STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM
OMAHA • DECEMBER 2018
BRANDI PETERSEN GO! OMAHA HOST
In This Issue
• Holiday Wrap-Up • Business Technology • Winter Driving • Senior Care Client Spotlights • Nebraska Department of Labor • 360 Clean, LLC • Open Door Mission
AGO
#PrintProudDigitalSmart
RIVER CITY SIX
New TV Show Features Local Businesses RYAN STAUFFER
MEGAN HATCH
TYLER PETERSON
JEFF SNELLER Aqua Systems
DAN WARD
MICHAEL JOHNSON
Eleven Twenty-Three
UNICO Group
West Gate Bank
DM: Lincoln/Omaha MediGuard USA DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 1
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Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505
There will be times you miss the most important meeting of the day. That might not be a big deal to other companies, but it is to us. Cox Business knows the sacrifices you make for your business. That’s why we work right alongside you with personal service from experts in your hometown, offering 24/7 support. You can find us hard at work any time, day or night, because we care about your business as much as you do. FAST, RELIABLE INTERNET
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The right tool to find the right talent. Nebraska businesses of every size and industry use NEworks to connect with thousands of qualified job seekers, including a large bank of professionals, highly skilled individuals and veterans. Post a position. Narrow your search. Access HR and labor market information. Whatever your business’ employment needs, this powerful online resource can help. FIND CANDIDATES
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DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business
3
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
PAIGE ZUTAVERN - Omaha/Lincoln - President 402-730-0096 | Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com
What Every Business Can Learn from the Emerging Niche Magazine Market In recent months, readers of Strictly Business have seen our use of the hashtag #PrintProudDigitalSmart to summarize our perspective on the continuing importance of print media in the digital age. It is better to look at print and digital publishing as two allies with different strengths, but similar goals: informing well-read consumers who want quality reporting and important information. Of course, at Strictly Business, this means being the premier publication keeping readers up to date with the world of business in Omaha, but it’s also wise to keep a finger on the pulse of digital and print magazine publishing. There is encouraging news of a continuing market for quality print publications which tightly target niche consumer markets. Not only have new publications emerged, ranging from magazines for coffee enthusiasts to “slow journalism” news publications, well-established magazines have evolved with the times to provide current, original coverage which outcompetes click-bait stories with quality information. The common element of these magazines is their uncommon ability to connect to small groups of passionate consumers. Here are just three examples of independent magazines which have found success with a niche audience: Scott Bentley, publisher of Caffeine magazine, began by distributing free copies in London coffee shops and now prints 40,000 copies which are distributed worldwide. US-based lifestyle magazine Kinfolk, originally launched in 2011, has reached 80,000 paid subscribers this year, uses a relaxing, decompressed design style in both print and digital formats. Delayed Gratification Magazine, which bills itself as “The Slow Journalism Magazine,” focuses on covering important news and events weeks after the cable news cycle has moved on. This allows them to focus on the topics in greater depth than the “scandal of the week” model allows. Futhermore, on November 1, Pilcher published a post for the FreeportPress highlighting examples of what he described as “smaller, leaner and adaptive niche magazines” which found success targeting musical subcultures. What the independent magazine market tells us is that there is a demand for quality content and carefully-researched information over click-bait, and they appeal to consumers who prefer a quiet, relaxing reading experience over digital input overload. There are solid general
lessons that can be learned from the evolution of magazine publishing, not just to print and digital media publishers, but any growing business: • Paying attention to consumers’ habits and what they want is vital to continue providing them with a service they want and will pay for. • The feeling a consumer has when interacting with a product, how it is presented visually, can be as important as the quality of the product itself. • As readers discover that there is an excess of free but shallow content online, the competitive edge print magazines offer is the promise of quality, in-depth information with a much longer shelf life. Another writer paying attention to the thriving world of print magazine publishing is Cathy Buckmaster of Alhaus magazine. In a blog post published on October 29 for the Alhaus blog, Buckmaster, explored what she describes as print’s staying power. Here are three key takeaways on the creative opportunities of print publishing: • Because print advertisements tend to be read in quieter spaces, while waiting for a haircut or at a bus stop, they receive more of the viewer’s attention than a pop-up ad which hinders the reader from seeing something they are more interested in. • Creating advertising for a variety of print markets can prompt wellestablished companies to extend their brand and think creatively. Creating 1,000 nearly identical pop-up ads neither challenges a marketing team nor engages consumers. The challenges of creating print advertisements are opportunities to creatively build awareness of a brand. • Contrary to popular opinion, print magazines still offer conveniences to regular readers which digital content can’t. Buckmaster notes print’s portability, and its ability to be read without battery power or an internet connection. Readers still have times during their day where they can’t read digital content, and print conveniently serves those times. If we return to Strictly Business’ goal to be #PrintProudDigitalSmart, we see examples of how these ideas have specific insights for our readers and clients. There is a continued high demand for original, quality journalism on important topics, and by embracing the opportunities of digital publishing, we plan to build on the trust readers have for Strictly Business magazine in print and online.
Let Strictly Business Magazine help you lock in your status as THE EXPERT in your industry, utilizing print, the internet and social media. Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330.
CONTENTS NEWS
4 Business 22 Personnel
26 Non-Profit 33 Health
SPOTLIGHTS
1 16 35 48
Nebraska Department of Labor River City Six 360 Clean, LLC Open Door Mission
FEATURE STORIES
36 39 42 44 4
Holiday Wrap-Up Business Technology Winter Driving Senior Care Strictly Business DECEMBER 2018
Sarah
Holly
Hannah
PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor Hannah Hundley - Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Holly Ryan - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Executive Assistant Sarah Young - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern - SZutavern@yahoo.com STRICTLY BUSINESS is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submission, including letters, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to our unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially or creatively, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. Nothing may be printed in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. The publication of any advertisement in STRICTLY BUSINESS is not an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2018 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505
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ABOUT THE COVER
Go! Omaha Spotlights Local Businesses on Cox Channel 1013
OMAHA • DECEMBER 2018
TM
BRANDI PETERSEN
GO! OMAHA HOST
In ThIs Issue
• Holiday Wrap-Up • Business Techn • Winter Driving ology • Senior Care Client SpotlightS • Nebraska Depa • 360 Clean, LLC rtment of Labor • Open Door Missi on
RIVER CITY SIX
New TV Show Fe atures Local Businesses RYAN STAUFFER
Eleven Twenty-Three
MEGAN HATCH
UNICO Group
TYLER PETERSON
West Gate Bank
AGO
Strictly Business PO BOX 57397, Magazine Lincoln, NE 68505
Local journalist, veteran anchor, mom, and Omaha-area resident Brandi Petersen has returned to TV to host Go! Omaha. Produced locally by Cox, Go! Omaha showcases the community’s best places to eat, shop, play, and take your family, as well as highlighting unique Omaha resources. In its first edition, which premiered November 12, Petersen took viewers behind the scenes at Baxter Arena, with insights on competition and preparation from UNO Mavericks hockey coach Mike Gabinet; provided information about One World Community Health Center, which ranks in the top 2% of such facilities in the country; recapped Get Started, a local pitching competition for start-up entrepreneurs; and illustrated the unique retail and service landscape at one of the community’s original start ups, the now established but always evolving Nebraska Furniture Mart. “As an Omaha metro native, I am thrilled to be back in front of the camera showing viewers the best of what our community has to offer,” Petersen said. “Omaha, Council Bluffs and our entire metropolitan area is growing and thriving. Go! Omaha is the chance to bring residents the latest and greatest in food, entertainment, shopping, nonprofits and more.”
STRICTLYBUSINESSO MAHA.COM
JEFF SNELLER Aqua Systems
DAN WARD
MediGuard USA
MICHAEL JOHNSON
DM: Lincoln/Omaha
The Go! Omaha show concept was the brainchild of a diverse and talented team at Cox Media Omaha. “We recognized the gap in local media offerings going in-depth on local businesses, nonprofits and entertainment,” says Kris Martin, vice president of Cox Media. “Thanks to the expertise of our production and marketing team, plus the business insights of our savvy media consultants, who work daily with Omaha businesses and understand the latest and greatest of the metro. We concepted the show, gauged interest from local businesses, and were off to the races.” Go! Omaha will air a new show monthly on Cox Channel 1013. It can be seen Mondays at 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., Saturdays at 11 a.m., and Sundays at 6 p.m. It is also available anytime On Demand. Cox Channel 1013 is more broadly known as Yurview, a channel with the best of local, regional, and national broadcast, live streaming and digital content. Yurview produces and airs Emmy award-winning sports coverage, as well as original programming that covers the outdoors, entertainment, arts, events, people, business, news and more. Cox Media is a division of Cox Communications, the third largest telecommunications provider in the United States. In 1993, Cox Communications began offering telecommunication services to businesses, which eventually grew into Cox Business. Currently, Cox Business is focused on offering video, data, data transport, security, Wi-Fi and managed solution services to small, midmarket, large local, and wholesale companies. The media team works closely with local businesses to find creative ways to reach their customers. They strive to develop and support various initiatives that impact people’s lives, with a critical focus on youth and education, diversity, and environmental issues. Diversity is a key component of the business operations at Cox Communications. Their team works hard to build an inclusive culture in which everyone values the perspectives, needs, and priorities of all people. This commitment also includes a focus on ensuring that people from all backgrounds are included and represented in their business. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care, and its outstanding workplaces.
To learn more about highlighting your business or organization on an upcoming episode of Go! Omaha, visit go.coxmedia.com/GoOmaha.
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www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business
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BUSINESS NEWS Goosmann Law Firm Named Among Fastest Growing Firms in the United States
Eleven Twenty-Three Celebrates Five Years
The Goosmann Law Firm is proud to announce that they have been recognized on the 3rd Annual 2018 Law Firm 500 Award Honorees list as one of the fastest growing law firms in the United States. The awards were announced and presented at the Law Firm 500 Conference & Awards Gala, which was held October 18 – 20 in Las Vegas. CEO, founder, and managing partner, Jeana Goosmann, attended the conference to accept the award. The award ceremony featured Keynote Speaker Erin Brockovich, who is the force behind the largest direct-action lawsuit in US history. To qualify for the Law Firm 500 Award, firms were evaluated and ranked in order based on gross revenues of the previous three years. Each nominee was verified by the outside accounting firm, Kahuna Accounting. To learn more and read the full list of Law Firm 500 Award Honorees, visit www.LawFirm500.com. Since 2014, the Goosmann Law Firm has expanded its team, culture, and offices at an aggressive pace. Jeana started the firm in 2009 with a vision, defying the risks of starting her own firm. When the firm started, Goosmann had one attorney and an assistant. Now, with a team of 30 attorneys and 55 team members total, they are uniquely positioned to help business owners with their disputes and deals. To learn more about the Goosmann Law Firm, visit their website at www. GoosmannLaw.com or call (855) 843-4531.
Eleven Twenty-Three, a local advertising and brand connection agency, began working with clients in 2013. Owner David Distefano started in June that year and co-owner Shana Boyd started in August. In the spirit of the company name, the Eleven Twenty-Three team decided to officially celebrate their anniversary on November 23 (11/23). David and Shana have a couple of surprises up their sleeve for a joint anniversary and holiday party with staff and their families. “Part of the culture at Eleven Twenty-Three involves celebrating successes as well as milestones,” commented David. “Our team is the essence of our brand and they’re the reason we’re successful. It’s so important to us to celebrate with them each step of the way. When you have a group of talented people that works so well together to serve clients, and help grow the business, it’s special. It’s not something to take for granted. We’re thankful for them. Some days it’s really amazing to see the creativity and work ethic that comes from the group.” In the past five years, the team at Eleven Twenty-Three has tripled in size and their client list has done the same. Eleven Twenty-Three’s clientele covers a wide range of service categories. The agency is proud to say that some of their clients have seen exponential increases in their business with the help of a solid advertising strategy formulated by the creative minds at Eleven Twenty-Three. “Over the past five years, all of the people we’ve come in contact with have truly inspired us to be the best we can be,” added David. Learn more about how Eleven Twenty-Three can transform your business at www.11twentythree.com, or contact the team at (402) 593-1123.
Virtual C Collaboration Center to Host Bikablo Course December 15
UNICO Group Celebrates 30th Anniversary
The Virtual C Collaboration Center is pleased to announce it will be hosting an all-day Bikablo course on December 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Virtual C’s new Collaboration Center is located at 1701 Windhoek Dr. in Lincoln. Bikablo is a visual storytelling method used for graphic recording, visual facilitation, and visual consulting. If you’ve ever wanted to utilize hand-drawn images as part of your presentations, this is your chance to do just that. Those interested can sign up at www.ilistenidraw.com/bikablo-lincoln. The class is limited to 15 participants. Virtual C was founded by business and technology experts to empower companies to pursue their passions. Their mission is to be an unbiased partner to organizations and to help guide technology strategies and implementation to keep businesses operating at their most efficient level possible. Their services allow you the benefits of a full-time chief information officer (CIO) without having to pay for a full-time CIO. The Virtual C team ensures visibility involving technology needs that will give you a competitive edge in the marketplace. Virtual C offers executive consulting services and works with businesses to facilitate agile transformation. Adam Walter works with companies to offer up agile CIO strategy and interim management services. Andrew Storz is an expert in lean, agile cultural transformation; breaking down company silos. For more information at Virtual C, please feel free to email info@virtualc. biz or visit their website at www.virtualc.biz. 6 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2018
This year mar ks the 30th anniversary for UNICO Group, Inc., a nationally award-winning, independent insurance agency, headquartered in Lincoln. In 2009, UNICO Merged with Greco Insurance Agency, establishing the Omaha office. UNICO Group was established on October 1, 1988, as the result of a merger between two well-established property/casualty insurance brokerage firms—Reynolds-Simmons-Nelson Insurance and Chambers Dobson. Over the last 30 years, UNICO has grown from a small local agency to now being the largest locally owned insurance agency in Lincoln and one of the largest in Nebraska with over 130 employees. UNICO’s suite of product offerings has expanded over the last two decades in response to client’s expectations. Now services range from commercial insurance, workers’ comp, and employee benefits, to personal insurance, financial planning, human resource solutions and wellness. In 2016, UNICO was awarded “Top Performing Agency” by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, honoring the great strides and growth experienced over the past recent years. Company president, Tom Champoux remarked: “We have achieved this milestone through the hard work and dedication of our employees, resulting in our radiant culture that exists throughout the entire organization. We have dedicated ourselves to 30 years of product innovation and client solutions to provide the highest quality of customer satisfaction. Not only do we owe our thanks to our clients, we owe it to our employees.” For more information about how UNICO Group, Inc., can meet your business/personal insurance and financial needs, call (402) 434-7200 or visit unicogroup.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
BUSINESS NEWS
Be in business for yourself, not by yourself.
Xcel Roofing Expands Operations to Arizona
1 Why Franchising?
In October, Xcel Roofing announced their expansion into the Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona markets. Xcel Roofing has had major growth in the Midwest within the last year alone, and their team is excited to begin serving clients in down in the Southwest! With the addition of Arizona, Xcel Roofing is now in nine different markets across six states. Xcel Roofing, a 2018 BBB Integrity Award winner in Omaha, has been providing customers with quality products and services for their residential and commercial properties for nearly 30 years. Services include replacement and repair of roofing, siding, windows, and gutters. Xcel Roofing is proud to be partnering with customers and improving communities in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and now Arizona.
2 Why Summit Franchise Advisors?
3 Why Now?
We assist aspiring entrepreneurs like you to be in business for yourself. We've been in your shoes, we're experienced. We can save you a lot of time and money and frustration in your search. The best part is that our valuable services are FREE to you.
402.616.3934 | SummitFranchiseAdvisors.com
UMMIT FRANCHISE Xcel Roofing earned Platinum Preferred Contractor status with Owens Corning, a leader in insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composites. Xcel’s systems come with a manufacturer 50-year problem-free performance and five-year labor warranty.
New Location Same Great Service
For more information, contact Paula Wilcher at (402) 359-3300 / paulawilcher@loveourroof.com, or go online to www.loveourroof.com.
Nebraska Recycling Council Holds Free Webinar on School Sustainability Nebraska Recycling Council will be offering a free webinar on impacting school sustainability from the top down and the bottom up on December 4 at noon. From the educational archives of Keep America Beautiful to the new Pepsico Tool box, Chris Vail will present guidelines, practices, and methods that assist our communities in striving to recycle more, waste less, and focus on source reduction. Chris Vail has been the executive director of Keep Keith County Beautiful for five years, her first foray into the non-profit world after being a business owner of a promotional fulfillment company for 25 years in Colorado. Chris has a BSC in marketing and organizational communications from Ohio University and has worked for Procter and Gamble in brand management, Vail Associates in communications, and Metro Networks in corporate development before starting her own company. In addition, attendees will also hear from Mike Apple, superintendent of Ogallala Public Schools. Mike has served as a superintendent for over 10 years in Trenton and Ogallala, and was a principal for over 20 years. Mike has dedicated his life to achieving excellence in his schools and his students. Mike sits on boards of many professional organizations including Chair of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators. The Nebraska Recycling Council is a statewide, member-based organization that works to maximize economic and environmental benefits of resource recovery in Nebraska. For more presentation dates and topics, visit www.nrcne.org/events, or contact the Nebraska Recycling Council directly by calling (402) 436-2384. Register for the webinar on December 4 at attendee. gotowebinar.com/register/9105564158663258370. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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BUSINESS NEWS Nebraska Department of Labor Offers ShortTime Compensation Program to Businesses
Yield Champions Holds Free Certified Crop Advisor Training Program
The Nebraska Department of Labor is offering businesses the opportunity to participate in a program to help them retain their workforce during a temporary slowdown in work. The Short-Time Compensation (STC) program allows employers to voluntarily reduce the hours of staff in lieu of layoffs. Employees of the business are allowed to receive a partial unemployment benefit to help them offset the loss of income.
Dennis Nun, president of Yield Champions, has announced their only PRO-AG I Program in western Nebraska for 2018. It will be offered in Kearney, December 3-4. This program is being offered to Certified Crop Advisors (CCA), free of charge. By attending this program, CCAs will earn 14 continuing education credits toward their CCA annual CEU requirement. Nun says, “We make this training available for growers, seed and fertilizer dealers, and landlords, but the CCA agronomists that support these ag professionals are the ones that show growers how to lower their production costs on a per acre and per bushel basis and that remains the key to profitability for farmers.” At this event new products SYNTOSE-FA™ Ag Sugar and INTENSIFY™ Plant Growth Regulators will be introduced and their yield data from 2018 will be shared. Yield Champions exclusively markets the Conklin Company’s AgroVantage™ products for crop production used by more state and national NCGA corn yield champions than any other. For more information or to register for this event, contact Dennis Nun at (402) 430-7727 or go to www.300BushelCorn.info.
Companies whose STC plans are approved continue to provide the usual health and retirement benefits to any employee whose weekly hours of work are reduced under STC. The employees’ hours must be reduced by at least 10%, but not more than 60%. The maximum duration of an STC plan is 13 months. Employers with STC plans certify each week the hours worked by employers who fall under the plan. Employees must also file for unemployment benefits each week in order to receive payments. For more information about the Nebraska Department of Labor and their Short-Time Compensation prgram, visit dol.nebraska.gov/STC. Call (402) 471-4189 for further inquires.
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BUSINESS NEWS Peak Pathways Introduces New Leadership Assessment
The Nebraska Society of CPAs Announces 2018-19 Officers and Directors
Peak Pathways, LLC, a PXT Select™ Authorized Partner, has announced the release of the PXT Select Leadership Report. A leading executive coaching firm in the region, Peak Pathways offers science-based assessment solutions designed to help organizations build better, be more productive, and create happier work teams. PXT Select is a next-generation selection assessment that makes the very human decisions about hiring simpler and smarter. “We are very pleased to add the PXT Select Leadership Report to our suite of assessments,” said Dan Weber, executive coach and CEO of Peak Pathways. “With this new capability, we now offer a comprehensive assessment solution for job fit, team fit, managerial fit, and leadership approach that provides significantly more value for our clients at no additional cost.” The new report will help organizations hire the right leaders for each team. The Leadership Report provides insight into a candidate’s leadership potential, his/her personal approach to leadership, and his/ her possible strengths and challenges in leading people. Peak Pathways, LLC provides creative, customized coaching solutions for individuals and organizations. The focus of the company’s work is on leaders in four primary areas: Leadership/Executive Coaching; Career Transition Coaching; Team Coaching; and Team Selection & Development. More information can be found at www.peakpathways. com, or by calling (402) 203-9004.
The Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) hosted their annual meeting on November 5 during the Society’s fall CPE conference where NEBRASKA SOCIETY OF they selected new officers and board Certified Public Accountants members for the 2018-19 fiscal year. www.nescpa.org | 402-476-8482 The new society officers are as follows: Chairman, Patrick A. Meyer of HBE LLP, Lincoln; chairman-elect, Shari A. Munro of Frankel Zacharia LLC, Omaha; secretary, Kelly J. Martinson of Lutz, Omaha; treasurer, David E. Swan of SP Group PC, Lincoln; immediate past chairman, Ryan L. Parker of Endicott Clay Products Co., Fairbury. The new directors of the Nebraska Society of CPAs are as follows: Ryan L. Burger of Gabriel, Burger & Else, CPA, PC, Seward; Douglas K. Kositzke of Lindsay Corp., Omaha; Christi L. Olsen of Infinity CPA Group LLC, Omaha; Erica R. Parks of Hancock & Dana PC, Omaha; Kristian H. Rutford of Labenz & Associates LLC, Lincoln; elected member of AICPA Council: Julie D. Bauman of Julie D. Bauman, CPA, PC, Falls City; West Nebraska chapter president: Tamara A. Pierce, CPA, Scottsbluff. With more than 2,600 members, the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants is the premier association of accounting professionals in the state. The Society is dedicated to advancing the success of Nebraska CPAs by providing the best in professional education, legislative advocacy, promotion of the profession, networking opportunities, and resources to help their members excel in an ever-changing environment. Visit nescpa.org for more information, or contact the president/executive director, Joni Sundquist, at (402) 476-8482 / joni@nescpa.org.
Capital Cigar Lounge Marks Grand Opening with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Do Space Launches Professional Membership
On Friday, October 26, Capital Cigar Lounge invited friends, family, associates, and community members to help them celebrate their new location at 5505 S. 16th St. A triple-threat ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by the Greater Omaha Chamber, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA). Remarks were given by a representative of each entity, along with a few words from Owners Austin Hillis and Tony Goins. Capital Cigar Lounge is Alec Bradley’s first partnered lounge in North America. Capital Cigar features an upscale public lounge area for customers who want to smoke cigars or pipes while enjoying fine spirits, wine, and local beer. The building is 3,500 square feet of state-ofthe-art space with customized ventilation system for comfort. Capital Cigar Lounge boasts 15,000 cigars—a great selection for everyone, along with a 14-foot-high, full-service bar. Capital Cigar also includes a Cohiba-sponsored private member lounge and a conference room with built-in video/audio call and presentation technology, available to rent by the hour. Capital Cigar Lounge exists to bring together friends, ideas, and most importantly, fine cigars. They feature only the most respected brands of cigars on the market with the mission of creating a two-hour long vacation for their customers. The ambiance in Capital Cigar Lounge is better experienced than explained. Capital Cigar Lounge – Where Friends Enjoy Friends. Check out their website at capitalcigar.com or hit them up at (402) 430-9109. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Do Space, the non-profit community technology library located at 72nd and Dodge, has recently launched a professional membership. Omaha professionals and entrepreneurs can grow their business by hosting their next meeting with Do Space through a one-time rental or monthly use as a professional member. It goes above and beyond the basic, free membership and provides exclusive benefits to better serve Omaha professionals. Do Space is open 90 hours a week and is centrally located. Professional membership benefits include: • 10 hours of meeting room use per month • Access to board room, conference room, meeting room one, and meeting room two • Ability to book rooms online ahead of time, or walk in (subject to availability) • Listing as a professional member on the Do Space website Room features: • Easy presentation connection • Writable surfaces • Private rooms with seating for eight to 45 people • Free gigabit internet with Wi-Fi Other benefits include free and ample parking, and technical support staff on hand to get members started with equipment. At Do Space, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders get the tools they need to move their business forward. Learn more at www.dospace.org, or contact (402) 819-4022 / hello@dospace.org. DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 9
BUSINESS NEWS BNI to Celebrate 100th Heartland Podcast For the last few years, BNI® Heartland has produced two podcasts each month to pass on education to BNI members. In 2018, BNI made a goal to release a new podcast every week, and they have reached that goal! BNI is now preparing to celebrate their 100th podcast early next year with a very special guest. The podcast provides education on networking and shares personal stories from BNI Heartland members to help us all grow our business through referrals. The BNI Heartland Podcast is currently available on all platforms. In the past year, they have heard stories from BNI members across the world and brought advanced training ideas as topics covered in the podcast. You can subscribe to the BNI podcast at www.podcast.bniheartland.com, or wherever you access podcasts currently. Many organizations provide a service, but BNI Heartland offers a strategy to get more referrals for your business and continued learning to help improve your networking skills. For more information on becoming a BNI member and the educational opportunities offered through BNI University, visit bniheartland.com or contact (402) 880-6311 / info@ bniheartland.com.
Gordmans Welcomes Omaha Shoppers to Grand Opening Celebration Apparel and home décor retailer Gordmans, a division of Stage Stores, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration November 1. Gordmans, located at 14933 Evans Plaza in West Grayhawk Shopping Center, continued the festivities throughout the whole weekend. Attendees joined Gordmans associates and representatives from Stage Stores, Greater Omaha Chamber, and Omaha Public Schools at the ribbon-cutting ceremony before stepping inside the new 43,000-square-foot store to discover the fun finds and exciting deals on name brand apparel, home décor, and more available at Gordmans. “Gordmans is excited to reopen a store in the Omaha community. At Gordmans we create an exciting place where terrific deals and designer name brands are at every turn,” said Michael Glazer, president and CEO of Stage Stores. “Gordmans is among the best, with trend-right décor, fun accessories, and seasonal items—all at values our guests love.” Additionally, as part of Gordmans’ commitment to the Omaha community, Gordmans is partnering with Omaha Public Schools and will donate $5,000 to the district. Gordmans’ donation will directly support the Omaha Public Schools Foundation, which is creating an awareness campaign to highlight the district’s STEAM programs that encourage student involvement in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and math. A representative from Omaha Public Schools attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to accept Gordmans’ donation through a check presentation. Connect with Gordmans online at www.gordmans.com or on Facebook! Strictly Business DECEMBER 2018
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Veterans in Business Forum Announces Upcoming Meetings The Veterans in Business Forum (VIBF) meets the first Friday of every month (0800-0900). Their next meetings are 7 December 2018 and 4 January 2019. The December meeting is informal and will be held at Petrow’s Restaurant at 5914 Center St., Omaha, NE 68106 at 0800. Contact VIBF for details about the 4 January meeting. The mission of the Veterans in Business Forum (VIBF) is to provide business support, education, and advocacy to help veterans succeed in business and increase community awareness of veteran-owned business activities. Veterans, active duty, reservists, and civilians are welcome to join and support each other and veteran-related goals. For the latest information, to be a guest speaker, and/or to be added to the mailing list, visit www.omahanebraska.com/ VeteransinBusinessForumOmahaNetworking or contact Michel Thornhill at (402) 932-7243 / info@littlemountainwebdesign.com.
American National Bank Opens Two Financial Literacy Programs at Elementary Schools American National Bank is pleased to announce the recent opening of their financial literacy program at two elementary school branches: Lewis & Clark Elementary School Branch in Council Bluffs on Friday, October 12 and Carriage Hill Elementary Sc hool Branc h in Papillion on October 17. American National Bank and the two elementary schools have teamed up to bring a financial literacy program to students in K–5th grade. Students who receive parental permission can open a c hecking account and make deposits weekly to start saving for the future. Students are encouraged to set savings goals with incentives throughout the year to keep them on track. As part of the program, 5th grade students take a test and are interviewed to become bank tellers. As tellers, they are trained to handle their peers’ transactions and market the bank’s student-specific accounts. “Research suggests creating a hands-on experience with financial literacy has a greater impact on positive money management, empowering our youth to take charge of their financial future,” said Andrea Patten, American National Bank branch manager. “We truly appreciate our partnership with the Council Bluffs School District and look forward to building the foundation for a savings-focused youth.” American National Bank is the second largest locally-owned bank based on deposits in the Omaha/Council Bluffs market area. For more information, visit www.american.bank. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
BUSINESS NEWS CarePatrol Named Among Top Franchises for Women by Franchise Business Review
Millard Business Association Announces Date for Holiday Party After Hours Event
CarePatrol, the nation’s largest senior placement organization, was named one of the Top Franchises for Women by Franchise Business Review, a national franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction. CarePatrol was among 240 franchise brands, representing nearly 6,000 female franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research on the Top Franchises for Women. CarePatrol’s franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including leadership, training and support, financial opportunity, and work/life balance. “CarePatrol has changed the lives of many of our women franchise owners,” said Becky Bongiovanni, vice president of CarePatrol who owned CarePatrol’s model franchise for several years prior to franchising the concept. “Women currently make up over 34% of our owners, followed by couples and men.” Theron Ahlman is the owner of CarePatrol of Nebraska, serving Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding communities. Theron works with families free of charge to find quality, top-rated assisted living, independent living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care. CarePatrol’s founders have been pioneers in the senior placement industry for the past 25 years. Learn more at www.carepatrol.com or contact Theron Ahlman at (402) 580-2116 / therona@carepatrol.com.
Thursday, December 6 is the date slated for the Millard Business Association’s (MBA) business after hours and holiday party. The networking celebration will last from 4 – 6 p.m. at Mutual 1st Federal Credit Union, located at 14501 F. St., STE 101 (parking is available on east side of building).
Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum Offers Winter Camps
BLUEBARN Theatre Gears Up for December Performances of Holiday Show
The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum is offering camp experiences for winter break. The camps are selected from the most popular summer offerings and inspire cooperative learning in students as they work together to discover, learn, and work as a team. There are several camps to choose from with themes in aerospace, drones, game coding, and robotics.
BLUEBARN Theatre invites you to attend their holiday show, Act of God by David Javerbaum. The New York Times calls the story “deliriously funny! It’s John Stewart funny plus Stephen Colbert funny.” Performances are November 23 through December 16, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday December 2 at 6 p.m. and December 16 at 2 p.m.; and Wednesday, December 5 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. This show is generously sponsored by Omaha Steaks. In this “hilariously holy” limited engagement, God descends upon the BLUEBARN stage along with His angels, Michael and Gabriel. He’ll answer the eternal questions. He’ll set the divine record straight. He’s got ten new commandments—and He’s got jokes! Groups of 10 or more receive 20% off the regular ticket price—it’s the perfect way to ring in the holidays with your office staff! Contact director of patron services, Ashley Spessard, at aspessard@bluebarn. org to make reservations. In addition, every holiday season BLUEBARN features the Giving HeARTS Tree to benefit the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA). Ornaments containing gift wishes from ENOA clients give guests a chance to be an elf for the elderly by fulfilling their gift wishes this holiday season. The BLUEBARN Theatre has been bringing professionally-produced plays to area audiences since 1989. Since its inception, BLUEBARN has produced over 100 plays and has established itself as Omaha’s professional contemporary theatre company. General admission tickets are $35. Call (402) 345-1576 or visit BLUEBARN Theater’s website at www.bluebarn.org/tickets. DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 11
Most camps are best for grades 1 – 6, and there will be a drone camp for grades 7 – 8. Camp dates range from December 26 through January 4, 2019. Aerospace-themed camp Above & Beyond includes a mix of aviation and space activities with a “learn to fly” ride in flight simulators! Drone Challenge is perfect for those who want to learn how to fly a drone. Robotics camps are designed to utilize multiple hands-on activities with a variety of lower and higher tech equipment, such as Spheros, Cubelets, and Lego Robotics, designed to teach problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. Game On is a coding camp where campers build their own video game and unleash their creativity by devising a board or card game. Cost is $75 – non-members / $50 – members for a one-day camp; $200 – non-members / $150 – members for the three-day camp. The museum offers before and after program care for $10, so parents can drop off as early as 7:30 a.m. and pick up at 5:30 p.m. Box lunches option is $6 per day. Pre-registration is required on the Museum’s website (www. SACMuseum.org) or call the education department at (402) 9443100 Ext. 204. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
The MBA invites you to join them for some holiday fun and to celebrate MBA members for their outstanding service in 2018! Spirits and appetizers will be served. The MBA was founded in 2003 by a group of business owners who recognized the possibilities for networking and community development that existed in the Millard area for companies and their employees. The organization strives to continually improve and connect the business community and members to each other while sharing knowledge and expertise that will benefit the entire community. While MBA members can join referral groups and participate in social events, they are also encouraged to give back to the community. Millard Business Association’s after hour socials are held regularly at different locations in the community, giving local business representatives the opportunity to build relationships with fellow professionals. To find out more about MBA or apply for membership, visit www. MillardBusinessAssociation.org or contact (402) 707-2827 / info@ millardbusinessassociation.org.
BUSINESS NEWS Strictly Business Announces Record-High Web Stats in 2018
Business Ethics Alliance Announces New EthicSpace Conference
Strictly Business recorded the highest online statistics in its history this year. After running the reports, it was determined that articles by Strictly Business were viewed on Google’s search results pages over 12.7 million times in 2018. This means the magazines’ content is showing up among the top results when users search for related information. Strictly Business’ page views also performed well, exceeding 366,000 views from Google. A page view refers to someone clicking to view content on Strictly Business’ website. Strictly Business continues to grow in its ability to serve clients through its web content as major search engines are seeking to reward credible sources of information. This growth reflects the results of the staffs’ hard work, doing research to continue gaining credibility for the Strictly Business web pages. Effectively, major search engines prefer to deliver well-organized information to searchers. While Google directs approximately 55% of web traffic to Strictly Business, the remainder of the page views come from web users directly accessing the website, through Facebook, and through other search engines such as Yahoo! and Bing. The staff of Strictly Business is proud of this accomplishment, which will continue to be a key part of their strategy to promote businesses in Omaha and share relevant, reliable news. Strictly Business has been in Omaha for over 10 years, direct mailing to 15,000+ businesses in the area each month. Learn more about Strictly Business online at strictlybusinessomaha.com (Omaha) / strictly-business.com (Lincoln), or call (402) 466-3330 to talk to the staff about how you can get known as the expert in your industry.
For more than 10 years, the Business Ethics Alliance® has been creating spaces for meaningful ethics conversations. Now, for the first time ever, the Alliance is hosting an exciting day-long event to expand that space for the community and business leaders to come together to affirm their commitment to ethical practices. Dynamic speakers will deliver keynote addresses and breakout sessions about creating high-trust, ethical organizations. Attendees will hear from national and international CEOs who will inspire ethical leadership, social scientists who work in the fields of neuroscience and behavioral ethics, and ethics and compliance officers who will provide tips and tools for building organizations with ethical strength and cultures that encourage speaking up. They will leave inspired to elevate their workplace ethics with new skills and tools. The focus will be on the development of employees, specifically, individual contributors, managers, and directors. EthicSpace will be held on October 22, 2019 at the CHI Health Center Omaha. Gallup and Borsheims are early financial supporters of EthicSpace. Sponsorship information for this conference will be available soon. In partnership with the Omaha business community, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau and Creighton University Heider College of Business, the Business Ethics Alliance is a one-of-a-kind non-profit dedicated to city-level business ethics education. Contact the organization at (402) 280-2235 with any questions, or visit www.businessethicsalliance.org for more information.
EthicSpace
SERVING THE OMAHA/LINCOLN METROPLEX From left to right: Mike Barrett, VP Mortgage Lender/Sales Manager; David Shiffermiller, EVP/Lending; Allen Chaffee, Market President, Greater Omaha; John Dittman, Chairman of the Board; Barry Lockard, President/CEO Loan Production Office, 13340 California, Omaha | 402-779-1420 | CornhuskerBank.com
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BUSINESS NEWS Acadian Grille Now Offering Gift Cards
Angels Among Us to Relocate in 2019
Acadian Grille, Omaha’s Cajun scratch kitchen, is now offering gift cards—just in time for the holidays! Give the gift of authentic Cajun cuisine this Christmas. Acadian Grille, owned by Dan and Jennifer O’Brien, features Louisiana-inspired dishes, such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, po’ boys, and jambalaya. Offering an impressive selection of fine wine and beer as well, Acadian Grille’s distinct combination of food and beverage menus is designed to delight any patron.
Angels Among Us will relocate its offices in early 2019 to the newly expanded Ronald McDonald House Charities located at 620 S. 38th Ave. The move marks a significant partnership between the two agencies. The new location will provide increased space for Angels Among Us to serve local families with children who are battling cancer.
New to Omaha, Acadian Grille is located at 725 N. 114th St. Stop by today to get a gift card so you can share the tastiness with your friends and family. Go online to acadiangrille.com to learn more about the restaurant, or feel free to reach out to them at (402) 933-0980 / acadiangrille@gmail.com.
Hundreds of Nebraska Community Foundation Volunteers Gather in Norfolk
The relocation will result in increased office space for the Angels Among Us staff, a children’s play area, and a conference room to meet with over 60 families served by Angels Among Us each year. The move will also allow for new and expanded programming to provide financial services to families who need it. Angels Among Us provides financial and emotional support to families living-in or being treated in Nebraska for pediatric cancer. In 2018, Angels Among Us will support over 60 families with the support they need to remain financially stable due to a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Stay tuned for details on the grand opening! Connect with Angels Among Us online at myangelsamongus.org, or contact Executive Director Susie Nelson at (402) 934-0999 / susan@myangelsamongus.org.
Nearly 500 passionate community builders gathered at Norfolk’s DeVent Center and Divots Conference Center on November 8 for Nebraska Community Foundation’s Annual Celebration. Part volunteer training, part hometown expo, part celebratory banquet, the gathering featured some of the most extraordinary stories from Nearly 500 people convened at Norfolk’s DeVent Center communities all across the Nebraska for Nebraska Community Community Foundation (NCF) network and centered on topics critical to the Foundation’s Annual Celebration. future of Greater Nebraska including early childhood development, youth engagement, workforce development, and more.
Greater Omaha Chamber Releases Economic Outlook Survey Results
NCF’s Annual Celebration began with affiliated fund training which is offered to NCF’s network of 220 affiliated funds benefiting 257 Yesenia Peck of Nebraska communities in 82 (of Nebraska’s Public Power (left) and Karina 93) counties. In total, 252 community Perez of Centro Hispano discuss volunteers attended training to learn how community leaders and organizations have worked about the challenges and successes of their peers in other communities and together to foster a sense of welcoming and belonging topics like high-impact grantmaking, among Columbus’ everarts and culture, expanded learning diversifying population. opportunities, homegrown challenge grants, marketing, and communications. Volunteer voices were at the center of all training sessions which favor peer-to-peer interactions over the traditional expert model.
Furthermore, CEOs are most optimistic about their potential to grow sales revenue in 2019.
In the evening, hundreds more joined trainees for a hometown expo displaying the accomplishments of dozens of communities in attendance, a banquet dinner, and inspirational program at the DeVent Center. In total, 477 attended. Speakers included Kent Warneke, vice president and editor of Norfolk Daily News, as well as community leaders from Boone County, Butler County, Atkinson, and Pender.
Overall, Omaha-Council Bluffs-Fremont’s economic growth continues to be about 22% above the U.S. average. Other characteristics, such as high educational attainment, low business costs, and abundant amenities, give Omaha a strong advantage in entrepreneurship, business climate and quality of life—characteristics regional CEOs recognize as supporting robust business growth.
To read stories about the extraordinary things communities across the Nebraska Community network are achieving, visit www.nebcommfound. org. NCF can be directly reached at (402) 323-7330. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
For a comprehensive look at the Greater Omaha Chamber’s annual Economic Outlook survey results, visit www.omahachamber.org/ economic-outlook. To contact the Chamber directly, call (402) 346-5000. DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 13
Results of the Greater Omaha Chamber’s annual Economic Outlook survey were released on November 14 at their Economic Outlook Luncheon, with 60% of regional CEOs reporting sales revenue increases in 2018 relative to 2017. Further, 71% of CEOs said they expect 2019 sales revenue to increase over 2018 targets, leading analysts to infer a healthy economic outlook. More than 100 of Greater Omaha’s CEOs completed this year’s Economic Outlook Survey. The majority of companies reported doing as well or better financially in 2018 as in 2017.
When viewed in conjunction with the Economic Outlook survey results, suggestions of prosperity in The Barometer appear to resonate with CEO’s perceptions: • Entrepreneurs in Omaha earn twice as much as the US average • High quality of life – with abundant arts and cultural opportunities (No. 2), quick commute times (No. 2) and accessible health care (No. 1) • Innovation is consistently rising in Greater Omaha – with 5% growth since 2014, trending to surpass Nashville’s rating • Business costs are low, with Omaha ranking second only to Louisville, KY
BUSINESS NEWS Reading Truck Equipment Now Offers Snowplows from FISHER® Engineering As of October, Reading Truck Equipment is an official distributor of FISHER® Engineering equipment. Reading Truck, located in Council Bluffs, is proud to be the locallypreferred choice for service bodies, platforms, dump bodies, and snow equipment. A proven and a trusted company, Fisher Engineering (www.fisherplows. com) has been producing snow plows, as well as hopper- and tailgatemounted ice control spreaders. Their industry-leading expertise has earned them a solid reputation among snow plow professionals, enabling their partners to help communities recover from weather events faster and remain safe. Fisher Engineering offers the highest quality products and delivery, along with a level of customer support that is unparalleled in the industry. Reading Truck Equipment customizes and maintains work trucks for companies that rely on their trucks every day. Reading is the leading provider of custom work trucks for utilities, construction, landscaping, HVAC, and municipalities. When you need to get the job done right, safely, and efficiently, count on Reading. They install truck accessories, such as lift gates, ladder racks, tool boxes, snow plows, and salt spreaders. Reading also provides parts and service for all the products they sell. For more information, visit www.readingequipment.com, or contact Territory Sales Manager Kevin Abbott at (402) 909-2649 / kabbott@readingequipment.com for further questions.
