47 minute read
Business
Tunde Bankole Purchases Three Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Locations in Region Entrepreneur Tunde Bankole recently purchased three Dickey’s Barbecue Pit restaurants—in Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue—with hopes of keeping more local business going strong after the pandemic. In Omaha, Tunde bought the Dickey’s franchise at 15825 W Maple Rd., STE 107. It is open for dine-in business, as well as delivery through Grub Hub and Door Dash services. You can also order online for no-contact pickup at the restaurant. Under Tunde’s ownership, Dickey’s continues to provide catering for gatherings, including holiday celebrations, as well as providing individual box lunches for meetings or other situations. It’s as simple as making one call to work out details, and Dickey’s will deliver it to your location on time. Dickey’s continues to follow all COVID guidelines and requirements to keep customers safe.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is a true American success story. The brand has come a long way since World War I Veteran Travis Dickey opened the fi rst location in 1941. But some things never change. Dickey’s still slow smokes all meats on-site, and the menu features beef brisket, pulled pork, St. Louis style ribs, polish sausage, spicy cheddar sausage, smoked turkey, and marinated chicken, with an extensive array of home-style sides, from jalapeno beans to macaroni and cheese. For more information, visit dickeys.com or call (402) 932-0102.
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402.598.0590 | 2316 S 156th Cir. Omaha, NE 68130 katie@omahasbuilder.com Site-1 Brewing to Come to Omaha January 2021 Site-1 Brewing has announced plans to open in Omaha at 26th and Farnam in January 2021. Founders Mike Peter, Ben Katt, and Melanie Phelan are excited to bring their experience-driven brewery incubator and tap house to the bustling metro. Site-1 Brewing will have 20 beer taps, two head brewers, a full bar, and plenty of seating for you and your friends. Patrons will enjoy the historic building's hotel lobby aesthetic and decor that lends itself to the brewery's 1960’s space race theme. Site-1 is more than a brewery. It's a beer platform where aspiring brewers can hone their craft and gain real-world experience without immense startup costs. Site-1 will provide a shared workspace with all the equipment and guidance a brewer needs, as well as a tap house to show off their innovative recipes and craftsmanship.
By combining our ever-changing beers with a full restaurant menu, engaging atmosphere, and visible beer crafting process, Site-1 promotes a unique experience that is unlike any other brewery. To learn more, visit www.site1brewing.com or contact Melanie (402) 502-1843 / melanie@site1brewing.com.
Stories Coffee Opens Second Location, a Kiosk Shop in Switch Food and Beer Hall In an effort to serve the Blackstone community, new Stories Coffee Co. Owners Dan and Brooke Loutzenhiser opened a second location on November 7—a kiosk business in The Switch Food and Beer Hall. At the new location, 3618 Farnam St., Stories is serving a full beverage menu as well as their scrumptious breakfast and lunch foods seven days a week. The new location is part of a collection of environmentally responsible eats and drinks operations—including the Infusion Beer Hall, Ansel’s New York inspired sandwich shop, El Arepon Venezuelan cuisine, The Bubbly Tart boutique bakery, Piatto di Pasta Italian dishes, M Square juice and smoothie parlor, and the Red Lantern Vietnamese street cuisine.
When you go to The Switch, you can feel good about making an environmentally responsible choice, too. That’s because it is the fi rst food hall in the nation certifi ed as a 3-Star Certifi ed Green Restaurant™ by the Green Restaurant Association and only the second restaurant in Nebraska to earn this status. The participating local kitchens, craft-beer-bar, and food-hall staff collaborate to implement more than 50 steps to meet the certifi cation standards, and are committed to continue lowering their impact on the environment. With that in mind, virtually every single-use item you purchase at the Switch—food scraps, plates, bowls, napkins, and cups—are industrially compostable, and what isn’t compostable gets recycled.
The main Stories Coffee Co. location in Omaha is at 114th and Davenport in the heart of Omaha. They operate with a mission to invest in the stories of their customers, vendors, partners, and those in need in the community by providing hope through coffee. A portion of their profi ts go directly to support nonprofi t organizations that are doing good in Omaha. For more information, visit storiescoffeecompany. com and follow them on Instagram (@storiescoffeecompany).
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Manna Industries Rolls Out Santa’s Little Helpers Line, Launches Industry Website On November 19, Manna Industries rolled out a holiday collection called Santa’s Little Helpers. The line includes an eye shadow palette, a lip kit (lip liner and lip gloss), and a small eye shadow brush collection. This fun and festive line is not the traditional reds and greens, but more of a modern twist on the traditional holiday colors. The collection is available for a limited time while supplies last.
In addition, Manna has launched a website for industry professionals (www.mannaprofessionals.com). Stylist can come to this website and purchase hair extensions, eyelash extensions, sunless tanning solutions, tools, and online certifi cations.
Manna Industries is a small, woman-owned and -operated beauty company, striving to help women across the globe feel bold, beautiful, and confi dent. To shop and stay up to date, check out www.mannaindustries.com or visit Manna Salon at 5342 S 136th St. Follow on Instagram and Facebook (@mannaindustries) for information on the latest products and promotions!
