 4 Kids, and Heartland Family Service. Mayo has a strong track record of diversifying funding support for programmatic growth, successfully implementing, and replicating youth development models serving system-impacted youth, leading multi-county initiatives, and collaborating with nonprofit organizations, school districts, government entities, and corporate partners to create purposeful community partnerships. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Nebraska–Omaha.

MENTOR Nebraska is the unifying champion for quality youth mentoring in Nebraska. For 20 years, they have led the mentoring movement by supporting and collaborating with more than 200 mentoring programs across Nebraska. For more information, visit www.MENTORNebraska.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Stories Coffee Co. Hires GM Jeff Babcock Stories Coffee Co. recently announced the hiring of Jeff Babcock as their new general manager. Jeff is the former general manager of Paradise Bakery & Café in Omaha and has additional prior experience in retail management. Stories Owners Dan and Brooke Loutzenhiser said they selected Jeff for the position because he fits their vision and core values for the business, in addition to his experience and knowledge to expand the business beyond four walls. Likewise, Jeff said he “wanted to work somewhere that invested in people and our community.” It’s obviously a perfect match.

As general manager, Jeff is overseeing all operations for the Stories storefront and kiosk locations, including all of the day-to-day operations that come with running a coffee shop with an extensive menu and processes that entail far more than those of a typical coffee shop.

“Jeff gives attention to the things we aspire for—high quality and a focus on an amazing, welcoming experience for customers—and our mission for helping the community and developing a dedicated customer base,” Dan said. “He very much fits what we stand for and is a person who we want to build our business and brand upon.”

Stories Coffee Co. is located at 114th and Davenport in the heart of Omaha. Stories serves premium coffee that’s roasted in-house and also serve a full menu of teas, smoothies, breakfast, lunch, and heavy appetizers. In addition, they have seven local craft beers on tap and delicious wines that pair perfectly with live music on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. A portion of Stories’ sales every month are given to local nonprofits that are doing good things in Omaha. To learn more about Stories, follow them on Instagram or Facebook (@ storiescoffeecompany), or visit storiescoffeecompany.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS True North Technologies Hires Sam Sullivan as Chief Marketing Officer

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True North Technologies—a Lincoln-based business launched by Renee Sobotka— recently brought Sam Sullivan onto the team to serve as chief marketing officer.

His focus includes content strategy, blog writing, search-engine optimization (SEO), information architecture, and reaching people through new forms of media. Sam was raised on a cattle farm in Hebron and moved to Lincoln for college and is a 2013 graduate of the University of Nebraska, where he earned a degree in English. Since then, he has worked in the social-media and digital-design sector, in industries ranging from printing to healthcare and mental health.

Outside of work, Sam has written and published several novels, enjoys reading and collecting books and watching movies, and he loves to go hiking or exploring new places, cooking new dishes and eating new health foods, staying up on the latest trends, and trying out interesting biohacking techniques and gadgets. He has an interest in all things digital and wants to use technology to make the world a better place.

True North Technologies makes technology simple with website and mobile-app development, SEO, branding, and social-media marketing. Learn more at go-tnt.com or call (402) 420-5101.

Berry Law Attorneys Crow, Hoeser, and Collingham Pass Nebraska Bar Exam Berry Law attorneys Montana Crow, David Hoeser, and Carey Collingham officially passed the Nebraska State Bar exam as of September 3, allowing them to practice law in the state. Crow and Hoeser will practice Veterans disability law at Berry Law, while Cunningham will focus on personal-injury cases and related civil matters. Their swearing-in ceremony was held at the Pinewood Bowl on September 15—the same day they officially became attorneys at Berry Law.

New Berry Law attorneys, left to right, Montana Crow, Carey Collingham, and David Hoeser at Nebraska State Bar swearing-in at the Pinewood Bowl on September 15.

Crow graduated from Creighton University School of Law in May 2020. There, she was the Senior Lead Articles Editor, the Legal Research and Writing Moot Court Competition runner-up, and was part of the Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society. Hoeser served our country in the U.S. Army for four years following high school and later attended the University of Nebraska College of law, graduating in May 2020. As an Army Veteran, he looks forward to helping fellow Veterans get the disability benefits they deserve.

Collingham also graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law and has been a law clerk for Berry Law for the last two summers. He suffered severe injuries in multiple car accidents a few years ago, making him unable to play the cello professionally. He is now helping injured persons take back control of their lives.

Berry Law was founded in 1965 by legendary attorney John S. Berry, Sr. With more than 250 years of combined legal experience, Berry Law is well-equipped to handle the most serious legal needs.

For more information, visit berrylawfirm.com, call (402) 466-8444, or email marketing@jsberrylaw.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Ambius Welcomes Colette Chonis to Staff as New Plant Care Specialist

FAMILY, Inc. Welcomes Stacy Giebler as Organization’s New Finance Director

Ambius recently announced the addition of Colette Chonis to their staff as a plantcare specialist. Colette has many years of experience in the retail and customer-service industries. Colette said she loves the work environment at Ambius because everyone is so helpful with the training involved for her position and because she has a great degree of control and freedom in her job, enhancing people’s workspaces with plants to bring color into their environment. Outside of work, Colette loves to be by the water and boating is her favorite thing to do. In the winter months, she enjoys doing a variety of craft projects.

“Colette has been a wonderful addition to the Ambius team,” said District Manager Tiffany Falconer. “Her skills and customer service are top-notch!”

Ambius is an interior landscaping company serving the Omaha and Lincoln areas and also offers Hygiene360, including hand-sanitizer units and air-purification systems, to keep your business clean, safe, and hygienic. Their plant professionals can help keep your plants looking happy and healthy, and their services include live and artificial indoor plant displays for businesses, complete office-plant services, ambient scenting, commercial holiday decorations, greenwall design, installation, and maintenance, and more. Given all of the research showing that the presence of plants has positive effects on human psychology, Ambius believes that bringing more plants into your home and business is a smart choice in the modern era. Learn more at ambius.com or by calling (402) 999-4825.

FAMILY, Inc. is proud to announce the recent hiring of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Stacy Giebler as their new finance director.

Stacy earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2005 and passed the CPA exam over the next summer before beginning her accounting career as an auditor in Omaha at KPMG, LLP, one of the Big Four international accounting firms. She left KPMG in 2009 to become the director of accounting and later, Chief Financial Officer, of PromiseShip, a private child-welfare agency and subsidiary of Boys Town. She worked at PromiseShip for more than 10 years—from the day it opened until the day it closed.

When Stacy heard about the finance director opening at FAMILY, she jumped at the opportunity to continue using her accounting skillset for the benefit of families and the community. Now a member of the FAMILY leadership team, she is happy to be working for a nonprofit organization that provides early-childhood services to the community of Council Bluffs, IA. Stacy’s first bachelor’s degree is in art education, and while she no longer teaches the subject, her life is still greatly enriched by her love of art. She is a painter and repurposes furniture, and her work is shown and sold at the Lewis Art Gallery in Omaha. Stacy has two grown daughters—the centers of her life—and usually a menagerie of pets!

FAMILY, Inc. provides public-health and family support services to women, children, and families in Pottawattamie and Mills counties. For more information, please visit familyia.org or contact Kimberly Kolakowski at kkolakowski@familyia.org / (712) 256-9566, ext. 240.

Tom Hallman Takes Over Ownership of CarePatrol in Nebraska

Outlook Enrichment Announces New Founding Board Members

In March of this year, Tom Hallman took over ownership of CarePatrol Senior Advisors, serving Omaha, Lincoln, and beyond. As a senior care consultant, Tom is grateful to be able to help seniors and their families as they face the complex challenge of finding the right senior living community.

He carefully assesses all of his client’s needs, concerns, and preferences before recommending appropriate levels of care, such as independent living, assisted living, memory care, or in-home care. Tom went through the same daunting process when he helped find care for a family member of his own. This experience gave him the passion that he has today to help other families and care givers.

Outlook Enric hment, a sister organization to Outlook Nebraska and Outlook Business Solutions, recently announced the appointment of its founding Board members. Outlook Enrichment was formed in late 2019 to continue the technology, recreation, and cultural programs started by Outlook Nebraska for people who are visually impaired. Their newly appointed Board members will guide the organization’s strategic direction and operations, and champion its mission to empower people living with vision loss or blindness to achieve personal success.

Founding board members include: Aji George, Physicians Mutual; Matthew Evans, Clear, Inc.; Nina Rongisch; Eric Stueckrath, Tim Hurley, and Susanne Waltermeyer of Outlook Collaborative; Ryan Loneman, Lindsay Corporation; and Shane Havens, M.D., Eye Consultants.

“We are excited to welcome these outstanding professionals to the Outlook Enrichment board,” said Donna Faust Aman, executive director. “We’re confident their skills will help develop the programs and resources needed to create additional opportunities for our visually impaired neighbors and change the perceptions of blindness in our region. At Outlook, we know our neighbors who cannot see very well can and want to participate fully in the life of our community. Our goal is to empower them and to create communities and workplaces that are more inclusive and accessible to them.”

Outlook Enrichment’s programs are designed to present adults and youth experiencing vision loss with opportunities to grow in confidence, engage in our community, learn new skills, build relationships, and connect to resources promoting independence. For more information or to donate to Outlook Enrichment, go to outlooken.org.

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"I'm very excited to have this opportunity to work closely with families in Nebraska. I love making a personal connection with everyone we serve through CarePatrol. My goal is to exceed all expectations by giving each family a clear picture of their options, especially during COVID when caregivers are experience more burnout than ever before. We can go through the ins and outs of each community and set up virtual tours," said Tom. CarePatrol is the nation’s largest senior placement organization that helps families find safer care options for their loved ones. You can trust CarePatrol because the care options in their network go through a rigid screening process, which includes evaluating the care and violation history. CarePatrol's advisors can also refer you to trusted elder law attorneys, financial planners, house-call physicians, and other senior care professionals. To learn more, visit Omaha-Lincoln.CarePatrol.com or contact Tom at (402) 904-8296 / thallman@carepatrol.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Nebraska Safety Council Announces Road Safety Program for Six Nebraska Counties

Join the Nebraska Community Foundation for a Virtual Dreams Welcome Week

The Nebraska Safety Council is excited to announce the launch of a new Road Safety Program, an educational project for employers and employees across six targeted Nebraska Counties: Lancaster, Hall, Madison, Saline, Seward, and York.

