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Omaha • July 2022 TM

Now Open

• Men’s Health • Residential Remodeling • Supporting Nonprofits

Client Spotlights

• Scantron Technology Solutions • Unison • North Risk Partners

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In This Issue

and Welcoming Residents

Jodie Haferbier Mcgill Randy Baylor McGill Law Stretch Zone Legacy

Melanie Lotspeich Cox Business

Veta Jeffery Greater Omaha Chamber

Trisha Sullivan Midtown Medical Group

Mitch Miller FotoFunSpot

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Call (402) 934-3891 or visit coxbusiness.com to switch today *Offer ends 9/30/22. Available to new commercial data and voice subscribers (excluding gov’t agencies and schools) in Cox service areas. $74/mo includes Cox Business Internet SM 50 and IPC Select. Price based on 1 yr. term agreement. Early term. fees may apply. Standard rates apply thereafter. Price excludes equipment, professional installation, construction, inside wiring, taxes, surcharges and other fees, unless indicated. Offer is nontransferable to a new service address. All Cox services are provided subject to Cox Business General Terms (including mandatory arbitration provisions), Acceptable Use Policy (including Cox’s right to terminate service for abuse of network), and other policies, which may be found at www.cox. com/aboutus/policies/business-general-terms.html. CB Internet: Uninterrupted or error-free Internet service, or the speed of your service, is not guaranteed. Actual speeds vary. Rates and bandwidth options vary and are subject to change. DOCSIS 3.0 or higher modem may be required, unless indicated. See www.cox.com/internetdisclosures for complete Cox Internet Disclosures. IPC Select: 15-seat maximum. IPC Select is limited to direct-dialed domestic calls and is not available for use with non-switched-circuit calling. Desktop app included; physical handsets may be purchased separately from Cox. Access to E911 may not be available during equipment or extended power outage. Telephone services are provided by an affiliated Cox entity. Services are not available in all areas. Discounts can’t be combined or added with other promotions nor applied to any other Cox account. †Visa prepaid card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 4/1/22 and 9/30/22 with min 1 yr. term agreement for Cox Business Internet SM and IPC Select. Must mention “reward promo" when placing order. Account must remain active, be in good standing, and retain all services for a min of 30 days after install. Online redemption req’d by 10/31/22 and must follow instructions rec’d after service activation. Limit one card per customer, total not to exceed $300. Allow 15 days after redemption for delivery. Card is issued by MetaBank®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply. Other restrictions apply. © 2022 Cox Communications Inc. All rights reserved. PAD108431-0003

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JuLY 2022 Strictly Business

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

Another Year Full of Growth and Commitment to Community July is the anniversary month of Strictly be too caught up in our private pursuits that the workings of our Business in Lincoln. We are celebrating economy and government will go over our heads. I encourage you to 29 amazing years of partnering with and stay in tune with what is happening in your community and do your promoting local businesses and organizations, part to make it a better place for everyone. This may require the and over 15 of those years have been spent sacrifice of your time and personal agenda, and it takes bravery serving the Omaha market as well. This last to stand up for what is right, but it’s our duty as Americans to do year has been full of change and growth for so. A quote by President Ronald Regan comes to mind: the magazine—from new faces on our team “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. to implementing new strategies that benefit We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be our awesome clients and readers. Looking fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or back to when my husband Shayne and I founded Strictly Business, one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and we had no idea what the future would hold, but our children’s children what it was once like in the one thing that has never been altered is our United States where men were free.” It’s one of my greatest commitment to the local business community and its people. I can’t thank our advertisers enough hopes that “We the People” Another value of being an American is hard work. A wave of laziness is crashing on our shores as for putting their trust in our magazine, especially don’t lose sight of the everything seems to be accessible by the touch clients who have been with us for many, many years. I’m also grateful for all of the awesome American ideals that built of a button. Parents and community leaders have great responsibility of instilling in our children employees I’ve had and the unwavering support and shaped this country. the the importance of working hard. Entitlement is a from my family and friends. poison. The danger we face is that hard work It’s fitting that this month is also when we has been so critical to the success of all of the commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence other values that make America so great. If we lose the willingness as Shayne and I are proud Americans and we’re committed to to do the hard work, then all of the other values that are part of upholding what it means to be an American. It’s one of my greatest America’s foundation may be lost as well. hopes that “We the People” don’t lose sight of the American ideals So, as you’re having fun celebrating the 4th of July this year, take that built and shaped this country. a moment to reﬂect on what it means to be an American. Enjoy the Being American means being free and having equal opportunity. liberties you’ve been given, but never take them for granted. This freedom is so precious, and it has been fought hard for Thank you again to our amazing clients, readers, and friends of the throughout our nation’s history. However, securing freedom is only magazine who have made these past 29 years possible! half the battle. The other half is defending it and deciding what to do with it. The freedom we have to pursue our own ends—to say what we want and do what we want—is only justified if we have Let Strictly Business help you lock in your status as a “public spirit” and concern for the common good. Otherwise, we THE EXPERT in your industry, utilizing print, the internet, and social end up with a toxic amount of individualism. In other words, we’ll media. Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330.

CONTENTS NEWS

4 Business 20 Personnel

24 Nonprofit 32 Health

SPOTLIGHTS

13 Scantron Technology Solutions 33 Unison 34 North Risk Partners

FEATURE STORIES 35 Men’s Health 37 Residential Remodeling 40 Supporting Nonprofits

Hannah

Derek

Devyn

PRODuCTION TEAM: Editor/Operations Hannah Hundley - Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Derek Nosbisch - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Writer Devyn Sanderson - Ofﬁce@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@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 ©2022 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505

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ABOuT THE COVER

NOW OPEN and Welcoming Residents! Ovation Heartwood Preserve officially opened their doors on June 7 welcoming their first residents. A week later, the new luxury senior living community welcomed Wyatt, the first four-legged resident! His wagging tail said it all – Ovation Heartwood Preserve is the perfect home. “We are so excited to finally be open and start really sharing our hospitality that we have planned on and promised throughout all of the lovely months leading up to now, so please come and see us.” – Stephanie Grade, General Manager of Ovation Located in the new gateway to West Omaha, Heartwood Preserve, Ovation offers an extraordinary quality of life for all residents. What distinguishes Ovation Heartwood Preserve from other retirement communities is the marriage of upscale amenities and a multitude of options for active lifestyle. Ovation brings residents a continuum of care, so no matter what level of assistance you need, it is here for you. Their full-time nurses are ready and available around-the-clock. Ovation Connections Memory Care offers an exceptional program that provides engaging and compassionate support from a team that’s extensively trained in best practices. Visit strictlybusinessomaha.com to view the full gallery from our cover shoot at Ovation Heartwood Preserve.

Ovation's resort-style campus features:

• Restaurant choices for your dining pleasure • Concierge and valet services • Immersive and soothing indoor pool • Customized fitness classes • State-of-the-art wellness center

The progressive living concept emphasizes individualized choices with opportunities to take classes, garden, and participate in cooking workshops with area chefs, among many other offerings. Each of the three senior living choices caters to its residents with customized programs designed to reﬂect the needs and interests of each specific resident. Ovation is surrounded by large urban neighborhoods of family homes, shopping, and opportunities to engage in the history and culture of Omaha. The community really encompasses the idea of making all aspects of life vibrant, upscale, and active. Take a Virtual or In-Person Tour!

You can take a virtual tour of Ovation, which will show you breathtaking aerial views of the premises and all the amenities inside without having to leave your home! If you choose to take a tour in person, you can indulge in some of Chef Jeremiah’s signature carrot cake from Lorraine’s restaurant after a friendly staff member takes you through the community and answers any questions you have.

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BUSINESS NEWS Getz Fire Equipment of Illinois Acquires FireGuard, Inc. Getz Fire Equipment of Peoria, IL is pleased to announce their acquisition of FireGuard, Inc. FireGuard as a company will remain intact, and customers will continue to be serviced by the same employees with even more support. The change in ownership was officially announced in May. Getz Fire Equipment has been in business since 1957 and has developed a quality reputation. They are a family business into their third generation with over 140 employees and 1,416 years of combined fire protection experience. They offer highly effective fire safety solutions to industrial and commercial property owners from a variety of industries. Learn more about Getz Fire Equipment at getzfire.com. FireGuard, Inc. eliminates the need to contact multiple companies by offering complete life safety solutions. They design, sell, install, inspect, and service all types of fire protection and life safety equipment. Services range from fire extinguishers and fire alarms to fire sprinklers, special hazards, restaurant suppression, exit/emergency lighting systems, and more. Learn more at fireguardusa.com.

R&R Realty Group Welcomes Fusion Medical stafﬁng to new omaha home R&R Realty Group (R&R) is proud to announce that Fusion Medical Staffi ng has signed a long-term lease for 115,545 square feet at The Waterford Building at West Dodge and 192nd Street in Omaha. The Omahabased medical staffing company was eager to invest in high-quality workspace as a way to continue its robust growth. C o m p a ny l e a d e r s h i p stated that the various amenities found at The Wa t e r f o r d B u i l d i n g contributed to its decision to locate there. “Fusion has always believed in having a work environment that gives our employees the ability to be collaborative and creative while also having amenities to blow off steam when they need to. We envisioned exactly that when we saw the space at The Waterford Building,” said Fusion CEO and President Steve Koesters. “With R&R Realty’s help, we’ll be able to make our team members feel at home while also opening up opportunities for future employees in the Omaha community.” This lease represents one of the largest deals completed in the Omaha metro’s Class-A office market over the past several years. Company leaders for the West Des Moines-based R&R state that a variety of factors including amenities and location have contributed to the success of The Waterford Building. Fusion joins several other companies at The Waterford Building, including TEKsystems, C.H. Robinson, Elk River Wealth Management, R&R and several others.

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“We want to thank Fusion for their business and their continued commitment to the growth of the Omaha Metro,” stated Mike Homa, president of R&R’s Nebraska division. “When we began this journey with Fusion, we knew The Waterford Building would be perfect for them. The major factors leading to this building’s success have been the package of luxury amenities, along with the opportunities to expand within the larger Fountain Ridge Office Park and the extraordinary signage opportunities along the West Dodge corridor. Of course, companies are also attracted to this location because R&R is a long-term, single owner of the office park. We do things a bit differently and invest in our properties for the long-haul.” Other current developments at Fountain Ridge Office Park include the construction of MD West ONE’s new medical office building on the west side of 192nd Street. The Omaha-based physicians group broke ground on both a partnership with R&R and a 38,000-square-foot build-to-suit late last year. The building is expected to be completed in early 2023. R&R Realty Group is Nebraska and Iowa’s premier full-service real estate company with development, brokerage, construction, property management, technology services, capital management ,and acquisitions. Founded in 1985, R&R is one of the largest commercial real estate companies in the Midwest, owning and managing more than nine million square feet. The company remains family owned. Learn more at www.rrrealty.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS out of the Box opens new store in Ralston After nearly two years of preparation, Out of the Box has opened the doors of their big and beautiful new store in Ralston. The showroom is located in the historic Granary complex, same as the ever-popular Bushwacker’s Dance Hall & Bar. Out of the Box is situated in the rear on the east side with the bright yellow doors. They have 20,000+ square feet and two ﬂoors of designer brand furniture and lighting, in addition to unique bathroom, kitchen, decor, doors, tile, and architectural details. The store also features an art gallery featuring internationally acclaimed Nebraska artists. There is plenty of parking and wheel chair access to the main ﬂoor. Jody Strauch-Lundberg and Steen Lundberg founded Out of the Box in 2011 to offer the finest designer names in gently used recycled and reclaimed home improvement products at affordable prices. Previously based in Lincoln, Out of the Box invites friends from both Lincoln and Omaha to take a short trip to check out all of their quality reclaimed items. Whether your taste is contemporary, traditional, primitive, or eclectic, you’ll find something you love. Feel free to visit the newly revised online store at outoftheboxstore.net to preview just some of what’s in the physical store. Out of the Box is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call (303) 669-9808 to speak with someone at the store.

Unico group named one of lincoln’s Best Places to Work 2022 UNICO Group has been named one of Lincoln’s Best Places to Work in three of the last four years: 2019, 2021, and 2022. This award recognizes the efforts of creating an enjoyable company culture and work environment that fosters personal and professional growth for its employees. UNICO was named among the large category (50-149 employees). “Being named one of Lincoln’s Best Places to Work is an achievement within itself but considering we’ve received this award during the pandemic, this recognition is particularly humbling. Where many organizations saw team members disengage from their workplaces during the pandemic, UNICO team members really came together,” said Lori Gerdts, director of HR. UNICO takes pride in the vibrant culture their team members cultivate which contributes to their family-like environment. From professionalism, trust, teamwork, and positivity, the team lives out these values to create their award winning culture. Lincoln’s Best Places to Work program, which was started in 2013, recognizes local companies through a third party administered employee survey. The employees rank their respective companies as being the best places to work. The areas surveyed are varied parts of employee life, including workplace environment, leadership direction, culture, and management practices. UNICO Group is a client-focused insurance broker headquartered in Lincoln with an office located in Omaha. Their consultative and relational approach develops customized solutions for clients all around the nation. For more information, call (402) 434-7200 or visit unicogroup.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Dean snyder construction Marks ofﬁcial grand opening in omaha with Ribbon cutting Dean Snyder Construction (DSC), a full-service industrial and commercial general contractor, recently commemorated the official opening of their Omaha office with a ribbon cutting ceremony held in conjunction with the Greater Omaha Chamber in May. The Omaha office is the third location for the Iowa-based DSC, with offices already established in Clear Lake and Ankeny, IA. The new location can be found at 8720 S 114th St. in La Vista. The company has been established for more than 60 years. Today, DSC has grown to include ATURA architecture, providing design and architectural services to the public and private sectors in Iowa. Between their three locations, DSC has approximately 230 employees and projects throughout the Midwest. DSC recently started an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), which has been a great vehicle to reward their employees for their hard work and in recruiting talent for future growth. Dean Snyder Construction is a family-and-employee-owned firm that specializes in design-build, construction management, and general construction services for projects of all sizes in the food and beverage, industrial, pharmaceutical, commercial, education, and healthcare markets. For more information, contact Scott Dwyer at (402) 5094810 / sdwyer@deansnyder.com or visit www.deansnyder.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS harmony Med spa celebrates grand opening with Ribbon cutting ceremony

Bravium hD Announces Workshop opportunities for leaders and teams

Harmony Med Spa Owners Heidi O’Connell and Tamara Doehner celebrated the official opening of their business in June with a ribbon cutting ceremony held in conjunction with the Greater Omaha Chamber. Numerous guests were in attendance, where they learned about the many services Harmony Med Spa has to offer that are grounded in medical research. Heidi and Tamara had worked together for years in the hospital before creating Harmony Med Spa as a place for people to focus on their own health and wellness. “We wanted Harmony to provide a wide variety of services to support a wide array of needs,” Heidi and Tamara shared. “Our goal is to support everyone on their journey to their best self. We are an inclusive med spa that is comfortable for people new to med spas, as well as people who have been going to med spas for years.” Harmony Med Spa is proud to have the first Neo EmSculpt machine in town, an FDA-approved HIFEM body-sculpting machine, as well as midtown’s only Spectrum laser for hair removal, tattoo removal, sunspot and skin discoloration treatment, and spider vein treatment. Harmony Med Spa is located at 6750 Mercy Rd. STE 4. To learn more, visit harmonymedspa.net.

B r a v i u m H D, a b o u t i q u e leadership development and executive coaching firm founded by international keynote speaker, author, and award-winning entrepreneur Nicole Bianchi, has multiple workshop opportunities available for business leaders and their teams. These workshops include Team Alignment, Strategic Planning, and Leadership Development. While the duration varies depending on the workshop, they each have clear objectives and a set agenda to follow for optimal results. These workshops will establish a creative atmosphere and incorporate structured dialog, thought-provoking questions, and complete documentation for long-term reference. The Team Alignment workshop is especially popular as employee retention continues to be imperative. The workshop is high-energy, fast-paced, and loaded with engaging activities designed to clarify, create, and connect. Teams are able to walk away feeling more in sync than ever before. In addition, the Leadership Development workshop is great for both new managers and experienced managers who want to become better at leading their teams. Bravium HD custom designs this program based on each leader and their unique situation by identifying challenges and opportunities within their organization. Bravium HD also specializes in executive, one-on-one coaching. They will act as a thought partner who can help navigate issues, uncover blind spots, and identify opportunities for development. To learn more about coaching opportunities or setting up a workshop with Bravium HD, schedule a call online at www.braviumhd.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

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Do Space Announces Summer Passport program, Running through July 29 JUNE 4TH-JULY 29TH, 2022

SUMMER PASSPORT

Do Space is making it easier and more fun for kids to code, make, learn, and explore this summer WIN PRIZES! with their Summer Passport Program! The program, which FREE REGISTRATION kicked off on June 4 and runs through July 29, provides a free resource that engages Omaha youth ages 6-12 in tech-related educational activities. Kids can participate by attending Do Space’s drop-in classes at 7205 Dodge St. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, completing their own takeand-make kits, and more! Do Space is a technology library providing free access to the latest software, devices, and ultra-fast internet to the Omaha community. The one-of-a-kind concept creates a digital workshop and an innovation playground filled with new opportunities to learn, grow, explore, and create through programs and events. To learn more about Do Space and the Summer Passport Program, visit dospace. org/programs/summer2022. Questions can be directed to (402) 819-4022 or hello@dospace.org.

navsav insurance continues to expand in the U.S., Including Acquisition of Universal Group NavSav Insurance is announcing its newest acquisition of $24 million, which includes eight agencies: Billups Insurance Agency in Texas, Walden Insurance Network in Florida, Titolo Insurance Agency in North Carolina, Bobby Brown Insurance Services in Georgia, Floyd C. Petitt Insurance in Texas, Lozes Insurance Agency of Louisiana, Charpentier Insurance Services in California, and the acquisition of the Universal Group with locations in Nebraska, Arizona, Wyoming, Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This expansive growth comes just months after NavSav’s recent announcement in January, when 10 new agencies were acquired. “We are thrilled to continue growing and adding such amazing new groups to the NavSav Family,” said CEO Candice Walters of the exciting growth of her company. “Our plans have always been to be a leading independent insurance agency. We are humbled to be one of the largest growing agencies in the U.S.” This acquisition brings NavSav’s agency count to 34 nationwide, increasing their total company growth by over 33% and expanding their reach into seven new states. With the addition of these eight agencies, NavSav is also proud to welcome over 50 new team members to the NavSav family with nearly 20,000 new clients across the U.S. Offering access to more than 150+ carriers, along with their highly regarded customer service and other support services, NavSav has positioned itself in the market as a dominant force in the independent insurance industry. For more information about NavSav’s continued growth, employment opportunities, or for information about becoming a partner, please visit their website at navsav.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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MBA’s 9th Annual Ribstock to be held with 1st Annual lagerFest July 23 The Millard Business Association (MBA) is excited to hold their 9th Annual Ribstock BBQ Festival in conjunction with the Nebraska Brewer’s Guild’s 1st Annual LagerFest on Saturday, July 23. The event will be held at Stinson Park, 2232 S 64th St., from noon to 10 p.m. Ribstock was created as a fundraising event to raise money for charitable projects. Admission is $5 for adults 21 and over (kids are free). Local BBQ, beer, soda, water, and other beverages will be available for purchase at the event. In addition, LagerFest will showcase 20+ Nebraska breweries with sampling from noon to 4 p.m. Advance tickets for LagerFest are available at www.eventbrite.com/e/nebraska-craftbrewers-guild-lager-festtickets-338380855247. This year’s festival will have 10 local BBQ vendors, music by High Heel the Band starting at 6 p.m., an entertainment zone provided by Hines Glow Entertainment, and photo booth by FotoFunSpot. Bring your chair, blanket, and your love for BBQ to this year’s event! There have been so many people within the community and Millard Business Association that have contributed to Ribstock, and every year it continues to grow. More children, families, seniors, and veterans than ever before are experiencing food insecurity. Funds raised from Ribstock will enable the Food Bank to provide critical meals to families facing hunger in Nebraska and western Iowa. Ribstock has also generated thousands of dollars for Project Wee Care and are adding the Western Douglas County Food Basket program this year. Learn more at Ribstockbbq.com. JuLY 2022 Strictly Business 7