Universal Group Expands Business to Two More States, Adds New Client Services Universal Group, LTD of Omaha recently expanded their business by acquiring and adding insurance offi ces in Alabama and Wyoming to their portfolio, which also includes Universal Specialty Group in Omaha, Hometown Insurance in Columbus; plus offi ces in Arizona and South Carolina. With an Omaha legacy dating back to 1889, Universal Group (formerly Loring & Company) Owner Daniel Headlee has worked tirelessly to maintain the stellar reputation and the golden standard of risk management that the Loring family created. Headlee purchased Loring & Company in 2013 and became the president in 2015 when Dan Loring retired. With nearly 30 years of experience in insurance and risk management, Headlee has worked tirelessly to foster growth of the already reputable, trusted company. The recent acquisitions include Steinhilber & Strawbridge of Montgomery, AL; and WB Insurance of Sheridan, WY. Along with the acquisitions, Universal has added services to help customers manage and grow their own businesses, among those a suite of benefi ts that include compliance tools—OSHA regulations, a Family and Medical Leave Act advisor; human-resources hotline and resources, including customized handbooks, job descriptions, salary calculators, etc.; an interactive Learning Management System that facilitates employee and manager training with professionally produced training courses; and an employee wellness program. By remembering their roots in Omaha, Universal Group, LTD brings the combination of tradition and highly technical insurance skills to all of their clients and remains dedicated to professionalism, regular client contact, and ongoing education about the many changes in the insurance fi eld. Universal Group can protect your most precious assets, as they offer personal and business insurance, in addition to employee benefi ts and industry specialties including contractor, dealership, garage-repair shop, manufacturing, and trucking insurance. For more information, visit universalinsgroup.com or contact COO Ellen Kietzmann at (402) 399-8721, ext. 112 / ekietzmann@universalinsgroup.com.
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Budget Car and Truck Rental Launches Exciting New Long-Term Rental Program The locally owned Budget Car and Truck Rental of Nebraska recently announced the launch of its exciting new Long-Term Rental Program to serve as an alternative to leasing or purchasing a car. Individuals or businesses can rent a new-model vehicle with a commitment of anywhere from two months to multiple years at discounted rates, with 3,000 monthly miles included, access to a concierge rental agent, use of their own auto insurance, and free airport parking when traveling. The new program is a perfect fi t for people who normally used public transportation but are not comfortable doing so in light of the pandemic, for college students unexpectedly at home more than usual, for people without dependable vehicles for winter travel, and for companies who use vehicles for business or want to provide company cars or trucks to employees. Rates for the Long-Term Rental Program start as low as $549 a month for a new model, and renters may add a spouse or employee from the same company at the time of rental and purchase additional miles, if needed. The only deposit required is 50% of the monthly rental rate, and it’s refundable. You can use your existing auto-insurance policy and list Budget as an additional insured or, if you prefer, Budget Nebraska can assist you with a referral to an agent.
Although Budget Rent a Car is an internationally recognized brand, you might not know that Budget Car and Truck Rental of Nebraska is actually a 33-year-old local family business owned by A Betterway Rent-a-Car group and run by Omaha resident Rob Durrett, so when you become a customer, you’re also supporting local business! Whether you are in need of a vehicle for a day, a week, months, or years, Budget Nebraska will take great care of you. For more information, visit BudgetNebraska. com/long-term-rental or call (402) 898-7250.
DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 7
365DailyHustle Offers 5-Day Masterclass to Create Forward Momentum in Your Life Success coach, international speaker, bestselling Amazon author and 365DailyHustle Owner Karissa Williams is offering a fi ve-day live online Masterclass December 7-11 to help professional women create forward momentum in their lives, health, and businesses by using proven strategies she employs every day. Register at 365dailyhustle. dropfunnels.com/5-day-mastermind. In addition, Karissa is doing a BossUp book signing for her new book, Women Who BossUp, at the new Peregrine Hotel in Omaha on December 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet and greet, grab a cocktail, and take a tour of the new hotel! In her fi ve-day Masterclass, Karissa will focus on three game changers: 1) The Reclaim Your Best Life™ blueprint that puts you back in control of your time, energy, and power, including proprietary tools; 2) Walk away with a personalized action plan that will help you thrive instead of just survive the next 90 days and roll into 2021 with unstoppable momentum; and 3) Learn the secret sauce to automate routines, habits, and systems so you can level up in your business, health, and life, and put yourself back on the calendar. Founded in 2018, 365DailyHustle offers signature coaching programs, including one-to-one VIP coaching, online group coaching, and corporate coaching, as well as a 365 Empower U newsletter to deliver a weekly dose of motivation to women. Karissa also provides motivational talks, lunch-and-learns, and workshops as a keynote speaker and crowd motivator. For more information, visit 365dailyhustle.com, call (402) 880-2142, or follow her on Facebook (@DailyHustle1) and Instagram (@365.Daily.Hustle). Storage Concepts Passes Ownership of Family Business to Matt and Becky Maltby Storage Concepts Inc. Owners Ed and Mickie Abersfeller are excited to announce that their daughter and son-in-law, Matt and Becky Maltby, are in the process of becoming operator-owners of the family business. A 35-yearold home-organization company, Storage Concepts is the oldest company of its kind in the state of Nebraska, serving homeowners, new-home construction, and multi-family developments across the Upper Midwest. As a family-owned, non-franchise business, Storage Concepts is free to offer customers any range of storage solutions— from custom closets to garage organization, kitchen and pantry storage, home offi ces, Murphy beds, or wine cellars—that best meets their wants and needs. Don’t worry, though, the Storage concepts mission won’t change with the succession of ownership. They will continue to enhance both the quality of your life and the value of your home, using the highestquality products in the industry and a unique and fun process of consultation, design, and craftsman-like installations. Beginning with a complimentary in-home consultation, Storage Concepts ensures that they have a thorough understanding of your needs. Their professional design team then uses proprietary software to create a custom solution that meets your needs exactly and is uniquely your own! Storage Concepts has been designing, building, and installing the fi nest custom closets, garage organizers, home offi ces, wine cellars, and Murphy beds in the Upper Midwest since 1981. For more information, visit storageconcepsinc.com or contact Ed Abersfeller at ed@storageconceptsinc.com / (402) 592-7752.
DON’T LET THE HOLIDAYS STRESS YOU OUT!
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LUX Lounge Installs New Sound System, Big Screen TVs for Sports Fans LUX Lounge Omaha, formerly Acadian Grille Dundee, is putting on the games for sports fans, recently installing big-screen TVs and a fearsome new sound system to host football and other sports nonstop. Opening soon for lunch, LUX currently is open from 3:30 to midnight, with happy-hour specials from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The setup of the mesmerizing, energetic lounge and eatery—yes, they have wings!—is perfect for social distancing, so you can enjoy the games safely with friends.
