2015 Greater Omaha Chamber Book by Omaha World-Herald

omaha: we don't coast

GET RELEASED INTO THE WILD

Time spent frolicking in the woods wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep you up on the Kardashians or help your kids crush it on Halo 5. But, it just might do a few other things for you. Like, boost your immune system, lower your blood pressure, reduce your stress, improve your mood, improve your sleep, give you more energy, increase your ability to focus, and help your kids develop their creativity and social skills. Seriously, Google it. Push pause on the texting, clicking, sharing, and streaming, just for

FontenelleForest.org

2015

a moment, and come out to the forest. Move your feet, breathe in the fresh air, explore. And watch what happens.

Where “just what I’ve been looking for,”

We don’t move business forward by going slow. Cox Business is proud to partner with businesses of all sizes, delivering fast and reliable connections throughout the greater metro area. The Cox fiber optic network gives your business tools and features to outpace your competitors. • Internet download speeds from 10Mbps-300Mbps and upload speeds up to 30Mbps or power users can choose speeds up to the breakneck pace of 10Gbps. • Hosted phone systems for a unified voice platform, rich in features and completely managed by Cox so you are always utilizing the latest in technology.

Make your connection to Cox Business today. 402.934.3254 | coxbusiness.com

Becomes “more than I imagined I could be.” YOU ARE MORE THAN JUST A STUDENT. THIS IS MORE THAN JUST AN EDUCATION.

National rankings – they’re a starting point. A baseline measure that tells you Creighton University provides a top-ranked education in more than 100 academic programs, degrees and majors. But, for those who want to contribute something more meaningful to the world, these rankings are an invitation to delve deeper – to become the trailblazers, forward thinkers and strong believers they always imagined they could be.

HELPING OUR MEMBERS DO BETTER IS OUR PRIVILEGE. PenFed Credit Union is dedicated to providing best-in-class rates and innovative products to help our 1.3 million members realize their money’s potential. We’ve been a part of the Omaha community since 1992, and we’re proud to offer: • Award-winning credit cards • Great rates on mortgages and auto loans • Superior customer service • Robust online and mobile services • The convenience of Apple Pay™ • Access America Checking, a high yield premium checking

NO MILITARY SERVICE REQUIRED. There are dozens of ways to qualify for membership. We invite you to learn how you may be able to become a PenFed member today.

Visit PenFed.org or call 888-620-9726

THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.

Femi, age 11 Restrictive Cardiomyopathy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Heart Transplant Recipient

Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child. For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.

We Deliver Comfort and Reliability

mudomaha.com

Expanding to Omaha in October 2016 World-class specialized rehabilitation programs for traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, pulmonary conditions, stroke and neurological diseases for adults and children are coming to Omaha. To complement our Lincoln Campus, Madonna’s 260,000-square-foot rehabilitation hospital west of Village Pointe will provide hundreds of jobs — nurses, physical therapis ts and occupational, speech and respiratory therapists — with an economic impact of $126 million. Now serving patients at our Madonna Rehabilitation Specialty Hospital - Bellevue. See our stories at OnlyMadonna.org. www.madonna.org/careers | 800.676.5448

FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE SOMEONE. we welcome

JAZZ ON THE GREEN, MIDTOWN CROSSINg

J A S O N

F I S C H E R

10 Best Cities to Launch a Startup – CNN Money, October 2014

Best Cities to Find a Job – Fortune, June 2015

Best City for Active Lifestyle (Omaha) – WalletHub.com, December 2014

# # #

The 15 Best U.S. Cities for Millennial College Students – OnlineColleges.com, March 2015

Best City for Recreation – WalletHub.com, July 2015

Best U.S. Cities for Millennial College Students – CNBC, May 2015

Best Places to Live: Midwest City (Omaha) – Money Magazine, August 2015

Top 10 Best American Cities to Work in Tech – SmartAsset.com, September 2015

13 of the Fastest Growing Tech Hubs in the U.S. (Omaha) – Uncubed.com, February 2015

WE WELCOME David Brown, left, and Clark Lauritzen; First National TowER ROOFTOP VIEW

Our Promise. Loud & Proud. It’s one thing to make a promise to yourself; it’s another to shout it publicly – loud and proud. That’s exactly what we do every time we tell the world, “We Don’t Coast.” Whether it’s on a billboard or a T-shirt or spread throughout the pages of this publication, our regional brand represents a promise to roll up our sleeves and put in the hours necessary to attract and retain strong talent, grow our businesses and position our region as a premier place to live, work and play. In our 2015 edition of “Omaha: We Don’t Coast,” we celebrate businesses, organizations, institutions and neighbors who refuse to coast. Together, we’re elevating our thriving metropolitan area, a region centered on so much more than geography. We cherish our families and the award-winning schools that educate them, our exciting arts and culture scenes and our philanthropic spirit. If you are thinking about moving your family, expanding your business or coming on your own, we welcome you. We look forward to working with you and for you. It’s our promise. No coasting allowed. David G. Brown President & CEO Greater Omaha Chamber Clark Lauritzen Chairman, Greater Omaha Chamber Board of Directors Executive Vice President, First National Bank

B i l l

S it z m ann

Bridging the gap between idea + achievement The greatest accomplishments start with the smallest details, like handshakes that become friendships and ideas that transform communities.

hdrinc.com

WE WELCOME “Omaha: We Don’t Coast,” 2015 edition, is a Greater Omaha Chamber publication created and produced by the Omaha World-Herald to showcase the 30+ communities that make Omaha – Greater Omaha.

President and CEO, David G. Brown 1301 Harney St., Omaha, NE 68102 Phone: 402-346-5000 info@OmahaChamber.org OmahaChamber.org SelectGreaterOmaha.org WeDontCoast.com

We Entertain | 16

Greater Omaha Chamber Project Team Project Director: Alissa Nehe Creative Director: Kim Sellmeyer Project Coordinator: Kayti Rachwalik Research Coordinator: R.J. Jerrick Project Contributor: Anne Branigan World-Herald Project Team Editor: Chris Christen Assistant Editor: Kim Carpenter Designer: Quentin Lueninghoener Writer: Dan McCann Copy Editors: Kurt A. Keeler, Stacie Hamel Imaging Specialist: Patricia “Murphy” Benoit Custom Publishing Ad Manager: Dan Matuella Advertising Sales Manager: Carrie Kentch

we toast | 38

we win | 50

ON THE COVER Aaron Schimke, a member of the Lincoln Sport Parachute Club, skydives over Cass County. Photographed by Paul Fortier. View this publication digitally at Omaha.com/WeDontCoast

We explore | 60

we live | 70

we inspire | 80

We care | 94

we launch | 110

we capitalize | 116

we pioneer | 126

we build | 134

Copyright 2015 Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102 | 402-444-1094; Omaha.com Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Greater Omaha Chamber and the Omaha World-Herald assume no responsibility for misinformation. No part of this publication may be reproduced without joint permission of the Greater Omaha Chamber and The World-Herald.

Printed by Jacob North, Lincoln, Nebraska.

WE DRIVE RESULTS. At Koley Jessen, our Midwestern values give us the inside track. Fueled by hard work and heart, we go the extra mile for our clients, putting ourselves in their shoes to reach the desired destination.

Koley Jessen. Results Driven.

402.390.9500 â&#x20AC;&#x201A;|â&#x20AC;&#x201A; koleyjessen.com

WE WELCOME

The Unexpected. Warren Buffett. The NCAA Men’s College World Series. One of the world’s best zoos. We’ve assembled a phenomenal brag book over the years – and we just keep adding pages. How’s this for cool (and maybe a bit unexpected)? Best-Selling: Two authors who call Omaha home are gaining national acclaim: Rainbow Rowell for her growing library of best-selling novels, including Landline and Eleanor and Park (which has been optioned by Dreamworks), and Timothy Schaffert, whose Swan Gondola was proclaimed “one of the best books you’ll read all year” by The Miami Herald and named a National Public Radio “Book of the Summer” for 2015.

Downloading: We knew teenagers Jack Gilinsky and Jack Johnson before the world knew them as “Jack and Jack.” The Internet sensations – who live to entertain – introduced a smartphone gaming app this year, sending their online popularity into the stratosphere. All-Encompassing: Three faiths. One shared campus. Our embrace of religious diversity is no secret – and neither, now, is our push for understanding. Believed to be the only project of its kind in the world, the Tri-Faith Initiative brings a synagogue, a church and a mosque together on a $60 million Tri-Faith Center campus. Award-Winning: Grey is the new green, according to The Daily Meal, which named The Grey Plume, co-owned by acclaimed chef Clayton Chapman, No. 1 on its list of Greenest Restaurants in America for 2015. The Midtown Crossing restaurant recently received a similar eco-fabulous proclamation from the Green Restaurant Association.

That’s not the only reason we’re making culinary news. Metropolitan Community College’s Institute for the Culinary Arts aced out the venerable Le Cordon Bleu for the top spot in the 2015 American Culinary Federation National Competition. Award-Making: NASCAR’s coveted Harley J. Earl Trophy for winning the Daytona 500 is sculpted by our own John Lajba, creator of the iconic Road to Omaha bronze sculpture celebrating the NCAA Men’s College World Series’ longtime presence in our city. En Pointe: With professional dance companies disappearing across the nation, we have one that thrives. Ballet Nebraska enriches through performances, educational programs and community outreach. Toast-Worthy: Four flavors of champagne on tap – that’s just one of the novelties of The Homy Inn, a laid-back neighborhood bar that ranks among the elite: No. 29 on The Daily Meal’s list of the 150 Best Bars in America.