The program gives companies in these six “priority counties” an excellent opportunity to educate a large pool of employees about road safety, with the goal of decreasing accidents, injuries, and deaths on our roads, where motor vehicle crash fatalities and injuries on and off the job cost employers $57 billion in 2017 (latest statistics available).

On November 9-12, Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) will host its biggest event of the year— Dreams Welcome Week—on virtual platforms. Usually, this event involves gathering hundreds of community builders from across the state under one roof to share ideas, learn from one another, and work together to achieve their dreams, but the circumstances of 2020 have forced NCF to consider new ways of convening, teaching, and learning together.

Nebraska Safety Council’s new program is being funded by a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office. The nonprofit will work with 42 companies in the six counties to educate their employees about the benefits of seatbelt use and the dangers of distracted driving. They will also evaluate the companies’ seat-belt and cellphone policies and help with implementation to keep their employees safe and healthy. If your company would like to participate in the Road Safety Program, contact Chris Blum at (402) 483-2511, ext. 116 or by email at Cblum@nesafetycouncil.org.

The Mission of the Nebraska Safety Council is to provide education and leadership to empower Nebraskans to live safe and healthy. They offer comprehensive programs, training courses, events, and services that are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel, and on the job. To learn more, visit nesafetycouncil. org, call (402) 483-2511, or email nesc@nesafetycouncil.org.

This year’s celebration will take place on virtual platforms throughout the week to maximize participation among its expansive network of ambitious Nebraskans. In 2020, anyone interested and invested in the future of our Greater Nebraska communities is invited to partake in training sessions, as well as a free and public livestream celebration on Thursday, November 12. The livestream will feature speakers from communities of all sizes talking about the achievements of their Nebraska hometowns.

Interactive training sessions will focus on topics important to the future of Nebraska, including youth engagement, people attraction, leadership development, philanthropy, and fostering welcoming and belonging.

To learn more about Nebraska Community Foundation’s Dreams Welcome Week, the over 250 communities in the NCF network, and the work they are doing to build a Greater Nebraska, visit NebraskaHometown.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Cross Training Center Seeking Vehicle Donations for Student Job Experience

Stephen Center and Saving Grace Create Virtual Omaha Hunger Experience

The Cross Training Center (CTC) is seeking vehicle donations in any condition so that their students can gain hands-on career experience.

The vehicles will be used to teach their students how to diagnose, repair, and resell vehicles and small engine machinery. These valuable trade skills will help the Training Center’s Cross Automotive students escape the cycle of poverty and give them the tools they need to build a career and a fulfilling life. What’s more, all car donations are fully tax-deductible, based on the market value of the vehicle. All donors will receive a receipt and a Form 1098-C to be used for tax purposes.

In recognition of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week November 15-22, the Stephen Center and Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue invite the community to participate in the virtual Omaha Hunger Experience on Thursday, November 19. Registered participants will receive a pre-ordered, gourmet, take-home meal for four … and a low-cost sack supper.

Back at home, individuals will heat the food and draw cards to discover whether their luck provides them with the gourmet dinner or the poverty meal. Educational materials in the kit and an online video will round out the experience that leads groups through what it is like to be hungry and homeless.

The Cross Training Center is a nonprofit organization that provides vocational training and job experience for those who are not able to attain a job due to challenging backgrounds and circumstances.

Incarceration, homelessness, mental illness, drug addiction, and domestic violence can prevent someone from re-entering the job market. CTC empowers these people to regain control of their lives and circumstances so that they can make choices to correct their paths. To donate a vehicle or inquire about more of their services, visit crosstc.com, call (402) 590-2100, or email Brenda Banks at brenda@crosstc.com.

The registration deadline for the Omaha Hunger Experience is Thursday, November 5 and available at hungerexperience.com. Kit pickup with be at American National Bank at 90th and Dodge, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. on November 19. Bring a turkey or ham to donate to Stephen Center and receive a free dessert, while supplies last.

All proceeds benefit Stephen Center and Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue. Lead sponsor for the event is American National Bank, and it is being produced by WMK Media Enterprises.

Malone Center Responds to BLM Movement with New Hold Cops Accountable Initiative Faced with pressing demand for response to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, the Clyde Malone Community Center has altered their focus with afterschool youth and created opportunities for police officers to see minority teens in a different and more positive way. With this in mind, they are seeking funding for their new Hold Cops Accountable (HCA) initiative aimed at encouraging police officers to avoid automatically criminalizing black teens. The monthly HCA event is co-hosted by Malone and the Lincoln Police Department to publicly voice displeasure, compliments, complaints, concerns, or commendations concerning the local police department.

Hold Cops Accountable identifies various needs of the community while building open lines of communication with the police department, keeping people inspired in their goals of equality, and remaining active in raising awareness of the issues in the black community. The Malone Center’s HCA group meets monthly to identify and make reports that assist and help in the progression of their efforts and TRACE (Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Empathy).

Each subcommittee will comprise 10 people with the common vision of the HCA group at large. The stories told by community members during these meetings will serve as educational “touchstones” that will be taught in LPD’s academy and annual in-service.

Since 1955, the Clyde Malone Community Center has created and facilitated programs to combat the racial disparities and inequities in justice, healthcare, and social systems. Donations supporting HCA will assist with youth staff, materials for projects and activities, field trips for expanded learning about the community and resources, transportation after school, black history materials, entrepreneurship options, and overhead support. For more information, visit MaloneCenter.org. If you would like to donate to the Hold Cops Accountable initiative, call (402) 318-7541 or contact Ishma Valenti at Ishma.Valenti@MaloneCenter.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Stephen Center is a sober campus of resources for mental health and addiction services. The clients they serve are the homeless, addicted, and those living in poverty. The campus includes a homeless emergency shelter, inpatient/outpatient co-occurring treatment, and permanent supportive housing for those with disabilities and lowincome individuals. For more information, visit stephencenter.org.

NAM Announces Brain Buzz Workshops to Spark Creative Workforce Problem Solving The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) is excited to introduce Brain Buzz, a series of webinar workshops that bring together a community of caring and open-minded business and organization leaders to apply creativity to real problems.

Facilitated by Gilbert + Chittenden, the workshops will help business operators plan for “the next normal.” Participants will share creative techniques for applied problem solving to get out of a rut; help leaders and staff navigate the uncertainty and demands of today while planning for the future; and strengthen networks through supportive, stimulating conversation.

Brain Buzz sessions are available Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays from November 16 to December 9. Participants will learn new creative techniques that can be applied to strategic and tactical initiatives, and they will practice deeper listening and empathizing skills with talented and supportive colleagues. By taking turns sharing specific challenges and working across boundaries, participants will help one another think differently. Brain Buzz is geared to spark creative problem-solving abilities and help foster them to succeed in the new, uncharted territory of the COVID-19 workforce.

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is a state association that represents more than 650 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. They strengthen the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life.

To maximize interactions, Brain Buzz sessions will be limited to 20 participants. Register at www.nonprofitam.org/events; the cost is $99 for members and $198 for nonmembers. For more information, visit nonprofitam.org or contact Rosey Higgs at (402) 557-5800, ext. 4 / rosey@nonprofitam.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands Bestows Bigs, Littles of the Year Awards

Rejuvenating Women Seeking Year-End Donations to Help End Human Trafficking

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Midlands named the winners of their annual awards for Little Sister, Little Brother, Big Sister, Big Brother, Parent, and Couple of the Year. For Little Sister of the Year, Lily is recognized as being a resilient young woman who has overcome tremendous grief and loss to motivate herself to become a successful person. Her friends and family say she is an inspiration to them and they look to her for courage and motivation. Lily says she “always like(s) to look forward to the future…

It’s just remembering that I have a future and I’m going to be successful despite all of this going on.”

For Little Brother of the Year, Layton is recognized as an outstanding Little to his Big Brother and an even better big brother to his blood siblings. Layton’s friends and family see him as mature and responsible, taking on the incredible responsibility of helping his mother raise four kids. Layton’s Big Brother, Alex Goodman, said he is “excited to see him grow into an adult who will be successful in anything that he does, simply because I know he has the maturity to do it.”

Additional awards include Big Sister of the Year Ashley Ernst; Big Brother of the Year Adrian Fuentes Sanchez; Parent of the Year Katie Visocky; and Big Couple of the year Jim and Beth Griffith.

For more than 60 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands has been creating meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers and children ages 7-21 in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area, with a goal of helping children realize their potential and build their futures.

For more information or to volunteer, visit bbbsomaha.org.

Rejuvenating Women is seeking help with their quest to end human trafficking in the area by asking for end-of-year donations to bring security and support to those in need. When you give to Rejuvenating Women, your gift helps build a brighter future and safe home for both labor and sex-trafficked survivors. Human trafficking is an insidious industry that brings in nearly $150 billion a year for traffickers and abusers. It is a largely hidden crime, targeting vulnerable adults and exploiting children. You can help put an end to their horrific crimes by donating to Rejuvenating Women and helping them care for trafficked victims. Here are some of the expenses that a donation from you or your organization can help cover:

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• $5,000 monthly to operate the Rejuvenating Women home • $2,500 monthly for four residents to participate in equine therapy • $1,000 monthly for groceries and medication for four residents • $500 annually for curriculum and programming supplies for one resident • $250 monthly for Rejuvenating Women caseworkers’ access to Electronic Medical Records for HIPPA compliance Rejuvenating Women is a nonprofit organization committed to bringing respite to those trafficked in Nebraska and throughout the country. They aid in the prevention of future human trafficking by providing long- and short-term housing and healing programs for those in recovery. To learn more about Rejuvenating Women or to donate, visit rejuvenatingwomen.com/donate or email info@ rejuvenatingwomen.org.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Heartland Hope Mission Aims to Deliver Thanksgiving Goods to 6,000 Families

Open Door Mission Seeks Support for $10 Turkey ‘N’ Fixin’s for Hungry, Homeless

Heartland Hope Mission is requesting donations to help them donate Thanksgiving pantries and goods to 6,000 struggling people in Omaha during November. Donations of $25 or more will be used to provide a local family in need with a frozen turkey or ham, plus all the sides and desserts needed to prepare a Thanksgiving meal at home.