BUSINESS NEWS center sphere to host networking social after Annual golf tournament July 27

nAWic partners with cFMA to host Annual golf tournament August 23

Center Sphere is announcing a networ king social for all members and guests to join after their Annual Golf Charity Tournament on Wednesday, July 27. The social will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at Tiburon Golf Course, 10302 S 168th St. If you’re interested in golfing before the social event, limited spots are still available. Checkin will be from 8 to 9:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Team sign-up includes 18 holes and lunch for the whole team. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Little Giants Foundation. Not into golfing? No problem! While sponsorship opportunities have already been filled, Center Sphere still has many volunteer slots available. Contact Travis Payne at (402) 219-2050 for volunteer duties. To sign-up for the event or to learn more, visit centerspheregolf.com. 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 40 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 Market President Martina Niemeyer at Martina@CenterSphere.com / (402) 536-0289.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Greater Omaha Chapter #116, along with their partner Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), is excited to announce that their annual golf tournament will be held Tuesday, August 23, at Indian Creek Golf Course in Omaha. The funds raised from this four-person scramble will be allocated to construction trade-related scholarships, apprenticeship training, and other industry activities endorsed by NAWIC. Public registration for the 2022 tournament has already sold out, but there are still several corporate sponsorships available – some of these sponsorships include a foursome, in case you missed out on public registration. Registration will begin at 10 a.m., with lunch to follow at 10:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Register at birdease.com/ nawiccfma2022, or contact Jody DuRee at jodyd@standardac.com / (402) 616-5472 for more information. National Association of Women in Construction Greater Omaha Chapter #116 is based in Omaha and encompasses Lincoln, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding areas. The chapter was chartered in 1965 and currently has over 60 members. Membership includes women who work for companies that do business primarily in the construction industry. To learn more, please visit www.nawicomaha.com. Reach out to Chapter President Claire Vorthmann at (402) 686-8556 / cvorthmann@McCarthy.com with any additional questions.

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BUSINESS NEWS saltgrass steak house celebrates two Years in Nebraska at Village Pointe Saltgrass Steak House is excited to be celebrating two years in the Nebraska market in 2022! In February of 2020, the Texas steakhouse opened its first Nebraska location at 301 N 175th St. in the Village Pointe Shopping Center. An award-winning, authentic steakhouse, Saltgrass is famous for its CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF® steaks. Each steak is char-grilled on an open ﬂame, seasoned with Saltgrass 7 Spice Steak Seasoning, and topped with fresh garlic butter for mouthwatering ﬂavor. The restaurant sources their large wheat bread locally from Rotella’s Bakery and homemade desserts are prepared from scratch daily by Saltgrass. The menu also features an array of fresh seafood, chicken, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more, with favorites such as BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Double-Bone Pork Chops, Blackened Redfish, and Chicken Fried Steak. In addition, all soups and salad dressings are made in-house every day with the freshest ingredients. Diners of Saltgrass are greeted with inviting interiors evoking the charm of a hill country home. The dining room features warm wood furnishings, comfortable leather seating, limestone, and memorabilia from the Saltgrass Trail. Friends and families can come together and celebrate in large groups, as their dining area is able to accommodate celebrations of any kind. Saltgrass Steak House opens at 11 a.m., seven days a week. For more information, please call (531) 867-6507, visit www.saltgrass. com, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@saltgrass).

omaha empowerment Breakfast to Feature speaker Joe sova July 8 Omaha Empowerment Breakfast is pleased to announce that the July breakfast will feature Joe Sova, a dynamic speaker, podcast host, and award-winning entrepreneur. Joe will speak on the topic of “Delegate to Accelerate: How to Do Less and Achieve More... With Purpose!” With more than 19 years of experience, Joe has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs create better systems, hire number one employees, and build their dream team! Due to the Independence Day holiday, this month’s breakfast is set for the second Friday of the month on July 8. Years ago while employed at a Fortune 500, Joe realized corporate life was not aligned with his core values. In 2011, he took the entrepreneurial leap, founded his own company serving business owners, and never looked back! Starting his company with zero income and zero employees, Joe went through the daily roller coaster of entrepreneurship while juggling family life at home. After you hear Joe speak, you’ll discover the fastest way out of the “daily grind” of entrepreneurship and the best way to level-up your business. Today, Joe’s company continues to grow while employing a full-time staff and helping hundreds of clients. The Omaha Empowerment Breakfast is a non-membership networking event held monthly on the first Friday with great speakers, great food, and endless connections. People attending can showcase their business by being a three-minute speaker or being an event sponsor. To learn more or register for the upcoming breakfast, visit omahaempowermentbreakfast.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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excellence in local Marketing campaigns earns cox Media AMA silver pinnacle Awards C ox M e d i a i s p r o u d t o announce that their team has been recognized with two Silver Pinnacle Awards by the American Marketing Association (AMA) Omaha. The Pinnacle Awards recognizes local organizations and their most successful marketing campaigns from the previous year. Different than other creative awards, Pinnacle Awards are resultbased awards, recognizing campaigns that provide metrics and measurable tactics. C ox M e d i a ’s 2 0 2 2 A M A Pinnacle Awards are:

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• Silver Award in Digital Media, Small Business for Lakeside Auto Recyclers – This campaign won due to its strategic implementation of various digital media tactics for audience targeting. This allowed for increased brand awareness, customer conversions, and geographical expansion in a competitive market. • Silver Award in Communications, Non-profi t for Education Heroes – This campaign took home this award thanks to Cox’s partnership with local retailer, Nebraska Furniture Mart. Using a unique approach with the creative, the campaign was used to honor the amazing work of educators in the Omaha area. “Our team is incredibly honored to receive two Pinnacle Awards,” said Anne Harris, senior director of marketing and client solutions at Cox Media. “We strive to create campaigns that deliver results for our customers. These two are great examples of the work our team has completed recently. We are very proud of the incredible talent of our team.” Cox Media is the advertising sales division of Cox Communications, the third largest cable entertainment and broadband services provider in the country. See more of their creative work at coxcreativeservices.com. Learn more at coxmedia.com. JuLY 2022 Strictly Business 9

BUSINESS NEWS sheMate to launch season two of live Virtual events connecting Women in sports and life

heartland Women’s network to hold Monthly Meeting July 19

SheMate, a new business focused on connecting and elevating women in sports and life, operates by hosting live virtual events and connecting women in sports as mentors for youth in sports. Live events occurred on a trial basis during this past school year and were a big success. SheMate is now in the process of planning season two, set to launch in August with a whole new group of college athletes from across the country. Live virtual events are organized as panel or one-on-one discussions, both of which allow people listening to ask questions and interact with the speaker(s). Joining the SheMate community creates the possibility for you to participate in these activities, but never requires anything of you. The goal of the community is to be a place of connection and empowerment of women in sportsfor today and for the future. It opens the door for mentorship, where college athletes work with high school teams and/or provide consultation for coaches, schools, and/or parents of high school athletes. SheMate has B2C and B2B subscription options available. The B2C monthly subscription is $10 per person to access exclusive content within the SheMate community, plus fees for customized content. There are three-tiered B2B subscription options for academic school year comprising high school athletes, parents, coaches, or combination of users. Visit www.shemate.club to join the community, register for mentoring and consultation, and to scroll through the list of SheMate Athletes.

Hear tland Women’s Network will hold their next monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 19. Stephanie Olson, speaker, author, and CEO of The Set Me Free Project, will be the featured speaker. The meeting, which begins at 11:30 a.m., will be held at the College of Saint Mary. The Set Me Free Project is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring prevention education to youth and families to stop human trafficking before it begins. Their curriculum is informative, interactive, and ﬂexible – reaching students (3rd – 12th grade), educators, parents, and leaders in every facet of our communities. Olson has extensive training in human trafficking prevention, education, and social media safety. During her presentation, she will discuss the dangers surrounding human trafficking in Nebraska, and she will share ways to prevent trafficking in our community. Heartland Women’s Network provides the structure women in the Heartland need to grow professionally and personally. Monthly lunch meetings feature engaging speakers on topics of interest to members, along with networking opportunities. Monthly luncheons include time for networking and are open to non-members. To register for the July luncheon, learn more about the organization, and/or find out how to become a member, go to www.heartlandwomensnetwork. com or connect with Heartland Women’s Network on social media.

Unison expands with a new ooce in downtown Omaha. And we’re hiring! Unison is a smarter way to unlock home equity without interest, debt, or monthly payments. We’re looking for local professionals from Omaha’s diverse ﬁnancial services and technology talent pool to join our team. Opportunities include sales, technology, and customer service, and at skill levels varying from entry to managerial. Visit unison.com/careers to learn more! VOTED AMONG THE MOST INNOVATIVE FINTECH COMPANIES.

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BUSINESS NEWS chase launches 4th Branch in omaha as expansion continues through the Region

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Chase opened its 4th Omaha branch on June 14 in Papillion as it continues its expansion in Nebraska. The new fullservice Chase branch, located at 11707 S 73rd St., features the latest digital technology offering customers convenience while employees will adhere to safety protocols to keep customers and employees safe. The branch boasts comfortable meeting areas and state-of-the-art banking technology, including deposit-friendly ATMs that dispense cash in multiple denominations. The branch will be staffed with a dedicated Chase Private Client team who provides premium banking services, personalized attention, and access to the expertise and investment capabilities of J.P. Morgan to help families reach their most important goals, plus personal bankers. Customers may also meet with financial and home lending advisors and business banking relationship managers. Chase’s services are also available through its mobile app and website, which give customers the option to open a new checking or savings account with a click of a button. Chase plans to open a total of eight branches in Omaha, creating about 80 jobs. The first Omaha branch opened at Aksarben Village in October 2020. The ongoing expansion into Omaha will bring Chase’s retail services closer to existing customers. Today in Nebraska, Chase serves 240,000 consumer customers and more than 11,000 businesses. Learn more at chase.com. The Papillionb branch phone number is (531) 272-7213.

Beyond the Vine Flowers and Home Decor was honored to design floral arrangements for the Omaha Symphony Guild’s Table Art 2022 on April 8 at Champions Run, presented by Borsheims featuring the Michael Aram Collection of hand-crafted vases. Beyond the Vine’s unique plant and flower designs, paired with the revered vases, generated many oohs and aahs from attendees. This event benefits Omaha Symphony Guild’s mission to promote the growth and development of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra and its education programs throughout the Omaha metro area. Beyond the Vine Flowers and Home Decor is locally owned by Rose McCormick. The shops provides fresh flowers for any occasion, along with artful silk-flower arrangements, foliage and greenery, silk trees, exotic orchids, spring and summer wreaths, and faux fruits and vegetables. In addition, Beyond the Vine also offers decorative items and accents for home decor. Learn more at www.gobeyondthevine.com or visit the shop at 13206 Grover St. Contact Rose at (402) 397-4585 / rose@gobeyondthevine. com to place an order for your next event or special occasion!

omaha children’s Museum Unveils space travel exhibit through January 8, 2023 Omaha Children’s Museum will open a special exhibit, Moon To Mars, inspired by NASA’s Artemis program to return astronauts to the Moon and, eventually, to Mars. The exhibit opened May 28 and will run through January 8, 2023, and is included with regular museum admission. Moon To Mars was designed by the museum’s exhibits team with support from NASA’s Deep Space Explorations Systems at Johnson Space Center. Featuring real space artifacts and handson activities for children, the exhibit is created to inspire excitement about the future of space travel. The exhibit is presented by Mutual of Omaha. Additional support is provided by NASA Artemis, Olsson, Cox Communications, Douglas County, KETV, and Astroscale. Moon To Mars features six areas, each designed for specific types of play such as physical, social, inquisitive, and creative. Inspiring the design for each was the premise that science and exploration require a diverse team. The Artemis missions are notable for being the first to land a woman and a person of color on the moon. The museum will have coordinated events throughout the exhibit’s run. The first event planned is a visit from Omaha native, Richa Sirohi, on August 20 at 1 p.m. Sirohi is an end-to-end information system engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She’ll talk about her work at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, women in STEM, and other things. Since its inception in 1976, Omaha Children’s Museum has been a special place where children can challenge themselves, discover how the world works, and learn through play. To learn more about the Museum or the Moon To Mars exhibit, visit www.ocm.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS First National Realty Partners Acquires First Shopping Center in Nebraska

lincoln-Based startup Accelerator to expand statewide with new Anchor in omaha

Vertically integrated real estate investment firm First National Realty Partners, LLC (FNRP) announced in May the addition of The Shoppes at Grayhawk in Omaha to its rapidly growing shopping center portfolio. This 221,000-square-foot asset marks the Red Bank, N.J.-based firm’s first acquisition in the Nebraska market as it continues its strategic nationwide expansion targeting premier open-air retail centers in primary and key secondary markets. Located at 14455-14615 W Maple Rd., The Shoppes at Grayhawk is anchored by a 140,000-square-foot Lowe’s home improvement store, a tenant at the center for 20 years. The Shoppes at Grayhawk tenant roster also includes Michaels, Dollar Tree, Chipotle, Jimmy John’s, and First Watch. Situated in a densely populated retail corridor approximately 12 miles west of downtown Omaha, The Shoppes at Grayhawk is strategically located along the region’s dominant east-west thoroughfare. The center serves a population of nearly 180,000 – with an average household income of $100,000 – within a fivemile radius of the property. The deal was brokered by Ben Snyder and Zack Bates from Matthews Real Estate Investment Services who represented the seller in The Shoppes at Grayhawk transaction. First National Realty Partners, LLC’s mission is to provide everyday accredited investors with access to real estate assets that traditionally have been available only to institutional investors. Learn more at fnrpusa.com.

NMotion, powered by gener8tor, announced $3.7 million in new investments that will start and grow 24 Nebraska startups over the next two years, expand the startup accelerator’s programming to serve startups statewide, and create an Omaha location at Millwork Commons. NMotion will provide investment, support, mentorship, and access to in-state and out-of-state capital to early-stage small businesses and startups throughout Nebraska. Startups and small businesses that successfully compete for a place in the accelerator programs will each receive $100,000 investments from NMotion through gener8tor’s venture fund and Invest Nebraska. In addition, NMotion will hold free, in-person and virtual programming and office hours throughout the year for any interested startups and small businesses throughout the state. “NMotion has been a catalyst for Lincoln to boost its entrepreneurial ecosystem and has generated investments for the best and brightest in their community,” said gener8tor Partner Maggie Brickerman. “With Lincoln, Omaha, and greater Nebraska working together, the entire state will experience the empowerment and investments that NMotion provides. gener8tor could not be prouder to partner with them to ensure that Nebraska continues to be one of the best places to start a business.” NMotion is a mentor-driven, education-focused, startup accelerator founded in Lincoln, Nebraska and now serving the whole state. NMotion operates three main programs: NMotion Pre-Accelerator, NMotion Growth Accelerator, and NMotion Venture Studio. NMotion brings together capital, connections, and community to help startups grow and thrive. For more information on the newest NMotion accelerator programs, please visit www.nmotion.com.

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JODIE Jodie Haferbier McGill MCGILL LAW

Meet Jodie Haferbier McGill, founder and managing attorney at McGill Law, P.C., L.L.O.; CEO of McGill Mediation; and founder of the Nebraska Collaborative Center. Tell us a little about your business. - I founded McGill Law because I am passionate about helping families navigate legal matters and to obtain the best possible results. Often, that is achieved by using the collaborative divorce process. Collaborative law is an out-of-court process that empowers participants to make decisions that are best for them and their family. McGill Law has been able to serve families going through divorce utilizing the collaborative process more than any other firm in Nebraska. McGill Law is also a female-focused firm. I am inspired to support women and others who strive for independence, diversity, and recognition. We are also the first firm in Nebraska to offer collaborative mediation, a new process that combines tenants of both collaborative law and mediation. Our practice includes most aspects of the law that touches families: modifications, parenting plans, custody dispute, dissolutions, adoptions, estates, guardianships and conservatorships, Nebraska is strong, from all mediation, and paternity. the ways we lift each other. How did you get started in the business? - Growing up, I didn’t know any doctors, attorneys, or other professionals, so becoming an attorney Bank became a personal challenge. I started my own firm because I could see how the practice of law could be improved, and I wanted to do things differently. 2022 Winner What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The all too well-known challenge of balancing it all. Besides my legal practice, I have three active kids and a spouse who runs his own successful business. It is always a challenge to balance it all and feel good about how I’m 22_POG25_JULY_STRICTLYBUSINESS_STRONG_AD.indd 1 6/6/22 10:43 AM dividing my time. What has been your most important achievement professionally? Building a successful business that combines my skills as an attorney and my passions for helping women and minorities. Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to my husband, Tim McGill, for 17 years and we have three awesome children and two energetic dogs. Tim and I are both from Omaha, and are lucky to be surrounded by family. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to travel! This year alone we’ve traveled to Egypt, Jordan, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Turkey, and Costa Rica. Having the awesome opportunity to visit other countries, observe their customs, and experience their cultures is both very humbling and inspiring. Who inspires you? - Ruth Bader Ginsburg was and will always be an inspiration to me as an attorney and as a woman. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever lockbox-storage.com received? - Control what you can control. I go back to that simple phrase (402) 342-0022 often when I feel frustrated or out of control. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Passionate. Old Market If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what on the corner of 5th and Pacific St. would it be? - A professional shopper. I co-owned a small boutique for some years and loved going on buying trips. 2 months Free Rent What local nonproﬁt organization(s) are you passionate about or on all climate controlled units! involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Planned Parenthood because of their support of women and commitment to Rent online 24/7 or use our onsite live supporting women’s rights to their own reproductive health and future. video chat kiosk. What is your favorite TV show? - Schitt’s Creek. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Salween Thai. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Managed by McGregor Interests Inc. (402) 548-5418; Info@McGilllLawyers.com; www.McGillLawyers.com. 14 Strictly Business JuLY 2022 #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Overcoming a back fracture and lumbar fusion. I’ve had to work even harder to take care of myself, to strengthen my core, and to stretch daily to regain my natural range of motion. As an active duty fire fighter, it’s important to keep my body in shape and to be ready for anything. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - While I have always been proud of my profession as a fire fighter and promotion to captain, I consider introducing Stretch Zone to Omaha to be my most important professional achievement. I love helping people, and getting to see our clients work through pain and injury and towards their mobility goals is a dream come true. Tell us a little about your family. - I’ve been married 15 years to my beautiful wife Christina, and we have three great children, ages 12,10, and 7. They enjoy everything from baseball and basketball to competitive dance. Our happy family lives in Elkhorn. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to golf, watch movies, and take the family water skiing. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Caring. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To ﬂy, of course! What local nonproﬁt organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I was fortunate enough to be a Big with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands. It’s an amazing experience to be a mentor to the younger generation. Investing in our youth is so important! My wife and I also do foster care with Christian Heritage. Their mission is to prevent abuse and neglect, protect children, and restore family. We are humbled to be a part of this impactful effort. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I love The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher! What is your favorite movie? - A Cabin in the Woods. What is your favorite TV show? - Better Call Saul. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 885-8805; legacy@stretchzone.com; www.stretchzone. com/locations/legacy. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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TRISHA

Trisha Sullivan

MIDTOWN MEDICAL GROUP Meet Trisha Sullivan, owner of Midtown Medical Group. Tell us a little about your business. - We are a local, 100% femaleowned, small business established in 2008. Over the last 14 years, we have grown our team of licensed medical providers and psychologists as we’ve expanded our disability evaluation services across two states and 10 locations, becoming Nebraska’s top provider. We are now excited to announce we are using all that expertise, experience, and outstanding customer service to help companies with their preemployment needs by offering physicals, screenings, and drug testing among other services. We want to help local companies identify qualified candidates and minimize their risk.