Bob KERREY PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE K E N

S M I T H

WE WELCOME

How We Stack Up.

A snapshot of our region.

$229,400 national average $133,500 Omaha

Population 941,165 Greater Omaha

Median home price

8.2 percent lower than the national average

Based on a national average of 100

Cost of Living

$56,943 Omaha MSA

$53,046 United States

Median Household Income

28.8 percent National average

32.5 percent Omaha MSA

bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree or higher

Sources: Combined Statistical Area 2014 report; Omaha Metropolitan Statistical Area 2014 report; JobsEQ; U.S. Census Bureau; Cost of Living Index; National Association of Realtors; Statebook International. 14

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BRANCH LOCATIONS: Main Branch

10655 Bedford Ave. Omaha, NE 68134 402.492.9100

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

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Central Branch

4740 S. 48th Street Omaha, NE 68117 402.553.7999

West Branch

4203 S. 120th Street Omaha, NE 68137 402.330.5373

Lincoln N. Branch

5070 N. 32nd Street Lincoln, NE 68504 402.477.7766

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re only as boring as you are. we entertain

Grassroots Music Festival, Tom Hanafan Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Edge Park

A N D Y

B O O N S T R A

we entertain

Garth Brooks, Centurylink Center Omaha br e ndan

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Country legend Garth Brooks got a record-setting reception in May when nearly 100,000 enthusiastic fans turned out for six concerts over four days at CenturyLink Center Omaha. “Unbelievable,” Brooks silently mouthed as he stepped to the lip of the stage and took in the cheers and screams that crashed over him on opening night. Whether it’s Brooks or Taylor Swift (slated to “Shake It Off” under the same roof with her “1989” world tour in late 2015), or Barry Manilow, Lady Gaga, George Strait or Motley Crue, we have a reputation for live music, going after the mega-popular artists and showing up for the party.

Mega Stats • Ten of 2014’s top 200 national tours stopped at CenturyLink Center Omaha, which ranks among the top 100 arena venues worldwide. • Stir Concert Cove was among the top amphitheater venues in the world. • Among worldwide theater venues, Omaha’s Orpheum Theater ranked No. 52 and our Holland Performing Arts Center, home to the Omaha Symphony, ranked No.143. “We continually strive to be a destination for the very best performers and productions, whether they’re national Broadway tours, popular comedians, world-renowned dance troupes or well-known musicians,” says Joan Squires, president of Omaha Performing Arts, the organization that manages the Orpheum and the Holland Center. OPA celebrates its 10th season in 2015-16. Source: Pollstar

Super venues, superstar lineups.

garth brooks, CENTURYLINK CENTER OMAHA

we entertain

Country or indie, punk or blues… whatever your musical mood… we’ve got you covered with a high volume of noteworthy venues. Indie Rock The Waiting Room and Slowdown: Premier indie rock bands destined to make headlines and take top slots at music festivals play here. Count on fans to fill the houses.

Country Whiskey Tango: Swon Brothers, Eric Paslay, Jon Pardi and Casey James – just a few of the acts that made Whiskey Tango’s stage their own.

Party Rock The Hive: This bar/music venue hosts shows every weekend, and there’s plenty of groove to go around.

SLOWDOWN A LY S S A

SumtUr AMPHITHEATER A N D Y

B O O N S T R A

S C H U K A R

we entertain

Acoustic The Harney Street Tavern: Looking for a quieter night? Head down the stairs into this (mostly) unplugged acoustic venue.

Garage Rock/Punk O’Leaver’s Pub: One of the smallest rock venues in Omaha is also one of the liveliest, hosting scores of local and touring bands.

Blues The 21st Saloon: The venue’s Thursday blues series features 6 p.m. “matinees.” Touring blues legends often set up shop on the Saloon’s stage.

Other Popular Venues • Sokol Auditorium/Sokol Underground • Westfair Amphitheater • The Reverb • Sumtur Amphitheater

Our music venues run the gamut of genres, and our jam-packed calendar of festivals and summer concerts feed just about every musical craving. A sampling: • Annual Concert in John C. Fremont Park • Bayliss Park – Music in the Park • Bridge Beats • Bank of the West Celebrates America • Country on the River • Grassroots Music Festival • Hear Omaha Concert Series • Jazz on the Green • Loessfest • Maha Music Festival • No Coast Music Festival • Opera Outdoors • Playing With Fire • Saturdays @ Stinson Summer Concert Series • Slattery Vintage Estates Summer Concert Series • Vibes at Village Pointe

Maha Music Festival, STINSON PARK chris

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Omaha Performing Arts Presents

November 17-22, 2015 | Orpheum Theater

One Man Breaking Bad The Unauthorized Parody

The Sleeping Beauty featuring the Moscow Festival Ballet

Dance Theatre of Harlem

Jane Lynch: See Jane Sing

Dee Dee Bridgewater and Irvin Mayfield with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra

May 5, 2016 | 7:00 PM

October 22-23, 2015

January 23, 2016 | 8:00 PM

THEY DELIVERED THE PAPERS, UNTIL THEY MADE THE HEADLINES...

! R E N N I W

® AWARD Y N O T 2 201

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GRAPHY CHOREO

February 25, 2016 | 7:30 PM

February 28, 2016 | 7:00 PM

February 16 - 21, 2016 | Orpheum Theater

Take a chance. Take a seat.

Over 50 performances! Broadway, jazz, dance and more! Don’t let the show start without you this season! Experience Broadway hits like the iconic love story of Baby and Johnny in DIRTY DANCING or the high-energy dance extravaganza Disney’s NEWSIES. Don’t miss dazzling dance performances like The Sleeping Beauty featuring the Moscow Festival Ballet. Take the whole family to Wild Kratts – Live! Or catch a few laughs with friends at Jane Lynch: See Jane Sing and One Man Breaking Bad: The Unauthorized Parody. There’s something fun for everyone!

Wild Kratts – Live!

March 12, 2016 | 8:00 PM

TicketOmaha.com | 402.345.0606 All productions, performers, prices, dates and times are subject to change.

we entertain

“Menhir II” by Sheila Hicks, Kaneko “FIBER” EXHIBITion R Y A N

Art in Its Many Definitions. Creativity thrives here. And we are all the richer for it. 24

S od e rlin

AN INTRODUCTION TO A FEW OF OUR Dazzling VENUES Hot Shops Art Center: A mosaic of more than 50 artist studios, four galleries and several exhibition spaces in our bustling north downtown district. KANEKO: Conceived as a gift to the community, this “open space for your mind” encourages creative experiences in art, science and philosophy. Founded by international artist and ceramist Jun Kaneko and his wife Ree, the nonprofit KANEKO in the Old Market District hosts exhibitions, lectures and workshops for a variety of disciplines. 1510 Gallery: Dedicated to showcasing works by Nebraska and regional artists in gallery exhibitions and lectures curated by the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney. In 2016, the downtown Omaha gallery unveils its own masterwork: A 10,000-square-foot expansion. Other Creative Spaces • Artists’ Cooperative Gallery • Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts • Gallery 92 • Harvester Artspace Lofts • The Union for Contemporary Art

Whether it is day or night, inside or out, Joslyn has so much to offer. FREE GENERAL ADMISSION* SCULPTURE GARDENS THURSDAYS: Open ‘til 8 pm!

explore AT

NOW

JOSLYN ART MUSEUM in Omaha has served as a premier center for visual art since opening in 1931. Joslyn’s collection features work from antiquity to the present, with an emphasis on nineteenth- and twentieth-century European and American art. HOURS: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–4 pm, and open late ‘til 8 pm on Thursday. Closed Mondays and major holidays.

NOVEMBER 14, 2015–APRIL 17, 2016 BRAD KAHLHAMER

JANUARY 16–MAY 15, 2016 WILLIAM JOYCE: GUARDIAN OF CHILDHOOD

Brad Kahlhamer draws from a variety of sources, including Native American traditions, punk rock, graffiti, country western music, and comic books, as well as Expressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism. He strives to create what he calls the “Third Place,” a mythological world where life and imagination co-exist. A Riley CAP Gallery exhibition.

This Mind’s Eye Gallery exhibition features art by author, illustrator, and Academy Awardwinning animated short filmmaker William Joyce, including his recent The Guardians of Childhood book series.

November 15, 2015–April 17, 2016 GO WEST! ART OF THE AMERICAN FRONTIER FROM THE BUFFALO BILL CENTER OF THE WEST* Few aspects of American history have had a more lasting impact than the exploration and settlement of the western frontier. Go West! considers evolving notions of the American West through 85 paintings, sculptures, and Plains Indian artifacts created between the 1830s and the 1920s, from the West’s earliest visual history to the creation of its powerful romantic legacy.