Donations are accepted online at heartlandhopemission.org. Or, if you'd like to donate your time, sign up to volunteer.

The Open Door Mission is set to host its annual Turkey ‘N’ Fixin’s Drive at Hy-Vee stores in Omaha and Council Bluffs November 6-8 to raise money to feed the Heartland’s hungry and homeless this holiday season. Stop by Hy-Vee stores in Omaha and Council Bluffs to buy a $10 “Fixin’s” bag during the drive to help the Mission prepare to provide nearly 285,000 nutritious meals for people in need. First National Bank of Omaha will donate an addition $3 toward turkeys for every bag sold, up to $3,000.

Heartland Hope Mission operates one of the largest food pantries in the state, but they are more than a pantry, as they help struggling families work toward self-sufficiency. They primarily serve working poor families and those who may be facing a crisis in their lives by providing them with a week's supply of food, clothing, diapers, job resources, and community referrals. To see how you can help, visit heartlandhopemission.org, call (402) 733-1904, or follow them on Facebook (@HeartlandHopeMission), Instagram (@ heartlandhopemission), or LinkedIn (@heartland-hope-mission) to stay up-to-date with all the amazing work they're doing in the community.

YMCA Collaborates with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska for Free Flu-Shot Clinics YMCA of Greater Omaha is collaborating with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) to hold 14 free flu-vaccination clinics at YMCA’s across the state. Clinics will be open to anyone between ages 9 and 64 at no cost, whether they have health-insurance coverage or not. BCBSNE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Esser said the goal is to be there for all Nebraskans who need a flu shot and to help protect the state from a COVID-19 and influenza “twindemic” this year.

Vaccinations will be administered by OccuVAX, an independent company contracted by BCBSNE and covered by most major healthinsurance plans, and BCBSNE will cover the cost of all other shots provided at these clinics. Pre-registration is strongly preferred, though not required, at NebraskaBlue.com/YMCAFluShot.

Clinics will be hosted in the Omaha area at the following locations and times, with others scheduled in Holdrege, Lexington, McCook, Columbus, South Sioux City, Lincoln, and Beatrice: • Twin Rivers YMCA, 6100 Twin Rivers Circle, Valley, NE – Monday, November 9, 8-11 a.m.

• Downtown YMCA, 430 S. 20th St. – Tuesday, November 10, 8-11 a.m.

• Southwest YMCA, 13010 Atwood Ave. – Wednesday, November 11, 8-11 a.m.

• Armbrust YMCA, 5404 S. 168th St. – Wednesday, November 11, 5-8 p.m.

• Sarpy YMCA, 1111 E. First St., Papillion – Thursday, November 12, 8-11 a.m.

• Maple Street YMCA, 7502 Maple St. – Friday, November 13, 8-11 a.m.

• Butler-Gast YMCA, 3501 Ames Ave. – Saturday, November 14, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The YMCA of Greater Omaha is dedicated to building healthy, confident, and connected communities through recreation and personal growth. For more information, visit metroymca.org or call (402) 341-1600. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

“We expect to serve more people than ever due to this challenging year and we can’t do this without our generous community,” said Open Door Mission President and CEO Candace Gregory. “We thank our community partners, like Hy-Vee, First National Bank of Omaha, KETV, and Boomer Radio for caring for our neediest neighbors.”

Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission founded in 1954 and committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 917 safe shelter beds to people experiencing homelessness, serves more than 4,750 nutritious meals to feed the hungry, and provides homeless preventive resources to more than 1,000 people living in poverty to empower them to remain in their own homes. For more information, visit opendoormission.org or contact Kristen Dineen at (402) 829-1538 / dkineen@opendoormission.org.

AHA Partners with Whispering Roots and Coolgreens to Donate 600 Salads to Families The American Heart Association (AHA) partnered with Coolgreens – Blackstone in October for a “Salads for Hope” project to deliver 600 salads to food-insecure families in the Omaha region. The move was a response to the increase food insecurity that came with COVID and put an increased population of children and adults alike at risk for going hungry. AHA was concern not just about Omahans receiving food but about getting healthy food to help them thrive.

Dedicated to bringing healthy food-nutrition education and innovative, next-generation agricultural technology to client communities, Whispering Roots—which delivered the salads throughout the month—works to assist the more than 100,000 food-insecure individuals, including seniors, in the Omaha Area.

Coolgreens is a healthy lifestyle eatery that offers chef-driven salads, wraps, grain bowls, and sandwiches made with fresh ingredients and prepared daily. Coolgreens asked the American Heart Association to participate as the receiving organization for Salads for Hope because of their recognition that a healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons to fight cardiovascular disease. In addition, Coolgreens – Blackstone has a personal connection to the AHA because the owners’ son required heart surgery as a young child and served as AHA’s 2019 Omaha Heart & Stroke Ball Prince.

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives and is dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. AHA has funded more than $4.6 billion in cardiovascular research since 1949, making it the single largest non-government supporter of heart and brain health research in the U.S. To learn more, visit heart.org/Omaha or call (402) 810-6870.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Child Saving Institute Earns National Reaccreditation for Best Practice Standards

Assistance League® of Omaha Replaces Christmas Caravan with Fundraising Drive

The Child Saving Institute (CSI) has achieved national accreditation through the New Yorkbased Council on Accreditation (COA), which demonstrates the implementation of best practices standards in the field of human services.

COA evaluated all aspects of CSI’s programs, services, management, and administration before granting reaccreditation, which CSI has earned in every review since 1996. CSI provides 14 services, including early childhood education, foster care, outpatient mental-health therapy, family support, an emergency shelter, and more.

COA accreditation is hailed as an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an agency’s performance. The accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of an organization’s administration, management, and service-delivery functions against international standards of best practices. The standards driving accreditation ensure that services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented, and provided by a skilled and supported workforce.

It also demonstrates accountability in the management of resources, sets standardized best-practice thresholds for service and administration, and increases organizational capacity and accountability by creating a framework for ongoing quality improvement.

The Child Saving Institute is dedicated to prevention, intervention, and healing of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. For 128 years, they have been “responding to the cry of a child” and meeting the changing needs of metro-area children. In 2019, CSI served more than 2,800 children and families. For more information, visit childsaving. org or call (402) 553-6000.

The Assistance League® of Omaha’s (ALO) Christmas Caravan Tour of Homes is another casualty of COVID 19, as the organization was forced to cancel the event for the first time since its inception in 1975. The need for the proceeds from the event is, however, greater than ever given the number of people who have lost their jobs, so ALO is launching a Christmas Caravan fundraiser in its place. They are asking people who have attended the Tour of Homes in the past to donate the amount they would usually spend on tickets and items from their boutiques, and also are seeking donations from anyone else in the community who can help.

Donations to ALO go toward funding a number of tremendous causes.

For example, ALO annually invites 2,000-4,000 school children in need to participate in their Operation School Bell program, which works in partnership with JC Penney to get warm school clothes and shoes to them. Donations also are needed to fund ALO’s other philanthropic programs, including Operation Literacy, Operation Teen Parent, Assault Survivors Kits, Operation Bear Hug, Operation Recovery, and ACT/ PSAT. If you would like to donate, visit alomaha.org or send a check to Assistance League of Omaha, 8502 West Center Rd. 68124. (Please write “Christmas Caravan” on the memo line of your check.) This year’s donations are 100% tax deductible.

Assistance League® of Omaha is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit service organization whose members identify, develop, implement, and fund ongoing philanthropic programs to serve specific needs of local children and adults in the Greater Omaha area. For more information, visit alomaha.org or call (402) 342-4288.

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NONPROFIT NEWS

CRITICAL DISINFECTION – WHENEVER YOU NEED IT

Omaha by Design and Metro Omaha Commission Local Artists to Transform ORBT In a partnership with Metro Omaha, Omaha by Design has commissioned 10 Omaha artists to transform the Omaha Rapid Bus Transit’s (ORBT) utility boxes into unique works of art. The project, called Art + ORBT, is part of a larger Omaha by Design project called Art + Infrastructure and is dedicated to showcasing local art and beautifying the parts of Omaha no one notices. ORBT, which launched in September, is a new bus line that promises the union of smart technology and streamlined travel for faster and more frequent transportation. Art + ORBT will beautify the utility boxes along the transit to create a kind of mobile art gallery that will make a unique experience for anybody travelling the ORBT pipeline.

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“We all came together and everyone’s got this unique design that reaches back into their artistic process that talks a lot about who they are, and also some of their experiences of living locally here,” said Art + ORBT artist Weston Thomson.

Omaha by Design is a nonprofit organization dedicated to designing a better, people-centered Omaha metro. They work to enrich Omaha’s neighborhoods and public spaces, balancing the diverse needs of Omaha’s citizens to create a vibrant city that that’s enjoyable and livable for all. To learn more about Art + ORBT and their other projects, visit omahabydesign.org or call (402) 934-7055.

Domesti-PUPS Raises Over $13K at Annual Party in the Garden Fundraiser The 8th annual Party in the Garden was held on September 18 to benefit local nonprofit Domesti-PUPS. The fundraiser, held in partnership with Strictly Business, saw the biggest turnout in its history and proudly raised $13,486.48. This would not have been possible without the support from all of the attendees, countless auction item donors, and the following sponsors: ALLO, PRG of Woods Bros Realty led by Ben Bleicher, Thrive Corporate Events, Ironhide Construction, Sam's Club, Union Bank & Trust, Doorstep Diner Catering, Jimmy Johns, Maize Gourmet Popcorn & Ice Cream, Buzzard Billy's, Kinkaider Brewing Co., James Arthur Vineyards, Noodles, Whispering Winds Vineyard & Tasting Room, Back Alley BBQ, Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Stahla Rentals, Rolling Hills Trading Inc., Earl May, Mower Medic, and Eagle Printing & Sign.

