Strictly Business Omaha January 2018

STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM

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OMAHA • JANUARY 2018

MIKE PRENDERGAST OWNER

DANNY REYNOLDS OWNER

• New Year’s Resolutions • Business Planning • Supporting Non-Profits Client Spotlights • Dingman’s Collision Center • Engineered Controls

RIVER CITY SIX

In This Issue

Your Custom TIle & Design Experts SARA BRUCE

CONNER KOERPERICH

FRANK X. LEONARD

ANDY PALMQUIST

TIM VANDERVORT

MICKAELA MILBY

Anding Family Dental

Rob-See-Co

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FOCUSING ON YOUR BRAND

PAIGE ZUTAVERN - Omaha/Lincoln - President 402-730-0096 | t

Great Brands That Compete On Value: Celebrate Their Successes

Happy New Year! Many of us have spent the last few months celebrating the holidays with our family and friends as well as our employees, coworkers, and clients/customers.

It’s truly a blessing to live in a community where we all celebrate each other’s successes and I consider myself thankful for that support and fellowship. And really, who doesn’t like a good celebration?

Looking back on the ground we covered last year, I discussed each of the components in our magazine and exactly what’s behind their effectiveness individually and collectively. More specifically, I advised on their purposes and the different ways they could be strategically utilized to support a wellbalanced, high-impact content marketing campaign.

While I plan to present more ideas and tips related to branding your business/organization in the coming year, in the spirit of celebration, let’s talk about how that very thing can in fact also elevate your brand.

If there’s a good reason to celebrate, there’s likely a good reason to share your accomplishments. The following instances are good examples of newsworthy celebrations: anniversaries, expansion, awards, endorsements, certifications, industry recognition, notable business and/ or employee achievements, completion of a major project, bringing a new product or service to market, the success of a fundraiser or major event, non-profit partnership, etc.

Without celebration and acknowledgment, there’s little to no time spent reflecting on what went right in a way that fosters passion and enthusiasm to continue pressing on towards the next benchmark ahead. There’s also no sense of appreciation that accompanies the hard work and investment you’ve made for that outcome, from within your organization or from the general public outside of it. It’s so easy to focus all of our time and energy on how we can improve and what we can do better for our customers, to grow our businesses, for greater efficiency, to generate more revenue, and the list goes on from there. But taking the time to recognize and celebrate what we’ve done right that’s got us to that point is truly just as important.

For a brand to be relatable there has to be a personal connection.

When we see others doing great things around us, and are able to share the great things we are doing with others, it’s a means to that end. It’s encouraging to be in good company and also motivates us to do business

with those who are just as dedicated to excellence. Celebrating the relationships we’ve established and fostered is also an important part of doing business as it shows continued appreciation and helps grow our mutual networks even further.

On a related note, I’m so proud to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Strictly Business in 2018. To reach that milestone, there have been many accomplishments that have paved the way. I’ve not only been extremely proud to share ours with my readers, but those wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my clients and a great team of employees. So in turn, I’m also grateful and honored to have been able to shine a light on their many wonderful accomplishments over the years.

This is an exciting year for us, and we plan to share and promote throughout 2018, so stay tuned!

All told, especially this time of year, it’s so exciting to think of the possibilities and maintaining forward momentum, forging ahead to make this year even better than the last. What’s the next big meeting tomorrow, what’s our plan for the year, what’s the five-year outlook… we’re so forward-thinking and the only reason we oftentimes look back is to help us formulate our strategy to keep progressing.

For myself, with the rigorous schedule of our monthly publications, it’s easy to switch gears the instant one month’s magazines go to press right into the next month’s magazines. As fellow business owners and professionals, I’m sure you can all relate. However, I’ve found that it’s important to take the time, even if it seems like there isn’t any to spare, to focus on what’s just been achieved by the team within the body of work that goes into producing two publications each month.

“Treat Yo’ Self” (It never gets old!) is all well and good when you’ve accomplished something you take pride in, but it’s always so much nicer to be recognized by others for your accomplishments. Encourage employees to be proud, incentivize them to do great things, and also share that with the community so that they are recognized by their peers in the industry, their professional network, and extending out to the business community at large. We should all aspire to great things, and when greatness is attained, be sure to celebrate!

Elevating your brand is all about capitalizing on opportunities, and just about any reason to celebrate is a prime opportunity.

To learn more about how Strictly Business can help you, contact me directly at (402) 466-3330 or visit strictly-business.com/connect. (You can also click on our Staff Letter tab online to view past articles)

CONTENTS NEWS

4 Business 22 Personnel

27 Non-Profit 31 Health

SPOTLIGHTS

18 River City Six 26 Dingman’s Collision Center 34 Engineered Controls

ASK THE EXPERT 15 Sandler Training

FEATURE STORIES

32 New Year’s Resolutions 35 Business Planning 39 Supporting Non-Profits 4 Strictly Business JANUARY 2018

Amanda

Holly

Kristin

Jenna

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor Amanda Wilson - Amanda@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Holly Ryan - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Graphic Designer Kristin White - Creative@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Executive Assistant Jenna Broulette - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern - SZutavern@yahoo.com STRICTLY BUSINESS is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submission, including letters, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to our unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially or creatively, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. Nothing may be printed in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. The publication of any advertisement in STRICTLY BUSINESS is not an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised.

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ABOUT THE COVER

Celebrating 15 Years!

PHOTO: HSP CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED PROJECT

Established in 2003, Modern Concepts Tile is a tile contractor specializing in custom design projects for residential and commercial clients.

Modern Concepts Tile is locally owned and operated by experienced trade professionals and cousins Danny Reynolds and Mike Prendergast. It has since grown from a two-man family operation to a well-rounded team of four with the support of a strong network of experienced subcontractors when needed. The company has completed many projects for property owners, home builders, and contractors in the Omaha Metro and Lincoln to date, and over the past 15 years, has expanded their reach to work all across Nebraska and beyond. There is impressive variety within their portfolio or work, having completed jobs ranging in size and scope from detailed backsplashes to full-scale home renovations. No job is too big or too small for Modern Concepts Tile, and you can count on them to deliver a distinctive design and superior installation.

Quality materials, workmanship, and custom designs are what Modern Concepts Tile is best known for, and they aim to consistently exceed the expectations of their clients. Considering that generating unique ideas with clients and then bringing them to life is their specialty, the name Modern Concepts Tile says it all. With faux finishes, glass, metal, stone, etc. - the possibilities for your next project aren’t limited to just porcelain or ceramic, although those remain great options still to this day. From selecting the finishes to putting together a design that works for the space and the specific type of tile, clients are able to be as involved in the process as they like and can expect to fully benefit from the extensive expertise that Modern Concepts Tile brings to the table.

From start to finish, design to installation, Modern Concepts Tile will make your home improvement or new construction project enjoyable and stress-free, delivering a finished product that will last a lifetime. You won’t regret choosing Modern Concepts Tile to beautify your home or place of business!

For project inquiries, Modern Concepts Tile can be contacted directly at (402) 578-3777 or (402) 905-5859.

Be sure to find Modern Concepts Tile online – Like on Facebook & Follow on Twitter (@modernconceptstile)!

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BUSINESS NEWS Formation of Storz Enterprises Announced

Concentric Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Andrew Storz is excited to properly introduce his newlyestablished consulting business, Storz Enterprises.

Storz has been providing business consulting services to clients in the area for some time now in addition to owning and operating Good Life Retirement Solutions. Having spent the last year splitting time between the two, he recently made the decision to close Good Life Retirement Solutions so that he could focus his efforts solely on business consulting. “I’m proud of what was accomplished with Good Life Retirement and I’m grateful for the many amazing people I was able to meet through it,” Storz stated.

“It’s important that everyone be able to pursue their passion. For me, Good Life was not able to ignite the passion in me the same way that my consulting work does. I don’t want to do a disservice to myself or our customers by not being able to fully invest myself in what I’m doing.”

Storz’s business consulting work focuses on enterprise process improvement and creating scalable frameworks and solutions for growing companies.

He works with businesses of all sizes, types, and across all industries, but his specialty is SMBs. Those interested in learning more can visit StorzEnteprises.com or contact Andrew Storz at (402) 419-3426 or via email at AStorz@ StorzEnterprises.com.

This year, Concentric Visual Design is p ro u d t o have been in business for 20 years! The locally owned and operated design company specializes in product design, but its offerings also extend to graphic design, logo design, media design, printing services, and consulting in those areas of expertise.

Simply stated, Concentric Visual Design takes ideas and brings them to life. Owner Lawrence Owens found his passion was helping inventors and world-class manufacturers bring products to market and achieved much documented success by pursuing it over the past 20 years.

Demonstrated in the wide range of projects in his portfolio, Owens excels in the following areas: Industrial Design / 3D Models & Prototypes; Design Engineering / Assembly Design; Graphical User Interface Design (GUI); Part Design & Development; Manufacturing Drawings / Specifications; Sourcing On/Off Shore; Human to Machine Interface Design; Solidworks/Adobe/Microsoft/More; ISO Compliant Design Control Process; Touchscreen / Keypad Engineering; Electroluminescent Lighting Design; Fiber Optic Backlighting Design; Photorealistic Product Renderings; Brand Identity Development; Graphic Design / UX Website Design; Retail Packaging Design & Development; Product Photography; and Digital Video Services.

Let Concentric Visual Design help you design a brand-centric user experience that brings customers to your product for life. For more information about Concentric Visual Design or to schedule a free consultation, visit www.concentricvisual.com or call (402) 261-6779.

Ribbon Cutting Held for Whispering Oaks in Council Bluffs An afternoon ribbon-cutting ceremony was held November 29 for Whispering Oaks, the newest housing development in Council Bluffs; which is exclusively represented by NP Dodge Real Estate.

Matt Walsh, Council Bluffs Mayor; Dan Koenig and Krissy Plunkett, Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce; City Council and Planning Commission; Jerry Torczon and Neil Smith, BHI Development Inc; Dr. Mark Schweer, Lewis Central Community Schools Superintendent; NP Dodge Executive Management, Nate Dodge and Mike Riedmann; NP Dodge Iowa Offices Broker Manager, Dan Van Houten and NP Dodge agents and employees attended the ceremony, then went on to a celebration at the NP Dodge Council Bluffs Sales office.

Whispering Oaks is located nearly one mile east of Valley View Drive on Greenview Road. The new development is being built in three phases over the next few years. It will feature wooded and walkout lots, walking trails and bike trails, plus 50 acres of woodlands. Phase one is underway and includes 150 custom and semi-custom homes and villas.

This new subdivision is being developed by BHI Development Inc. For over 30 years, BHI President Jerry Torczon has developed residential communities and commercial developments in the Omaha area. Castle Creek, Cimarron Woods, Falcon Ridge, Mission Park, and Shadow Lake are just a few of the BHI developments. Richland Homes, Pine Crest Homes, Pine Crest Villas and Woodland Homes will begin construction soon on 12 model homes and villas in the 180-acre master plan which will include 400 single-family homes when completed. Homes and villas will range from $275,000 to $600,000 and $275,000 to $325,000 respectively.

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Brookestone Meadows Celebrates a Decade of Serving Seniors, Families Over 300 people joined Brookestone Meadows to celebrate their 10year anniversary o n N o ve m b e r 1 , 2 0 1 7 . A r i bb o n c u t t i n g c e r e m o ny was conducted by the Western Douglas Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the occasion, kicking off the celebratory luncheon. As a distinguished member of the Vetter Senior Living network that includes 30 centers in the Midwest, Brookestone Meadows was honored to have founder Jack Vetter in attendance. Vetter personally recognized 31 team members who have been with Brookestone Meadows since opening the doors. Each shared their top 10 reasons they loved working for Brookestone Meadows.

In addition to the 10th anniversary celebratory luncheon, there were a number of special events held throughout the month. This included another luncheon held in honor of ten residents who have lived at the community the longest.

Over the past 10 years, Brookestone Meadows has served almost 10,000 patients. Brookestone Meadows takes great pride having created a culture of rehabilitation and overall improvement of health, with a team that’s dedicated to encouraging and motivating patients to excel in therapy and regain daily life skills. The facility offers state-ofthe-art technology and therapy equipment and continues to enhance its offerings to promote successful outcomes. All operating decisions are made locally to ensure that every center remains responsive to the needs of its residents and communities. For more information about Brookestone Meadows, visit www.brookestonemeadows.com or call (402) 289-2696.

BUSINESS NEWS Omaha Fashion Week Kicks Off February Season Omaha Fashion Week is thrilled to kick off another season in 2018! Last year marked their 10 Year Anniversary, and they have proudly grown into the nation’s 5th largest fashion event, supporting more independent fashion designers than any other organization in the region. Omaha Fashion Week is a glamorous red carpet event for a good cause, showcasing the work of 65 designers each year on the OFW Runway. Each designer is selected into the shows on a merit basis and pays no fees to participate. OFW nurtures the youngest of fashion designers by providing mentoring, education opportunities, and a professional platform to showcase their work.

On the inside, Omaha Fashion Week is a talent incubator that seamlessly connects designers, stylists, photographers, artists and models through nurturing platforms and engaging opportunities.

On the outside, Omaha Fashion Week is Midwest’s premier fashion event, spotlighting fashion innovations and celebrating creative excellence.

Join them for next season February 27 - March 3, 2018! Learn more at www.omahafashionweek.com.

American National Bank Supports Proud Legacy. Bright Future. Campaign The Notre Dame Sisters and Notre Dame Housing are excited to share that American National Bank recently provided a $21,000 challenge gift in support of their Proud L e g a c y. B r i g h t Future. campaign.

Special thanks are extended to John and Wende Kotouc and American National Bank for their continued partnership, generosity, and ongoing support!

The Notre Dame Sisters have served Omaha and communities throughout the Midwest in a variety of ministries since the early 1900’s. More information on the Notre Dame Sisters and their ministries is available online at www.notredamesisters.org.

Since 1997, Notre Dame Housing (NDH) has provided affordable housing and supportive services to older adults 55+. NDH is committed to the principle that older adults possess limitless potential to develop as individuals, to support their families and communities.

Striving to harness this energy and to enable older adults to shape their own destinies is reflected in all work done by NDH in the community. For more information about Notre Dame Housing, please visit www.ndhinc.org or call (402) 451-4477.

American National Bank is the second largest locally owned bank based on deposits in the Omaha/Council Bluffs market area. With $3.6 billion in assets and over 550 employees, it operates 30 full-service offices in Nebraska and Iowa, and seven locations in St. Paul, Minnesota, operating under Western Bank, a Division of American National Bank. American National Bank also has loan production offices in Kansas and Texas. For more information, visit www.american.bank.

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BUSINESS NEWS Element Pilates, Yoga and Fitness Now Open Element Pilates, Yoga and Fitness has opened its first location in Rockbrook Village®. Element’s flagship location specializes in tailoring their clients’ training sessions to their specific needs in group, semi-private, and private class structures. Element offers classes in many of the traditional exercise formats including Pilates, yoga, and personal training.

“Pilates has tangible benefits for everyone!” says studio owner Charlene Covey. “We have clients from diverse age groups as well as fitness levels.

We make a concerted effort to focus our services to the individual, even in a group setting. We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their next level of fitness.”

Covey has an impressive resume. She is a member of leading fitness industry professional organizations such as IDEA and ACE. In addition, she has been a practicing Pilates Instructor for over 10 years, and served as director of Pilates at a local gym for 3 years. Her certifications on mat, reformer, tower, and chair Pilates allow her to deliver a professional level of instruction to all fitness levels.

Element does not just offer the traditional fitness services, but can also accommodate clients with more unique fitness interests. “We go the extra mile,” adds Covey, “and we’re excited to continue to evolve and offer new ways to challenge our clients to reach their goals. We have the ability to offer Arial Yoga and Suspension Training which can bring new life to any training regimen.”

Element Pilates, Yoga and Fitness occupies the former Pilates Fitness space located on the northwest corner of the shopping center. They currently offer a full schedule of classes which are available by appointment only from 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 5:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information please contact Charlene Covey at (402) 391-2282.

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2018

Cartridge World Introduces Comprehensive Printer Program for Local Businesses Cartridge W o r l d is now offering a program t h a t effectively eliminates the need for local businesses to buy or lease a printer and even the costs associated with any future maintenance!

Cartridge World will provide your office or place of business with business class printer(s) and multifunction devices with all printer maintenance and on-site service included. In exchange for the use and upkeep of the equipment, clients simply purchase the initial and ongoing toner cartridge purchases from Cartridge World. Plus, Cartridge World’s premium quality toner cartridges are priced competitively to save you up to 30% versus OEM printer cartridges and big box store toner prices!

The team of professionals at Cartridge World will conduct a needs assessment in order to understand your current printing activities and costs. Based on this information they will help you select the best solution for your needs. Then, with free delivery and installation, they’ll take care of the rest to get you up and running! From that point on, Cartridge World provides an automated toner fulfillment service or easy online ordering with free delivery, and will even help you recycle cartridges to minimize the environmental impact of your operations. If you ever have any issues, Cartridge World will promptly show up on-site to troubleshoot.

Get the printing equipment and local service you need to improve efficiency and control print-related expenses at Cartridge World. Call (402) 334-3455 or visit www.cartridgeworld.com to learn more.

BUSINESS NEWS Business Opportunity for Liquid Lawn Fertilizer Applicators Announced Fox Liquid Fertilizer Service, of Lincoln, NE, prides itself on delivering the highest p o s s i b l e l e ve l o f service to its customers and homeowners. “We focus on results, not ‘Up-Sells,’” says owner Jordan Nun. “We try to do everything we can to delivery exceptional, lush green, pest and weed-free lawns, with courteous service.”

Nun prides himself on being a family business based on integrity and environmental consciousness. “We believe a well-managed business is a business that does what is morally and ethically right under all circumstances; if we take care of our customers, they’ll take care of us!”

Fox Fertilizer is expanding this mission across the Midwest, by helping other individuals do the same thing they have been doing in the Lincoln area. “At this rate of growth, we won’t be able to keep up. There are just too many millions of square feet of turf out there!” On January 3 and January 17, Jordan will be hosting luncheons in Lincoln at Pizza Ranch (8420 Lexington Ave, Lincoln, NE 68505) from noon to 1 p.m. for those interested in learning more about what it takes to develop a successful fertilizer and weed control business.

For more information or to inquire services offered by Fox Liquid Fertilizer Service, contact Jordan Nun (402) 413-0020 or go to www.FoxFertilizer.com.

Winners of 2017 Build Nebraska Awards Announced The Nebraska Building Chapter is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017 Build Nebraska Awards. The program is designed to recognize outstanding projects built by member firms. Projects were evaluated based on innovation in methods and materials, project management, client services, challenge of a difficult job and sensitive treatment of the environment and surroundings. On November 16, 2017, the top Projects of the Year and the Honorable Mention Projects were announced in five categories.

NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UNDER $8 MILLION Project of the Year: Saline County Courthouse Addition, Wilber; Cheever Construction. Honorable Mention Project: Suzanne Scott Housing at QLI, Omaha; Kiewit Building Group Inc. NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS $8-$15 MILLION Project of the Year: Nebraska Soccer & Tennis Complex, Lincoln; Sampson Construction. Honorable Mention Project: Heafey Hoffman Dworak and Cutler Funeral Home, Omaha; Kiewit Building Group Inc. NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS OVER $15 MILLION Project of the Year: Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha; Kiewit Building Group Inc. Honorable Mention Project: Great Plains Health, North Platte; Sampson Construction.

BUILDING RENOVATIONS ANY DOLLAR AMOUNT Project of the Year: National Willa Cather Center, Red Cloud; TruBuilt Construction. Honorable Mention Project: Box Butte General Hospital, Alliance; Beckenhauer Construction, Inc. SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR Project of the Year: Saline County Courthouse Addition, Wilber; Jeff MacTaggart Masonry, LLC. Honorable Mention Project: Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha; Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest.

Libraries and Zoo Partner for 2nd Year Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is partnering with Omaha and Council Bluffs Public Libraries for the second year to offer complimentary Zoo and Aquarium tickets to library cardholders.

Adults ages 18+ with library cards are eligible to check out the tickets. Each ticket admits up to two adults and six children. Library ticket recipients will need to present their valid library card when redeeming a ticket at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

A total of 4,500 tickets will be given out throughout the school year.

All branches in Omaha and Council Bluffs will be participating in the program. For more information, call or visit your local Omaha or Council Bluffs Public Library.

Achievement Unlimited Enhances Leadership Development Program Achievement Unlimited recently introduced a new module that has been added to their existing leadership development program, “Solutions for Preserving a High-Performance Business.” The program enhancement focuses specifically on business succession strategies. It was developed by Achievement Unlimited after many years of experience in working with small businesses who needed solutions for business continuation after their retirement.

Together, Achievement Unlimited and the business owner will go through the process of identifying and developing leaders who can continue to grow and expand the business. This includes identifying skills and competencies needed for continued success and creating communication processes to ensure a smooth transition to preserve the reputation of the organization. Achievement Unlimited’s process also examines the systems and programs in place to see that they are up-to-date and that a strategic plan is in place for the new leadership team. Additionally, work is done to ensure there are solid marketing and sales plans in place. Ultimately, if the right leadership is in place with the right tools at their disposal, the business will thrive.

