Blueprint Q3 of 2019 by sarpychamber

2019 Sarpy Chamber Economic Outlook The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Economic Outlook on August 20th at Nebraska Christian College. The event provides a meeting point between business and civic leaders and the Sarpy County community for a dialogue on the local and state economic climate. Speakers covered topics more overtly related to the economy like business and residential developments, as well as highlighted infrastructure topics whose economic impact can be often be overlooked. Continued inside on page 1

FROM THE PRESIDENT Communication emerged as the

here at the chamber are taking on

overarching theme of this issue. The

new ways to promote who we are

Economic Outlook opens a channel

and what the county has to offer.

of communication between leaders and their community on important topics. You’ll read about businesses learning how to tell their story through marketing and even we

Creating and continuing dialogues is important to our work at the chamber and integral to our community’s success.

WHAT’S INSIDE

BOOST WITH FACEBOOK EVENT..........2

TELLING SARPY’S STORY

PRODUCTIVE DIALOGUE

Learn more about the new tools the

How peer communication can

Sarpy Chamber is using to spread

advance your business

the word about our community PAGE 6

Karen Gibler

PAGE 7

2020 LEADERSHIP SARPY CLASS.........5 THE NOMINATIONS ARE IN.................8

402.339.3050 WWW.SARPYCHAMBER.ORG 1243 GOLDEN GATE DRIVE

Economic Outlook

The county’s growth was evident in Gretna Mayor Jim Timmerman’s, presentation. Timmerman gave an overview on a substantial list of developments in Gretna, including multiple subdivisions and industrial parks. Construction is already under way on a major recreation area and plans are being drawn for a downtown streetscape renovation aimed at attracting businesses. Timmerman cited downtown Ashland as a model for Gretna’s vision. Sarpy County Engineer, Dennis Wilson, and Sarpy County Board Chairman, Don Kelly, focused on county infrastructure. Wilson said the county is planning on spending $23 million for road projects. The budget is almost twice what the county would usually get, and Wilson cites population growth as the catalyst behind the need for these road projects. Kelly echoed the importance of roads as the county continues to grow. Road infrastructure is falling behind the population, he said. He also emphasized the county’s need for a mental health facility for people in crisis. Kelly noted this is a complicated topic, but it needs addressing as it would contribute to public safety and quality of life. Brian White, project assistant at Blueprint Nebraska, gave a perspective on growth at a state-wide level with a focus on jobs and the working population. Blueprint Nebraska is a

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nonprofit designed to improve the economic prosperity of the state. White presented population data that projected the state losing 17,000 prime age workers over the next 10 years. Nebraska is in the bottom half for employment growth and GDP compared to eight Midwestern peer states like Iowa and Wisconsin. Mark Norman, with the Omaha Chamber, closed out the event with a presentation on the state’s business incentives program. Its current iteration, the Nebraska Advantage Program, is set to expire in 2020 and LB 720, a bill to revamp the program, failed to pass in the last legislative session. A new program would address issues with the current program like a difficult compliance process for participating businesses. He’s hopeful for the bill’s chances moving forward.

Outlook by the Numbers

The county is planning to spend $23 million on 56 road projects.

331

The Nebraska Advantage Program has 331 businesses participating and 25,466 new jobs for full-time employees were created.

5 MILLION

A six-building Facebook facility and another data center referred to as “Project Wizard” will combine for more than 5 million square feet of investment along Highway 50.

Marketing Education Gets Social

The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Boost with Facebook team to offer a free digital marketing session on September 17th at Bellevue Berry Farm. Papillion Mayor David Black spoke at the event and praised Facebook’s Papillion Data Center for its commitment to local support. Sarpy Chamber president, Karen Gibler, also spoke, saying how excited she is to support the local business community with educational resources. The event provided over 300 local businesses with the most up-to-date tools, insights, and best practices for digital marketing on Facebook and Instagram. Alex Duffield, a Small and Medium Business Community Engagement Coordinator, lead the introductory course, emphasizing the platform’s unique ability to tell your businesses’ story. Duffield has been involved with multiple startups and operates her own online small business. According to a small business survey conducted by Morning Consult: • 33% of small and medium-sized businesses on Facebook in Nebraska say Facebook has helped them hire additional employees to work at their business • 57% of small and medium-sized businesses on Facebook in Nebraska say Facebook has helped their business increase sales • 60% of small and medium-sized businesses on Facebook in Nebraska say Facebook has allowed them to find new customers in other cities, states or countries

Ribbon Cuttings The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is always thrilled to celebrate a businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; opening, new location, remodel, anniversary, or groundbreaking. We celebrated those accomplishments with these businesses last quarter. We wish them success and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see the ways they enhanced the Sarpy County business community. 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.