“Football is on all the time, and it’s on our big screens here all the time, too,” said Owner Dan O’Brien. “You can practice social distancing and still enjoy your favorite games, along with our specialty craft cocktails and your favorite brews!”
The cocktail selection at LUX is second-to-none. Whether you’re a fan of the sweet stuff or something that delivers more of a punch, you’ll fi nd delicious options that you won’t get anywhere else. Add to that the trendy small-plate menu, which includes things like chilled or roasted Brussels, crab cake salad, lettuce wraps, fl at breads, Boudin balls, specialty wings, and possibly the best fresh-cut fries you’ll ever have the opportunity to savor. YUM!
Located at 5018 Underwood Ave., LUX Lounge is a new Omaha favorite, now catering to football and sports fans aplenty. For more information, visit luxomaha.com or call (402) 991-1552.
Igloos in The Capitol District to Offer Safe Fun this Winter With the prospect of a cold, sociallydistanced winter ahead, The Capitol District has unveiled the solution to people in search of some COVID-safe winter fun. The Igloos at The Capitol District are private, cozy, six-person igloos spaced throughout The Capitol District’s modern town square. Available to rent for $100 for each two-and-a-half block of time, the igloos are outfi tted with comfortable seating, a heat-producing fi replace, and even twinkle lights to create a magical ambiance. It’s like being inside a cozy snow globe. Guests renting the igloos can pre-order take-out from one of the many restaurants and bars surrounding The Capitol District, taking advantage of exclusive deals. The Ice Lounge, where renters check-in, will also have televisions with DVD players and movies, board games, and blankets for customers to check-out at no additional charge for use during their time in the igloo. All items will be cleaned and sanitized before re-use, and a 30-minute block of time will allow staff to fully sanitize each igloo between guests. The igloos will be available to rent through February via The Capitol District’s website, and guests are encouraged to use the igloos with only those people they’d usually be around to prevent the spread of COVID. The Capitol District sits at a key location in downtown Omaha, connecting the Old Market to the events district and linking the Riverfront to the downtown business district. Just steps away from the CenturyLink Center, TD Ameritrade Park and other entertainment venues, The Capitol District is Omaha’s fi rst-of-its-kind entertainment district, with a modern town square surrounded by restaurants, bars, retail stores, offi ces, apartments, and a full-service Marriott hotel. Visit www.capitoldistrictomaha.com for the latest rundown of events and a full line-up of dining, drinking, and destinations in The Capitol District. Contact Amanda Frank at (402) 8892048 / afrank@capitoldistrictomaha.com with questions.
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First Watch Daytime Cafe Opens Sixth Omaha Location in West Village Pointe First Watch, a daytime cafe serving fresh breakfast, brunch, and lunch favorites, has opened a sixth Omaha location in West Village Pointe at 18101 Chicago St., STE 102. The restaurant's offi cial opening date was August 10. Patrons visiting First Watch in West Village Pointe can enjoy spacious outdoor seating or a variety of seating options inside, which features farmhouse decor and large windows for natural light.
First Watch begins each morning at the crack of dawn, slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, baking muffi ns, and whipping up French toast batter from scratch. Everything is made-to-order and freshness is never compromised. At First Watch, they don’t use heat lamps or deep fryers—only the fi nest ingredients possible for the freshest taste around. When you arrive, they welcome you with a pot—not just a cup—of their Project Sunrise coffee, along with complimentary newspapers and Wi-Fi internet access.
First Watch in West Village Pointe joins First Watch Aksarben, Bellevue, Center, Maple, and Papillion, a restaurant concept of Cutchall Management Company. To learn more and view the menu, visit www.fi rstwatch.com or call the restaurant at (402) 916-4109. Further questions can be directed to Dan Kavan, VP/ COO of Cutchall Management, at (402) 558-3333 / dan@ cutchallmanagement.com.
MERRY CHRISTMAS from our family to yours!
402-575-0102 bigbirgeplumbing.com
It’s All About Bees! Offers Customers New Product Customization Options for Gift Giving It’s All About Bees! is excited to announce the individual sale of their 1.5-ounce mini jams, jellies, elderberry syrup, mustards, and 2-ounce creamed and varietal honey! In the past, these jars were only available in prepackaged trios or gift sets. Now customers can create unique combinations with their favorite fl avors. Some of the most popular fl avors to choose from include Christmas jam, choke cherry jelly, apple butter, curry honey mustard, and salted caramel creamed honey, to name a few.
Another new feature in the store this season is the gift basket area where they will professionally arrange the gift treasures that customers fi nd in the shop. You may choose from their selection of baskets and containers for a very personalized gift presentation, then they will top off the creation with a beautiful handmade bow. Not sure what to get? The friendly staff can recommend proven gift favorites. They are also offering a delivery service in the Omaha Metro area for a fee.
It’s All About Bees! is located in Park Drive Plaza at South 84th and Park Drive (one traffi c light south of 84th and Q Streets), in the same shopping center as Spaghetti Works. The store is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call (402) 216-4545 or place your orders online at itsallaboutbees.com. From left: Allen Chaffee, Omaha Market President; Matt Biggs, VP/Relationship Manager; and Charlie Yin, owner of Local Beer Patio Kitchen and Catalyst Brewing Company. Suite Child Boutique of Elkhorn Celebrates One Year in Business Amid the crazy year that the pandemic has served up for small businesses in Omaha, Suite Child—a fabulous boutique selling everything you could possibly want for your little ones and the moms in your life—celebrated its one-year anniversary on November 19. They celebrated by providing a detailed online tour of their beautiful store on their Facebook page (@suitechild), so you can literally draw up your holiday shopping list from home by walking through the 25-minute video tour with them.
With everything from holiday pajamas for mom, babies, toddlers, and tweens to a tremendous selection of clothing for babies and children, plus toys and kids’ goods galore, the boutique is busting at the seams with holiday gifts. You’ll fi nd a bevy of clothing collections, including a Nebraska Husker line, Copper Pearl, Magnetic Me Holiday, KicKee Pants, and Posh Peanut. So, don’t miss the opportunity to pick up some sure winners to help them celebrate, buy locally, and ensure lots of smiles on Christmas morning.