Attendees enjoyed free food and drinks, a live and silent auction, the chance to do some gardening fun with Earl May, and live music by the talented Cindy Matthes throughout the evening, all in a beautiful outdoor setting. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages were donated by local vendors.

Proceeds from this event go towards supporting Domesti-PUPS’s mission of providing therapy dogs, service dogs for persons with disabilities, and training rescue dogs. The costs to acquire, maintain, and place these highly skilled canines is quite high— veterinary costs alone are over $2,500 a month as Domesti-PUPS has over 40 dogs in their care at any given time. These dogs receive quality care and require extensive testing to ensure they are healthy enough to do their future jobs.

Domesti-PUPS is based in Lincoln and has satellite locations for pet therapy programs are in Auburn, Fremont, and Omaha. To learn more about Domesti-PUPS and future opportunities to support their efforts, visit www.domesti-pups.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

YES Partners with Pickleman’s Café for Awareness Fundraiser for Homeless Youth Youth Emergency Services (YES) is excited to announce that they are teaming up with Pickleman’s Gourmet Café for a fundraiser throughout November. The month-long promotion is in recognition of and an opportunity to bring awareness to National Homeless Youth Awareness Month and National Runaway Prevention Month.

Starting November 1, patrons have the option to donate $1 to their meal purchase at any Omaha area Pickleman’s to help youth experiencing homelessness and near-homelessness in the community. With each donation, patrons receive a coupon for a free item available for use toward a future purchase.

Alex Harrington, owner of the five Pickleman’s franchises in Omaha, as well as one in Lincoln, said he has always had a special place in his heart for helping and mentoring young people. In fact, it’s one of the reasons he hires youth who have overcome hardships and mistakes in their lives and want to make a fresh start for a brighter future—a natural fit with the YES mission and vision.

Youth Emergency Services is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole mission of helping youth who are experiencing homelessness or near-homelessness in our community. Last year, YES provided support and services to more than 3,000 youth in the Omaha metro area.

They offer a full continuum of care that includes a Street Outreach Center, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Program, Maternity Group Home, and Rapid Rehousing Program. For more information, visit yesomaha.org or contact Michael Watkins at (712) 307-2905 or mwatkins@yesomaha.org.

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HEALTH NEWS JDRF Invites Community to Commemorate National Diabetes Awareness Day, Month

CHAD Celebrates 30+ Years of Partnering with United Way of the Midlands

JDRF is asking the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metro community to join them in commemorating National Diabetes Awareness Month throughout November and World Diabetes Day on November 14. The goal is to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the urgent need to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its associated complications. Go Blue with JDRF on November 14 to help raise awareness of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes by wearing blue, taking a photo of yourself, and sharing it on social media using #GoBlueforJDRF! Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes both children and adults suddenly when their pancreas stops producing insulin—a hormone their bodies need to get energy from the food they eat. It has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle, and people with T1D are dependent on injected or pumped insulin to survive. About 40,000 people are diagnosed each year in the United States.

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. JDRF was founded in 1970, and the local chapter currently serves Nebraska and Iowa. The chapter has sustained an impressive track record in community outreach, public awareness, advocacy, and raising funds for T1D research. To learn more, visit jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa and follow them on social media (@JDRFNebraskaSWIowa).

The Combined Health Agencies Drive (CHAD) is celebrating more than 30 years of partnering with the United Way of the Midlands. Having begun working together in 1987, this partnership is playing a particularly vital role in these health-stressed COVID-19 times. Through workplace giving, the organizations are able to provide valuable support for those in need.

“Health is the one cause that affects absolutely everyone in the world regardless of their demographic, as we’ve seen with the pandemic,” said CHAD CEO Michelle Grossman. “We are the only drive in the state that focuses solely on health issues that affect us all, but our friends, family and neighbors facing health challenges need support from United Way’s funded partners, too. That’s why we’re so grateful for this partnership.

It truly provides one unified voice and asks for the largest health and human services campaign to serve the community in such a critical time.”

CHAD is a local, donor-driven organization that has been raising funds for Nebraska’s premier health charities for more than 40 years. Since its inception, CHAD has raised $59.7 million for charities supporting those in need in our community. Valuable donations help Omaha citizens in need by providing care and support for those affected by a health diagnosis; funding education and prevention programs in our community; and supporting advocacy and medical research. For more information, visit chadnebraska.com, call (402) 614-8500, or follow them on social media (@CHADNebraska).

BioLife Plasma Services Announces Opening of First Plasma Collection Center in Nebraska BioLife Plasma Services, part of the global biopharmaceutical company Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, opened a new plasma collection center in Omaha, 275 N 78th St., on October 24 to collect standard plasma from healthy donors. The Omaha center is approximately 11,330 square feet, and the state-of-the-art facility provides access to free Wi-Fi and a clean, professional, smoke-free environment. The new center is the first BioLife center to open in Nebraska and expects to bring more than 50 new jobs to the community.

“Now, more than ever, donors in the Omaha area have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the community through plasma donation, and we are deeply committed to making treatment options available for patients who rely on plasma-derived medications,” said Jacy Cizek, manager of the BioLife Plasma Services Omaha center. “Plasma is a lifeline for thousands of people with rare, chronic and complex diseases, and we are excited to open the first BioLife plasma collection center in Nebraska.”

Through a simple, low-risk process called plasmapheresis, plasma is separated from the blood and the blood elements are returned back into the donor’s body. Screened plasma collected from healthy individuals is processed into a wide variety of therapeutics for people around the world with rare, life-threatening diseases, such as immunodeficiency disorders, hemophilia, and hereditary angioedema.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BioLife Plasma Services has implemented additional screening and safety measures in line with public health guidance to help guarantee the safety and health of donors and employees, as well as the safety of the collected plasma. All donors will need to wear a mask or other cloth face covering inside a BioLife Plasma center.

To learn more about BioLife Plasma Services, the donation process, and to schedule an appointment, please visit www.biolifeplasma.com.

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Medica Introduces Group Health Coverage to Nebraska Medica is expanding its health coverage offerings to support employers throughout the state of Nebraska and three border counties in Iowa.

By bringing group coverage to Nebraska, Medica now offers health insurance in three distinct markets: individual coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare and employer-sponsored group coverage. Medica group coverage is available across Nebraska and three Iowa counties (Harrison, Mills, and Pottawattamie) beginning January 1, 2021. The health insurer has offered individual coverage in those areas since 2016. It began offering Medicare coverage in Nebraska in 2019.

A key benefit of Medica’s group plans is a $25 cap on member costs for a one-month supply of insulin. Starting in 2021, Medica’s individual plan members in Nebraska with ACA coverage also will pay no more than $25 for a one-month supply of insulin. Medica is making this essential benefit available at a low cost to ensure diabetics have access to insulin, which has been increasing in price at an unsustainable rate. Addressing the issue, Nebraska lawmakers last year introduced bills that would cap insulin at $100 per prescription.

Medica group products feature a variety of provider network options.

It has created an open access network with established health systems and providers throughout the state of Nebraska to ensure high quality, efficient care is delivered to its members. The network also includes a large national network.

In many larger Nebraska cities, including Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, and Kearney, Medica has created in partnership with CHI Health an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) product for its group members.

The organizations have been in a similar partnership for ACA members since 2018 and Medicare members since 2019. Medica currently has about 47,000 members in the ACO products with CHI Health. To learn more, visit medica.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

HEALTH NEWS American Red Cross Seeking Volunteers to Help People Affected by Disasters T h e A m e r i c a n Re d C ro s s i s ex p e r i e n c i n g a s h o r t a ge o f volunteers in the midst of largescale wildfires, hurricanes, and other disasters across as many as 10 states and affecting tens of thousands of people. Especially in need are shelter-service associates and shelter supervisors, disaster health services associates and supervisors, blood-donor support, and virtual volunteers from home to work via the internet.

See a list and descriptions of these and other volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday.

“It has been an incredibly busy time for the Red Cross with thousands of disaster works responding to help people whose lives were turned upside down by wildfires, hurricanes, and other disasters,” said Region Executive for the Nebraska-Iowa Region of the Red Cross. “They need your help now. Please consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer, donating to help people affected by disasters—or by giving blood today.”

Besides volunteering, those wishing to help people affected by disasters can make a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Financial gifts enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters, big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 800-red-cross, or text the word “disaster” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. In addition, the current onslaught of disasters and the complexities caused by COVID-19 have results in cancellation of blood drives, leading to a call for blood or platelets to help ensure a sufficient blood supply. Learn more about donating blood or platelets at redcross.org/give-blood.

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Join Wear Yellow Nebraska to Celebrate Supporting Nebraska’s Cancer Survivors

Includes:

Wear Yellow Nebraska invites supporters to join them from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, November 6, for a special Wear Yellow Nebraska Celebration at Infusion Brewing Company Southwest, 6271 S 188th St. The purpose of the event is to bring supporters together to celebrate another successful year of Wear Yellow Nebraska and the Wear Yellow Ride, Fun Run, and Walk. While 2020 has been anything but usual, the nonprofit organization is honored to have the opportunity to say Thank You for your support of our fellow Nebraskans in the fight against cancer!

Supervised Medical Office Visits Hormone Replacement Therapy Peptide Therapy IV Therapy Emsculpt Weight Loss

About 38.5% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. Wear Yellow Nebraska taps into the energy, kindness, and support of the cycling and running community to help.

At the Wear Yellow Ride, Fun Run, and Walk, hundreds of cyclists and runners team up every year to help fellow Nebraskans in their battles against cancer. The funds raised at the event provide thousands of rides to cancer patients who need to get to and from treatment. The organization also is expanding to include other helpful programs for patients.

Wear Yellow Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a clear focus on niche initiatives that offere cancer survivors support in ways that weren’t being addressed and for people who otherwise would fall through the cracks. To learn more or register for the event, visit wearyellownebraska.org. For more information about the nonprofit, call (402) 965-1699 or email contactus@wearyellownebraska.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

1501 Jackson Street Omaha, Nebraska 68102 402.999.2329 NOVEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Taking Care of Your Skin Cold weather, dry air, wearing masks, more stress...your skin has never needed more love!