BBB Shares Holiday Marketing Tips for Small Businesses The Better Business Bureau (BBB) knows it can be difficult for small businesses to compete against big-box stores and retail giants during the holiday season. That’s why they shared various tools and tips to help these businesses creatively promote their products or services: 1. Advertise custom-made products or services— Many small businesses sell products or services that can’t be found in typical retail stores. Determine what you sell or offer that others don’t, and advertise them. Also, be sure to highlight your holiday specials or packages on all of your business directory listings, including bbb.org. 2. Get creative with your messaging—People will likely be shopping for their husbands, wives, children, or other family members and friends. What product or service do you sell and who would it make a great gift for? Promote these items or services on social media, and in your email newsletters with taglines like “Still need a gift for Dad?” or “Last-minute shopping for Mom?” 3. Host a canned food drive or contribute to a local charity—Engage with new and existing customers by showing them that you care about the local community; donate your time, money, or even host a local canned food or clothing drive. Share your efforts on social media and in your email marketing. 4. Use email marketing—There are many inexpensive email marketing services. You can find 10 best picks at business.com/categories/bestemail-marketing-services. Better Business Bureau has been serving the local communities since 1936. The overall mission of BBB is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. Learn more online at bbb.org/nebraska, or call (800) 649-6814. 14 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2018
360 Clean Offers Special Holiday Deals 360 Clean, LLC, a local professional cleaning business, is now offering special discounts on their holiday cleaning services. Give the gift of a clean house or office with a 360 Clean gift card—now 10% off! In addition, all regular cleaning services are 15% off. The holidays are a crazy time; it can be hard to time the time to get everything neat and tidy for guests. Take the pressure off yourself and let 360 Clean’s trained maid service take care of it. With over 30 years of experience, no job is too large or too small for 360 Clean! They offer services to any size home or business in Lincoln, Omaha, and their surrounding areas (including Council Bluffs, IA). Learn more about 360 Clean, LLC and their residential and commercial cleaning services today at www.360cleancompany.com, or give them a call at (402) 460-0883. Don’t forget to ask them about their special holiday deals!
MLCDC Awarded $125K by U.S. Department of Treasury’s CDFI Fund The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) selected Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC) for a $125,000 financial assistance (FA) award through the Fiscal Year 2018 CDFI Program. MLCDC will increase the volume of current products and services: $100,000 of CDFI FA funds will be used to increase the volume of loan products and $25,000 will be used to increase the volume of development services. Each of these actions will support the strategic goal of increasing the loan fund to $1,500,000 by 2021. As of 2017, MLCDC is a certified Community Development Financial Institution. MLCDC’s small business loan fund, Advance Fund, provides business capital to primarily Latino, immigrant, and low-income women-owned local businesses with an emphasis on job creation and place-keeping. MLCDC’s direct-service, asset-building programs serve over 7,000 individuals each year through education and coaching programs, including: financial capability, housing counseling, business development, workforce development, and digital literacy (Financial Advisory Window at the Mexican Consulate in Omaha). The Advance Fund is expected to be a potential financing vehicle for community real estate and consumer lending in the future. MLCDC is searching for qualified candidates for MLCDC’s Advance Fund-CDFI director. Reporting to the executive director, the director of Advance Fund is responsible for the leadership, management, and growth of MLCDC’s nascent CDFI. The director of Advance Fund aloso manages a diverse and growing small business loan portfolio, and is tasked with building on the CDFI’s first years of lending success to expand into other products and lines of business that are relevant to the greater Omaha and Lincoln communities in the next three years. For more information, contact (402) 933-4466 / mlondono@ midlandslatinocdc.org and visit www.midlandslatinocdc.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
BUSINESS NEWS PIGMiNT Print Launches New Website On November 9, PIGMiNT Print launched a new website: www. PIGMiNTPrint.com. PIGMiNT Print has been in operation for over 10 years but has recently committed to enhancing its branding efforts. The new website showcases previous work from PIGMiNT Print’s impressive portfolio and variety of offerings. PIGMiNT is a print and design firm that is leading the way in creative projects and is not afraid of a challenge. They celebrate creativity and strive to inspire people with unique and trendsetting products that leave a lasting impression. The firm believes that a great first impression is developed through unique and innovative designs. PIGMiNT Print, owned by Austin Roper, crafts stunning products, helping the community turn their ideas into exceptional creations. Individualized design is the driving force behind PIGMiNT. With their full range of services, from design to print, they offer you direction and guidance that develops and enhances your brand. Their brand guidance will help you stay consistent across multiple platforms. Check out PIGMiNT Print’s new website today to see how they can help you and your business stand out! Further inquiries can be directed to Austin at (402) 500-3155 / austin@pigmintprint.com.
NAMI Omaha Announces January Public Educational Meeting NAMI Omaha’s next Mental Health NAMI Affiliate meeting will be held on Thursday, January 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. This meeting is free and open to the public. Loren Knauss, executive director of NAMI Nebraska, will discuss their strategic plan. These meetings take place the first Thursday of each month at First United Methodist Church, located at 7020 Cass St. in Omaha. Parking is available on the east and north side of the church. Enter through doors 4 or 6 and proceed to room 112. NAMI Omaha is a non-profit corporation in the state of Nebraska composed of consumers, family members, professionals, and friends who have come together to share and take comfort in the commonality of their experiences and to educate members of their communities about serious mental illness. NAMI Omaha’s mission is to work to improve the service for and the lives of those affected by mental illness and their families. For information on NAMI Omaha, go to namiomaha.org or call (402) 345-8101 / (877) 463-6264. For helpful articles on mental illness, follow on Facebook at facebook.com/NAMIOmaha.
Top State Games Athletes, Volunteers Honored at Annual Banquet The Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) presented awards to top 2018 Cornhusker State Games (CSG) athletes and volunteers at its annual Awards Banquet on November 5 at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln. Officials also paid tribute to sponsors and donors while celebrating a year of events and programs enjoyed by more than 24,000 Nebraskans. CSG Athletes of the Year include: Youth Female—wrestler Maycee Peacher, 10, of Omaha; Youth Male—golfer Miles Elgert, 10, of Lincoln; Female Overall—softball player Andrea Thorne, 31, of Lincoln; Male Overall—sprinter Jeff Hageman, 54, of Omaha; Senior Female— badminton player Nita Lechner, 68, from Grand Island and Senior Male—swimmer Robert Becker, 68, of Sterling. Longtime CSG volleyball volunteer DeAnn Korinek, who, along wither her husband Daryl, has helped organize State Games volleyball competition for 30 straight years, was named the Joe Neal Memorial Volunteer of the Year. Youth trapshooting director Dave Tunink received the Russ White Memorial Sport Director of the Year Award. Under Tunink’s leadership, CSG youth trapshooting participation has grown steadily over the past 10 years and reached a record 331 shooters in 2018. Three long-term NSC Board members, including CSG Volleyball Director Daryl Korinek, CSG Pistol Shooting Director Dr. William Schlichtemeier and Retired National Guard Adjutant General Roger Lempke received John Axe Board Service awards. The Reverend Brian Connor, Pastor of North American Martyrs Church in Lincoln, delivered the invocation. Presentation videos were provided by NSN Productions and Right Eye Digital with JJ Jurgens providing voiceovers. Banquet expenses were underwritten by Unite Private Networks, the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Backswing Brewing Co. and the Graduate-Lincoln. The program concluded with a passing of the Torch from outgoing NSC Board President Jeff Maul to President-Elect Rob Trebilcock. The Nebraska Sports Council is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission of providing quality athletic competition and promoting active lifestyle. Platinum Partners include LinPepCo, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska and Nebraska Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Association. Learn more at NebraskaSportsCouncil.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
No Coast Business Advisors Undergoes Rebrand to Coincide with Strategic Expansion No Coast Business Advisors LLC has rebranded in recognition of its strategic expansion. No Coast Business Advisors, founded by Jethro Hopkins, has serviced Nebraska and surrounding areas as a business brokerage since 2015, assisting both sellers and buyers to reach their goals. Earlier this year, Jeff Dousharm joined Jethro as a 50% partner in the brokerage. Dousharm joined the company with a background in owning and growing multiple local and national companies. After the formation of this partnership, Hopkins and Dousharm met with professionals around the country, creating a dynamic solution to the ongoing challenges business brokers face as they operate and serve both their clients and their own family’s goals. Multiple business listings outside of the Midwest have been brought on as part of these efforts, and No Coast Business Advisors is currently conducting interviews and vetting area developers who will join Dousharm and Hopkins as additional partners in brokerage locations around the United States. Inspiration for rebranding came from the leap No Coast Business Advisors has taken from being a local/regional company to a nationwide service provider. Brokers and even real estate agents looking to expand their revenue streams are all looking for better solutions and systems of operations, and they are discovering that No Coast Business Advisors offers a platform to work from—one that can dramatically increase profitability, while also saving time for professionals who choose to enter in either a part-time or full-time capacity. For more information on No Coast Business Advisors’ expansion, or to check out their fresh new look, visit www.NoCoastBusinessAdvisors. com or call (402) 217-2833. Anyone interested in partnership opportunities is encouraged to go to www.NCBAbroker.com. DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 15
Lock In Your Expert Status Are you an expert in the healthcare, trades, financial, retail, construction, business, government and/or education fields?
BUSINESS NEWS Date Announced for 2019 Nebraska Grower and Brewer Conference & Trade Show The University of Nebraska Extension has announced the dates for the 3rd annual Nebraska Grower and Brewer Conference & Trade Show. The two-day conference will be held Sunday and Monday, January 13 – 14, 2019, at Embassy Suites – Downtown Lincoln (1040 P St.). The Nebraska Grower and Brewer Conference & Trade Show’s purpose is to provide pertinent educational information to regional hop growers and craft brewers, to provide a platform for participants to build industry connections and relationships, and to provide the resources, skills and tools for participants to contribute to the Nebraska hop growing and craft beer industries. Ginger Johnson, connector, speaker, author, solutionist, marketer, and TEDx alum, will present the keynote address. She brings energy and enthusiasm to everything she does, including helping people to connect on purpose with a service mindset. Participants, be ready to hit the ground running in January! The two-day event will feature a variety of sessions for hop growers, craft brewers, and those interested in directly supporting the industries. Several prominent speakers from around the country will be discussing topics including market outlook, horticultural practices of growing hops, brewery safety, pest and disease control, taproom management, harvest and post-harvest practices, nutrient management, technical brewing, and marketing. For more information, please visit www.growbrewnebraska.com.
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Humanities Nebraska Prime Time Reading Program Helps Kids Improve in School Prime Time is a Humanities Nebraska family literacy program that helps strengthen participants’ interest and skills in reading and talking about books. Prime Time Family Reading Time and Prime Time Preschool returned this fall to eight locations in the Omaha area. Each session of the six-week program was free and open to families and their children, ages six to 10, who struggle with reading, or for families with preschool children who need a head start in reading readiness before kindergarten. All sessions were offered without cost to families thanks to generous statewide sponsors including the State of Nebraska, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Carol Gendler, and an anonymous donor. A definitive 10-year analysis published by the creators of Prime Time Family Reading Time found that children who attend Prime Time show a 95-100% improvement on achievement tests in elementary school and 81% improvement on high school exit exams. Prime Time Preschool was developed in response to the growing awareness of the importance of early learning. The program shares strategies that encourage meaningful at-home reading behavior between parents/ caregivers and their young children. Since 2002, approximately 14,000 Nebraskans have participated in one or more of the 257 bilingual and English-only Prime Time Family Reading Time and Prime Time Preschool series held in 17 public libraries, 18 elementary schools, six community centers, one bookstore, and one Head Start in 18 communities throughout the state. For more information about Prime Time, visit the Humanities Nebraska website, www.HumanitiesNebraska.org, and select “Prime Time” from the programs list. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
BUSINESS NEWS West O Chamber to Host Casino Night and Holiday Party December 13 On Thursday, December 13, the West O Chamber will get together to celebrate another year of amazing growth and events at their annual holiday party. The event will take place at the Omaha Marriott (10220 Regency Cir.) from 4 to 8 p.m. Cost is $15 per person and includes free drinks, food, poker chips, entertainment, prizes, and more! This year, the West O Chamber will be bringing the casino to Omaha with games such as craps, blackjack, roulette, WAR, Bingo, and more! While attendees gamble and mingle, there will also be delicious food, live music, and a magician that will be performing a show for those that run out of chips. The West O Chamber serves the communities of West Omaha, Elkhorn, Bennington, Waterloo, and Valley. They are committed to making their Chamber a welcoming and inclusive community that attracts and retains a talented and diverse workforce. The West O Chamber is an ally for businesses as they welcome, connect and engage with other businesses in the community. Register for the West O Chamber’s final (and biggest) event of the year at business.westochamber.org/events/details/west-o-holidayparty-casino-night-8308. To learn more, contact Trevor Hudson at (402) 289-9560 / trevor@westochamber.org.
Midland Scientific Announces Relocation of Corporate Headquarters Midland Scientific, Inc. announced it will relocate its corporate headquarters and Nebraska distribution center to a new, larger, and more modern facility in the Omaha suburb of La Vista, Nebraska. The new building will support the company’s anticipated future growth by providing greater capacity and featuring several technological advancements.
It’s $5 Store Opens in Omaha-Council Bluffs On November 17, the first It’s $5 store opened in the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metro inside the Mall of the Bluffs, in what once was a JCPenney store. The store has a very unique concept, and while there are others like it in the Midwest, it is the first to the area. Council Bluffs native, Ryan Wager, opened the store in the JCPenney’s old location as it was available and seemed like the perfect niche. The idea behind the store is to bring the items that big box stores and online retailers cannot sell to consumers for minimum prices. Ryan gets overstock items from big box and online retailers, processes them into bins, and sells them to the public. The prices are listed by days and are as follows: • • • • • •
Saturday and Sunday – every item is $5 Monday – receive two items for $5 Tuesday – receive three items for $5 Wednesday – receive 5 items for $5 Thursday – receive 10 items for $5 Friday – restock and refresh store
Each week, the store closes on Friday, when new inventory comes in. Boxes filled with products are dumped onto a sorting table. Amid the piles, shoppers can find clothing, makeup, books, kitchenware, costumes, food, and even an occasional computer or cell phone. All of the items are new and unused. The new local It’s $5 store is located at 1751 Madison Ave. in Council Bluffs. Stop by for unbelievable bargains! For more information, visit www.its5cb.com or give them a call at (712) 890-5080. The store is also currently hiring, so contact jobs@its5cb.com for employement opportunities.
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Company president, Vivian Pappel, looks forward to the move as the company has outgrown the current location. “This move reconfirms Midland Scientific’s commitment to meet the needs of our current customers and address future growth. Locating our largest distribution center in Omaha ensures our focus remains in the heart of the Midwest, while we continue our expansion to serve the entire nation,” commented Pappel. Midland Scientific, Inc. purchased a new building that will offer 40% additional warehouse and office space, as well as an option to expand into additional square footage with anticipated future growth. The new headquarters will be the company’s largest, centralized distribution center. Corporate staff will also operate out of this new facility. The new office will reflect Midland Scientific’s dedication to providing the best value to its customers. Offices and work stations will be designed to encourage better communication between departments and new equipment in the warehouse will improve the efficiency of shipping and receiving operations. Midland Scientific, Inc. is a woman-owned, full line distributor of laboratory products such as chemicals, instrumentation, general lab supplies, glassware, lab consumables, media, measurement equipment, plasticware, reagents, solutions, and much more. Learn more at www.midlandsci.com or call (402) 346-8352. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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RYAN
Ryan Stauffer
ELEVEN TWENTY-THREE Meet Ryan Stauffer, account strategist for Eleven Twenty-Three. Tell us a little about your business. - Eleven Twenty-Three is a full-service advertising agency, led by Dave Distefano and Shana Boyd. We have a tremendous team and years of experience working with local, regional, and national brands on their traditional advertising campaigns, digital May your holiday season be filled with campaigns, social media strategy and management, events, public warmth, kindness and joyful memories. and media relations, and non-traditional campaigns. We also have an incredibly talented creative department. Whether it’s video, statics, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays billboards, radio ads, you name it…our creative team is the real deal. from all of us at Pinnacle Bank. How did you get started in the business? - I joined Eleven Twenty-Three a year and a half ago. Before that, I had been working in radio for over 11 years. I was on-air at stations in Minnesota, Iowa, and Lincoln before moving to Omaha to be on Channel 94.1 in 2010. While in radio, I had the opportunity to work very closely with several clients on endorsement campaigns, which is something I really enjoyed. In addition to being on-air, I was also the music director, so I had a front row seat to many national campaigns for artists. These experiences really molded my interest in joining the advertising world and being a part of a team T H E W AY B A N K I N G S H O U L D B E that created meaningful, impactful, and creative campaigns. pinnbank.com Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married for eight years. My wife Kristina and I have two children, Noah (7) and Audrey (3). Noah plays soccer, baseball, and basketball; and Audrey started dance classes MEMBER FDIC in the fall. In other words, we are rarely home. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - After high school I moved from a small town in southern Minnesota to Minneapolis. I really had no idea what I wanted to do with my life 18_POG71_STRICTLYBUSINESS_HOLIDAY_AD.indd 1 11/8/18 9:25 AM outside of “something in business.” I attended classes at a community college (occasionally). I had an excellent attendance record at the college parties, though. I didn’t know what I was pursuing so I wasn’t passionate about my studies; it all seemed so hollow. It was through my college job, serving tables at Famous Dave’s, that I became friends with someone who attended a broadcast school in the area. I could tell he loved it and I thought it sounded incredible, so I ended up enrolling there as well. Radio provided me with amazing experiences. It also led to meeting Dave and Shana, which opened the door for another HUGE turning point in my life…leaving radio. My interests and goals had evolved; I was ready to pursue something different. I’m so grateful for the team I’m a part of at Eleven Twenty-Three; it’s become a family. FOR VOTING US BEST What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever FOR 14 YEARS IN A received? - There are so many great quotes that you can grab from Twitter or an inspirational book or speaker, but the one that is most ROW personal to me is, “You will be great.” I lost my mom to cancer in 2004 and that is something she told me numerous times as she was fighting her fight. I think about those four words a lot and live life wanting to www. gerstpainting. c o m prove her right. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Outside of spending time with family, which is obviously the best, it is watching the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoons! Who inspires you? - People who work hard and push themselves to go beyond the status quo. EXCELLENT SELECTION / ODORLESS PAINT AVAILABLE If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Philomathic. LIMITED TIME SPECIAL! Get your home ready for the If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or holidays. Schedule your project within 30 days and present, who would it be? - Warren Buffett. you will receive our best winter prices PLUS you’ll receive ALL the interior paint FREE! If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 593-1132 Ext. 206; Email: ryan@11twentythree.com; ST NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 31 2018. Website: www.11twentythree.com.