Located at 725 N. 210 St., STE 140 in Elkhorn, the mission of Suite Child is to celebrate and simplify the journey of growing families. They have registries available, clothing, books, journals, soft books, sensory toys, dolls and dollhouses, games and puzzles, outdoor play, riding toys, home and nursery items, and more. For more information or to shop online, visit suitechild.com. They offer free shipping on orders of $50+, free curbside pick-up, and local delivery. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram (@suitechild), email hello@suitechild.com,
or call (308) 237-3044.
“My Cornhusker Bank team takes the time to understand me and my specific situation. They determine the best services and programs for the benefit of my business. Matt and his associates have been instrumental in assisting me with my personal and business needs and executing a financial road map to achieve my goals. Their approach, time and time again has always been customer-first and this is why we choose to do business with Cornhusker Bank. “ Charlie Yin, owner of Local Beer Patio Kitchen and Catalyst Brewing Company
11102 Blondo Street, Omaha, NE 402-671-0200 | CornhuskerBank.com Member FDIC
Presto-X on Deck with Expert Pest Control as Temperatures Drop, Rodent Issues Rise As the temperatures in Omaha continue to drop and rodent issues rise, Presto-X is on the ready to provide expert pestcontrol solutions. In fact, because of the many business shutdowns amid the COVID pandemic, they have seen an increase in rodent populations, so you should head off infestations by scheduling pest-control services as soon as possible. Otherwise, these uninvited guests can cause property damage, transmit diseases, and trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.
Presto-X warns of six primary signs of a rodent infestation: droppings, tracks, gnaw marks, strange noises, nests, and, of course, actual rodent sightings. Mice can drop up to 25,000 fecal pellets a year; rats leave dark grease or dirt marks from on walls and fl oorboards from their dirty oily fur; you may hear strange noises coming from the walls or attic; rodents prefer to nest in dark, secluded areas; and if you see one mouse, it’s most assuredly not alone because mice breed so rapidly.
Your local pest-control experts, Presto-X provides protection against pests 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. For their pest365 plan, highly trained and licensed technicians consider pest food sources, lifecycle, and breeding habits to develop a custom plan to protect your home or business from more than 35 pests. They are guided by the enduring principles of providing world-class service to customers. For more information, visit prestox.com/your-local-offi ce/Nebraska/Omaha, and make an appointment by calling (402) 551-0524. Presto-X is offering a new customer special, including $50 off of your fi rst service with pestfree365, by using code FRS. Fashion Institute Midwest Announces Rebrand and Launches New Website Fashion Institute Midwest (FIM), a provider of mentoring, training, resources, and industry network opportunities to regional fashion designers, announced in November the offi cial launch of a redesigned website and it’s new branding—Fashion Arts Collective (FAC). The new name emphasizes what embodies the group. "The new name truly describes exactly who we are in our DNA. Fashion— the industry that is our core; Arts—because fashion is a true artform; and Collective—as it takes each and every one of us to make this work to support designers and the fashion design community," said Mentoring & Opportunities Chair Sam Hohman. The new website (fashionartscollective.org) highlights FAC’s purpose and supportive entities: The Fashion Guild (formerly Fashion Institute Guild), The Workroom (physical workspace open to the public), and Marketplace (new entity to employ local designers for production). Starting out in 2012 to provide resources to designers, Fashion Institute Midwest opened its physical space, The Workroom, in 2016. The Workroom spans the entire second fl oor of the Midco Building located in Omaha's Makerhood District in North Downtown, fi lled with industrial grade sewing machines, large pattern-making tables, fabric for sourcing, dress forms, a computer lab and board room as well as a Salon for private client fi ttings. “FAC has been affected by COVID. Although Metro cancelled all inperson continuing education classes since March and our funding has been reduced, we’ve continued to keep The Workroom open and mentor fashion designers. Along with those cancellations the University of Nebraska at Lincoln is proposing to cut the entire Textiles Department, so we have launched our own class offerings in order for the education of our design community to keep growing and these designers have a place to learn and build their skills,” said The Workroom manager, Denise Ervin. The Fashion Arts Collective is a nonprofi t committed to nurturing aspiring designer talent and supporting the Midwest fashion ecosystem. To learn more, visit fashionartscollective.org or call (402) 342-4487.
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Locally owned independent insurance agency servicing all of your risk management needs.
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Universal has added services to help customers manage and grow their own businesses, among those a suite of benefi ts that include compliance tools—OSHA regulations, a Family and Medical Leave Act advisor; human-resources hotline and resources, including customized handbooks.
Employee Wellness plan delivered online!
Located on the corner of 140th & Center Universalinsgroup.com | 402-399-8721
Sylvan Learning of Omaha Launches Online and In-Home Tutoring In response to COVID, Sylvan Learning of Omaha launched online tutoring for all three of their centers (Omaha, Bellevue, Lincoln). They were able to pivot very quickly and got the online tutoring up and running in two weeks after everything started to shut down in March. So far, Sylvan has found that each student is different and, while some learn better in person, many students are thriving with online learning. They've also started offering in-home tutoring in the Lincoln market and have plans to institute it in Omaha and Bellevue in the near future. These options are great for families who aren't able to come into the center due to health concerns or because they do not live very close, so convenience has played a huge factor as well. "We started using Sylvan Learning in January 2019, and I have been so impressed every since," said Sarah L., mother of a Sylvan Learning student. "It is an incredible place and the staff is awesome. They not only care about the child but the whole family. The communication is outstanding! My son has not only improved his reading but his confi dence. Since COVID-19, they have kept up the incredible communication and created virtual solutions quickly. It was a great relief to be able to continue the sessions during my son's time away from school. We love the virtual sessions! I could go on and on about how much we love Sylvan and how impressed we are with them. We are so grateful!"