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Tell us a little about your family. - I have two children, a 15-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter. I’m getting married in September and will gain a 14-year-old stepson! We really enjoy them—they’re great kids. They all play sports and keep us very busy year-round!

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What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Hanging out with friends and family, watching my kids play sports, and enjoying a glass of wine on a patio. My dad grew up in Chicago, so I’m an avid Chicago Bears fan. We took the kids to their first game in Chicago last fall. It was a great trip. As a bonus, the Bears won!

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Who inspires you? - Other small-business owners. There’s no road map or directions to owning your own business. There’s no one to tell you how to solve a problem or what your next step should be. You must figure it out on your own. When I see or meet someone that has done that, grown their own business and made it successful, it inspires me and gives me confidence that I can get through all the hurdles that come up along the way.

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What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The biggest challenge I’ve faced is growing my company and learning how to pivot from our current business into a new market. Expanding has really been like starting a new company. Even though we’re offering most of the same services, learning how to market them to different industries has been a challenge.

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What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Try not to become a person of success but rather try to become a person of value.” – Albert Einstein If you could choose only one descriptive work to be remembered as, what would it be? - Perseverant. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys. If you could have a superpower, what would it be? - To be able to speak any language. Which talent would you most like to have? - I’d love to be able to sing. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I don’t have much time to read these days, which is why I love Audible. I’m currently listening to Delivering Happiness: A Path to Proﬁts, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh, the CEO of Zappos. It’s an amazing story. I also love thrillers with a good twist. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 558-1440; tsullivan@midtownmedicalgroup.com; www. midtownmedicalgroup.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

MELANIE

Melanie Lotspeich COX BUSINESS

Meet Melanie Lotspeich, marketing manager at Cox Business. Tell us a little about your business. - Cox Business provides voice, data, video, and cloud services for more than 355,000 small and regional businesses nationwide, including health care providers; K-12 and higher education; financial institutions; and federal, state, and local government organizations. The organization also serves most of the top-tier wireless and wireline telecommunications carriers in the U.S. through its wholesale division. How did you get started in the business? - My role at Cox Business really found me. I was initially looking at a role on the Cox Public Affairs team, but a position in marketing presented itself instead. It looked new and challenging, and it was something I’d never done before. I thought to myself, “I think I could be great at that!” Nearly 12 years later, I’m still excited to come to work every day and help my team be successful. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Completing my MBA is a professional achievement I’m very proud of. I took advantage of Cox’s generous tuition reimbursement program and was able to graduate just before I had my son. Tell us a little about your family. - I have a five-year-old son, Gus, who is a nuclear ball of energy and keeps me on my toes at all times. We live in Dundee and you can often find us walking around the neighborhood (usually enjoying a scoop at E-Creamery). What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Anything that gets me outside. Playing at the park with my son, jogging, walking, or traveling. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’m originally from a town on the Alabama/Tennessee state line and, in middle school, I raced horses (barrel racing and pole bending). What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Thoughtful. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “New Slang” by the Shins. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Whatever superpower Samantha had on Bewitched. That’s what I need. Which talent would you most like to have? - Speaking another language fluently. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Moasic. My sister is developmentally disabled and has been involved with Mosaic day services for the past 25 years. The staff there are passionate, caring, thoughtful, and are so great with the clients that utilize their services. They are superheroes in my book. What is your favorite movie? - Clue. I loved it as a kid but even more as an adult since I understand more of the jokes. What is your favorite TV show? - Game of Thrones. What is your favorite local restaurant? - California Taco. I’ve been ordering the same thing there since I was 13—a chicken flour taco with a root beer. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Dolly Parton. She’s sharp, witty, generous, and an all-around national treasure. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 934-1186; Melanie.Lotspeich@cox.com; www.coxbusiness.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Meet Veta Jeffery, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. Tell us a little about your business. - The Omaha Chamber is dedicated to advocating for our members in ways that support their economic and talent growth. We are also a driver for policy matters that affect our business community. We recognize that our community is better and growing when we are all growing together. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - One thing I learned from hanging with my father is to not look at life in terms of challenges but rather opportunities that are awaiting a solution. I have served in non-diverse, male-dominated spaces as the only or one-of-few in either category. In those spaces, I was talked down to, discounted, ignored, or expected to either not perform or to perform very little simply because of my race and/or my gender. From those positions alone, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to widen the understanding from both vantage points, demonstrating that leaders like me are capable, thoughtful, and staunchly able to serve at the helm and not only turn great profits but exceed typical expectations while doing so. What has been your most important achievement professionally? This one. I believe that what matters is that which is before you today. With that thought in mind, I am fully committed to the success of the members, corporate, political, and community leaders that we serve to continue the great experience that is Omaha. Tell us a little about your family. - My beautiful family consists of my greatly supportive husband of 14 years, Tony Jeffery. We have two children, Ishmaiah (21) and Toni (12), and two four-legged family members. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? There have been several, from the birth of our children to serving our state behind the Ferguson uprising, but the one I will speak of today was loading up the family and moving to Omaha. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I am a professional extrovert. My natural inclination is that of an introvert, but I have spent the greater part of my professional life working in public spaces and engaging groups of people. I’ve learned to compartmentalize when necessary for the greater good. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “A Brand New Day” from The Wiz. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - While the Bible is my favorite book of books (my favorite book being Acts), one of the last good novels I read was Angel in the Rubble by Geneele Buzman-McMillan. It was a phenomenal accounting of her experience as the last survivor to be found from the tragic 9/11 bombings. What is your favorite movie? - The 300 holds a special place in my heart, as does The Great Debaters. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Omaha is not lacking in good cuisine. I could name a favorite for each meal of the day, but for now I will say the falafels at Mediterranean Bistro stand out to me. I am excitedly discovering new food opportunities daily! If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - My dad as he was famous to me, and I was 18 when he passed. My heart’s desire is to have an adult conversation with him. Also, Mary Ellen Pleasant to discuss her savviness, intelligence, tenacity, and boldness as it pertained to making money. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 346-5000; vjeffery@omahachamber.org; www.omahachamber.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

MITCH

Mitch Miller

FOTOFUNSPOT Meet Mitch Miller, the owner of FotoFunSpot. Tell us a little about your business. FotoFunSpot is a premier photographic experience and activation provider serving the Midwest. We have the area’s largest collection of photographic experiences including our very popular 360 video booth, photo booths for social events, and event photography for galas and VIP events. How did you get started in the business? - Over 20 years ago, I started taking photos of my kids in elementary school as they participated in sports. Several years later, I started booking weddings as a photographer. It was about that time that photo booths started gaining popularity, so I pivoted my business from wedding and portrait photography to photo booths and event photography. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - As a solopreneur, I have to wear a different hat almost hourly. One minute I’m preparing for a specific photographic experience and the next I’m paying bills or carrying out marketing efforts. As the business has grown, I’ve had to learn to depend on others to do the things they do best, so I can focus on what I do best. What has been your most important achievement professionally? FotoFunSpot has been recognized by the Omaha community with a Best of Omaha Award. The Millard Business Association also recognized me with their Professional of the Year Award this past April. Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Angie and I have been married for 35 years. Both of us are Nebraska natives. We met in North Platte and moved to the Millard area 23 years ago to raise our family. We have two adult sons, Matt and Shaun, who still live close enough that we get to see them regularly. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I’ve long been an electronics nut. I remember being in middle school and studying a friend’s college-level electronics textbook. At the time, I was working on a way to capture and store the static electricity created by thunderstorms. As computers started to become popular, I began to learn programming and eventually started building accessories to “wire up” to my computers. I still love finding ways to integrate electronics into my projects, including photo booths, and FONEtastic, our new audio guestbook. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’m related to Dorothy Lynch (of the salad dressing fame). Dorothy Lynch was my wife’s aunt’s mother-in-law. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting her, my wife remembers her and their family from her childhood. Who inspires you? - The owner of Smash Booth in Las Vegas, Jason Whaley. He does amazing work. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Innovative. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Electronics engineering. They say it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. As a youngster, I probably spent all of that (or more) learning and reading about electronics design. What local nonproﬁt organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - For the past several years, we have partnered with the Ribstock BBQ Festival as part of their annual fundraiser event. Ribstock directly supports Food Bank For The Heartland, Project Wee Care, and also provides scholarships to students from Millard Public Schools and Skutt Catholic School. We also support the Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 915-1386; mitch@fotofunspot.com; www.fotofunspot.com; and follow on social media (@fotofunspot). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

You Don't Get to the Top Alone... Huffman Engineering Inc. Making Ideas Work with start to finish engineering projects

5301 NORTH 57TH ST 112 INVERNESS CIR EAST, STE E LINCOLN, NE 68507 ENGLEWOOD, CO 80112 402.464.6823 303.376.6280 INFO@HUFFMANENG.COM HUFFMANENG.COM

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peRsonnel neWs greater omaha chamber Announces omaha Business hall of Fame 2022 inductees

hBe Announces the promotion of Brian Klintworth, Additional leadership promotions

The Greater Omaha Chamber announced the 2022 inductees of the Omaha Business Hall of Fame on June 7. The Chamber will host an event on Wednesday, August 17, from 6-9 p.m. to honor these individuals, whose vision, work ethic, and dedication have made a remarkable impact on the Omaha area. Those selected are nominated based on submissions from community members and business leaders. This year’s Hall of Fame class includes five members whose work ranges from food services, construction and real estate development, contact center operations, and unrivaled community involvement. The 2022 Omaha Business Hall of Fame inductees are: • Don Eckles, co-founder/chairman of Scooter’s Coffee; Harvest Roasting • Linda Eckles, co-founder of Scooter’s Coffee; Harvest Roasting • John F. Lund, chairman of Lund Company • Jay Noddle, president and CEO of Noddle Companies • Carmen Tapio, chief executive officer of North End Teleservices, LLC Initiated in 1993 as part of the Greater Omaha Chamber’s centennial anniversary, the Hall of Fame event includes dinner reception, induction ceremony, and dessert. Achievements are then showcased in a permanent display at The Durham Museum. To view full event details and this year’s honorees, visit OmahaChamber.org/BHOF. Reservations are due Wednesday, August 10 at 11:59 p.m.

HBE LLP, one of Nebraska’s premier certified public accounting and consulting firms, is pleased to announce that Brian M. Klintworth, CPA, MT has been promoted to partner, effective June 13. Klintworth graduated from the University of NebraskaLincoln with a business administration degree with emphasis in accounting and finance. He joined HBE in 2015 as an intern and shortly after began his career full-time as an accountant. Throughout this time, he served as a trusted tax advisor to various businesses and clients, most recently as the firm’s Tax Director. While at HBE, Klintworth earned his Master of Taxation in 2019 from the University of Denver – Sturm College of Law. In addition to Klintworth’s partnership promotion, HBE also announces the following leadership promotions: Ashley Bell, CPA, promoted to assurance director; Rose Pinkman,CPA, CPE promoted to assurance director; Jared Abrahamson, CPA promoted to tax manager; Emily Arrigo, CPA promoted to assurance manager; Kendra Godbersen, CPA promoted to tax manager; Derek Meyer, CPA promoted to tax manager; Phillip Oman, CPA promoted to tax manager; Sherrie Tepe, promoted to outsourced accounting manager. The addition of Klintworth brings HBE LLP’s total partner count to 16 with a staff of over 100 total employees focused on serving clients in Nebraska and throughout the U.S. For more information, please visit www.hbecpa.com.

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peRsonnel neWs Wise Joins nebraska community Foundation as ofﬁce and gift processing Assistant Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) welcomes Kacie Wise to its talented team of professionals committed to building stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. Wise will wear many hats as NCF’s office and gift processing assistant, supporting their mission through a variety of clerical and administrative roles. Wise is a Lincoln native and received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Doane University in 2016. “We are thrilled to have Kacie on the team,” said NCF President and CEO Jeff Yost. “Her experience and education will help Nebraska Community Foundation immensely as we continue our mission to build a resilient, innovative, and welcoming Greater Nebraska.” Prior to joining NCF, Wise served in various roles at Nelnet followed by nearly six years at Concordia University-Nebraska as the sole financial aid coordinator. Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, the Foundation serves communities, donors, and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education, and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving over 270 communities. In the last five years, 45,915 contributions have been made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $423 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.

ceo of clearwater counseling Kayla leddy to be Featured in Airport Display Clearwater Counseling, PC’s CEO and coowner Kayla Leddy has been chosen to participate in Arnold Clark Photography’s We Are Omaha display featured throughout Omaha’s Eppley Airfield Airport. This display in particular showcases community and business leaders of the Omaha metro area. Kayla was chosen by the studio’s committee, which determines participants based on their awards, features in local publications or websites, or referrals from past professionals who have been featured in previous displays. In past years, the display has included business owners, community and business leaders, charity leaders, as well as educators. This year’s project is recognizing community and business leaders along with their family. Kayla’s display will be available for viewing at the Eppley Airport South terminal until July 26. Clearwater Counseling, PC is a private practice offering mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults in the Grand Island and Omaha areas. They utilize various evidence-based therapeutic techniques and theoretical approaches to serve clients in the following specialties: addictions, anger management, anxiety, co-occurring disorders, depression, divorce/blended family issues, grief and loss, life adjustments/stress management, major mental illness, parenting and attachment trauma, relationship/codependency, self-esteem, trauma and PTSD, and work/life balance. To learn more about staff, services, or resources, visit clearwatercounselingpc.org. To schedule an appointment with Clearwater Counseling, or for more information about mental health services, please call (308) 210-8487 or email info@clearwatercounselingne.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Kalisha Reed named executive Director of Youth Emergency Services After leading Youth Emergency Services (YES) the past four-plus months as interim executive director, Kalisha Reed was named the organization’s permanent executive director by the YES board of directors May 24. Reed stepped in for Mary Fraser Meints, who left the organization, January 3. “We’re so excited to have Kalisha accept the permanent executive director position,” said YES Board President Kellie Harry. “She, along with the leadership team, have done a fantastic job during her short time as interim ED. We’re looking forward to seeing where she continues to lead the organization.” During her time leading YES, Reed, along with the leadership team, has: • Re-established connections within the community • Doubled the bed capacity of the organization’s emergency shelter • Filled key positions/roles within the organization to more efficiently and effectively serve youth • Taken steps to improve overall organizational culture She joined the YES team in October 2021 as the director of program services after serving as the executive director of Right Turn, which closed services in September of that year. During her time at Right Turn, Reed managed a budget of nearly $2 million, and developed and implemented a strategic plan to increase monthly referrals by 10%. Prior to that, Reed served for five years with Children’s Respite Care Center (CRCC), first as the behavior health clinical manager/therapist and the final four years as the director of therapy operations. She also worked as a therapist and counselor with CHI Health, Heartland Family Service; Boys Town; and Girls, Inc. of Omaha. Reed holds two master’s degrees—one in organizational performance and the other in clinical counseling—from Bellevue University, where she has been an adjunct instructor since 2018. Her bachelor’s degree is in pre-law with a minor in business from the College of Saint Mary. She is an advisor and board member of the Pre-Law Program at the College of Saint Mary as well as a member and mental health community liaison for the South Omaha Community Care Council. Youth Emergency Services is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole mission to help homeless and near-homeless youth in our community. YES offers a full continuum of care to ensure all youth receive the support they need, no matter their situation. This includes a Street Outreach Center, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Program, Prevention, Rapid Rehousing, Transition in Place (TIP), and Maternity Group Home. Learn more at www.yesomaha.org. JuLY 2022 Strictly Business 21

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Devyn sanderson celebrates one Year at  Strictly Business  

 Strictly Business is excited the  to announce  one year anniversary  of Writer Devyn  Sanderson. Devyn joined the team in July 2021 to fulfill the duty of working with clients each month to create press releases, feature stories, and other editorial for both the Lincoln and Omaha editions of Strictly Business.

“It’s been so much fun getting to better know the community around me over the past year,” said Devyn. “Coming from a small town, I’m accustomed to knowing everyone and everything in the local area. Strictly Business has given me the opportunity to dig deeper into the Lincoln community and become acquainted with so many of the wonderful and ambitious people and businesses throughout the city.” Devyn is originally from Harrison, NE and arrived in Lincoln to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she received a degree in English. When she’s not at the desk helping businesses tell their story, Devyn is snuggling with her dog, Riggs, or wedding planning with her fiancé, Tanner.