Achievement Unlimited, Inc. works with organizations who want to develop great leadership for today and a continuum of leadership for tomorrow. Their experienced team understands that each business’s needs are unique and results, not theory, is what counts. Achievement Unlimited, Inc. has a lineup of training and educational materials designed to help business owners, salespeople, and personnel achieve the results they desire and beyond. For more information, contact Rose Mary Hefley at (402) 630-5965 / rosemary@successisahabit.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS High Yield Fertility Intensives Offered in Columbus and Omaha

BBB International Investigation Exposes Online Puppy Scams

Dennis Nun, President of Yield Champions, has announced the location of two soil fertility seminars coming up in January in Nebraska.

“We’re excited to be able to bring cutting-edge fertility training to our customers and clients as well as opening up these programs to seed and fertilizer dealers, farm managers, land owners and other agricultural professionals. Our featured speakers will be leading, innovative soil fertility agronomists, Cory Oberlander in Columbus on January 11th and Dennis Dammen in Omaha, Nebraska January 22nd and 23rd for our 2-day Pro AG II Program.”

According to a report by Better Business Bureau (BBB), scams to sell non-existent puppies and other pets may be so widespread that anyone searching for a pet online is likely to encounter this fraud.

The report -- “Puppy Scams: How Fake Online Pet Sellers Steal from Unsuspecting Pet Buyers” -- estimates that tens of thousands of consumers around the world may have fallen victim to the scam, with prospective buyers losing anywhere from $100 to thousands of dollars each to the thieves. A summary of the study can be found at: go.bbb.org/puppyscam.

The report was prepared by C. Steven Baker, retired director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Midwest Region.

He is working with five BBBs, including the Omaha office, analyzing and reporting on some of the most pervasive fraud issues that impact American consumers.

Since its release in September, the study received worldwide media coverage with an audience reach of over 1.3 billion.

Oberlander, of Agveris, Inc., manages the fertility programs for over 160,000 acres in 7 states. Dammen, of Crop Maxx, Inc., trains ag professionals throughout the U.S. through a series of Pro Ag I & II 2-day seminars each year.

To preview the concepts shared by Oberlander and Dammen go to www.300BushelCorn.info. For more information on tickets to these events, visit www.YieldChampions.com, contact via email at Dennis@300BushelCorn.info, or text to (402) 430-7727.

Greater Omaha 2040 Preferred Future Unveiled The future is fast-approaching, and this region is ready. Case in point: More than 800 CEOs and business leaders gathered for the Greater Omaha Chamber’s annual Economic Outlook Luncheon, where the Greater Omaha Chamber, the United Way of the Midlands, and the Urban League of Nebraska revealed a first-of-its-kind Preferred Future strategy for the year 2040.

The event, which featured insight from David G. Brown, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber and the region’s resident futurist and founder of Next Generation Consulting, Rebecca Ryan, debuted the area’s Preferred Future, or “Greater Omaha 2040/ Strategic 4Sight (S4S) initiative,” a tactical, focused, collaborative endeavor envisioning the region as one of America’s great nextgeneration areas – a region noted for not only its cultural diversity, but also, a private, public and civic sector commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship and excellence.

The initiative positions the 2040 region as a high growth/high tech district, and a net importer of talent that has amassed an impressive record of “best places” accolades. Born of a collaborative effort, and steered by area leaders, the “broad, inclusive and powerful plan is only the beginning,” Brown said.

“It comes down to trends,” Ryan, who led the strategic foresight process, added. “We can pretend we know what is ahead, or we can lift our eyes to the horizon and look to what is aspirational and plausible. With foresight, we can be a global region that is as competitive as it is interesting and inclusive.”

Beginning in February 2017, the Strategic 4Sight (S4S) initiative worked with hundreds of people across the region to identify the area’s most critical trends and plausible futures. Driving the initiative are three primary elements: people, place and prosperity – foundational underpinnings organizers say are based on “what’s coming, who’s coming and how we can establish Greater Omaha as a world-class region.”

To view the Greater Omaha 2040/Strategic 4Sight (S4S) Preferred Future Initiative, go to www.omahachamber.org/greateromaha-2040.

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Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show Coming Soon The Lancaster Event Center at 84th & Havelock in Lincoln will feature more than 250 exhibitors at the 46th Annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show produced by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln. It will be held February 9-11 in Pavilions 1 and 4; hours are Friday 1 - 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $8, or $7 with donation of a non-perishable food item for the Lincoln Food Bank, and free for children 12 and under.

The Show will have great ideas for landscaping, decorating, remodeling or building a new home. It features the latest products for both for the do-it-yourselfer and those who want to hire a professional. Whether wanting to talk to builders or see new products, the Show is an outstanding opportunity to get ideas.

Special features include: • HBAL Stage – The stage will feature presentations by Wildlife Encounters, Custom Blinds & Design, REALTORS Association of Lincoln, Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, VirtuActive 3D Drafting & Design and Lincoln Landscaping.

• Food Bank House - Remodelers Council of Lincoln built a frame house and will fill the walls with non-perishable food. Each year more than 4,000 lbs. of food is donated to the Food Bank of Lincoln.

• High School Interior & Residential Design Contest – 46th annual event with entries from area high school students on display during the Show. Cash prizes are given for first, second and third place in both categories.

• “If I Could Build a House” Art Contest – Grade school students who participated will have their artwork on display. Individual winners received $50 from HBAL. • Kid’s Square – Fun activities for kids including balloon creations, face painting, magic shows, kids’ projects and a bounce house.

For more information, go to www.hbal.org/builders-home-garden-show.

BUSINESS NEWS FirstScan Celebrates 2nd Anniversary FirstScan is proud to have recently celebrated its two-year anniversary on November 16, 2017!

FirstScan is Omaha’s premier provider of MRI for the detection of prostate cancer.

The company developed proprietary technology for this specific use, effectively introducing the revolutionary yet affordable non-invasive method just two years ago.

Since it’s launch, FirstScan has attracted the attention of men nationwide who have come to Omaha to have this procedure performed.

Most people do not realize that in 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Prostate cancer is very treatable if it is detected early. FirstScan strives to bring awareness to the community of the prevalence of prostate cancer and the need for men who are at risk to get screened by their doctors. They are proud to be a resource in the community and to offer an alternative approach to prostate cancer detection with the use of MRI technology. Although this is their specialty, FirstScan does offer standard MRI services on their 3 Tesla MRI system too.

Accredited by the American College of Radiology in Body MRI, FirstScan is a locally owned and operated, independent radiology provider.

FirstScan accepts most major insurances and has the lowest cash pay discounts in the area.

Anyone interested in this procedure is encouraged to discuss with a physician or call FirstScan directly at (402) 934-1999. You are also welcome to email info@firstscanomaha.com to request more information or visit www.firstscanomaha.com, which has a wealth of information, research, and resources that are useful for making decisions regarding a possible prostate issue.

Concord Mediation Center Expands to Increase Access to Services in Sarpy County Concord Mediation Center has opened a new office in Sarpy County. Conveniently located near the Sarpy County courthouse, the new office is at 1223 Golden Gate Drive in Papillion. A Grand Opening and Open House, including a ribbon cutting with the Sarpy County Chamber, was held November 29.

The new office, which is an addition to Concord Mediation Center’s current offices at 4225 N. 90th Street in Omaha, will better serve clients who live and work in Sarpy County.

For nearly 20 years, Concord Mediation Center has provided people in Douglas and Sarpy Counties with innovative, affordable and cooperative ways to resolve differences and transform relationships. The agency is one of six centers in the state approved by Nebraska’s Supreme Court’s Office of Dispute Resolution. Concord Mediation Center is committed to providing services regardless of a client’s ability to pay.

Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party incorporates skills and techniques to improve the dialogue between two or more parties involved in a conflict. Mediation provides people who find themselves in conflict an opportunity to understand each other’s perspective and discover creative solutions.

For more information, visit www.concordmediationcenter.com or call (402) 345-1131.

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BUSINESS NEWS Digital Doc “Techs the Town” With Electronic Donation Drive

FireGuard Hosts Annual Wet Lab for Local Law Enforcement Training

Digital Doc, Omaha’s leading provider of certified, pre-owned devices and electronic repair services, is collecting gently used electronics for its community-driven holiday giving campaign, “Tech the Town.”

FireGuard, Inc. recently teamed up with local law enforcement agencies, the Nebraska Safety Council, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) to host their annual Wet Lab on December 15th. This event is a controlled evaluation of how alcohol consumption can impair people’s choices, behaviors, and actions.

Police officers train at what is called a Wet Lab – a facility where volunteers drink alcohol and submit to sobriety tests in order to train officers to recognize and evaluate impaired drivers. All Nebraska law enforcement personnel must go through this training. FireGuard was proud to host this event at their Omaha location.

Serving clients across the Omaha Metro and in Lincoln, FireGuard eliminates the need to contact multiple companies by offering complete life safety solutions. The locally owned and operated company designs, sells, installs, inspects and services all types of equipment, including: Fire Alarm Systems, Fire Sprinkler Systems, Special Hazard Systems, Fire Extinguishers, Fire Door Inspections, Restaurant Systems, Exit & Emergency Lights, Fire Appliances & Accessories…and more!

For more information about FireGuard, Inc., visit www.fireguardusa. com or contact the office at (402) 592-1999.

Through January 13, customers and business owners are encouraged to donate their old cell phones, tablets, and computers. Items donated will be given to Cross Training Center and Cross Electronic Recycling which work to train men, women and youth who are disadvantaged and undereducated so they can become successful.

“Now days, people are constantly upgrading their devices and abandoning their old tech– especially during the holiday season,” said Linette Nelson, owner of Digital Doc of Omaha. “Instead of leaving perfectly salvageable technology to sit in a junk drawer, we want to provide these items to new owners who don’t necessarily have the same privileges. So many people would find joy from the donations, and we’re rallying our customers to help us make a meaningful difference in their lives.”

Digital Doc of Omaha is also accepting broken devices and electronics that are in poor condition. In order to eliminate the amount of technology that gets thrown away and sent to landfills, Digital Doc of Omaha will either repair the item for donation or dispose of it properly through its partnership with Cross Electronic Recycling and Cross Training Center.

For more information about Digital Doc of Omaha, call (531) 2003800 or visit www.digitaldoc.com/omaha.

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BUSINESS NEWS PRSA Nebraska Chapter Announces 2017 Annual Gala Award Winners The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Nebraska Chapter announced the winners of its 2017 annual awards program Wednesday, December 6 at the Embassy Suites in La Vista. KETV Channel 7’s Lauren Scott served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the event.

The Chapter hosts the annual awards celebration each year to recognize outstanding achievements in public relations and the best in public relations practice across the state. “We have a very talented and passionate community of public relations professionals in Nebraska, and it’s an honor to recognize their best work each year at the awards gala,” said PRSA Nebraska President, Krista Roberts. “We also present PRSA Chapter Service awards to individuals and organizations in Nebraska who represent the highest standards in public relations.”

This year’s list comprised 79 Paper Anvil awards in both professional and student categories as well as two Best of Show awards. In addition, six professionals were honored with Nebraska Chapter Service awards recognizing the work of PRSA members and those who are active in the public relations community.

The professional Best of Show was awarded to “Share a Little Sweetness Tour” for the Sioux Honey Association Co-op submitted by Bozell and the student Best of Show was awarded to “Redirect the Conversation” submitted by the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

PRSA Chapter Service Awards were presented to the following: Newcomer of the Year, Dani Hatfield; Chapter Service, Kathy Broniecki and Cris Hay-Merchant, APR; Community Service, First National Bank of Omaha; Special Achievement in Public Relations, Rachel Carver, APR and Professional of the Year, Monique Farmer, APR. To view the complete list of award winners, please visit prsanebraska.org.

Hudl Celebrates Grand Opening of New Headquarters Hudl recently celebrated the grand opening of their new state-of-the-art headquarters at 600 P Street, Suite #400 in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District. To mark the occasion, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce was held on December 19th. Approximately 30 city and state officials were in attendance along with the general public. During the event, Mayor Chris Beutler, Governor Pete Ricketts, Chamber President Wendy Birdsall, and Hudl CEO David Graff addressed the audience, detailing Hudl’s impact on Lincoln, the state of Nebraska and the Midwest.

Hudl is a leading software company revolutionizing the way coaches and athletes prepare for and stay ahead of the competition. Founded by David Graff, Brian Kaiser and John Wirtz in 2006, Hudl now offers the tools to edit and share video, interact with stats, and create quality highlight reels for entertainment and recruiting purposes. The whole experience is available online, giving coaches and athletes secure access at home and on the go. With more than 164,000 active teams and over 4 million unique users, Hudl has become the preferred game film solution for all teams, from the smallest youth organizations to professional franchises in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. For more information on Hudl please visit hudl.com or call (402) 817-0060.

Esprit Whispering Ridge Celebrates Grand Opening of Happy Hollow Esprit Whispering Ridge recently celebrated the grand opening of its enhanced assisted living community, Happy Hollow.

To commemorate the event, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Western Douglas County Chamber of Commerce was held on October 18, 2017. Guests who attended were treated to cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes and tours of the new wing.

Located at 17555 Emmet St. in Omaha, Esprit Whispering Ridge has a way of making everyone—residents and family members alike—feel right at home, offering a personalized approach to Assisted Living and Memory Care. By getting to know your loved one’s interests, preferences and unique personality, Esprit Whispering Ridge is able to provide exceptional care and support. Dedicated to offering the amenities residents appreciate along with the care they deserve, apartment homes are exceptionally spacious and welldesigned, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed, and the staff is compassionate and committed.

To learn more about Esprit Whispering Ridge, visit espritwhisperingridge. com or call (402) 932-7300.

Farm Credit Services of America to Distribute $200 Million Cash-Back Dividend for 2017 Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica), a financial cooperative owned by farmers and ranchers, approved a 2017 cash-back dividend of $200 million for its eligible customerowners.The Board of Directors considers a number of business and economic factors in determining the amount of each year’s cash-back dividends, including the cooperative’s financial strength.

The earnings retained by FCSAmerica are used to build the cooperative’s financial capacity to continue serving agriculture.

The 2017 dividend checks will be mailed to eligible customerowners in March 2018. The Board of Directors has also approved a cash-back dividend for 2018, with the amount of the distribution to be disclosed soon. Since 2004, FCSAmerica has returned more than $1.5 billion to producers in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Farm Credit Services of America is a customer-owned financial cooperative proud to finance the growth of rural America, including the special needs of young and beginning producers.

With $26.9 billion in assets and $4.9 billion in members’ equity, FCSAmerica is one of the region’s leading providers of credit and insurance services to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and rural residents in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Learn more at www.fcsamerica.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS SunCo Selects Mater Filius, Nebraska for 2017 Big Give

CUCollaborate Provides NCUL, Affiliates With Membership Evaluation Tool

SunCo rebuilt a disintegrating limestone wall for Mater Filius, Nebraska, after SunCo’s owner, Chris Andersen, heard about it from a good friend.

Mater Filius, Nebraska is a Catholic apostolate created to help women facing an unexpected pregnancy who find themselves without support.

The organization moved into their current space at the corner of 36th and Y a little over a year ago, and the old retaining wall was crumbling back then.

SunCo’s Big Give is an opportunity to give back to the community. “It isn’t a planned or scheduled program, but one that we invest funds in so when we see an opportunity to give back to our community, we take it,” says Chris Andersen. “Our passion is to make a distinct impact on employees, customers, and our community, and we find this possible through our ‘Big Give’ program.” SunCo vendors, Watkins Concrete Block and Papio Valley Nursery, donated supplies to the project.

The new retaining wall is finished and will give Mater Filius, Nebraska a safe and beautiful landscape for decades to come. For more information, please contact Chris Andersen at (402) 553-5204.

SunCo Lawns was established by Chris Andersen in 1991 as a lawn care company and has since grown to become a full-service company caring for all outdoor needs for homes and businesses. SunCo values cultivating great relationships and having fun in a positive environment with a passion for creating what’s next for customers.

To find out more about SunCo, visit suncolawns.com.

CUCollaborate and the Nebraska Credit Union League (NCUL) contracted to provide NCUL’s staff and its member credit unions with access to the web-based software. NCUL is the 6th state association to offer the tool to its affiliates joining New Jersey, Utah, Hawaii, Montana, and MD|DC Credit Union Association.

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CUCollaborate’s software identifies growth opportunities unlocked through the updated underserved area expansion regulations.

The tool is available to both leagues and credit unions through CUCollaborate’s website: www.cucollaborate.com.

Since the new NCUA FOM rules went into effect on February 6, 2017, more credit unions are considering modifying their FOMs but many do not understand the impact that the new rules have on their credit union and the potential opportunities available to them. CUCollaborate’s proprietary software enables users to visualize, experiment, and test numerous plans to identify the best path toward growing their field of membership—all within a few clicks. CUCollaborate also provides support and training for league and credit union staffs, including one-on-one calls with credit unions to help identify the best opportunities available to them.

The Nebraska Credit Union League (NCUL) was organized in 1934 to serve as an advocate organization for the state’s credit unions and their 510,000 members. For more information about the League, LIKE them on Facebook or visit www.nebrcul.org.

BUSINESS NEWS Max I. Walker, Ultra Chic Boutique Present 1st Annual Dress Fail Contest

Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum Presents Annual Indoor Air Show

Max I. Walker and the Ultra Chic Boutique are hosting the 1st annual Dress Fail competition. With online shopping becoming the norm for purchasing everything - including prom dresses - it’s become a viral internet trend to share when what you received looks nothing like what you ordered!

The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace M u s e u m announces its annual Indoor Air Show event set for Saturday, January 13. The Indoor Air Show brings the fun and excitement of an air show inside with radio-controlled (R/C) models. The model pilots will demonstrate loops, flips, and barrel rolls in the museum’s climate-controlled Durham Restoration Hangar.

Do you have an online shopping horror story? Let’s see those prom dress fails! Share yours on Instagram using the tags #ucbdressfail and @ultrachicboutique to be entered into the drawing for the chance to win early shopping at the 2018 Ultra Chic Boutique. Submissions will be accepted through January 8th.

Max I. Walker’s 11th Annual Ultra Chic Boutique will take place on February 3rd from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at A View on State. Dress donations are still being accepted across the Omaha metro at all 23 Max I. Walker locations. Employees clean, press, and mend donated dresses at no charge and they are then sold for $30 each (cash only). All proceeds from the dresses and raffle tickets go benefit the Alzheimer’s Association to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Find out more about the Ultra Chic Boutique online at www.maxiwalker.com/ucb.

Regents Approve Naming of Dr. Edward and Sally Malashock Atrium The University of Nebraska Board of Regents have approved naming the atrium of the Davis Global Center for Advanced Interprofessional Learning at the University of Nebraska Medical Center to be called the Dr. Edward and Sally Malashock Atrium.

The Malashocks established the Dr. Edward and Sally Malashock Fund for Interprofessional Experiential Center for Enduring Learning in 2017 with a major gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation.

The donation was made to support construction of the Davis Global Center currently underway on campus at 42nd and Emile Streets. Per the family’s wishes the gift amount was not disclosed.

DAAKE Receives National Recognition for Healthcare Website Omaha’s award-winning comprehensive branding and design firm DAAKE has earned an eHealthcare Leadership Award for its client, Nebraska Medicine. DAAKE shares a Silver award for Best Overall Internet Site Healthcare System with technology partner agency, Centretek, for www.nebraskamed.com. This is Nebraska Medicine’s primary website, which was designed to improve usability across the site for patients, families, and providers.

The eHealthcare Leadership Awards is a leading awards program that recognizes the very best websites, digital communications, and business improvement initiatives of a wide range of healthcare organizations. Entries in the 18th Annual eHealthcare Leadership Awards were judged based on a standard of internet/digital communications excellence and how they compared with others in their organization’s classification. This year, 116 individuals familiar with healthcare and the internet evaluated the entries. Winners were recognized on October 25, 2017 at the 21st Annual Healthcare Internet Conference in Austin, TX, and were published in the December print edition of eHealthcare Strategy & Trends.

DAAKE is an integrated agency that specializes in rebranding. The agency takes particular delight in innovation, design and results through a full range of strikingly unique branding elements including identity, print, web, motion, spaces and advertising. Find out more at www.daake.com.

The public is invited to attend and experience flight, learn about radio-controlled aircraft, quadcopters, and safe flying practices.

Over 75 pilots will demonstrate their skills in a space that has 60foot ceiling height, which enables them to practice acrobatic dives.

R/C club pilots will fly throughout the day beginning at 10 a.m. and concluding at 2 p.m. The Indoor Air Show will also include an R/C flight safety workshop, interactive booths from event sponsor Silverhawk Aviation, R/C clubs, UNL, and more.

Additionally, an ultralight aircraft presentation will be held in the museum’s theater at 1:30 p.m. Ultralight aircraft are one seat fixedwing aircraft that are used for recreational flight. A pilot’s license is not required to fly an ultralight.