Choosing Sylvan is about getting results and setting your child up for long-term success. To learn more, visit www.sylvanlearning.com or call 888-383-2283.
DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 11
King Insurance Offers Coverages to Help Protect Businesses Against Cybercrime With a tremendous increase in cybercrime in 2020—much because of the growth in the number of employees working from home during the pandemic—King Insurance President Rick King recently issued an E Crime Alert to remind businesses to protect their information from criminals. The risk of cybercrime includes personally identifi able information about your employees, clients, and customers, including names, addresses, email addresses, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, dates of birth, telephone numbers, and more. If a breach on your system occurs and you have collected personally identifi able information, you can suddenly face the costs of notifi cation, monitoring, and possibly restitution—costs that could prove fatal for businesses of all sizes if they are not covered by a cyber insurance plan tailored to their specifi c needs. King Insurance offers a full suite of cyber coverages to protect your business against cybercrime and the associated costs. Those include fi rst-party coverage for cyber extortion; data-recovery costs, business interruption, e-crime coverage, notifi cation costs, forensic-investigation services, and many more. King Insurance can provide you with dependable cyber-protection products at affordable prices. For more than 40 years, King Insurance has worked with a group of fi nancially sound, reputable insurance companies to provide clients the best coverages at competitive prices. To discuss your cyber insurance needs or learn more about King Insurance, visit kingins.com or call (402) 597-5224, ext. 113. Berry Law Awarded Platinum Medallion in Recognition of Hiring Veterans at Firm On November 10, Berry Law was awarded the prestigious Platinum Medallion from the U.S. Department of Labor’s HIRE Vets Program, which recognizes companies that are committed to hiring, training, and developing Veterans. This is the second consecutive year that Berry Law has received the honor and is a testament to the fi rm’s dedication to serving Veterans, which also includes providing legal services to Veterans nationwide. The HIRE Vets Medallion Program is the only federal award recognizing businesses that excel at hiring and retaining Veterans on staff and the Platinum Medallion is the highest honor a company can receive. To be considered for this medallion, the nominated business must have Veteran-integrated assistance programs and 10% of their new hires must be Veterans. “Veterans are our country’s greatest natural resource,” said Berry Law CEO John Berry. “We reach out to hire Veterans not just to honor their service, but because they are generally great at providing an immediate positive impact to the team. The same skills and values that allowed them to succeed in the military can directly translate into civilian success.” Berry Law was founded in 1965 by legendary attorney Vietnam Veteran John Stevens Berry, Sr. With more than 250 years of combined legal experience, Berry Law is well equipped to handle the most serious legal needs. Reach the Veterans phone line at (888) 883-2483 or visit their Veterans website at ptsdlawyer.com. For other information, visit jsberrylaw.com or call (402) 446-8444.
Center Sphere: Whether Live or Virtual, Networking Still Must be in Your Plan Center Sphere members aren’t slowing down with their networking activities – quite the opposite actually. While the landscape might look different this year, the message is still the same: we need personal interaction, at least in some capacity. Sure, in-person meetings have been the essence of networking in the past, but if we’ve learned one thing amidst this pandemic, it’s thank goodness for technology! From Zoom to Google Meets to virtual events, Center Sphere members have thrived knowing they can connect and grow their businesses because they now have no geographical limits.
Center Sphere looks forward to meeting again face-to-face, but for the time being they will enjoy their morning meeting on the East Coast, local in-person lunch, and evening event with new friends on the West Coast. Consider joining them on their “virtual” cross country networking adventure!
Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. The Omaha Network is currently made up of nearly 50 chapters and has access to members nationwide. For more information about Center Sphere or to inquire about attending a complimentary meeting or event, visit www.CenterSphere.com or connect with Omaha Area Director Lona Anderson at LonaAnderson@ CenterSphere.com or (402) 650-5380.
BBB Offers Tips for Businesses to Prepare for Height of Holiday Shopping, 2020 Style Given the guarantee that the 2020 holiday season will be unlike any before, with holiday spending behavior a major unknown, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is offering tips to help businesses make adjustments to their holiday plans. Following are some crucial things for business owners to get in order in preparation for the unknown: • Create a plan of action early. The forecast for consumer behavior may not be crystal clear, but you can still make sure shelves are stocked and you are promoting products that fi t with shoppers’ current reality. Keep in mind your supply chain could be affected by the pandemic, and plan accordingly. • Hiring for the holidays? Stay fl exible. It’s predicted that shoppers are planning on being practical with their purchases and have transitioned to the order-online-with-curbside-pickup model, or are shopping online exclusively. Carefully consider your staffi ng levels and offer curbside pickup. • Improve your online presence. Because of increased online sales, make sure your website is up-to-date and running smoothly. Consider investing in social-media marketing. • Consider fl exible payment options. Embrace digital payments, fl exible payment options, and contactless payments like Apple Pay,
Samsung Pay, Google Pay, and QR codes. • Keep customers and employees safe. Set up hand-sanitizer stations and clear signage to direct your customers quickly to what they are looking for. Bring seasonal employees up to speed and trained on social-distancing requirements. The Better Business Bureau has been serving local communities since 1936. The overall mission of the organization is to be a leader in advancing marketplace trust. Learn more at bbb.org/Nebraska or by calling (800) 649-6814.