Strictly Business has been a reliable news source and effective  advertising tool in Lincoln for 29 years and in Omaha for almost 16 years, publishing engaging content in print, online, and on social media. To learn more, visit strictlybusinessomaha.com. To  contact Devyn, call the office at (402) 466-3330 or email office@ strictlybusinessomaha.com.  engineering expands sidney ofﬁce  Farris with Recent new hires Farris Engineering has expanded their NE office with the addition of  Sidney, three recent hires. All three are highly regarded and will continue to serve through Farris’ unwavering  clients dedication to quality, service, and long-term partnerships. Jeremy Klima brings more than 20  years of healthcare design and

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project management experience l-R: Jacob suter, Jeremy to the team. His focus through Klima, Kyle gandee his career has been specialized electrical and telecommunications systems within healthcare facilities as well as K-12 and higher education. Mechanical Engineer Kyle Gandee was born and raised in Sterling, CO and graduated from Colorado School of Mines in 2017. His work has focused in design engineering specializing in healthcare and education. Kyle recently passed the PE exam and is excited to grow his role in managing projects. After graduating from Colorado School of Mines in 2017, Jacob Suter worked as a mechanical engineer for a mechanical contractor and then for an equipment manufacturer. He brings extensive mechanical project experience including designing specialized air exhaust systems for hazardous locations. Led by Ben Schmitt and Mark Mazour, Farris Engineering’s Sidney office has been providing engineering services since 2018. With this expansion they look forward to the next chapter in their relationship with you as they Bring Your Buildings to Life. For more information, log on to farris-usa.com or call them at (308) 203-2222 (Sidney) or (402) 330-5900 (Omaha). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

peRsonnel neWs courtney pinaire Returns to Kutak Rock Kutak Rock is pleased to announce that Courtney Pinaire has rejoined its national tax credits practice group as of counsel in the firm’s Omaha office. Ms. Pinaire’s tax credit experience includes transactional work involving low-income housing tax credits, renewable energy tax credits, historic rehabilitation tax credits, new markets tax credits, state tax credits, as well as other related state and federal financing products. Ms. Pinaire’s experience includes over 15 years of acting primarily as equity investor counsel for major financial institutions, private real estate equity firms, and tax credit syndicators in real estate transactions. She excels at navigating complex transactional structures and negotiating to achieve each client’s unique business objectives. Ms. Pinaire earned her J.D. from Creighton University School of Law, cum laude, and her B.S. from University of Kansas. She is admitted to practice in Nebraska. To connect with Kutak Rock, visit www.kutakrock.com.

Mcgill law Adds Kristin tyler and Maddie sanders to team McGill Law is thrilled to announce the addition of Firm Administrator Kristin Tyler and Administrative Assistant Maddie Sanders to their team! As Firm Administrator, Kristin enables the office and its inner workings to operate efficiently and effectively for both clients and employees. Earning her bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Kristin started in the hospitality industry. Navigating through work, starting a family, and a homebased business, she began to realize that Kristin tyler orchestrating projects of any kind from start to finish with polish and within budget was quite second-nature for her. After raising two wonderful daughters while helping her husband run their electronic systems business, Kristin began to work outside the home. She found her skills and talents perfectly suited to the legal office setting. An avid musician, Kristin sings, plays French Horn, and has taught piano for years. She has always been a crafty do-it-yourself-er and has recently taken up canvas painting. She Maddie Sanders enjoys entertaining and gardening, but her favorite pastime is spending time with family and her old dog, Lucy. Administrative Assistant for McGill Law and the Nebraska Collaborative Center, Maddie Sanders is originally from the central coast of California but has lived in five different states in 23 years. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May 2020 with a B.A. in Psychology. After recognizing her passion for psychology and law, she attended Arizona State University, where she received her M.S. in Forensic Psychology in December of 2021. Maddie is currently studying for the LSAT and hopes to attend law school within the next few years. Maddie loves to travel, read, and spend time with her friends and family outside of work. McGill Law specializes in family law issues including divorce, modifications, adoptions, estate planning, and guardianships. Learn more online at www.mcgilllawomaha.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

402.991.9200 /TheOmahaBakery

Wolf Creek Plaza at 15th and Cornhusker • Bellevue, NE 725 North 210th Street • Elkhorn, NE

csi expands Mental health services, Adds Additional therapists to team As the need for mental health services in the Omaha-metro continues to grow, Child Saving Institute (CSI) has expanded its therapy team to further support local children, adolescents, and families seeking mental health services, Additions include two bilingual therapists. Evette Alvarez joined CSI as a provisionally licensed mental health practitioner (PLMHP) providing therapy services in both English and Spanish. Prior to joining CSI, Evette worked as a bilingual victim advocate through the Women’s Evette Alvarez Center for Advancement (WCA) where she provided direct services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Evette has earned a master’s degree in counseling and possesses a bachelor’s degree in child, youth, and family studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Itzeni Nayeli Lopez has also joined the CSI team as a bilingual therapist providing individual and family therapy to children, adolescents. and their families. She obtained her master’s degree in social work and public administration from the University itzeni nayeli lopez of Nebraska at Omaha prior to joining the CSI team. Nayeli also works at OneWorld Community Health Center as family learning manager at the Learning Community of South Omaha. In her role at CSI, Nayeli is looking forward to being of service to the Spanish-speaking community to support their growth, knowledge, and confidence. Additionally, Jessica Womach joined the CSI therapy team, providing therapy services to children, teens, and families in need of mental health support. In her role, Jessica Womach she also provides therapeutic services to the children within CSI’s Emergency Shelter. Jessica obtained her master’s degree in social work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and prior to joining the CSI team, Jessica worked as a child and family services specialist with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. If you or your child are seeking mental health services, contact Child Saving Institute at (402) 553-6000 or visit childsaving.org to book an appointment with one of their licensed therapists today. JuLY 2022 Strictly Business 23

nonpRoFit neWs save the Date for immigrant legal center’s Food truck World tour on september 25

open Door Mission Announces summer of hope garden, Volunteer opportunities

Immigrant Legal Center (ILC) invites you to mark your calendar for their annual Food Truck World Tour on Sunday, September 25, 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Stinson Park in Aksarben Village! The event features delicious food from Omaha’s favorite food trucks, live music, and amazing stage performances. ILC depends on the proceeds from Food Truck World Tour to continue providing critical immigration legal services, advocacy, and education for low-income immigrant families in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. In addition to purchasing a ticket to the event, individuals and groups can create a fundraising page to make an even bigger impact. The top individuals and teams will be featured on a leader board. There are also multiple sponsorship opportunities available. If you have any questions, please contact Cailan Franz at cfranz@immigrantlc.org. ILC empowers immigrants to live and work with confidence and be free from fear. To date, ILC has served 1,681 clients, provided 794 consultations, and worked 3,169 cases with a 94% case success rate. To learn more and support Immigrant Legal Center’s mission, visit www.immigrantlc.org.

Open Door Mission is pleased to announce that this season, they have a Summer of Hope garden on their campus at 2828 North 23rd St. East where fresh produce has been planted. In July, they will need volunteers to tend to the garden and do some light landscaping. You can volunteer with a group or individually. If you have an abundance of produce this year from your own garden, you can donate that to Open Door Mission. Fresh fruits and vegetables are such a blessing to the people they serve. Volunteering at Open Door Mission means more than just giving time. It means feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, cherishing those often times forgotten, and sharing the love of Christ! Join them to make an impact each month. 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 917 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women, and children; serves over 4,747 nutritious meals; and provides preventative measures to more than 1,000 people living in poverty. To learn more, contact Kristen Dineen at kdineen@opendoormission.org / (402) 829-1538 or visit www.opendoormission.org.

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nonpRoFit neWs MicAh house Announces Upcoming Donation Drives to prepare for Back-to-school

Release’s 2022 Bill Ellett Memorial Golf classic to be held september 19

MICAH House invites the community to participate in upcoming donation drives to help the children and families of their organization. Throughout July, 89.7 The River hosts “Kicks for Kids.” The drive will collect shoes of all sizes and genders for students from kindergarten to high school. These shoes are given to MICAH House kids the first week of August as they prepare to return to school. If you’d like to participate, listen in to 89.7 The River to find the drop-off locations. MICAH House will also be holding a drive for back-to-school supplies so that all children at the organization will receive a new backpack loaded with much needed school supplies. If you, your business, or your network are interested in donating school supplies, donations are accepted Monday – Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the garage door on the east side of the building at 1415 Avenue J in Council Bluffs. Types of supplies needed include backpacks, notebooks, folders, colored pencils, pens, highlighters, glue, and earbuds. If you have any questions or would like to host a drive, please contact Marketing and Community Development Specialist Jenny Andersen at jandersen@themicahhouse. org / (712) 323-4416 Ext. 2101. Founded in 1986, MICAH House is a transitional homeless shelter that serves families and women in the Omaha-Metro area and Southwest Iowa. For more information, visit www.themicahhouse.org.

Release’s 2022 Bill Ellett Memorial Golf Classic will be held on Monday, September 19, starting at noon at Iron Horse Golf Club in Ashland. This event supports Release’s Mentoring program, a vital program to reach high needs youth in our community with a tangible message of love and hope. Last year alone, Release served over 1,300 youth through its mentoring program!

the American heart Association Begins 100th Anniversary Celebration Leading up to the American Heart Association’s centennial on June 10, 2024, Omaha is beginning the anniversary celebration as the organization looks to build a new century of equitable health for all. The American Heart Association was founded in 1924 by six cardiologists, but the distinguished achievements of the organization for the past century are the result of more than $4.8 billion in research and the passion of more than 40 million volunteers, supporters, and employees. The signature events of the Omaha American Heart Association have named event chairs that will drive the Association into the next century. The 2022-2024 Omaha Heart & Stroke Ball Honorary Chairs are CL and Rachel Werner of Werner Enterprises and Cornerstone Legacy. The American Heart Association’s centennial is a celebration of the lifesaving achievements and shared vision for a bold Second Century that will exponentially advance heart and brain health. Reaching for bold goals is made possible because of like-minded organizations who share in the vision of better health for Omaha. WoodmenLife of Omaha has pledged support of donations of time, talent, and funds at the Second Century donor. The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. To learn more about accomplishments in the first 100 years of the organization or how to participate in the second century campaign, contact Chris Shives at Chris.Shives@heart.org for more information. Connect with them on heart.org, Facebook, or Twitter, or by calling 1 (800) AHA-USA1. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Please help Release invest into lives of youth. Register today as a sponsor of the 2022 Golf Classic! As a sponsor, you will be making sure this vital work continues. If you have questions, please call Garth Hilton at (303) 902-9417 or email garth@releaseinc.org. You can also look up sponsorship details or register a team online at releaseinc.org/bill-ellett-memorial-golf-classic. The mission of Release is to impact youth and their families with the love of Jesus Christ, helping them to become…Safe, Together, Healthy, and Free. To learn more, visit www.releaseinc.org.

outlook enrichment expands service offerings In 2020, the Outlook Enrichment team provided over 1,500 hours of service to people with vision loss. These hours continue to grow, and the team is expanding programming to help people through every aspect of their vision loss journey. Started in 2020, the Independent Living program expanded in 2022. The 2020 virtual sessions focused on changes in cleaning procedures to keep individuals and families safe, using safety precautions when using sighted guides, and adaptive aids for labeling and organization. In 2021, the team added monthly Zoom workshops on independent daily living tasks such as safe cooking skills and home organization. The Independent Living program now includes small group classes and in-home services. Started in 2022, Enrichment’s Braille Training program offers individualized one-on-one training twice a week and small group class sessions. The course prepares individuals to complete daily tasks such as labeling and notetaking. Advanced coursework is available using JAWS with refreshable Braille displays for individuals who are deaf-blind or for the workplace. This program also offers Technical assistance to projects providing training in the use of braille for personnel providing services or educational services to youth and adults who are blind. Enrichment’s Transition Services provide support, information, and strategies regarding an individual’s transitional stages, particularly into adulthood, and offer strategies to cope with these challenges. These services help families find community-based services and provide assistance in all facets of life to ensure youth can make successful transitions to community living. Outlook Enrichment needs your help to continue program growth. Consider supporting Outlook Enrichment at outlooken.org/donate. JuLY 2022 Strictly Business 25

nonpRoFit neWs project harmony celebrates national Be someone Day on July 21

Angels Among Us Partners with Anchor Rooﬁng & landscaping for golf outing

Thursday, July 21, is National Be Someone Day, a day founded by Project Harmony to help end child abuse and bring communities together through education and awareness. National Be Someone Day challenges each of us to take 10 seconds to make a difference in the life of a child. What can be done in ten seconds? We can order a cup of coffee or water a plant. We can hear or tell a bad joke. We can change our minds and, after doing so, say a prayer of thanks. When we walk into a room, in that time, we can register the pain in someone’s eyes and begin to provide comfort. We can praise and honor someone who deserves it. “At Project Harmony, we believe that all children are someone,” said Senior Director of Communications Angela Roeber. “And, all adults can be someone to a child. All it takes is the commitment to stop the cycle of child abuse. On National Be Someone Day, take the pledge to be the person to make a difference in a child’s life. Most importantly, be someone prepared to report when a child trusts you enough to tell you they’ve been hurt.” The community can observe National Be Someone Day by dropping off a donation at Project Harmony between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., taking the pledge at www.ProjectBeSomeone.org, or using the hashtag #BeSomeoneDay to spread awareness on social media. To learn more about Project Harmony, visit www.ProjectHarmony.com.

Angels Among Us was pleased to partner with Anchor Roofing & Landscaping for a second year as the charity partner for their annual vendor appreciation golf outing. This year, they raised nearly $5,000. Every year, Anchor Roofing & Landscaping invites key partners such as real estate agents, suppliers, insurance agents, and other community partners for a day of fun on the golf course. The event takes place at Iron Horse Golf Course in Ashland and is always a sell-out event. Community events such as these are a huge piece of Angels Among Us’ fundraising efforts and getting to know new people in Nebraska. “Being active, contributing members of our community is extremely important to us,” said Mark Geary, operations manager of Anchor Roofing & Landscaping. “What Angels Among Us does for families in our community navigating the incredibly difficult circumstances that come with the cancer diagnosis of a child is something that we greatly value and want to highlight. Partnering with them for our golf outing is one small way that we, too, can show our love and support for these families.” Angels Among Us is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide financial and emotional support to any family whose child is battling pediatric cancer living in or being treated in the state of Nebraska. For more information, please contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@ myangelsamongus.org or visit myangelsamongus.org.

Stephen Center Requests Donations of Bottled Water for Summer Months Temperatures are rising and Stephen Center is in urgent need of bottled water. Consider making donations now! Water is always in demand at Stephen Center, but it is imperative to bulk the supply as the summer months approac h. The high temperatures of summer pose a significant risk to anyone exposed, specifically people experiencing homelessness as they navigate through the process of finding permanent housing. Water is an essential item for the safety, well-being, and success of clients at Stephen Center. “The majority of clients served through Stephen Center programming are on foot as they tend to their schedule,” said Executive Director Michael Wehling. “Whether they are employment seeking, going to appointments, or going to work, we want to help people avoid dangerous consequences of heat exposure by keeping them properly hydrated. Our community was generous last year, and we call on them again now to help us accomplish our mission.” Donations can be brought to the Donation Center located on the south side of the building at 2723 Q St. The Donation Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Water can also be donated through their wish list accessible on their webpage at www.stephencenter.org. Please contact the donation center at (402) 715-5478 for further information. Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center serves the homeless, addicted, and those in poverty. Learn more at www.stephencenter.org. 26 Strictly Business JuLY 2022

nAlA to participate in pick-a-pooch Adoption Days and pet expo July 30-31 Nebraska’s Animal Loving Advocates (NALA) will be participating in Pick-a-Pooch Adoption Days and Pet Expo, produced by Pets in Omaha, the weekend of July 30-31 at Baxter Arena. NALA will have adoptable dogs and cats on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be many other rescues and shelters in attendance as well. The show, sponsored by Urgent Pet Care, will include more than 100 local, petloving vendors stationed throughout the arena, in addition to rafﬂes, guest speakers, giveaways, and much more. Attendees and potential adopters will be able to celebrate the Omaha pet community, fill out applications for adoptable animals, meet volunteers from shelters and rescue groups, and shop from local businesses. More information about the event can be found at petsinomaha.com and tickets can be purchased at am.ticketmaster.com/uno/pickapooch. The mission of Nebraska’s Animal Loving Advocates is to revolutionize the way people think about animals and animal rescues. They educate people about the dangers of puppy mills and the realities of backyard breeders in their effort to provide loving homes to all of the dogs they encounter, including the feral, the unwanted, the damaged, and the lost. NALA believes that every living thing not only deserves love but also has so much love to offer. They accomplish their mission through their core values of love for all living things and faith that they can change our culture and create a world where rescues are no longer needed. If you are interested in adopting, fostering, volunteering, or donating, please visit www.nalarescue.org or call (402) 714-6580. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

nonpRoFit neWs Rosefest Family Fun Festival Kicks off the Rose theater’s 2022-23 season

Big things on the horizon for Youth with Boys town’s successful Futures program

The Rose Theater invites families to Rosefest, a new event celebrating creativity and community on Saturday, August 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held outside The Rose at 20th and Farnam St. Families will enjoy a variety of activities including music and on-stage performances, bounce houses, activity booths, costumed characters, face painting, interactive art displays, and more. The event is free to the public and families of all ages are invited to attend. A special organ concert featuring The Rose’s antique Wulitzer pipe organ will be performed by the River City Organ Society following the festival, giving visitors a unique look at this one-of-akind instrument in its full glory. Rosefest kicks off The Rose’s 2022-23 season, which officially opens with The SpongeBob Musical on August 26. Other shows making their way to The Rose stage this year include the world premiere of Popularity Coach, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, Havana Hop, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, Last Stop on Market Street, and Disney’s Beauty and The Beast. The Rose’s First Stage Series also returns this year with two productions designed specifically for very young children: Ode to Toy and Fireﬂy. Memberships are now available with ﬂexible options for families of all sizes. Single tickets will go on sale August 1. For more information, visit www.rosetheater.org.

Boys Town is pleased to announce that beginning in July, their Successful Futures program will serve all Boys Town High School seniors. With a strong focus on senior planning, proactive support, and workforce development, Successful Futures will provide an invaluable resource for young adults as they transition to their new levels of independence. A significant part of the Successful Futures program is housing services at the Hilltop Apartments on the Boys Town campus. These living quarters support Family Home Program graduates taking part in the Successful Futures program, providing safe and affordable housing, life-skills training, and independent-living skills coaching. Successful Futures was designed to prepare young men and women, both before and after high school graduation, to successfully make the transition from high school to adult life by delivering stable support systems, a community of peers, a safe and affordable place to live, and workforce development opportunities. All these will be invaluable resources for young adults as they transition to new levels of adulthood. Boys Town is a beacon of hope for America’s children and families through its life-changing youth care and health care programs across the United States. Now more than 100 years strong, Boys Town provides the right services at the right time based on a child’s or family’s needs. For more information, visit www.boystown.org or contact Jordan Weinandt at jordan.weinandt@boystown.org or (531) 355-1273.