The museum is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. This event is part of general admission for the day, which applies to non-museum members. Adults $12 | Military & Seniors $11 | Children 4-12 $6 | Children 3 and under FREE. For more information, please visit www.sacmuseum.org.

Local Right at Home Franchise Joins Free Wheelchair Mission Members of Right at Home’s corporate team and eight U.S. franchisees recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica with their national partner, Free Wheelchair Mission. Together, the group assembled and delivered more than 35 wheelchairs to people in need to improve their quality of life with the transforming gift of mobility.

The Omaha-based franchise offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and adults with a disability who want to continue to live independently.

Right at Home is committed to improving the lives of people, locally and beyond, and the mission trip to Costa Rica was a great way to do just that.

The global Right at Home system raised enough money for three shipping containers, each filled with 550 unassembled wheelchairs.

It costs approximately $80 to assemble, ship, and deliver one wheelchair; in total, the franchise system has raised $129,000 this year in their partnership with Free Wheelchair Mission.

Since its founding 16 years ago, Free Wheelchair Mission has provided approximately 1,028,387 wheelchairs. Free Wheelchair Mission is working now to provide its 2 millionth wheelchair by 2025.

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and adults with a disability who want to continue to live independently. Local Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated and directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff, each of whom is thoroughly screened, trained, and bonded/insured prior to entering a client’s home. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, NE, with more than 500 franchise locations in the U.S. and seven other countries.

For more information, visit www.rightathome.net. To find out more about franchising opportunities, visit www.rightathomefranchise.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS PenFed Credit Union to Donate $100K to Papillion, Omaha Charities in 2018 PenFed Credit Union President and CEO James Schenck presented donation checks totaling $20,000 to two local charities: Offutt Chiefs Group and Moving Veterans Forward. These charitable donations mark the beginning of PenFed Credit Union’s quarterly commitment to contribute to local organizations in Papillion and Omaha totaling $100,000 in 2018. Each quarter, PenFed’s Papillion and Omaha Service Center employees will select local charities that align with the core values of the credit union—to help our members Do Better and to give back to our communities.

Since opening all three locations in Papillion and Omaha, PenFed has worked with a variety of charities in the area, including United Way of the Midlands, American Legion Post 339 for the homeless veterans food bank; Top III Association on Offutt Air Force Base; Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home, Ronald McDonald House, and Salvation Army.

The Omaha Service Center opened its doors in 1992 with 20 employees. The Papillion Service Center opened in 2012 with the same number of employees. In August 2016, PenFed selected Papillion for its first branch location in Nebraska.

Established in 1935 as the War Department Credit Union, PenFed Credit Union is America’s second-largest federal credit union, serving over 1.6 million members worldwide with more than $23.5 billion in assets. PenFed Credit Union serves a diverse population, and no military service is required to join. PenFed Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is an equal housing lender.

To learn more about PenFed Credit Union, visit PenFed.org.

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Santa Presents Veteran Gift of Wheels A veteran from Omaha received an early Christmas gift when Santa awarded him keys to a 2008 Honda Accord at a ceremony on December 6. Howard Perry, a Marine veteran and UNO student, was chosen by the Nebraska VFW to receive a Recycled Rides™ from CARSTAR Auto Body.

Perry said the gift of the Honda is a real blessing for his family which includes three children under six years. The marine veteran is majoring in cyber security at UNO and is employed at an internship at an Omaha business. Perry’s current vehicle is unsafe due to mechanical issues, miles and age. The veteran has been borrowing cars from friends to get to school and work for the last several months.

Recycled Rides™ is a community service program of the National Auto Body Council where body shops repair and donate vehicles to agencies and families in need.

The Honda Accord was donated by State Farm Insurance. Technicians at Northwest CARSTAR volunteered their skills to repair and refurbish the Honda. Other vendors that provided donations of parts and services were Honda Cars of Bellevue, LKQ, Keystone, 3Bs Towing, Auto Tech, Auto Zone, Nebraska Frame and Alignment, and Omaha Car Care.

CARSTAR partnered with the Nebraska VFW to find a recipient.

Interested veterans were required to fill out an application and go through an interview process. The key presentation ceremony also featured the Air Force ROTC Color Guard from Detachment 470 from UNO. The Omaha CARSTAR locations take turns repairing salvage vehicles each year for the Recycled Rides™ program. This is the first year CARSTAR has partnered with the Nebraska VFW.

SANDLER TRAINING

by Karl Schaphorst, President

402-403-4334

www.karlschaphorst.sandler.com

Can’t Lose If You Don’t Play

Do any of these scenarios seem familiar?

Bill knew he should do some prospecting, but it was getting near the end of the week. Heck, he thought, most of the people I’d call will be thinking about the weekend. Might as well put it off until Monday. Or actually, Tuesday would be better. On Monday I’m sure there will be a ton of stuff on their desks, and they definitely won’t have time for me. Yeah, hit them on Tuesday between 10 and 12. That’s the ticket.

But maybe mid-afternoon would be better. I’ll have to think about that over the weekend.

Jane, the sales manager for a sales force of 24, knew she could increase sales if only everyone followed the same sales strategy. With this in mind and the blessing of upper management, she had scheduled all of the salespeople to attend a mandatory week-long sales training session.

Once that happens, she decided, then we can really start turning some numbers. Now all she wondered about was how to make sure that no one wiggled out of the mandatory meeting. She had, over the past day, decided on the steps to take if someone tried.

Nick, during the past two months, had watched his sales slide into a black hole. At first he figured it was the competition from across town that was causing it, but now he wondered. He was spending more time than ever before with prospects and former customers, actually tons of time, and with poor results. He was losing them all. “What am I doing wrong?” he wondered. I chat them up, and they dump me. All that time I spend with them and nothing happens.

All three examples above perfectly portray “not starting.” If you don’t start the sale, you can’t lose the sale. And losing is defined by 90% of the salespeople as “not getting the sale” or to put it another way, “I got a no.” Instead of dealing with the emotions associated with failure, it is avoided altogether. It may feel better, but it doesn’t bring success to the business or the sales professional.

Getting a “no” is not losing. Getting a “no” is success. Getting a “no” allows you to go out and find a “yes.” There are hundreds of ways to avoid “starting,” and every one of them will seem perfectly reasonable at the time. Bill wanted to make sure that his prospecting was done in a way to get the best results. He was convinced he was approaching it correctly. Result: No prospecting until next week. And, does next week ever arrive? Jane truly believed that once everyone attended the sales training, sales would go up. Until that meeting happened she had decided to focus on getting people to show up. Result: No sales were expected in the meantime. But Jane was doing her job. Nick felt that he should concentrate on establishing rapport with prospects. He believed that the more rapport he established, the higher the likelihood of a sale. Result: Since all he was doing was establishing rapport, he never got around to selling.

Just for the moment consider that you are a baseball player. You can take batting practice for weeks. But anything you hit during practice doesn’t count. The only thing that counts is standing at the plate during a game. Fortunately for the baseball player, he is eventually forced to stand at the plate and do something. Unfortunately, salespeople are not forced to “stand at the plate” and do something. Short of running out of money and not being able to pay bills, salespeople and sales managers will have the best reasons in the world to avoid playing. How do you play more often than not? By recognizing those behavior patterns that fill up your sales time but do nothing for you. Write down how many hours you work a month. Now, for a full month keep track of the work you do, and how much time you spend doing it. Then decide if you are “playing” or just “practicing.”

Play often! The sooner you get a “no,” the sooner you can get the “yes.”

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

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SARA

Sara Bruce

ANDING FAMILY DENTAL Located at 4702 Lafayette Avenue in Omaha, Anding Family Dental is dedicated to providing exceptional dentistry services for the entire family. Sara Bruce is a Dental Hygienist at Anding Family Dental.

Tell us a little about your role in the practice. - I have been a licensed hygienist for 8 years and have been working alongside Dr. Michelle Chang at Anding Family Dental for over 5 years.

How did you get started in the business? - I knew I wanted to get into the dental field at a very early age. I remember being young and having a bad dental experience. Our family changed dentists and I couldn’t believe how easy and fun appointments were; it was really about the staff making me feel comfortable. I knew that’s how I wanted other kids (and adults) to feel and I wanted to be a part of changing their mindset about the dental field.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Helping patients overcome their dental anxiety. It is still prevalent and trying to calm nerves is always tough, but if I can help one person ease their anxiety, it is all worth it.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- While in hygiene school I won the ‘Silver Scaler’ award. Nominated by the faculty, it was an award for showing compassion and kindness towards patients. This was important to me because it was the whole reason why I wanted to get into dentistry in the first place.

Tell us a little about your family. - I came from a modest upbringing, born and raised in Omaha. I am the second oldest of four children.

My mom is a retired OPS teacher and my dad is a retired Omaha firefighter. I don’t have kids of my own but I love being an aunt to my 4 nieces/nephews. We are a very close-knit family and everyone still lives in the Omaha area.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - I started having strokes at the age of 29. It was a scary time in my life not knowing why this was happening. Within a year doctors found a hole in my heart where clots were slipping through causing the strokes. I had heart surgery at the age of 30 and have been happy and healthy ever since. I think it makes you appreciate each day a little more when you go through an experience like that.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy working out and on nice days you may find me on the trails around town. I also have an affinity for sporting events, either watching on television or going to cheer on any local Nebraska team (Go Huskers, Jays, and Mavericks!).

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.”- Ferris Bueller What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - My family has ties to the March of Dimes. Two of my nephews were born premature so it holds a special place in our hearts, and we enjoy going to the walks and charity events. I also like to donate to Red Basket, a fundraising site that helps fund medical procedures, and Victory Boxing Club, which provides a supportive community to the youth in South Omaha.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Anything Mexican! Fernando’s is always a great “go-to” option.

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

- Phone: (402) 933-4632; Website: www.andingfamilydental.com.

CONNER

Conner Koerperich ROB-SEE-CO

Rob-See-Co is a family owned and operated regional seed company with roots that go back more than 125 years and five generations. At Rob-See-Co you’ll work with local people who have a passion for the seed business, benefitting from the combination of today’s technology and producer-friendly relationships. Conner Koerperich is a Direct Sales Representative with Rob-See-Co. Tell us a little about your business. - Rob-See-Co was established in 2013 with the goal of getting the seed buying industry back to the way it used to be and making it fun again. Inspired in response to the mergers and acquisitions that dramatically changed the seed business, our business model was designed to bring back everything that makes working with a regional seed company great – with local people who have a passion for the seed business.

How did you get started in the business? - I knew I was going to have a career in the Ag industry at a very early age. I grew up in northeastern Colorado and my family ran a good-sized cow-calf operation. My dad has been in the Ag industry his whole life and sold seed for 35 years. I wanted to follow in his footsteps and started out in the corporate world of seed companies. When the opportunity presented itself to join an independent seed company that was just starting out and help it grow that inspired me and I jumped at the chance.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I’d have to say networking. You can’t meet enough people in my industry.

I once heard when you’ve met one farmer, you’ve only met one farmer.

You need to strive to meet them all and develop personal relationships.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? For me it’s the sum total of everything I’ve done to date, and especially starting out fresh as the face of the company in my area and the success I’ve achieved in a short time. I’m pretty proud of where I’ve gotten thus far in under a year and am eager to see the business continually grow.

Tell us a little about your family. - My immediate family all resides in Lincoln. I’m the oldest of 3, with 2 younger sisters who both go to UNL and are pursuing degrees in elementary education. My mom owns a clothing store and my dad is a regional sales manager for another seed company.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - This time of year I’m a big waterfowl junkie. I enjoy hanging out in the duck blind hunting ducks and geese. In the summer I play as much as golf as I can. I’m not very good, but I enjoy playing!

What are you the most proud of? - Earning my college degree; it has opened so many doors for me. I graduated from UNL with a degree in Ag Business and Agronomy with a minor in Entrepreneurship. It’s really paid off and has been a major contributor to where I am today.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Don’t halfass anything. Don’t leave any job undone.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - When I find myself in Omaha it would be 801 Chophouse at the Paxton or Omaha Prime.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Gary Vaynerchuk, an American entrepreneur who’s brutally honest with feedback and methods.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? They’re welcome to call me anytime at (402) 937-3457 or email me at ckoerperich@robseeco.com. Or, visit us online at www.robseeco.com.

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FRANK

Frank X. Leonard

STRICTLY BUSINESS Meet Frank X. Leonard, Vice President of Business Development for Strictly Business Magazine in Omaha!

How did you get started in the business? - I started delivering papers when I was in 7th grade. They told me there would be incentive pay when I personally brought on a new customer in addition to the ones that I originally had. So I focused on great delivery, putting the paper right next to the door so it was easy to reach right down and grab it without going outside to retrieve it. No other delivery boy did that at the time. My customers would tell their neighbors and I grew my route 50% in a year, thus making more money with my increased customer base. That’s when I realized I wanted to be in business.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Balance.

When you’re a driven individual it is hard to not just see your business as your life. My wife Kelly has helped to keep me grounded in faith and family first, then business.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Looking back over 35 years in business, I’ve worn many hats. Business advisor/coach is my favorite. With that in mind, it’s when a past client has seen great success and they tell you that in part it was because of your advice and guidance.

Tell us a little about your family. - WOW! Do you have all day? I have been married to my wife Kelly for 30 unbelievable years. She is the backbone of our family. We have four beautiful children, three of whom are married to equally bright and talented spouses. Our youngest is a freshman in college.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy spending time with my wife chasing down a great buy on an antique.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - Although I’m from the East Coast, I would spend all day long on my wife’s family ranch outside of Dunning, NE working cattle or putting up hay.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My dad once said, “If you’re not making a positive impact with what you’re doing it is not worth the time and certainly not worth the money.”

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Mind reading, mainly to stay away from negative people and their negative thoughts.

Which talent would you most like to have? - To be musically inclined.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would love to be a pilot; I love to fly airplanes.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I am heavily involved with my local church and supporting their missionary work around the world.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The latest was The Power of Communication by Helio Fred Garcia.

What is your favorite movie? - Jason Bourne.

What is your favorite TV show? - Person of Interest.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Any place I can get a great steak. Since I’m new to the area, recommendations are certainly welcome!

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

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

- Phone: (571) 437-6201; Email: frankx@strictlybusinessomaha.com.

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2018

ANDY

Andy Palmquist

AQUA SYSTEMS Aqua Systems has been helping people improve their water since 1959, based out of Lincoln, NE and servicing clients statewide as part of a national company with over 300 dealers nationwide. Andy Palmquist is the Director of Business Development for Aqua Systems in Nebraska.

Tell us a little about your business. - Aqua Systems has been providing water solutions to the Lincoln and Omaha communities and surrounding areas for over 16 years. We are locally owned and provide a variety of services to handle soft water and drinking water solutions to residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Although we can provide bottled water when necessary, a primary focus of our company is to show how point of use water can drastically reduce and even eliminate the need for plastic containers and bottles. Through reverse osmosis and filtering systems, pure and healthy drinking water can be achieved in homes and businesses throughout the region.

How did you get started in the business? - I recently joined the Aqua Systems team working in business development. I worked for ten years for a local water company, delivering water and salt and working with clients around southeast Nebraska, and two years for a local safety company, providing service and sales throughout Nebraska and northern Kansas. I began working for Aqua Systems in September.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy golf.

Although I haven’t had the opportunity to play as much as I would like, golf affords me the ability to challenge myself to think through difficult situations. Good shots and bad shots are part of my golf game, but there is always a clean slate waiting for me at the next tee box. My son now has his own clubs, so I plan to spend time with him on the course.

What are you the most proud of? - My son Hayden. As a father, my life away from work revolves around my seven year old son.

From baseball to soccer to football to basketball and beyond, my greatest joys are plugging him into programs that provide teamwork, comradery, respect, and relationships with kids his age.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today.” (For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway, 1940).

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

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - My new position also allows me to invest in others, especially youth programs. I have recently applied to volunteer with TeamMates mentoring program and I’m looking forward to the rewarding experience that will provide for both the mentee and myself.

What is your favorite movie? - Pulp Fiction.

What is your favorite TV show? - Parks and Recreation.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Cantina Laredo.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Stop in, give me a call, or send me an email. Andy Palmquist, Aqua Systems, 5501 N. 58th Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE, 68507; Office: (402) 466.6800; Cell: (402) 310-4584; Email: andy@ ilovemywater.net.

JANUARY 2018 Strictly Business

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TIM

Tim Vandervort

CONTROL DEPOT Control Depot is a Honeywell Authorized Systems Distributor (ASD) that sells and supports a wide selection of residential and commercial controls and components to contractors and building owners.

Tim Vandervort is an Inside Sales Representative for Control Depot.

Tell us a little about your business. - We provide innovative, costeffective control solutions and web-based facility integration designs across a spectrum of building types in the residential and commercial markets. Control Depot is the premier controls distributor in our area, specializing in HVAC controls, and is also a member of Honeywell’s elite Diamond Distributor Club of advanced building automation distributors.

How did you get started in the business? - I started my career as an electrician in the temperature controls industry in 2008. I joined the team at Control Depot in 2014 with the idea of learning more about the industry.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Control Depot offers many solutions from HVAC controls to security and access controls, lighting controls, and even gas detection systems. My biggest challenge is staying on top of all the different solutions we offer in a fast-paced industry that’s always evolving.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Building relationships with customers. It’s so important in this business.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married for seven years to my beautiful wife Kate. We have a 5-year-old son, Easton, and a 2-year-old daughter, Cecilia. They both keep us very busy.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Deciding to go back to school and becoming an electrician were both big ones. The combination has provided me with so much more opportunity.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Most spring, summer and fall weekends, you can find me camping with my family. I also enjoy watching football and basketball.

What are you the most proud of? - My family. I have an amazing wife and loving kids.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Go big or go home.

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To be fast like The Flash. There are not enough hours in a day.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Right out of high school I painted professionally and learned a lot about the trade. Most people do not like to paint but I enjoy it.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I am a huge NFL and NBA fan. I would love to be a professional football or basketball player.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I read a lot of children’s books at this point in my life. If you need advice on a good one, I do have my favorites.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Ponzu in Aksarben Village. I am a huge fan of sushi.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - I follow the Dallas Cowboys religiously, so Tony Romo or Jason Witten.

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

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

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2018

MICKAELA

Mickaela Milby

HEADSETTERSTM Established in 1992, Headsetters™ is a fullservice national provider of wireless, Bluetooth and corded headsets. Mickaela Milby is a National Account Manager at Headsetters™.

Tell us a little about your business. - Here at Headsetters we specialize in corded, wireless and Bluetooth headsets for desk phones, cell phones and your computer. We carry all the major manufacturers including Plantronics, Jabra and VXi. We also have all the accessories as well as a repair shop. There are so many options out there for your communication needs, and we are the experts so you don’t have to be!

How did you get started in the business? - Over the years, most of the positions I have held have focused around sales and customer service so it was a natural transition into my new position with Headsetters.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have three young boys, Ethan, Soren, and Charles. They are 9, 5, and 4 respectively so my life at home revolves around superheroes and Legos.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Right after I graduated from college, I took a risk and moved from the Des Moines area to Omaha. I knew exactly one person in the state of Nebraska at that time, and I left my support network from college and moved even further away from my family. Since taking that risk, I have met the people that have had the biggest impact on my life.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - If there is a music event, you will find me there! I am a total audiophile. My boys have a very broad taste in music thanks to my obsession. We also spend time hiking and enjoy being outdoors when the weather permits. When I am spending a quiet day at home, you will find me curled up with a blanket and a book.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I am a classically trained musician on three instruments, the flute, the piano, and the cello.

What are you the most proud of? - That’s easy, my family! Like most mothers, I am more than happy to tell you how wonderful my kids are, but in all seriousness, they are the best part of my life.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Resilient, both strong and flexible.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - Feathers by A Perfect Circle.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - My training in tennis. I spent over 15 years of my life training as an open amateur and teaching clinics.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would love to be a pathologist. The world of microbiology is something that I find particularly fascinating.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Most recently, I have volunteered with Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue. I love this organization because they are centered around finding the best fit for the humans and the animals.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Robin Williams. Beyond the entertainment he would offer, I think he would have had the capacity to share some pretty profound wisdom on life.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 951-9115; Email: mickaela@headsetters.com; Website: www.headsetters.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Midlands Community Foundation Names New Board President, Members

Headsetters™ Welcomes Back Tony Livingston

The Midlands Community Foundation Board of Directors has elected Patric k Sullivan to a threeyear ter m as President. Sullivan graduated from the Nebraska School of Law in Lincoln, Nebraska, and was Patrick Sullivan Jonathan Davidson admitted to practice law in Nebraska in 1994 and in Iowa in 2012. His practice, Adams & Sullivan, specializes in business transactions, residential and commercial real e s t a t e, e s t a t e planning, and contracts. He serves Valerie Downs Matt Pospisil or has served in leadership roles for various professional and community organizations including the Sarpy County Agricultural Society, St. Matthew Catholic Church, Nebraska State Bar Association, Bellevue Community Foundation, Sarpy County Merit Commission, Second Judicial District and Sarpy County Crime Stoppers.