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Fashion, Health, and Wellness Shop You’ll feel good and look right! 402-686-3559 10154 Maple St. | Omaha, NE
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BEFORE LIFETIME stone restoration AFTER AFTER AFTER Marble and other stone refinishing • Grout cleaning and sealing • Tiled shower cleaning and caulking • Granite sealing and repair 402.916.1700 • LifetimeStone.com
NAWIC Offers 12 Opportunities for Women in Construction to Participate in 2021 Events The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Greater Omaha Chapter 116 has unveiled their 2021 calendar of opportunities for women in construction to attend to learn more about the compelling organization. Their monthly meetings and events showcase a vast array of topics and sectors of the construction world. New participants are invited to attend one or many of their FREE events with core purpose of strengthening and amplify the success of women in the construction industry. In 2021, NAWIC events will tentatively focus on the following, by month: January – NAWIC 101; February: Leadership workshop; March 1-7: Women in Construction Week; April: Jobsite tour with panel discussion; May: College campus event; June: Union Hall tour; July: Jobsite tour; August: Mentorship program; September: Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity; October: Pumpkin, power tools, and safety; November: Book club; December: Donation wrap for charity. NAWIC follows all CDC regulations and regional mandates to ensure that people in our community stay SAFE. To keep up with details about events, follow NAWIC on Facebook (@nawicomaha). NAWIC is committed to championing women to impact the direction of the construction industry. They provide women with education, support, and networking to help advance their careers in construction, build their technical skills, and help them becomes leaders. All women working in construction are eligible for membership, including those working in the trades, project management, marketing, administration, and executive leadership. Meetings for the Greater Omaha chapter are on the second Thursday of each month in varied locations, and are open to the public. For more information or to see membership options or careers, visit nawicomaha.com or email nawicomaha@gmail.com.
DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 13
BNI to Host Virtual Member Success Program Training on December 16
BNI® Heartland will host its monthly Member Success Program (MSP) training virtually on December 16. The monthly MSP Training is offered each month so that new members can get a jump-start in their BNI chapters and veteran members can refresh their skills. A reservation is required and is free for BNI members. All new members must attend MSP training in their region within the fi rst 60 days of their participation. Only after attending the MSP training may the new member be added to the speaker rotation for their chapter. Any new members not attending the MSP training within their fi rst 60 days will be subject to having their classifi cation opened by the Membership Committee. Although veteran members are not required to attend, they are more than welcome to come at any time to refresh their skills.
BNI is the world’s leading referral organization, with over 270,000 members in 70+ countries. Their members generate word-of-mouth business for each other through structured, results-driven groups around the world. In 2019 alone, their members generated over $16 billion (USD) in revenue for member-businesses. To learn more or to register for MSP training, visit bniheartland.com or contact their regional offi ce at (402) 880-6311 / info@bniheartland.com. Creative Hair Design Announces 20%-Off Specials, Sale on Holiday Cranberry Peel Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa recently announced a special on their holiday favorite Cranberry Peel, at $118 through the end of January. What’s more, they scheduled a 20%-off holiday retail shopping event December 10-12, and will host special weekly feature-product sales. Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa also has gift certifi cates available for any specifi c dollar amount or for certain services and is offering holiday gift sets of their product lines, including shampoos, texture sprays, leave-in conditioners, and more.
The Cranberry Peel is touted as the best performing treatment against micro-organisms, as cranberries are a rich source of fl avonoids, or antioxidants, that protect skin against the damaging effects of the environment. The peel treatment wards off harmful bacteria and soothes infl ammation. The salicylic acid in the peel is BHA, lipid (oil) soluble. It’s excellent for oily skin with comedogenic problems like blackheads and whiteheads. The Cranberry Peel contains a compound known as Vaccinium, which is a natural form of Benzoyl Peroxide that is important for oily and acne-prone skin. It has been shown to perform a “wakeup call” on the micro-organisms that have become accustomed to the predictable environment of an underachieving immune system.
Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa has been in business since 1982 and has grown into a 15,000-square-foot luxurious salon in Omaha. Their technicians are continuously updating their artistic and technical skills with the latest knowledge in their individual fi elds of expertise. Creative Hair Design is located at 12025 Pacifi c St. To book an appointment online, visit creativehairdesign.com. For more information, call (402) 330-5660 or email info@creativehairdesign.com.
Zoup! Eatery Opens in Aksarben Village With a slight delay because of the pandemic, Zoup! Eatery opened for business in Omaha’s Aksarben Village on July 20. As the weather cools, the fastcasual restaurant known for its wide variety of soups and broths is prepared to be the “go-to” place for Omahans. Omaha native Jeff Hansen is the franchise owner and operator. As a means of giving back, Zoup! donated proceeds from the fi rst two days of soft opening events to United Way of the Midlands. The Aksarben Village Zoup! location is among the fi rst to showcase the brand’s refresh including a redesigned modern interior and new menu innovation. The menu includes 12 daily soups like fan-favorites Chicken Potpie and Lobster Bisque. Varieties include dairy-free, vegetarian, and made with gluten-free ingredients. Guest can also enjoy fresh, made-to-order salads, sandwiches, signature mac ‘n cheese, broth bowls, grain bowls, and organic craft beverages. To ensure a safe dining experience for guests and staff, Zoup! has implemented several facility enhancements and safety protocols in response to COVID-19. Guests can enjoy contactless online ordering, curbside pick-up, express in-store pick-up, and delivery through zoup. com. The team adheres to a COVID-19 prevention plan that involves rigorous cleaning protocol with a focus on high traffi c areas, increased physical spacing between guests within the restaurant and wearing of facemasks and gloves. If you need to feed a group, Zoup! caters tureens of soup, sandwich trays, group salads, “build your own” mac ‘n cheese or chili bar and individually packaged boxed lunches. Learn more or place an order at zoup.com/catering. Zoup! Eatery Omaha is located at 1917 S 67th St. For more information, please visit zoup.com and learn more about the Aksarben Village location on Facebook (@ZoupOmahaAksarben).