July 9th Gateway Auto La Vista July 16th Industrial Escape Room Omaha July 30th TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest Bellevue August 2nd Burlington Stores Papillion

INDUSTRIAL ESCAPE ROOM

August 16th Zongkers Custom Furniture & Cabinetry Omaha August 21st Young Chiropractic & Rehabilitation La Vista August 30th A Place at Home Papillion September 9th Pivot Concierge Medical Omaha September 18th Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation Papillion September 20th Coldwell Banker Omaha

Chamber Networking & Group Events Ambassador Quarterly Date: Wednesday, October 9th Time: 9:00-10:00am Location: SCCC Office Modern Professional Business Tour Date: Thursday, November 7th Time: 4:00-6:00pm Location: Lucky Bucket Brewing Company

Ambassador Business Blaster Date: Wednesday, November 13th Time: 3:00-5:00pm Location: TBD

Government Affairs -First Wednesday of each month at the SCCC Office Visit sarpychamber.org/events to register for events, check on updated details and even more networking events.

Major 4th Quarter Events Annual Awards Dinner Date: Tuesday, October 8th Time: 5:30-9:00pm Location: Embassy Suites La Vista Holiday Open House Date: Wednesday, December 11th Time: 3:00-5:00pm Location: SCCC Office

Meet the Staff: Karen Karen Gibler joined the Sarpy Chamber in January of 2012. She has called Sarpy County home for over 25 years. Her position at the chamber allows her to focus her passions for people, business, and community in one place. Karen’s goals for the chamber have always been to offer educational opportunities for a wide range of needs, support and advocate for the community, and assist businesses and professionals in making strong connections. Under her leadership the membership and staff has grown significantly. With strong financials she was able to coordinate the purchase of the chambers own building making it their home for many years to come. She looks forward to expanding the chamber’s relationships with all the cities and communities that contribute to Sarpy’s success.

Leadership Sarpy Class of 2020 The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Sarpy Advisory Board is proud to announce and congratulate the members of the 2019-2020 Leadership Sarpy Class. An exceptionally strong pool of applicants has allowed the program to accept its largest class ever with 34 members. “It’s gratifying to watch each Leadership Sarpy class take this program to new heights year after year,” said Karen Gibler, President of the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve offered the Leadership Sarpy program for over 20 years and it’s still growing. I’m so excited to see the unique mark this year’s class will leave on our community.” The members of the Leadership Sarpy Class of 2020 include: Adam Hoebelheinrich, Project Control Alex Kumm, Charter Title & Escrow Services, Inc. Amanda Preister, Mutual of Omaha Bank Amy Waggoner, Great Western Bank Andrew Thompson, MMC Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Andy Sajevic, Five Points Bank Angie Velardi, Fairfield Inn & Suites Papillion Ashley O'Neal, SignIT Brian Kindley, Associated Staffing Inc Britton DeWeese, Ayars & Ayars, Inc. Bruce Yoder, BVH Architecture Dean Wilson, PostNet of Papillion Geraud Gandemey, Primerica Financial Services Jacob Zach, LEO A DALY Janel Kaufman, FYRA Engineering Jennifer Simmonds, Sarpy County CASA Service Jose Dimas, Farm Bureau Financial Service-Joe Rickley

Josh Charvat, Sarpy County Economic Development Corp. Kate Gatewood, Sarpy County Kelly Baulisch, Heartland Family Service Kristina Boehmer, Pinnacle Bank Lisa White, Gateway Mortgage Group, a division of Gateway First Bank Mandy Miser, Asset Strategies Matthew Gulsvig, DLR Group Melissa Glenn, Core Bank Mike Zadina, CHI Health Midlands Phillip Niewohner, Olsson Quinn Cooper, Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Ryan Strawhecker, Paul J Strawhecker, Inc Samantha Brunken, Paypal, Inc. Shawn Hovseth, City of Papillion Sherry Coon, Centris Federal Credit Union TJ Matgen, Pay-LESS Office Products Todd Santoro, Cleanwash Laundry Systems

Leadership Sarpy is designed to build up community leaders both personally and professionally while assisting in the betterment of Sarpy County. Interactive sessions expose participants to the key challenges and opportunities of the county. Diverse topics give insight to our economic development, quality of life, local and state government and community awareness. To learn more about Leadership Sarpy please visit SarpyChamber.org/Leadership-Sarpy or call 402-339-3050.

Tools for Telling Sarpy’s Story

with chambers and businesses nationwide but their many years as a Sarpy Chamber member allowed for a uniquely collaborative production. The scope of the project allowed the chamber to bring in Nebraska-based Arbor Creative to assist in filming.

The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce’s dynamic culture of connections is easy to experience in-person at an event and the chamber is excited to round out its toolbox to more broadly communicate that spirit.