Joining Sullivan on the Board’s Executive Committee are: Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer Kevin Dasher, Northwest Bank (La Vista); Past President Karla Rupiper, City of Papillion (Papillion); and Executive Members Tom Ackley, Koley Jessen, P.C., L.L.O. (Bellevue); Julie Bear, Reinsch, Slattery, Bear & Minahan, P.C. (Plattsmouth); Mary Gawecki (Papillion); and Rick Iske, Rick Iske Insurance, Inc. (Springfield).

In addition, the Board has named Jonathan Davidson (Gretna); Valerie Downs (Louisville and Springfield), and Matt Pospisil (Bellevue) as new board members. Davidson currently serves as Vice President of Commercial Banking with JPMorgan Chase & Co., and has more than 20 years of banking and financial services experience and leadership in Omaha. He serves as a member of the Sarpy County Personnel Committee and is an active volunteer with several community and industry organizations. Downs is a physical therapist with Infinity Rehab and an adjunct professor with the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She serves as the president of the Louisville Public Schools Foundation Board, volunteers with the UNMC Sharing Clinic, Louisville Public Schools Athletic Department and Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. Pospisil is a Vice President with Nebraska Medicine. In this role, he leads the Nebraska MedicineBellevue hospital team, as well as the Perioperative and Procedural Services team for the health system. Pospisil serves or has served with the American College of Healthcare Executives, Nebraska Hospital Association, Clarkson College Adjunct Faculty, Offutt Advisory Council, Sunny Slope Recreation Association and Midwest Dog Rescue Network.

The 22-member board, representing the communities the Foundation serves, also includes: Janet Barna, Gretna Insurance Agency (Gretna); Brenda Carlson, MB Financial Bank (La Vista); Jan Davis (Gretna); Brad Eckhoff, Pinnacle Bank (Papillion); Kara Habrock, Roloff Construction/ Roloff Building Group (Louisville); Mary Beth Harrold, Papillion Flower Patch (Papillion); Dr. Jim Langley, Langley Animal Hospital (Papillion); Lee Polikov, Sarpy County Attorney (Papillion); Barb Slattery, Slattery Vintage Estates (Nehawka); Ken Summerfield, American Family Insurance (Papillion); Jim Thompson, Sarpy County Commissioner (La Vista); and Kathy Wendlandt (Gretna).

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Tony Livingston has rejoined Headsets

by Headsetters™ as a National Account Manager. Tony will again be contributing all of his years of sales and management to further expand the company’s sales and service to all of its customers in North America. He will be responsible for several existing accounts and will consistently be adding additional clients. Tony can be reached at (402) 951-9126 or via email at tonyl@headsetters.com.

Established in 1992, Headsetters™ is a full service national provider of Wireless, Bluetooth and Corded Headsets by Plantronics GN Netcom, Jabra, VXI, Sennheiser and Starkey. Additional services include all headset accessories, headset repairs, headset rentals and refurbished headsets. For more information, visit www.headsetters.com or contact Chelley Baack, General Manager, at (402) 951-9105 / chelley@headsetters.com.

McGrath North Adds Accomplished Litigation and Health Care Attorneys McGrath North is pleased to announce the addition of attorneys Maryl C. Sattler and Stephanie M. Sharp to the firm.

Maryl Sattler brings significant litigation experience to McGrath North. Ms. Sattler spent five years in the litigation group of Bailey & Glasser in Charleston, West Virginia and, prior to that, she was a judicial law clerk for Chief Judge Joseph R. Goodwin of the U.S. District Court, Southern District of West Virginia. Ms. Sattler joins the firm’s Commercial Litigation practice group and will assist clients throughout the litigation process in both state and federal courts.

Maryl C. Sattler

Ms. Sattler earned her law degree from Washington & Lee University School of Law, magna cum laude and obtained her bachelor’s degree in English from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Stephanie Sharp has extensive health care experience and most recently served as Vice President & General Counsel of one Stephanie M. Sharp of the largest academic medical centers in Nebraska. Ms. Sharp brings in-depth knowledge of the unique regulatory challenges that impact health care providers (both hospitals and physician practices). Her areas of expertise include fraud and abuse, Stark, Anti-Kickback, HIPAA privacy and information security, antitrust, and physician and hospital contracting.

Ms. Sharp earned her law degree from the University of Iowa, and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with highest distinction.

Founded in 1959, McGrath North is an Omaha-based law firm that has grown into one of Nebraska’s largest law firms. The firm offers a broad range of expertise serving a large client base including Fortune 500 companies, small and medium-sized businesses, individuals and entrepreneurs from virtually every industry. For more information, visit www.mcgrathnorth.com or call (402) 341-3070.

PERSONNEL NEWS The Lund Company Hires Jodi Kearney as VP of Human Resources Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Company welcomes Jodi Kearney, PHR as Vice President of Human Resources. Kearney is an accomplished HR professional with over 15 years of experience in various Human Resource roles, predominately in retail organizations.

Kearney is responsible for implementing human resource management strategies that enable the recruitment, training, and retention of a high performing and motivated workforce.

Kearney specializes in talent management, employee benefits, learning and development, and process improvement. Kearney has extensive experience working with all organizational levels and is passionate about creating an interactive and enjoyable business environment that supports learning and development. Her strong background in change management and process improvement has aided her in assisting leadership in successfully implementing multiple new programs such as attendance, leadership development offerings and changes initiated by the proposed FLSA changes.

Kearney is certified through the Human Resource Certification Institute as a Human Resource Professional (PHR) as well as being a certified trainer in Emotional Intelligence and having her Green Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma. Kearney is active with her local Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) chapter and is a recent presenter at the Western Nebraska Human Resource Management Association’s annual conference in 2016 and 2017 on the topics of Diversity, Inclusion, and Emotional Intelligence.

Joanne Carlberg of Bridge to Better Living Named Business Leader of the Year Joanne Carlberg of Bridge to Better Living was recently honored by the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce as the Business Leader of the Year. She was chosen from a number of business and non-profit leaders in Sarpy County. Joanne has represented the Omaha and surrounding areas for Bridge to Better Living since 2015.

Bridge to Better Living, a service to Seniors considering a transition to Independent, Pictured L-R: Joanne Carlberg and Mary Ann Stallings.

Assisted, Memory Assisted or Skilled Care has always valued Joanne as one of their transition consultants and is delighted to have her presented this award. Service to community is important in Joanne’s career and personal life. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce as well as Secretary for the Millard Noon Lions Club. Joanne has dedicated nearly three decades to assisting Seniors in the community navigate skilled nursing and post-acute health care. As a Transition Consultant with Bridge to Better Living she now consults with families to research Senior Living Options and maintain quality of life during their Senior years. Joanne truly lives her company’s mission Placement with Passion.

Bridge to Better Living, founded by Mary Ann Stallings in 2010, serves Lincoln, Omaha and surrounding areas.

For more information on Bridge to Better Living visit www. bridgetobetterliving.com or call (402) 802-3301.

Frontier Bank Adds Private Banking Team Frontier Bank has added a Private Banking team to their expanding Omaha banking operations. The group includes Brian Leiferman, Senior Vice President, Cole Groteluschen, Vice President, Charlie Vaughan, Brian Leiferman Cole Groteluschen Vice PresidentResidential Lending, and Liz Souba, Senior Banking Specialist. The team specializes in providing banking services tailored to high net worth individuals and professional service groups. They are located at the Charlie Vaughan Liz Souba bank’s main office at 17002 Marcy Street.

Leiferman brings over 30 years of banking experience to the bank.

For the past ten years he led the Private Banking efforts in Omaha for Mutual of Omaha Bank. Leiferman will continue to build relationships with clients by providing a holistic approach to meeting their financial needs. He is passionate about the success of his clients, as well as the community. Leiferman is currently the Board President for Kicks for a Cure and is actively involved with Completely Kids.

Groteluschen has been in banking for 15 years, teaming up with Leiferman over the past four years. As a Private Banking Vice President, he helps clients achieve financial success through planning, lending, and depository services. A lifelong Nebraska resident, Grotelushen is active in Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands and the Greater Omaha Young Professionals.

Vaughan, Vice President of Residential Lending, has over 25 years of banking and residential lending experience. He spent the last nine years as a Mortgage Loan Officer at Mutual of Omaha Bank. Vaughan assists clients with all their mortgage needs through a full suite of products including conventional fixed rate mortgages, jumbo mortgages, portfolio mortgages, VA/FHA mortgages, as well as construction and lot financing.

Souba is a Senior Banking Specialist and held various positions during her 12 year banking career. For the past four years Souba has supported Leiferman, Groteluschen, and Vaughan in providing personal customer service to their clients. She is actively involved in Together, Inc. and St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church.

Founded in 2005 by a group of partners and friends, Frontier Bank (frontbank.com) is a financial institution providing full service banking solutions for customers in Nebraska.

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know & Who Knows You! At Strictly Business Magazine, we strive to recognize local businessmen and women for their significant awards, promotions, achievements, and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Omaha Metro community.

If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330 or submit your news via our website at www.strictlybusinessomaha.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS FNTS Selects Long to Lead Engineering Team Larry Long has joined First National Technology Solutions (FNTS) as Director of Engineering. With more than 20 years of industry experience, he brings a track record of reliable automation and technology expertise to the Engineering Team. As part of his responsibilities for oversight of the team, he also will work to develop each engineer and assist in implementing best practices. Long also serves as the primary liaison for engineering across all customer organizations at FNTS. Long will mentor each engineer in day-to-day operations, communications and in providing technical solutions. As a manager of teams of more than 25 people in past roles, and as an experienced lecturer who has provided training classes on Linux and general internet-based topics, he has a strong background in technical leadership and possesses a wealth of knowledge in infrastructure management, specifically in Linux and Unix environments.

Long’s past experience includes operating in a large-scale environment of more than 8,000 Linux systems and 5,000+ Windows systems in a 24/7/365 setting. He’s assisted organizations in achieving PCI and HIPPA compliance, is well-versed in writing technical documentation and processes and has functioned as a Change Control Manager.

His previous career experience includes technology operations and systems engineering roles with 3CInteractive and Motorola.

For more information on FNTS, visit www.fnts.com or follow on Twitter at @FirstNatTechSol.

Thomas H. Warren, Sr. Joins American National Bank Board American National Bank (www.american.bank) is proud to announce the addition of Thomas H. Warren, Sr. to its Board of Directors.

Thomas H. Warren, Sr. is the President/CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska (ULN).

The ULN administers programs in Education/ Youth Development and Employment/Career Services, and is also a traditional Civil Rights organization advocating for social justice.

Prior to his appointment at the ULN, Warren served 24 years with the Omaha Police Department, four as Chief of Police. Warren was the first AfricanAmerican to serve as Chief of Police in the City of Omaha. He is a graduate of the FBI’s Executive Institute Leadership Development Training Program, and is an alum of Leadership Omaha, Class #17.

Warren is a member of several professional organizations and has an extensive record of community service. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and a recipient of the National Public Service Award from the American Society of Public Administration.

Warren received the Hubert Locke Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Public Administration and Community Service, and is a Trustee of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Board.

Warren also serves on the Board of Directors of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Omaha Community Foundation, Heartland Workforce Solutions, Seventy-Five North Community Revitalization, Partnership for Kids, the Durham Museum and the Omaha Police Foundation. He is a member of the 100 Black Men of Omaha and he participates in the African-American Empowerment Network.

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Brody Chandler Joins Immanuel as Associate Executive Director of Lakeside Campus Immanuel, Nebraska’s leader in senior living, is pleased to welcome Brody Chandler as associate executive director for their Lakeside campus in southwest Omaha. In his new role, Brody will oversee the health care operations for assisted living, memory support and The Lighthouse which offers skilled rehabilitation and long-term nursing care for the senior living community.

A native Nebraskan, Chandler originates from Falls City, NE. He gained leadership and administration experience with Vetter Health Services and began his career leading skilled nursing and assisted living care in Deshler, NE. Immanuel’s Lakeside Village campus, located in southwest Omaha, is a continuing care community, offering independent living, assisted living, memory support and long-term care all on one campus. In the fall of 2018, the campus will open Lakeside Lofts, 18 luxury apartments geared toward the younger retirees’ active lifestyles, providing upscale amenities and expanded wellness opportunities.

Since 1887 Immanuel (www.immanuel.com) has been providing Christ-Centered Service to Seniors, Each Other and the Communities.

As a not-for-profit, serving arm of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) Immanuel’s house of brands includes: Immanuel Communities, Immanuel Pathways, Immanuel Community Foundation and The Immanuel Vision Foundation.

SCC Graduate Morteza Fatemi Receives Alumni Award From NCCA Mor teza Fatemi is the recipient of the 2017 Nebraska Community College Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award from Southeast Community College. Each of the five Nebraska community colleges who are members of the NCCA selects one graduate who is worthy of the award.

Originally from Iran, Fatemi came to the United States in the late 1970’s.

Pictured L-R: Greg Adams, NCCA He enrolled in Southeast Executive Director; Morteza Fatemi; Community College because Dr. Paul Illich, SCC President. of its affordable price tag and small class size. Fatemi graduated from SCC’s Environmental Laboratory Technology program in 1985. He is a senior qualification engineer for Novartis Consumer Health/GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare in Lincoln.

Following his graduation from SCC, Fatemi worked as a lab assistant at SmithKline Beecham Animal Health and worked his way up to a research associate. He worked there for 13 years and then worked at Pfizer Global Manufacturing for 10 years as a quality assurance specialist. In 2009 he commuted to Elkhorn, where he worked as a quality assurance specialist at Merck Animal Health. Two years later he returned to Lincoln to work at Novartis Consumer Health as a QAS, and now as a senior qualification engineer.

Fatemi says he is able to use his experiences at SCC every day in his job. “I love the science field; I learn every day,” he said. “I can always go there and relate to what I learned at SCC.”

PERSONNEL NEWS Adam Pospisil Joins Modern Concepts Tile

Ryan L. Parker Elected CPA Society Chairman

Modern Concepts Tile is excited to officially welcome the newest addition to the team, Adam Pospisil. He was recently hired on with the company as a tile installer and general laborer after working as an apprentice and completing an extensive year-long training process under the guidance of owners Danny Reynolds and Mike Prendergast.

A Creighton, Nebraska native, Adam attended college at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, NE where he was in the technical program to become a utility lineman. He made the decision to switch degree programs and moved to Omaha to attend University of Nebraska Omaha, during which time he was employed in the service industry. After working his way up to management positions he made the transition to the hospitality industry as Operations Supervisor for Marriott Hotels. Through mutual acquaintances an opportunity presented itself to help out with a tile setting job, and Adam quickly discovered he really enjoyed it and wanted to pursue it further. Modern Concepts Tile was looking to bring on another employee to accommodate growth, and he was selected to begin an apprenticeship that would ultimately result in being offered a full-time position with the company.

Modern Concepts Tile is a locally owned and operated contractor specializing in custom design tilework for residential and commercial projects. For more information or to schedule a consultation for your next project, please call (402) 578-3777.

Ryan L. Parker of Lincoln was elected the 20172018 Chairman of the Board of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants at the Society’s Annual Meeting held October 23 at the Embassy Suites in La Vista.

Ryan Parker is the President & CEO of Endicott Clay Products Company near Endicott, Nebraska. A Society member since 1999, Ryan has served on the Society’s Industry Committee before being elected to the Board of Directors in 2014. He holds degrees from Iowa State University and the University of NebraskaLincoln and began his career with Deloitte & Touche LLP in Des Moines, IA before becoming the Vice President of Finance for Endicott Clay. In 2010, he was promoted to President & CEO of Endicott Clay. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the national Brick Industry Association.

Elected as Chairman-Elect was Patrick A. Meyer of Lincoln who is a Partner in the Nebraska-based CPA firm of HBE LLP with offices in Lincoln and Norfolk. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has been a Society member since 1991. Pat has over 25 years of client experience working with various profit, non-profit and governmental organizations. Elected to the Society Board in 2015, Pat has served as Secretary and on the Executive Committee.

Newly elected members of the Society’s Board of Directors are Erica R. Parks of Omaha, the Tax Director of Hancock & Dana of Omaha, and Ryan L. Burger of Lincoln who is a Shareholder in the Seward firm of Gabriel Burger Else, CPA, P.C. Founded in 1928, the Nebraska Society of CPAs, with nearly 2,650 members, is the premier professional association for CPAs in Nebraska.

Kruse and Moreland Elected to Nebraska Community Foundation Board of Directors Two community leaders were recently elected to the Nebraska Community Foundation board of directors.

Kurt Kruse is a native of Albion. He owns and operates Kruse Farms, a grain and cattle-feeding enterprise in Boone County.

Kruse graduated from Hastings College with a degree in business.

Kruse is also the c hair of Nebraska Community Foundation’s Boone County Community Foundation Fund, whose mission Kurt Kruse is to help communities work together and inspire investment in Boone County’s quality of life. He is pleased to join the Foundation and help communities work together to grow and prosper.

Also joining the board is Jane Moreland of Imperial. After graduating from UNL with a degree in business administration, she and her husband, Mike, returned to Chase County where they raised crops, cattle, and thoroughbred race horses. Moreland was the owner and broker of Moreland Realty Jane Moreland for over 35 years.

Moreland is also a member of the Imperial Community Foundation Fund advisory committee, an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation, and is excited about the growth and impact of NCF and its local affiliated funds.

Nebraska Community Foundation is a statewide 501(c)(3) organization using charitable giving to build prosperous communities.

In the last five years, through NCF, over 39,000 contributions totaling more than $128 million have been reinvested to benefit Nebraska’s people and places. Find out more online at NebraskaHometown.org.

AGC Nebraska Building Chapter Presents 2017 Quality People Awards The Associated G e n e r a l Contractors Nebraska Building Chapter is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017 Quality People Awards.

The Quality People Awards are designed to c e l eb r a t e a n d recognize the achievements of individuals who “go above and beyond” in their communities, profession or company.

Curtis Boschult

Kristopher Montgomery

The Groundbreaker Award was presented to Curtis Boschult, engineer, Matt Ramm Dennis Neemeyer Kiewit Building Group. The Mentor Award was presented to Kristopher Montgomery, project assistant manager, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. The Innovator Award was presented to Matt Ramm, project engineer, Kiewit Building Group. The Community Supporter Award was presented to Dennis Neemeyer, project manager, BD Construction, Inc., Kearney.

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT 28

Strictly Business JANUARY 2018

NON-PROFIT NEWS Vision Maker Media Gears Up for Spring Film Festival

Domesti-PUPS Announces Upcoming Event: “I Love My Dog Expo”

A unique opportunity awaits you in the Lincoln area in 2018 that b r i n g s Native storytelling and film to life. The 7th biennial Vision Maker Film Festival will take place April 20-26 at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The theme “We Are All Related” is a conceptual translation from the Lakota language-Mitakuye Owasin--a commonly used expression indicating the Lakota’s relationship to each other and the world.

Domesti-PUPS is excited to announce their annual “I Love My Dog Expo” is set for February 24-25 from 9 a.m.

– 4 p.m. at the Lancaster Event Center, Pavilion I located at 84th & Havelock in Lincoln.

The “I Love My Dog Expo” is a family-style, dog-friendly event featuring the positive aspects of responsible dog ownership, the principles of proper dog selection and training, and offering a vast array of dog-related products and services including live educational demonstrations. It’s a full day of fun for dog lovers young and old! There will be entertainment to enjoy and numerous vendors with all sorts of fun products for all of the organization’s dog-loving friends.

The “I Love My Dog Expo” is an annual benefit for Domesti-PUPS, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides service dogs for persons with disabilities, pet therapy programs, classroom dogs and educational programs. It is a catalyst to help the general public better understand and appreciate the many ways that dogs improve our lives. Information about how Domesti-PUPS utilizes man’s best friend’ to impact our communities will be available throughout the event.

Admission is $8 for adults and free for children under 10 and dogs of all ages. For more information, visit www.ilovemydogexpo.com or contact Michelle O’Dea at info@domesti-pups.org.

Opening night, April 20th, will feature the award-winning film “RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World” at The Ross. The film explores the Native American influence on music history despite efforts to ban, censor and erase Indian culture in the U.S. You can find out more about this film online at www.rumblethemovie.com.

In total, more than 30 new films by diverse filmmakers from across the country will be showcased--stories of social justice, hope and overcoming adversity. Filmmakers will present and encourage dialogue to provide educational opportunities that benefit teachers, students and the public. Sponsorships available: http://bit.ly/ VMFF2018Sponsor. Like/Follow: @vmfilmfest.​

City Sprouts Presents CommuniTEA + COFFEE City Sprouts continues its annual CommuniTEA + COFFEE series this January, starting January 6. City Sprouts invites community members to attend and enjoy complimentary coffee and tea, as well as snacks, good company, and activities for all ages.

CommuniTEA + COFFEE is held from 10 a.m. to 12noon each Saturday morning October through March at City Sprouts’ Education Center, at 4002 Seward Street. Throughout the series, City Sprouts’ CommuniTEA + COFFEE offers free coffee, tea, and healthy snacks, alongside garden-related activities for kids and adults, garden-related books to check out, and volunteers happy to chat.

