Grand Giveaway Keeps Growing The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce was off to the races Kentucky Derby style on Tuesday, March 12th for their annual Grand Giveaway. The chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year once again moved to a different venue in anticipation of a growth in attendance. A record number of Grand Giveaway guests filled the Scott Conference Center for a night of live music, live and silent auctions, dinner, and drinks. Continued inside on page 2
FROM THE PRESIDENT When we put this issue together,
a return. As you read you through,
a common thread emerged:
you’ll see how investment in
investment. It’s an important
employees and community pays the
concept to us at the chamber.
best interest.
When our community invests in us through fundraising support, we work hard to reflect that value. When members invest time into our resources, we help them see
It feels appropriate to begin our 2019 run of the Blueprint with an emphasis on recognizing value and committing to a bright future.
WHAT’S INSIDE
Karen Gibler NETWORKING NUMBERS.....................1 UPCOMING EVENTS...........................4
MEET THE STAFF
2019 SCCC PARTNERS
Get to know the Sarpy
We are excited to see all we’ll
Chamber staff and how they
accomplish together with our
work to help members.
partners for 2019!
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GETTING STARTED IN SARPY...............6 INVEST IN LEADERSHIP......................10
402.339.3050 WWW.SARPYCHAMBER.ORG 1243 GOLDEN GATE DRIVE
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Maximize Your Networking ROI
Building connections between businesses or individuals is integral to the Sarpy Chamber’s work as well as a defining trait that sets us apart. Our unique culture of connections ensures that every event and group can add to your network, even when networking isn’t the primary goal.
1. Determine your networking budget. There are hard and soft costs related to networking. Hard costs include the event registration or subscription fee. Your time makes up the soft costs. (Most entrepreneurs fail to include soft costs in networking budgets.) What can you afford – financially and physically – to invest?
Before you make a significant investment in networking, here are three things you should consider to maximize a networking ROI:
2. Establish your networking objectives. What do you want to achieve with your networking investment? What does your investment need to produce? Do you want to generate leads? Build your brand? Increase your visibility? Having a clearly defined outcome makes your networking efforts purposeful.
SCCC Networking Numbers
0 3 41 130
SCCC offers a number of freeto-attend networking events like Coffee & Contacts and Business After Hours.
COST
SPECIALISTS
The Membership Specialist team with the Sarpy Chamber helps members connect to the networking resources specific to their needs and goals.
PERCENT OF PROFESSIONALS
TIPS GROUP MEMBERS
3. Decide your networking timeline. Developing productive relationships, establishing trust, and building credibility among your peers takes time. You want to know, on the front end, how long you’ll need to commit to a networking activity or group to achieve your intended outcomes.
41% of professionals would like to do more networking but don’t feel they have enough time. The large variety of SCCC networking events and groups ensures you have plenty of options for investing your time into networking. *Data taken from Populus survey of 750 business professionals.
SCCC currently has 130 TIPS members across eight different groups. TIPS members are dedicated to supporting each other through the exchange of tips, leads and information. Groups have unique dynamics and identities and numbers that allow for significant but meaningful network growth.
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Grand Giveaway Continued
“We’ve broken our attendance record again this year and everyone at the chamber is so grateful for that continued show of support,” said Annisa Visty, Vice President of Events & Special Programs. “Our growth has enabled us to work with a number of our members to host this event the past few years and I’ve been so impressed with how our community venues can meet such a variety of needs.” The fundraiser benefitted the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce, who holds over 160 events a year designed to provide business and professional orientated education, advocacy, and leadership in the community. “Our focus at the chamber is on building you and your business up to its greatest potential,” said Sarpy Chamber president, Karen Gibler, “and the funds raised at this event go a
long way towards keeping our events and programs either free or low-cost. This support helps us make our resources not only highquality, but accessible as well.” Live music from Blues Agent entertained guests over the social hour while Soaring Wings and Lucky Bucket provided wine and a signature drink. Tom Kerfoot with Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and Martie Cordaro, President and General Manager of the Omaha Storm Chasers, closed out the night by hosting a live auction. The entire staff of the Sarpy County Chamber of commerce would like to thank all the donors, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees for making the 2019 Grand Giveaway another success.
TRANE
Ribbon Cuttings The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is always thrilled to celebrate a business’ opening, new location, remodel, or groundbreaking. We celebrated those accomplishments with these businesses last quarter. We wish them success and can’t wait to see the ways they enhanced the Sarpy County business community. January 17th Sarpy Chiropractic Omaha
February 12th Pato Loco Papillion
February 21st Concentric Corporation Omaha
March 20th Trane La Vista March 22nd Premier Claims Omaha March 28th Associated Staffing Omaha Visit www.sarpychamber.org/events to check dates for upcoming ribbon cuttings. Sarpy Chamber ribbon cuttings are free and open to non-chamber members. Contact us to learn more about setting up a ribbon cutting.
Your neighborhood mortgage experts.