JUNE 5–SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 SHEILA HICKS: THREADS OF TIME* Drawing on traditions of weaving, architecture, fashion, and her own personal narrative, Sheila Hicks’ fiber-based works reveal a remarkable understanding of color, line, and texture. The first major presentation of the artist’s work in her home state of Nebraska, this exhibition will feature large hanging installations, free-standing sculptures, and weavings from across Hicks’ prolific career. *Major exhibitions are by paid ticket ($10 general public adults; free for Joslyn members, youth ages 17 and younger, & college students with ID).

2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE | (402) 342-3300 | www.joslyn.org

we entertain

joslyn ARt museum r y an

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Priceless Collections Joslyn Art Museum: Sarah Joslyn’s gift to the people of Omaha is the crown jewel of our community’s cultural treasures. The museum stands as one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the nation. The permanent collection features more than 11,000 works by artists including Rembrandt, Edgar Degas, Alfred Jacob Miller, Karl Bodmer and Jackson Pollock. Art Works, a new interactive space for young and old, features hands-on activity stations with connections to art that you might encounter throughout the musuem.

THE DURHAM MUSEUM

The Durham Museum: Housed in the historic Union Station, this museum highlights our region’s history in permanent exhibitions and a broad range of traveling exhibitions as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, the National Archives and Chicago’s Field Museum. A model train display, vintage passenger train cars, yesteryear storefronts and homescapes plus an old-fashioned soda parlor keep kids wideeyed and engaged in this Art Deco landmark. Other Notable Archives • Boys Town Hall of History • El Museo Latino • General Crook House • Historic General Dodge House • Louis E. May Museum • Love’s Jazz and Arts Center • Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters • The Union Pacific Museum • Strategic Air & Space Museum 26

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sie v ers

ALL TICKETS

NOW ON SALE STARTING AT ONLY $19!

DECEMBER 12 - 20

Ordering for your company or large family? SAVE 20% on your Group Order! Contact our Sales Manager at 402.661.8578 for orders of 10 or more! For smaller orders call 402.345.0606

we entertain

Stunning Performances Omaha Community Playhouse: The venerable star of our thriving community theater scene celebrates 90 years of performance, applause and audience enrichment in 2015. Opera Omaha: Nebraska’s only professional opera company. The 2015-16 season includes Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West and Handel’s Semele. It also offers a free evening of opera under the stars at Turner Park with soloists and the Opera Omaha Chorus. Ballet Nebraska: Season 6 under the artistic direction of Erika Overturff is the company’s most ambitious to date with productions of Cleopatra, The Nutcracker and Momentum: Go West.

Other Sensory Experiences Omaha Film Festival: Voted one of the Top 25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee by Movie Maker magazine, the Omaha Film Festival wrapped up its 10th year in March by doing what it does best – revering the art of motion pictures and providing independent filmmakers with a respected platform to share their work. St. Cecilia Cathedral Flower Festival: The show, a 30-year tradition, provides a mid-winter diversion in an awe-inspiring setting. Fresh orchids, roses and other botanicals star in more than two dozen displays that draw as many as 10,000 people to the landmark cathedral with twin spires. Omaha Fashion Week: Established a decade ago as an incubator for local design talent, the show has grown each year in attendance and designer participation. The fall runway shows featured springsummer 2016 collections from 30 designers over five days under a tented runway in Omaha’s north downtown. Fall-winter 2017 collections will be featured in shows in March. Council Bluff’s International Master Gardens Conference: Nearly 1,000 master gardeners from around the globe hit Council Bluffs in September 2015 for four days of workshops, lectures and tours. The latter included Omaha’s Lauritzen Gardens Botanical Center and the Loess Hills, a unique windswept land formation on Iowa’s western border.

BLUE BARN THEATre M e gan

tru e - cotton

Visit Omahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home to HISTORY Fascinating Exhibits One-Of-A-Kind Events Cherished Traditions

402-444-5071 DURHAMMUSEUM.ORG

we entertain

Diversions Galore.

We work hard to keep the “diversion” schedule full throughout the year. You don’t have to search too strenuously to connect with community – whether it’s celebrating local artists, indulging in farm-to-table gourmet fare or making holiday memories together.

“Glamping” at Slattery Vintage ESTATES bill

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In your neighborhood

Online

Out & about find it here.

Books, music, movies & more re omahalibrary.org

we entertain

Fairs, Festivals (& Fried Foods) • ARTsarben • County Fairs (various locations) • Dundee Days • First Night • Fried Food Fest • Gateway to the West Days • Gretna Days • Holiday Lights Festival • John C. Fremont Days • Miracle at Midtown • Native Omaha Days • Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival • Omaha Farmers Market • Omaha Summer Arts Festival • Sand in the City • Taste of Omaha gretna days

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A CLOSE SHAVE

A LOVERโ S GAMBLE

ROSSINI

OCT 14 & 18 | 2015

PUCCINI

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A BURNING DESIRE

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MAIN FLOOR SEATS STARTING AT $19

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we entertain

Celebrating Our Diversity • Cinco de Mayo • Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow • Greek Festival • Heartland Pride Festival • Juneteenth • La Festa Italiana • Santa Lucia Italian Festival • Scandinavian Midsummer Festival

Stars Under the Stars • Cox Music & Movies, Holland Performing Arts Center • Monday Night at the Movies, Midtown Crossing • Movies in the Park, Bayliss Park • Movies on the River, Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park • Starlight Movie Series, Sumtur Amphitheater

Mauritius (drew)

Man of La Mancha Sept. 18–Oct. 18, 2015

Beertown (drew)

Oct. 16–Nov. 15, 2015

A Christmas Carol (hawks)

S O D E R L I N

Yesterday And Today

Aug. 14–Sept. 13, 2015

(hawks)

Cinco de Mayo R Y A N

Nov. 20–Dec. 23, 2015

(drew)

Nov. 27–Dec. 31, 2015

Love, Loss and What I Wore (hawks)

Jan. 22–Feb. 14, 2016

Calendar Girls April 15–May 8, 2016 (hawks)

Lost Boy Found in Whole Foods May 6–June 5, 2016 (drew)

Caroline, or Change

The Producers

Feb. 12–March 20, 2016 (drew)

May 27–June 26, 2016 (hawks)

City of Angels

Rave On

March 4–April 3, 2016 (hawks)

June 10–26, 2016 (drew)

6915 CASS STREET | (402) 553-0800 | OMAHAPLAYHOUSE.COM 34

Rides & Slides Omaha Patio Ride: Tour our downtown by pedal power on a “party bike” that can hold up to 16 passengers. Owl Ride: Omaha’s nighttime urban cycling adventure. Some 2,000 participants make this the largest annual night bike ride between Chicago and Denver. Slide the City: Making its “wet-n-wild” debut in 2015, Slide the City converted a four-block stretch of Papillion’s 84th Street into a 950foot long, 36-foot wide water slide.

slide the city, Papillion dani e l

Taco Ride: A Thursday night ritual, the wildly popular Taco Ride takes cyclists along the scenic Wabash Trace, a rails-to-trails project, from Council Bluffs to Mineola for tacos and beer.

johnson

Strong arts are good for business. A vibrant cultural scene is key to Omaha’s reputation among cosmopolitan, tech-savvy professionals. As the region’s only professional dance company, we’re proud to lend a hand.

balletnebraska.org 35

we entertain

fancy that.

Togs, AKSARBEN VILLAGE

E R I C

Some call it shopping. We call it bringing out your “you.” Our inventory of clothing stores is broad enough to suit all styles – whether you’re partial to one-of-a-kind boutiques, national retailers or outfitters that support active lifestyles. Boutiques

Small but Mighty

Our blossoming independent boutique scene got a boost from shoptiques.com, an e-commerce site that helps small businesses reach a global market. Midtown Crossing, home to The Ugly Sister Boutique, Me & Me and Atomic Bombshells, received a special mention in the neighborhoods section as a Midwest destination for trendy fashion shopping, fine dining and entertainment.

• beyourself • Garment District • Gramercy • Hello Holiday • SKYZ Boutique • Souq, Ltd. • Togs

One-Stop Wonders

If your tastes tilt more to national and luxury brands, our indoor and outdoor shopping centers have you impeccably covered: 36

F R A N C I S

• One Pacific Place (Eddie Bauer, Talbots, Jos. A. Bank) • Westroads Mall (Von Maur, H&M, DSW) • Regency Court (Borsheims, Ann Taylor, LOFT, Parsow’s) • Village Pointe (Lululemon, Soma, White House | Black Market, J. Crew) • Shadow Lake Towne Center (Charming Charlie, Gordmans, LOFT, Old Navy) • Nebraska Crossing Outlets (Michael Kors, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Kate Spade)

Outfitters We don’t just shop for sport here. We also shop to sport. Go on safari and find: • Bass Pro Shop • Cabela’s • Dick’s Sporting Goods • Scheels • Overland

THE RING?

KNEE WOBBLING. The Style? Mind-Boggling.

You have a thousand reasons to say yes. The ring youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always dreamed of makes a thousand and one. Borsheims is the place for engagement rings in the timeless styles that forever demands.