The second Saturday of each month (January 13) is a special brunch potluck at CommuniTEA + COFFEE, so City Sprouts encourages you to whip up your favorite brunch dish to share with neighbors. City Sprouts also provides a dish at the potluck, including fresh eggs from the laying hens on site.

CommuniTEA + COFFEE was launched in 2016 in an effort to build community among neighbors and offer an informal space to discuss gardening, food, and other related topics. During last year’s series, community members enjoyed having a place to meet new friends, make scrumptious food, and sip warm beverages every Saturday morning.

City Sprouts welcomes folks to come for a minute or stay for the morning. This series is free, family-friendly, and open to the public.

Special thanks to MugLife Coffee (2452 Harney St.) for donating the coffee.

Nebraska Recycling Council Announces Appointment of New Advisory Council Nebraska Recycling Council (NRC), a statewide nonprofit dedicated to maximizing the economic and environmental benefits of resource recovery in Nebraska, is pleased to announce the appointment of thirteen professionals involved in recycling services to a new Advisory Council. The purpose of the Council is to help NRC with statewide policy and program development by identifying barriers to efficient and effective resource recovery.

The Advisory Council’s inaugural members are Jack Chappelle, Engineering Solutions & Design (Overland Park, KS); Dale Ekart, EcoCycle (Boulder, CO); Lori Erickson, MNIS-Oxford (Oxford, NE); Kelly Flynn, Custer County Recycling (Broken Bow, NE); Gene Hanlon, City of Lincoln (Lincoln, NE); Andy Harpenau, Gretna Sanitation/Soil Dynamics (Gretna, NE); Kent Holm, Douglas County Environmental Services (Omaha, NE); Chelsea Johnson, Nebraska League of Conservation Voters (Lincoln, NE); Dana Klabenes, City of Neligh (Neligh, NE); Pasha Korber-Gonzalez, City of Alliance (Alliance, NE); Kelley McReynolds, Mid America Recycling (Lincoln, NE); Benjamin Newton, Central Community College (Grand Island, NE); Jane Polson, Keep Nebraska Beautiful (Lincoln, NE); and Tamara Slater, Goodwill of Greater Nebraska (Grand Island, NE).

Ex-officio members are Mark Brohman, Nebraska Environmental Trust; Dan Curran, Nebraska Department of Economic Development; Julie Diegel, Nebraska Recycling Council; and Ruth Johnston, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality.

For more information about the Nebraska Recycling Council, visit www.nrcne.org.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS Omaha Home for Boys Looking to Fill Open Positions

Heartland Family Service to Host 2018 Carnival of Love Gala

Omaha Home for Boys is currently seeking caring, dedicated individuals to fill several job openings within its residential care and transitional living programs. The Home seeks candidates who are looking for a rewarding career where they can truly make a difference every day in the youth services field.

Omaha Home for Boys offers top-notch benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance with 75% of premiums for employees and their families paid by the employer. The Home also offers a 401K with a generous employer match, paid vacation, sick time and holidays as well as tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional training opportunities.

Other benefits of working at Omaha Home for Boys include free lunch, a free on-site workout facility, a robust wellness program, a paid volunteer day, and numerous employee engagement activities, such as volleyball, holiday dinners, service awards, potlucks and team building.

Omaha Home for Boys is a nonprofit organization located at 52nd and Ames Streets in Omaha with a mission to support and strengthen youth, young adults and families. The Home changes and saves the lives of more than 300 young men and women every year through its residential care, transitional living and independent living programs.

To view current job openings and apply, please visit: OmahaHomeForBoys. org/Careers.

Heartland Family Service is excited to announce this year’s “Carnival of Love” Gala will be held on Saturday, February 10 from 6-9 p.m. at Embassy Suites - La Vista.

Held annually in February and hosted by the Friends Guild, the Gala is Heartland Family Service’s largest fundraising event. This year’s theme is “Chinese New Year.” Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, games, silent and live auctions, dinner, and an enchanting evening out full of fun and giving!

This year’s Gala Chairs are Julie Gibson-Beier and Debbie Bouc, and the Friends Guild President is JoAnn Gould.

All of the proceeds from this event will support Heartland Family Service’s 50+ life-affirming services in eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa in the areas of Child & Family, Counseling & Prevention, Housing & Financial Stability. The mission of Heartland Family Service is to strengthen individuals and families in our community through education, counseling, and support services. Founded in 1875, Heartland Family Service serves more than 52,000 individuals of all ages each year.

Tickets are $150 ($75 tax-deductible) or $1,500 ($1,000 taxdeductible) for a table of 10. Contact Nicole Tromler at (402) 5527424 or NTromler@HeartlandFamilyService.org for reservations and sponsorship opportunities. You can also find the event details online at heartlandfamilyservice.org.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS OneWorld Welcomes Volunteers for 2018 Volunteering at OneWor ld is now easier than ever. The organization’s new Volunteer Coordinator, Tiffany Nguyen, is available to help people find volunteer roles that are suited to their individual talents and strengths.

Volunteer opportunities include working in the Baby Boutique, assisting with English classes at the Learning Community Center, greeting patients, helping with administrative tasks and working on various special projects. Not all volunteers need to speak Spanish.

Nguyen says that, while OneWorld benefits greatly from the contributions of its volunteers, she works to make sure that volunteers will also benefit from their experience at OneWorld.

“Especially at our South Omaha location, volunteers get to see different cultures and meet people who they may not meet during their daily lives,” Nguyen said. “Volunteers get to make a difference in people’s lives—for just a few hours per week or a few hours per month.”

Those interested in volunteering can visit www.oneworldomaha. org/volunteer and fill out the application online or call Tiffany Nguyen at (402) 502-8917.

Incoming President Mike Bojanski to Help HRAM Celebrate 70 Years For Mike Bojanski, not getting involved was never an option. “HR people are wired to help others,” said Bojanski. “It’s in their DNA and they have a hard time saying ‘no’.”

Bojanski has been involved with the local human resource profession since he became a charter member of a personnel management club as a student at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. In 1984, he joined the Human Resource Association of the Midlands (HRAM) and became heavily involved in the organization in the early 1990s when he volunteered to become a member of both the Professional Development and Student Chapter committees.

Starting January 1st, Bojanski has become HRAM’s 2018 board president – the year that HRAM is celebrating their 70th year in service to the HR profession.

“We will be doing some fun things during the year to recognize and celebrate our history,” Bojanski said. “We will also be implementing a strategic three-year plan we recently created.”

The staff and board will continue to focus on membership engagement and growth, providing the highest quality professional development for members, and expanding partnerships with non-profits and other organizations. HRAM will also be moving their regular luncheon programs to a new location, as well – The Champions Club at Champions Run golf course.

HRAM (www.hram.org) is the premiere organization for human resource professionals in the Omaha metropolitan area and is the local affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). With over 1,000 members, HRAM is a super-mega chapter, one of the largest nationally. HRAM provides its members a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of human capital management. Through educational, developmental and professional interactive forums, HRAM serves the needs of businesses locally.

Open Door Mission Seeks More Volunteer Engagement in 2018 Open Door Mission is beginning 2018 with a call for volunteers. “The 18,000+ volunteers who came forward to ser ve in 2017 were essential to the success of our work,” said Candace Gregory, Open Door Mission’s President/CEO. “We hope that more volunteers will be active with us in 2018.”

Volunteer opportunities at the Mission cover a wide variety of activities. Volunteers may help prepare and serve a meal in the Mission’s Community Kitchen and dining room, or hang up clothing for display in one of their neighborhood Outreach Centers. Volunteers provide essential help at events, or sometimes come as teams to make and distribute sack lunches.

“We hope to see a good number of new volunteers this year,” Ms. Gregory added. “There are dozens of ways to help. Just two hours a month on average – that’s 24 hours in a year – can help nearhomeless and homeless individuals and families find their way through the challenges they face every day.“ To find out more, visit opendoormission.org and click on the Volunteer link in the upper right hand corner of Open Door Mission’s homepage.

Angels Among Us Awarded Grant From Iowa West Foundation Angels Among Us has received a grant in the amount of $21,600 from the Iowa West Foundation. Funds from the grant will be used to provide financial assistance to pediatric cancer families from Pottawattamie County in Iowa. “We are so grateful to the Iowa West Foundation for taking a leadership role in providing assistance to families from Iowa that are being treated here in Nebraska. This grant allows us to immediately meet the needs of families from Pottawattamie County who need help due to a pediatric cancer diagnosis,” said Susan Nelson, Executive Director.

The grant will be matched with other donations to fully support six families over the next year. Angels Among Us provides financial support up to $500 per month for a period of 18 months to help families remain financially stable as they walk through a cancer journey. Funds are paid directly to the creditor ensuring that funds go for their intended purpose.

“When children are battling cancer, parents shouldn’t have to worry about how it will affect them financially,” said Pete Tulipana, President and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. “Our grant supports critical funds for less fortunate families in our community at a time when they need it most. In addition, local families gain access to a support group of peers and resources to get through this unfortunate time in their lives.”

The Iowa West Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the Midwest. It has distributed more than $400 million to nonprofits and governmental agencies through southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska since the inception of its grant program.

Angels Among Us is a Nebraska nonprofit that provides financial support to families battling pediatric cancer. In the last 11 years, Angels Among Us has assisted over 350 families with $1.5 million in support. Find out more online at www.myangelsamongus.org.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS Nebraska Community Blood Bank: 50 Years of Dedicated Donors

OPD Officer Conducts Training for Carole’s House of Hope Residents, Staff

Each time someone donates b l o o d a t N eb r a s k a Community Blood Bank (NCBB), they are making an impact in the lives of those in our community – a service NCBB has expertly delivered for 50 years. As NCBB celebrates this exciting milestone throughout 2018, it serves as an opportunity to thank, remember, and encourage the people who’ve helped achieve this half century of success: blood donors.

Each January, NCBB acknowledges the lifesaving contribution blood and platelet donors make by celebrating National Blood Donor Month.

While many are welcoming another year, NCBB is saying thank you for your generous donations that will give others more time to experience life with their family and friends.

Technology advances at great speed, but scientists have yet to discover a way to synthetically create blood - it remains one of the most precious resources that can only be given by a person. As a donor with NCBB, you are vital to helping carry out their lifesaving mission.

Help NCBB continue this work by telling others why you choose to help save lives. Challenge yourself this year to ask a friend, family member, or co-worker to give blood donation a try, or share your story of how blood donation has impacted your life on social media. Appointments can be scheduled at NCBB.ORG or by calling (402) 486-9414.

Carole’s House of Hope (CHH) continues to expand its coursework for the ladies, children and staff by offering critical training regarding personal safety.

Midwest International Trade Association Donates 20K New Books to Lydia House Over 20,000 new books were donated to the Open Door Mission’s Educational Programs for the Homeless and Needy by the Midwest I n t e r n a t i o n a l Tr a d e Association (MITA) members, along with AIT Worldwide Logistics Book Program – who help to gather, store and sort the books. The Lydia House book drive is an annual fundraising event that allows MITA members to contribute and support the local community. In 2016 MITA donated 25,000 new books, including books for children, pre-teens and adults. 2017 marked the 15th year MITA has joined with the AIT Worldwide Logistics Book Program to donate books to the Open Door Mission’s Educational Programs for the Homeless and Needy, located at 2828 N. 23rd St. East, Omaha, NE. MITA is a non-profit organization made up of members from many fields relating to international trade. The organization’s mission is to foster the development and expansion of international trade in the Midwest; discover and encourage new foreign markets for our products and services; promote better understanding and appreciation of the significance of international trade in our economy; and provide a forum for members to share ideas on common international trade problems and solutions. MITA achieves its mission through workshops, seminars, monthly meetings and the annual World Trade Conference.

To find out more about the Midwest International Trade Association, visit the website at www.mitaonline.org.

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During the latest training session held on November 20th, Omaha Police Officer Jennifer Nelson presented numerous strategies to help improve personal safety. Special thanks to Officer Nelson and the OPD for providing this training to those Carole’s House of Hope serves!

Established in 2011, the mission of Carole’s House of Hope is to provide hope and healing for women, mothers and their children through innovative programming and services that promotes self-sufficiency and independence. Carole’s House of Hope’s transitional living program is designed to motivate and support participants in developing selfconfidence, life goals, healthy parenting skills, and the crucial life skills necessary to be successful and thrive independently. The vision of Carole’s House of Hope is to inspire women and mothers to discover their individual promise, purpose, and power to positively influence their families, impact their communities, and change the world.

For more information, please visit www.caroleshouseofhope.org or contact Happy Opitz at (402) 991-4673 Ext. 103 / Happy@ caroleshouseofhope.org.

Metro Omaha Builders Association Announces 2018 Board Members A celebratory holiday event with nearly in 400 attendance marked the official installation of the 2018 Board of Directors for the Metro Omaha Builders Association (MOBA). MOBA represents the interests of local housing professionals through advocacy, education and builder related event promotion. Board members for 2018 include: Officers: President - Ryan Krejci, Ideal Design Custom Homes; Vice President Greg Frazell, G. Lee Homes; Immediate Past President - Dan Kruntorad, TruVision Custom Homes; Treasurer - Dan Wellendorf, Builders Supply; Secretary - Deb Benak, Centris Federal Credit Union.

Directors: Cory Caniglia, John Caniglia Homes; Tom Hegarty, General Siding; Jerry Standerford, Sherwood Homes/Lane Building Corp; Kent Therkelsen, KRT Construction; Jason Troshynski, Grace Homes; Denny Van Moorleghem, Regency Homes; Tim Young, Boyer Young Development.

Also celebrated on this night were the many accomplishments of MOBA members including: MOBA Hall of Fame recipient, Gene Graves of Graves Development Resources and Scottsdale Step Free Homes and MOBA Service Award recipient, Don Rowe of Millard Lumber.

The Metro Omaha Builders Association was chartered in 1946 and is a not-for-profit organization that was established to promote and protect various aspects of the home building industry. MOBA members are builders/developers and their trade partners who are dedicated to preserving integrity and lifestyle through high professional standards and sound business practices in the industry. MOBA is well known for producing the Street of Dreams, the Omaha Home Show, Remodel Omaha Tour and the Parade of Homes. For more information, visit www.moba.com.

HEALTH NEWS “Dance to the Beat!” to Benefit Local Cardiac Patients on Feb. 10

Project Harmony Relaunches NebraskaMentalHealth.com

Let’s join together to raise awareness and funds for cardiac care on Saturday, February 10! The Jennie Edmundson Foundation proudly presents the 2nd Annual “Dance to the Beat”- concert featuring - Taxi Driver. This annual fundraiser benefits cardiovascular patients at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital.

Hosted by the Heart Care Center and Dr. Tom and Becky Brandt, the event will be held on February 10th from 7-11 p.m. at Corpus Christi Parish Activity Center located at 3304 4th Avenue in Council Bluffs. Tickets are $30 per person, which includes the concert and light appetizers. Amazing raffle prizes, along with a Silent Auction, a 50/50 raffle and much more will be part of the evening’s event!

Check out the website for more details and learn how to become a sponsor: www.jehfoundation.org.

To purchase your tickets, please call (712) 396-6040. Tickets will also be available at the door. “Dance to the Beat” t-shirt purchases are also available through JE Foundation.

The Jennie Edmundson Foundation is the fundraising arm of Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital. By engaging philanthropic leaders, those with the organization are able to help make certain that the equipment, facilities, programs, services and educational initiatives at MJE continue to meet community needs.

One in four adults (approximately 61.5 million Americans) experiences mental illness in a given year. Approximately 20% of youth, ages 13 to 18, live with a mental health condition.

Project Harmony, along with The Kim Foundation, Project Everlast, Region6, and Nebraska Families Collaborative have come together to improve access to mental health resources and treatment for children and families in our community through one dedicated website, NebraskaMentalHealth.com.

Diabetes Education of the Midlands Announces Statewide Educational Events Diabetes Education of the Midlands is hosting Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Expos throughout Nebraska in 2018!

These learning events are designed to help individuals compare products, understand out-of-pocket costs and personalize their diabetes therapy.

Dates/Locations include: Omaha – Diabetes Center of the Midlands, 2910 S. 84th St. – March 1st, May 3rd, June 14th, August 2nd, September 6th, and November 1st Lincoln – Location TBD – April 12th, July 12th, and October 11th Grand Island – Quality Inn Conference Center, 7838 Hwy 281 – March 13th and November 13th Kearney – Location TBD – June 19th What to Expect: • Doors open at 6:00 p.m. – Meet with manufacturer representatives • Breakout Presentation at 6:15 p.m. – Brief unbiased overview on all pump and CGM products, along with realistic expectations for pump and CGM therapy Who Should Attend?

• Anyone considering insulin pump and CGM therapy • Users who are interested in upgrading, comparing products or adding to their current therapy • Friends and family are welcome RSVP is encouraged to ensure that a cost estimate can be obtained at the expo! Call (402) 614-5298 or email pumps@diabetes-supply. com. Check out the organization’s Facebook page for more information.

NebraskaMentalHealth.com provides centralized access to local and regional mental health information in a single location. The goal of NebraskaMentalHealth.com is to expand knowledge about mental health terminology and to help connect those in need with the mental health information, treatment, and services. The website includes: Basic mental health information; Common mental health terminology; Information about evidence based therapy practices (EBPs); and Local therapist profiles and credentials.

This website is a one-stop shop. There are numerous providers available to help. All mental health providers within the state of Nebraska are encouraged to create a profile on NebraskaMentalHealth.com if they have not done so already. It is time to bridge the gap of those in need with those who are here to help!

#OmahaGoesRed for American Heart Month and #WearRedDay The designation of February as American Heart Month is aimed at increasing awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer, although many cardiovascular diseases are preventable with simple lifestyle changes including more physical activity and a healthier diet.

To mark American Heart Month, Omaha is going red with events throughout February, National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 2 and the Omaha Heart and Stroke Ball on Saturday, February 3 at the Embassy Suites Lincoln.

Businesses are encouraged to “Go Red” by wearing red on #WearRedDay and posting to their social channels with #OmahaGoesRed. Local businesses are also asked to illuminate their buildings with red lighting.

Themed “Destination Healthy Nation,” and sponsored locally by Mutual of Omaha and CQuence Health Group, and media sponsor KMTV 3 News Now, the Heart & Stroke Ball will focus on how far heart and stroke research has come. The black-tie evening will feature a survivor story and will celebrate the American Heart Association’s work and mission, and the lives saved and improved thanks to donors and volunteers.

Guests will be encouraged to “Bring a Ball to the Ball” in support of CQuence Health Group’s Healthier Generation Sponsorship. The sponsorship’s main goal is to get today’s children more active. Donations of new sports balls can also be made at the American Heart Association office at: 9900 Nicholas St., Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68114.

For Omaha Heart Ball inquiries or opportunities to sponsor, contact Kelsey Ridder, Kelsey.Ridder@heart.org.

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New Year’s Resolutions Hey Strictly Business readers: What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2018? Whether you still have yet to make one or know what your goal is but don’t have a plan in place, there’s work to be done starting now!

A New Year’s resolution is a tradition in which a person resolves to change an undesired trait or behavior, to accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve his or her life. There’s just something about the beginning of a brand new year that inspires us to live it purposefully in the pursuit of bettering ourselves or “living the dream.”

Whatever that may be for you, how do you plan to make it happen? It’s no big secret that your success will ultimately be determined by your follow-through. Cue the advice of our local experts who have firsthand experience with helping their clients and customers meet their goals and exceed them, and who are invested in the outcome right along with you!

To kick things off, one of the most notorious areas of focus is improved health and wellness. There are of course numerous resolutions involving this as the intended outcome. Yet, it’s also a byproduct of many other resolutions, such as the running your first marathon or fitting into your grandmother’s wedding dress for your upcoming nuptials. As such, there will be common denominators that apply across the board, but also varying elements involved depending on the specific resolution.

Whatever your health-related goal, whether it’s weight loss, eating clean, walking over 10,000 steps a day, building muscle, toning problem areas, athletic training, lowering your blood pressure, eliminating cigarettes or alcohol, reducing stress, becoming more proactive about your healthcare, etc., it will require effort and commitment.

“Especially with cancer being much more prevalent than ever before and affecting all ages, many are resolving to be more proactive about their own health and wellness as well as spreading knowledge and encouraging their loved ones to do the same,” says Dan Cinotto with FirstScan. “As for our area of focus, MRI for the early detection of prostate cancer, we’re encouraged that it’s now part of the conversation. With MRI, we’ve made a process that is unpleasant in general much Dan Cinotto more tolerable, and the accuracy of the FirstScan results is remarkable. When MRI doesn’t find anything to biopsy, there’s a pretty good chance you don’t need to go through with it.

If you’ve been putting this type of screening off for whatever reason, I encourage you to keep an open mind and don’t let fear 34 Strictly Business JANUARY 2018

or apprehension hold you back. You’d be amazed at how much progress has been made in recent years.