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UNICO GROUP, INC. Meet Megan Hatch, risk advisor for UNICO Group, Inc. Tell us a little about your business. - UNICO is a one-stop shop agency for employers and individuals that offers a consultative and relationship-oriented approach to the insurance process. We take pride in our expertise and know trust can’t be assumed; it has to be earned. As we earn it, you’ll begin to understand that what we value most are relationships. We find our business to be personal, compassionate, and fun. So, when we’re building a new relationship, we’re really making a new friend who we can work with to help solve problems, navigate solutions, and celebrate achievements. In my position, I focus on property and casualty insurance, and I work with businesses to review and develop their risk management programs. I’m involved with many industries, but have a niche in the non-profit, healthcare, and property sectors. How did you get started in the business? - I started in the insurance business as an intern in college. After graduating from UNL, I started working with a national insurance carrier. Over several years, I held various roles which included property claims, recruiting, and agency owner. I recently decided to make a change and a couple of good friends referred me to UNICO. I found that the people and culture of UNICO were the perfect fit for me. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I pride myself on being a lifelong learner and one of my most important achievements has been obtaining my CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter) designation. Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Kyle and I have been married for 10 years. He is a regional sales rep with Iron Connect. We’ve been blessed with two wonderful kids, Kinsley (4) and Knox (2). What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - When I was selected for the position as an agency recruiter. It was a huge step outside of my comfort zone, but it introduced me to the world of sales, which in turn has led me to a career that I love! What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - In my free time I enjoy going to concerts, playing golf, and traveling with family and friends. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I grew up on a farm outside of a small town in Nebraska. My sophomore year of high school, we only had 5 girls on our basketball team. We didn’t win too many games, but we did finish the season! Who inspires you? - My parents. They are hardworking, high integrity people who have been a great example to our family. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Everything in moderation. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Genuine. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I can play the piano. What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I have been a Junior Achievement classroom volunteer for 12 years. I enjoy teaching kids about business and how they can be an influence in their communities. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Michael Jordan. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 434-7295; Email: mhatch@unicogroup.com; Website: www.unicogroup.com; LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hatchmegan. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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TYLER
Tyler Peterson
WEST GATE BANK Meet Tyler Peterson, mortgage loan officer for West Gate Bank. Tell us a little about your business. - West Gate Bank recently opened three branches in Omaha. The expansion into Omaha marked the first time in the bank’s 50-year history that a branch was opened outside of Lincoln. Our vision of servant leadership is based on a few main core values, including providing our customers the best banking products and customer service. My job as a mortgage loan officer is to build relationships with clients, realtors, and colleagues. I serve as a resource for them to find solutions that help them, and their clients succeed financially. How did you get started in the business? - I always knew I wanted to be in the financial field at some level. I started researching potential companies and firms to get started with during college. After graduation, I was offered a position in personal finance lending. From there it grew into specifically focusing on mortgage finance. I’ve now been involved in mortgage finance for 15+ years! What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The decision to change employers. I’ve been lucky to work alongside some very talented people, with whom I’ve also become friends with. In my career, I’ve had to choose to change employers to find the best options for my clients, colleagues, and family. Making the choice to change was tough, but I feel very blessed to be at West Gate Bank where I’m confident in the wide array of options I can provide my clients. What has been your most important achievement professionally? Every home closing where my clients are completely satisfied with their loan, the process, our interactions, etc. When a client or colleague trusts me and refers me to take care of their family and friends, I know I’m doing my job the right way. Tell us a little about your family. - I have a beautiful wife and three daughters. My wife works in editing and my three girls go to Elkhorn Public Schools. We stay active with the kids’ activities—softball, basketball, dance, theatre, swimming. For fun we love to go camping. I am very blessed as a husband and father. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Nothing will compare to becoming a father. The changes to priorities and life goals, and the perspective about every decision your make completely changes. All for the better, of course, as I am so proud of my daughters! What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy golfing. Unfortunately, my skills/successes are completely ‘hit and miss.’ Literally. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I like to mow barefoot. My wife hates it, and it’s probably not the safest thing to do...I just like the way the grass feels under my feet. It brings me peace. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To be invisible. What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). The lessons learned in sports and competition are extremely valuable in life, both personally and professionally. What is your favorite TV show? - Seinfeld and The Office are two of my classic favorites. What is your favorite local restaurant? - The Drover! If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Jesus Christ. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 657-9849; Email; tpeterson@westgate.bank; Website: westgate.bank. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
JEFF
Jeff Sneller
AQUA SYSTEMS Meet Jeff Sneller, director of business development at Aqua Systems. Tell us a little about your business. - Aqua Systems is a family-owned, full-service water treatment company that has been in business for over 25 years. We treat municipal water and well water for residential and commercial applications, from water softening to reverse osmosis and commercial bottleless drinking systems. At Aqua Systems, our customers are the motivation to keep producing the best product offering we can. From making our SmartChoice water softeners and PureChoice reverse osmosis systems right here in the U.S.A. to a 90-day money back guarantee, we understand quality. We are working to improve the quality of drinking water using a variety of methods across eastern and central Nebraska. How did you get started in the business? - I was looking for a change in career and this was a great opportunity to work for an exceptional company. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Learning to be patient and get along with individuals who are very indecisive. What has been your most important achievement professionally? When I taught myself how to maintain a positive demeanor while working with varying personalities. It’s better to smile and move on from conflict. Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Deb and I have five children and four grandchildren. We’re thankful that most of them reside in Lincoln, so it’s easy to spend time with them. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? The birth of my daughters. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love spending time at our farm—fishing, hunting, and bird watching. I also enjoy quiet time while getting some yard work done. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’m a problem solver. Who inspires you? - Jesus Christ and my parents. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My grandfather and my dad both taught me to do the job right the first time so you don’t have to come back and do it again. I’ve relied on this my whole life and it has served me well. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Unpredictable. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I’m happy with my lot in life at this point, I don’t spend time considering the “what ifs” in life. What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I’m active in the Lincoln Elks Lodge #80. I support the activities they put on to help Veterans and our community’s youth. I’m also involved in various activities at church. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I enjoy Jack Reacher novels. What is your favorite TV show? - Wheel of Fortune. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Brother Sebastian’s. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Ronald Reagan. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so ? The best way to contact me is via email at Jsneller@ilovemywater.net. Learn more about Aqua Systems at www.ilovemywater.com, or call (402) 466-6800. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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DAN
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or president commitmentofofMediGuard senior-level staff Meet Dan Ward, USA.
Tell us a little about your business. - We began MediGuard USA in 2008 to help seniors stay in their homes longer safely. We provide the button you push if you fall and can’t get back up. Since we are a local company with a technology background, we are able to choose the best products on the market. How did you get started in the business? - Having a security business for 37 years in Omaha, we saw a need for a local company that could provide seniors with Personal Emergency Systems. We took industry training and spent time with the manufacturing companies to learn the best way to run our business for our customers. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - At age 27, my wife and I started American Electronics out of the basement of our home. Last year, after 37 years, we were very blessed to find a wonderful family company, Atronic Alarms, Inc, to purchase American Electronics and they’ve been successfully growing the company ever since! Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Gloria and I have been married for 42 years. We have two daughters and two sons who we get to enjoy time with in their adult years. Our oldest is married and lives with her husband in Alabama. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Being brought up in a God-loving family really set the stage for me to find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ when I was in my early 20s and I am thankful for that turning point in my life. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - At 10 years old, I received a book for my birthday, titled My First Book of Electricity. That book really peaked my interest and love for electronics and launched my career! Who inspires you? - My wife and kids inspire me. Gloria has given me some of the best advice over the years. She has a God-given instinct with business decisions. My kids have excelled my skills and abilities, and I marvel at how wise and valuable their advice is for me.
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What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? Good New Jail & Prison Ministry is where I enjoy mentoring men who want help getting their life in a better spot. I also volunteer in a business ministry called CBMC, which helps business owners and professionals learn how to use the truths in the Bible to find success and prosperity in life. It is a fulfilling way to give to others. What is your favorite movie? - I loved The Shakiest Gun in the West and Lilies of the Field with Sidney Poitier. What is your favorite TV show? - The American drama, Blue Bloods. What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? - Anthony’s Steakhouse. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Abraham Lincoln. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Contact me by email at dward@mediguardusa.com or by phone at (402) 891-9700. Visit the MediGuard USA website for more information mediguardusa.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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DM: LINCOLN/OMAHA Meet Michael Johnson, the founder of DM: Lincoln/Omaha and president of its parent company, Compass. Tell us a little about your business. - DM: Lincoln/Omaha is a digital market business community designed help strengthen businesses and their community through digitally-based programs and events. We create, market, and manage virtual job fairs, digital tradeshows, provide digitally-delivered education and other cutting-edge events and solutions to help businesses and the community in today’s digital world. How did you get started in the business? - Over the years I have worked within the digital marketing industry with a focus on chambers and associations. We initially focused on the app market but have expanded with DM because of my strong commitment and investment in the business community as a whole. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Initially, it was taking ideas and translating them into an operational business without sufficient personal capital to fund my own ideas. Once that barrier was removed, it helped move my ideas from a thought to reality much easier. What has been your most important achievement professionally? Making the decision at the age of 24 to leave my normal job and start a business with no experience. It gave me the vision and realization I needed to work for myself and control my own fate by the choices I made. The funny part is, that mostly meant failure at times. It’s ironic that my most important achievement was failing. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Leaving at 19 years old for the Air Force. I think every single person should serve in the military after high school. It taught me so much! What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - My family and I were featured in the National Enquirer (no, we weren’t captured by aliens). In 1979, during the gas crisis, we were challenged to live without using gasoline for an entire month. Who inspires you? - Retired people! I absolutely love business and working for myself, but I’m ready to look at my time completely differently. When I first started at age 24, my goal was wealth; now it’s time, and I want to share that with people. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Just keeping swimming!” - Dory from Finding Nemo. Business owners know what I mean. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Areallygreatguywhocouldalwaysbendtherulesenoughtobecreative. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Easy, my bowling skills. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Bartender. I have a good heavy pour and get along with just about everyone in life. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - My mom. I’d like just one more dinner. She was famous to me. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - To learn more about DM: Lincoln/Omaha, visit www.DMforBusiness.Com. You can also learn more about our parent company, Compass (Community Offered Marketing Partnerships and Strategic Solutions), at www.aCompassCompany.com. My email address is mjohnson@compassmediallc. com. Send me a note! #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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PERSONNEL NEWS Bridge to Better Living Appoints Mary Grosserode to Transition Consultant Bridge to Better Living is pleased to announce Mary Grosserode as a new transition consultant for the Omaha area. Mary is a Nebraska native and a graduate of the University of Nebraska. Her medical career began in the pharmaceutical field and expanded in 2002 when she made the decision to accept a position in the senior living arena. As a director of marketing and a senior living consultant at Omaha Retirement Living Communities, Mary exceled in offering solutions to seniors’ concerns. She is a member of Omaha metropolis networking organizations and is an avid supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Mary’s dedication of helping seniors find the right options for a better lifestyle complements Bridge to Better Living’s mission of “Placement with Passion.” Mary has a daughter in Omaha and spends a sizable portion of her spare time with her family or outdoors enjoying Nebraska. She is a patron of the arts and is often found cheering from the bleachers at Creighton games. Bridge to Better Living, at no cost to the client, assists seniors to find the best quality of life when choosing a move to a senior living community: Independent, Assisted, Memory Assisted, or Long-term Care. Bridge to Better Living’s transition consultants serve Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding areas. Bridge to Better Living is locally owned and was founded in 2010 by Mary Ann Stallings. For more information, visit BridgetoBetterLiving.com or call (402) 802-3301.
John S. Berry, Jr. of Berry Law Firm Accepted to American Board of Criminal Lawyers Berry Law Firm is pleased to announce that managing partner John S. Berry, Jr. recently became a fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers (ABCL). ABCL is an exclusive national legal honorary society for exceptional criminal trial lawyers. Berry joins the ranks of some of the most widely known and well-respected attorneys from across the country and becomes the third member in the state of Nebraska, along with William J. Gallup and Berry Law founder John Stevens Berry, Sr.
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To be admitted as a fellow to the ABCL, individuals must possess a plethora of trial experience. Candidates must have at least 10 years of criminal trial experience, having tried at least 35 felony jury trials and 50 trials overall. Admittance to the ABCL is on an invitation only basis, with a heavy emphasis on recommendations from distinguished jurists and current fellows attesting to the candidate’s ethics as well as their litigation skills in the practice of criminal defense. John S. Berry, Jr. has practiced criminal defense for over 15 years in both state and federal courts. He is a past president of the of Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorney’s Association and a life-member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Berry has been recognized at the local, state, and national level for his successes in the legal field. Learn more about Berry Law Firm at www.jsberrylaw.com or call (402) 817-6550. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
PERSONNEL NEWS MyStaff Inc Welcomes Maggie Davis MyStaff Inc welcomed their sixth employee, Maggie Davis, on November 14. Maggie is a well-respected and accomplished professional in Omaha’s recruiting industry. Maggie brings over 16 years of recruiting expertise within administrative, technical, accounting/finance, and healthcare disciplines. Companies and job seekers throughout Omaha identify Maggie as an expert in the staffing field. With the addition of Maggie, the MyStaff team has over nine decades of combined experience staffing temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire professionals in Omaha. They specialize in placing accounting, admin/clerical, HR, and customer service positions. MyStaff Inc has a small team comprised of seasoned industry experts. They thrive when making connections, building positive relationships, and taking great care of their customers. Whether you are seeking a new position or wondering how you will hire your next best employee, give MyStaff a chance to make a strong impression. For more information about MyStaff Inc, visit their website at www.mystaffinc.com. Maggie Davis can be reached at (402) 614-1441 Ext. 106 / maggie@mystaffinc.com.
Omaha Restaurant Association Congratulates 2018 Hospitality Hall of Fame Inductees The Omaha Hospitality Hall of Fame celebrated its 26th anniversary at the Induction Dinner on October 21, an annual event presented by the Omaha Restaurant Association. The purpose of the event each year is to recognize achievement in the restaurant/food service industry among past and present restaurant owners, managers, chefs, event planners, culinarians, educators, purveyors and others who have significantly contributed to the industry.
Pictured (L-R): Top Row - Kim Brown, Dwight Becker, and “Tiger” Tom Lynch; Bottom Row - Greg Cutchall and Ann Mellen.
Five hospitality industry leaders were inducted this year, bringing the total to 133. This year’s Hall of Fame honorees include Dwight Becker, Bronco Wines; Kim Brown, Sysco – Lincoln, Inc; Greg Cutchall, Cutchall Management Co.; “Tiger” Tom Lynch, Tiger Toms; and Ann Mellen, M’s Pub. Visit www. omahahospitalityhalloffame.com for inductee bios. Hosted by Metropolitan Community College Institute for the Culinary Arts at the Fort Omaha Campus, the Omaha Hospitality Hall of Fame Induction Dinner also served as a fundraiser for culinary and hospitality students. The menu creation and food preparation were provided by the students, faculty, and staff at the institute. Entertainment was provided by Tom Sena and Michael Pujado. The Omaha Restaurant Association was established in 1944 as a nonprofit organization to promote the highest standard of quality in the Omaha hospitality industry through leadership, scholarship, philanthropy and advocacy. To learn more, visit dineoutomaha.com or contact (402) 493-4739 / dineoutoften@cox.net. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Associated Builders and Contractors Welcomes Katie Gabryszewski Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Cornhusker Chapter recently welcomed Katie Gabryszewski to their team as membership and events coordinator. Katie began her career with ABC Cornhusker Chapter this September. She comes from within the ABC family and previously worked in member services at ABC of Oklahoma, as well as in the education department at ABC Heart of America. Katie has a bachelors of education from the University of Missouri and a background in marketing, administration, graphic design, and workforce development. Katie looks forward to serving the needs of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Cornhusker Chapter members and the construction industry. She can be reached at katieg@abcnebraska.org. The Cornhusker Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors continually strives to be the leading voice promoting free enterprise within the construction industry in Nebraska. The organization’s main goal is to provide member companies and their employees with an opportunity to succeed, winning work and delivering that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. For more information about the ABC Cornhusker Chapter, visit abcnebraska.org.
Peoples Mortgage Company Names Angela Brant Marketing Representative Peoples Mortgage Company has announced that Angela Brant has joined as the marketing representative for the State of Nebraska. Ms. Brant’s accomplished business career began as a stock trader in Phoenix, with stops in San Francisco, NY and Boca Raton, FL, then subsequently completed her bachelor’s degree at Lynn University where she established her business acumen and entrepreneurial skills. Ms. Brant went on to launch two event planning and production companies, “Every Detail” and “In the Details Events,” with locations in Boca Raton, Richmond, and Omaha, which gained national attention for weddings featured on the television show Get Married. Their corporate clients included Red Bull, Indy Car, Richmond International Raceway, Watkins Glen, and the City of Norfolk, Virginia. Meanwhile, “In the Details Events” received the prestigious LUXE™ Award, in 2006, awarded Laura’s Couture Collection in Shawnee, KS and Lux Magazine. Ms. Brant has been a REALTOR® in Omaha since 2011, engaging in her community with civic functions, charity endeavors, and helping families with their housing needs. She is known by her cartoon mascot, the Home Girl, and her tagline: “Keeping it real estate.” “Ms. Brant will report to Ellicia Romo, Peoples Mortgage Smart Branch director of marketing, and together they will increase the profile for Peoples Mortgage in Nebraska and provide the Nebraska real estate community a consistent resource for continuing education, agent marketing exposure, topical industry classes, news and developments,” said Gilker. He concluded, “We are pleased to have Angela on our Nebraska team!” Peoples Mortgage Company has 41 offices in 10 different states, including two in Omaha: 16909 Lakeside Hills Plaza, STE 113 and 4611 S. 96th St., STE 150. Learn more at www.peoplesmortgage.com, or contact Angela Brant at (402) 215-1529. DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 25
PERSONNEL NEWS Cornhusker Bank Welcomes Jay Perkins Cornhusker Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Jay Perkins to its staff as vice president/relationship manager. “Jay’s ability to relate to people will make him an excellent fit with our staff and our concept of developing financial road maps for our customers to help them achieve their goals. Jay will also be a great representative for the bank in community affairs,” reported Barry Lockard, president/CEO. Mr. Perkins has 15 years of banking experience and in addition to a Bachelor of Science Degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, he holds a Graduate Certificate from the Colorado Graduate School of Banking in Boulder, CO. Mr. Perkins sits on the board for the Child Advocacy Center and is president of the Lincoln Downtown Athletic Club. Mr. Perkins noted, “My personal passion for working with teams and building strong relationships with clients fits perfectly with Cornhusker Bank’s culture and commitment to helping both our clients and our associates reach their goals.” Cornhusker Bank is the oldest family-owned bank, demonstrating stability, soundness, and investing in the future growth of the community, its valued customers, and associates throughout its 115 year history. For more information, please visit www.CornhuskerBank. com or call (402) 434-2220.
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Borsheims Fine Jewelry & Gifts Hires Ecommerce Manager Heidi Mihovk Borsheims Fine Jewelry & Gifts has hired an E-commerce manager. Heidi Mihovk joins the team at Borsheims, a company that has been helping customers celebrate the special occasions in their lives for more than a century. Mihovk will be responsible for overseeing the team that manages the Borsheims website. Mihovk’s team is tasked with growing this important segment of Borsheims’ retail sales operations. She is a graduate of Bellevue University and comes to Borsheims with several years of experience in the ecommerce field. Mihovk volunteers with the Nebraska Ataxia Foundation and lives in Omaha with her new husband and their pug. Borsheims Fine Jewelry & Gifts is one of the nation’s largest independent jewelry stores and a proud member of the Berkshire Hathaway family. With an international clientele spanning 50 states and six continents, Borsheims continues to operate with the vision that has guided the company for more than a century: “We are privileged to share in the special moments in our customers’ lives. We will treat this opportunity with the respect and importance it deserves.” For more information about Borsheims Fine Jewelry & Gifts, visit www.borsheims.com or contact Adrienne Fay at (402) 391-0400 / adriennefay@borsheims.com.
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PERSONNEL NEWS Lutz Adds Josh Jenkins to Financial Division Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, welcomes Josh Jenkins to the Lutz Financial division. Josh joins the firm as a senior portfolio manager and head of research. He is responsible for assisting clients in the construction, selection, and risk assessment of their investment portfolios. In addition, Josh will provide on-going research and trade support. Jenkins received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Since their founding in 1980, Lutz has steadily grown to become the largest locally-owned firm of its kind in Nebraska because of integrity, work ethic and collaboration. Your goals are their goals. They believe that understanding where you’re coming from is a vital part of getting to the bottom line and taking you where you need to go. Lutz provides accounting services such as tax, accounting, assurance, business consulting and valuation. Additionally, they provide investments and planning, recruiting, and technology services. If you would like to learn more about Lutz, please visit their website at www.lutz.us.
AR Solutions Welcomes Tracy George as Account Executive AR Solutions officially welcomed Nebraska native, Tracy George, to fill a vitally important role as account executive for the company. George is an accomplished strategic leader and published author with 20 years expertise in sales, business development, client relations, and management. Graduating from FIDM/ Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, CA where she obtained a degree in merchandising marketing and design. George is located in the Omaha area and is looking to bring awareness of AR Solutions to the forefront while educating businesses, small and large, on the impact the company makes in helping maximizing on receivables. George’s business resume includes an exclusive co-branding partnership with Kathy Ireland worldwide and George’s then company “Thank You Baby” as well as vice president of business development for Sterling Enterprises and Easyway International. She is looking very forward to networking and helping businesses throughout Omaha and surrounding areas! If your company wants to maintain their reputation while increasing cash flow on receivables, AR Solutions is the answer. AR Solutions is a locally owned and operated collection agency that collects past due receivables, collecting on average 2.5 times the national average, for their clients. Not only do clients have 24/7 access to view their accounts, they can also report payments, update demographics, and send communication to AR Solutions through the company’s secure website. With the New Year right around the corner, AR Solutions is far from losing momentum this last month of 2018! To contact AR Solutions, visit www.arsolutionsinc.com, email info@arsolutionsinc.com, or call (402) 817-3929. Feel free to reach out to Tracy directly at tracy@ arsolutionsinc.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Keith Olsen Named Dean of UNMC College of Pharmacy Keith Olsen, Pharm.D., currently the dean of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy, has been named the eighth dean of the UNMC College of Pharmacy. Dr. Olsen will begin January 7, 2019, pending approval of his appointment from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. An alumnus of the UNMC College of Pharmacy, Dr. Olsen was on the college’s faculty from 1993 to 2015. He is a native Nebraskan and graduate of Wayne State College. The UNMC College of Pharmacy currently has 50 faculty, 240 Pharm.D. students, and 60 graduate students. Learn more online at www.unmc. edu/pharmacy, or call (402) 559-4333.