ONLINE BORSHEIMS.COM | BY PHONE (800) 642-GIFT | IN STORE REGENCY COURT

Prepare for an adventure thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eminently Instagrammable. we toast

mula, Blackstone District

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Best Spots to Drink and Dine. We don’t believe in the same old night out. From international fare to down-home cooking, hit up any of our neighborhoods or districts and you’ll find we are a foodies’ delight. Even Money Magazine has noticed. It named Omaha one of its best big cities to live in 2015, largely based on the city’s food scene.

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1. Benson

2. Aksarben Village

3. Dundee

1912: Brothers Joe and Bill Carmichael take it to another level with hand-crafted margaritas, boilermakers and craft beers – all paired with a view on the rooftop terrace.

Dudley’s Pizza: Truffle-salted Romano pub fries to start, chocolate chip cookies to finish, a wide variety of award-winning pizzas in between, including The Stockyard: “So much meat. So little space.”

Pitch Pizzaria: The destination for upscale, coal fire pizza, burgers and entrees with a focus on wine.

Krug Park: With its wood-and-brick décor, this gem draws on local history and thrives on serving uncommonly good Bloody Marys and more than 50 beers on tap (including rarer craft varieties). Pizza Shoppe Collective: Benson’s “neighborhood pizza place” also features a lively performance venue. Taita: Craving sushi? You’ll find some of the best right here.

Jones Bros. Cupcakes: Indulge in the frosted, spongy, hand-made goodness that dazzled the judges on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” in 2012. Voodoo Taco: Feeling adventurous? Try the “Alligator” taco made with smoked alligator sausage or the blazing hot “Green Ghost” starring ghost chili-braised shredded pork.

Mark’s Bistro: The kitchen may be small, but the menu and wine list are extensive. The bistro’s signature dish – mac-andcheese with rotating mix-ins – draws especially rave reviews. eCreamery: This “Shark Tank” participant offers flavor combinations that range from exotic (avocado habanero ice cream with cheddar cheese and bacon bits) to tame by comparison (maple blonde brownie ice cream).

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4. Blackstone District Mula: A neighborhood spot drawing raves for its modernized Mexican street food. Corkscrew: Boasts an ever-changing menu; choose from more than 700 bottles of wine.

5. Midtown The Grey Plume: “The greenest restaurant in America” captivates with a fresh, seasonally driven menu featuring house-made butter and soft cheeses, house-roasted coffee and one of the best gourmet burgers in the region. La Casa: A Neapolitan-style pizza and pasta tradition in Omaha since 1953.

still manages to pull off the experimental and modern. Plank Seafood Provisions: Oysters are the specialty, so dive in! A modern and quirky atmosphere and friendly staff will keep you coming back. M’s Pub: A veteran of our restaurant scene, channeling a European café vibe and beloved for its crab cakes.

8. 100 Block, Council Bluffs Barley’s: 18 beers on tap share the menu with a mix of traditional bar appetizers, pizzas and burgers.

Crescent Moon: “Omaha’s original alehouse” and Draft Magazine’s Top 100 Beer Bars in America four years in a row. The city’s best Reuben. Downstairs, German Bier hall Huber-Haus, home of Das Boot, a 64-ounce boot-shaped glass designed to be passed around a table and shared.

Dixie Quicks: Southern cooking amplified with Cajun, Tex-Mex and Southwest flair – or, as they like to say, just “darn good flavors.” After savoring comfort food or the Eggs Benedict, check out the adjoining art gallery.

Spielbound: Get your game and your drink on! This unique board game café delights with more than 1,100 games on shelves and a satisfying selection of beer (and mead) on tap.

Twisted Cork Bistro: Founded by Seattle transplants Darrell and Laura Auld, this bistro blends the best of the Pacific Northwest with local meats, cheeses, produce and breads.

J. CoCo: Upscale eats featuring “the finest ingredients prepared as simply as possible.”

Brother Sebastian’s: An old-school, oldworld steakhouse and one of our top-ranked restaurants.

Wilson & Washburn: Billed as a “serious comfort station” with scratch-made food and 24 craft and import beers on tap. Blue Sushi: A fresh, creative sushi spot that caters to purists and adventurists alike.

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10. ELSEWHERE Swine Dining, Bellevue: Cleverly named and award-winning, featuring mouthwatering BBQ ribs, brisket and pork. The Rustic Inn, Fort Calhoun: Down-home American eats (and karaoke). Don’t leave without trying the onion rings.

V. Mertz: Locally-owned fine dining; blending classic and contemporary flavors. The Berry & Rye: Inspired by preProhibition-era drinks, this craft cocktail room

Pink Poodle, Crescent: A 60-year mainstay known for its prime rib, chicken and steak.

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Sisters Café, Plattsmouth: It’s sibling harmony in this unique eatery run by sisters from Thailand – one specializing in her native cuisine, the other in German fare. This is one place where Tom Kha Gai and Wiener Schnitzel pair beautifully!

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6. Downtown The Trap Room: A casual bar with a retrocool but comfortable interior and a patio with wooden picnic tables to enjoy an amazing Bloody Mary.

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Uncork a bottle and expand your horizons. WELCOME TO OUR Wine Country. Call it the ultimate road “sip.” Fill the tank, chart your course and set out on the Western Iowa Wine Trail for free tastings, food pairings and chats with locals who love their craft. Make a weekend of it and hit all seven: • Bodega Victoriana Winery • Breezy Hills Vineyard • Danish Countryside Vines & Wines • Loess Hills Vineyard and Winery 44

• Prairie Crossing Vineyard & Winery • Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyards • Vine Street Cellars TWO MORE OF SPECIAL NOTE Soaring Wings Vineyard: In addition to more than 20 wine selections and a growing menu of craft beers, this Sarpy County vineyard offers a full-bodied calendar of events, including a Spring Wine, Beer, Blues and Hot Air Balloon Festival; year-round Acoustic Sundays and

a fall Harvest Festival. Bring a picnic meal, a blanket and a camera. Sunsets over the vineyards are magical. Slattery Vintage Estates Vineyard & Tasting Room: Pairing award-winning Nebraska wines against a tranquil Cass County backdrop, Slattery keeps guests coming back with tastings, live music, a light menu and glamour camping (“glamping”) with bungalow tents, antique furniture and electricity. A pond and gardens add to the rural charm.

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TAP IN: A Flood of Suds.

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For beer lovers, these are heady times; an era of great alternatives fueled by a swell of local brewers and their unique odes to barley, hops and the wonder of fermentation. If you’re thirsty for a perfect pour – homegrown and all our own – experience this sampling of standout breweries. 46

The aptly named Local Beer, Patio and Kitchen satisfies with a collection of more than 100 local brews curated by an in-house cicerone – a certified beer expert committed to giving each customer an ultimate beer-drinking experience. And that’s just a drop in a bucket when it comes to local breweries. Raise a glass to: • Benson Brewery • Brickway Brewery & Distillery

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• Farnam House Brewery • Granite City Food & Brewery • Infusion Brewing Company • Keg Creek Brewing Company • Lucky Bucket • Nebraska Brewing Company • Upstream Brewing Company

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The OLD mattress Factory KE N T

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When the sun goes down, the party heats up at an array of vibrant nightspots. Beercade: A fusion of classic arcade games, pinball and craft beer in Benson. Blatt Beer & Table: A hub for fans of craft beer and pub food; near downtown ballpark. House of Loom: Expression, craft cocktails and Salsa Sundays reign supreme here. Liv Lounge: Martini, anyone? Upscale meet-and-greet spot in Aksarben Village. The Max: A widely popular gay nightclub. The Old Mattress Factory: “The Matt” for short; a hit with the event crowd. Two Fine Irishmen: Regulars come here to “live like a saint and party like a Paddy!” Grane: Whiskey and whiskey-based craft cocktails that taste as good as they look.

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WE WELCOME SPORTS FANS From Around the WOrld AND IMPRESS THEM SEASON AFTER SEASON. we win

NCAA MEN’S college world series, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha 50

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The City of Champions. Some are born here. Others travel from afar, dazzle huge crowds and are crowned here. Ours is a place where dreamers become champions. And we’re not just talking about our perennial powerhouse, the NCAA Men’s College World Series played at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha. Big East Baseball Championship: In late May, a month before the College World Series, Creighton University brought top-notch action to TD Ameritrade Park, hosting the Big East Conference baseball tournament. Georgetown, Seton Hall, St. John’s and Creighton fans filled our city and watched the battle for a spot at the “Big Show.” St. John’s earned the title – and automatic entry into the NCAA tournament – after a one-point win over Creighton.