As we enter into a new year, deductibles reset so people tend to put off what they perceive to be more expensive procedures such as radiology. However, when you’re talking about prostate cancer, waiting tends to be the problem. The earlier it is caught, the better the outcome. Get in to the doctor for your annual physical and if you have an elevated PSA, understand that you have options moving forward. Do your research and be prepared to present your findings to your physician so that you can evaluate the options together, including the ones that might not have been brought up otherwise for whatever reason. When you are an active participant in the conversation instead of just accepting the suggestions at face value, you’ll be better able to direct it towards what is best for you personally. We are also happy to answer any questions or provide more information about what we have to offer at FirstScan and the costs, benefits, procedure, etc. There’s a common misconception that a procedure like MRI can cost thousands of dollars, and while that might be true in a hospital setting, we’ve been able to get the costs down to a very affordable price for what we’re able to offer. Call us, email us, stop in and talk to us – here at FirstScan, we welcome those conversations.

Especially for men over 50, as you make your health-conscious New Year’s resolutions, keep this top-of-mind as you prepare for your annual physical or to move forward with the process of prostate cancer screening.”

Then there’s the things you might resolve to do to reduce stress or increase your overall enjoyment of life. A good example of this is devoting more time to a hobby or picking up a new one that you’ve always wanted to try.

“Most New Year’s resolutions tend to focus on some form of self-improvement,” says Gerry Phelan with Woodcraft. “It’s that time when we look forward and start to think about a better future (and maybe feel a little guilty about the past). That can lead to resolutions ranging from losing weight to starting a new career and everything in between. I think resolving to learn a new skill or revive a long-dormant hobby is an excellent way to start the new year.

Gerry Phelan Woodcraft

I love to see people take up woodworking.

It offers the satisfaction of making something with your hands and a limitless creative outlet. Often folks are interested, but aren’t sure where to start. And it can be a bit daunting when you see the work others have done. Becoming

proficient will take time, but you can make things as you gain experience and you can enjoy the learning process. Even if your projects aren’t perfect, you’ve invested your energy and creativity into something productive.

That being said, it is difficult to take that first step if you don’t have someone to show you the way. Woodworking is a discipline that requires training and experience to be proficient and you need access to tools before you can even get started. Consider some classes as a way to begin. It will give you a chance to evaluate what disciplines interest you and you can try them without making a big investment.

We offer classes aimed at helping people get started that cover everything from carving to pen making to cabinet making and everything in between. They are small, with 3-5 people at most and are very ‘hands-on.’ Not only do you go home with a project, you also develop life skills that you can use forever.

We start with safety and make sure everyone understands the equipment and the techniques. And this isn’t just a ‘guy thing’.

We see more and more women getting involved in classes and taking up woodworking.

Resolve to get so focused on a project that for a while you forget about all your problems. It will be good for you. And you may surprise yourself with what you are able to create.”

He concludes, “By definition, New Year’s resolutions are a promise to do something in the future. Too often those promises are broken because we don’t take the first step before our resolve fades away. Don’t let your resolutions wither - take the first step right away. Make a commitment. Give us a call and sign up for a class.

When you are making your New Year’s resolution, include a new hobby as something positive you do for yourself. Then jump right into your new hobby so you can enjoy it all year.”

Also related to self-improvement, many people resolve to enroll in college, further their education or obtain an advanced degree, complete a licensure or certification process, participate in training or learn a new skill to apply to their profession, pursue career advancement opportunities, or switch careers entirely to follow their true passions. Whatever the case may be, aspiring towards this type of goal now is something your future self will thank you for later on down the line.

Mary Niemiec University of Nebraska Online

“Soon, more than 70 percent of all jobs in Nebraska will require education beyond high school so getting the education needed to move ahead would be an opportune resolution,” says Mary Niemiec with NU Online, University of Nebraska.

“The University of Nebraska (NU) can be instrumental in helping students achieve this resolution. University of Nebraska faculty and staff are partners in helping all students either on campus or online reach their academic goals.

Collectively, more than 125 fully-online programs are offered from the University of Nebraska’s four campuses – University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska Medical Center and University of Nebraska at Omaha. This depth of academic offerings provides students with choice and flexibility.

Whether they are looking to complete a degree or earn a new one, students can select from numerous areas of study at the undergraduate, graduate and professional level. Programs are offered in the areas of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Computer Science and Information Systems, Business, Education, Engineering, Health Professions, Nursing, Public Administration, Public Health, and more.

provide access for students to take a path that fits their needs and lifestyle. A student may transfer credits earned through an associate’s degree to complete a bachelor’s degree, earn a master’s degree or pursue a Ph.D. or professional degree. NU faculty who teach online are devoted to student engagement, academic achievement, and success. Teams of instructional designers and technicians work closely with faculty to maximize the use of technology in teaching and enhance the learning outcomes for our students.

I encourage those who are ready to start pursuing a resolution of advancing their education to visit the University of Nebraska Online’s website at online.nebraska.edu. Here you can view NU’s online offerings including program descriptions, admission requirements, course information, tuition and fee details, and connect with a program that will help you achieve your resolution.”

She adds, “There are several things students can do to help ensure they are successful in their resolutions. First, set a specific professional or personal goal that aligns with your resolution.

Students can apply George Doran’s framework and make their goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely). Then, consider how an academic program aligns with the goal. At the University of Nebraska, advisers are available to help students navigate and understand what program matches individual goals.

Finally, as a student at the University of Nebraska, whether taking courses online or on campus, be sure to take advantage of the many student support services offered by NU campuses.

Students have access to library resources, financial aid, career counseling, and tutoring. Utilizing these services is what helps students to be successful.”

There are so many more resolutions that we haven’t covered, but the takeaway is that whatever you set out to do, be sure to see it through! You already know it’s worth it because it’s going to improve your life in some way, so in addition to putting in the effort in the coming weeks, set your sights further than that and formulate a plan for accountability purposes. After all, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

Similarly, instead of going it alone and hoping for the best, team up with a professional to tap into their knowledge and experience, and who will guide you and be one of your biggest cheerleaders. Now make it happen in 2018 – let’s do this, everyone!

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BUSINESS PLANNING What are your goals for your business in 2018? How do you plan to meet them? These are questions you may have already answered, or at the very least you have probably given them some thought.

While business planning isn’t just something that you do in the final months of the year or into the beginning of the next, as it’s an ongoing process, it is a common time to take stock of what you accomplished in the last year and use that information to determine your trajectory for the next.

“Any time is a great time to review the systems and processes of your business,” advises Andrew Storz with Storz Enterprises. “In order to stay competitive in the current environment, it’s important to consistently be reflecting on how your organization can improve upon its strategy, culture, and execution. That being said, far too often we’re overestimating how far out we can reasonably plan and strategize.

When I used to run the budget process for a company, we would begin work in October determining in great detail what our business Andrew Storz would like through the end of the next year Storz Enterprises – which is not uncommon for many businesses.

By next December, 15 months later, that same budget and the goals we set could not have been more irrelevant to how our organization operated. Information stagnates faster than ever and we have to be mindful of that when we create our strategic and tactical visions. It can be difficult to acknowledge the unknown unknowns. However, when we begin to emphasize responding to change over following a plan we put ourselves in a position where we can become proactive and embrace the ever-changing business environment. When planning for the coming year, be sure it’s with the understanding that when change is needed, you’ll have the agility to be able to respond. Also, it’s helpful to begin the process by asking the tough questions like: ‘What are we doing to make sure we’re the best in our field?’ ‘Are we supporting or impeding innovation in our organization?’ ‘What happens when (NOT if) our plan doesn’t go exactly as planned?’ ‘Are we prepared for growth to the extent that we know there will not be a customer of ours that will have a bad experience because we stretched ourselves too thin?’

‘We have great people; do we have great people in great roles?’

Pertaining to the last question, I think it’s great seeing the continued expansion of human/people-centric approaches to business culture.

The education and skill gap that existed decades ago is nothing like what it used to be and the traditional hierarchies need to be adjusted accordingly. Every individual has great talents and the potential to make tremendous contributions to an organization. If the focus is on finding great people for great roles, with a sustainable workload, and the freedom for teams to self-organize continues to grow, we will have a happier and more effective workforce.

When working with Storz Enterprises, we can assist with anything from high-level strategy down to the details of individual processes in your organization. We like to use the word ‘facilitate’ to describe what we do.

By definition, it’s the act of making an action or process easy or easier.

That value can be realized in many different ways from better margins, increased effectiveness, or more cohesive communication. Our goal is to be an agent of positive change to the culture. When I see people start to embrace an agile mindset and encourage innovation at all levels, that’s probably the greatest piece of value that I can add. I hope that as everyone plans their 2018, they decide they won’t be great, they’ll be exceptional; they won’t stick to a plan, they’ll respond to change; and through constant discovery, they will demonstrate new and better ways to serve their customers.”

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Specifically regarding planning to leverage technology in the coming year, he notes, “We live in an amazing time when technology allows us to communicate and share information in ways not possible just a few years ago. With things like cloud-based storage, SaaS products, and the variety of communication options, there are very few factors that impede an organization from having exceptional communication and eliminating siloes. Barriers caused by geography or physical locations of digital files don’t need to exist anymore. I think almost every business has a need to be leveraging this technology to build a better experience for their staff and their customers.

Technology and business today moves at a much faster rate than any time before. Half of the companies from the Fortune 500 in 2000 are no longer on the list. Blackberry (Research in Motion) was considered the great example of innovation 10 years ago, yet today its market share is almost nonexistent. Going back to the importance of agility, failing to accept and embrace change can be a deadly choice for an organization. In Blackberry’s case, they didn’t change their business to meet the needs and wants of their customers and in doing so their product became all but obsolete. If we refuse to change and adapt we will likely run into the same issue.”

In addition to leveraging technology, there are a number of other tools to apply in growing your business and reaching your goals in the coming year. Another prime example of this is marketing.

Garrett Young with Eleven Twenty-Three offers a different view on marketing that goes beyond the usual lunches and pens. “Everyone has a cup, drawer, or center console filled with pens from every repair shop, gas station, and restaurant within a 5-mile radius. We fill our weeks up with lunch and coffee meetings to network and strengthen our partnerships. Your time is valuable, so each touch point created is Garrett Young important, and needed, to create meaningful Eleven Twenty-Three

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relationships over time. As we all know, it takes time to grow a business and you only have a finite amount of time to let everyone know you exist.

Alongside our on-site meet-ups, it’s important to have a plan. If you have the best product and service in town but lack a yearly strategy for new business, all the time, energy, money…and meetings you have invested in to improve your company have been a waste.

Companies that are primed for growth can be held back by not being properly set up internally for their growth. If your internal systems and processes are inefficient, adding new business can shed light on challenges that need your attention. You have worked hard to gain the customer base you already have, and want to keep them. The way your company processes new customers to make them feel taken care of is necessary in order for the advertising and marketing to be effective. It all works together.

Here are a few simple steps to review going into the new fiscal year.

1. Take time to speak with your sales and customer service teams Talking to your team about any tweaks needed to current processes they are seeing in their day to day activities can really create a positive impact on the bottom line. They are a great resource for information when looking to move the company in a forward direction. Employees are your best brand advocate and are on the front line interacting with your customers. Empower them to make sure the customers first interaction with your company is a positive one.

2. Define challenges or obstacles you’d like to overcome - Whether your location is difficult to get in and out of, or your sign is behind an oak tree that is in full bloom during various seasons, all obstacles are important to address. Putting it on paper and creating a game plan is step one to overcoming these situations.

3. Get your pricing in check - Getting new clients in the door can be tough, but taking time to get your internal prices in order will set you up for success. Letting customers walk out of your business without making a purchase is letting money walk out the door. That loss is more painful when it occurred because of lack of research.

4. Create a budget - Once internal operations are in order, you and your staff are ready to grow and invite new customers in. Creating and sticking to a marketing budget is an important step. If you are a consumer product and services company, typical marketing budgets are 7%-10% of your gross sales. For business to business, look at spending closer to 3%-5%. This budget should not be viewed as an investment in the success of your company. The difference is, as an expense the cost will depreciate over time when compared to an investment that will generate new wealth.

5. Identify how to reach your customer - It’s important to determine where your marketing dollars will be spent. If you are not certain you are getting the most bang for your buck, look to an industry expert you can trust to create an advertising plan to reach your customers. Marketing budgets include events, collateral items you hand out and the external advertising campaigns for a broader reach. It all works together to establish your brand and reinforce the top of mind awareness you have worked hard to achieve. This budget is more than just money to be used on lunches with clients and pens to hand out. Your marketing budget is the fuel that drives your business.

Take the time this year to set your goals and move your business forward.”

Building upon what we’ve covered so far, Gerry Phelan with Greater Omaha SCORE offers insight based on his experience as a business owner and mentor: “My background in operations management for large organizations taught me to invest in detailed planning. I would build budgets, spreadsheets, and Gantt charts because the problems were often large-scale and complex.

But in small to mid-sized businesses, that level of planning can induce paralysis. Instead, it makes more sense to break projects down into small steps and then quickly try them out.

At SCORE we have found that a process called Gerry Phelan ‘Lean Canvas’ helps by looking at all aspects Greater Omaha SCORE

of a business. It provides a brief but thorough, one-page snapshot of the business. The Lean Canvas questions allow you to spot weakness and quickly evaluate new ideas. With positive results, you can confidently continue on to building detailed business plans and executing new strategies. SCORE mentors can help with training on how to use Lean Canvas and help evaluate the results.

Lean Canvas is a great tool to help in evaluating small projects quickly so they get implemented. If something works do more of it. If an idea fails, discard it and try something else. By moving quickly, you can try more ideas and reduce the cost of failure. Finding winning projects faster lets business beat their competition and accelerate growth.

It is normal for businesses, even established ones, to hit roadblocks or reach a plateau. And it can be difficult for the people on the inside of a business to see new options. When that happens, it really helps to get an outside perspective. Too often existing businesses keep doing things the same way they always have and forget to look at the changes that are going on, not only in their industry but in technology that drives their systems and marketing. That is where SCORE shines. We offer free one-on-one business mentoring. Our volunteers represent a wide variety of businesses and industries so we can bring serious insights to bear on business planning. A business at any stage, from startup to mature is welcome to use our resources. And it works: Nationally, 71% of SCORE’s clients go into business after initial mentoring, and further benefit from ongoing mentoring as they operate their business.”

In conclusion, he offers the following thoughts to consider, “Today, only about half of small businesses survive for 5 years. It is critical to take time to work on your business rather than just working in your business.

Small business owners often do not have a trusted team of advisors they can use as a sounding board. When they need to make decisions or evaluate new opportunities, they may struggle and take too long to evaluate the options. SCORE provides free and confidential mentoring in person and online, business tools and local workshops, seminars & events. We work with early-stage entrepreneurs, start-up businesses, and established businesses, who are seeking to grow their business and increase their profits.

It’s important to plan and evaluate, but ultimately businesses need to be nimble and active. Too often existing businesses resist change because it is uncomfortable rather than embracing it so they can stay ahead of the competition. Or, they utilize a new internet marketing approach because someone else is using it versus determining what approach is best for their business. Another area is failing to look at the increased cost of doing business, such as materials expense, or production costs or the actual cost of delivering a service. Ignoring increased costs will squeeze profit margins. Rising costs need to be examined and reduced or reflected in the increased pricing of products and services. Too often, businesses fear they will lose sales and clients if they raise their prices. SCORE helps them evaluate these areas and determine the best approach to take.

Altogether, it pays to seek outside advice. We don’t provide legal, tax or accounting services but SCORE can help with evaluating options, creating business plans and connecting businesses to the resources they need. We invite you to give us a call, send us an email or visit our website.”

In agreement on the importance of seeking advice from a neutral third party, such as a mentor of a business coach, Rose Mary Hefley with Achievement Unlimited adds, “These are professionals who will help you set objectives and develop a plan to meet both business goals and personal goals. We make the biggest impact by working with clients to follow through on activities that will create a return on investment. We also bring another set of eyes to a challenge and can be objective when it comes to identifying solutions and Rose Mary Hefley finding creative ways to solve problems. At Achievement Unlimited Achievement Unlimited, we offer our clients a strategic planning process which examines the critical aspects of the business in order to develop prioritized goals that provide a return on investment. Essentially we work with our clients to identify areas that will make the most impact to improve their organization, and then put together an action plan that ensures objectives

are met. Some of these objectives would be to: grow sales, improve profit margins, reduce operating cost, and produce a better product or service.

Achievement Unlimited Inc. offers a wide range of product and service offering tailored to your specific goals. Some examples of our areas of expertise are Leadership, Management, and Sales Training; Manufacturing and Distribution Systems Integration, COO Services; Strategic and Business Planning.

She further advises, “We find that many businesses overlook coming trends and fail to prepare for the changing marketplace. Another area of neglect is failing to develop upcoming leadership within the organization. Just because someone can sell or is a good widget maker does not mean they can run a department or a business without effective leadership and management skills. If you want your business to get better, you must get better. That means you need to invest in yourself and your leadership team to improve your communication, thinking, listening, problem-solving and team-building skills. You must have a written plan to meet the objectives of the organization. Everyone needs to have goals and objectives they must meet and be trained on the skills they need to be successful. It is also important to create an environment where both the employee and the business are rewarded for their efforts.”

Hefley also notes, “Another challenge we are seeing in the marketplace today is a lot of owners would like to retire but don’t have a leadership team that can effectively fill the void of the owner leaving. This creates a real problem, especially in family-owned businesses where there is a 70% failure rate when the second generation takes over and does not have the leadership ability to create the revenue or manage people.”

On that note, for all business owners no matter how young or old or how long you’ve owned a business, it’s important not to put off or underestimate the importance of retirement and succession planning. Similarly, when it comes to business transactions careful planning goes into that too for sellers and buyers alike, no matter the scenario. “The biggest challenge with selling or buying a business is generally financing,” says Jethro Hopkins with No Coast Business Advisors. “Traditionally most banks don’t like to do SBA lending in the Jethro Hopkins under $250K market. So let’s say you own a No Coast Business business that’s worth $80K and you want to Advisors sell it. Since it’s next to impossible for someone to get a standard commercial loan for a business at that price point, a buyer would need to put their house up or have cash in hand for the transaction to take place. However, if you’re able to get the funding part of the deal in place before a buyer even shows interest, it improves your odds of selling and decreases the time it will take to do so big time. To put this in perspective, it would be like a homebuyer not being able to get financing for a home under $250K – that obviously is not possible for a lot of people who have the dream of homeownership. Up to this point, for many people who had the dream of owning a business, the options were extremely limited it not non-existent. Through a relationship we’ve established with a lender, No Coast Business Advisors is the only brokerage here in Nebraska that can prequalify a business for a loan JANUARY 2018 Strictly Business 39

that’s SBA-backed or similar anywhere from $30K to $5.5M. So far these loans have all been 10-year notes, so you could essentially invest buy a business for as little as $500 a month. It makes business ownership more accessible while also making it easier to transition out of a business, and in both ways I’m able to help my clients tremendously. Having that prequalification also means that there’s a third-party verification of what the business is valued at, which is incredibly helpful to know up front so both parties know exactly where they stand and there is less back and forth with negotiations. For the buyer, with these loans there’s even the potential to include operating capital. With the transition of ownership oftentimes there’s a learning curve involved, so you have a cushion to help out while you learn the ropes and get acclimated to running the business successfully.

Going back to the importance of having a neutral third party involved, if you’re thinking about buying or selling a business, take the time to sit down with someone who can objectively review the deal and advise you on it accordingly. Although your lawyer, accountant, etc. are trusted advisors, it’s wise for this person to be an experienced business broker.

Even if you’re not using them to get the deal done, pay a small fee to have that conversation. You probably haven’t done this before, but we have many times because it’s what we do for a living, so it’s well-advised to use that specialized training and experience to your benefit. Considering the amount you stand to lose, it’s well worth what you’d spend up front. I’d be happy to discuss any plans you have for buying and/or selling a business in 2018 and beyond.”

As for the entrepreneurial ventures in the planning stages, 2018 might be your year to establish a new business, launch a new service, bring a new product to market, or get the ball rolling towards one or more of those end goals. Specifically regarding new product development, Lawrence Owens with Lawrence Owens Concentric Visual Design Concentric Visual Design advises, “When

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developing a new product many disciplines will be required to go from concept to shelf. Therefore, when assembling your team be sure to select the professionals who will be collaborating on the project carefully.

There are certain things each will be able to contribute, particularly in experience and breadth of offerings, which can ultimately make a big difference both during the process and with the outcome. For instance, when it comes to designing products, an advantage that Concentric Visual Design has over a traditional industrial designer is the application of multilayered knowledge and experience. While industrial designers work mostly on the front end in the concept stages and only on the product design, my background in manufacturing has given me knowledge of manufacturing, engineering, and sourcing. And my graphic design training allows me to create the packaging, marketing materials and media content you would normally need to outsource to another company.

The ability to do this all under one roof is truly a benefit to my clients, specifically in the areas of project cost and timeline. It also lends to the cohesiveness of everything consumer-facing, from the product ads that generate interest and drive sales down to the instruction manual they read after they’ve made the purchase. It’s what I call “brand-centric” design--being able to incorporate the vision of the brand throughout the entire product user experience. By using this exact process, I’ve successfully helped inventors and world-class manufacturers bring products to market.”