As we enter into the winter months, the cold temperatures and low humidity levels threaten the health of our skin. While this isn’t news to anyone who lives in Nebraska, this year we are also combating added stressors from COVID. Major life changes always come with their fair share of stress, which can affect our sleep, diet, hormones, etc. These things have a direct impact on the health of our skin.

Plus, having to wear a mask all day traps dirt and oil in our pores.

“Maskne” anyone? Beyond skin concerns, this time of year is always harder on our mental health. The shorter days steal our sunshine, freezing winds keep us inside, and the holidays demand a lot from us emotionally and financially. That is why it’s more important than ever to be taking care of ourselves. It’s time for a spa day!

“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.”

- Katie Reed -

At Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa, there is an entire floor dedicated to their spa services. When you walk up the stairs, it’s like you’re entering into a whole other world of serenity and relaxation.

Dim, flickering lights give the hallways that peaceful candle-lit effect, and soft instrumental music puts your mind at ease. A friendly attendant will welcome you and lead you to one of their men’s or women’s locker rooms, all of which are spread out from each other for privacy. The attendant will explain everything to you so that you feel comfortable with the process. A body towel wrap, robe, and slippers are provided for you in a key-locked cubby where you can store your belongings during your session. Once you are changed, you’ll be welcomed to sit in a cozy waiting nook for your esthetician to come and meet you. You can tell they have thought of everything to ensure each guest has a smooth and lush experience.

The team of estheticians at CHD are thoroughly trained in skin care techniques, and they use professional products. Their services include facials, peels, brow and lash lifts, waxing services, and more. Your esthetician will talk to you about your skin before starting to help determine what treatment would be best for your desired result. A highly-recommended treatment is dermaplaning, which involves uses an exfoliating blade to skim dead skin cells and hair from the face. It’s satisfying to visually see the results. Regardless of the treatment you choose, you can expect the following basic services during each facial session:

Through November, CHD is promoting their Phyto Pumpkin Enzyme Peel—a sought-after seasonal treatment that restores and protects the skin. You’ll walk away glowing! In addition, December and January, the salon will be offering their famous Cranberry Peel Facials. Cranberries soothe the skin from the damaging effects of the environment and deliver vitamins A and C. These natural antioxidants will hydrate and remove blackheads.

CHD has a variety of other facials to choose from as well, including a Wrinkle Lift Peel, Lightening Lift Peel, Acne Lift Peel, Perfection Lift Peel, Beta Lift Peel, and—newly added—the O2 Lift Facial. The O2 Lift Facial integrates a revolutionary exfoliator that starts as a thick gel and begins to cling to dead skin cells—you can actually feel the dead skin ball up as the product is massaged in, providing gentle yet effective total rejuvenation in the look of your skin.

“I encourage everyone—men, women, young, old—to come see why we are so passionate about skin care here at CHD. We offer a variety of treatments so that we can tailor the experience for each individual who visits the spa. I recommend getting skin treatments a minimum of four times a year—once every season. It makes a big impact on overall health. Remember the 80/20 rule...100% of your results depend on 80% of what you do at home and 20% of what you do in the treatment room.

We want to help you regain confidence and bring a little relaxation into your life in the midst of all the craziness! Our team is taking very serious precautions every day to ensure all visitors and staff have a safe experience when they walk through our doors.” - Katy Scott, esthetician at CHD since 2013

• Cleansing and toning • Exfoliation • Warm vaporizing mist • Extractions to clear clogged pores • Face, neck, and shoulder massage between product application

12025 Pacific St. | 402-330-5660 | creativehairdesign.com 38

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You don’t have to cross state lines to go on vacation…you can stay right here and be a tourist in your own town. We have a handful of beautiful, unique hotel properties right here in Omaha, not to mention all the cool concepts in Lincoln located just a hop, skip, and jump away. Book a room at one of these hotels and go explore nearby restaurants and shops. Everyone who participates will be entered into drawings for free over-night hotel stays and gift cards for dining and retail. In addition, there will be four main categories: Girls’ Night Out, Guys’ Getaway, Family Outing, and Couples’ Retreat (must book at least 3 rooms). The winning group of each category will get included in a fun special full-page feature in Strictly Business with a photo and write-up! Our hotels and businesses are taking the necessary precautions to ensure that we can still enjoy their services in a safe way, so let’s do that.

Take a break and explore the Capitol District and Downtown Omaha. Everyone needs to escape every now and again. Find the perfect place at the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District, located just steps from the Midwest’s premium entertainment district, home to a myriad of restaurants, bars and amenities. At Omaha’s #1 rated hotel on TripAdvisor you are a short walk/shuttle drive to several hot spots, including the Old Market, Riverfront and museums.

Specializing in premium staycations and workcations, the Omaha Marriott Downtown offers connection to premium Wi-Fi to get your work or distance learning complete, then take the rest of the day to play. Discover new worlds through a virtual reality experience, tour the hotel’s locally sourced artwork and get some steps in with a photo scavenger hunt around downtown.

The Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District also offers a wide range of unique event spaces, both large and intimate in size, to gather friends and family members at a safe distance over the holiday season. Jump into winter and be some of the first to experience The Capitol District’s geodesic Igloo tents. For more information or to book a stay today visit marriott.com/ OMADM or follow on Facebook or Instagram (@DowntownOmahaMarriott) for the latest offers and deals.

The Kindler Hotel is the only boutique hotel of its kind in Lincoln, resembling a boutique hotel usually found only in large metropolitan U.S. cities and in Europe. Sit back and enjoy tasty, locally sourced small-plate food, and choose from a variety of creative handcrafted cocktails or the extensive selection of wines and bottled and draft beers in Boitano’s Lounge. To round out your stay, visit downtown Lincoln, including the wide selection of locally owned boutiques or head over to the Lincoln Children’s Museum, ice-cream shops, and the historic Haymarket. The Kindler staff goes above and beyond to ensure that guests have everything they need to have an exceptional experience and takes great pride in making all guests feel welcome and at home during their stay. Their guest rooms are tastefully designed with plenty of gracious, open living space, plush bedding, and thoughtful and modern conveniences. All rooms and suites include luxurious decor, robes and slippers, heated bathroom floors, flat screen televisions, work space, complimentary Wi-Fi, refrigerator, personal coffee makers, snack basket, and a well-stocked honor bar. To reach the hotel, call (402) 261-7800 or go online to thekindlerhotel.com.

How to Enter (402) 551-8000 marriott.com/omakv

(402) 951-4300 www.marriott.com/omawt

AKSARBEN VILLAGE

(402) 334-4441 omahaaksarbenvillage.hgi.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

(402) 346-7600 www.omahadowntown.doubletree.com

• Book an overnight stay at a hotel in Omaha or Lincoln • Make a purchase from at least one retail store and/or restaurant • Take photos from your time at these places and post them on any social media platform with the hashtag #StrictlyStaycation. Feel free to email editor@strictlybusinessomaha. com or call (402) 466-3330 if you’re not on social media!

• Entries will be accepted until January 10, 2021 NOVEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2020

As we age, the likelihood of developing memory loss increases dramatically, with the mildest form being age-associated memory impairment, which is characterized by self-perception of memory loss and a declining score in objective memory performance compared with younger adults. All told, about 40% of Americans 65 and older—or about 16 million people—have age-associated memory impairment, and about 1% of them will progress to dementia annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines dementia as a syndrome in which you’ll see deterioration in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday tasks.

When a loved one begins to show early signs of memory loss— forgetfulness, losing track of the time, becoming lost in familiar places— it can create difficult questions for family members who wonder if it will progress, but when you see those early signs is a good time to start thinking about what you would do if the memory loss progressed. If it continues into middle and late stages, it can lead to caregiver stress and burnout and can make the need for senior memory-care services and facilities more urgent. Fortunately, Omaha has a host of exemplary memory-care sites and services to guide you and your family through the process of determining how and where to best care for a loved one who’s suffering from memory loss or dementia, whether that means moving them into a care community or receiving treatment at home.

A Tour Guide for the Journey It is always an emotional time, and sometimes frightening, when a loved one begins showing signs of memory loss or, worse yet, is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. In the beginning, you work with your loved one’s doctors to ensure they get the proper care and diagnosis, then often care for them on your own or by bringing a caregiver into their home, depending on the time and severity of their memory loss and behavioral changes. If the time comes that you need more help than that, where do you even begin? Where do you turn for help?

You can turn to CarePatrol, the nation’s largest senior-placement organization for everything from independent living to assisted living, memory care, and more. Their services are FREE, and they walk seniors and their families through every step of the journey. They start by getting to know each family through extensive discussions about needs, concerns, finances, and preferences. CarePatrol then narrows down the list of memory-care communities that best fit those needs, and walks you through the entire journey to select the perfect place.

“We get to know the family first before doing anything else,” said Omaha CarePatrol Franchise Owner Tom Hallman. “Once we meet the family, they are part of our family, not just throughout the selection process but even after they are placed, because we check in to make sure everything is going well after they’re relocated.”

Generally, Tom will go with families on tours Tom Hallman of facilities once they narrow down the list. In CarePatrol #PrintProudDigitalSmart

COVID times, that means going on virtual tours with them, which isn’t quite the same but still provides the comfort of seeing their options up-close. CarePatrol has more than 150 franchises throughout the country, so even if your loved one is in another state, Tom can help gather information and get you connected with services in the area where your loved one wants to be.

Even if your family isn’t to the point of needing to move a loved one to a memory-care facility, it’s good to meet with CarePatrol on the tenet that ‘If that were to happen to dad or mom, what would we want?’

It’s also a good time to make sure that the senior has assigned Powers of Attorney for medical and financial purposes, so you don’t have to guess later what they might have wanted.

A Special, Safe Haven CountryHouse Residences for Memory Care is part of the Agemark family of senior-living communities, with three locations in the Greater Omaha area (plus a fourth opening in December 2020!) and a total of 25 nationwide. Their philosophy revolves around creating and ensuring joy for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss, while recognizing the difficult journey for everyone involved.