Volunteer with the salvation Army’s Kids cruisin’ Kitchen summer program The Salvation Army of Omaha is looking for volunteers to distribute meals this summer as part of their Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen summer feeding program. The summer months can be especially c hallenging for children who are at risk of hunger. Approximately 43% of children in Nebraska receive free or reducedfee lunches at school, and that percentage can soar as high as 90%, depending on the circumstances. Once kids are out of school for summer break, access to dependable sources of nutritious food plummets, which is why The Salvation Army’s Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen is such an important program in the community. This year, Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen will run on weekdays through August 5, providing free, hot, nutritious lunches to children 18 years of age and younger at six locations around the Omaha metro, including local libraries and apartment complexes. Each volunteer of the program will be part of a team that will make three stops along a designated route, serving meals to children in the area. The volunteers will serve meals from canteens, or Salvation Army food trucks. Last summer, the program served nearly 17,000 lunches to kids and teens in the metro area. “We engage with the kids while we serve them,” said Volunteer Renate Keilbach. “The kids love it. A lot of them don’t have many people to talk to, so it’s a good opportunity to connect with them.” For more information about Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen or to sign up to volunteer, call (402) 898-6000 or email wstvolunteers@usc. salvationarmy.org. For more information about The Salvation Army of Omaha, visit www.salarmyomaha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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nonpRoFit neWs Donate to heartland hope Mission’s Back to school giveaway July 30

heartland equine therapeutic Riding Academy to host Upcoming Veterans events

Heartland Hope Mission is hosting their annual Back to School giveaway on Saturday, July 30 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at their south Omaha location, 2021 U St. Families in need can come to receive school supplies and basic necessities, including socks and underwear for their children, to help prepare them for going back to school. Heartland Hope Mission needs your help by donating brand new backpacks, socks, and underwear for all ages.

Heartland Equine Therapeutic R i d i n g A c a d e my ( H E T R A ) is pleased to announce their upcoming Veterans events in July. They will begin with a Veterans Coffee Hour on Friday, July 15, from 9 to 10 a.m. This is an opportunity to share stories, memories, and current veteran community needs, all while watching the HETRA horses get ready for the day. Later that afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. is the Veteran & First Responder Experience. Take part in equine-assisted services and discover how HETRA’s partners assist them with leadership, problemsolving, and communication. These events offer a comfortable and supportive environment for all Veterans, active duty military, first responders, spouses, significant others, caregivers, and children (5 years or older). Participants will learn more about HETRA and their mission, and will have the opportunity to work hands-on with their horses. Finally, on Saturday, July 16 is the Veterans Project Team from 9 to 11:30 a.m. During Veterans Project Team, a group of veterans will meet to enjoy a time of fellowship as well as putting to use their skills and talents. They will also work on large-scale projects such as building, painting, and repairs around the facility, as well as gardening and landscaping. The mission of Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy is to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally of adults and children of all ability levels through equine-assisted activities. To learn more, contact Rachelle Tidwell or Diane Bemis at (402) 359-8830 / hetra@hetra.org or visit hetra.org.

Donations can be dropped off during their donation drop off times at either their south Omaha or west Omaha (15555 Industrial Rd.) locations. You can also help by giving a monetary donation. Your best gift can help make sure that these families have all the supplies they need to successfully send their children back to school. To find donation drop-off hours or to donate, please visit HeartlandHopeMission.org. Heartland Hope Mission operates one of the largest food pantries in the state, but they are more than a pantry since they help families work toward self-sufficiency. They primarily serve working poor families and those facing a crisis by providing a week’s supply of food, as well as clothing, diapers, job resources, and community referrals. Like and follow Heartland Hope Mission on Facebook or follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay up to date on all the important work they are doing in the community. Learn more at HeartlandHopeMission.org.

Youth emergency services Receives $20K grant from lincoln Financial Foundation Youth Emergency Services (YES) recently received a $20,000 grant from the Lincoln Financial Foundation. YES plans to use the grant to fund its continuum of services programming. All financial focus remains on providing food, shelter, and programming for youth experiencing homelessness and near-homelessness in the Omaha community. “We are incredibly grateful for the Lincoln Financial Foundation’s continued support of YES and the youth that we serve,” said YES Director of Development Barb Farho. “We are proud to call them a community partner that we know we can depend upon to help YES fulfill its mission of working toward ending youth homelessness.” Lincoln Financial Foundation awards grants to hundreds of nonprofits each year that empower and improve the lives of people in their communities. They work with nonprofit organizations that adhere to the best practices and can point to proven outcomes in human services (including safe emergency housing and services to prevent homelessness), education, and financial wellness. To learn more about the Lincoln Financial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Lincoln Financial Group, visit www.lfg.org. Youth Emergency Services offers a full continuum of care to ensure all youth receive the support they need, no matter their situation. This includes a Street Outreach Center, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Program, Prevention, Rapid Rehousing, Transition in Place (TIP), and Maternity Group Home. Learn more about YES at www. yesomaha.org. 28 Strictly Business JuLY 2022

Bags of Fun to host 2nd Annual Bags for Bags cornhole tournament August 21 Please join Bags of Fun Omaha for their 2nd Annual Bags for Bags Cornhole Tournament on August 21 from noon to 5 p.m. at The Barn in Bennington. Participants will enjoy an afternoon of family fun, drinks, food, live music, silent auctions, and some intense bracketed cornhole play! There will be plenty of activities for the whole family, including a balloon artist, face painting, bounce house, and much more. Team registration is $150 and includes food and drinks. There are also various sponsorship opportunities still available that include team entries, in addition to other attractive perks and benefits. Children 12 and under are free. Teams will have a fun time competing for the Bags of Fun traveling trophy! Registration is open now at BagsOfFunOmaha.org. For more information or questions, contact Leigh Sittenauer at leighs@bagsoffun.org / (402) 578-5395. The Bags for Bags Cornhole Tournament benefits Bags of Fun Omaha and their mission to bring joy, laughter, and relief to every child fighting a life-threatening disease or condition. They believe in the power of play to bring a welcome distraction during times of difficulty. Bags of Fun bring a child and the parents hope, relief, a smile, and the ability to focus on something other than their illness. To learn more, go online to bagsoffunomaha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

nonpRoFit neWs Christian Record Services Camp Program for social Work students Back on track

Pottawattamie County Community Foundation Announces New Name, Greater Impact

Christian Record Services and Shannon Trecartin, an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Andrews University, came together to create an internship program for master’s social work students at summer camps in 2017. Although the complexities of COVID slowed the growth of the program, they are excited to get things back on track this summer and plan to support camps again and for many years to come.

Pottawattamie County Community Foundation and its Board of Directors have identified growth opportunities and the need for increased services and philanthropic support beyond Pottawattamie County and into the western Iowa region. A name change from Pottawattamie County Community Foundation to the Community Foundation for Western Iowa better reflects the Foundation’s mission to build community through giving while being a leader in donorcentric philanthropy. Over the last 15 years, the Community Foundation has learned how necessary it is to build funding sources for areas of need, where caring and committed l-R: steve Wild, president; Debbie donors can invest their charitable Johnson, director; charles lakin dollars in ways that fill their passion, iii, director; John hoich, vice while creating lasting change in our president; Jennifer green, grants manager; and Zack Jones, artist. communities. Two “Field of Interest” funds have been established at the Community Foundation – the Women’s Fund of Southwest Iowa and Southwest Iowa Mental Health and Substance Abuse Fund – both created to support nonprofit organizations in nine counties throughout southwest Iowa while increasing access to philanthropic funding in a holistic and regional way. In addition to the new funding sources, the Community Foundation established a “Make It Happen” fund development program to help nonprofit organizations build leadership within their organizations, and to assist them in developing a rich culture of philanthropy in the communities they serve. In late May, the Community Foundation also brought SHARE Iowa to the region to support nonprofit organizations through donor engagement and a high level of donor-centered service. In November 2021, the Community Foundation moved back into a newly renovated and expanded building at 536 E Broadway due to generous funding support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation. A gift of $556,000 helped the Community Foundation add a total of 1,110 square feet, complete with four additional office spaces for future staff capacity needs, new ADA compliant restrooms, a staff kitchenette, and a large conference room to host board and committee meetings. The Community Foundation welcomed nearly 150 community members and supporters for their ribbon cutting and building dedication on May 16. The event, in collaboration with the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrated the Community Foundation’s new name and renovation, and revealed a special oil painting tribute to the late Charles and Florence Lakin and their family by local artist Zack Jones of Malvern, IA. The renovated building has been dedicated as the Florence M. and Charles E. Lakin Center for Community Giving. Community Foundation for Western Iowa, formally Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, was established in 2008 by four founding board members—Bobbette Behrens, Dean Fischer, Marie Knedler, and Kelly Summy—with the help of an initial grant from the Iowa West Foundation. Last year, investors awarded 269 grants totaling an astounding $1.9 million dollars to a variety of nonprofit organizations in focus areas such as community betterment, education, human services, and arts and culture. The investor granting, coupled with the Foundation’s grant awards, was $2.2 million. Additionally, the annual impact report revealed a significant increase of its total assets to $52,363,015 by the end of December, a 15.8% increase from 2021, and nearly $40 million more from its total assets in 2017. Learn more at www.givewesterniowa.org. JuLY 2022 Strictly Business 29

Timber Ridge Camp in Spencer, IN, a partner with National Camps for Blind Children for more than 40 years, was the perfect spot to kick off the dream to develop the internship program. Trecartin spent that first summer, five years ago, observing and offering counseling assistance to campers and staff as she dreamed about the joint project. In addition, in conversations with camp directors from across the country, Christian Record Services president, Diane Thurber, learned that having a trained social worker at camp would greatly benefit the camp staff. “Each summer some individuals come to camp with many emotions and challenges to work through,” says Thurber. “The trained counselors can be very helpful in defusing situations and helping campers and staff.” Christian Record Services, Inc. is an international ministry to people who are blind. The nonprofit was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Lincoln. To learn more, visit www.ChristianRecord.org.

Jennie edmundson Foundation to honor Spirit of Courage Recipients in August Jennie Edmundson Foundation’s 2022 Spirit of Courage Celebrity Weekend is set for August 5-6. Each year, Jennie Edmundson Foundation celebrates and honors four individuals who attend the event and share their stories of courage during their battles with cancer. The four amazing individuals being recognized at the 2022 event include Donna Elliff, Deb Potter, Jake Powers, and Kevin Rutland. Jennie Edmundson Foundation will also recognize and honor all of the past recipients as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of Spirit of Courage Celebrity Weekend. A major event of the weekend is the Spirit of Courage Golf Tournament on August 6 at Dodge Riverside Golf Club beginning at 8 a.m. On Saturday evening, the gala begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction. Dinner and opening remarks will begin at 7 p.m. followed by Spirit of Courage Recipient presentations. The net proceeds from the weekend will go to the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Spirit of Courage Cancer Charitable Patient Care Fund through the Jennie Edmundson Foundation. These funds go towards helping cancer patients who face financial challenges in meeting their needs as they progress through their treatment. Thanks to the generous support of donors, this fund assists patients by paying for medications, treatments, and deductibles as well as everyday living expenses such as groceries, rent, and gas. Tickets to Jennie Edmundson Foundation’s 2022 Spirit of Courage Celebrity Weekend events are available online www.jehfoundation. org or by calling (712) 396-6040. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

nonpRoFit neWs

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

FAMilY, inc. celebrates end of Another Successful Program Year Family, Inc. is celebrating the end of another successful program year of Ear ly Head Start and the beginning of summer by inviting Pottawattamie County caregivers raising young children to join them for a fun night out at the Omaha Children’s Museum Friday, July 15, 5-8 p.m. The Early Head Start program provides homebased services for families with children ages 0-3 years old in Pottawattamie County.

Thank you to these businesses who recently joined the Chamber and invested in the community Accelerated Diagnostic & Automotive

Glamour Girl Boutique Prom and Pageant

Access Systems

Harmony Med Spa

Anybody Supplements Omaha

Heartland Payments

FAMILY, Inc. is a human services organization with a mission to engage and educate the community, inspiring a healthy future through literacy, family, and public health services. To learn more, visit www.familyia.org.

J.H. & Sons

Apta Health

Live Hydration Spa - Old Market

BEE Organized Omaha BHHS/Ambassador Real Estate Commercial Div.

Mango Mammoth Mouth of the South - Old Market

Burkley Envelope

Paycor Inc

Cabinets to Go

Right Way Roofing

CSG Consulting

RMH Systems

Dr. Delivery

Sundance Omaha

Education with an Edge

True North Home Care, LLC

Farmers Insurance - Corporate

Uniti Med Partners

Fermented Felon

Valpak of Omaha & Lincoln

FFGBiz

Wall to Wall Wine & Spirits

Join today at

OmahaChamber.org

402-346-5000 30

This event will provide free admission, pizza, and most importantly health and wellness screenings provided by their Mobile Wellness Unit. It will also be an opportunity to learn more about FAMILY, Inc.’s various programs and services available to the community. For more information, contact Joan Callahan at (402) 651-0423 or Jcallahan@familyia.org.

Strictly Business JuLY 2022

nAM’s 16th Annual nonproﬁt summit of the Midlands set for november 10 in la Vista Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) is pleased to announce that the date for their 16th annual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands is Thursday, November 10, at Embassy Suites La Vista. The Summit will return to an in-person format this year, but will also offer a hybrid option for virtual attendees. The Summit will connect approximately 300 nonprofit executives, employees, board members, and volunteers from Nebraska and Iowa. The conference theme is Moments to Movements. The past two years have proven that nonprofits know how to respond quickly to the issues of the moment and do what needs to be done to help the people and communities they serve survive and thrive. This conference will explore how nonprofit leaders can take these moments of individual and collective energy and momentum and turn them into long-lasting movements. The conference will feature presentations, breakout sessions, and workshops on a variety of topics that will energize nonprofit attendees and leave them with actionable takeaways. For more information and registration, please visit www.nonprofitam.org/events. Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is a state association that represents more than 750 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and southwest Iowa. NAM strengthens the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa. To learn more about the organization, contact Abby at abby@ nonprofitam.org or visit nonprofitam.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

nonpRoFit neWs Save the Date for the Epilepsy Foundation’s Blackstone stroll Fundraiser on october 15 The Epilepsy Foundation Nebraska has announced the date of their next b i g f u n d r a i s e r, t h e Blackstone Stroll, to be Saturday, October 15, starting at noon. So mark your calendars!

kaystockdesign@gmail.com (402) 499 9415 www.kaystockdesign.com

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO

The Blackstone Stroll will benefit the Epilepsy Foundation’s mission to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives right here in Omaha, Lincoln, and beyond. Participants will turn the Blackstone district purple as they stroll down Farnam Street visiting participating venues. Venue partners will prepare signature drinks and bites for patrons to enjoy. Proceeds support the 20,000 Nebraskans living with active epilepsy through public health education, empowerment programs, advocacy support, and research and innovation. The ticket link will be available at www.epilepsy.com/ local/nebraska. Call (402) 715-9396 with questions.

Midlands Community Foundation Raises $60K at 2022 golf tournament

Mustaches for Kids Raises over $1M for Kids can and child saving institute

Midlands Community Foundation raised $60,000 at its 2022 golf tournament at Oak Hills Country Club on May 23. The tournament wa s s o l d o u t w i t h 1 4 4 golfers participating.

On June 4 at its annual Stache Bash, Mustaches fo r K i d s ( M 4 K ; w w w. m4komaha.com) Omaha announced a 30-day grand total of $1,004,683 raised for local Omaha children’s charities, the most money of any Mustaches for Kids chapter in the nation for the 11th straight year. This brings M4K Omaha’s total raised to $5,758,338 over its 14-year history. This year, the funds raised by M4K Omaha’s 240 growers went to support Kids Can Community Center and Child Saving Institute, while also gifting $100,000 to its “bonus charities,” Foster Love, Nebraska Red Dawgs, and Imagine Inclusion. Each May, M4K Omaha assembles a group of fun-loving men who want to help kids and look good doing it. The rules are simple: grow nothing but a mustache for 30 days and do whatever you can to collect donations for the chosen charity partners. Growers who raise at least $1,000 are inducted into the highly exclusive Selleck Society. Growers meet for weekly checkpoints, compete in the Mustache Melee, and host their own events or perform their own stunts to raise money. At Kids Can Community Center (www.KidsCan.org), their mission is to educate, engage, and inspire children through early childhood education and out of school experiences. The organization has evolved over the past century to meet the continually changing needs of children and families in the community. Child Saving Institute (CSI; www.childsaving.org) is a human services organization serving children and families in the Omahametro area. Their focus is on the prevention, intervention, and healing of childhood neglect, abuse, and trauma. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Through the generous contributions of tournament sponsors and participants, including Double Eagle Sponsor Bluestem Capital Par tners, proceeds will benefit Banisters Leadership Academy, Merrymakers, and animal shelters and humane societies in Sarpy and Cass counties. These include the Plattsmouth Animal Shelter, H a p py Pa w s Re s c u e, Town & Country Humane Society, Nebraska Border Collie Rescue, Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, and Raptor Conservation Alliance.

seth porter with the teamMatesgretna chapter team made a holein-one at the McF tournament.

During the tournament, Seth Porter with the TeamMatesGretna Chapter team made a hole-in-one on hole four, the first hole-in-one in MCF’s 41-year tournament history. “We are grateful to have had such wonderful supporters of our golf tournament and are honored to be able to support multiple nonprofit organizations that provide programs and services in Sarpy and Cass counties,” said Tonee Gay, executive director. The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to be a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and to give opportunities to organizations and individuals so that they can pursue their charitable goals. The Foundation has a strong commitment toward prevention and education in the areas of health, art, culture, community, education, economic development, and human services. To learn more, visit midlandscommunity.org. JuLY 2022 Strictly Business 31

heAlth neWs Any Body supplements omaha to hold grand opening celebration July 9

UWM Receives $25K from the Molina healthcare charitable Foundation

Any Body Supplements is excited to announce the opening of their newest location in Omaha on Saturday, July 9, beginning at 10 a.m. Your new home for nutritional supplements is located in Rockbrook Village, the largest shopping center for locally-owned businesses in Omaha, at 2717 S 108th St., STE 100.

United Way of the Midlands (UWM) is proud to announce it has received a donation of $25,000 from The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation. The donation will support UWM’s new Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) initiative for the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. Research studies and strategic plans have identified mental health as one of the highest needs within our community, and statistics show that one in three people in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro experience symptoms of chronic depression. To address the increased demand for services and reduce barriers to seeking help, United Way of the Midlands has developed a partnership with Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare to expand access to MHFA training. Learn more at unitedwaymidlands.org.

“We are excited to be a part of Any Body Supplements’ expansion to Omaha!” said owners Matt and Augusta. “We look forward to sharing the amazing products and solutions that Any Body Supplements has to offer, and invite you to stop by if you have any questions or would like to learn more about vitamins and supplements.” To celebrate the grand opening of their newest location, Any Body Supplements is offering a code for 10% off all online orders. Use code “ABOMAHA” when checking out at anybodysupplements.com. All firsttime purchases in store will also receive 10% off, and 20% off for all first responders. Any Body Supplements Omaha is a supplement and vitamin shoppe aiming to help ANYBODY and everybody. They offer supplements such as protein, pre workouts, muscle growth, recovery, weight loss, pre/postnatal, and so much more. Learn more about Any Body Supplements by visiting anybodysupplements.com, or get in touch with Matt or Augusta at the Omaha location by contacting them on Instagram (@anybodyomaha) or emailing anybodyomaha@gmail.com.