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International Federation for Equestrian Sports’ 2017 World Cup Finals: It was an international competition with host city honors as the top prize. We beat out Hong Kong and the Dutch city of 's-Hertogenbosch to land the FEI World Cup Finals in both show jumping and dressage. The four-day event, expected to draw 80,000 spectators, will be held in spring 2017 at CenturyLink Center Omaha. Terence “Bud” Crawford: Omaha’s own light welterweight (and former lightweight) boxing world champion was named 2015 Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America just months after ESPN.com bestowed a similar distinction. Called “the next big thing in boxing” by promoter Bob Arum, Crawford became a two weight world champion this year after moving up in weight class and knocking out Puerto Rico's Thomas Dulorme. U.S. Olympic Swim Trials: If they want to make a splash in Rio, they’ll have to impress in Omaha first. The nation’s best swimmers, including household names like Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte, return to CenturyLink Center Omaha in 2016 for our third consecutive U.S. Olympic swimming trials. Attendance eclipsed more than 100,000 fans in both 2008 and 2012. Volleyball World Grand Prix: It was bump, set and spike into the history books in July 2015 as CenturyLink Center Omaha hosted the final round of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball Women’s World Grand Prix – the first major FIVB event to be hosted by the United States outside the Olympics. 52 k e n t

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AAA all-star game, Werner Park b r e n d a n

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CWS, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha SARA H

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Sandlot in the city bats 1.000. It was all in the name of fun and nostalgia in advance of the College World Series. For a week in early June, a vacant city block between towering office buildings downtown was transformed into a sandlot of yesteryear, complete with weathered wooden fencing, dugouts and a chalk scoreboard. Here, organizers found proof that if you build it, they will come. Baseball-loving families from all corners of the metro area, neighborhood kids with big-league dreams and spirited corporate teams all took to the field for a few innings of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite pasttime - with plastic bats and wiffle balls. CWS of Omaha Inc. teamed up with the NCAA to present the project as a promotional event for the CWS. But the sandlot was meant to create memories and build comaraderie, which it did by all game reports! 54

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Our boys of summer – bringing on the thunder. The Omaha Storm Chasers, a Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, are a quiet storm no more. Proof positive: • 2014, 2013: Triple-A National Champions. • 2014, 2013, 2011: Pacific Coast League Champions. • 2014: MLB World Series feeder with 18 athletes (14 on the Royals’ roster; four with the San Francisco Giants) who at one time played Triple-A baseball in Omaha. 56

• Host of the 28th Annual Triple-A Baseball All-Star Game, a nationally-televised event sponsored by First National Bank that included two Storm Chasers on the roster. “Most major league operations aren’t overly worried about winning or losing at the minor league level,’’ says Martie Cordaro, president and general manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers. “The Royals take a different approach. They want to develop individual

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players, but they also want to develop team camaraderie through winning and being successful.” The Storm Chasers define success not just by runs on the board – but by engagement with the community through hours of service to area nonprofits. From volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and holding disaster relief fundraisers to visiting fans in the hospital, this is our roster: civically engaged champions who make us proud.

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Ever SEeN a stampedE on ice? Our college sports circle is bustling with action – from Creighton University, which joined the Big East Conference in 2013, to the University of Nebraska-Omaha and its history-making Maverick hockey team. The UNO squad, which had more freshmen on the roster than seniors and juniors combined, made its first appearance at the NCAA Frozen Four in April, a run few expected at the start of the season. While the Division I Mavs fell short of the championship, they still brought a whole new level of credibility to our hockey scene. In October 2015, the Mavs made history again as the first team to play in UNO’s $82 million Baxter Arena. The 7,500-seat facility will also serve UNO’s basketball and volleyball teams and the community at large and play an important role in helping to recruit top athletes. Iowa Western Community College has established itself as a local sports powerhouse. The Reivers won the NJCAA Division I Baseball Championship in 2014. They returned to the NJCAA World Series in 2015 but fell short of earning a back-to-back title. The Reivers football team generated plenty of excitement last season as well, playing in the NJCAA National Championship Game. A former Reivers standout continued his upward arc from small-school prep star to NFL prospect in 2015. Quarterback Jake Waters agreed to a free-agent contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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Rail is just one of the services we provide. Union Pacific also supports communities where we live and work, including Omaha, our hometown. We fuel the local economy with a payroll of more than 4,600 employees and charitable giving of more than $3.9 million.

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A Four-Season Race and Fun Run SAMPLER Spring • Color Dash: Start the run in white; end in a rainbow of color. • Glow ‘n’ Go: All runners receive a race bib and glow sticks for this nighttime jaunt. Summer • Color Run: The original “paint race.” • Glow Run: 3.1 miles of music, neon and black light at night. • Omaha Triathlon: Swim. Bike. Run. Celebrate. • Taco Run: a 5K followed by tacos and margaritas. Fall • Corporate Cup: A perennially packed 10K tour of downtown Omaha. • Omaha Marathon: Omaha’s 26.2 marks its 40th anniversary in 2015. Winter • Ugly Sweater Run: A 5K made for that horribly awesome sweater in your closet. • Cupid’s Undie Run: A “one mile(ish) run in your bedroom best” – and a global fundraising phenomenon for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Between races, stay in prime shape on our recreational trail system with miles and miles of pavement that offer great expanses of scenic beauty. Don’t have a bike? No problem. We have three Heartland B-Cycle stations throughout the metro area. Rent at one station, return at any other in this collaborative program with Live Well Omaha.

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we explore

We may not coast, but we have plenty of water – and we know how to make waves. Ever done yoga on a paddleboard? Did you even know that was a thing? Driftwood Paddleboard Adventures offers sunset and weekend paddleboard excursions (paddleboard yoga included) on area rivers and lakes. If tanking, tubing, canoeing or kayaking is more your speed, Rubber Duck Outfitters encourages you to revel in western Iowa’s Nishnabotna River. More Hotspots for Water Sports Fremont Lake State Recreation Area: Visited by almost 1 million people each year, this eastern Nebraska playground offers camping, picnicking, swimming, waterskiing, jet skiing and fishing. Lake Manawa State Park: Boaters, campers, picnickers and sun and sand worshippers are drawn here for 660-acre Lake Manawa. Louisville State Recreation Area: An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise on the south bank of the Platte River in Cass County.

A Change OF Altitude Recreation is supposed to lower blood pressure… or not. Mt. Crescent, the metro’s mecca for skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing, also offers the rush that is zip-lining. Spanning 1,600 feet, Mt. Crescent’s zip-line is one of the longest in the country. Skydiving companies and clubs, such as Lincoln Sport Parachute Club, exist to help you play Peter Pan, something Omaha’s Lori Bausch has done almost 900 times over the last seven years. “Everyone should have a great passion in their life. I’m very lucky I found mine. Skydiving makes me a kinder, better, happier person,” she says. Perhaps going up sounds more appealing than falling down. Hot air balloon rides are beauty and serenity couched in one cool experience, a more laid-back way to experience our landscape.

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(State) Park It! Our state parks and local recreation facilities brim with opportunities for outdoor fun – from hiking and camping to horseback riding. Botna Bend Park: In addition to canoeing and prairie trail hiking, you can cautiously take a “selfie” with bison and elk in the background at this Pottawattamie County gem. DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge: Bird watchers, boaters, anglers and morel mushroom hunters all find a haven here. Just three miles from Blair, the refuge boasts North America’s largest concentrations of migrating birds in the spring and fall. For history buffs, the Bertrand steamboat exhibition in the visitor center is a must-see. More of Our Great Outdoors • Fort Atkinson State Historical Park • Mahoney State Park • Schramm Park State Recreation Area • Two Rivers State Recreation Area • Waubonsie State Park • Wildlife Safari Park

Winter – NOT FOR THE WEAK We have a four-season climate and let’s be honest, we don’t all love winter. But we do have outdoor recreation for you to enjoy. Ice Skating Rinks: ConAgra opens a temporary ice skating rink on its downtown campus during the winter holidays. The University of Nebraska Medical Center also has a rink to encourage wintertime activity. Clemmons Sled Hill: Renovations to the sled hill – and the ability to create man-made snow – have made Clemmons Park in Fremont a premier place for sledding. Find more great sledding at Mahoney State Park in Cass County.

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I R R I G AT I O N . T E C H N O L O G Y. T R A N S P O R TAT I O N .

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Lauritzen Gardens CONSERVATORY

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All of our great attractions are an easy drive from home – a ‘daycation’ Just waiting to unfold. Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium When you’re the proverbial “king of the jungle,” there’s no resting on your laurels. Ranked “Top Zoo” in 2014 and 2015 by Family Fun Magazine, our state’s top paid attraction is realizing its largest project to date – more than 28-acres of African Grasslands. The African Lodge, the exhibition’s first completed building, opened in May. It overlooks a soon-to-be-completed four-acre elephant exhibition and wading pool.

Fontenelle Forest Unplug and immerse in the quiet beauty of nature. Stroll the boardwalk or navigate the trails or waterways that weave through one of the largest natural deciduous forests in Nebraska. The dignity of the woods is backed by distinction. Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue is listed as a National Natural Landmark and a National Historic District by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Opening in fall 2015: A $2 million Raptor Woodland Refuge with treehouse cabins 30 feet above the forest floor for viewing 17 raptor species.

Lauritzen Gardens Since humble beginnings two decades ago, this urban oasis has blossomed into a medley of outdoor garden areas – from the Victorian Garden to the Garden in the Glen. A magnificent new conservatory plus numerous festivals and special events, including the

Most Affordable Cities in Which to Grow a Family – Cheapism.com, 2014

Nature Connects 2 LEGO exhibitition and the “Gardens Gone Wild” bronze animal sculptures this year, add to the allure of the gardens. A fine antiques show each autumn draws dealers, guest speakers and visitors alike from around the world.

Hitchcock Nature Center Located in the heart of the scenic Loess Hills, the Hitchcock Nature Center spans almost 1,270 acres and is a refuge for plants and animals (including white-tailed deer, coyotes and red-tail hawks) – not to mention hikers, campers, bird watchers and star gazers.