“Our view of those who have memory loss is that, if it comes with physical or cognitive challenges, they’re just challenges,” said COO Marty Hug. “We don’t see age. We don’t see challenges. We just see people.

And all people want the same thing: to live a purposeful, well-lived life. So we focus on them individually and use our resources to give them a voice that’s heard. We help them to grow, to have fun, and to live the life they always wanted before their diagnosis.”

The community works closely with families to Marty Hug learn about what their loved one enjoyed CountryHouse Residences doing before diagnosis and what they for Memory Care wanted to do later in life—then they tailor daily plans toward those things.

“We provide transportation beyond what many communities do,” Marty said. “Most companies will take residents to the doctor, dentist, or grocery store, but what we say is, ‘Tell us where you want to go—within reason, of course. Say someone went out for pie at a certain place every Tuesday. We’ll transport them to continue doing that. Or if they want to go to the zoo, or if they came from a farm and had a garden they want to visit, we’ll go out there with family and let them do some gardening. We also take residents to the YMCA to lift weights or swim, and we take them Christmas caroling, to do volunteer work at schools, and to the Humane Society. We want to provide those opportunities they always wanted irrelevant to the challenges.”

While we all have people we love and want to take care of, including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, there may come a time when the needs of a person who has a disease are too much to for a family member to manage alone. If so, that’s when CountryHouse can step in.

They work with families whose loved one may be in the early stages of memory loss, so they know what resources are available if and when they need them. CountryHouse also sponsors a regular family-support group—to learn about how to cope with cognitive memory loss when it involves someone you love—and participants do not have to know someone living there to participate.

“Our greatest goal is an effective treatment and cure for Alzheimer’s and dementia,” Marty said. “Until then, we’re just going to love people and help them get through this challenging time.”

Meeting Individual Needs Prairie Meadows Alzheimer’s Care Center is a memory-care facility with 66 beds in four types of apartment-style housing—private deluxe, private, semi-private (just shared bathroom), and companion rooms— and a nurse at the facility around the clock. They use a “meaningful moments” program to help get to know residents by learning their life stories and finding out their preferences, likes, dislikes, and cherished memories. Prairie Meadows then incorporates that information into their #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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everyday care. For example, if they have a favorite restaurant they like to go for a steak, a Prairie Meadows caregiver takes them to that restaurant for a steak! Or if they like to go to the zoo, boating, fishing, or some other activity, the care team will make it happen.

“Our residents have access to a whole host of amenities and programming options to help keep them active and engaged in daily life,” said Community Resource Director Don Woods. “Plus, we have a nurse 24/7, which is way above and beyond the minimal regulations of eight hours a day, and we partner with home health, hospice services, everything we need to provide all of the services they need in the comfort of their own space.”

One of the biggest challenges for people Don Woods who begin suffering from memory loss or Prairie Meadows are diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s Care Center is the feeling of not knowing what to expect from their memory changes. For some people, things change quickly, and for others, the decline is more gradual.

“Nobody is the same as anyone else, so we treat each person’s needs individually,” Don said. “From a resident’s point of view, frustration may grow over time, especially when they want to tell you something but can’t always conveniently come across the words to get a point across. They often struggle with that because they think they’re being clear, but often are not. As a result, we pay a lot of attention to things like body language and all other verbal and non-verbal messages.

COVID really takes a toll on residents, psycho-socially and overall, because they don’t understand why they can’t do the things they’ve become accustomed to. We have to help them through and do a lot of redirecting.”

Prairie Meadows understands that dealing with dementia is also extremely difficult for the families of those suffering, too. As a result, NOVEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 41

they offer monthly family support groups (currently on Zoom) and online support, both for families of residents and nonresidents. There is no charge for participating in a group, and they want as many families as possible to benefit from them, whether their loved one lives at Prairie Meadows or they just need to talk to others experiencing the same thing.

Living One Moment at a Time In 2003, Midwest Geriatrics, Inc. established the House of Hope Alzheimer’s Care facility designed specifically for people in the early to middle states of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The 50,000-square-foot building is made up of six neighborhoods, four of which are dedicated to memory care, with 10-11 private apartments in each neighborhood. To feel at home, each neighborhood has a kitchen, a family-style dining room, a living room, a washer/dryer, and a whirlpool bath.

Those are the things you see, anyway. What you don’t see is what sets House of Hope apart. It’s called the Vigil Dementia Monitoring System and calls for assistance when residents are unable to do so, helping caregivers provide care exactly when and where it is needed. What’s awesome is that it’s all done through sensors, so the residents don’t have to wear any devices or push any buttons! Outside of the neighborhoods, you’ll find a community room and chapel, a 50’s diner with an authentic soda fountain, a library, a beauty and barber shop, and a beautiful dining area with a deck that overlooks the largest of three courtyards.

“House of Hope is a best-kept secret in our community,” said Director of Development and Marketing Jen Beck. “It is a warm and welcoming place full of staff members who become family to our residents. Living with dementia is difficult for everyone, and we’re so proud to provide a safe, loving home for residents.”

Jen Beck Midwest Geriatrics, Inc.

Midwest Geriatrics understands that making the transition from family care to a care community is difficult for everyone involved, so they also have a “Transitions Day Program,” which is designed to ease the stress and worry of those caring for a loved one at home. Day services are available day or night, and activities are similar to the ones offered in the neighborhoods.

Something that Resembles Everyday Life Care Consultants for the Aging provides in-home services for elderly memory care. They refer Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s) or Certified Medical Assistants (CMA’s) who are interviewed, screened, licensed, insured, and bonded to provide assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring/lifting, meal preparation/feeding, transportation, light housekeeping, companionship, and more. Care Consultants have been serving Lincoln and the surrounding areas since 1998, and they work diligently to select the right caregiver match for the client’s specific needs.

“We have caregivers that specialize in providing care and assisting those who suffer through dementia and Alzheimer’s,” said Care Consultants Omaha Business Development Director Blake Thomas.

“Memory loss can be taxing on the seniors themselves, as their mental and physical health reflects one that they aren’t familiar with. Getting diagnosed with something like dementia often evokes a range of emotions, including fear and anxiety. Everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, shopping, and setting Blake Thomas and attending doctors’ appointments can turn Care Consultants into challenges for them to accomplish on their for the Aging own, which, in turn, becomes the responsibility of family members or caregivers.”

Care Consultants for the Aging is unique in that they are a registry, not an agency. As such, their caregivers are responsible for their own

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insurance and those for whom they are providing assistance can ask for specific tasks they want the caregiver to help with.

“Ultimately, the client and family set the expectations for their caregivers to follow, be that medical care such as changing oxygen tanks, assisting with gait belts, or administering tests or shots; personalcare tasks like making or feeding meals, bath care, or assistance with walking; or companion care such as cleaning and spending time talking or playing cards,” Blake said.

If you think your loved one might be experiencing memory loss beyond normal aging, watch for signs of symptoms including things that disrupt daily life—forgetting important events, repeating questions, difficulty completing familiar or routine tasks, and misplacing things. Other things to watch for include a change in mood or personality, whether they become more easily agitated, suspicious, depressed, or anxious, and struggling to comprehend spatial relationships or visual images is also a sign of early-onset dementia.

Hourly rates for Care Consultants for the Aging caregivers range from $19.50 to $23.50, depending on the length of the visit—significantly lower than similar businesses in the area. While Care Consultants is generally equipped to get caregiver visits scheduled quickly, it is best to plan ahead if you suspect the need is arising. This allows clients to get comfortable with their caregivers and having them in their homes.

Completing the Continuum of Care There’s a lot to be said for the comfort of your own home, and Home Nursing with Heart wants to support your loved one in staying there as long as they are able to do so safely. Home Nursing with Heart puts the full power of their resources behind ensuring the best quality of life and level of independence at whatever stage your loved one is in, right in the home where they feel safest. They bring competent, certified care to your loved one’s side. That includes an occupational therapist who can conduct a safety evaluation in the home and make specific recommendations to improve safety.

“We’re a team of experienced therapists and nurses who specialize in caring for patients in the comfort of their homes,” said Founder and President Julie Harding, RN, BSN. “It is very important for people nearing retirement age to begin planning for the likelihood that they will need more support as they age, as a result of memory loss or a host of other conditions. Familiarizing themselves with local resources and services and having some plans in place will help prevent them from making decisions for themselves or their loved ones Julie Harding in a crisis.”

Home Nursing with Heart Accessing the right medical professionals for home care can seem like a daunting task. But not if you choose Home Nursing with Heart. They have the right credentials and experience, and they provide the warmth and compassion that inspires confidence in those for whom they care. They communicate with a patient’s physician and family, and complete the continuum of care with a broad range of nursing, therapy, and home health services. That includes support of the Home Nursing with Heart medical social worker, who can help identify and address social, financial, and psychological challenges that come with memory loss and care.

Giving Families a Break CareBuilders at Home Omaha provides in-home, non-medical services for not just seniors, but for people of all ages. That includes specialized care for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia whose family or other caregivers may need assistance in meeting their loved one’s care needs. They are dedicated to helping clients lead dignified lives in the comfort and safety of their own homes. Executive Director and Owner Brenda Ouellette said she has understood her purpose since she was 13 years old: To be a servant and to help those in need. Mahatma Gandhi says it best: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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www.CareBuildersatHomeOmaha.com “It’s a gift to be a servant,” she said. “To be trusted to care for something as intimate as someone’s healthcare needs is a fit and one that I am grateful to be entrusted with. The seed that was planted for me in 1996 when I became a Certified Nurse’s Assistant at Millard Good Samaritan Center in Omaha—and all roads to this point—have brought me to doing what I love as the executive director and owner of CareBuilders at home. Every person matters.

Every life we touch matters. Every person Brenda Ouellette who bestows upon me their trust becomes CareBuilders at Home my focus and priority throughout our shared journey, and it is always my goal and mission to provide them whatever care and resources they need to stay in the comfort of their own home where they want to be and to provide their families the peace of mind knowing, in their absence, their loved one is receiving the care and attention they themselves would give.”