Midtown Medical group expands services through Addition of Employer Services Midtown Medical Group is excited to announce that they are taking their 14 years of expertise, experience, and outstanding customer service in disability evaluation to now help companies with their pre-employment needs by offering physicals, screenings, and drug testing, among other services. These new services are useful to companies in that they reduce employee healthcare costs; improve employee morale, productivity, and performance; decrease absenteeism, accidents, downtime, turnover, and theft; ensure a business is compliant with state or federal regulations; provide a safe workplace for employees; and much more. In addition, it is recommended that you pre-screen your employees if you provide health insurance, life insurance, or have employees in a physically demanding job. This will help you document an employee’s existing conditions, limitations, and overall physical health. “As a locally-owned small business, we take pride in serving the Omaha community,” shared President Trisha Sullivan. “Our new services are here to help local companies identify qualified candidates and minimize their risk.” Midtown Medical Group is a local, 100% female-owned small business established in 2008. Over the last 14 years, they have grown their team of licensed medical providers and psychologists as they’ve expanded their disability evaluation services across two states and 10 locations, becoming Nebraska’s top provider. To learn more, visit midtownmedicalgroup.com or contact Trisha Sullivan at tsullivan@ midtownmedicalgroup.com / (402) 558-1440. 32 Strictly Business JuLY 2022

Nebraska Safety Council Announces Upcoming First Aid/cpR/AeD trainings Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) offers a Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED training the first Wednesday and Saturday of each month. Upon completion of this course, participants will receive a certificate showing they have completed an interactive course with a variation of lecture, video, group discussion, and hands-on training. The course will teach first aid basics including medical, injury, poison, and environmental emergencies; preventing illnesses and injuries; and controlling bleeding and bandaging. Covered topics will include: using a tourniquet; shock; internal bleeding; burns and electrical injuries; allergic reactions; breathing problems and dehydration; diabetes and low blood sugar; heat-and cold-related emergencies; drowning; amputations; bites and stings; broken bones; sprains; splinters; nose bleeds; fainting; seizures; and injuries to the head, eyes, neck, spine, mouth, and teeth. The course will also cover Triaging, CPR, and AED use for adults, children, and infants, as well as adult, child, and infant choking. During the eight-hour course, participants will also be trained in Stop the Bleed and will receive a certificate for the training free of cost. The full-day course fee is $85 for members and $90 for non-members. Upcoming trainings are scheduled for: July 6, July 9, August 3, August 6, September 3, September 7, October 5, and October 8. NESC also offers a public First Aid, CPR, and AED training the first week each month. Upon completion of this course, participants will receive a certificate showing they have completed an interactive course with a variation of lecture, video, group discussion, and hands-on training. Participants will leave empowered to handle emergency situations related to first aid, CPR, choking, and how to use an AED. Topics covered include: following emergency procedures; preventing disease transmission; rescuing, moving, and positioning victims; caring for a variety of injuries and illnesses; assisting a choking victim; administering basic life support (CPR); and using an AED. This full-day course fee is $95 for members and $100 for non-members. Upcoming trainings are scheduled for: August 4, September 1, and October 6. Learn more about each training and register online by visiting their website at nesafetycouncil.org and click on Worker Education and Events. For questions or to register over the phone, call (402) 483-2511 ext. 106. 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 to sign up for a membership today, visit nesafetycouncil. org or email nesc@nesafetycouncil.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

client spotlight

Head’s Up, Homeowners! American home equity is hitting record highs — we’re talking over $25 trillion! This is great news if you have been considering dipping into your equity to pay off debt, fund home renovations, undertake a small business venture, or contribute to your comfort in retirement. Even better news? Unison, the San Francisco-based fintech pioneer who opened an Omaha office in March, is newly able to offer their equity sharing agreements to qualifying homeowners in the state of Nebraska! Unlike home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), Unison equity sharing agreements do not collect interest or require monthly payments. Instead, they offer up to 17.5% of the home’s value in cash in exchange for a percentage of the home’s future change in value in 30 years, or at the time of sale. During the agreement, you maintain complete ownership of your home, and they are “in your corner” — there whenever you need them! With interest rates skyrocketing into the stratosphere, avoid taking on debt by choosing a Unison equity sharing agreement to help you unlock the mounting equity in your home. You can check to see if your address qualifies without it affecting your credit score, too. Visit unison.com and get in touch to see if you will be one of their very first Nebraska homeowners!

1299 Farnam St. Suite 940 Omaha, NE 68102 unison.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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client spotlight

Face Risk Head On WitH nORtH Risk PaRtneRs north Risk Partners specializes in strategic insurance solutions for businesses and individuals. They are committed to helping clients face risk head-on with right-fit insurance coverage and attention to opportunities for preventing avoidable losses. For businesses, they offer programming and compliance support in the areas of HR, safety, worksite wellness, and more.

Businesses

Established as Benefit Professionals, Inc. in 1989, they later joined North Risk Partners in 2018 as a means of growing their client services. Since then, they have been able to do so much more to help businesses face the complex risks that inevitably come with being an employer.

testimOnials

Employee Benefits At North Risk Partners, they focus on cost containment and managing risk. Whether your organization is small, large, or growing, their team has the knowledge and resources to support you in nearly all aspects of your employee benefits program. They value creating a foundation of trust in their relationships to make way for honest and challenging discussion, commitment and accountability; and they believe developing these characteristics within themselves, their teams, and with clients and partners leads to achieving and celebrating amazing results.

“I have been working with the firm out of Omaha, NE for over 15 years. They understand our needs and find the best solutions for our company. When talking about insurance, they talk to me in ‘people terms’ and we come up with the best solution not only for the company but also our employees. They provide excellent service and we appreciate our partnership over the years.”

– Katie N.

Commercial Insurance Your business faces many threats—from natural disasters and data breaches to other risks specific to your industry or company. North Risk Partners helps organizations large and small face risk head-on.

Surety Bonds North Risk Partners takes a common-sense approach to bond underwriting. Experience and quality relationships with surety companies gives them the best platform to serve your bonding needs.

“I can state without hesitation that the North Risk Partners team has provided the best customer service I have ever experienced. Timely, caring, communicating and professional – a can do attitude. Never saying no and always following up. Thank you, North Risk Partners! You guys rock!”

– Sheila B.

(402) 592-7777 | northriskpartners.com

individuals and Families Home, Auto, and More North Risk Partners’ large network of carrier partners allows them to match you with the optimal coverage for your situation.

Health and Life As a client of North Risk Partners, you and your family benefit from non-biased, personalized advice on health insurance plans, including Medicare, cost, and more.

Farm Whether you run a hobby farm or a full-time operation, their professionals across the Midwest understand your needs and the complexities of insuring a farm that may also be your home.

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MEN'S HEALTH SERVICES Discover the Pathway to your Best Self Skincare

We dedicate two separate features to women’s health and men’s health each year to discuss with local professionals the struggles that women and men face in their health journeys and the available services that can assist them with reaching their goals. Rather than consolidating this information into one feature, we split it up because there are a multitude of health differences between men and women. For example, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, women are more likely to die following a heart attack than men are. Another example is depression: while women are diagnosed with depression at nearly twice the rate that men are, the disease is far deadlier in men. Examples like these are why it’s important to know health recommendations specific to you so that you can appropriately take care of yourself and know what to look for. Keep reading to learn what our local experts have to say in the area of men’s health. Stretch it Out Wouldn’t it be ideal to receive amazing health benefits without doing the work? At Stretch Zone Legacy, it’s possible! Stretch Zone offers 1-on-1 assisted stretching, helping individuals overcome pain and regain their bodies’ natural range of motion. “Over time, without a commitment to stretching and exercising, your body loses its God-given intended range of motion,” explained Owner Randy Baylor. “This loss of movement can result in further injury. Our method of practitioner-assisted stretching can help you to increase mobility, muscle function, and active range of motion, which helps to make daily movement more efficient and effortless. Our method and equipment are copyrighted and patented because they are unique. Different from massage, yoga, Randy Baylor and other stretching modalities, the Stretch stretch Zone legacy Zone Method does not seek to make muscles more ﬂexible or elastic. Instead, Stretch Zone works to re-educate the nervous system to increase active range of motion efficiently and effortlessly.” Randy acknowledged that these days, everyone is busy – which is why appointments at Stretch Zone are designed to take no more than 30 minutes so that you are in-and-out the door. They’re open seven days a week and can accommodate their clients to nearly any time of day – 7 a.m., over lunch, or late evening. There’s always a friendly, skilled practitioner waiting for you at Stretch Zone! “I encourage you to set up a completely free half-stretch and consultation by calling (402) 885-8805 or visiting stretchzone.com,” said Randy. “We will find what ails you and get to work on it, right then and there! Many clients feel benefits from their very first stretch, and benefits increase as you commit more time to it. Your only job is to lay back, relax, and breathe. We do all the work, you get all the benefits.” Self-Care for Men Harmony Med Spa offers a wide array of health and wellness services for men to better themselves, ranging from skincare treatments to bodysculpting to sexual health. Harmony Med Spa provides men’s facials, back facials, Alastin skin care products, and mineral sunscreen for daily skin maintenance and protection. They have estheticians who offer waxing for all areas of unwanted hair, in addition to laser services as a permanent option for hair reduction. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Their wellness injections and IV hydration promotes health from the inside, including B12, Skinny Shots, and hydrations focused on sleep cycle, energy, and boosting the metabolism. “Our bodysculpting will strengthen and enhance the muscles of the abdomen, pelvis, arms, and legs,” shared Tamara Doehner, MD. “A combined modality on the EmSculpt NEO, a non-invasive body shaping procedure, allows for fat reduction and muscle gain of up to 25% of the treatment area. Improved core strength from abdominal treatments can enhance sports performance and lessen back discomfort.” Harmony Med Spa also offers resurfacing and IPL (intense pulse light) for treatment of tamara Doehner rosacea, sunspots, spider veins, and overall sun harmony Med spa damaged skin changes. Their tattoo removal services are also popular for pigment reduction and preparation for a new overlay tattoo. Finally, Harmony Med Spa offers an Emsella chair that supports men’s sexual health through pelvic ﬂoor strengthening. This is also beneficial for urinary urgency or frequency following a prostatectomy, improving quality of life by decreasing the symptoms of urinary incontinence. “Skin is the largest organ of the body, yet it is often overlooked and under prioritized by men,” shared Tamara. “Men’s self-care is important for their health and wellbeing inside and out. Failure to participate in self-care and wellness activities may lead to premature aging and a less-than-optimal quality of life. It’s important to find time and a safe space to engage in self-care – we want to help you discover your pathway to ‘your best self’!” Superior Supplements At Any Body Supplements Omaha, they offer a variety of products for men’s health ranging from testosterone support and hormone balance to JuLY 2022 Strictly Business

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weight loss designed for men, multivitamins, and even vitamins for better sleep. They have extremely knowledgeable staff available to help you choose which products are right for you and your body. “Something like a testosterone booster or multivitamin for men can provide a full spectrum of benefits such as boosting your testosterone levels, leveling your hormones, increasing your libido, and protecting your muscle gains, even helping with digestive enzymes which will affect energy levels,” shared Augusta Schartz, who owns the business alongside her husband Matt Schartz. “For weight loss, we provide a wide variety of supplements that have been designed for men that have nutrients that are specifically Augusta Schartz formulated to target multiple aspects of Any Body Supplements weight loss, including appetite stabilization (no Omaha longer overeating), improved metabolism, fat blocking, insulin control, blood sugar stabilization, and fat utilization.” Augusta explained that when men do not take care of their bodies, it’s so much more than just gaining a few pounds; they can see a decrease in testosterone and slower metabolism that leads to major health problems such as heart disease that can cost thousands of dollars or missing time with family. Stress, medical complications, and energetic living can all create a greater need in your specific body for very specific minerals or vitamins. Supplementation can also help correct deficiencies in the very food you are eating. “It seems like everyone is always on the go and being pulled in different directions, whether from big things like family or work or simple things such as mowing the lawn,” said Augusta. “Taking just 20 minutes a day to take care of your body can assure a longer, healthier life. We want to encourage men to take that 20 minutes a day – shorter than the typical lunch break – to move and do something for themselves such as ride their bike or go for a walk.

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Taking the best supplements goes hand in hand with taking care of themselves. Here at Any Body Supplements, we have outstanding products specifically for men that can help promote health, support metabolism, and provide great energy to get through the whole day.” Men’s Mental Health Clearwater Counseling, PC is a private practice co-owned by Kayla Leddy, CEO, MS, LIMHP, LIPC and Nikki Bauer, COO, MS, PLMHP providing outpatient mental health services at locations in Grand Island and Omaha. They utilize various evidence-based therapeutic techniques and theoretical approaches to serve clients in the following specialties: addictions, anger management, anxiety, co-occurring disorders, depression, divorce/blended family issues, grief and loss, life adjustments/stress management, major mental illness, parenting and attachment trauma, relationship/codependency, self-esteem, trauma and PTSD, and work/life balance. Many people experience mental health struggles at some point in their life. Mental health battles may vary from anxieties, behavioral, life transitions, depression and stress, all of which can affect our mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Clearwater Counseling knows change can be scary, which is why they are here to help guide you through those changes in life. While positive change is sometimes hard to identify, they strive to help clients identify positive change that is happening in their lives. Clearwater Counseling offers an incredibly helpful and insightful blog on their website titled “In Clear View” where they cover topics ranging from self-care to mental health to bullying to handling FOMO (fear of missing out). We strongly encourage you to check out their blog as it can help you learn more about and better understand so many different aspects of your life and the lives of those around you. While most of these blog posts pertain to both men and women, we would like to highlight a specific blog post since we are focusing on the topic of men’s health. They’ve shared a detailed post covering mental health in men, which can be found at clearwatercounselingpc.org/understanding-men-andmental-health. It lists several statistics about men’s mental health, such as the amount of men suffering from a mental health problem and factors that may put an individual at a higher risk. It also shares that men are less likely than women to seek help for depression, substance abuse, and stressful life events. This is likely due to social norms, reluctance to talk, and the downplaying of symptoms. The staggering statistics mentioned in this blog further signify the importance of promoting mental health awareness for ALL. All people can be impacted by mental health problems. Check on the men (and women) in your life, and don’t be afraid to talk about mental health. It’s the only way to truly #EndTheStigma. Sports Medicine See The Trainer is an orthopedic, sports medicine facility dedicated to keeping a diverse population functioning through a variety of bracing and support products. They offer a full line of in-stock bracing, home health, and rehabilitation products. They are dedicated to improving your quality of life, and their knowledgeable staff will do its best assisting you in selecting the appropriate product to best fit your individual needs. “We have products for common injuries – whether it’s plantar fasciitis, an injured Kristie Egan ankle, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, or more See The Trainer – so that you can quickly recover and get back to your regular routine,” shared Owner Kristie Egan. “If exercise is being newly incorporated into your lifestyle, then you may run into some obstacles as you adjust and learn the best approach for you. This is where we can help you out. We carry products to help you protect yourself while exercising and recover afterwards.” No matter where you are at in life, living a healthy lifestyle can always be accomplished – and sometimes you just need the guidance of some experts. Reach out to these local professionals to get started on your health journey! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Ready to finally tackle that much-needed home improvement project you’ve been dreading to actually do? Or, maybe you really love these projects, and are the type who starts one as soon as the idea pops into your head – and now you have remodeling happening in every room of your house. Regardless of how you feel about taking on remodeling, it’s always best to have some expert advice and helping hands just around the corner. The Omaha area has a wonderful network of residential remodeling professionals in all aspects, from electrical and HVAC to roofing and landscaping. We are confident that the professionals on these next few pages will deliver you with outstanding and quality service and results. Improve Home Organization Is your home in serious need of better organization that is easily accessible? Look no further than ShelfGenie of Omaha. ShelfGenie retrofits existing and new cabinets with custom-built pullout shelves. These enable people to increase the usable, reachable space in their cabinets by up to 50%. The shelves also keep people from having to get down on the floor on their hands and knees to reach something in the cabinets. “Especially as people get older, getting on the floor can be a fall risk when trying to get back up,” explained Co-owner Jay Durmaskin. “Artificial knees are not supposed to be on a hard floor, so our product is incredibly beneficial to people with knee replacements. Pull-outs also help people with other limitations, such as pain with shoulders, hips, and backs.” In addition to the custom pullouts, ShelfGenie’s other niche area is closets. Their custom closets are designed to the client’s needs, including Jay Durmaskin the use of drawers, shelves, and the height ShelfGenie of closet rods that work for their clothing. ShelfGenie also does a no-cost, no obligation visit with the client to design a solution that is customized to their needs. Plus, their products have a lifetime warranty, so it is a one-time purchase. “An area we’ve been working in lately is senior living,” Jay shared. “We’re helping older people adjust their homes to fit their needs as they age. We are also doing some work for a few independent living and assisted living communities. Even though the residents of these communities are often renting instead of owning, they are frequently interested in adapting to where they live by adding pull-outs or customizing their closets.” Some of ShelfGenie’s clients also add lighting to the sides of their closets or other spaces to offer additional illumination. This especially helps when the closet or cabinet has little light, and provides assistance to people with limited eyesight. If you think ShelfGenie’s services can be beneficial to you, reach out to them today to get in touch with a designer. “My advice is to listen to the designer, since they are the experts,” Jay offered. “It doesn’t mean their ideas are always better than yours, but at least be open to their suggestions. Also, read the reviews of the company you want to hire to make sure people are happy with the results.” Electrifying Renovations When it comes to hiring a contractor to complete work in your home, there are just too many that are looking to just get the job done and move onto #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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the next one. At Langer Electric, they pride themselves on the relationship that they build with each of their customers. Chances are, you will have more than one electrical need in your lifetime – and they want to earn your business for life. They believe they can do just that by providing quality work, competitive pricing, and convenient servicing, all while being quick and efficient. Licensed, bonded, and insured, you can trust that the experts at Langer Electric will complete your electrical remodel projects efficiently so that you can quickly get right to what you’re excited most for in the remodeling process – enjoying your new space. “It’s pretty common for electrical work on remodels to include upgrading everything to LED,” shared Owner Chris Langer. “LEDs use 90% less electricity than the standard incandescent bulb, so you’re getting more light for less power. It’s also popular for homeowners to implement USB access throughout their house. With smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and everything else that requires a USB to charge, it’s convenient to have USB outlets available for easy access.” Not interested in upgrading to USB outlets? chris langer No problem – but at least make sure your langer electric outlets are updated. If your plug isn’t snug and secure when you put it in an outlet, you will definitely want to replace it; this can cause electrical arcing, or an electrical breakdown of gas that produces a prolonged electrical charge. This puts your home in serious danger of catching on fire. Other signs that your outlets need updated include: sparks, smoke, or a burning smell appearing when you plug something in; an outlet that feels hot when you touch it; the outlet cover is cracked; or if the outlet is ungrounded, meaning it only has two holes instead of three (this is more common in older homes). They may physically be a small aspect of your home, but they play a big part in how it functions, so be sure your outlets are upgraded and up-to-date!