He also notes, “Some products like medical devices have incredibly long development cycles, sometimes up to 10 years. The planning and rollout of product development for this would be a lot different than a product that can be designed, manufactured, and sold within a year or two. In any case, foresight of the road ahead is critical. Working with experienced professionals having knowledge of modern manufacturing processes and design techniques will help you better navigate the sometimes complicated road of product development.”

In closing, as you plan for a successful year in business ahead, be mindful of the multitude of resources at your disposal. You never know where the next great idea is going to come from and our local professionals offer a wealth of knowledge – use that to your advantage!

Supporting Non-Profits As we enter into a brand new year and look to the future, it’s a time when we examine areas of personal growth and self-improvement and set our resolutions accordingly. For many, this will include community involvement and giving back in some way or another. The same holds true for businesses and professional organizations that are planning their philanthropic efforts for the coming year. By turning good intentions into meaningful action, each of us has the ability to make a profound difference in the lives of others and in our community.

Supporting our local non-profits through charitable giving, volunteering, hosting or participating in a special event, organizing a donation drive or fundraiser, joining a movement to spread awareness, corporate sponsorship, encouraging employees to present opportunities for corporate involvement or allowing them to participate in these types of activities during work hours, or in any other way, is something that we can all do.

Every little bit counts - no matter how much time, money, resources, etc. you have to give, it all adds up.

Here in the Omaha Metro community, we are fortunate to have a strong, thriving non-profit sector supported by the contributions of many individuals, businesses, and special interest groups. Each organization that exists within the diverse spectrum that constitutes this collective has identified a specific need and made it their mission to meet it, and others have followed suit by getting on board and doing what they can to forward that mission.

With such an abundance of ways to give back right here in the Omaha Metro, deciding where to focus your efforts can ultimately prove to be a tough call. To that end, a good starting point is going with your gut and seeking out opportunities that align with causes you’re most passionate about. That being said, it is important to understand that non-profits vary in how they are structured. Be sure to do your research before making the commitment to support a particular organization. Transparency is highly regarded in the non-profit sector, so even spending just a few minutes online or making a phone call to confirm how funds are being allocated will ensure you are making the most of what you have to offer, and that they are too.

Beyond what you commit to doing in the coming year at the present time, we encourage you to be on the lookout throughout the year for ways you can get involved. There are always announcements being made as needs arise or as new programs and initiatives are developed and introduced.

Along with your participation, your agency in helping to spread the word and promote awareness is yet another way you can show your support.

As you think about the various ways in which you can play a part in the big picture, keep in mind the famous words of Anne Frank: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before beginning to improve the world.” For ideas and inspiration on what you can do to support the valuable work going on every day to improve our little part of the world and beyond, look no further than the group of non-profits we are featuring this month.

For over 18 years, Domesti-PUPS has been supporting people in our local, regional and national communities through the assistance of animals.

From therapy dogs in the classroom motivating children to excel in their learning environment, to pet therapy visitations in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living centers, DomestiPUPS pet therapy teams bring a bit of brightness through their furry encounters. Our service dog teams provide increased independence when paired with a disabled partner.

These highly skilled canines can turn on lights, provide balance and mobility, retrieve dropped items, bring a bottle of water from a refrigerator, respond to medical emergencies and open doors both literally and figuratively. Some even provide life-saving measures for their disabled partners.

For more information about Domesti-PUPS, visit www.domesti-pups.org.

A d u l t & Te e n Challenge of the Midlands exists to be a catalyst for 180 degree life change in the addict. We offer residential, 12-month faith-based programs for men and women 18 and older. This program is designed to assist individuals in gaining freedom from drugs and alcohol and destructive behaviors that accompany addiction. During the program, we also support the spouses and families of those enrolled in our program through our family ministry. We also have a substance prevention program geared toward adolescents called “Know the Truth.” We facilitate presentations in junior high and high schools and share our real-life stories of addiction and the effect it had on our lives. Our goal is to change perceptions and in turn, behavior. By partnering with Adult & Teen Challenge of the Midlands and Know the Truth you can change lives! Visit us at www.tcmid.org or call (402) 551-2322.

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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 816 safe, shelter beds to homeless men, women and children, serves over 2,300 nutritious meals and provides homeless preventive measures to more than 591 people living in poverty.

Visit www.opendoormission.org or call (402) 422-1111 to see how you can make a difference in our community.

Do Space is the first community tec hnology library in the United States. Located in the heart of Omaha at 72nd & Dodge, this one-of-a-kind project brings tec hnology access and learning to all by offering free access to computers, 3D printers, experimental and cutting-edge technology, offered alongside a robust offering of tech learning programs.

At Do Space, you can boost your small business by accessing business software, office equipment, and design resources. Furthermore, work skill programs are available for free, in addition to free coworking space every Friday.

We are excited to announce a new Small Business Membership program geared toward small business owners and entrepreneurs.

This new opportunity provides reservable conference rooms in one of the most innovative tech spaces in the country. In addition, Do Space will also promote the directory of small businesses that take part in the program.

To learn more, please visit dospace.org/smallbiz.

In 2011, Carole’s House of Hope, Inc. (CHH) was established as an organization purposed to transform the lives of young women aging out of the foster care system, pregnant or parenting mothers and their children. CHH addresses the gaps in the current model of service that can inevitably lead to high rates of unemployment, poverty, homelessness, mental health instability, criminal activity, early pregnancy, human trafficking and prostitution. CHH is intentional on creating a safe place in which women can stabilize, heal and lay the ground work for future endeavors while becoming self-sufficient.

CHH provides housing, food/pantry items, clothing, baby supplies/ cribs, wraparound services with community partners, individualized case management, individual/group therapy, financial literacy coursework, parenting education and many more life skill classes.

Mission Statement: Carole’s House of Hope is designed to provide hope and healing for mothers and their children through innovative programming and services that promote self-sufficiency and independence.

For more information, call (402) 991-HOPE (4673) or Carol’s House of Hope would like to invite you to view our website at www. caroleshouseofhope.org. Please like us on our Faceboook page, Twitter and Instagram!

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CEDARS has been a vital part of the community for 70 years. What started as a grassroots effort to provide safe refuge to children and youth who had no other safe place to spend the night has grown into a dynamic and dedicated team of over 200 professionals serving 2,750 kids and families each year.

CEDARS strong financial health as well as commitment to accountability and transparency have earned the 70-year-old child-caring organization a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.

“The people of this community have long trusted the work of CEDARS,” says Jim Blue, CEDARS President. “This new 4-star rating validates the trust they have placed in us to carry out this important work of caring for the most vulnerable children in our community.”

For more information, call (402) 434-KIDS (5437) or visit www. cedarskids.org.

T h ro u g h a g row i n g network of ambitious p e o p l e, N eb ra s k a Community Foundation (NebraskaHometown. org) is helping local leaders unleash the abundant assets and talents within their own place to build stronger, more prosperous communities across the state. Using philanthropy as a tool for community development, NCF works with organizations and individuals every day to plan the charitable gifts and legacies that make dreams come true.

In just the past five years, donors have invested more than $128 million in Nebraska schools, hospitals, community centers, libraries, fire and rescue units, parks and recreation, youth programs and our natural environment through Nebraska Community Foundation. NCF isn’t your typical community foundation. All grantmaking decisions are made by local affiliated fund leaders in communities across the state. NCF serves over 250 Nebraska hometowns and supports 1,500 volunteer leaders through training, financial management, donor education, and planning for a brighter future.

Diabetes Education Center of the Midlands (DECM; diabetes-education.com) is a community-based, non-profit agency established in 1984 to help those with diabetes live more productive and fulfilling lives while helping to constrain diabetes related health care costs. It was the first program in Nebraska to be recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

In response to the growing diabetes epidemic and the related rising health care spend faced by employers, DECM has introduced DiaTec Cloud.

For less than the cost of one box of test strips each month, employees receive unlimited testing supplies, 24/7 real-time support from Certified Diabetes Educators, online education and training. It reinforces positive behavior change to prevent complications, improve productivity and quality of life.

Dia-Tec Cloud improves clinical outcomes while reducing health care costs. (A recent study presented at the 77th ADA Scientific Sessions showed an $83 PPPM employer cost reduction.)

For more information contact Kristen at (402) 399-0777.

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association is devoted to saving people from two of our nation’s top killers, heart disease (No. 1) and stroke (No. 5).

Powered by millions of volunteers nationwide, the Association’s goal is to improve the cardiovascular health of Americans by 20% by 2020, while reducing deaths from heart disease and stroke by 20%. Currently, one person dies every 40 seconds from heart disease and stroke. Through events right here in Omaha like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women Expo and Heart Ball, that startling statistic can change.

For more information, visit www.heart.org/omaha.

The Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA) saves hundreds of lives each year. It is the goto place for anyone in the Omaha area who is experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. Our free, high-quality services address our clients’ immediate safety needs and help them to grow into independence over time. The WCA assures that no victim will ever walk alone on their journey.

The WCA also provides education and training services for everyone in the community from schools, businesses, and community organizations.

We want to raise awareness about the issues of power and control. The WCA wants to make the Omaha metro a safer place for all.

For 125 years, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) has expressed 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: • C h i l d r e n S e r v i c e s strengthening families and restoring 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 healing 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 welcoming and providing 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.

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) 591-5063.

Help save lives.

Donate blood.

“I’ve never been a s ke d .” T h a t ’s the number one reason why people don’t donate blood. Today, the Nebraska Community Blood Bank is asking you to donate blood to help save lives. Every 2 seconds someone needs blood. The rarest blood type is the one that’s not available when a patient is in need. That need is constant. Nebraska Community Blood Bank has been connecting people who need life-saving blood with generous volunteer donors for 50 years. We provide life-saving blood to healthcare facilities throughout southeast Nebraska. Be part of our life-saving mission by becoming a blood donor with Nebraska Community Blood Bank today.

Visit NCBB.ORG to learn more about hosting a blood drive or to sign up to donate blood at a donor center or blood drive near you.

Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter (@NCBBLincoln).

Grief’s Journey (formerly Ted E. Bear Hollow) exists so that no one has to walk their grief journey alone.

Since 2001, the agency has provided a free and welcoming safe place for grieving children, teens, and adults to offer each other hope and support.

Research indicates that unresolved grief correlates to issues such as poor school and work performance and emotional and behavioral concerns, whereas healthy coping leads to long-term successes for children, families, and communities. Carefully measured outcomes indicate that the programs of Grief’s Journey effectively move participants to health and resilience. As the region’s cornerstone for grief support, Grief’s Journey provides free peer support groups, family days, and camps as well as professional training, education, and consultation throughout Nebraska and Iowa.

The agency relies on charitable contributions, special event income, and volunteerism to support its free programs. Together, hope grows.

For more information about Grief’s Journey, please visit www. griefsjourney.org or call (402) 502-2773.

The mission of FITGirl, Inc. is to empower young girls as they develop and mature by demonstrating positive lifestyle choices; physical, mental, relational and nutritional. We do this through camp style programs with coaches and mentors who instill confidence and courage through educational and physical fitness activities.

As early as 10 years of age, girls’ activity levels drop by as much as 83% as they transition through adolescence. FITGirl, Inc. was developed in direct response to the decline in physical activity among young girls, lack of opportunity for participation in physical activity outside of select sports and the dramatic increase in low self-esteem due to social media and societal pressures.

FITGirl’s EMPOWERU and summer camp programs provide empowerment workshops focusing on relationships, body image, selfesteem, goal setting and self-worth in tandem with various physical fitness and nutritional activities such as yoga, self-defense, meal planning, fitness, dance, hiking, boxing and more. Find out more at www.fitgirlinc.com.

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The BLUEBARN Theatre is dedicated to theatre’s most important tradition: to provoke thought, emotion, action, and c hange. Bringing artistically significant scripts and professional production values to area audiences since 1989, BLUEBARN has established itself as Omaha’s professional contemporary theatre company.

Each year BLUEBARN produces five to six contemporary plays in a season that runs from September through June. Repertoire is diverse in theme and style, ranging from works by some of America’s most renowned modern playwrights, to regional premieres of work produced on the coasts, to new works by writers whose voices deserve to be heard. Now enlarging its artistic boundaries in its innovative new performance space, BLUEBARN looks forward to a future of theatre that will challenge both theatre artists and patrons. The BLUEBARN is located at 1106 S. 10th Street in downtown Omaha. Visit bluebarn.org for more information.

Angels Among Us provides financial assistance 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 a month for 18 months 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.

Founded in 2009, the mission of the SAVE Program has been to connect under-served youth with opportunities and resources to be successful students and active individuals.

SAVE serves over 150 youth in the Omahametro area through financial support of extra-curricular activities and educational opportunities with the Intercultural Center of Creighton University and Multicultural Affairs Departments of University of Nebraska-Omaha and Bellevue University.

The SAVE Program introduces and implements effective academic mentoring programs into the lives of its participants.

The SAVE Program’s 3rd Annual Graduation Event will be held Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center with Keynote Speaker, Ken Bird, 2016 Aksarben King and Founder/CEO of Avenue Scholars. This will be an enjoyable evening of dinner, silent auction, and celebration of 2018 SAVE Graduates. Check out our website (saveprogram.org) for more details!

For more information, contact Angels Among Us at (402) 934-0999 or visit our website at www.myangelsamongus.org.

Pediatric Cancer Action Network (PCAN) offers assistance to reduce the financial burden placed on families of pediatric cancer patients in Nebraska.

This year alone there are projected to be over 80 new diagnoses in Nebraska. Most, if not all of these families will need some sort of financial assistance along their journey and there are precious few resources available for them.

Pediatric cancer kills more Nebraska children than any other disease.

It ranks second only to accidents as the leading cause of death for children in Nebraska. Nationally, Nebraska ranks 5th for incidence rate per capita and even more alarming is that we have the highest mortality rate in the United States. It is a major health issue in Nebraska and shockingly few are aware of the magnitude.

PCAN’s focus is to help families pay bills and reduce unnecessary stress to the primary care givers in that family.

For more information, visit pcanaction.org or contact Karri Ahlschwede at (402) 310-7331 or karri.pcan@gmail.com.

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

The mission of the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is to preserve the history of Strategic Air Command, the Cold War and aerospace artifacts and to inspire learning through imaginative, innovative, and inspirational programs and exhibits. The museum is not funded by any government source and relies on the community to help carry out its mission.

The VIBF meets the first Friday of every month (0800-0900) and serves the Omaha area.

Speakers may be from VIBF members, business groups, veteran groups, NBDC, PTAC, SBA, SCORE, or private sector and government agencies on a wide range of topics. VIBF encourages collaboration through networking. Each month, members can bring up issuetand concerns to discuss with the group to get recommendations to help come up with effective solutions.

The museum is home to one of the largest collections of Cold War aircraft and artifacts in the U.S. Visitors can touch iconic aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft as well as learn about historic leaders and events. The museum offers free public tours, family events, Children’s Learning Center, and educational programs. The museum’s STEM programming supplements public education with field trips, camps, and monthly workshops. Looking for a thrill? Fly in the museum’s flight simulator or visit a STEM exhibit. There is something for everyone at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum!

Contact us to learn more: Michel Thornhill, (402) 932-7243, info@ littlemountainwebdesign.com. Mailing Address: VIBF c/o Little Mountain Web Design, P.O. Box 461235, Papillion, NE 68046.

Just 20 minutes from Omaha or Lincoln. To check out the museums monthly events, rental spaces, or how to become a member go to SACMuseum.org!

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, a family’s life as they know it comes to an abrupt halt. Unfortunately, their monthly expenses do not. Since 2006, Angels Among Us has assisted over 350 families with $1.5 million in support.

Will you join us as we fight to keep families stable? Gifts of any amount are welcome and encouraged. There is strength in numbers.

There is also hope, help and monetary relief.

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NAMI Omaha is a local affiliate of The National Alliance on Mental Illness.

We provide free support to family and friends who have a loved one living with mental illness. We do this through education, literature, workshops, conferences, support groups and more. We also offer support groups to the individuals who have a mental illness.

One of our most successful educational programs is called FAMILY to FAMILY. It is a free series of 12 classes (one 2 1/2 hour session weekly).

These classes are structured to help families and friends understand and support their mentally ill loved ones, while maintaining their own well-being. The classes include information about mental illnesses, medications, resources, problem solving, and family communications.

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

For helpful articles on mental illness follow us on Facebook: www. facebook.com/NAMI/Omaha.

Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha (CSF) believes that all families, regardless of income, should be able to choose the best educational setting for their children. CSF provides tuition assistance scholarships so children from low-income families can access the private or parochial K-8 education of their choice. CSF is destination neutral and has no religious affiliation— children attend approximately 80 different schools across Omaha and northeast Nebraska. A crucial piece of the CSF program is the commitment it requires from families. Each CSF family must contribute $500 toward their children’s education and their children must achieve a 90% attendance rate. Since 1999, more than 33,000 scholarships have been awarded and valued $34 million dollars.

CSF Omaha relies solely upon donations to provide scholarships. If you or your company would like to make a donation or receive more information, please contact the CSF office.

Contact information: Mary Boyle, Annual Giving Manager; mary. boyle@csfomaha.org – (402) 819-4990 – www.csfomaha.org.

Mission: “To improve the quality of life by caring for the body and mind.”

Jennie Edmundson Foundation is the fundraising arm of Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital. By engaging philanthropic leaders, we are able to help make certain that the equipment, facilities, programs, services and educational initiatives at MJE continue to meet community needs.

The JE Foundation relies on donations and grants from our community.

These funds go to help our Charitable Patient Care Fund, Breast Health Center, Medi-Bus Transportation and Scholarship Funds, to name a few.

Generous contributions provide education, care and services to many who may not otherwise have access to healthcare services. Individual or Planned gifts, Memorials or becoming an event or corporate sponsor are also a few ways to help.

Becoming a MJE Teen or Adult Volunteer gives you the opportunity to be involved in many facets of volunteerism. What a wonderful way to meet new people; develop new skills, interests and be rewarded through the experiences of helping patients, family members and hospital staff.

To find out more about the JE Foundation and how you can get involved, call (712) 396-6040 or visit our website at www.jehfoundation.org.

Omaha Creative Institute (www.omahacreativeinstitute. org) provides local artists with the training and opportunities t h ey n e e d t o b u i l d a n economically sustainable career in the arts. We do this by providing professional development, offering grants to artists, and connecting artists and patrons. 2018 is our 10th Anniversary! To celebrate we are launching new programs to serve artists, like Working Artist Wednesdays and the Omaha chapter of Volunteers Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts. We are also giving away almost $75,000 in grants to local artists in 2018, putting more money in the hands of the people who make our communities vibrant and strong. We are also proud to announce our move into the Little Bohemia neighborhood.

We don’t own any furniture of our own. If you or your office would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact us by phone at (402) 996-1092 or by email at info@omahacreativeinstitute.org.

Launc h Leadership (www.launchleadership. org) provides leadership training for middle school and high school s t u d e n t s. Fo r m o r e than 50 years, we’ve empowered young leaders that build better schools and communities.

Everything we do is focused on helping students find out who they are and how they lead. Then, we challenge them to think about how they can apply what they’ve learned to the real world. The result is a community infused with motivated, focused, ambitious young leaders.

Our Summer Leadership Workshop brings together over 500 students for an action-packed week of fun activities and lifelong lessons. We also facilitate services throughout the school year, including One-Day Workshops and Leadership Retreats.

Our all-volunteer staff is composed of college students, professional educators and professionals from other walks of life. Most staff members are alumni of our services, and they joined Launch in part to give help build the next generation of leaders.

Outlook Nebraska is a nonprofit organization dedicated to positively impacting everyone who is blind and visually impaired. We empower anyone in the community facing vision loss to gain confidence in their capabilities and achieve their life goals through employment, workplace training, and recreational and cultural opportunities.

We provide free training on computers, smartphones, and other devices to any members of the community facing vision loss. We collaborate with other organizations to provide recreational and cultural activities for the blind. Through community education, Outlook Nebraska increases awareness of the capabilities of the blind and visually impaired and aims to help answer the call for social responsibility among citizens and business leaders.

More than 60% of Outlook’s associates are legally blind and utilize an array of innovative low vision technologies. Many work on the production floor of Outlook’s growing manufacturing facility, operating machines and packing a commercial line of recycled paper. Others work in administrative departments such as sales, accounting and marketing.

Outlook Nebraska is the only agency of its kind in a seven-state area.

Our aim is to positively change people’s attitudes about blindness.

For more information about Outlook Nebraska, visit outlookne.org.

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Family Housing Advisory Services (FHAS) helps families improve their housing, finances and quality of life.

FHAS offers a comprehensive menu of cohesive services to address poverty and provide tools for success. FHAS prevents homelessness, educates homeowners, provides foreclosure prevention options, develops financially-wise consumers (including youth transitioning out of foster care), offers affordable mortgage lending options, eliminates housing discrimination, and reduces poverty through access to tax credits.