CareBuilders at Home has someone on call 24/7 to answer questions or concerns, and they provide everything from in-home specialized care to post-hospital and rehabilitation care, end-of-life care, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care. They understand how difficult it is for families to put their trust in someone else to care for their loved ones.

“You are not alone,” she said. “We are here to help care for your loved one at home and give your family the support it needs to manage the challenges of the changes you face.”

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are life-changing for patients and their families. Thankfully, if you have a loved one who is suffering memory loss, you have the full spectrum of care available right here in Omaha. If you have any concerns about a loved one’s memory loss, contact some of these providers as soon as possible. You won’t regret it.

NOVEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 43

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A Year of New Challenges and Opportunities As the end of the year approaches, business owners are looking for the best ways to minimize their companies’ tax liabilities. With the tremendous blows that COVID delivered throughout the year, however, getting 2020 end-of-year business spending right could be more complicated than ever. There are many businesses that have suffered irreparably, others that can recover but have had to make drastic changes, and yet others that have had one of their best years ever. It’s a milieu of extremes, for sure. Add to that the complexities of the unprecedented Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) and the resulting Small Business Administration loans that blur the tax picture with new uncertainties, and businesses have a lot of decisions to make by the end of the year.

In short, what businesses are considering at this time of year is how they can save money on taxes by timing their income and expenses, which effectively means moving income into a year of lower taxes and moving expenses into a year of higher taxes.

Every company’s year-end strategy will look different, which is why it’s important to hire a professional to walk you through it.

They can help you look at the big picture and see if it makes sense to maximize your tax savings this year or possibly move some of those expenses to the next year.

In 2020, COVID-19 ushered in financial challenges, some of which forced local businesses to reimagine how they do business. Congress supplied needed relief but much of that runs through the tax code, so year-end tax planning may be more important than ever this year. Developing the right tax strategy for your particular business will help you navigate the pandemic’s disruption and keep you on the right track moving forward.

Developing the right tax strategy for your particular business will help you navigate the pandemic’s disruption and keep you on the right track moving forward.

Tax Services at Grant Thornton offered some key tax considerations for 2020 year-end business-tax planning, including: accelerate your alternative minimum tax refunds, sped by the CARES Act; use current losses for quick refunds, as the CARES Act resurrected a provision allowing businesses to use current losses against past income for immediate refunds; claim quick disaster loss refunds stemming from President Donald Trumps’ COVID-19 disaster #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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402.884.0066 | www.CFOSystemsLLC.com 10832 Old Mill Road, Suite 2, Omaha, NE NOVEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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declaration; and consider the timing of payroll tax deductions, as the CARES Act allows employers to defer paying their 6.2% share of Social Security taxes for the rest of 2020.

It’s going to be a whole new year-end, for sure—and it gets complicated and confusing quickly if you’re not a tax-law expert.

We talked to a number of tax specialists in the Omaha area to get some incite about what businesses need to be considering for year-end spending to close out an onerous year in the best financial condition possible.

Plan Your Growth If you’re looking for a company to help you sift through your end-of-year spending and other financial options for your business, consider CFO Systems. They are a nationwide company founded in 2004 to provide practical and experienced leadership to companies of all sizes. They have a team of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs); controllers; accountants; and finance, procurement, and human-resource directors that offer businesses more than 1,700 years of combined experiences across a variety of industries. One of the biggest mistakes that businesses make with end-of-year spending is failing to plan their growth.

Brett Frevert CFO Systems

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“CFO Systems works with clients to understand they should NOT buy stuff they don’t need in a misguided effort to save taxes,” said Founder and Managing Director Brett Frevert. “We have seen a multitude of businesses invest in equipment, inventory, or other items—hoping for a tax savings in the current year—but when growth occurs in the new year, liquidity is stressed or stretched, and the business struggles to handle the growth. DON’T buy stuff you don’t need. Plan your growth.”

Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2020

Part of that planning is understanding the various types of capital, or liquidity, so you need a professional who can walk you through creating your growth plan accordingly. CFO Systems offers tremendous strategic-planning services, which involve a sophisticated evaluation process that companies need to go through to help increase their growth and success.

When it comes to the effects of COVID on 2020 year-end spending, the effects are mixed.

“There will be a wide range of issues, including banking relationships, investor relations, tax treatment of PPP proceeds and expenditures, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), SBA loan waivers, and the like,” Brett said. “The biggest thing about 2020, though, is the varied impact. While some businesses did see dramatic reductions in income, there are a good number of businesses that excelled and grew in 2020. Millions of new entities were formed and new businesses created. Stress and turmoil create challenges, yes, but they also create opportunities.”

Brett’s advice for local businesses: “Plan to grow. Be optimistic.

Build your business plan with a flexible model—and capitalize on the turmoil!”

Best Coverage, Competitive Price When you’re planning your business spending, insurance is a BIG consideration—including commercial insurance—especially in this day and age of change, change, change. King Insurance of Omaha is a tremendous option when you’re looking for advice about your insurance needs. They are an independent insurance agency with an aim to reduce your insurance costs and close any gaps in your coverage. In the event of a loss, they are there to follow through and see that you get fair, prompt action, too.

“We are committed to a high standard of excellence in all that we do and to establishing a firm relationship of mutual trust and

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

service with each of our clients,” said King Insurance President Rick King. “With all that the pandemic brought in 2020, we expect to see a very clear COVID exclusion being added to business policies, and we’ll be here to walk business owners through those or any other changes. Given the drastic reduced income for so many businesses in 2020, I expect to see large audit returns on liability and Workers’ Comp policies of a large number of our insureds, but unless there is a surprising Rick King change in the way judicial has been King Insurance interpreting current policies with regard to denying COVID-related loss-of-income claims, I don’t see any extraordinary things happening in 2020.

and growth; and for large employers, we are able to support the demands of a large workforce and the benefits strategy that comes with it.”

In 2021, however, King Insurance warns businesses to expect an increase in both property casualty and health-insurance programs.

With that in mind, he believes that more business owners that provide health insurance to employees are going to look into more high-deductible plans that are tied to health savings accounts.

“Service is at the core of our mission at North Risk Partners,” Chris said. “Our team is guided by our commitment to service – to our clients, to each other, and to our community – and the unprecedented challenges of 2020 have emboldened us in that mission. For more information, visit northriskpartners.com.

“We will gladly review your current coverages for adequacy and cost,” Rick said. “We represent a carefully selected group of financially sound, reputable insurance companies, and we place your policy with the company offering the best coverage at a competitive price.”

Accounts Receivables

Face Risks Head-On As you look at end-of-year spending, it’s important that you have someone to help you analyze your risks in the marketplace—and inside your business. One of the largest privately held insurancebrokerage firms in the Midwest, North Risk Partners specializes in strategic insurance solutions for businesses and individuals. They are committed to helping clients face risk head-on with right-fit insurance coverage and attention to opportunities for preventing avoidable losses. For businesses, they offer programming and compliance support in the areas of human resources, safety, worksite wellness, and more.

Chris Meidt North Risk Partners

When it comes to health insurance, North Risk Partners offers multiline and multi-plan programs, online enrollment, HR compliance and wellness support, and more. The firm’s employee benefits capabilities include medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, as well as flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, health reimbursement accounts, and COBRA and Family and Medical Leave Act compliance. They even offer a digital resource portal for employers to access policy and form templates, HR and safety compliance guides, employee communications materials and an online platform for delivering virtual employee HR and safety trainings. Through it all, North Risk Partners continuously evaluates what it does as an organization based on its mission.

When it comes to having enough cash flow to use toward purchases before the end of the year, collecting on accounts receivables is one of the best ways to make that happen. Whatever you do, there’s one thing is for certain: You truly need to hire a professional to walk you through it. To emphasize how important it is to work with a trusted CPA and/ or financial advisor, we spoke to Aaron Newell with AR Solutions. AR Solutions is a licensed, bonded, and insured Nebraska

Aaron Newell AR Solutions

“In addition to COVID damages in 2020, your business faces many threats—from natural disasters and data breaches to other risks specifi c to your industry or company,” said North Risk Partners President, CEO, and Partner Chris Meidt.

“Our mission is to make you aware of coverage that every business needs, plus additional protection specific to your circumstances. We’ll help you address risks head-on and protect what matters to you most.

Most businesses require coverages such as Workers’ Compensation, property, and general liability. Some might also require business auto coverage, Employment Practices Liability Insurance, and businessinterruption insurance. North Risk Partners, 8204 S 109th St. in La Vista, will help you pinpoint problem areas threatening your bottom line, help you implement money-saving solutions for your Workers’ Compensation coverage, and work with you and your insurance carrier to reach a point of agreement regarding claims settlements. Employee benefits are another top consideration, as they are one of the three priciest expenses for business owners.

“Whether your organization is small, large, or growing, our team has the knowledge and resources to support you in nearly all aspects of your property, casualty, and employee benefits program,” Chris said. “For companies with fewer than 10 employees, we supply access to large-company employee benefi ts solutions; for companies with 10-50 employees, we provide employee benefits resources that can adapt with change #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Collection Agency with more than 30 combined years in medical collections. With AR Solutions, you’ll have someone dedicated to working on that aspect of the business, while you remain fully attentive to the other things you need to do prior to year-end.

“Do what you do best and pay for the rest!” Aaron said. “Spend your time and efforts in whatever your specialty is and employ a specialist to do the things that you aren’t an expert in. Time is more valuable than money because once it is gone, you never get it back!”

Cleaning up your past-due receivables is an important end-ofyear task, too. AR Solutions has been serving clients as a trusted partner in handling past-due receivables for more than 15 years.

They offer competitive fees that are contingent upon collection.

You can trust that your accounts will be handled with the highestquality services so you can focus your time and energy on what it is that YOU do best—running your business.

Marketing Musts Beyond COVID-affected tax law, businesses have to strategize spending for marketing efforts every year, which is more important than ever when companies are struggling through the repercussions of the pandemic. You need to keep your brand relative and visible to keep other businesses and residents aware that you are operating and about the new products or services you are offering to get them back into shopping—and shopping locally.