STILL MORE TO EXPLORE! Enjoy hours of interactive learning – and laughing – at the Omaha Children’s Museum. Treat yourself to a live production at the majestic Rose Theater, home to the Omaha Theater, one of the largest resident, touring, professional theaters in the country. See giant fish native to Nebraska in the aquarium at Schramm Park Recreation Area in Sarpy County or take in one powerful collection of military aircraft and artifacts at the sprawling Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum at Interstate 80 Exit 426. Tack on a self-guided tour of nearby Wildlife Safari Park, where wolves, eagles, prairie dogs, whitetailed deer, bison and elk freely roam. Ride horses, swim and take in an old-fashioned melodrama at Mahoney State Park next door.

America’s Best Cities for Raising a Family – Forbes, 2014 69

More than a cozy place to live â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a great place to BE ALIVE. we live

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SCHU K AR

north omaha â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love how my neighborhood is an unexpected oasis filled with an amazing and diverse group of neighbors and friends.â&#x20AC;? - Kenley Sturdivant-Wilson

J o r d a n

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study hard, engage your brain, dream big and go for it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no coasting allowed. we inspire

Omaha PuBLIC SCHOOLS

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we inspire

internships LET students soar.

Our students benefit from a business community that’s eager to partner with schools to help ensure that tomorrow’s workforce is prepared to soar. A college internship program with Jet Linx is a case in point. For several years, the Omaha-based private jet transportation company has been providing practical work experience to students from the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Aviation Institute. The education partnership was nurtured by Aviation Institute graduates Jason Vanis and Jay Vidlak, who work for Jet Linx, and Scott Vlasek, who is now director of the Institute. “We wanted to find a way to give students more visibility and information about the business of aviation, not just the skills of flying,” says Vidlak, vice president of new base development for Jet Linx. Today, Jet Linx takes on at least one intern every semester. Each chooses a personal area of concentration – from flight coordination to fleet utilization – and then prepares to be immersed in that aspect of the business. “These students are the future of our industry and possibly the future of Jet Linx. To be able to coach, mentor and train them is very fulfilling,” Vidlak says. “We’ve had many interns become full-time employees.” UNO’s Vlasek adds, “The workforce development piece is very important for the company, the community and our University.”

IndustriAL Program A public-private partnership in Fremont is helping to spark a new generation of skilled workers. Fremont Public Schools, Metropolitan Community College and Valmont Industries aligned to create a state-of-the-art welding lab at Fremont High School. The lab integrates the college’s welding curriculum, allowing students to earn both high school and college credit while gaining in-demand industry skills.

fremont High School welding lab 82

J O R d a n

G r e e n

p r o d u c t i o n s

we inspire

Westside Community Schools

When it comes to education, this we know: Quality and choice are paramount. Our award-winning system of public and private schools spans nine counties and encompasses more than 300 facilities, including a diverse collection of magnet schools that focus on targeted subjects such as engineering, math, music and media technology, and schools such as Madonna School and Iowa School for the Deaf that embrace children with specials needs.

Giving our kids the best path to success.

K e n t

S i e v e r s

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students are tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovators who will propel our community forward. Through innovative curricula and community partnerships, our schools thrive on equipping our youth with the skills they need to fill a soaring demand for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) professionals and educators. Organizations including Gallup, AIM and the University of Nebraska at Omaha all offer technology-focused internships for our high school students.

Omaha Public Schools

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, citizenship status, or economic status in its programs, activities and employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to address inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Superintendent of Schools, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (402-557-2001).

Ad provided by the Omaha Schools Foundation

we inspire

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Educating Women for the 21st Century No other college preparatory school our size has the blend of academics, diversity, athletics, activities and spiritual tradition in a welcoming environment where students excel every day. To find out more call 402.553.9424. 1501 S. 48 Street Omaha, NE 68106 mercyhigh.org

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Early childhood education – engagement at a young age – is a crucial link to a strong 21st-century workforce. Six Omaha-area school districts will serve as test beds next year for an early education concept hailed by superintendents as innovative and the best hope for lifting kids out of poverty. The program will combine home visits for children from birth to age 3, high-quality preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds and a consistent curriculum and support for children in kindergarten through third grade. Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Mark Evans says the program “will change lives.” Jim Sutfin, superintendent of the Millard Public Schools, calls it a game-changer. “We can become a beacon for early childhood education and the power of that can flow through our entire state,” he says. The program is a collaborative effort between Omaha’s six school district superintendents, the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties and the Buffett Early Childhood Institute.

YOU’RE IN SKYHAWK TERRITORY. BE PREPARED TO

SOAR.

Skutt Catholic’s class of 2015 earned nearly 4 million dollars in college scholarships. This past year the Skyhawks won the US Cellular Cup, which is awarded to schools with the most successful athletic and activities programs. And even with full schedules, our students completed over 13,000 hours of community service. If you land at Skutt Catholic, BE PREPARED TO SOAR. For questions regarding enrollment and financial aid contact Tim Bloomingdale, Director of Admissions, at 402-934-9085.

3131 South 156th Street | Omaha, NE 68130 | 402.333.0818 | www.skuttcatholic.com

SERVING THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF ALL LEARNERS www.westside66.org

we inspire

“The 15 Best U.S. Cities for Millennial College Students” OnlineColleges.com, March 2015

32.5

Percent of residents ages 24 and older who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 28.8 percent nationally.

D i a l og u e

Dreams and degrees connect here. We’re a hub for higher education, with several nationally ranked public and private colleges and universities and two internationally recognized medical schools: the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University Medical Center. Take a closer look. Our institutions are in a class of their own when it comes to turning out graduates who are prepared to make their mark in today’s competitive, dynamic world.

F a r m

• Bellevue University • Clarkson College • College of St. Mary • The Creative Center • Creighton University • Creighton University Medical Center • Grace University • Iowa Western Community College • ITT Technical Institute • Kaplan University – Omaha/Bluffs Campus • Metropolitan Community College • Midland University • Nebraska Christian College • Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health • Nebraska Wesleyan – Omaha Campus • University of Nebraska at Omaha • University of Nebraska Medical Center • Vatterott College

we don’t coast we’re growing to meet our community’s needs

Three new buildings will soon dot the landscape at Metropolitan Community College’s historic Fort Omaha Campus. The $90 million expansion project will advance shared efforts to prepare a skilled workforce and highlight a new era of investing in students and communities via the new facilities, designed to accommodate changing needs and innovative approaches to learning.

Join our progress at:

mccpromise.org/construction

Master of Science in Organizational Management or Masters of Science in Education Personalized, flexible, innovative and relevant – we will help you take on the world.

Number of hours you will spend on campus. Our program is 100% online.

$11,070

Ranked second on GetEducated.com’s Best Buy List for our Online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and eighth for our online Masters in Organizational Management. Total cost for the 36-credit-hour program, compared to $19,000 for a 30-credithour program at a private institution.* *Tuition is subject to change.

LEARN MORE 800-742-4412 | WWW.PERU.EDU/GRADUATE Nebraska’s First College • Established in 1867 • Peru, Nebraska • 1-800-742-4412 Member Institution of the Nebraska State College System Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1915 • Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) • A member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

KNOWTHEO

More than

80%

of recent graduates reported having one or more internships, practica, or job experiences while attending UNO EXPERIENCED.

unomaha.edu 0065ADUC1015

Providing shade to Omaha’s most memorable buildings since 1934

From CURB APPEAL to creating your PRIVATE OASIS 6009 Center Street / 402.553.3055 www.atlasawning.com

Powering all sizes of business. At Miller Electricâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Custom Commercial division, your business is our business. Whatever your needs, whatever the job, our expert electricians and project managers are here for you. Empowerment for all. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Miller Electric.

402.341.6479

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UNMC’s commitment: Best cancer care in the world. Add another name to the list of the nation’s great cancer centers. The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, a 615,000-square-foot jewel on UNMC’s midtown Omaha campus, is scheduled for completion in spring 2017.

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“This new building will bring researchers and clinicians closer together than they have ever been and will lead to new discoveries in our approach to precision medicine in cancer care,” says Dr. Ken Cowan, the center’s director. “We will have the best cancer center facility in the world, here in Omaha, in 2017.” But the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, a joint venture of UNMC and its primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine, is much more than just its state-of-the-art facility. It’s about what is inside. Many of the nation’s best cancer clinicians and researchers are coming to Omaha to join the Med Center’s already world-renowned cancer team. They will work together in transformative teams, forming a synergistic precision between scientific advances and patient care. Researchers and clinicians will get ideas from

each other – and from the patients they serve. They will aggressively work to cure diseases of the body while recognizing that the human mind and spirit play vital roles in the healing process. To nurture the latter, music, fine art, meditation and yoga will be incorporated into treatment plans. It is estimated that the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center will provide 1,200 jobs at the medical center and 4,657 new jobs to the metro area. It will infuse $537 million annually into the economy. The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is the result of an unprecedented public-private partnership. A community, a city and an entire state have made the commitment to be a world leader in the fight against cancer. And people from all over the world will come to Omaha.