FHAS serves about 10,000 individuals and families annually. Families learn how to budget, save, avoid eviction or foreclosure; pursue homeownership, post-secondary education or microbusiness enterprise; exercise their fair housing rights, and access income tax credits.

For more information about Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc. please visit www.fhasinc.org or call (402) 934-7921.

We are connectors and coordinators.

We connect providers to resources and funding that they may not be able to access on their own. We connect donors to good work that best supports their giving goals. We offer streamlined coordination and communication with school districts, which saves everyone time, money, and stress.

We are cheerleaders.

We know that out of school time providers are doing what they do best – providing great programs and activities for our community’s youth. We are here to cheer them on, to advocate on their behalf to donors, the school district, and lawmakers, and to provide professional development, feedback, and assessment tools.

We are building a community-wide system.

We are the entity that brings the right people to the table and guides the growth and development of the out of school time community.

For more information, go to www.collectiveforyouth.org or call (402) 932-2025.

In the age of “fake news,” our job is to tell authentic stories of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Celebrating 41 years, Vision Maker Media, supports Native filmmakers to develop, produce and distribute educational telecommunications programs for all media including public television and public radio.

We also support training to increase the number of American Indians and Alaska Natives producing quality public broadcasting programs, which includes advocacy efforts promoting increased control and use of information technologies and the policies to support this control by American Indians and Alaska Natives.

A key strategy for this work is the development of strong partnerships with tribal nations, Indian organizations and Native communities. Reaching the public and the global market is the ultimate goal for the dissemination of Native produced media that shares Native perspectives with the world.

For more information, contact Shirley Sneve at (402) 472-3522 or visionmaker@unl.edu. More details at www.visionmakermedia.org.

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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.

What is a BBB Accredited Business?

Better Business Bureau® (BBB®; bbbinc.org) serving Nebraska, South Dakota, The Kansas Plains and Southwest Iowa is a private, non-profit organization established in 1912. Its mission is “to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust.”

Today, it is supported by approximately 9,500 BBB Accredited Businesses.

BBB accreditation does not mean that the business’s products or services have been evaluated or endorsed by BBB, or that BBB has made a determination as to the business’s product quality or competency in performing services. It means BBB has concluded that the business meets BBB Standards for Trust and has pledged to support the objectives and standards of fair advertising and ethical business practices.

Not all businesses qualify for BBB accreditation, so make sure to look for BBB’s seal that identifies the business as one that “Starts With Trust®.”

BBB’s headquarters is located in Omaha at 11811 P St. and it has a branch office at 300 N. 44th St. #100 in Lincoln.

For more information, please visit bbbinc.org.

Greater Omaha SCORE helps star tup entrepreneurs, existing small businesses and nonprofits grow and be more successful. Our clients benefit from counselors knowledgeable in all areas of business from start up to exiting the business.

SCORE focuses on: • One-to-One Counseling - Confidential counseling from certificated counselors.

• Mentoring - Ongoing mentoring to help clients stay focused and to address issues that come up.

• Education - Most startups and/or small businesses may have a great product/service idea but have no idea how to run a business. That’s where SCORE shines. We provide workshops on all facets of business.

SCORE is a national non-profit organization dedicated to growing 1 million small businesses by 2020.

To contact SCORE for counseling or to volunteer go to: omaha.score. org or contact us at: score@scoreomaha.org / (402) 221-3606.

Two locations: 1067 Bedford Ave., Suite 100 and in the Commerce Village at 950 S. Mason, Omaha, NE.

Radio Talking Book Service (RTBS), founded in 1974, serves the state of Nebraska and southwest Iowa by providing human-voiced print information for individuals with visual or physical disabilities which prevent them from reading print material. We are in our 43rd year of bringing the printed word to life through our key programs: Radio Talking Book Network, a statewide radio reading service; and Listening Link, an educational reading program.

Radio Talking Book Network provides immediate access to daily printed news and information through the reading of 10 regional newspapers, 75 periodicals and magazines, and books. RTBS’s weekly program schedule includes a live reading of the Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star seven days a week, the Wall Street Journal five days a week, and newspapers from Council Bluffs, Columbus, Norfolk, North Platte, Fremont, Grand Island and Scottsbluff are read weekly.

For more information or to become a volunteer reader please visit us at www.RTBS.org or call (402) 572-3003.

Childhood cancer is severely underfunded and misunderstood.

Cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease among c hildren, yet only 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s budget is dedicated to researching childhood cancer. And while over 60% of adult cancer research is paid for by big pharmaceutical companies, they don’t even give 1% to childhood cancer research due to low profits. A cure for childhood cancer will be funded by small, private groups like Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation. Sammy’s is a Nebraskabased 501c3 non-profit which funds researchers who are doing groundbreaking, innovative work that will lead to modern treatments that will save and have less debilitating side effects for these sweet little fighters. Sammy’s main mission is to raise funds for research, but also to comfort families in the hardest times of their lives. Join the fight, visit www.SammysSuperheroes.org or find us on Facebook to get involved.

Founded in 1989, Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy’s mission is to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally of adults and children of all ability levels through equine assisted activities.

Therapeutic Riding, Therapy Services, Carriage Driving, Life Skills, Veterans, and Equine Facilitated Learning programs are at the heart of HETRA’s services. The organization employs Occupational, Mental Health, and Physical Therapists, 16 PATH Int’l Certified Riding Instructors, and is the only Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International Accredited (PATH) facility in Nebraska. Today, as a result of 28 years of dedication and commitment, HETRA serves over 125 participants weekly with the help of over 200 dedicated volunteers who donate over 18,000 hours annually. HETRA offers year round programming, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, a herd of over 20 horses, and is situated on 25 beautiful acres in Gretna, NE. Learn more at www.HETRA.org.

Our Mission…It’s our mission to be Nebraska’s primary resource for Parkinson’s Disease information, educational programs, exercise classes, to organize outreach events, and to promote awareness and raise funds for LOCAL Parkinson’s services and research.

Through awareness and collaboration, we can provide the right information and resources Nebraskans need on their journey with Parkinson’s.

Our Work...In the tradition of our founder, Colleen Wuebben, we build connections to strengthen Nebraska’s Parkinson’s community in body and spirit. Our website, newsletters, and staff serve the nearly 16,000 Nebraskans living with Parkinson’s. In 2017 we began sponsoring 600+ exercise classes per year, hosting monthly educational talks, and assisting individuals and organizations with accessing important equipment and support. We’re locally based, passionate, and here to help!

Our Plans…Our focus on outreach in 2018 will empower professionals in rural communities with the tools to deliver specialized Parkinson’s programming where it is needed most: in their hometowns!

Contact us at info@parkinsonsnebraska.org or visit parkinsonsnebraska. org for more information.

The Siena/Francis House is Nebraska’s largest shelter and is located in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. The Siena/Francis House is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-denominational, charitable organization, with all financial support able to be deducted, by donors, to the full extent of the law.

Our overnight programs include two emergency shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness (265 beds), a residential addiction recovery program for homeless men & women (79 beds), and permanent supportive housing apartments (48 beds). Additionally, we have a rehousing and reintegration program (designed to help homeless guests acquire the services they need to successfully navigate their way into affordable, appropriate housing out in the community), a food program (which serves 3 meals per day), clothing distribution, a day shelter for the homeless (open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. every day of the year), an employment training program for up to 110 homeless resident men and women, and a medical clinic.

Please consider supporting Omaha’s largest homeless shelter by making an in-kind or financial donation to the Siena/Francis House today by visiting our website at www.sienafrancis.org, or contact us at (402) 341-1821 or information@sienafrancis.org.

At the Heartland Hope Mission South Omaha and Millard food pantries, working poor families c hoose a week’s supply of nutritious groceries including milk, frozen meat and fresh produce to prepare wellbalanced meals at home. But, we are 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. Our Jobs Paths Program provides access to current job postings and on-site interviews with employers. Clients can also participate in financial classes, nutrition education and a community garden. Our goals are to provide programming and wraparound services to prevent families from becoming homeless and to help people achieve or rebuild self-sufficiency.

Pantry Hours: South Omaha (2021 U Street): Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Thursdays 1:30-4:00 p.m. | Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Millard Pantry (5321 S. 139th Plaza): 2nd Saturdays 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Last Wednesday 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Find out more: HeartlandHopeMission.org | (402) 733-1904.

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The mission of Omaha Home for Boys is to support and strengthen youth, young adults and families through services that inspire and equip them to lead independent and productive lives. More than 300 at-risk young men and women are served annually through the Home’s three core programs: Inspiration Hill Residential Care, Jacobs’ Place Transitional Living and Branching Out Independent Living.

Through education, behavior training, employability classes and basic life skills coaching, the Omaha Home for Boys empowers young adults to transition from a state of crisis to one of safety and growth. As Omaha Home for Boys approaches its 100th anniversary in 2020, it will continue to evolve to meet the needs of children and families throughout the state.

For more information about Omaha Home for Boys or to invest in the future of the youth served, please visit our website at OmahaHomeForBoys.org.

The Metro Area Youth Foundation (MAYF) was formed in 2006 by a group of Omaha area Optimist Club members who wanted to do more for families and children experiencing cancer. This allvolunteer group recognized that many organizations have been formed to help fight cancer, but there were not many resources available to the families who were in the middle of the fight. The goal is to allow the families to focus on the children not the money they owe by providing a short-term financial bridge. Many of these families were already struggling financially; a cancer diagnosis can often mean that only one parent can continue to work, adding to the burden. MAYF has been able to provide over 500 families a chance to keep the water and power on, rent to stay in their apartment, a mortgage payment to keep their home and a chance to keep life as stable and normal as possible. For more information about how you can get involved or donate to MAYF’s Childhood Cancer Campaign, visit SummerBashforCCC.org or please call (402) 740-5158 or email SummerBash@cox.net.

The Cross Training Center exemplifies the message, “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day but if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” We empower and equip undereducated and economically disadvantaged men and women through character development, vocational training and real handson work experience. Our students have experienced setbacks in life due to incarceration, homelessness, mental health disorders, human trafficking, challenging circumstances and generational poverty. They gain skills, knowledge and hands-on work experience at our center, where we serve the public through various operations including: • Electronics Recycling • Computer and Electronics Retail Store • Computer Refurbishing and Repair • Automotive Maintenance and Repair Services • Banquet Facility and Food Services Cross Training Center’s mission is to provide Solutions to Poverty through Work.

Contact Brenda Banks at (402) 590-2100, via email at brenda@ crosstc.com, or visit www.crosstc.com for more information.

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For more than 140 ye a r s, H e a r t l a n d Family Service has been the area leader in creating the path to a better tomorrow for children and families.

Each year, we serve over 52,000 individuals from more than 15 locations in east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa through three program areas: Child & Family, Counseling & Prevention, and Housing & Financial Stability. With over 50 programs, we are able to craft an integrated, multi-service approach to guide clients toward safety, well-being, and, ultimately, self-sufficiency.

When life improves for one of us, life improves for all of us. We all matter.

To support our mission of strengthening individuals and families in our community through education, counseling, and support services, text “HFS” to 72727, visit HeartlandFamilyService.org, or contact Chief Development Officer Donna Dostal at (402) 552-7443 or DDostal@ HeartlandFamilyService.org.

Founded in 1993, the Cancer Alliance of Nebraska is a nationally-recognized 501c3 nonprofit working with the National Cancer Institute and pharmaceutical companies to provide breakthrough treatments to cancer patients using clinical trials which we bring to the local community settings here in Nebraska. Every day we get closer to the cure.

• Why Cancer Clinical Trials are Important • They lead to the discovery of new cancer treatments and cures • They can improve the health of participating cancer patients • They benefit future generations, impacting thousands of lives • When our research is shared – across the state and around the globe – we get closer to the cure even faster We succeed in our work due to the collaborative support of our experienced physicians, hospitals, clinics, donors, and patients in communities across the state of Nebraska. And we share in the collective belief that there is always something more we can do. Visit our site at www.cancerallianceofnebraska.org.

The mission of the Nebraska State Stroke Association is to serve Nebraskans through stroke prevention, education, advocacy, and support services.

Since 1985, NSSA has been providing education and outreach on the signs of stroke and serving as a resource for Nebraska stroke survivors and their families. NSSA is a 501 (c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.NebraskaStroke.org or call (402) 484-8131.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Nebraska and the leading cause of disability in the U.S. Stroke is an emergency. Act F.A.S.T. • F. Face. Look for an uneven smile • A. Arm. Check if one arm is weak.

• S. Speech. Listen for slurred speech.

• T. Time. Call 911 right away and go to a hospital certified as a Primary Stroke Center.

More than 80% of strokes can be prevented. If you are interested in hosting a stroke awareness program, please contact us at hello@ nebraskastroke.org.

Youth Emergency Services (YES) is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole focus of helping homeless and nearly homeless youth.

Last year, YES provided support and services to more than 2,100 youth in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area. YES offers a full-continuum of services to help these youth get back on track and on the road to self-sufficiency. Through the Street Outreach Program, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Program, and Maternity Home, youth can get a hot meal, find a safe place to sleep at night, and connect with resources to help them get back in school, find a job, and secure permanent housing. While in the program, youth are required to work and/or go to school, do community service, and pay rent. For more information about YES’ programs, please visit www.yesomaha.org.

Women on a Mission for Change is entering its 8th year of serving women and girls in the areas of Careers, Health, Applied Life Skills, Nutrition, Growing your Spirituality and Education to create C.H.A.N.G.E. in their lives Our vision is to provide women and girls with resources to achieve all aspirations of their lives and become powerful, empowered women and girls of a greater society.

We do this by offering an annual conference with women in leadership speakers, and an opportunity to set goals, a two year mentoring program for girls 14-18 years (W.I.G.) and an annual gala to honor women over 50 for their legacies (Legacy Gala).

Review our website www.womenonamissionomaha.org for more information, sponsorship opportunities and register for the next conference – Theme in 2018 “Creating Change” - April 6, 2018.

Contact Gina Ponce at (402) 403-WMC1, President and founder.

Founded in 1995, City Sprouts is Omaha’s first community garden. City Sprouts aims to sustain communities through gardening by: 1. Increasing availability of fresh and locally grown produce 2. Educating the community about gardening and sustainability 3. Providing employment opportunities 4. Empowering neighborhoods In addition to offering a space for our neighbors to grow, City Sprouts offers a variety of programs: • Urban Farming summer internship • Little Sprouts summer program • Garden-to-Table afterschool program • CommuniTEA + COFFEE winter community-building program • Growing Gardeners year-round workshop series in partnership with The Big Garden • Truck Farm Omaha, mobile teaching garden planted in the bed of a pickup City Sprouts has grown its community garden to include an education center with office and classroom space, an urban farm, and a second community garden in South Omaha, each offering new opportunities to engage with the community.

To learn more or to help cultivate and grow our programs, visit us at OmahaSprouts.org.

Established in 1972, Santa Monica has been providing long-term residential services to thousands of chemically-dependent women, partnering with them on their journey to recovery. The program relies on the disciplines of the twelve 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 re-socialization training. Last year Santa Monica expanded services to include a step down level of care for the women, providing 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 our new website at www.santamonicahouse.org for more information about the agency, what the future holds and how to help.

Child Saving Institute focuses on the prevention, intervention, and healing of childhood trauma, neglect and abuse. Since it’s beginning more than 125 years ago, Child Saving Institute’s primary focus has always been children’s safety and well-being. As an innovative leader in children’s services, our programs include an emergency shelter for youth whose families are in crisis, quality early childhood education, consultation services for low-income child care centers, foster care, therapy, pregnancy counseling, in-home services for struggling families, independent living skills education for youth aging out of the foster care system, and older child adoption.

CSI’s programming is diverse, but so are the needs of today’s children and youth. With your support and the support of others like you, CSI serves more than 2,800 kids and families each year, improving the lives of children in our community — and helping them discover the joy of childhood that every child should experience.

For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, visit childsaving.org, or call (402) 553-6000.

Nebraska Recycling Council is a statewide, member-based, nonprofit supporting collaboration between communities, businesses, solid waste and recycling industries to improve waste diversion systems.

Our mission is to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of resource recovery in Nebraska. Offerings include: • Recycling Information: Nebraska Online Recycling Guide, Phone Assistance • Education & Training: Webinars, Green Team Training, Networking Events • Services: Waste Assessments, Zero Waste Events, Zero Waste Community Consultation, Hub & Spoke Consultation • Grants: Recycling Equipment Grants • Publications: Best Management Practices, E-Newsletters, Case Studies • Annual Awards Luncheon: National Speaker, Workshops, Business & Community Environmental Awards Visit www.nrcne.org or call (402) 436-2384 to learn more.

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Matt’s Music Memorial was started to honor and remember a Nebraska hero, Cpl. Matthew Lee Alexander, after his death in Baqubah, Iraq on May 6, 2007. Matthew enjoyed life. Music was a passion for him growing up.

He played percussion throughout middle and high school. After graduating from Gretna in 2004, Matthew joined the Army as an infantryman. He never made it home from his first tour.

Matthew would want others to have the opportunity to experience the personal growth and enjoyment he found through his band experiences. This foundation aims to honor him and keep his memory alive by “Making Music Possible” for kids from all walks of life. If you’d like to know more, visit www.MattsMusicMemorial.org or call (402) 670-1806.

The Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC) provides Latinos with opportunities to generate economic growth. Our educational and coaching services include childcare development, micro-business, financial capability and micro-lending.

MLCDC’s vision is to be a catalyst for a thriving, diverse, and inclusive community enriched by Latino influence, economic results, culture and leadership.

Most recently, eager to create new opportunities for South Omaha, MLCDC and a group of business owners came together to develop Las Americas Global Market. MLCDC will build a commercial kitchen and light manufacturing facilities to create 45 jobs. On July 1, 2017, MLCDC launched a financial education and one-on-one coaching services at the Mexican Consulate in Omaha. This program is offered to low-tomoderate-income Latinos seeking to build assets through affordable homeownership and build a plan to improve their financial capability through personalized financial coaching, financial literacy and the responsible access to financial products.

Visit our website at www.midlandslatinocdc.org or call (402) 933-4466 to learn more.

OneWorld believes that everyone deser ves access to quality healthcare in a safe, welcoming environment. That’s why we provide a vast range of comprehensive services including: Adult Medicine • Pediatric Care • Prenatal Care • Women’s Healthcare • Behavioral Health • Dental • Pharmacy • Support Services.

OneWorld maintains an opendoor policy, providing treatment regardless of an individual’s income, insurance status, race, sex, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identify, immigration status or ability to pay. In 2015, OneWorld care for 35,557 patients during more than 145,000 visits and is ranked in the top 2% of the nation for patient outcomes.

Our Mission: OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc., in partnership with the community, provides culturally respectful, quality health care with special attention to the underserved.

Our Vision: To become an innovative leader in health care, empowering individuals and creating healthier communities.

Follow what’s new at: facebook.com/oneworldchc or twitter.com/ OneWorldCHC. For more information visit www.oneworldomaha.org.

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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 18-months to 13 years old. We offer a variety of programs including: ear ly childhood education, before- and after-school programs, summer and non-school day programs, tutoring, and mentoring. Kids Can! utilizes the Creative Curriculum and Handwriting Without Tears activities for our youngest students with the goal of ensuring all students are prepared to enter Kindergarten.

School-age children participate in the STEMsmart Academy which focuses on science, technology, engineering, math, strength, music, art, reading and tutoring supporting well rounded children.

Founded in 1908 as Social Settlement Association of Omaha, Kids Can! has a long history of making a meaningful impact in the community. Kids Can! is located on 49th and Q Streets in Omaha.

For more information about Kids Can! Community Center visit KidsCanOmaha.org, call (402) 731-6988 or email jgillman@ kidscanomaha.org.

Did you know...Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) helps donors achieve their philanthropic goals and “Invest in the Power of Community.”

MCF has played an integral part in managing three Affiliated Funds: Gretna Community Foundation, Bellevue Community Foundation, and Springfield Community Foundation.

These Affiliated Funds have worked hard in their own communities raising awareness and building partnerships to secure a strong Foundation in their respective city.

MCF manages more than 100 charitable funds that serve an array of needs. This past year, more than $1 million has been distributed into the community through these charitable funds, MCF grants and discretionary gifts in the areas of health care, arts, culture, community, economic development, education and human services.

MCF can provide you with a simple, powerful and highly personal approach to giving through a variety of charitable gifting vehicles.

We hold ourselves to high standards, have strong integrity and most importantly work to make a difference in your local community. The time is NOW to create a charitable fund to benefit your personal interests.

• Designated Funds • Donor Advised Funds • Field of Interest Funds • Scholarship Funds To learn more, visit www.midlandscommunity.org or call (402) 991-8027.

Don’t Miss Out!

This is an excellent opportunity for your non-profit to gain exposure among our readers, as well as for our readers to familiarize themselves with the needs of the various organizations and the valuable work that is going on in our community. If you are a local nonprofit organization that is interested in participating in the next SUPPORTING NON-PROFITS feature in Strictly Business Magazine, please call (402) 466-3330 or email Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com today!

JANUARY 2018 Strictly Business

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