Nebraska Safety Council’s Worker 360° Workshop to Help Leaders Optimize Workforce
The Nebraska Safety Council is offering a virtual Worker 360° Workshop on December 3 to help business leaders become more competitive in their industries and improve their bottom lines by optimizing their workforces. The workshop is ideal for humanresource professionals, wellness and safety coordinators or directors, leadership charged with safety and wellness, and safety and wellness team members. The six-hour workshop, which includes a one-hour lunch break on your own, costs $113 for members and $184 for non-members, and participants will be eligible for $1,350 in scholarships to use toward safety-training classes of their choice. This workshop will cover the core elements of a comprehensive program, including leadership and culture, worksite analysis, risk-management planning and control, and evaluation and continuous improvement. By taking this integrated risk-management approach, participants learn how to develop and implement their own organizational policies, programs, and practices that promote overall worker safety and wellness. When your people are at their best, they become more engaged, are healthier, and have a better overall quality of life, and employers benefi t from reduced illness and injury-related costs, higher productivity, and lower absenteeism rates. This comprehensive approach is rooted in NIOSH’s Total Worker Health® concept and is far more than simply ensuring you have both safety and wellness programs. The mission of the Nebraska Safety Council is to provide education and leadership to empower Nebraskans to live safe and healthy. To learn more or sign up for the Worker 360° Workshop, visit nesafetycouncil. org, call (402) 483-2511, or email nesc@nesafetycouncil.org.
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Premier Event Venue, House of R Hits OneYear Mark in 2020 House of R, founded by Vic Richards, is proud to have hit their one-year mark in August of this year. Housed in a chic industrial space within Omaha’s original small town—Countryside Village, the premier event venue looks forward to many more years of providing the best wedding showers, rehearsal dinners, baby showers, anniversaries, graduation ceremonies, birthday parties, and more to the community. House of R can accommodate up to 60 guests and is fully equipped with a catering kitchen, audio visual equipment, and a full array of furniture, décor, and props. Combining passion for creating immersive experiences with expertise in storytelling, their event packages are carefully crafted to ensure celebrations are unforgettable. From enchanting dinner parties to kids dance parties, House of R’s design team remains on the cutting-edge in decoration, catering, and entertainment trends. House of R manages all aspects of your event thereby saving you time, energy, and money. Steering away from the traditional ballroom venue, House of R offers a pristine, blank canvas with no predetermined embellishments, colors, or décor—allowing you complete design fl exibility. House of R’s talented designers are happy work with you to execute your vision, leaving you with only the guest list to take care of! Let House of R help you turn your next party into a unique and hasslefree experience you’ll cherish forever. For more information about House of R or to book an event, call (402) 810-4240 or visit thehouseofr.com.
Business Ethics Alliance Highlights Messages from EthicSpace Moral Courage Training In a year of adversity, the Business Ethics Alliance recently shared the messages from its successful October 13 Ethics Under Pressure – Moral Courage in the Face of Ethical Adversity educational conference. The second annual event featured two keynote speakers, plus the Second City Work famed comedy troop, which provided fun ethics education for participants practice useful skills such as “Yes…but,” “Yes…and,” “thank you…and,” and more, all toward helping individuals stand up for their values with moral courage in the workplace. The training also included three breakout sessions: Compliance Doesn’t Quite Cover It…You Need Ethics; You’ve Seen Something Unethical… Now What?; and Bonus: Grow the Pie with Alex Edmans. Dr. Jill Brown of Bentley University led an educational presentation about moral courage in leadership, asserting that moral courage is not innate but is a skill that can be developed and nurtured. One aspect of the skill included emotional intelligence—being aware of our emotions and intentional about how we respond to them given that anxiety, discomfort, and fear are all barriers to exercising moral courage. Business Ethics Alliance founder, former CEO, and current Senior Ethicist Dr. Beverly Kracher sat down with Scooter’s Coffee Co-founder Don Eckles to discuss the role that moral courage has in building a business. He shared how to cultivate a culture around core values with stories and examples from his time and team at Scooter’s and offered practical advice about how to hire and fi re to fi nd those who fi t with a company’s values. The Business Ethics Alliance—the Greater Omaha Alliance for Business Ethics at Creighton University—is the nation’s leading nonprofi t dedicated to city-level business-ethics education. To get access to the featured speakers, breakouts, and more for just $40, visit ethicspace.org. For other information, go to businessethicsalliance.org and connect on Facebook (@ BusinessEthicsAlliance) and LinkedIn (@business-ethics-alliance-omaha).
DECEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 15
Strictly Business Encourages Locals to Participate in #StrictlyStaycation Contest Strictly Business is encouraging locals to participate in their newly launched #StrictlyStaycation contest. The goal of the contest is to support the hospitality, dining, and retail industries in Omaha and Lincoln. With already a handful of hotels donating free overnight stays for the weekly drawings, this is a great opportunity to have some fun with family and friends while strengthening the community back up after taking a major hit from COVID.
To enter, you must book a room at a hotel in Omaha or Lincoln and make a purchase at one nearby restaurant or shop. Take photos from your experience and post them on any social media platform with the hashtag #StrictlyStaycation. Everyone who participates will be entered into the drawings. In addition, there will be four main categories: Girls’ Night Out, Guys’ Getaway, Family Outing, and Couples’ Retreat (must book at least 3 rooms). The winning group of each category will get included in a fun special full-page feature in Strictly Business with a photo and write-up! For those who are not on social media, feel free to call (402) 466-3330 or email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com with your entry. More information can be found online at strictlybusinessomaha.com/ features/strictlystaycation-contest. Valeriya Life to Host Christmas Open House December 3 Valeriya Life is excited to host a Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be Christmas music, wine and refreshments, drawings, and specials. The event is meant to celebrate the season and thank clients for choosing Valeriya Life for their beauty and wellness needs. It’s also an amazing opportunity for new guests to learn more about the skin and body care, nutritional support, and products offered. If you haven’t done your holiday shopping yet, this is also a great chance to get gift cards for your loved ones or something for yourself too!
Valeriya Life, located at 1515 S 204th St., STE 105, conducts research on world top technologies for skin health and body transformation. Their selected aesthetic medical technologies provide highly effective, non-surgical, safe, and low downtime treatments. They are the only center in Omaha that is certifi ed in four different Venus Concept technologies and LPG Endermologie® . The team at Valeriya practices strong ethics placing customers’ satisfaction as a top priority. They create individualized continuity treatment plans making Valeriya Life the future of total mind and body wellness. To learn more, visit www.valeriya.life.