Saving the world starts in Nebraska. The world may know UNMC for our expertise in dealing with the Ebola virus. But from Falls City to Scottsbluff, the people of Nebraska know us as the champion of a healthy state. From addressing the state’s nursing shortage to training nearly half of Nebraska’s health professionals to – along with our clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine – pumping billions of dollars into the state’s economy each year, UNMC never stops working to make our great state even stronger. UNMC. Breakthroughs for life.®

unmc.edu

we care

Kid president – His STOP Before the White House. Our nationally recognized Children’s Hospital & Medical Center prides itself on being “the best place for kids” – and kid presidents. YouTube sensation Robby Novak (a.k.a. Kid President) lives in Tennessee but makes annual trips to Children’s to see Dr. Paul Esposito, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in osteogenesis imperfect. Both Robby, 11, and his sister, Lexi, 12, have the brittle bone disease. Robby alone has dealt with more than 70 breaks in his young life. Various studies are being conducted at Children’s in pursuit of an improved quality of life for OI patients. The hope – and expectation – is for these children to lead active, normal lives. Robby has the active part down. He plays baseball and basketball. “Robby does everything, and to the extreme,” says his mother, Laurie Novak. “He’s Evel Knievel in Humpty Dumpty’s body.” Robby’s most popular YouTube video, the inspiring “A Pep Talk From Kid President to You,” has been viewed more than 36 million times. r y a n

$1 goes a long way at the movies. 104

Aksarben Cinema, one of the area’s few locally owned movie theaters, thrives on entertaining the masses – but its impact continues long after the lights go up. That’s because community involvement is a cornerstone of company culture. In partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, Aksarben Cinema has hosted free screenings of the movie “Bully” for students, parents and educators, held special showings of “Selma” on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and celebrated the contributions of the World War II Tuskegee

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Airmen in conjunction with the movie “Red Tails.” The theater also funds local nonprofits by appealing to the generosity of its half-a-million guests each year. “When you purchase a movie ticket you’re asked to donate a dollar to the theater’s Nonprofit of the Month, which might be the Anti-Defamation League, the Humane Society, Angels Among Us or the Open Door Mission,” says marketing director Andrea Barstow. That simple request adds up to $20,000 to $30,000 of support for nonprofits each year.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay for health care to evolve, as long as it revolves around you. Health care is changing, and CHI Health promises to change it for the better. In fact, we started embracing new ways to keep you well more than 10 years ago. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s called value-based care, the belief that prescribing a healthier lifestyle is better than prescribing a lot of pills. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re building a network where doctors, clinics and hospitals work closely to organize your care for the best possible outcome. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for our patients: to mend whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s broken and restore your faith in health care.

PLAINVIEW

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et home faster. To learn more about our post-acute rehabilitation services, call (402) 895-2266.

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we care

“We save lives today and have been saving lives for 95 years. We intend to continue saving lives for at least another 95 years. Not many nonprofits worldwide can say that.”

A home for all. This story has a happy ending. The beginning — not so much. “It’s been an uphill battle since the day I was born,” says Jeff Landholt, 25. His birth parents were addicted and abusive. At age 3, he, along with his three sisters, landed in the state foster care system. They were split up. For the next seven years, young Jeff lived in 15 different foster homes throughout the state. At age 10, a single mother in Omaha adopted him. “She adopted a kid who had a lot of problems, and we clashed a bit,” Landholt

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recalls. “When I turned 16, we decided together it would be best for me to go to the Omaha Home for Boys.” This year, the local institution marks 95 years of educating, embracing and impacting at-risk youth. Landholt attended Omaha Public Schools and thrived in the “100 percent structure,” which he says the Omaha Home for Boys provides. “My grades started to improve. I was really involved in sports and acting.” He took advantage of Omaha Home for Boys’ three core programs – residential care,

Jeff landholt

– Michael Watkins, spokesman, Omaha Home for Boys

J O RDAN

G REEN

P R O DU C T I O NS

transitional living and independent living – staying under wing for a total of eight years. (The average stay is less than one year.) Today, Landholt is happily married, works as a safety and maintenance director for Humboldt Specialty Manufacturing and serves in the Army National Guard. He gives back to the Omaha Home for Boys by serving on various boards. A happy ending – and with it, a happy new beginning. Jeff and his wife, Abbie, welcomed their first child, Ryken, last May.

Health Care that makes sense!

It’s accessible — the kind of Health Care that allows you to be empowered to take control of your own health. It’s where health care is going.

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2915 Grant Street

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We CARE! Visit us at one of our convenient locations today! South Omaha - 4920 S. 30th St. - (402) 734-4110 Northwest Omaha - 4229 N. 90th St. (402) 401-6000 West Omaha - 4101 S. 120th St. - (402) 505-3907 Cass Family Medicine - 122 S. 6th St. Plattsmouth - (402) 296-2345 Teen & Young Adult Clinic - 4310 S. 24th St. - (402) 502-8880 Opening in Bellevue January 2016 - 2207 Georgia Ave.

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The Nebraska Humane Society is a world class shelter helter located on a 13-acre campus at 90th and Fort streets. reets.

We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome more than 10,000 animals every year. r. We also work to keep pets in homes by offering training classes, free behavior help, elp, Bone Jour Dog Daycare and Grooming, a low-cost spay and neuter center, kids camps options and pet-friendly events. NHS provides education, gives sanctuary, encourages adoptions and promotes responsible pet ownership—we’re your one-stop pet resource!

NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY 8929 Fort Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68134

402-444-7800 | www.nehumanesociety.org facebook.com/nebraskahumanesociety twitter.com/nehumanesociety | twitter.com/nhscats

The Omaha Home for Boys Saved My Life! I came up through the foster care system resentful and defiant. That all changed when I came to the Omaha Home for Boys. Now, I’m successful and married with a beautiful new baby boy.

You can help save more lives like Jeff’s.

Celebrating

Contact 402-457-7195 or visit www.omahahomeforboys.org to find out how. Jeff, Abbie and Ryken

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A POWERFUL ADVANTAGE OPPDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic development team works to create jobs and energize our local economy. Businesses in OPPDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service territory have a powerful advantage: â&#x20AC;˘ Competitive Rates â&#x20AC;˘ High Customer Satisfaction â&#x20AC;˘ Green Power â&#x20AC;˘ Excellent Reliability oppd.com/EconDev

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Make a mark instead of just making due. we launch

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PaySafe Founder Matt Medlock

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we launch

We embrace entrepreneurs, cultivate innovation and let imagination run FREE. Keeping up with the success of Hudl is like trying to catch a star running back during a game-winning breakaway. (The recording of which recruiters and coaches would be able to see across the globe – thanks to Hudl, the world’s most utilized video recording, editing, distribution and analysis tool.) Launched in 2006 by three University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates, Hudl has charted explosive growth over the last nine years. An unprecedented injection of capital will only serve as an accelerant. Earlier this year, Hudl closed a round of funding for $72.5 million that’s believed to be the biggest “raise” ever by a Nebraska tech company. The financing effort was led by Accel and Nelnet, with participation from Jeff Raikes, former

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president of Microsoft Business and now CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “The funding allows us to continue investing aggressively in our product, pursue acquisitions to offer new tools and enhancements to our users and further bolster our team,” says CEO David Graff. The investment is “a validation of what we’ve known for a long time. There’s a lot of capital for companies in Nebraska. It’s a great place to start a business,” he adds. Hudl is proof of that – the fastest-growing private company in Nebraska for two years in a row. With physical offices in Lincoln, Omaha, Boston and London, Hudl currently touts 1 billion video clips cataloged and more than 3.5 million users in 40 countries.

John Wirtz, Brian Keiser, David Graff

COu r t e s y

o f

H udl

From basement beginnings to upscale digs in 365 days flat. Nick Huff and Brandon Beed launched Hutch, a vintage furniture and home accessories shop, in an Old Market basement in May 2013. They moved their curated collection to Midtown Crossing just two months later and then quadrupled their square footage in a prime location in the same development in just over a year. A roomier store – named for the first piece of secondhand furniture the twosome acquired for resale – means plenty of space for Hutch’s signature midcentury-style offerings and the introduction of brand partnerships with 20 local makers specializing in furniture, ceramics, candles, soaps and original art. “It’s really all about making our store reflect how customers want their homes to look and how they want to feel in them,” Huff says. He and Beed attribute the store’s rapid growth to their ability to share ideas and take risks. “Brandon and I have ideas that are always 10 steps ahead of where we are. It’s been fun seeing where our ideas lead us and how we figure out how to make it all happen,” Huff says.

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A POWERFUL FORCE IN ENERGY In 1987, we started out to build a power plant. Today, Tenaska is one of the largest and most successful independent energy companies in the United States. Forbes magazine ranks Tenaska among the largest privately held U.S. companies, with 700 employees and gross operating revenues of $12.2 billion. Headquartered in Omaha, with regional offices in Dallas, Denver, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Boston, and Calgary and Vancouver, Canada, Tenaska is highly respected for its expertise, pursuit of opportunities and uncompromising values.