upgrade the Comfort Level If it’s time to upgrade your HVAC system, Ideal Heating & Air Conditioning can get the job done for you in a timely fashion while still taking the time to answer any questions you may have along the way. Led by Owner Corwin Keller, they’re a Rheem Pro Partner and proud to install only the finest HVAC units in the industry. From air conditioning to furnaces and everything in between, Corwin and his team of industry professionals are dedicated to the highest standards and corwin Keller quality of customer care. ideal heating & Air “Our team consists of NATE (North American Conditioning Technician Excellence) trained professional technicians who offer friendly, prompt service,” said Corwin. “We sell, install, and service only national-distributed, reliable products and offer an unmatched service guarantee.” The system that lies on the other side of your ﬂoors, ceilings, and walls may not be the first thing you think of when you’re planning a residential remodel – after all, it’s not visible like the other parts of your home. However, it will determine how comfortable you and your family are when spending time in your home...and how can you enjoy your newly-remodeled home if the AC isn’t keeping you cool during these summer months? “If your home remodel includes any additions or reconfigurations of existing rooms, or any other modification that changes the square footage of your home, you’ll also want to consider how this will affect your HVAC system,” advised Corwin. “A system that is too large for your square footage is going to cycle on and off more often, which will ultimately cause wear and tear more quickly. On the ﬂipside, a system that is too small for your home is going to struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature, which not only causes

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discomfort within your own home, but your system will constantly be running to try to reach the desired temperature. If you think you may be running into this problem during your remodel – or if you aren’t planning on changing the square footage of your home but think you may still have this issue – I encourage you to reach out to our team so that we can provide you with an accurate calculation and determine the next step.” Exterior Features A key part to renovating the exterior of your home is landscaping. Big or small, a landscaping project can seriously transform your property and really make it stand out among the others on your block. To ensure your landscaping dreams become a reality, we recommend working with Meza Gardens and Design. The family- and minority-owned company can bring your outdoor area to life through their designing and installation of landscapes and hardscapes, including retaining walls, patios, water features, and fire pits. “We’re small enough to give our customers the attention they deserve and large enough to handle complex projects,” said CoOwner Chris Meza. “We consider what you want and your budget, then come up with a plan to make it happen.” When designing your landscape, you want to match it to your home’s architectural style. Chris can help you create a design that is meant for your home, ultimately creating a well-rounded property with exterior features that mesh well together and are pleasing to the eye. Chris Meza Meza Gardens and Design “Relaxing outdoor spaces with fire pits has been the trend the past two years, and we continue to see this be a popular choice for homeowners doing some remodeling work to their landscape,” said Chris. “People continue to spend a lot of their time at home, so the focus has really been on maximizing their outdoor areas and maximizing the use of garden space – we call it ‘Staycation.’” Looking for a way to set your home apart from the others on your neighborhood block? Stonework is a great way to add both class and unique, modern touches to your project, and Stonebrook Exterior is a master at getting it done. Their services include, but are not limited to, exterior wall and siding systems, roofing systems, masonry elements, windows, gutters, and metal wall panels. “Sometimes all you need is a minor change to make a drastic difference in the exterior of your home,” shared Business Development Manager TwiLea Fletcher. “In many cases, commercial product applications differentiate a residence and will create a much more attractive finish.” Stonebrook’s reputation has been built around their commitment to excellence and their promise to service client’s needs with a highly proficient, safety oriented, and cost efficient management team who is ready to meet their twilea Fletcher goals and objectives. Regardless of the service stonebrook exterior Stonebrook is providing to your home remodel, you can feel confident in your choice of contractor. “When it comes to roofing, we want to take the guesswork out of choosing the right contractor,” said TwiLea. “That’s why we have our team go through an intensive training course and comprehensive testing to become Haag Certified Roofing Inspectors. As Haag Certified inspectors, we have the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately inspect your roof for damage and correctly evaluate that damage. Our team will work with you through the entire process, from discovering your needs, to assisting you in the selection of a quality product.”

GIVE US A CALL! 402-932-0649 HEATINGAIROMAHA.COM JuLY 2022 Strictly Business

At Strictly Business, we believe it is so important to support our local nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations understand the needs of the most vulnerable in our community and work to help support causes many of us connect to. Not only do local nonprofits help enrich Nebraskan life, but they also create jobs and give workers, volunteers, and donors an opportunity to be a part of something greater than themselves. When we pitch in to help nonprofits, we’re helping our communities and neighbors and keeping a culture of humanity, art, and philanthropy alive. We were very encouraged to see the outpouring of generosity this year during SHARE Omaha’s Do Good Days May 17-19. The donor response was incredible. Cash donations totaled over $1.6 million given. There was also an increase of new donors, 25% in 2021 to 33% this year. This is amazing! In this Supporting Nonprofits feature, we’re highlighting a host of Omaha's most impactful nonprofits, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share their stories and promote the work they do throughout the year. We encourage our readers to keep these nonprofits top-of-mind when choosing how to give, whether it's money, time, or skill. Do Space is a free, one-ofa-kind technology space, digital workshop, and experimental playground designed to tackle the digital divide in Omaha. We help boost digital skills and drive innovation, creativity, and invention in the region. It’s more than just a building— it’s a community technology movement. At Do Space, Omahans have access to powerful fiber internet, Wi-Fi, high-end computers and devices, 3D printers, and technology-focused learning opportunities. Do Space offers a variety of programs and events to serve the community at no cost. From beginner to advanced, toddlers to senior citizens, we offer something for all ages and levels of experience. Find our upcoming classes at dospace.org/calendar. Learn more at dospace.org. Did you know 1 in 26 people are diagnosed with epilepsy? Or that 1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime? The Epilepsy Foundation, in collaboration with our community and network partners, connects the people, data, and resources needed to address challenging health problems associated with seizures and epilepsy — and promotes education, policy, research, and systemic change that will foster measurable and sustainable improvement for all people living with epilepsy. We are fiercely committed to improving the lives of people with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation Nebraska provides seizure alert monitors to those in need, responds 24/7 to information and referral requests through the Helpline, educates our community on Seizure First Aid, hosts support groups, promotes grassroots advocacy efforts, and holds local awareness campaigns throughout the year. Together, we are elevating the conversation around epilepsy and fighting the stigmas that persist around living with seizures. Let’s END EPILEPSY TOGETHER! To learn more, visit www.epilepsy. com/local/nebraska. 40 Strictly Business JuLY 2022

Life-changing care…right in your own backyard. Join Boys Town in the business of saving kids and healing families! For more than 100 years, Boys Town has been serving local communities, both as a good neighbor and a provider of high-quality care and treatment programs. They’ve always taken great pride in being right here when kids and families need them, whether that’s for a child in need of a stable home or a parent looking for a trusted pediatrician for their child. That’s why the partnership and support of local businesses is so valuable to their mission. Learn more about how you can help Boys Town expand its services so more people in need can experience hope and healing. Call (531) 355-1300, email info@boystown.org, or go online to www.boystown.org. Comm unity Foundation for Western Iowa is your connection to creating a lasting legacy, ensuring communities in western Iowa are strong, vibrant, and attractive for future generations. The Community Foundation helps donors create a personalized philanthropy plan that is tailored to their interests and preferences. Donors can maximize their charitable gifts, which can include cash, financial investments, bequests, stocks and securities, grain, livestock, real estate, and vehicles. As an added benefit, the Community Foundation is proud to offer the Endow Iowa Tax Credit, a 25% state credit on qualified gifts. Since 2007, Community Foundation for Western Iowa and its charitable investors have granted $5.04 Million to organizations creating impact in western Iowa. Last year, generous donors awarded 269 grants to organizations totaling an astounding $1,908,603 through their charitable funds at the Community Foundation. Help the Community Foundation for Western Iowa community meet the challenges of changing times. Create impact and give where we live at www.givewesterniowa.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Duet’s roots date back to 1968 as the first community-based service p ro v i d e r fo r p e o p l e with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Today, they support over 500 people with a person-centered focus through engaging day, residential, employment, and behavioral health services immersed in the communities of Cass, Douglas, Dodge, Sarpy, and Washington counties. By offering a comprehensive selection of supports, people can choose exactly what they want. Duet honors and encourages personal choice as to supports desired, frequency of receiving supports, and location of supports. Duet is privileged to work alongside so many people in their mission to Develop, Unite, Empower, Together. For more information, visit www.duetne.org or call (402) 444-6500. You can also find Duet on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

As Nebraska’s largest nonprofit legal immigration services provider, Immigrant Legal Center (ILC) serves an irreplaceable role in the communities we serve. ILC serves the most vulnerable immigrants, including those living in extreme poverty, victims ﬂ eeing domestic violence, children who have been abused and/or abandoned, and those who would be persecuted if they returned to their country of origin. They support workforce and community development by securing work permits, green cards, and other forms of relief for Nebraska workers. ILC’s work helps our community reach its full potential and makes our cities stronger and healthier by empowering immigrants to obtain access to education, healthcare, and work opportunities that allow them to live and work with confidence and free from fear. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Join Immigrant Legal Center on September 25 in Omaha for their annual Food Truck World Tour. Sponsorships and information available at www.immigrantlc.org or contact Cailan Franz at cailan@immigrantlc.org.

Wear Yellow Nebraska provides services, support, and community for Nebraska’s cancer survivors. Their purpose, from the very beginning, is to bring together people passionate about cycling, celebrating life, and being an advocate in the fight against cancer. Since the organization’s beginning days, Wear Yellow Nebraska has continued to grow and cultivate their mission and vision. In 2012, they launched a free transportation program, which has raised more than $400,000 to provide more than 17,000 cab rides to cancer patients in need. The Wear Yellow Cab Ride program, Powered by Lyft, is the primary initiative of the organization and is funded by their signature event, the Wear Yellow Ride, Fun Run & Walk. Transportation to and from treatment is essential because patients are often unable to drive themselves, which also leaves them vulnerable to additional medical challenges. Even when patients have family and friends who can help, they are not always available and sometimes they just don’t want to ask for one more thing. Wear Yellow Nebraska touches lives in Lincoln, Omaha, and Fremont— help them keep growing! Learn more online at WearYellowNebraska.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission founded in 1954 committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 917 safe shelter beds to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness; serves over 4,747 nutritious meals; and provides homeless preventive measures to more than 1,000 people living in poverty. Visit www.opendoormission.org or call (402) 422-1111 to see how you can make a difference in the community. FAMILY, Inc. is a human services organization with a mission to engage and educate our community, inspiring a healthy future through literacy, family, and public health ser vices. At FAMILY, Inc. they envision a resilient community built on strong partnerships and trust with equitable opportunities to thrive. They are committed to building a better future for our community through our children. FAMILY, Inc. provides the right supports and services for each child at the earliest stages of development, prenatally through age five, preparing children to enter school ready to learn. Through early developmental assessment, oral health education and screening, support to pregnant moms, parenting home visits, care coordination, connections to hawki health insurance, fostering informal support networks, and more, FAMILY, Inc. partners with each family leading to more successful outcomes decades later. What better investment for the future can a community make? To learn more, visit www.familyia.org or call (712) 256-9566. FAMILY, Inc. can also be found on Facebook (@familyincia), Twitter (@ FAMILYIowa), LinkedIn (@familyinc), and YouTube (FAMILYonYouTube). Child Saving Institute (CSI) is dedicated to the prevention, intervention, and healing of child abuse, neglect, and trauma. Since its beginning 130 years ago, CSI’s primary focus has always been children’s safety and well-being. As an innovative leader in children’s services, CSI’s programs include an Emergency Shelter for youth in crisis, quality Early Childhood Education, consultation services for low-income childcare centers, foster care services, foster parent training, mental health services including pediatric & adolescent therapy and medication management services, in-home services for struggling families, pediatric social work services in local low-income medical clinics, Independent Living Skills (ILS) education for youth aging out of the foster care system, free parenting workshops, and adoption services. The agency also operates the Triage Center at Project Harmony and has added the Family Empowerment Program in collaboration with the Women’s Center for Advancement, providing hope and healing to survivors of domestic violence and their children. CSI’s programs are diverse and continue to adjust to the current needs of children and families in the Omaha community. With your support, CSI continues to serve more than 2,500 kids and families each year and touches thousands more, improving children’s lives and helping them discover the joy of childhood. For more information, visit childsaving.org or call (402) 553-6000. Stay connected with CSI by following the organization on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. JuLY 2022 Strictly Business 41

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." - Leo Buscaglia

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives— devoted to saving people from two of the nation’s top killers: heart disease (No. 1) and stroke (No. 5). Powe r e d by m i l l i o n s o f volunteers, global and local collaborators, their goal is equitably increase worldwide healthy life expectancy from 64 to at least 67 years by 2030. Through events right here in Omaha like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women, and Heart Ball, the American Heart Association is making an impact. For more information, visit www.heart.org/Omaha.

Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center partners with the community, families, and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Approximately 250 people call Stephen Center home each day through three programs on a sober campus. The Pettigrew Emergency Shelter serves men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. The HERO Program (Health, Empowerment, Responsibility, and Opportunity) is a state-licensed substance use treatment and mental health services program providing substance use evaluations, inpatient services, and intensive outpatient treatment. The third program is Permanent Supportive Housing apartments. These apartments provide affordable housing for those that meet income and disability qualifications. All three programs are nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilitites (CARF). All Stephen Center clients have the support of case managers who assist them with the identification of barriers impeding self-sufficiency. Volunteers play a huge role in Stephen Center’s mission, impacting client lives every day! For more information, visit stephencenter.org or follow them on Facebook (@stephencenteromaha).

Youth Emergency Services (YES) is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole mission to help youth experiencing homelessness and nearhomelessness in the community. Last year, YES provided support and services to more than 750 youth in the Omaha metro. YES also provided almost 2,000 meals to youth through their Street Outreach Center and Mobile Pantry. 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. YES offers a full continuum of care to ensure all youth receive the support they need, no matter their situation. This includes the Street Outreach Center, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Program, Maternity Group Home, and Rapid Rehousing as well as other connected services/resources. Through these programs, YES offers case management, job readiness classes, group activities, support for the LGBTQ+ community, and specialized services for trafficked survivors. To ensure youth are successful once they leave their care, YES requires the youth to set short- and long-term goals, be enrolled in school, have a job, or both, and do community service. For more information about YES’ programs, please visit www.yesomaha.org or call (402) 345-5187. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. 42 Strictly Business JuLY 2022

Many Omaha children and families are struggling with the devastating effects of multiple crises and trauma. Thus, the mission of Release is to affect these youth and their families with the love of Jesus Christ, helping them to become…Safe, Together, Healthy, and Free. They do so by providing an array of services in four areas of focus. • Mentoring: Connecting caring adults with youth seeking positive inﬂuences. • Foster Care: Providing loving homes for the most vulnerable in our community. • Social Work: Helping families navigate the system to find restoration. • Mental Health: Bringing healing and wholeness to individuals and families. Release is a member of the National Family Preservation Network, and all their workers are trained specifically in cultural competency and crisis intervention management. Opportunities for helping Release transform lives in our community include volunteering as a mentor, becoming a foster parent, joining Friends of Release for monthly projects helping families, and becoming a monthly financial supporter. For more information, call (402) 4550808, email info@releaseinc.org, or visit www.releaseinc.org. What began as a mother’s wish to offer a playful respite for her daughter fighting brain cancer has now become a movement to reclaim the innocence and playfulness of c hildhood for those threatened by the realities of their medical conditions. Bags of Fun is an essential tool that brings the power of play and distraction from pain into the lives of children fighting a life-threatening illness. Each bag of happiness is individually crafted to provide joy, laughter, and relief to children in the fight of their lives—inspiring pediatric patients to be kids and play while they struggle through tough treatments. It was Gabby Krause’s wish that every child at the hospital could have their own Bag of Fun, and it is an honor to carry out her wish! Bringing a sense of normalcy, especially during these times, is something everyone could benefit from. Since beginning in Omaha in September 2019, Bags of Fun has delivered over 300 Bags of Fun to kids! The nonprofit is excited for what the future has to hold, especially with the immense support they have already experienced in the community. “The body cannot heal without PLAY, the mind cannot heal without LAUGHTER, the heart cannot heal without COMMUNITY.” Visit bagsoffunomaha. org to learn more about the Bags of Fun mission. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Through a growing grassroots network of volunteers who hail from every corner or the state, Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) unleashes abundant local assets, inspires c h a r i t a b l e g i v i n g, a n d connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln with employees working from hometowns all across the state, Nebraska Community Foundation provides financial management, strategic development, donor education, and training in partnership with 1,500 volunteers over serving 270 Nebraska communities. In the last five years, 45,915 contributions were made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $423 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330.

Christian Record Ser vices, Inc., located in Lincoln, is a ministry of compassion of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to children and adults who are blind, with nearly 18,000 members throughout the United States and in countries around the world. Our mission is to empower people who are blind to engage their communities and embrace the Blessed Hope. Christian Record Services offers an array of services and programs, including Bible study lessons, books, magazines, and Bibles in audio, braille, and large print from a library of more than 2,000 titles. Members also have the opportunity to deepen social, educational, and spiritual connections through PhoneFaith, scholarships for higher education, and National Camps for Blind Children. These services and programs are free of charge to people who are legally blind, regardless of spiritual beliefs or faith background. For more information, visit www.christianrecord.org, call (402) 488-0981, or email info@christianrecord.org.