Child Saving Institute Promotes Jana Habrock, Joanna Halbur, and Diana Shaw Child Saving Institute (CSI) has promoted Jana Habrock, Joanna Halbur, and Diana Shaw to newly-created positions and reorganized the management structure for several programs. Habrock, director of early childhood mental health, has worked at CSI for 25 years and manages the KidSquad and Pediatric Social Work programs. In her new position as director of prevention services, she will also manage the School and Family Enrichment (SAFE) program and the Teen & Young Parent Program. Habrock earned her bachelor’s Jana Habrock degree in family studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her master’s certificate in infant toddler mental health from Portland State University. Halbur, clinical supervisor for the therapy program, received a promotion to director of mental health services, a newly created position. Halbur will manage mental health therapy programming, pregnancy counseling, and relinquishment counseling. She has worked at CSI since 2011. Halbur earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Creighton Joanna Halbur University and her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. Shaw, a KidSquad therapist, has worked at CSI since 2009. She received a promotion to KidSquad supervisor and will oversee a team of five KidSquad therapists and consultants. Shaw earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hendrix College and her master’s degree in community counseling from Murray State University. She is a licensed mental health practitioner and a registered Diana Shaw play therapist. Child Saving Institute (CSI) offers 14 programs and services to serve children and families in the Omaha metropolitan area. Find out more about the organization at childsaving.org. DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 27
NON-PROFIT NEWS Open Door Mission Presents Project Santa The Open Door Mission’s Project Santa, taking place December 4 – 22, provides toys to needy boys and girls so that everyone will have gifts on Christmas morning. This year, the Mission is empowering parents by giving them a chance to choose a toy their child will love during their Toy & Joy Shop, located at Open Door Mission (2828 N. 23rd St. E). As enhancements to their gift-giving process ensue, Open Door Mission needs volunteers now more than ever. Volunteers can be personal shoppers or attendants. Signing up is easy on the Open Door Mission website! The Open Door Mission is also in search of people to host Project Santa Toy Drives to collect toys for all ages, including teens. You can personalize and print posters for your drive right from the Open Door Mission website. Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission that meets the needs of individuals and families while inspiring hope for lasting change. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 816 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women and children, serves over 2,100 hot, nutritious meals, and provides preventative measures to more than 1,082 people living in poverty. To find out more about volunteer opportunities at Open Door Mission, go online to www.opendoormission.org. To sign up to host a drive, visit www.opendoormission.org/resources/how-tohost-a-drive. For more information, contact Amy Harvey at (402) 301-6535 / aharvey@opendoormission.org.
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Cross Electronic Recycling Announces New Hours for Electronic Drop Offs Cross Electronic Recycling, located at 5030 N. 72 St., has announced new extended hours for the public to drop off unwanted electronics: Monday from noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on Sundays). To recognize Christmas, Cross Electronic Recycling will be closed on Saturday, December 22 and will reopen December 26. For New Year’s, they will be open on Saturday, December 29 until 4 p.m. and reopen on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. Cross Electronic Recycling will accept anything with a cord, battery, or motor—as small as a cell phone to as large as a car, and everything in between! This includes computers, televisions, large appliances, vehicles and so much more. See a complete list of items online at www. crossrecycling.com as well as information on current environmental fees. All items are used for Cross Training Center’s vocational training and work experience program. The program is specifically designed for those who have chronic barriers to employment due to being under educated, incarceration, homelessness, challenging mental or emotional disorders or who live in chronic poverty for numerous reasons. Learn more at www.crosstc.com. When you recycle electronics, you help two great causes—the impoverished to become employed and saving our environment. Contact Cross Electronic Recycling by calling (402) 590-2100 with any questions.
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NON-PROFIT NEWS Adult & Teen Challenge Calls for Vehicle Donations Before End of Year
Apartment Association of Nebraska Promotes Lydia House Diaper Drive
The Adult & Teen Challenge of the Midlands’ Vehicle Donation Program is looking for vehicle donations of all kinds, running or not, before the end of the year. If you’re able to donate a vehicle before December 31, you’ll receive a tax receipt for write-offs in 2018. Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and fleets of vehicles are welcomed!
Through December 14, community members have the opportunity to join the Apartment Association of Nebraska (AAN) for the Lydia House Diaper Drive. To participate, collect diapers at your place of business, clubhouse, etc. and let the AAN Helping Hands Committee know that you have diapers to be picked up. Committee members will be coming around on the 14th to pick them all up. If you need boxes for collection, please contact director@aaneb.org to pick some up from the AAN office (15418 Weir St., STE 250).
All proceeds will go directly to the Adult & Teen Challenge of the Midlands. The organization will arrange to pick up your vehicle (whether you’re home or not) and handle all of the paperwork to make the process as easy as possible. All the organization needs are the keys to the vehicle and the title, signed by everyone listed as “owner.” Adult & Teen Challenge of the Midlands exists to be a catalyst for 180-degree change in the life of the addict. The organization offers a long-term, 12-month faith-based program for adults 18 and older. This program is designed to assist individuals achieve freedom from drugs and alcohol and the destructive behaviors that accompany it. For more information, visit the vehicle donation page on their website at tcmid.org/vehicle-donation/vehicle-donation-program, or contact (888) 344-HOPE (4673) / vehicles@tcmid.org.
AAN’s community relations committee works to increase the organization’s presence in the surrounding community and promote positive relations with the community at large. The committee supports non-profit organizations that create a positive impact on the community. Team members help to collect charitable donations and also volunteer their time throughout the year for causes they are passionate about including the Open Door Mission and the Lydia House Diaper Drive. Join in this fun way of giving back this holiday season with the Apartment Association of Nebraska! Contact the AAN Helping Hands Committee at helpinghands@aaneb.org to let them know you plan to participate. Visit www.aaneb.org for more information about AAN, or call (402) 333-5331.
Project Harmony Implements New CloudBased Technology for Child Advocacy Centers On October 30, Project Harmony became the first to implement VidaNyx CAC Edition, a cloud-based video management solution designed for the specific needs of child advocacy centers (CACs), providing tec hnology innovation that supports the victims of childhood sexual assault and abuse. VidaNyx CAC Edition was developed by VidaNyx LLC, incubated by Giving Tech Labs, and inspired by Project Harmony. Through research and meetings with Project Harmony, Giving Tech Labs discovered the operational challenges in handling access to forensic interviews, tracking the chain of custody, running a smooth operation and ensuring long-term archiving potential to best serve the needs of children, law enforcement, the justice system, evidencebased therapy, and ultimately the liability of the child advocacy center. VidaNyx works with all existing video recording systems and offers the following: • Increase case management capacity • Comprehensive chain of custody • Closed-captioning - BETA • Encrypted downloading copies for off-line access • Comprehensive reporting and dashboards • Secure and reliable long-term archiving • Decreased threat of human error • Decreased hidden operating costs Project Harmony is one out of seven child advocacy centers in the state of Nebraska and one out of 850 nationally-accredited CACs, serving a collective 335,000 children each year. Learn more at www. projectharmony.com or call (402) 595-1326. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
CEDARS Earns Charity Navigator’s Highest Rating Second Year in a Row Strong financial health as well as commitment to accountability and transparency have earned CEDARS a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the second consecutive time that CEDARS has earned this top distinction. “CEDARS’ exceptional four-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our four-star rating. This adds CEDARS to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges. Based on its four-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support CEDARS.” CEDARS has been a vital part of the community for over 70 years. What started as a grassroots effort to provide safe refuge to children and youth who had no other safe place to spend the night has grown into a dynamic and dedicated team of over 150 professionals serving 2,500 kids and families each year. “The people of this community have long trusted the work of CEDARS,” says Jim Blue, CEDARS president. “Receiving the four-star rating again this year validates the trust they have placed in us to carry out this important work of caring for the most vulnerable children in our community.” For more information about how CEDARS helps children, visit cedarskids.org or call (402) 434-5437. DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 29
NON-PROFIT NEWS Omaha Home For Boys Hosts Project Christmas Joy
Heartland Family Service Presents “Carnival of Love” Gala February 8
Through December 11, Omaha Home For Boys is hosting Project Christmas Joy, a holiday gift and essentials drive for the young men and women being served by the Home. The goal of Project Christmas Joy is to ensure that every youth in the Home’s programs experiences the joy of Christmas by receiving a gift during the holidays. The Home is asking for the public’s help to make these young men and women feel special, loved, and celebrated during the holidays. Some of the most critically needed items include hygiene items, cleaning products, laundry supplies, kitchen essentials, diapers and wipes. Some of the “wants” of the Home’s youth include gift cards (Walmart, T.J. Maxx, Kohl’s, McDonald’s, QuikTrip, Burger King), body spray, lotion, nail polish, backpacks, wallets, purses, and blankets. Bailey Perry, Omaha Home for Boys transitional living manager, notes just how impactful the public’s support is: “We try to give every youth in our program a few gifts at Christmas, and the reality is that for some, it’s the first time they’ve had the opportunity to experience this aspect of the holidays. They are truly grateful for everything they receive.” Support of Omaha Home for Boys’ Project Christmas Joy can be offered in a number of ways. Donated items can be dropped off at Omaha Home for Boys, Smith Administration Building, 4343 N. 52nd St. Monetary gifts can be given online at OmahaHomeForBoys.org/joy. Items can even be purchased via the “Project Christmas Joy” Amazon Wish List and shipped directly to Omaha Home for Boys. Call (402) 457-7000 with any questions.
Heartland Family Service will be hosting their “Carnival of Love” Gala on Friday, February 8, 2019 at Hilton Omaha (1011 Cass St.) from 6 – 9 p.m. This year’s “Carnival of Love” celebrates “Peace, Love, and Understanding!” Please consider rocking your favorite pair of groovy bell bottoms and joining Heartland Family Service for an evening that has a lasting impact on the community!
Mutual 1st Federal Credit Union Presents Giant Snow Globe Event For the first two weekends in December (December 1 – 2 and December 8 – 9, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) members of the Omaha community will have a chance to create a new, unique memory this holiday season. The Giant Snow Globe Event, presented by Mutual 1st Federal Credit Union, allows visitors to step into a larger-than-life snow globe to take a photo with their family and friends. With each photo shared on social media with the hashtag #GlobeofGiving, Mutual 1st Federal Credit Union will donate $1 to Child Saving Institute, a community nonprofit dedicated to helping children who have experienced trauma, abuse and neglect find hope and healing. It all starts on Saturday, December 1 at Westroads Mall (outside Flagship Commons) with the kick-off party of The Giant Snow Globe Event. Mutual 1st Federal will be joined by Aromas Coffee, who will distribute specially-designed coffee mugs to the first 300 event guests! “We’re excited to help families create new memories this holiday season. The giant snow globe is a fun, nostalgic, unique experience that can be cherished for years to come,” said Nikki Rue, marketing manager and community involvement team lead at Mutual 1st Federal. “With the community’s support through the simple act of posting a photo to social media, we can raise awareness for our long-time charity partner, Child Saving Institute.” This is the fifth year Mutual 1st Federal Credit Union has teamed up to help Child Saving Institute (childsaving.org). The strong partnership between the two has blossomed over the years, helping children in the community. To learn more about Mutual 1st, visit www.mutualfirst.com or call (402) 697-8200. 30 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2018
Guests will enjoy dinner, cocktails, games, silent and live auctions, and more! Attendees will also be able to hear an inspiring story from a client who has been through several Heartland Family Service programs, and learn how she created her path to a better tomorrow. Individual tickets are $150 and tables of 10 are available for $1,500. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, starting at $500. Tickets are on sale now and are available online at HeartlandFamilyService.org/Events/Carnival-of-Love-Gala. Heartland Family Service offers various programs, providing critical human services to the individuals and families who ultimately shape the future of our community in the following focus areas: Child & Family Well-Being; Counseling & Prevention; and Housing, Safety, & Financial Stability. For further questions, contact Nicole Tromler at (402) 552-7424 / NTromler@HeartlandFamilyService.org.
SALUTE to VETERANS Dinner Draws Large Crowd to La Vista Conference Center La Vista Community Foundation (LVCF) held the eighth annual SALUTE to VETERANS Dinner on Thursday, November 8 at the Embassy Suites/La Vista Conference Center. More than 700 attendees gathered to celebrate and honor those who serve and protect our country. “Our La Vista community celebrates a spirit of gratitude for our Veterans and their families at this regional event,” explained LVCF Executive Director John Yochum. The featured speaker at the dinner was Major General Jon A. Jensen who reminded us to “Reach out and thank all who have served our great country, in every generation.” Also speaking at the dinner was Congressman Don Bacon, as well as Governor Pete Ricketts. The LVCF introduced a special “Salute to Veterans Honoree” presentation this year and recognized Robert Holtz, one of the last living members of the Tuskegee Airmen, 477th Bombardment Group in the United States Army Air Corps, a predecessor of the U.S. Air Force. This year the sponsors included: Securities America, Embassy Suites/La Vista Conference Center, Oath Inc., American National Bank, Fitzgerald Schorr Law, Black Hills Energy, Rotella’s Bakery, Hy-Vee Papillion, Streck, Baxter Auto, Koley Jessen Law, DLR Group, Mutual of Omaha Bank, Primrose School of La Vista, Pinnacle Bank, Millard Manufacturing Corp., Access Bank, The City of Papillion, Olsson, and Metropolitan Community College. Additional sponsors included Werner Enterprises, Weitz, Suponchick Commercial Wallcovering Inc, Mama’s Pizza, and Portal Ridge Dental in La Vista. Learn more about La Vista Community Foundation’s mission at www. lavistacommunityfoundation.com, or contact (402) 960-9625 / info@ lavistacommunityfoundation.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
NON-PROFIT NEWS Fellowship of Christian Athletes Weekend of Champions Makes Big Impact
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands Makes Mentorship a New Year’s Resolution
On November 3 – 4, 600 students, 150 college Huddle Leaders, and over 100 coaches came to Grand Island for the annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Weekend of Champions. This event truly has become a flagship event for FCA where many people have come to Christ over the years. After the event, a coach reported: “One of my Omaha Central girls prayed to accept Christ on the van ride home today; we had the whole van praying with her. I was so proud of her boldness. Of the four students that came from Central, two of them made that decision. Thanks again to FCA and the staff for working hard to cultivate that special environment for the Lord to work!” Year end is a critical time for FCA. Nearly 25% of their annual budget comes during the months of November and December. A major focus across the state has been to grow the base of AMP donors. AMP (Automatic Monthly Partners) donors who allow the FCA staff to be stable and sustainable. For those who are interested in becoming an AMP donor, log into my.fca. org/omahaarea and choose the AMP option. You can also help FCA grow by forwarding this link onto other people who you think might be interested. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (nebraskafca.org) thanks you for your prayerful consideration. Call (402) 934-7475 for more information.
As the clock ticks towards 2019, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Midlands encourages the community to consider being a mentor for their New Year’s resolution. We all want our resolutions to either help ourselves or those around us, but what if we could do both? Volunteering is a fantastic way to better yourself while helping others. Volunteering, specifically with young people, has tremendous benefits for both you and the youth you mentor. BBBS of the Midlands has over 100 kids waiting to share the benefit of mentoring with you. These kids exhibit higher self-confidence, better attendance in school, and a decrease in risky behavior. That’s a win for the community. BBBS volunteers are often quoted as saying, “I feel like I get more out of it than the kids do.” Volunteers report feeling like they have more time, develop new skills, and feel healthier physically. The impact of volunteering is significant in the business community, as well. Employees who volunteer have higher retention rates, feel more connected to their work, and develop new skills, while also making it easier to recruit new potential employees. If you are thinking of reducing the time you spend on social media or cutting out unhealthy behaviors, replace that time with something that helps you and your local community. Be a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands! Visit www.MentorOmaha.org to learn more, or call (402) 330-2449.
Assistance League® of Omaha Presents Two Awards at Christmas Caravan Fundraiser Assistance League® of Omaha held its major fundraising event, Christmas Caravan, on November 8. A preview Gala dinner was held the evening before which included an online auction and live auction to raise money. In addition, Assistance League presented two awards at the dinner in recognition of a person and a foundation for their outstanding service to and support of Assistance League. The Crystal Bell Award is given to honor an individual who has given continued support to Assistance League of Omaha through time, money, or service. This was presented to Mike Lenz, general manager of Westroads’ JCPenney’s store, for his support during Operation School Bell®. The Caring Hands Award is presented to an individual, business, or corporation that has a family affiliation with Assistance League. This was presented to the Leland and Dorothy Olson Foundation for their continued support. The money raised at this event will be used to fund ongoing philanthropic programs to serve the needs of children and adults in the Greater Omaha area. Assistance League of Omaha is a totally volunteer organization supported by donations, grants, and proceeds from the Christmas Caravan and the Thrift Shop. These programs include: Operation School Bell, Operation Recovery, Operation Teen Parent, Operation Bear Hug, Operation Literacy and ACT/ PSAT Review Sessions. Assistance League of Omaha has attained GuideStar Platinum status and Great Nonprofits 2018 Top Rated status. Learn more by calling the Assistance League Office (402) 342-4288 / (402) 312-2580, or go online to www.alomaha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Center Sphere Makes a Difference for Local Non-Profit Organizations Center Sphere is proud to have nearly 30 local non-profits in the Omaha Area Center Sphere Network. In addition to the annual golf tournament this year, benefiting the amazing mission of Grief’s Journey, The Network regularly showcases the various missions of non-profit organizations that tirelessly serve our community at Networkwide events across the metro. In 2018, the Omaha Center Sphere Network raised over $100,000 for its member non-profit organizations. “We could not be any more proud of this Network and what we have collectively done to support these absolutely incredible missions across the Omaha Metro area,” said Christopher Slater, Center Sphere’s chief marketing officer and Omaha area director. “Not only are our members some of the most connected professionals in the metro, but they are also selfless champions of our area non-profits.” Center Sphere is not your typical networking organization, and it goes far beyond what many consider a tips or referral group. Founded right here in Omaha in 2010, Center Sphere has grown to nearly 50 chapters and 800 members in the Omaha area alone. The Center Sphere Network now spreads through 9 states and 12 different cities, with several more areas on tap for 2019. It’s not the size of The Network that makes it tick, but rather, it’s the culture of giving and philanthropy, and the extraordinary desire of each of its members to elevate one another. The Center Sphere Network is all about building and fostering lasting, meaningful relationships. If you would like more information about Center Sphere, visit CenterSphere.com or contact Christopher Slater directly at (402) 881-2811. DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 31
NON-PROFIT NEWS Sammy’s Superheroes Partners with Regency Court for Christmas Festivities
Youth Emergency Services Releases Holiday Wish List for Homeless Youth
Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation will be a part of Regency Court’s Saturday Christmas festivities every Saturday leading up to Christmas: December 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 1 – 3 p.m. Regency Court, a shopping district located in the heart of Omaha, will feature Santa, Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, and more fun activities for the whole family. While you’re there, be sure to stop by Sammy’s Superheroes hot chocolate stand for a special treat!
Youth Emergency Services (YES) has recently announced their Holiday Wish List for homeless and near-homeless youth. The drive is happening now through the end of the holiday season. The community’s homeless youth often go unnoticed and forgotten during the holidays. The Holiday Wish List provides options that are the most needed to make sure they have a happier and healthier holiday season.
With a free will donation, enjoy a hot cup of Paradise Bakery’s hot chocolate while getting in the holiday spirit and giving back. All funds raised from the hot chocolate stand will be donated to Sammy’s Superheroes’ mission of funding childhood cancer research.
YES is the only non-profit in Omaha with the sole mission to help homeless and nearly homeless in our community. Last year, YES provided support and services to a record number of 3,376 youth in the Omaha metro area. Many of these youth have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused, making it unsafe for them to return home. Without YES, these vulnerable young people cannot succeed independently. Some of the items included on the list are as simple as lip balm, hoodies, razors, etc. Other donations can go towards providing experiences for the youth by donating gift cards to restaurants, movie theaters, hair/nail salons, or other stores.
The top mission for Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation is to fund modern treatments that will lead to a cure. Their vision is a world where childhood cancer no longer strikes fear and despair in hearts and minds of families when their loved ones are diagnosed. While funding a cure and finding modern treatments may come first, they have not forgotten about the families and the importance of supporting and comforting them. To learn more about how to get involved with Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation, or to make an end-of-year donation, please visit www.sammyssuperheroes.org or contact (402) 563-4673 / info@ sammyssuperheroes.org.
To see the full list, visit Youth Emergency Services’ holiday giving website page at www.yesomaha.org/get-involved/holidaygiving.html. If you have questions, contact Luke Sutton at lsutton@ yesomaha.org or (402) 345-5187. Items can be delivered or shipped to the YES main office at 2679 Farnam St., STE 205, Omaha, NE 68131.
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NON-PROFIT NEWS Outlook Nebraska Vision Beyond Sight Attendees Celebrate Capabilities
Heartland Hope Mission Brightens the Holidays with Toy Drives
Nearly 400 guests came together for an evening of inspiration at Outlook Nebraska’s Vision Beyond Sight dinner on November 2. The annual program and dinner is Outlook Nebraska’s largest fundraising event of the year. Attendees met with those in our community who directly benefit from Outlook Nebraska programs and heard from motivational speaker Vera Jones, a Big Ten Network analyst,
Heartland Hope Mission invites you to host a toy drive this holiday season. Volunteering your time and talents can make the season bright for low-income families in our city. Hosting a toy drive is a great way to help low-income children have a Merry Christmas. Last year, over 1,200 kids received toys at Heartland Hope Mission’s Christmas in South O (CSO) toy distribution. The mission is asking for donations of new, unwrapped toys for kids ages birth to 17.