With great rates and low processing fees, buy your first or next home or refinance with confidence. Centris mortgage loans are underwritten and serviced locally, and we take pride in ensuring all home loans close on time, every time. Talk to our Sarpy mortgage service reps: n Janette R. Calabro • NMLS 400320 8250 S. 99th St., La Vista • (402) 697-6748 jcalabro@centrisfcu.org n Dan Harris • NMLS 663506 2207 Pratt Ave., Bellevue • (402) 758-6515 dharris@centrisfcu.org Federally insured by NCUA www.centrisfcu.org • Corporate NMLS 490617
Chamber Group Events Major 2nd Quarter Events
Ambassador Quarterly Date: Wednesday, April 10th Location: Papio Fun Park
Modern Professional Event Date: Thursday, June 6th
SC WOW Event Date: Tuesday, April 23rd Location: Courtyard Marriott
Ambassador Business Blaster Date: Wednesday, June 12th
Modern Professional Event Date: Thursday, May 2nd Location: Keipos
SC WOW Event Date: Tuesday, June 25th
Ambassador Business Blaster Date: Wednesday, May 8th
Government Affairs Date: First Wednesday of each month Location: SCCC Office
Legislative Coffee Date: Friday, May 17th
State of the County Date: Tuesday, March 12th Location: Bellevue University
Visit sarpychamber.org/events to check on updated event details and register for events.
Monthly Luncheon Series: Cyber Security Wednesday, April 24th Platteview Golf Club Panel Faciliated by Blake Martin Wednesday, May 22nd Scott Conference Center Leadership Sarpy Graduation Date: Tuesday, May 14th
Meet the Staff: Celeste Pille
Celeste Pille has been the Communications & Design Associate at the Sarpy Chamber for over two years. She graduated in 2010 from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, where she studied English and Studio Art. Celeste has done freelance illustration projects with Minecraft and Buzzfeed, and currently serves on the board of the Papillion La Vista Community Theatre. At the Sarpy Chamber, she develops content like the annual directory and quarterly newsletter. Celeste also helps members navigate the variety of marketing opportunities available exclusively to them as Sarpy Chamber Members. You can contact her at marketing@sarpychamber.org.
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New Identity for SCCC Group
into a new place, or beginning your journey, SC Modern Professionals meets you in your present to ignite your future. Modern Professional events range from expert panels hosting interactive discussions, to behind-the-scenes business tours, to networking in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the rebranding of its young professional group to the Sarpy Chamber Modern Professionals. The purpose and vision of the Sarpy Chamber Young Professional group had grown well beyond its original mission of helping young professional establish roots and grow networks in their communities. Professionals of every age have been utilizing the dynamic energy of the group to learn and grow, and the rebranding better reflects the group’s identity. The Sarpy Chamber Modern Professionals group is designed to support and strengthen you at pivotal moments in your professional life. Whether you’re starting a new career, settling
This group also offers two TIPS Groups where membership is not limited to one per industry. Modern Professional TIPS Groups meet Thursdays, Noon, SCCC Office and Fridays, 8:45am, SCCC Office. For more information on joining the SC Modern Professional Group, contact membership@ sarpychamber.org. Visit www.sarpychamber. org/events for information on upcoming Modern Professional events.
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Getting Started in Sarpy County Sarpy County is the fastest growing county in Nebraska and economic development is key to a healthy pace. Attracting companies to the area and creating an environment for existing ones to expand is important, but so is taking a call from an individual who is wondering how they start a business here. “A lot of people may think our work in the business community begins and ends with established companies, but the chamber is also a resource to those looking to get their business off the ground,” said Karen Gibler, president of the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. She emphasized how the chamber is an ideal place for important conversations about the viability of an idea, business planning, or available resources in Sarpy County. “It’s never too early to build relationships here at the chamber. We’re your ally for years to come—not just as you plan your business, but also as it grows.” The Sarpy County Economic Development Corporation has also been a proud partner to business development since 1973. SCEDC has helped small local businesses all the way up to Fortune 100 companies start or expand in Sarpy County. “We can assist new businesses
with navigating Nebraska’s incentive program as they qualify, or accessing State and local programs, market information, site selection, and site development,” explained Josh Charvat, Business Development Manager at SCEDC. The primary focus of SCEDC is on industrial and commercial office projects, but they can also serve as an individual’s connection the variety of services offered through the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership, SCORE, or SBA. Well-rounded economic development leaves room for all sizes and types of businesses to flourish. Large or small, established or new, if you want to do business in Sarpy County, you’re a phone call or email away from finding a mentor in the area. Contact Karen Gibler with the Sarpy Chamber at president@sarpychamber.org or 402-3393050. Visit omahachamber.org/sarpy for additional information on the SCEDC and how they can help.