If you need to do some end-of-year spending, consider paying ahead on your advertising and marketing plans to ensure that they work for you throughout 2021.

Virtual Open Enrollments

At Strictly Business, we offers affordable advertising rates for all sizes of businesses, and you get a lot more than a fabulous ad in a magazine that is distributed to over 15,000 businesses in and around Omaha each month! You’ll also get a free press release every month you advertise in our magazine to keep the community

aware of the latest and greatest with your business—or you might choose to honor your employees and introduce them to Omaha with a personnel release. You can also be included in our monthly feature stories, with a headshot photo and quote about topics that are directly relevant to your business. If you run a nonprofit organization, you’ll get special, highly affordable rates for participation in our bi-annual Supporting Nonprofits feature—and you also get a free monthly press release throughout your contract.

What’s even better? We’ll do all the heavy lifting for you.

If you just answer a few basic questions about your monthly announcement, we’ll take it from there. Our team of professional writers can draft your release for your review, and our graphic designer is always happy to design and build the advertisement you want, so you can stay focused on your own business. What’s more, everything we print in the magazine is also posted online on our website and we’ll send you links to your coverage to share on your social-media platforms. Our goal is to feature YOU as the expert in your field, and we share that information every time we get a chance. Don’t forget to include a Strictly Business partnership in your end-of-year business spending!

It doesn’t matter if you decide to partner with us or another one of the many talented media outlets/advertising firms in Omaha, what is most important is that you are continuing to reach your audience. This is especially true now during crisis times. Many businesses have had to undergo budget cuts due to COVID, but don’t completely throw all your marketing efforts out of the window. Your customers still need to see and hear you.

Like pretty much everything else, COVID has led to hordes of changes for small business in Omaha and beyond. Planning your end-of-year spending, however, remains a crucial part of your business success, and we encourage you to contact the professionals featured here to walk you through the process and help you grow your business long-term, despite the storm!

Virtual Open Enrollments Safe.

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Interactive.

We’re making open enrollment easy. Contact UNICO today. unicogroup.com 402.434.7200 Where connections make a difference.

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Employing Omaha Every month, Strictly Business celebrates the accomplishments of local businesses and praises the excellent products and services they provide in their fields. This year, we decided it’s important to recognize these businesses as amazing employers, as well. That is why we created this biannual Employing Omaha feature—to give companies the chance to promote career opportunities along with their team culture, employee benefits, training and continued education options, etc. The more companies that value a positive team culture and make it a priority to be one of the best places to work, the better we all are as a community. These

are those companies, and we owe each of them a big “Thank you!” Especially now when there are many skilled workers who have found themselves without a job or are experiencing job insecurity due to COVID-related budget cuts, it’s good to know what reputable businesses are hiring locally. This might apply to you or a loved one. Either way, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following business. Maybe you’re ready for something new in your career or you’re still waiting to find your true passion. Don’t be scared to explore what is out there. This is a good place to start.

Thompson & Thompson 3rd Generation, Inc. is one of the most established and respected roofi ng contractors in the local area. They pride themselves in the quality of their wor k, fair prices, and outstanding customer service while providing a dynamic, friendly, and family-oriented work environment. They stay on the cutting edge of product innovations and ideas to deliver the most informed suggestions possible.

Core Bank is an accomplished community bank located in the Greater Omaha area. They are not a mere collection of buildings or a place just to work or manage money—they are a community of friends, neighbors, and partners in making life just a little bit better.

The Core Bank culture—what they call their Recipe for Awesome— creates an environment that’s a great place to bank and a great place to work. It ensures they grow together, learn together, and have fun doing it.

Here are some reasons to work for Thompson & Thompson from the current team: • Amy W. — I enjoy the people I work with and we have great customers!

• Jessica E. — The owners genuinely care about their employees and treat them in a way that proves it.

• Adam S. — Opportunity to grow professionally.

• Kaleb R. — People trust me to do my job right and don't micro manage.

• Edgar M. — Our team is efficient, prepared, and we get things done right!

• Dan E. — The ability to create success for myself and others.

• Victoria A. — Ability to move up and be given responsibility.

• Joe A. — Flexible and can make good money.

Thompson & Thompson is always looking for great people to join their team. They are looking for a salesperson and assistant production manager, along with people who are good with numbers and can negotiate. To learn more, visit www.thompsonthird.com/ careers or call Owner Dan Thompson at (402) 306-5836. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

At Core Bank, their vision is to be a truly remarkable company that just happens to be a bank. If you just happen to want to work somewhere truly remarkable, then they’d love to get to know you.

To learn more about what makes Core Bank Core Bank, explore www.corebankcareers.com.

At Lozier, they build more than retail shelves—they build strong foundations for career success.

Lozier has been a trusted partner of the retail industry since 1956.

They proudly manufacture store fixtures and shelving for customers in a wide range of industries including grocery, automotive, mass retailers, hardware, sporting goods, and more.

The mission is to provide products and services with such high quality that customers overwhelmingly choose Lozier. They couldn’t have become the industry leader they are today without their team of smart, friendly people who care about doing what’s right. You’ll find they have a variety of career opportunities, including skilled trades, manufacturing, engineering, customer support, and more. Lozier also offers a comprehensive benefits program, including an On-Site Clinic, 401k with match, training opportunities, and tuition reimbursement.

Join Lozier in growing the future of retail from right here in Omaha!

More information can be found online at www.lozier.com/careers.

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Big Birge Plumbing has become a household name in Omaha. Owners Brad and Lallenia Birge set out in 2012 to change that typical stereotype of a plumber by being clean, timely, honest, and professional. Being a plumber is an extremely prestigious job and it takes a lot of talent and training to be good at it, and this pride is something Brad and Lallenia instill in their team every day.

At McGill Restoration, they live by their culture! Dedication, honesty, hard work, knowledge, and loyalty are what makes their teams succeed. McGill Restoration has been named one of Inc. 5000’s fastest growing companies for four consecutive years. They plan to grow exponentially in the coming years, and they could not do it without their excellent employee base.

Big Birge Plumbing has three divisions of plumbing: commercial, residential remodeling, and service, each led by extremely skilled and passionate people. When they look for someone to join their growing company, they seek out individuals who are motivated, care about customers, and are versatile in their craft. They have a NONsales environment—you will not be paid commission but rather an above-average hourly pay. At Big Birge Plumbing, you can expect health insurance, 401(k), six paid holidays, PTO/vacation, and growth opportunity. Visit www.bigbirgeplumbing.com/journeyman to learn about immediate job openings or call (402) 575-0102 with questions.

They are constantly on the lookout for driven individuals who align with their values and yearn for development and advancing themselves along with the company.

Aside from their culture, they also value development and training.

McGill Restoration offers in-house training to their employees continuously and pride themselves on promoting from within whenever possible.

Benefits that they offer include 401(k) with match, health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as company-paid life insurance and disability plans.

Interested in learning more about what it takes to work with McGill Restoration? Check out open positions at www.mcgillrestoration. com/careers.

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Omaha, CFO Systems is a nationwide company that provides experienced financial and human resources leadership to middlemarket companies. CFO Systems’ experts work either on-site or remotely while offering fractional, part-time, or interim leadership to companies and organizations that may not need a full-time employee.

The team of entrepreneurs adheres to their core values of family first, get stuff done, team, and truth and transparency while sharing expertise that helps companies thrive through objective leadership, partnerships, strategy, and creativity. Additionally, they encourage a collaborative atmosphere that provides flexibility, variety, and a platform for teams to make a difference while contributing the growth of an organization.

CFO Systems was named on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies for four consecutive years. They are always looking for talented individuals to join their team. For more information, visit www.cfosystemsllc.com or call (402) 884-0066.

HBE LLP is one of Nebraska’s leading providers of professional advisory services. The company has a long history of employee satisfaction due to core values centered upon integrity, respect, and teamwork. In fact, for the third year, they were named among Accounting Today's 2020 Best Firms to Work For. HBE is also one of Accounting Today's top 10 Best firms for Young Accountants and has been identified by the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance as one of the Best CPA Firms for Equity Leadership.

Operating from Omaha, Lincoln, and Norfolk, HBE offers comprehensive financial management services for businesses, nonprofit and governmental organizations, and individuals. Services include specialized advisory, accounting, audit, tax, outsourced accounting and CFO solutions, data analytics, and personal financial planning.

They are always looking for bright and energetic talent to join their team. To learn more, visit www.hbecpa.com/careers.

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At Agemark, they don’t just work to earn a living. They work to make a difference in the lives of local seniors. If you love caring for others and are looking for a workplace that feels like family, a career at an Agemark Senior Living community may be right for you. In 2018 and 2019, they were named a “Great Place To Work” by FORTUNE magazine and the Great Places To Work Institute.

Agemark is the parent company of CountryHouse Residence for Memory Care, which has three locations in the Omaha Metro, along with The Meriwether which is located in La Vista. They are currently searching for a variety of positions including Caregivers, Med Aides, and CNAs. All work shifts available. Enjoy benefits including medical, dental, and vision; 401K with match; free meals; company paid life insurance; and holiday pay and PTO starting day one. To learn more, visit agemark.com/careers.

Don’t Miss Out! This is an excellent opportunity for your business to get the word out about employment opportunities within your company.

If you are a local business that is interested in participating in the next EMPLOYING OMAHA feature in Strictly Business, please call (402) 466-3330 or email Editor@ StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com today! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NOVEMBER 2020 Strictly Business

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At Strictly Business, we believe it is not only important to honor the military men and women who have given their life to defend our country, but also the veterans who were able to return home. This Veterans Day, take the time to thank a vet in your life, whether they’re a business owner, family member, friend, co-worker, neighbor, or even a stranger in uniform who you pass on the street. Please join us in extending our tremendous gratitude to these heroes among us, and do business with the businesses that make it a priority to support the past, present, and future members of our military.

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BERRY LAW Strictly Business

NOVEMBER 2020 402-466-8444 | www.jsberrylaw.com 402-891-6143 | www.greenbeanscoffee.com R

#PrintProudDigitalSmart 402-733-5500 | www.nefftowing.com