Event attendees experience “Dessert in the Dark.”
college basketball coach, and Hall of Fame player. Her talk focused on “playing through the foul” and winning in life against adversity.
The event featured “Dessert in the Dark,” an eye-opening sensory experience. Event guests enjoyed their dessert without sight through Outlook Nebraska-branded blindfolds. This
allowed sighted guests to get a glimpse into how our blind neighbors experience life every day.
Coach Vera Jones inspires the Following dessert, attendees learned audience with her story of being about the waiting list for technology a single mother to a blind son.
training. Two powerful stories were shared with the audience, demonstrating how computers, smartphones, and other devices enrich life for people with limited or no vision.
A silent auction featured artwork including wine bottle table centerpieces created by Outlook Nebraska associates, and attendees participated in a pick-a-prize raffle. Outlook Associate Brian The event raised over $52,000 for Grams, 2018 Peter J. Salmon Outlook’s enrichment programs, with Award Nominee and Outlook $19,000 coming through the direct Nebraska Associate of the Year, appeal to fund adaptive technology receives his award from CEO computer and smartphone training Eric Stueckrath (R) and Board Chair Mike Anderson (L). for people with limited or no vision. The 2018 Peter J. Salmon Award Nominee and Outlook Nebraska Associate of the Year, Brian Grams, and James Harvey, 2018 Outlook Nebraska Associate of the Year award recipient, were recognized during the program. Outlook Nebraska is a non-profit organization dedicated to positively impacting everyone who is blind and Outlook Associate James Harvey, visually impaired. Outlook Nebraska 2018 Outlook Nebraska Associate helps anyone dealing with vision of the Year, receives his award loss find the resources they need, from CEO Eric Stueckrath (R) and learn how to use technology to Board Chair Mike Anderson (L). stay independent, find out about employment opportunities, and stay active through recreation and cultural activities. Outlook Nebraska produces and sells janitorial paper products, and over 75% of associates working in the production facility are legally blind. Learn more about Outlook Nebraska at outlookne.org or contact (402) 614-3331 / info@outlookne.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
The mission of Heartland Hope Mission is to be more than a pantry by providing clients with resources to be food secure and selfsufficient in a hope filled environment. All services are distributed locally. At Heartland Hope Mission’s South Omaha and Millard food pantries, working poor families choose a week’s supply of nutritious groceries, including milk, frozen meat, and fresh produce to prepare well-balanced meals at home. Clients also receive clothing, hygiene items, diapers, and access to a Client Service Specialist, who assists with SNAP (food stamp) applications and navigational services. Last year, over 45,000 people received food at Heartland Hope Mission. Email Renae@HeartlandHopeMission.org for information on hosting a toy drive. To find out how you give hope for the holidays with Heartland Hope Mission, visit heartlandhopemission.org or contact (402) 733-2077 / Amanda@HeartlandHopeMission.org.
Midlands Community Foundation Brings Back Matching Charitable Program Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) is excited to bring back its MCF Matching Charitable Program, which began on Giving Tuesday, November 27 and will end January 7, 2019. For years, Midlands Community Foundation has provided donors a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving. As 2018 comes to a close, MCF looks forward to again helping donors accomplish their charitable objectives. Under the Matching Charitable Program, MCF will provide matching funds for new contributions made to existing and newly created Affiliated General, Designated, Donor Advised, Field of Interest, and Scholarship Funds. Matching donations will be made on a dollar-fordollar basis up to a limit of $5,000 per individual donor, and subject to a maximum of $100,000 of matching dollars being available in the aggregate for all funds. If more than $100,000 is contributed on an aggregate basis to all funds, the matching dollars will be pro-rated among such donors based on the total contributions made. Last year, 961 donors raised more than $2 million, with $386,452 qualifying for matching funds, to support the missions of 79 charitable funds established at MCF. 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. Since its inception, the foundation has donated millions of dollars to many worthy organizations. Learn more by calling MCF at (402) 991-8027 or visit midlandscommunity.org. DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 33
NON-PROFIT NEWS Arthritis Foundation of Nebraska Presents 2018 Jingle Bell Run
African Culture Connection Receives Program Grant from Omaha Community Foundation
On Saturday, December 8, the Arthritis Foundation of Nebraska presents the longest-running, holiday-themed 5K race series anywhere –the 2018 Jingle Bell Run. The run will be held at the Strategic Air & Space Museum, with registration and check in from at 7:30 – 8:45 a.m. (timed runners must register by 8:30 a.m.). At 10:45 a.m., there will be post-race festivities, an awards ceremony, honoree presented, prize drawings, and closing remarks.
African Culture Connection (ACC) announced the receipt of a $15,000 grant from the Omaha Community Foundation for Student-Focused Authentic Cultural Experiences with African Culture Connection.
The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get out, get moving, and raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Register to help the foundation reach their goal of $30,000 to fight to conquer arthritis! In communities nationwide, this annual event brings together people from all walks of life to shout, “Yes, we will live life to its fullest while searching for a cure!” Wear a holiday-themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Show off your ugly Christmas sweater. Complete a 5-kilometer run or walk with your team members, spreading smiles, good cheer, and a winning spirit. For more help or information about the Jingle Bell Run of Nebraska, go to events.arthritis.org or contact Sally Stalnaker at sstalnaker@ arthritis.org or call (402) 201-2864. You can also follow along with even updates on Facebook (@AFNebraska).
Comfort Food Classic Dishes Up $86K for Grief’s Journey Grief ’s Journey’s 12th Annual Comfort Food Classic raised over $86,000 for the continued delivery of free grief support programs for the Greater Omaha/Council Bluffs region. Nearly 300 people braved the cold and snow to attend on Sunday, October 14. The competition’s theme for 2018 was “Tailgate Du Jour” and featured five local restaurants serving their best tailgate fare and three local breweries battling for the title trophy. Several volunteers and one community organization were also awarded honors at the event. The majority of the funds raised were donated by attendees via a paddle raise and a matching challenge gift of $20,000 from The David Spence Cancer Foundation. A combined total of over $40,000 was donated during the paddle raise portion of the event. Omaha Tap House (Pepperwood location) took home the first place trophy for their brat burger. The restaurant was represented by general manager Brian Musser. Pint Nine Brewing Company won the beer battle competition with their craft brew, Oso Café Coffee Brown. The brewery was represented by Lee Handke and Don Klepser. Grief’s Journey also recognized several guests with annual awards. 2018 recipients were: Rita Paskowicz – Hall of Fame; Katie Higgins – Facilitator of the Year; Scott Graves – Volunteer of the Year; and the Intercultural Senior Center – Community Organization of the Year. The father-daughter duo of Scott and Shawn McCarville shared their experience with Grief’s Journey that spans 17 years. Scott and Shawn were among the very first families to receive support services from Grief’s Journey (then known as Ted E. Bear Hollow). They expressed their gratitude for the organization and continued hope for the future as Grief’s Journey continues to grow as a community resource. For more information about Grief’s Journey, visit www.griefsjourney. org or call (402) 502-2773. 34 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2018
“We are extremely grateful for the funding from Humanities Nebraska,” said Charles Ahovissi, executive/artistic director of African Culture Connection. “This funding will support both the expansion of an in-school residency program and professional development for the teaching artists who conduct the program.” The $15,000 awarded by the Omaha Community Foundation, through the Jetton Charitable Fund, will support African Culture Connection’s expansion of the ACC/OPS Multicultural Arts/Middle School Social Studies Curriculum Integration Pilot Program into 17 classrooms in eight schools within Omaha Public Schools. The Teaching Artists who will be conducting the program will engage in professional development training in Togo, Benin, and Ghana for 14 days this month. A multi-day event planned for February 23 – 24, 2019 will showcase the multi-cultural experiences of collaborators from all of our programming with the general public. African Culture Connection is an organization of professional teaching and performing artists using authentic African dance, music, visual arts, and storytelling to encourage students to learn more about the positive contributions African cultures have made to society. Founded by Charles Ahovissi, African Culture Connection’s mission is to educate audiences through African culture and art experiences, to encourage an appreciation for the richness diversity brings to all. Learn more at www.AfricanCultureConnection.org.
Hy-Vee Extends Arbor Day Foundation Partnership with $100K Donation The Arbor Day Foundation announced on October 25 that it has extended its partnership with Hy-Vee, Inc., a supermarket chain in the Midwest. For the third year in a row, Hy-Vee presented a $100,000 donation to support tree plantings and reforestation projects around the communities it serves. This announcement extends the existing partnership which was initially established in 2014. Since then, HyVee has planted 318,070 trees within its eight-state region, including Loess Hills State Forest (Iowa), Nebraska National Forest (Nebraska), Chippewa National Forest (Minnesota), Douglas and Bayfield County Forests (Wisconsin) and Good Earth (South Dakota). The environmental impact of the Arbor Day Foundation’s partnership with Hy-Vee is vast. The trees planted with Hy-Vee’s support have reduced erosion from years of farming and helped stall the spread of competing invasive species in national forests. For example, Hy-Vee helped repopulate the Nebraska National Forest ponderosa pine forest and seed source following multiple fires that put the forest in jeopardy. Hy-Vee has also planted trees to help maintain habitats for animals like the American bald eagle in Chippewa National Forest, as well as ruffed grouse, turkeys, deer, black-billed cuckoos, bluewinged warblers and brown thrashers in the Bayfield and Douglas State Forests. Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation (arborday.org) has grown to become the largest non-profit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters and valued partners. The Arbor Day Foundation educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees. Call 1-888-448-7337 to learn more. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
HEALTH NEWS Methodist Health System Debutes First Mobile 3D Mammography Unit To make mammograms more convenient and more accessible, Methodist Health System rolled out the area’s first and only 3-D mobile mammography coach. Stocked with medical equipment, Methodist’s new mobile 3D mammography unit debuted on November 14 at OneWorld Community Health Centers’ South Omaha location. Methodist takes this lifesaving technology to under-served neighborhoods, community centers, and local businesses. Assistance will be available to women who cannot afford the screening or who may face scheduling conflicts. Mobile mammography serves approximately 16 women per day. Access to mammograms for early detection and treatment of breast cancer has never been more important, yet Nebraska ranks a low 40th in the nation in the percentage of women 40 and older who report having a mammogram within the past two years. Sections of Douglas and Saunders Counties have been named priority screening access areas by Susan G. Komen Great Plains due to dramatically higher rates of late-stage breast cancer diagnosis and death due to breast cancer. Methodist’s push to make mobile mammography a reality in Omaha is a team effort that has drawn the enthusiastic sponsorship of Susan G. Komen Great Plains and a growing list of donors. The program’s lead donor is The Harper Family Foundation, which created Harper’s Hope, a comprehensive cancer survivorship program. To schedule a visit to your organization, go online to www. methodistmobile3d.org, or call (402) 354-8923.
American Heart Association Launches Landmark Health Initiative The American Heart Association, in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), has launched the Know Diabetes by Heart initiative. Know Diabetes by Heart is designed to educate, empower, and motivate people with type 2 diabetes to make practical, step-by-step changes to improve their health and decrease their risks of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes. The initiative also leverages the latest evidencebased guidelines to support health care providers regarding the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and includes quality improvement efforts across clinics, practices and hospitals caring for people with type 2 diabetes. People living with diabetes are two times more likely to develop and die from cardiovascular disease. Yet in a recent survey of people age 45 and older with type 2 diabetes, conducted online by The Harris Poll, only about half recognize their risk or have discussed their risk for heart attacks or strokes with their health care providers. Individuals living with type 2 diabetes can take advantage of the Living with Type 2 Diabetes Program, a free 12-month program offers six digital, printable “journeys” to improve understanding of how to live well with type 2 diabetes, including reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The program also includes a monthly e-newsletter featuring practical tips, stories and resources, as well as six free issues of Diabetes Forecast®, the ADA’s consumer magazine, and access to the ADA’s online community of local events. For more information about the American Heart Association’s new initiative, visit KnowDiabetesbyHeart.org or call (402) 810-6870. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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402-933-4632 MICAH House to Host Open House at New Women’s Shelter Call for an appointment today!
MICAH House (1415 Avenue J, Council Bluffs) invites you to attend an open house on Saturday, December 15 from 9 to 11 a.m. to tour their new women’s shelter. Currently, MICAH House has more than 200 women on the wait list seeking safe shelter and support services. To address this need, MICAH House has undergone significant renovations to serve this vulnerable population. The women’s shelter will include 10 rooms, 26 beds, and will offer a therapeutic, healing environment for individuals. A full-time therapist will help women address past trauma and issues that contribute to their current situation. Additionally, MICAH House is partnering with Youth Emergency Services and Women’s Center for Advancement to provide housing and services for their populations. MICAH House has a projected opening date of January 1, 2019. The open house is an opportunity for the community to see the space and learn more about MICAH House’s mission. MICAH House is located on the Charles E. Lakin Human Services campus in Council Bluffs. Coffee and pastries will be provided. Learn more about MICAH House at themicahhouse.org, or call their office at (712) 323-4416.
JDRF Presents 22nd Annual Promise Gala February 23 The 22nd Annual JDRF Promise Gala – Invest in a Cure will be held Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the CHI Health Center in Omaha. This year’s honorary chairs, Stephanie and Robb Pantano, are joined by event chairs, Carolyn and Chase Sutton. JDRF would also like to thank their 2019 presenting sponsor, Renaissance Financial. The event will feature exciting live and silent auction items, a cocktail reception, dinner with wine service, JDRF’s signature Fund a Cure program, and entertainment featuring Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX. The Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area has shown incredible support for the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community. In the past three years alone, the JDRF Promise Gala has raised more than $3.5 million to help cure, treat, and prevent this disease. The money raised is moving research to reality and improving the lives of all those with diabetes. JDRF invites you to reserve your spot at jdrf.org/Omaha and help turn “Type One” into “Type None.” Other questions can be directed to Executive Director Laci Naber at (402) 397-2873 / lnaber@jdrf.org. DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 35
HEALTH NEWS Makovicka Physical Therapy Expands to New Location in North Omaha
Jennie Edmundson Foundation: “Keeping Our Most Vulnerable Patients Safe”
Makovicka Physical Therapy opened their newest Omaha location on November 1 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Greater Omaha Chamber. Their new location is at 4235 N. 90th St. in Omaha. Mokovicka has locations in Valley, Waverly, Yutan, Wahoo, Bellevue, Papillion, Omaha, and Lincoln.
For Iowa and eastern Nebraska, the Behavioral Health Services program at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital (MJE) has long been a valuable resource in addressing mental health care needs. The current crisis they are facing is, at a time when the stigma associated with acknowledging and seeking help for mental health issues is gradually disappearing, so are the available facilities and inpatient beds needed to treat these most vulnerable, at-risk individuals.
Makovicka Physical Therapy’s first outpatient physical therapy clinic opened in 2009 in the Keystone area of Omaha. From there, the company has grown and currently has 15 outpatient physical therapy clinics with over 100 employees. Makovicka is excited to be a growing company that is locally owned by their physical therapists. As a company, they focus on creating individualized treatment plans based on their client’s personal needs, goals, and abilities. They offer services in women’s health, sports injury treatment, geriatric physical therapy, aquatic therapy, and much more. Each of their clinics has board-certified specialists on staff which allows clients to get the highest level of care possible. They aim to maximize your recovery and get you back to where you should be—every day is game day in the eyes of Makovicka Physical Therapy. For more information about Makovicka Physical Therapy’s locations and services, visit their website at makovickapt.com or visit their Facebook page (@MakovickaPhysicalTherapy).
Nebraska Community Blood Bank Seeks Holiday Heroes Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) is asking local businesses, organizations, places of worship, and community clubs to step up to be Holiday Heroes and provide hope for patients in need. Holiday Heroes are needed to host blood drives with NCBB during the week of Christmas and New Year’s, specifically Sunday, December 23 – Sunday, January 13. These holiday weeks are especially challenging to maintain a stable blood supply for area hospitals. A child battling cancer, a neighbor involved in a serious accident —these patients may all require lifesaving blood. “My son Austin was three-years-old when he was diagnosed with cancer. Great doctors and blood donated by the community helped him live,” said Austin’s mother Andrea Gerres. Andrea recognizes the everyday need for blood donors and now hosts blood drives every other month at her home. “NCBB makes it so easy! They work with you every step of the way to make your drive a success. I recruit my friends and family to donate blood by reminding them it only takes one hour and it helps save lives like Austin’s.” Nebraska Community Blood Bank has been connecting people and saving lives for 50 years. NCBB relies on the local community to donate blood to help ensure a safe and stable blood supply is available to area hospitals and other partners. Consider starting a new holiday tradition of saving lives. To learn more, contact Kari Lundeen at (402) 486-9427 / klundeen@ncbb.org. For more information, call 1-877-486-9414 or visit NCBB.org. Connect with NCBB on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. 36 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2018
Within the next three months, the Behavioral Health Services unit at MJE must complete an exhaustive list of renovations and facility changes. These renovations are mandated by the Joint Commission, an independent organization that accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 healthcare organizations in the U.S. The estimated $500,000 cost of these renovations are above and beyond the Behavioral Health Services annual budget. Today, more than ever before, MJE needs help from the community to meet these unexpected but necessary costs. Please consider making a donation. Any amount, large or small, will have a positive impact on enabling MJE to meet the growing challenge of providing timely, comprehensive, and continuous mental health care. For more information and questions, please contact the Jennie Edmundson Foundation at (712) 396-6040 or go online to www. jehfoundation.org.
Project Pink’d Delivers Hundreds of Healing Hearts Survivor Kits A few times each year, Project Pink’d assembles volunteers to deliver Healing Hearts Survivor Kits to breast cancer survivors in the community. This year, distributions were made in June and September Breast cancer survivors are faced with many unknowns throughout their treatment journey. While each mode of medical treatment is different and uncharted territory for the patient, Omaha-based non-profit, Project Pink’d, Inc. wants survivors who are going through the battle to know they are not alone. Developed for breast cancer survivors by Project Pink’d survivors, the Healing Hearts program provides survivor kits to those newly diagnosed with hopes of making day to day life just a little easier during treatment. Each of the chemotherapy, radiation and surgical kits contain everything needed to make the survivors more comfortable; and that personal touch of a hand-written note from a Project Pink’d survivor is sure to brighten their day. This program is personal for the many volunteers who assemble and deliver the kits. They’ve battled themselves, lost a loved one, or stood by in support of a family member or friend. Together, they gave back and gave hope, making special deliveries of over 700 kits to hospitals and treatment facilities throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa this year alone. To learn more about Project Pink’d, visit www.projectpinkd.org or call (402) 905-0691. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Are You A Clean Freak Just Like Us?
360 Clean, LLC is a full-service cleaning operation offering a full spectrum of customized cleaning for you home and office. At 360 Clean, we have a passion for providing the best cleaning experience possible. Our main concern is quality and our clients’ happiness. Every client is unique to us; we take care of each one as if they were our only client. No job is too large or too small at 360 Clean! We offer our services to any size home or business in Lincoln, Omaha, and their surrounding areas (including Council Bluffs, IA). FIRST-TIME CLIENTS This holiday season, first-time clients will receive 15% off one regular cleaning!
PRO-TIP December is linoleum and floor waxing month!
HOUSE CLEANING Our friendly, professional maids at 360 Clean will leave your home looking brand new! We offer either in-home or over-the-phone initial consultations to set up a personalized cleaning plan to ensure you receive the exact cleaning experience that you want. How It Works: Typically, a team of two or three cleaners will enter a home depending on the size of the residence. In addition, we charge by the room instead of by the square foot or by the hour. For example, you may only need your kitchen and bathrooms done. If so, then you would be charged somewhere between $10 - $15 per room. We offer a top to bottom cleaning. This includes a thorough dusting of all surfaces as well as ceiling fans and blinds, changing linens and straightening beds, a professional vacuuming throughout, the removal of trash and waste, a deep hard surface floor washing, the cleaning and disinfecting of all glass doors both inside and out, the removal of hard to reach cobwebs, as well as straightening up as we clean. After every clean, we leave our clients’ homes by turning off all lights and locking the doors. Our maids will leave behind a thank you card that allows you to provide feedback and play an active role in your housecleaning plan. Deep cleaning services for your home include: • Moving small furniture • Dusting hard to reach/out of reach areas • Vacuuming drapes and furniture • Cleaning and disinfecting light fixtures • Deep clean bathrooms • Polishing woodwork
CONTACT 360 CLEAN TODAY FOR YOUR CLEANING NEEDS! #PrintProudDigitalSmart
GIFT GIVING Give the gift of a clean house this holiday season with 10% off all gift cards!