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Investments in Leadership “I want to expose folks to things they haven’t thought about before, get them more proactive in controlling their career, and give them information that returns them to their organization as better leaders.” These are Jim Masters’ objectives as a facilitator of Leadership Sarpy, a program offered by the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. Leadership Sarpy develops leaders with the scope of serving an entire county. A series of interactive sessions offers each class a teambuilding retreat, comprehensive tours of the cities of Sarpy County, an in-depth look at the community’s nonprofits and medical facilities as well as Offutt Airforce Base. Participants also attend workshops on crisis management and educational talks from local government representatives and business leaders on Sarpy County’s economic development. Jim Masters has been involved with Leadership Sarpy curriculum development since 2014. “We’ve been refining and updating the program,” said Masters, explaining how the program’s quality is maintained while it evolves to meet new needs. “This year I’m having participants come up with their own strategic plan specific to their life and career. We have them establish a vision for themselves so they
can build a plan that will get them there.” As a Business Coach and International Trainer for FocalPoint Business Coaching, Masters has keen insight into the benefits of Leadership Sarpy that go beyond the individual level. Over the years, Masters has seen several companies consistently put employees through the program. “On the surface it can be viewed as an expense, but the reality is it’s an investment in your company, in your employee and the surrounding area,” he explained, “If you can show your employee you care enough to invest in them, they’ll be more productive and return with leadership skills that will benefit your organization.” Who is a good candidate, then, to send to Leadership Sarpy? Masters has some insight there as well. “We’re looking for people with the desire to do more and become a better leader but maybe just don’t know how. We can give them the guidance, skills, and knowledge if they have the right attitude.” Contact Karen Gibler for more information on Leadership Sarpy at president@sarpychamber.org. Applications for the 2019/2020 Class are due by April 30.
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Thank You to our 2019 Partners 2019 PILLAR PARTNERS
2019 CORPORATE PARTNERS Black Hills Energy ~ DLR Group ~ Facebook ~ Five Points Bank ~ Midlands Place Offutt Collision Repair ~ Omaha Public Power District ~ The Weitz Company 2019 EXECUTIVE PARTNERS ACCESSbank Adams & Sullivan P.C. All Purpose Construction American National Bank Centris Federal Credit Union CHI Health Midlands Cobalt Credit Union E & A Consulting Group First National Bank
Great Western Bank HDR, Inc. Hillcrest Health Services Hy-Vee - Papillion JE Dunn Construction Metropolitan Community College Metropolitan Utilities District Mutual of Omaha Bank Northwest Bank
Omaha Storm Chasers Papillion Sanitation Pinnacle Bank Primrose School of La Vista Project Control Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction Sam's Club Sampson Construction
2019 SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERS Bearence Management Group ~ CharterWest Bank ~ CM’s A Cut Above ~ Intertech Collision Karen Jennings- Berkshire Hathaway Ambassador Real Estate ~ Moose Roofing Shadow Lake Towne Center ~ SignIT ~ UNICO
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Insight into Making your Membership Work for You! Maximize Your Membership In Person Legislative Coffee events provide an interactive forum with Nebraska’s Sarpy senators speaking about the current legislative session. Think this event isn’t for you? Think again! This event allows our members to be in the know and join important conversations that affect them. Legislative Coffees are free to everyone and held once a month during Nebraska State Legislative Sessions. Visit www.sarpychamber.org/events to check dates for upcoming Legislative Coffees.
Maximize Your Membership Online Did you know you can post news items about your business to be released on our website? Did you know you can publicize special deals? Have you added descriptions to your business’ Sarpy Chamber directory listing to boost its visibility? There are so many ways you can put the Sarpy Chamber’s website to work for you so be sure you get a comprehensive overview of all the resources available to you with a Website 101. This website tutorial is conducted by the chamber’s commmunications and design associate and you can either attend a class in a group setting or set up a one-on-one session. Contact us at marketing@sarpychamber.org to learn more about the Website 101.
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COMING SOON! 304 Olson Dr, Ste 115, Papillion, NE 68046 402.671.8897
ne101@postnet.com
postnet.com/ne101
Design
Send
Etc.
Business Stationery Marketing Materials Personal Projects
Copies | Blueprints Flyers | Brochures | Signs Posters | Direct Mail
FedEx速 | UPS速 USPS速 | DHL速 Custom Packing
Finishing Services Binding | Fax & Scan Private Mailbox Rentals
We look forward to working with you on your printing and shipping projects!
SARPY CHAMBER STAFF Karen Gibler President Annisa Visty Vice President Celeste Pille Communications & Design Associate Jessica Philippus Membership Specialist Brian White Membership Specialist Kristina Krumme Membership Specialist Gery Whalen Event Support Jim Masters Leadership Sarpy Facilitator
OUR MEMBERS PUT THE HEART IN SARPY! “Using our membership in the Sarpy Chamber, I have been pleased with the results I have seen in my sales that comes from my involvement in the different groups they have to offer, from Ambassadors to TIPS, find the fit that suits you and get the benefits. Getting a return is a difficult thing to measure, but I can see the results that I have gained and will continue to use the Chamber as a partner to help me.� -Bill Fletcher, Territory Sales Manager Papillion Sanitation
EVERY NEED, EVERY DAY, EVERY WAY. logistics logistics is is our our business. business.
402.339.3050 WWW.SARPYCHAMBER.ORG 7775 OLSON DRIVE