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Omaha 402.558.7989 | mcgillrestoration.com | Lincoln 402.438.4110 16 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020 #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Frontier Bank Moves Headquarters to New California Pointe Building in Omaha Frontier Bank has moved into its new headquarters at 13333 California St. The bank is one of only two anchor tenants in Omaha’s premier business park. The new location, highly visible along the West Dodge Expressway, will allow the bank to consolidate its talent and expand its services. “Our headquarters is a physical culmination of the dedication, hard work, and commitment of every single person on our team—as well as the trust of the customers and communities we serve,” said David Rogers, CEO and founder of Frontier Bank. “We have grown because we are as invested in our local neighborhoods as they are in us, and this new building will allow us to tend and grow our Omaha community with greater convenience and accessibility.” Since its founding in 2004, Frontier Bank has increased its total assets by over 25% a year for 15 years, earning a coveted position as one of the top 10 largest banks in the state. With assets of almost $1 billion, the Omaha operation now offers a full suite of banking services, including private banking, commercial real estate, and commercial banking. The new location will serve as the home for the entire Omaha banking team, corporate staff, and Holding company offi ces and offers space for future expansion. “Our customers benefi t from our rare combination of size, skillful bankers, and local decision-making,” adds Kevin Munro, Omaha market president. “What started as a group of dedicated community partners and friends purchasing interest in a small, local bank has become a state-wide institution all its own—one that stands for community involvement, local service, and personal attention.” To learn more about Frontier Bank and start accomplishing your fi nancial goals, visit www.frontbank.com.
Women, People of Color Graduate from Real Estate Developer Academy A more diverse talent pipeline of real estate professionals in the metro is on its way, thanks to 16 women and/or people of color completing the fi rst ever Developer Academy, a team effort from Omaha-based Spark and the National Development Council. The Academy taught participants a variety of real estate and fi nance basics and is grounded in Spark’s commitment to holistic community development led by those who live, work, and believe in their neighborhoods. The participants completed two weeks of intensive training and networking workshops at the end of October and are now taking steps to bring their real estate development ideas to life. The graduates of the inaugural Spark Developer Academy are Angel Starks, Brandi Liberty, Donnell Brown, Dr. Ralph Lassiter, Franchell Abdalla, Jewel Rodgers, Juan Daniel Sanchez, Justine Knapp, Kassie Inness, Katrina Adams, Kyle Keith, Lynn Dittmer, Nancy Williams, Ruben Gomez, Shaun Ilahi, and Tiba Brown. Each participant earned their place in the group through a competitive application process and is relatively new to real estate development. The National Development Council provided the rigorous coursework. More than 30 local real estate experts assisted in the workshops as panelists and presenters, offering local connections and advice specifi c to the Omaha metro area. The culmination of the Academy allowed each graduate to pitch their project idea to local real estate development and fi nance experts. A second cohort of developers will be selected for the Spring 2021 Developer Academy in March. More information on the Academy and continuing education opportunities open to the public can be found on www.sparkcdi.org. To set up interviews with the Spark staff or Developer Academy participants, contact Angela Smith at (402) 708-0050 / angela@sparkcdi.org.
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Amazon Breaks Ground on Robotic Fulfi llment Facility in Papillion Amazon announced its newest robotic fulfillment center via virtual press conference on October 27, saying they expect the facility to create more than 1,000 full-time jobs. “We are thrilled to be opening our fi rst fulfi llment center in the great state of Nebraska and bringing 1,000 full-time jobs with industry-leading pay and benefi ts to Omaha,” said Alicia Boler Davis, vice president of Global Customer Fulfi llment at Amazon. “Amazon leverages its scale for good and makes investments to support communities. We appreciate the strong support from local and state leaders throughout the process, and we look forward to supporting the Nebraska community with great delivery options.” Andrew Rainbolt, executive director, Sarpy County Economic Development Corporation, who opened the online event, added, “Amazon has invested more than $96 million into Nebraska since 2010. The groundbreaking shows a continued commitment to collaboration between Amazon, the State of Nebraska, Sarpy County and the City of Papillion. Exciting things are defi nitely ahead, and we are grateful to the many, many individuals who worked together to make it happen. We are beyond enthusiastic about the many great opportunities Amazon’s growing presence in Sarpy County offers.” Economists at the Greater Omaha Chamber evaluated the economic impact of the proposed site, noting the 1,000 jobs catalyzed by the project would help support an additional 603 workers in the community, according to an IMPLAN Trade/Flow analysis of the seven Eastern Nebraska counties served by the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership. Additional analysis of the project suggested the facility, when fully operational, will add $203.9 million to the local economy each year, the Chamber said. “It’s no coincidence why Amazon chose Greater Omaha, and Sarpy County specifi cally. This is a region that works together and aspires to more,” said David G. Brown, president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber. “When fully operational, this facility will add nearly $204 million to the local economy each year. That’s signifi cant, and we’re excited and grateful for what’s ahead. Congratulations to everyone involved. We are proud to partner with you.” Papillion Mayor David Black said many hands made Amazon’s decision to build their newest robotic-fulfi llment center in Papillion possible, not the least of which was the city and surrounding area’s ability to meet both the rigorous demands of the facility’s build-out, as well as satisfy Amazon’s need for highly skilled workers. “We are proud of the spirit of collaboration that brings new business to our community; and, we are equally proud of the talented workforce we have at our disposal to fi ll the technical positions Amazon provides,” Black said. “Sarpy County is the fastest growing county in the state, and that doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a team effort that requires commitment from the state, the county and the economic development community. We’re proud to partner with Amazon and so many great organizations to bring Amazon’s newest robotic fulfi llment center to Sarpy County,” said Sarpy County Commissioner Don Kelly. The Greater Omaha Chamber Economic Development Partnership represents a seven-county area from two states (Nebraska and Iowa) that includes Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Otoe, Pottawattamie, Sarpy, and Washington Counties. The regionalized partnership operates as a comprehensive resource, driving growth and championing collaboration. Learn more online at www.omahachamber.org/economic-development.