COMMERCIAL CLEANING Looking to impress new office guests? Funky smell coming from the break room refrigerator? Maybe you’re just tired of looking at the same corner cobweb every time you go into work? No matter what your cleanliness issue is, 360 Clean is here to help! Our detail oriented janitorial crews at 360 Clean make your satisfaction their top priority. Offering full service business and office cleaning, we are the only call you will need to make. How It Works: We offer daily, weekly, and monthly office and building cleaning. We work with you to accommodate morning, afternoon, evening, or even after hour appointments. During an initial consultation, a walkthrough will be performed on your commercial property to review the cleaning services you need completed. Our commercial cleaning services include: • Offices and buildings • Parking lot cleaning • Construction clean up • Restrooms • Rental homes or apartments • Carpet cleaning • Window cleaning
“360 Clean recently moved into the Omaha market. I love doing business here; the big city is inspiring and its rewarding to see how much our family business has grown. I started offering cleaning services in 1990 when Allisyn was five-years-old; now she’s managing our Omaha branch. My goal is to retire and let my kids take over.”
- Teresa Hodgen, owner of 360 Clean
PHONE: (402) 206-5946 WEB: 360CleanCompany.com
VISIT US: 17125 Emiline St. Omaha, NE 68136
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Holiday Wrap-Up Celebrate With A Cajun Flare! Acadian Grille, Omaha’s newest Cajun restaurant, is now offering catering options, which include: business lunches and other celebrations! Also, a party room will now be available every Sunday. Call ahead and book your next event today!
Acadian food, then and now, presents a blend of French and soul food widely beloved not only in Louisiana, but around the world. Enjoy Acadian Grille Today! 725 N. 114th St. | (402) 933-0980 | AcadianGrille.com | AcadianGrille@gmail.com
The countdown to Christmas has begun! We are “wrapping up” our holiday series this month with advice on how to make it through this busy time—from packing in all of the festive parties and events to getting all of the last-minute plans and shopping handled. If you’re looking for suggestions regarding any of those things, you’re in the right place! There are so many great local businesses (emphasis on LOCAL!) that have just what you to need to make the season merry and bright. All across Omaha, there are fantastic places to find all of those last-minute gifts or handy services. At Strictly Business, we are passionate about supporting and promoting local businesses; and not just the business, but the people behind the business. It feels good to know the people behind the product. When you resist the urge to online shop and you choose local products and services, you enjoy a connection you would not otherwise have. Think about how you celebrate when a favorite local business succeeds and you mourn when it’s forced to shut its doors. As consumers, we make a difference. This is an important message we wanted to share this time of year when the most shopping is happening. Keep reading to be reminded of all the local stores and services in Omaha that you can help you master the holidays! Local Gift Shopping While the holidays allow us to spend time with our friends and family with fun celebrations and gatherings, we also experience the stress of finding gifts for everyone on the list. Of course, there are financial pressures, but also just the matter of finding the right gift for the right person. If you’re getting your holiday shopping done last minute, your stress level is even higher. The best gifts are thoughtful gifts. Most women enjoy a gift because it’s meaningful. Think about a special date, place or moment, and personalize their gift to try to bring back that happy feeling. When it comes to last-minute gifts, jewelry is a good place start looking. Sparkly and shiny items are a staple during the holidays and there are so many gorgeous gemstones and styles to choose from right now, with special one-of-a-kind pieces just for the holiday season. While diamonds might not be a realistic gift for everyone, women have historically enjoyed receiving jewelry the most, while men get excited about electronics. Are you weighing your options between selecting a gift, whether it’s an item or an experience, or giving a gift card and letting the recipient be the one to choose? Gift cards do get a bit of a bad rap for being sort of a “cop-out,” but honestly, they make pretty great gifts.
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Acadian Grille, Omaha’s Cajun scratch kitchen, is now offering gift cards—just in time for the holidays! Pick one up for your #PrintProudDigitalSmart
“favorite foodie” during your next visit and give the gift of authentic Cajun cuisine this Christmas. Acadian Grille, owned by Dan and Jennifer O’Brien, features Louisiana-inspired dishes, such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, po’ boys, and jambalaya. Offering an impressive selection of fine wine and beer as well, Acadian Grille’s distinctive combination of food and beverage menus is designed to delight any patron. When it comes to a unique dining experience, we recommend Acadian Grille, offering authentic Cajun cuisine in a cozy, modern neighborhood restaurant setting. “Everything is prepared right in front of you,” notes Dan O’Brien with Acadian Grille. “From gator bites with poblano fig jam, Crawfish Étouffée, shrimp and grits with Crispy Tasso, and traditional gumbo, to tasty burgers and steak—we are bringing a variety of staples to Omaha. We have an impressive selection of fine wine and beer as well.” Dan O’Brien Acadian Grille
Toast the good life Finest Wines and Beers Fantastic Views
402.991.9200
Book your holiday party now! Wine makes a great gift! Sunday music year round. FIRST PLACE EVERY YEAR!
/TheOmahaBakery 608 S. 72nd St. • Omaha, NE
Located 10 minutes South of Omaha SoaringWingsWine.com | 402.253.2479
If you want to please your friends and family who are in town for the holidays by giving them a taste of our local dining scene, Acadian Grille is the spot.
Holiday Treats and Drinks Whether you’re a guest or you’re welcoming guests into your home, offering good food and drinks is crucial.
Charlotte Ralston R.U. Nuts and Ahroma Specialty Coffee
“If you are coming as a guest to a gathering, offer to bring something,” says Charlotte Ralston with R.U. Nuts and Ahroma Specialty Coffee. “If you’re anything like me, you don’t like showing up empty-handed. Plus, it’s polite. A lot of people take this opportunity to bring a nice bottle of wine, but what about bringing coffee? When you bring in a gift that’s able to be shared by everyone, it’s often something that they remember and will be very thankful for. Every day is a holiday when you’re drinking Ahroma Specialty Coffee!
last-minute requests, but always recommend giving us at least 48 hours to ensure you’ll get exactly what you want. With the ease of picking up a pre-made tray, it’s a great option for any party where everyone is asked to bring a food item. They are also perfect as a drop-by gift for your clients and those you wish to thank for their business or services. At several different price points, you can choose the best fit for your needs.
Don’t forget about our snacks, either. R.U. Nuts trail mixes and roasted nuts are perfect to keep on hand. Taking one of our food and coffee filled gift baskets along to a holiday gathering or having one conveniently shipped to arrive will make you the most popular person at the party! R.U. Nuts gift baskets are filled with gourmet chocolates, nuts, coffee, and more, so you get huge value and variety. They are a tangible and welcome way to say ‘Happy holidays!’ or ‘Thank you!’”
Small gifts can sometimes be hard to find, but at The Omaha Bakery, we have plenty on-hand. Our hand-decorated cookies are very elaborate and sure to impress, our mini pies are so cute, and we have decadent mousse-filled brownie bonbons that take three days to make but are absolutely to-die-for.
Whatever you do, don’t forget the dessert! Holiday treats truly make a great addition to any party or gathering—it’s tradition! The Omaha Bakery has no shortage of baked goodies to share with guests (or maybe just to treat yourself!).
Cold Stone Creamery’s ice cream cakes, cupcakes, cookie sandwiches, and pies are the perfect “sweet” ending to 2018. Another perfect stocking-stuffer idea is Cold Stone Creamery’s Ultimate Ice Cream Experience gift card. If you know an ice cream lover, make them happy with Cold Stone’s super-premium ice cream made fresh in the store.
Michelle Kaiser The Omaha Bakery
“We put together a wide variety of holiday trays each year that always fly off of the shelves,” says Michelle Kaiser, owner of The Omaha Bakery. “These can be custom-ordered. Choose your favorites from our selection of specialty desserts and let us know when you need it ready, that’s all there is to it! Our bars and brownies are really popular this time of year and they make a great addition to your holiday dessert spread. We do our best to accommodate any
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All of these items are ready to present, in pretty boxes and packaging to ensure that you make a great impression on those who are lucky enough to be on the receiving end!”
According to Shawn Williams, franchise owner of six Cold Stone Creamery locations in Omaha, Cold Stone has created something entirely new—a warm, decadent treat with a hint of elegance and a whole lot of whimsical flair! Who wouldn’t love to be spoiled with something this delicious as their holiday present?
Shawn Williams
Right now, Cold Stone is featuring some Cold Stone Creamery DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 39
We’re More Than Just Nuts!
Gourmet Coffee and Nut & Candy Tubs are People Pleasing! Our baskets are loaded with R.U. Nuts Company gourmet trail mixes, nuts, chocolate, AND freshly roasted Ahroma Coffee. Make them all happy this year! We ship anywhere.
for rent. These include centerpieces, fine china and porcelain, glasses, and linens. When it comes to the essentials, Honeyman Rent-All has a large inventory of items for rent that will take care of every element of your party. These items include bar service, centerpieces, chafers, chairs/tables/dance floors, china and porcelain, event lighting, games, and more. With their large selection of linens, you can find tables cloths that match the colors of the holiday you’re celebrating around. Managing Holiday Stress
Order at www.runutsco.com • R.U. Nuts Company Lincoln NE Large or custom orders call 402-475-5282
new holiday ice cream flavors: milk and cookies, dark chocolate peppermint, and red velvet peppermint—YUM! You can give someone a Cold Stone gift card, or make it a special ice cream date by visiting one of the six Cold Stones in Omaha (LaVista – 126th and Giles, Midtown Crossing – 33rd and Farnam, Northpark – 120th and Blondo, Village Pointe – 168th and Dodge, kiosk inside CenturyLink Center, and kiosk inside Baxter Arena). Ringing in the New Year Let’s talk about holiday parties! While there are probably already a few lined up for this month, there is always room for more celebration. How will you be ringing in the new year? Whether you’re still looking to plan your event or you’re taking care of the finishing touches, you’re not alone. January is becoming a very popular month for holiday parties. After the holidays and everything has settled down a bit, you have a lot more time to dedicate to your party arrangements and entertaining your attendees. Likewise, your clients and/or employees will be able to enjoy themselves more without having to worry about everything else that’s going on in their lives. “The advantage of hosting your party after the holidays is getting to actually enjoy the holidays, without the additional stress of planning something,” comments Jim Shaw with Soaring Wings Vineyard & Brewing. “There are a lot more open dates to choose from too when it comes to booking your venue and vendors of choice. Jim Shaw Soaring Wings Vineyard & Brewing
With outdoor seating and our large Amphitheater, we have an exceptional outdoor performance location. We have fantastic views over the Platte River Valley and it can truly be a winter wonderland out here during the holidays.
During these cold months, we hold music and events inside our Platte View Room! However, some people enjoy still enjoy the fresh air on our covered deck. In our tasting room, you may purchase a tasting of five of our wines or beers for $6, or $8 to receive a souvenir wine glass with logo! Soaring Wings currently features 22 wines and 8 beers. If you aren’t able to bring someone here to try our offerings, a bottle of one of our signature wines would make a sweet (or dry) gift from a friend or loved one this Christmas.” If you’re hosting an event and find yourself missing any of the essential party items, whether your event is at home or a venue in town, Honeyman Rent-All has a large inventory of items
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From gifts to parties and everything in between, there are plenty of wonderful things about the holidays. While the holidays are generally an enjoyable time filled with all sorts of things to be grateful for and happy about, it is a time where many will struggle with effectively managing stress and depression. Grief’s Journey, a local organization offering help, understanding, comfort, and hope after suffering a loss, shared some tips for making it through the holidays: 1. Reduce stressful situations. The holidays are full of stressful situations and to-do lists. Limit your responsibilities to reduce your extra stress this season. Ask another family member to host, request a potluck instead of cooking, limit your decorations, or enlist help in wrapping. Try to shift your “I shoulds” to “I may if I feel like it” to give yourself permission to ease up. 2. Feel free to change (or keep) traditions as you want. After someone dies, our old traditions may lose meaning or be too painful. It is okay, and often helpful, to change things up. You may want to change your traditional meal, celebrate on a different day, or even take a vacation. On the other hand, do not let others persuade you to change traditions if they bring you comfort. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, especially during the holidays. 3. Include the person who died. Even though that person is no longer physically present, they can still be included in our holidays. Have everyone share memories during a meal, do their favorite tradition as a group, or give others gifts “from” them. Finding ways to include them in your holidays can bring some joy to your sorrow. 4. Simplify the shopping. Shopping can be one of the most stressful and overwhelming aspects of the holidays. Fighting crowds and seeing thousands of merry shoppers while you are grieving can often be too much. We also frequently overspend when we are grieving, so it is important to plan ahead, make a budget, and stick with it. Consider ways to simplify – shop online, give a shopping list to a friend, or give gifts of special items that belonged to the person who died along with a note explaining the meaning behind it. 5. Pay it forward. Many people find comfort and hope by helping others, especially during the holiday season. Volunteer as a family, donate to a cause that was important to the person who died, or adopt a family in need. These can be meaningful ways to create a legacy for your special person and provide some light in your darkness. That’s a wrap, folks! We hope you have the most wonderful Christmas and NYE with your friends and family. Don’t forget to spread the cheer by supporting local businesses whenever possible. Gifts aren’t everything, but they can be creatively given and received. The most important thing is making lasting memories with the people you love. There is truly so much to celebrate. We’ll see you next year! #PrintProudDigitalSmart
BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY Understanding new technology is a challenging prospect—not just for individuals trying to learn the basics for themselves, but also for businesses who want to introduce new technology into their workplace in order to become more competitive. There is more pressure on businesses than ever to stay up-to-date with technology trends. The business world has become a digital ecosystem. So many internal and external factors depend on technology— communication, marketing, organization, scheduling, access to information, data filing, billing, etc. Companies who aren’t utilizing the digital resources out there to evolve into the future will likely become a thing of the past. In addition, if technology is not being protected or maintained properly, a business could risk the same fate.
“No hype, no BS; just straightforward lean & agile technology advice.”
Virtual C Collaboration Center Now Taking Reservations For 2019!
Are you looking for a venue to host off site business meetings & events? Virtual C offers flexible work spaces, floor to ceiling whiteboards, and professional advice. Set up a tour today: calendly.com/collaboration-center
Fortunately, for those businesses who are struggling to keep up, there are many professionals here in Omaha who are eager to provide their valuable expertise to clients who need help implementing useful technologies and processes into their workplace. Strictly Business spoke to several technology leaders in Omaha and the Nebraska area to gain insight on how to feel confident in this ever-evolving, tech-driven world. Don’t Be Afraid of New Technology A key starting point for people, regardless of how comfortable they feel with technology themselves or whether they have already begun to seek new technological solutions to common problems in the workplace, is where to go to get practical, experienced advice on business technology. Serving Omaha and Lincoln, Virtual C was founded with this specific problem in mind. The goal of Virtual C is to offer unbiased advice on technology, and to help guide technology strategies and implementation to keep businesses operating at their most efficient level possible. There is no denying that changing or implementing new technology can complicate the flow of the workplace. In fact, sometimes it makes more sense for a business to outsource technology for specific purposes. “Over two-thirds of organizations need external support for #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Adam Walter Chief Information Officer Adam@VirtualC.biz
Andrew Storz Chief Agile Officer Storz@VirtualC.biz
Your Partner for Technology Strategy
Creating Frameworks for Effective Organizations
Adam Walter works with companies to offer up agile CIO strategy and interim management services.
Andrew Storz is an expert in lean, agile cultural transformation; breaking down company silos.
Technology is an Ocean. We are Navigators.
Agile is an Ocean. We are Navigators.
Contact us today! Info@VirtualC.Biz | www.VirtualC.Biz DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business
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planning, designing, and benefiting from workplace technology solutions,” states Andrew Storz with Virtual C.
collaboration center in Lincoln for businesses seeking to rent a premiere space for strategy sessions, client meetings, and full programming dojos to train employees.
“Every industry has different technology needs. There are devices, software, and collaboration applications (instant messaging, video conferencing, social media, etc.), that help people work more effectively in any capacity. Understanding these tools will make a huge impact on productivity.”
If you’re coming from Omaha and would like to upgrade from meeting your clients in crowded coffee shops, check out the Virtual C Collaboration Center, scheduled to officially open next month!
“Now is the time to align business processes with effective technology,” Storz confirms. “The importance of observing current trends in technology is that savvy businesses can reduce costs by paying attention to new developments. One of these vital trends to understand is Agile, which began as a group of advocates for software development in 2001 and has grown into a widespread approach to flexible software development which meets the needs of evolving customer expectations.”
Some business owners may embrace the benefits of using new technology, while others may be suspicious of changing a system they believe works just fine. Blaine Kahle with Five Nines explains how their work in information technology might be beneficial to both types of business owners—those who are ready to embark on a new technology initiative and those who are skeptical:
Andrew Storz Virtual C
As the name suggests, an Agile approac h emphasizes collaboration in order to efficiently develop and evolve software which best meets the needs of customers’ quickly changing demands. As a specialist in Agile, Andrew has published free introductions to Agile software development on their website. These videos serve as introductions to Virtual C’s full services and are an excellent starting point for business leaders seeking to learn more about both Agile and general technology strategies for their company. In addition to personal consultations and online training through the Virtual C Academy, Virtual C is also preparing to open a
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The value of understanding software and business technology is not limited to larger businesses that are developing software for their customers’ use.
“Five Nines partners best with companies who want to outsource the entirety of their information technology, allowing that workplace to focus all their attention and efforts on their primary business, instead of also trying to run an IT department at the same time. We’ll bridge the technology-business gap, and we’re constantly exposed to trends and changing needs as part of our partnerships with hundreds of Nebraska businesses.” Blaine Kahle Five Nines
Kahle also discussed how businesses depend on their phone, internet, and data connections to accomplish everything from research to client communications to payment solutions:
#PrintProudDigitalSmart
“Downtime can cost thousands of dollars. Any business, even a small one which offers a product online, could be dramatically affected by not preparing for lapses in an internet connection. As a simple example, many businesses now have a critical application or service that’s only accessible via the Internet, but they’ve not yet taken the step of having two independent Internet connections, or at a minimum a business-continuity plan for when the Internet connection is down. Five Nines helps our business partners identify those challenges and develop plans to address them.” Five Nines offers IT assessments to customers who connect with them. The assessment forms the basis for Five Nines to design a solution to help ensure their clients’ websites and online services do not suffer significant and costly downtime. Five Nines then gives a presentation to their clients of their proposed solutions. Five Nines was recognized for excellence in IT services by CRN’s 2016 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Pioneer 250 category. One of Five Nines’ goals is to ensure that their clients’ websites reach 99.999% uptime throughout the year. A related concern when it comes to technology is how to protect it from costly damage. Especially in industries that use technology to send or store sensitive information, having a plan in place to ensure safety and privacy is very crucial. “We are an expert in the field of specialized technologies that maintain the health and integrity of facilities, data centers, hospitals, schools, and many other industries’ power and environmental equipment,” explains Angela Wilson with Predictive Technology, Inc. (PTI).
Angela Wilson Predictive Technology, Inc. (PTI)
Wilson shares advice for those who want to integrate technology to protect their business and their clients from disaster, but don’t know where to start:
“Evaluate your pain points. What issues are you having within the workplace? For instance, if you have a bathroom located next to a room with critical equipment or documents then you might want to install a leak detection system. If you have a lot of power surges in your workplace, then you should look at a backup power system. If security is an issue, then you might want to install cameras and a facility monitoring system. Evaluate your risks and then do your research. Most risks can be prevented or predicted with the right technological systems in place.” Environmental threats can wreak havoc, destroy vital information, and even cost lives. Wilson lists common types of environmental threats to business that can be averted with proper preparation: • Fluid (water) intrusions • Changes in temperature and humidity levels • Smoke damage • Power surges and power failures “PTI has always been known for providing monitoring solutions for large data centers; however, we have expanded our offerings to include monitoring solutions that help small businesses, data center closets, unique facilities, and almost any company or industry that have environmental or power issues,” Wilson says. “Data center/IT managers track their power usage using our monitoring systems to prevent downtime, provide power tenant (business entity) billing, and evaluate inefficiencies. Leak detection systems are used in financial institutions, data centers, art warehouses, offices, retail, universities, hospitals, #PrintProudDigitalSmart
etc. to prevent potential damage to their facilities, equipment, and business losses.” PTI is affiliated with AlgenaHub, an online supplier which focuses on technology meant to protect larger businesses from computer, data storage, and power problems caused by environmental threats. Wilson also identifies new trends: “Power backup of any critical piece of equipment within a company is a high priority and a must for most businesses. Most people think about the importance of backing of their data or security protections for their computers and servers; however, power surges can do a lot of damage to a computer system including permanent loss. We are seeing more customers purchasing UPS’s (uninterruptable power supply) for their computers and small server rooms. These units can also be monitored to detect potential issues. PTI is a leader in monitoring systems that can alert our clients of any potential damage of critical equipment caused by the environment within their commercial or data center space. These alerts are sent to the client’s mobile device via SMS, text messages, or email notification. Omaha-based business are seeking to provide optimal service in a variety of technological areas. Don’t be afraid of new technology! Or technology in general, for that matter. Define your goals and talk to a professional about how technology can help you reach those goals. Educate yourself and your staff about implementing new technology and protecting existing applications in order to keep your business on top.
Power Management
DCIM
Monitoring
Cooling
Keep Your Business Technology Running Smoothly PTI protects this business so that you can do your business. Connect with us today!