Did you know…Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) helps donors achieve their philanthropic goals and “Invest in the Power of Community.” MCF plays an integral part in the community by serving Sarpy and Cass counties in the areas of health, arts, community, economic development, education, and human services. For example, MCF: • Helps provide shelter for the homeless and stocks shelves at local food banks; • Underwrites scholarships for college-bound students; • Maintains and supports local libraries; • Updates parks and recreational areas; • Provides new technology for schools and nonprofit organizations; • Treats school children to educational field trips; • Supports STEM initiatives; and • Assists in emergency disaster relief for affected victims. In addition, MCF manages 160 charitable funds that serve an array of needs. This past year, more than $2.3 million has been distributed into the community through these charitable funds, MCF grants, and discretionary gifts. Learn more at www.midlandscommunity.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Cross Training Center exemplifies the message “If you feed a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” Their program equips unemployed and undereducated adults through vocational training and work experience. Students learn to overcome barriers to employment caused by challenging backgrounds and circumstances, such as homelessness, incarceration, emotional trauma, and generational poverty. Cross Training Center believes each person, no matter their past or current circumstances, can be set up for success. Through its four owned businesses––Cross Electronic Recycling, Redeemed Computers, Cross Automotive, and Cross Social Hall––students gain industry-specific skills and soft skills to prepare them for a career path. To learn more, visit www.crosstc.com or call (402) 590-2100. CenterPointe ser ves the community by offering 40 programs including mental health and substance use treatment, primary care ser vices, rehabilitation, medication management, 24-hour crisis response, and housing. There is no wrong door to walk through to start the journey of recovery. Most of those served experience severe and persistent mental illness, addiction, and health issues. Nearly all are low or no income. CenterPointe was the first organization in Nebraska to employ a “housing first” model in which people with mental illness and addiction issues are housed first, then engaged for treatment services. Today, CenterPointe operates more than 200 units of supported housing. We welcome all sexual orientations and gender identities. Guided by our holistic approach of open arms and open minds and by our steadfast belief that every person has the ability to recover, we are helping people get better, sooner, for longer. Learn more online at www. centerpointe.org or by calling (402) 475-8717. Angels Among Us provides financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply. Once approved, families are provided with $500 or $750 a month, depending on household income levels, for the length of their entire treatment plan, up to three years, to help them stay financially stable during treatment. Funds are paid directly to the creditor, which ensures that funds are used for their intended purpose. In addition to financial support, Angels Among Us launched 11 emotional support programs to provide wrap-around services for all members of the pediatric cancer family. Programs for teens, kids, siblings, and caregivers; events for the family to attend together; and bereavement support services are now offered. Research has shown that, along with the financial toxicity many families experience during a cancer journey, there are PTSD-like symptoms that also appear within the family. These emotional support programs allow Angels Among Us to better fulfill its mission of BOTH financial and emotional support. Since 2006, Angels Among Us has assisted over 600 families with over $3.4 million in support. There are angels among us. Will you be one? Gifts of any amount are welcome and encouraged. There is strength in numbers. There is also hope, help, and monetary relief. For more information, contact Angels Among Us at (402) 934-0999 or visit the website at www.myangelsamongus.org. JuLY 2022 Strictly Business 43

Together, we can end child abuse. Project Harmony is boldly focused on ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect in our community. We have reimagined how communities can come together by leveraging resources to respond to, treat, and ultimately prevent child abuse. Project Harmony restores courage, facilitates healing, and empowers each of us to be someone in the life of a child. Take the pledge to be someone in the life of a child today at ProjectBeSomeone.org. To find out more about Project Harmony, visit www.projectharmony. com or call (402) 595-1326.

Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (ENCAP) is a nonprofit communitybased organization that has been providing social and human services to people facing poverty since 1965. Last year, ENCAP provided more than 21,000 services to nearly 11,000 people living in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. ENCAP is a member of a national network of over 1,000 Community Action Agencies dedicated to providing programming that meets community needs, that responds to the voices of the low-income community, and that demonstrates continuous quality improvement. ENCAP’s service areas include: Crisis Assistance including emergency rent and utility assistance; hunger relief (via Omaha and Bellevue Food Pantries), Senior Wellness, Family Wellbeing, and transportation For more information, please visit www.encapnebraska.org.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone needed to get energy from food. T1D strikes children and adults suddenly and is unrelated to diet or exercise; at present, there is no cure. JDRF works every day to change this reality. As the largest global funder of T1D research, our mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. You can help make a difference by participating, volunteering, or fundraising. Events: • JDRF One Walk – October 2, 2022 at Mahoney State Park • JDRF Gala – April 22, 2023 at CHI Health Center Omaha Programs: • Advocacy – Advocate for government support of research & policies for affordable & accessible therapies. • Support/Networking Groups (virtual until further notice) jdrf. org/virtual-events • Give Back at School – School education & fundraising opportunities. • Community Outreach – Resources and support for individuals & families. • Ride – Destination cycling experience for all fitness levels. • YLC – Young professionals raising awareness & funds for T1D. Learn more at jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa or call (402) 397-2873. 44 Strictly Business JuLY 2022

At the Heartland Hope Mission South Omaha and West Omaha 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. However, Heartland Hope Mission is more than a pantry. Clients also receive clothing, hygiene items, diapers, and access to a Client Service Specialist who assists with SNAP (food stamp) applications and navigational services. The Mission’s Jobs Paths Program provides access to current job postings and on-site interviews with employers. The goal is to provide programming and wraparound services to prevent families from becoming homeless and to help people achieve or rebuild self-sufficiency. Due to the current inﬂation and cost of food, Heartland Hope Mission is now serving almost double the amount of families compared to last year. Learn more at heartlandhopemission.org or call (402) 733-1904. Established in 1972, Santa Monica House has been providing long-term residential services to thousands of chemicallydependent women, partnering with them on their journey to recovery. The program relies on the disciplines of the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous® while incorporating mental health and trauma treatment along with life skills. Santa Monica provides food, shelter, rehabilitative counseling, job acquisition guidance, and resocialization training. Santa Monica provides Intermediate Residential, a halfway house program, followed by a three-quarters way house program and transitional apartment living. This approach to step-down levels of care for the women provides a more holistic continuum of care. These services will give the women more support as they transition back into the community. Donations are always valued at Santa Monica and the women benefit from toiletries, clothing, and paper products. Visit Santa Monica’s new website at www.santamonicahouse.org for more information about the agency, what the future holds, and how to help. The Malone Community Center was founded in 1955 through a reorganization of the Lincoln Urban league. Initially founded during a time in history when civil rights for African Americans were extremely limited, the league founders, both black and white, were determined to improve social and economic conditions and increase understanding between all races. They believed that enhanced understanding between all groups of people would create a better community. For decades, the Malone Center has served neighboring families, youth, seniors, and the Lincoln community through programs and initiatives that extend well beyond the community center to uphold their mission to end multigenerational poverty. Their holistic community programming reﬂects their commitment to advancing equality through education, health initiatives, community outreach, advocacy, and leadership development. The Malone Community Center offers a Early Achievers Academy, which is leveling the playing field by providing a high-quality early education for low-income families. They are committed to ensuring students are prepared to succeed. Now enrolling: full-day early childhood education program, open 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. This program is in collaboration with the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and Ruth Staples Child Development Laboratory. For more information, please visit MaloneCenter.org or call (402) 474-1110. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

People living with vision loss get the skills and resources they need to lead independent, fully engaged lives from the Outlook Enrichment programs you fund. Using computers and smar tphones without vision becomes easy with technology training from Outlook. Recreational, cultural, and social activities become possible again with a few adaptations. Those new to vision loss—whether their own or a loved one’s—find practical and emotional support from Outlook during their transition. Outlook Enrichment’s mission is to create opportunities for people living with vision loss to achieve personal and professional growth in an inclusive community. We help people living with vision loss and blindness live life independently, confidently engage in their communities, and continue to do the things they love through our programs. Your gifts help us change the outcomes for people with limited vision. Help us celebrate that there is vision beyond sight for each of them. Easily make a donation at outlooken.org/donate.

Since 1989, Hear tland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy’s (HETRA) mission has been to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally of adults and children of all ability levels through Equine-Assisted Activities. HETRA proudly offers our participants a variety of ser vices, including Adaptive Riding, Therapy Services, Adaptive Carriage Driving, Life Skills programs, Veteran programs, Equine-Assisted Learning programs, and more. As the only Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH, Intl.) Premier Accredited facility in Nebraska, HETRA employs occupational, mental health, speech, and physical therapists, as well as 16 PATH Intl. Certified Riding Instructors. HETRA continues its 31+ years of dedication and commitment to its participants with the help of over 200 dedicated volunteers who donate over 26,000 hours annually. HETRA offers year-round programming, works with a herd of over 29 horses, and is situated on 25 beautiful acres in Gretna. Learn more at www.HETRA.org or call (402) 359-8830.

The mission of the Nebraska Safety Council is simple: For more than 60 years, they have provided education and leadership to empower people to live safe and healthy. The Nebraska Safety Council’s comprehensive programs, training courses, events, and services are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production ﬂoor, behind the wheel, and off the job. Their unique Worker 360° approach provides integrated risk management to improve overall worker quality of life and positively impact an organization’s bottom line. Members of the Nebraska Safety Council include organizations throughout Nebraska and surrounding areas, across a variety of industries. There is no one-size-fits-all option. Each company’s safety and well-being program is customized for their needs and size. Demonstrate your commitment to employee safety and health by becoming a member of the Nebraska Safety Council. You will receive access to training, guidance, and resources to establish or enhance your safety and wellness programs and policies. The Nebraska Safety Council provides leadership and resources for a safe and healthy workplace and community. To reach their team, call (402) 483-2511 or visit nesafetycouncil.org to learn more. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

“It’s easier to take than to give. It’s nobler to give than to take. The thrill of taking lasts a day. The thrill of giving lasts a lifetime." - Joan Marques

NALA is a 100% volunteerbased organization steadfast in its commitment to changing the way society thinks about animals, animal rescues, and the impact animals have on humans. They strive to match homeless animals with people who can provide loving homes where both will enjoy the benefits of this companionship. NALA provides all vaccinations, heartworm testing, spays/ neuters, and microchipping. From rehoming healthy felines and canines to caring for the sickest of the sick, NALA is there! Besides routine care, they do so much more such as bottle-feeding newborns, treating illnesses like parvo, distemper, heartworm, ringworm, surgeries, and behavior training/support. In addition to monetary donations, NALA needs foster homes, event volunteers, transporters, etc. They need it all! They hope that someday there will not be a need for their animal services for the sick, neglected, abused, and unwanted, but until that day, NALA will be there with open homes, hearts, and arms. To learn more, visit nalarescue.org.

The mission of the Jennie Edmundson (JE) Foundation is to improve the quality of life by caring for the body and mind. Jennie Edmundson Foundation is the fundraising arm of Methodist Jennie Edmundson (MJE) Hospital. By engaging philanthropic leaders, they are able to help make certain that the equipment, facilities, programs, services, and educational initiatives at JE continue to meet community needs. The JE Foundation relies on donations and grants from the community. These funds help their COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, Behavioral Health, Cancer Center, Cardiac Center, Women’s Services, Charitable Patient Care Fund, Medi-Bus Transportation, and Scholarship Funds, to name a few. Generous contributions provide care, education, and services to many who may not otherwise have access to healthcare services. Individual or planned gifts, memorials, or becoming an event, corporate sponsor or yearend donor are also a few ways to help. Becoming a JE Adult Volunteer gives you the opportunity to be involved in many facets of volunteerism. It is a wonderful way to meet new people, develop new skills and interests, and be rewarded through the experiences of helping patients, family members, and hospital staff. To find out more about the Jennie Edmundson Foundation and how you can get involved, call (712) 396-6040 or visit www.jehfoundation.org. JuLY 2022 Strictly Business 45

“No one has ever become poor from giving." - Anne Frank The mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters from home fires to major events such as hurricanes, ﬂoods, or tornadoes. About 40% of the nation’s blood needed by patients is supplied by the Red Cross. The organization teaches skills such as CPR and First Aid that save lives. Additionally, the Red Cross provides international humanitarian aid and supports military members, veterans, and their families. Every day, the American Red Cross is active in the community, serving those in need. Visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) REDCROSS to support Red Cross efforts by volunteering, donating financially or giving blood.

The Salvation Army of Omaha is a faith-based nonprofit organization with a mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Its three community centers – Citadel Corps, North Corps, and The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center – as well as the Burrows Center and Renaissance Village, are uniquely situated to meet the diverse needs of our metro-area neighborhoods. From after-school programs and summer camps to food pantries and behavioral health programs that support those struggling with mental illness, The Salvation Army of Omaha sustains the bodies, minds and spirits of thousands of our most vulnerable neighbors each year. Monetary donations help to fund The Salvation Army’s social services programs – including food, housing, material assistance, youth development, older adult services, behavioral health, anti-human trafficking and disaster services. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit salarmyomaha.org.

Thousands of children and youth in Douglas County are victims of abuse and neglect. Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA for Douglas County, is a local nonprofit that recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who advocate on behalf of children that have been abused or neglected in the Juvenile Court. CASA volunteers get to know the children, their wants and needs, and all of the circumstances with the goal of bringing the child back home safely. These advocates become the voice of the child in court by gathering information and reporting their findings and recommendations directly to the judge. Children with a CASA volunteer spend on average 8 months less time in care than those without one, show positive educational and behavioral outcomes and are half as likely to re-enter the foster care system. Help us “Change a Child’s Story” by becoming a CASA volunteer or by donating today! To volunteer, donate, or for more information, please contact CASA for Douglas County at (402) 932-5683 or casaomaha.org. Follow on Facebook (@casadouglascounty) and on Instagram (@casaomahadc). 46 Strictly Business JuLY 2022

The mission of Midlands Latino C o m m u n i t y D e ve l o p m e n t Corporation (MLCDC) is to provide low- and moderateincome individuals and families with opportunities and tools to achieve financial stability through entrepreneurship. MLCDC is a nonprofit organization that focuses on teaching Latinos and refugees leadership skills to create diverse and inclusive businesses. MLCDC focuses on enhancing the life of individuals in the Midlands while reducing poverty and increasing economic growth in local communities. MLCDC’s programs and services are provided in Spanish, English, and Arabic and cover areas of financial stability, industry training, entrepreneurship and leadership, and lending. The lending program provides business loans to entrepreneurs that are unable to secure capital from financial institutions to start or expand their businesses. To learn more, visit www.midlandslatinocdc.org or call (402) 933-4466.

MICAH House, a homeless shelter in Council Bluffs, has provided safety and security to children, families, and women for more than 30 years. Located on the Char les E. Lakin Human Services Campus, MICAH House serves hundreds of homeless individuals each year – and more than half are children. One focus is to keep families together, while reducing the amount of trauma children experience during a diffi cult time in their lives. The BUDDY program provides an opportunity for MICAH House children to play, learn, and grow. In January 2019, MICAH House expanded services to include a 26-bed women’s shelter and health care clinic. The shelter offers a therapeutic healing environment and includes a full-time therapist onsite. The three-exam room clinic will allow MICAH House clients and community members access to medical and dental services five days a week. For more information, please visit www.themicahhouse.org.

The Rose Theater is committed to enriching the lives of children and families through live theater and arts education. With live performances of plays and musicals specifi cally for children and a wide range of classes designed to inspire budding performing artists, a lifelong love of theater starts at The Rose. The Rose is one of the largest and most accomplished children’s theaters in the nation. American Theatre magazine named The Rose one of the top 20 children’s theaters in the country. The theater presents a variety of family-friendly productions on its main stage each year. The Rose’s First Stage series features plays specifically for very young children in a smaller, shush-free, sensory-friendly environment. In addition, students from age two to 18 can participate in performing arts classes such as creative drama, dance, musical theater, acting, voice, and more. For more information, visit www.rosetheater.org or call (402) 345-4849. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) is a state association that represents approximately 750 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and southwest Iowa. NAM strengthens the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa. With NAM’s growing base of nonprofits, the organization is committed to enhancing public recognition of the importance and role of the nonprofit sector; providing access to high-quality assistance and information on effective nonprofit management and practices; advocating on issues that affect the capacity of all nonprofits to address their communities’ needs; and fostering communication and cooperation among nonprofits. NAM also is recognized as the State Association for Nebraska by the National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits. To learn more, visit www.nonprofitam.org. Kids Can Community Center’s mission is to educate, engage, and inspire children through early childhood care and out-of-school experiences. Kids Can serves children ages 18 months to 13 years old. They offer a variety of programs including early childhood education, before-andafter-school programs, summer and non-school day programs, tutoring, and mentoring. Kids Can utilizes the Creative Curriculum for their youngest students with the goal of ensuring all students are prepared to enter Kindergarten. Schoolage children participate in the STEMsmart Academy which focuses on science, technology, engineering, math, strength, music, art, reading, and tutoring supporting well-rounded children. For more information about Kids Can Community Center, visit KidsCan.org, call (402) 731-6988, or email jgillman@kidscan.org. Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) expresses God’s love for all people through quality human care services for people in Nebraska and Pottawattamie County, supporting Safety, Hope and Well-Being through: Children Services strengthens families and restores safe, happy childhoods through a continuum of care from prenatal to adulthood. Programs include Centers for Healthy Families in North Omaha and Council Bluffs, Adoption, Foster Care, and RSafe® sexual abuse treatment. Behavioral Health programs heal minds and hearts through cutting-edge trauma therapy, substance abuse treatment, and integrated care services. Programs include Outpatient Mental Health, Crisis Response, and “LFS At Ease” support for active military, veterans, and their loved ones. Community Services welcomes and provides comprehensive services to those seeking refuge from violence, oppression, and persecution, including refugee reception/placement, immigration legal services, and the International Center of the Heartland. LFS has received the Better Business Bureau of Nebraska’s Integrity Award in 2017 and 2013 and a Greater Omaha Chamber’s Business Excellence Award in 2018. Please consider volunteering your time, sharing your expertise, or making a financial gift. Other ways to support LFS include collecting items for donation such as children’s clothing and diapers. To donate or learn more, please visit www.LFSneb.org, send an email to development@LFSneb.org, or call (402) 978-5622. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Autism Action Partnership (AAP) serves Nebraska’s autism community through targeted programs that promote support, inclusion, and prosperity. SUPPORT: AAP is committed to connecting individuals and families to needed resources over their lifespan, offering services (like Project Lifesaver) to enhance the safety of those with autism, and helping to cultivate a strong social network through Making Memories events and the AAP Guild. INCLUSION: Inclusion efforts aim to create more understanding and increased opportunities for the autism community to live enriched lives. AAP provides comprehensive trainings to businesses and partners on how to support and welcome individuals with autism and their loved ones. PROSPERITY: AAP helps to answer the question of “what’s next” as autistic individuals enter adulthood. Through their Prosper Workforce Services program, they meet the needs of employers and participants by matching individuals to positions that meet their interests and address employers’ needs, while providing necessary support and training. AAP is launching their post-secondary transition program, Prosper Academy, this August! To learn more about Autism Action Partnership, visit autismaction.org or call (402) 763-8830.

RISE is the largest nonprofit organization in Nebraska focused solely on habilitative programming in prisons and reentry support. At RISE, transformation starts prerelease and continues post-release. Their inside/out model bridges incarceration to the community and considers all the critical steps in that journey. They prepare and train people for each phase through intensive character development, employment readiness, job creation through entrepreneurship, family programming, and case management. RISE transforms people in the community by building awareness and empathy that leads to support and opportunity. These connections heal families, create employment pathways, and lower recidivism. In addition to RISE’s In-Prison Program facilitated in seven state correctional facilities, RISE also offers a Youth and Family Program and the RISE Business Academy, a 12-week entrepreneurship program helping returning citizens launch new businesses. The mission of RISE is to break generational cycles of incarceration. To learn more, visit www.seeusrise.org or call (402) 999-8063.

DON’T MISS OUT! The Supporting Nonproﬁts feature is an excellent opportunity for your organization to promote your mission and the work you're doing in the communities you serve! The next feature will be in January 2023! Please call (402) 466-3330 or email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com if you are interested in participating! JuLY 2022 Strictly Business

Celebrate

OMAHA’S SHINING STARS. Holland Performing Arts Center | Wednesday, August 17, 2022

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LINDA ECKLES

Co-Founder Scooters Coffee, Harvest Roasting

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JOHN F. LUND Chairman Lund Company

CARMEN TAPIO

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