Power Generation Energy Marketing Energy Development Capital Management

Tenaska.com

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we launch

ReDUCING OUR landfills ONE PROJECT AT A TIME. Reclaimed Enterprises is dedicated to reducing the waste pile. By promoting and facilitating deconstruction (construction in reverse), reuse and upcycling of building materials, the company has re-directed more than 500 tons of waste destined for local landfills since October 2014. During his first six months of operation, Jason Gilbreath focused primarily on deconstruction and determined that salvaged material could be profitably sold or upcycled into furniture, architectural elements and other reclaimed products. His company has successfully supplied tens of thousands of dollars of materials and fixtures for use in restoration and design projects. Now, as the firm nears its one-year

anniversary, the focus is squarely on connecting the right salvage to the right buyers “to create the most value in the marketplace and to defer the most waste from the landfill.” To accomplish this, Reclaimed Enterprises has partnered with organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and Johnson Deconstruction, to “up” the amount of deconstruction work being done in the metro area. “When we have existing resources in the marketplace that are already well-positioned to push deconstruction forward, we need to leverage them. The first 22 deconstruction projects we worked on were sourced from Habitat for Humanity,” says a very busy Gilbreath. b i ll

Mover

an d s h

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aker

“Successful economic development requires partners we can count on every step of the way.” — Pat told us As your trusted energy partner, you can count on us to help your company grow. When you’re ready to expand, we can help you get down to business with a reliable, safe supply of energy. Learn more at www.bhgrows.com.

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FOREIGN FUSION. Suji Park is a unique business woman. Fluent in English, Japanese and her native Korean, she heads four international businesses, having spent the past 10 years delivering satisfying cross-cultural taste experiences to consumers in Korea, Japan and the United States. Most recently, Suji’s entrepreneurial passion led her to launch a line of gluten-free, allnatural Korean foods and flavors within the mainstream U.S. market. The popularity of her household products, produced by her American business Food Dreams Made Real/ Suji’s Cuisine USA, prompted a move from California to Nebraska — “the Silicon Valley of meat preparation and packaging.” b i ll

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Over 100 million people in the U.S.

belong to a Credit Union

So should you!

SAC Federal Credit Union is Nebraska’s largest locally owned credit union.

• Loans

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we capitalize

you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a wall street address to be the smartest kid on the block. 116

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WARREN BUFFETT

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Buffett’S Sage Advice Works LIke A Magnet.

Our roots in financial services run deep.

The Woodstock of Capitalism – the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting – brought a record number of attendees to Omaha in May for the 50th anniversary of Warren Buffett’s 1965 purchase of what is now the fifth largest public company in the world. Tens of thousands of shareholders packed CenturyLink Center Omaha for the main event – a chance to ask questions and reap sage investment advice from their quick-witted chairman and CEO and his deadpanning sidekick, vice chairman Charlie Munger. Unofficially, this year’s crowd exceeded 2014’s, when Berkshire said a record 39,000 attended. Collectively, shareholders spoke languages of at least 53 countries from Sweden to South Korea. That’s a far cry from that first annual meeting in 1965 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, with about a dozen shareholders. In 1973, Warren Buffett brought the meeting to Omaha, where he addressed about 25 shareholders. As attendance has bounded, so has Berkshire’s portfolio. Today it includes planes, trains, automobiles, stagecoaches and steers, which Buffett has said “should seal our reputation as America’s all-purpose transportation company.” Nebraska Furniture Mart, Borsheims and the Omaha World-Herald are among local holdings. B r e t t

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B Roon e r

First National Bank, the nation’s largest privately held banking company, was launched here in 1857. Insurance stalwart Woodmen Life (formerly Woodmen of the World) got its start in Omaha in 1890. Two decades later, Fortune 500 notable Mutual of Omaha arrived on the scene. In addition to growing our own, we continue to attract leading names in the financial services industry. Consider Berkshire Hathaway, PayPal and First Data along with local startups TD Ameritrade and WebEquity Solutions, a Glenwood, Iowa-based division of Moody’s. Together, they make up one of the highest density financial service clusters in the country. We have a little bit of everything when it comes to money matters, too. We boast more than 30 insurance company headquarters, major back office operations, payment processing centers and international trading and independent broker dealers. These businesses enjoy access to a friendly business climate, a whip-smart workforce and steady economic growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics counts 42,000 financial services employees in our region, making up 8.9 percent of our total workforce. For all of the stability, there is plenty of positive evolution in the cluster as well: • Pacific Life Insurance Company moves into a new $33 million, five-story office building in Aksarben Village in the fall of 2015. • National Indemnity Company relocates operations from its original home office in midtown Omaha to the 16-story Omaha World-Herald Building downtown. • Harry A. Koch Co. celebrates a century of business in Omaha. • Amerisafe relocates two subsidiaries (both property and casualty insurers) to Omaha from Louisiana, where Amerisafe remains headquartered.

proud to be a part of a community committed to impacting young lives. We also believe in the future of our youthâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a lot. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why many of our associates are investing their time with young peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;educating, mentoring and inspiring. It benefits the youth, our people and the communities we serve. Learn more at ameritas.com/givingback. To see a video of this belief in action, download Layar from the App Store or Android Market and activate it over this ad. AD429 8-15

insurance | employee benefits | financial services

OMAHA. THERE’S NO BETTER PLACE TO THRIVE.

Gavilon is proud to call Omaha home. It’s not just in the middle of America’s heartland. It’s at the heart of the commodities markets around the world—from grain to feed ingredients to fertilizer. Our business goes around the globe, but it all starts here. www.gavilon.com

A Q&A WITH GAVILON CEO, JIM ANDERSON Gavilon helps businesses around the world meet demand for their products by providing a reliable, cost-effective source of corn, soybeans, wheat, grain by-products and fertilizer. Headquartered in Omaha, Gavilon has 2,000 employees located all over the world with a strong contingent of 400 in Omaha. Gavilon buys and sells agricultural commodities every day, helping to manage risk and minimize market disruption for our customers and suppliers.

How has being based in Omaha affected Gavilon? Jim: Gavilon has a strong commitment to the community. The people we have hired locally are highly educated professionals who demonstrate a strong work ethic and genuinely love being in the Midwest. Downtown Omaha offers numerous amenities that make our location idealâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;we are close to the airport, accommodations, food and entertainment. We are proud to be headquartered in Omaha and the city has played an important role in our growth and development as a company.

Where do you see Gavilon in the future? Jim: The Gavilon organization is aligned on the idea that our success will be greatest when our customers trust that we are working in their best interest. This means we must professionally manage the entire supply chain from our farmer customers to our domestic and international feed, fuel and food customers. Gavilon will never stop investing in our people and assets to ensure our network will deliver the best and most efficient solution to our customer base. This will require people, storage and handling asset investments in key agricultural supply areas like South America and growing demand regions like the Middle East. Further, we are confident enough to use our supply chain professionals to handle new grain and oilseed traits which have generally been rejected by other commodity industry participants because the process requires a high level of expertise.

Do you plan on expanding or changing Gavilonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing services or offerings? Jim: We are focused on products and services that help our farmers manage their risk and maximize their profitability. We are doing that by introducing new products that will increase their (production) yields and offer programs that leverage our expertise to market their grain. It is critical that our farmers are competitive on a global scale and they competitively meet new demand with supply that is not only reliable, but produced efficiently.

Gavilonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world headquarters is located at 1331 Capitol Ave.

we capitalize

Here, innovation runs wild, dreams become realities and collaboration creates the next big thing. Apple Pay is revolutionizing the way we make purchases, and some of its key technical elements evolved right here. “We did significant new work to make this happen,” says Bruce Dragt, a global leader for First Data eCommerce. “We had people in Omaha coding around the clock, working in a shorter duration than we’re generally used to.” Apple Pay lets you make purchases quickly and securely with a smartphone and the tap of a finger. The contribution of Atlantabased First Data, which employs about 5,000 people in our area, included efforts tied to “tokenization,” a process that shields a consumer’s credit or debit card data during transactions.

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“Our overriding purpose is to help clients grow their businesses, and a key driver of that is through technology allowing card issuers and merchants, large and small, to bring new

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payment options to their customers, including revolutionary trends in mobile payments,” says Frank Bisignano, First Data’s chairman and CEO.

“We're very proud that we're from Omaha and Nebraska. It gives us credibility.” – Matt Medlock, founder and president, PaySAFE Escrow Inc.

Growth and well-earned success embody our unrelenting optimism. 122

What happens when a former banker sees a 21st century need – and ignites his entrepreneurial side? We get a company called PaySAFE Escrow Inc., an “online closing table” where buyers and sellers in the Internet marketplace can create, negotiate, document and close transactions with financial protection. “People are buying very expensive, high-value goods over the Internet, everything from cattle and artwork to classic cars and farm equipment,” Medlock says. PaySAFE helps facilitate these big money sales. It also offers an escrow service, collecting the buyer’s

money and holding it as a neutral third party until a transaction is closed. Medlock launched PaySAFE in 2012 after a 20-year banking career. He likens the entrepreneurial experience to tipping back in your chair – “the excitement of balancing, offset by the fear of falling over.” He has no regrets. “The best part is you have the opportunity to execute a vision exactly as you see it.” That vision is resonating with investors, including economic development corporation Ho-Chunk Inc., and a growing customer base.