11011 Q Street, Suite 103C Omaha, NE 68137 402-592-4259
www.PTISolutions.com Full Service Provider
DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business
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WINTER DRIVING
No matter how long a person lives in Nebraska, the unpredictable weather here still seems to come as a bit of a shock. However, one thing we can predict is that winter hits us hard. We may not know when it’ll hit, but we know it surely will—and so it’s something we need to be prepared for, especially when it comes to our vehicles and navigating the roads in icy, slick conditions. Let’s review what we can do to prepare for road conditions that lie ahead of us for the next few months. With the help of a few local experts, we’ve gathered some helpful information and tips for winter driving in Omaha. Having your vehicle break down is never convenient, but it’s worse in the winter when it’s cold and the days get darker faster. So, if your vehicle is due for regular maintenance services, get it done now. Since bad hoses, belts, water pumps, and spark plug wires can leave you stranded, it’s better to take care of them before cold weather really hits. 1st place 13 straight years!
Don’t forget to have your battery checked, either. If it has marginal cold cranking amps, have your technician load test the battery with a carbon pile tester. Especially if you drive a newer vehicle; newer batteries will not always give you the courtesy of a slow crank time before they fail. With electronic control systems, your engine can now curb carbon emissions and increase fuel efficiency. Advanced control systems have taken the place of simple engine components; therefore, it’s even more important to have trained professionals looking into your vehicle problems. Failing to get a needed inspection can be a costly oversight, especially for businesses with operations that rely on fleet transport.
402.558.3500 402.502.8757 402.502.5511 Corner of 50th & South Saddlecreek
SW Corner of 144th & Industrial Rd
SW Corner of 120th & Maple
402.933.9400
Corner of Washington & Lincoln; Papillion
Dingman’s Mechanical Repair now open on the SW Corner of 120th & Maple!
“We’d Rather Be The Best Than Apologize for Anything Less.”
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“A pre-winter inspection can identify problems that will hinder your winter driving, from brakes, tires, and suspension to antifreeze, fluids, filters, and your battery,” confirms Mark Griger, owner of Fleetmark Solutions, LLC. “At Fleetmark Solutions, we will perform a thorough inspection on your fleet vehicle and compile a report for your review with any suggestions or recommendations. With this information a plan can be put Mark Griger together to ensure your vehicles stay on Fleetmark Solutions, LLC the road this winter. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Specializing in the maintenance and repair of commercial vehicles and fleets, Griger also offers some insight on an issue that affects diesel-powered engines: “Diesel fuel can be a pest during the sub-freezing temperatures we experience in our area. Most of you reading this who drive or own these types of vehicles have probably dealt with this issue once before. At Fleetmark Solutions, we use BG products that are specially designed to prevent fuel gelling or waxing. We can also treat fuel storage tanks for optimal protection.” With the necessary maintenance made, the best way to keep you and your loved ones safe this winter is simply to slow down. Going five to 10 miles an hour faster on a 15-minute trip doesn’t do you any good if you have to wait three hours for a tow truck. We’re not just talking about how hard you push the gas pedal; we’re talking about how fast you move your hands and feet. A lower-friction road surface means it takes more time for your tires to find grip and change your speed or direction. When driving in the winter, everything takes longer, particularly stopping and turning. So look farther down the road than you usually do and start breaking sooner. Tires are literally the only components of your vehicle that (should) touch the road. This means that they are incredibly important to maintain all year long, but increasing so in bad weather. Did you know that only about 10% of your tires are contacting the road at any given time? This makes it especially important to have tires with good tread on them to grip to the road and displace water to prevent hydroplaning. One of the best ways to keep you and your loved ones safe this winter is the obvious: drive slower and more cautiously. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, even if you are extremely careful. So, make sure you have a list of important details and contact information to keep in the glove box of each vehicle in your family. This could include your insurance agent, collision repair center, towing company, AAA membership information, emergency contact information, and even any existing medical conditions for responders. It’s good to have an actual written list in case your phone dies, doesn’t have internet connection, or gets damaged in the accident. Matt Aerni, attorney at Berry Law Firm, also cautions, “With winter comes the additional burden of driving in inclement weather. Everyone knows weather phenomenon such as sleet or snow make our vehicles handle much different than they do when those phenomenon are not present.
Matt Aerni Berry Law Firm
causes the crash.
Even though everyone knows that, we still see an increase in car crashes on the days when it is slick outside. Inclement weather may explain why a car crash happened, but it does not excuse the driving behavior of the person who
Even in winter weather, a driver has an obligation to keep their vehicle under control. When a driver slides into a snowy intersection and crashes into another car, the crash did not happen because of the snow. The crash happened because the driver did not reduce their speed in time to prevent their vehicle from sliding through an intersection the driver likely knew was slick, and that driver is going to be liable for any injuries they cause. So keep that in mind, and always remember to put the phone away while you are driving.” Besides insurance, there are other things to keep in mind once the damage is done. “With inclement weather comes a rise in accidents, so we are #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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all unfortunately at a much higher risk for being involved in a collision,” emphasizes Boyd Dingman, owner of Dingman’s Collision Center. “Hopefully this isn’t a regular incident that you are familiar with, so you may not know what steps to take or what course of action is most beneficial if you find yourself in an accident. Every situation is different when there’s a collision, and there can potentially be Boyd Dingman damage that isn’t visible or apparent until Dingman’s Collision Center later on down the line, so it’s beneficial to have your vehicle checked out as a result just to be on the safe side. It’s also important to note that every vehicle owner has the right to have their car repaired by a professional of choice. So many times insurance companies and their adjusters will try to direct you to a place that may not necessarily have your best interests in mind. Dingman’s Collision Center has been serving the Omaha community for over 20 years, but dates even further back to 1960 when Francis Dingman made the decision to open his own small shop. The company’s roots are firmly planted in the commitment to holding integrity in high regard and providing the highest caliber of service. Boyd also noted that the salt applied to the roads to help deal with the snow and ice will turn even black cars a dirty white. “Don’t attempt to wipe the salt off your vehicle without properly washing it first,” he instructs. “Salt is very abrasive and, when rubbed into the finish, it will leave behind significant scratching. Salt can also corrode any exposed metal, so it’s essential to remove it as quickly as possible to prevent rust. Rinse your vehicle thoroughly before you begin washing to remove as much of the salt as possible to prevent it from being rubbed into the surface during the washing process. If your vehicle does experience this kind of damage, it can be repaired. Dingman’s Collision Center is proud to offer our customers and technicians the latest in automotive refinish technology. We utilize GFS downdraft spray booths at every location ensuring the highest quality paint environment in the industry.” There’s certainly no avoiding the winter weather, and getting used to it seems pretty hopeless as well, but there are many ways that we can set ourselves up for success in safely navigating through these cold and sometimes dangerous conditions. Know who your local professionals are in order to stay safe, covered, and prepared this winter. DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business
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Senior Care During the Holidays and Winter Months At Strictly Business, we feel this time of the year is the most important time to talk about senior care. The cold weather has a big impact on their physical health and safety, while the holidays can take a significant toll on their emotional well-being. For most of us, the holidays are a joyful occasion and these months are filled with celebration, reunions, and lots of laughter. However, for the seniors in our community, this time of year can be an incredibly painful, lonely time. Our goal is to encourage you to not only consider the senior loved ones in your family who may be going through a difficult time, but your elderly neighbors as well—your kindness, thoughtfulness, and assistance can be the best gift you give this holiday season. As for our senior readers, we hope to offer guidance as you navigate through these cold, busy months. We’ve talked with local professionals in the senior health care community about this topic, and they’ve given us a lot to think about. There are safety precautions to take, activities to try, important conversations to have, and of course, there are precious memories to be made! Seasonal Safety Tips Cold and unpredictable weather during the winter season may bring safety challenges for seniors. Every year, winter weather is blamed for accidents and injuries for vulnerable older adults. Planning is the key to seasonal safety.
Sometimes heroes don’t wear capes, they simply wear a smile... and their superpowers are patience, empathy, and compassion. At Brookestone Meadows, we know heroes. Our team members are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those they care for. Our dedicated team members provide world class rehabilitation and skilled nursing to our residents, you’ll always find heroic care here.
Here are some seasonal safety tips from Robbie Nathan with Bridge to Better Living: The following are tips for seniors to prepare for the winter months ahead. Preparing Your Home—Preparation for winter starts at home. Storms may cause power outages and you may be stranded without heat or food. The following are recommendations to remain safe and comfortable in case of a winter storm. • Stock up on batteries for flashlights. Keep a flashlight by your bed and in the main living area of your home.
Robbie Nathan Bridge to Better Living
• Make sure extra blankets are easily accessible. A proud member of Vetter Senior Living
600 Brookestone Meadows Plaza | Elkhorn, Nebraska | (402) 289-3696
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• Have added food and drinking water. Remember when purchasing food supplies you will not have a microwave or oven to warm your meals. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
• Always keep your medications filled with at least a week’s worth of doses. Prescriptions may be unable to be filled during a storm. Bundling Up Before Going Outside—Hypothermia is a serious threat for seniors. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates the elderly compose over half of all hypothermia deaths each year. When severe winter weather hits it is always best to stay indoors. If you must go out make sure you are dressed appropriately. Cover extremities as much of your body temperature is lost through your head, hands, and feet. Go for the layered look in order to be warm and comfortable. Preventing Slipping or Falling Injuries—Older adults are more likely to have a serious injury when slipping on ice or snow. Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries for the elderly with an estimated one of three seniors 65 years or older fall every year. Every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in the E.R. for a fall. Staying Healthy—Beyond the safety precautions for your home and vehicle, you also want to keep yourself healthy. Cold weather affects your immune system making you more vulnerable to the many cold and flu bugs hitting hardest in the winter. A head cold, fever or other viruses may cause weakness, dizziness and balance issues contributing to falls and other safety issues. Visit your doctor to have a flu vaccination. Staying Active and Engaged The winter season is beautiful when staying safe and warm, but what can hurt more than slipping on the ice is experiencing isolation. Keeping seniors active and engaged was a common piece of advice we heard from local industry experts. L i n d a Vo g t - S i e h , l i f e e n r i c h m e n t coordinator at Brookestone Meadows, shared some insight for families and caregivers who want to ensure their senior loved ones are not overlooked during the holidays:
Linda Vogt-Sieh Brookestone Meadows
“With less daylight and freezing/inclement weather, it makes it more challenging for seniors to get out of the house. Lonely seniors who experience social isolation are more prone to engage in unhealthy behaviors, which is linked to poor health, depression, increased fall risk, and even mortality.
Feelings of loneliness or perceived loneliness can also affect both physical and mental health leading to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. It is important to maintain an active lifestyle, especially during our coldest months. You can help your family members enjoy the holiday by assisting with mailing out their holiday cards, wrapping gifts together, singing Christmas carols, decorating a gingerbread house or going through photographs and reminiscing about past holidays. In addition to including loved ones in your own family gatherings, see if their friends are getting together and you can facilitate them joining their gathering. There are many wonderful companies that can provide companion services to keep your loved one engaged. Check with local churches and the Salvation Army to see what resources they have available. If transportation is the concern, The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging has transportation services available. In Papillion, NE, the Papillion Bus Service provides transportation to seniors. Within any community, there are many opportunities to enjoy the holidays. At Brookestone Meadows, we love to get the residents out to enjoy live nativity scenes, city ‘wonderlands’ that are lit up and home light tours (some are synched to music!). We also host a holiday boutique, bake cookies, make ornaments, and have a #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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Christmas party with Santa and Mrs. Claus. If it has been a while since you have visited your loved one, sometimes people can be surprised with changes that may have occurred since their last visit. If there is not an immediate safety issue, don’t confront or argue with your loved one about concerns you have. Make some notes to discuss at another time. Your good intentions may not be well received, and you will put your visit in jeopardy. If dementia is a concern, contact the Alzheimer’s Association for additional resources and support.” “The holidays are a time filled with family and celebration, but for some seniors, the holidays and cold weather can be filled with more challenges than joys,” Jennifer Knecht with Immanuel confirms. “Supporting aging loved ones can be tricky during the holidays when schedules are busy and to-do lists are long, but it’s something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Talk to your loved ones about their concerns Jennifer Knecht during the holiday season. Maybe they’re reminiscent of loved ones lost or perhaps Immanuel they’re worried about getting around in the cold weather. Share your concerns as well; it will give you a starting point for having conversations about resources that may be needed. Maybe it’s extra transportation to family gettogethers or getting mom or dad involved in community activities. The benefit of retirement and senior living communities is they provide all the socialization, pastoral support, and activities during the holidays that many seniors living alone lack. At Immanuel communities, our dedicated life enrichment, wellness, and pastoral support team members work to create exceptional experiences as well as health and spiritual support for residents not only during the holidays but year-round. The holiday season is a time where many family members begin to notice their aging loved ones may need more help. There are perhaps fewer decorations up than there used to be, holiday traditions may be skipped, or you notice a quietness or even sadness in mom or dad. Talk to your loved ones about the changes you notice and listen to their struggles. If the conversation is difficult, or you don’t know where to start, reach out to the professionals. Immanuel’s senior living consultants, available at all 12 of our senior living communities, are the experts and have helped thousands of families make the conversation easier. As a not-forprofit organization, it’s our mission to help you find the answers. Give Immanuel a call or go to our website for family resources you can use this holiday season.” DECEMBER 2018 Strictly Business
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Senior Living Options There are many types of senior communities available in Omaha— independent living, assisted living, skilled care, rehab, memory care community. It’s important to educate yourself on the different offerings. Learn the differences between them and know what a loved one needs in the way of care. “So many times we see patients who desperately want to stay in their homes they’ve lived in for 50+ years,” Jim Laughlin with Home Nursing With Heart admits. “To that end, an often-overlooked service is in-home care. Respite for family caregivers during the holidays is critical to ensuring the health and happiness of all during a time that’s already packed full of things to do. While you may just need Jim Laughlin help with non-medical services, it’s nice to Home Nursing With Heart have someone around who can provide medical care and support as well. Regarding the financial obligations involved, have a budget and list the most important services needed. What are the physical, social, and possibly locale needs involved? If staying in an independent living environment when transitioning to a community, does the facility offer progressive cares, medication assistance, hygiene cares, transportation to medical appointments, etc.? Finding this information out ahead of time is important because it may help to avoid having to move again. Also, understanding the specifics with respect to financial obligations, additional charges, and payment details is critical. There are agencies that exist to help determine which community
and/or services would be the best fit. A representative will meet with the senior and his or her family to review and assess various needs, finances, and recommend the facilities that best suit the specific situation. Oftentimes the services provided by these agencies are free to utilize.” “Many seniors find it helpful to have a caregiver assist them in their home with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and laundry to keep them safe and healthy without taking away their independence,” adds Kyle Johnson with Care Consultants for the Aging. “Having a caregiver they know in the home can make life changes less stressful. Declining eyesight or hearing, mobility problems, and memory issues can lead to losing the ability to drive, increased risk of falling, and everyday tasks becoming more Kyle Johnson difficult to perform. These health concerns Care Consultants are even more important to take into for the Aging consideration during the winter. It is important for seniors to address these issues early on and for families to keep aware of how they are affecting their loved ones. Making sure seniors have mental stimulation, companionship, transportation for outings, and assistance with personal care or household chores can help keep these issues under control. This can come from family members or loved ones, outside caregivers, senior centers, adult day centers, or in a facility. Care Consultants refers caregivers who are CNAs and can assist seniors with companionship, personal cares, light housekeeping, and much more. We have caregivers available from one up to 24 hours a day, along with access to short-term assistance in the case of an emergency. This flexibility gives families the peace of mind
Here for you. Not for profit.
There are many for-profit senior living communities that will eagerly take your money. We’re different. Being a mission-based organization means, all money entrusted to us goes directly into enhancing the lives of the residents we serve.
Get Your Free Non-Profit vs. For-Profit Comparison Guide at ImmanuelDifference.org
Omaha Locations Immanuel Village
Lakeside Village
Trinity Village
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The Arboretum
402.807.0230 Affiliated with the Nebraska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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knowing their loved one is being cared for by a qualified and caring individual.” Advice for Caregivers It’s easy to get stretched thin at this festive time of year. Cooking, cleaning, shopping, children’s school events, office parties, family gatherings, and travel can make the holidays fairly frenetic, especially if you are a caregiver for a senior loved one on top of all of that. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to make the holidays perfect, just do what you can to make sure your senior is safe and healthy.
Sabra Mackey Douglas County Health Center
leftovers for them
“First, you can include your loved one in your plans,” says Sabra Mackey with Douglas County Health Center. “Keep in mind that the person may need some special accommodations. Plan your event at a location with few barriers. Driveways, stairs, bathrooms, and seating should be accessible to the individual and comfortable. The individual may tire after a few hours, so make sure they are available for the main meal or activity and have transportation available when they are ready to go home. If your event lasts all day, have a place where they can rest if they want to. Make sure to pack for meals later.
If your loved one is out of town and alone, you can call on their friends or social groups to check on them or you can call or text daily to check in. There are also several agencies that provide companion services at a low cost. At Douglas County Health Center, we have many in-house volunteers that visit our clients weekly. They also make sure they get to church services and activities that are on our campus. We provide community outings and volunteers help provide companionship and assistance while we are out. At Christmas time, we have many volunteer ‘elves’ who shop for and provide a Christmas gift to our residents. Our most popular group activities are competitive games such as Bingo, Keno, and music based activities. It is important to remember that each individual has their preferences as far as participation level, interests, or need for support. Keep the person’s dignity by offering assistance, but allowing them to do as much as possible for themselves. Allow them the dignity of choice in their leisure activities. Don’t force anyone to do something they may not want to do.” “Everyone who has a loved one staying alone at home should seriously consider a medical alert system for them,” advises Dan Ward with MediGuard USA. “The accessories at MediGuard can provide you with 24/7 peace of mind. Fall detection, water overflows, and medication monitors are just some of the innovative ways you can really invest in protecting your senior loved one. Now with some very cool-looking mobile pendants and features like family GPS, text notifications, and Dan Ward talking pendants, these devices are not MediGuard USA only precautionary, they are a fashionable life choice. These devices can be wrapped as gifts and put under the tree!” In conclusion, we encourage you to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to take care of yourself and/or the senior in your life. Keep safety in mind with the winter weather, stay active and engaged to keep spirits bright, and don’t take a single moment for granted. Happy holidays to all the seniors and caregivers in the Omaha community! #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
P R E S E NT S
Project Santa OPEN DOOR MISSION VOLUNTEERS AND DONORS MAKE CHRISTMAS SHINE BRIGHTER THROUGH PROJECT SANTA
WHAT IS PROJECT SANTA? Open Door Mission’s Project Santa provides toys to needy boys and girls so that everyone will have gifts on Christmas morning. In the past, we pre-bagged toys into black bags for parents to give to children on Christmas Day. This year we are empowering parents by giving them a chance to choose toys their child will love in our Toy & Joy Shop. HOW YOU CAN HELP: Volunteers can help with Project Santa anytime between December 4 – 22, 2018 at Open Door Mission. Because of the enhancements to our gift-giving process, we need volunteers more than ever. Volunteers can be Personal Shoppers or Attendants. Sign-up is easy at www. opendoormission.org/volunteer. Volunteers (ages 13+) can be a store attendant. You’ll sort incoming toys and stock the shelves so parents can have choices for gifts for their children. Personal shoppers (ages 18+) can assist parents in choosing free gifts in the shop.
PROJECT SANTA’S TOY NEEDS: • Board Games (ages 8+) • Baby Dolls • Barbies • Sports Balls • Art Sets • Makeup and Shaving Kits (for teenagers) • $10 Gift Cards for Walmart and Target • Toy Cars (especially Matchbox and Hotwheels brands)
We also need people to host Project Santa Toy Drives to collect toys for all ages, including teens. You can personalize and print posters for your drive online. To sign up for a drive, visit www.opendoormission. org/resources/how-to-host-a-drive. In addition to volunteering as a Toy and Joy Attendant or registering your own toy drive, you can also donate new, unwrapped toys to one of our donation centers.
WHO WE ARE: Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission, founded in 1954, that meets the needs of individuals and families while inspiring HOPE for lasting change. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 816 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women and children, serves over 2,100 hot, nutritious meals, and provides preventative measures to more than 1,000 people living in poverty. The vision is to help individuals and families break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Open Door Mission welcomes people with the utmost respect and provides a place where they can feel safe and cared for. By honoring each person’s value and worth, we affirm their dignity. We go beyond a simple meal and bed by offering hope and healing.
OTHER HOLIDAY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: At the heart of Open Door Mission is our volunteers. Working hand in hand, members of the community can make a difference at Open Door Mission. You can learn about the variety of ways you can help on our volunteer web page (www.opendoormission.org/volunteer). Walk-ins are welcome, and there are even opportunities to volunteer from home! A great holiday season volunteer opportunity to keep in mind is the Diaper Unloading Party on December 27 to unload the diapers donated during 94.1’s annual Diaper Drive. After unloading, there will be chili, chicken noodle soup, and hot chocolate available! You could also help prepare food, serve meals, or help clean the kitchen for our New Year’s Day Brunch & Banquet.
Provide hope for the hungry, hope for the holidays! Call: (402) 422-1111 | Email: volunteer@opendoormission.org | Visit: www.opendoormission.org
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