An easily viewable interface on the homepage of the chamber’s website will engage viewers in learning more about the Sarpy Chamber, area attractions, business development and education opportunities, quality of life, and more. The video platform will also feature and cross-promote other local businesses.

The creation of a new video tour is a part of that strategy. The chamber partnered with CGI Communications, Inc. to produce a series of streaming online videos highlighting what the chamber and its community has to offer residents, visitors, and businesses. As a leader in online marketing solutions, CGI works

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Importance of Peer Perspectives Is your business thriving the way it could be? Are day-to-day demands and distractions taking over and impeding you from big picture planning for your business? These are huge issues for any business, and they can be uniquely intensified for small businesses through another issue—isolation. Not having people to bounce ideas off, discuss issues with and challenge your thinking can hold your business back. Peer perspectives are incredibly helpful to small businesses. They can accelerate learning, innovation, actively working on your business, and lead you away from insular thinking. An Executive Dialogue professional group is designed to give members those important peer perspectives in a focused, cooperative, and confidential setting. Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Executive Dialogue groups are comprised of business executives from separate and distinct industries. Benefits of peer groups like Executive Dialogue: •You learn more, and faster, when you learn together and help each other. With the different strengths and wisdom of group members you can fill gaps in your knowledge and gain valuable insights.

•Shared expertise and experience. You have your own brain trust that allows you to tap into the collective intelligence of your peers. •You stay motivated and are less inclined to procrastinate, feeling obliged to make an effort for your group. •There is ongoing support. You can help each other with ideas, to identify opportunities or devise solutions to challenges. •Peer accountability increases productivity and achievement. Having planned actions to undertake, and making a commitment to them in your group, means you’re more likely to actually do them and keep your business moving forward. •Increased self-awareness. Your skills and expertise take form when you share your competencies and expertise. You realize what your strengths are. •You can celebrate your wins and successes with those who are on the journey with you. Read on to page 9 to learn more about maximzing your membership by joining an Executive Dialogue group.

Congratulations to all of the outstanding nominees for the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards of 2019! Awards will be presented at the Annual Awards Dinner on October 8th. Business Leader of the Year

Non Profit of the Year

Travis Castle Ron Hernandez Mark Rodgers Pat Sullivan Jerrod White

Chariots4Hope Habitat for Humanity of Sarpy County Midlands Community Foundation Moving Veterans Forward Region 6 Behavioral Health Rejuvenating Women

New or Emerging Business of the Year 365 Daily Hustle Green Street Cycle Midwest Medical Billing Premier Claims

Business of the Year 25+ Employees

Business of the Year 1-24 Employees

Core Bank E&A Consulting Group Olsson OPPD PayPal Rotellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bakery Thompson Dressent & Dorner, Inc. Thrasher

Adams & Sullivan P.C. LLO Canvas Salon and Day Spa Charter Title & Escrow The Filter Shop Hog Wild Pit BBQ Rexius Nutrition Summit Dental Health

Businesses and organizations are nominated for Sarpy Chamber Awards by their peers.

Insight into Making your Membership Work for You! Maximize Your Membership In Person

Maximize Your Membership Online

Join Executive Dialogue Joining a Sarpy Chamber Executive Dialogue Group gives you the similar resources of having a board of directors that is engaged and interested in the successes and challenges of your business.

The Event & Directory Banner Ad is a highimpact ad space on the Sarpy Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. Its position in two of the most visited pages makes it the perfect spot to build up name and brand recognition! Your banner ad will appear on the Events page as well as the Search and Listing pages for the Online Directory.

This group of business executives from separate and distinct industries meets once a month in a cooperative effort to help each other. Participants in the Executive Dialogue Program must be a member of the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce, owner/partner of a business or key decision maker of a business or non-profit who contributes to the day-to-day operations. This resource is available to you for $75 annually but you can try it out with two free visits. Email grow@sarpychamber.org to set up your trial visits today! Read the 2019 Sarpy Chamber Magazine & Member Directory Be sure to read through your delivered copy of the magazine to learn more about your peers in membership dsicover 700+ businesses you should know about!

Quick Web Stats: 21,508 users in 2018 2,000-2,400 users per month Ad space is available for one-year spots at $599 for 12 months. Need help making the ad? You can also utilize our free design assistance for your ad. Contact us at marketing@sarpychamber.org to learn more.

SARPY CHAMBER STAFF Karen Gibler President Annisa Visty Vice President Celeste Pille Communications & Design Associate Brian White Membership Specialist

OUR MEMBERS PUT THE HEART IN SARPY!

Quinn Cooper Membership Manager Gery Whalen Administrative Assistant Anastasia Flynn Event Support Jim Masters Leadership Sarpy Facilitator

“The people I have known and met have kept us coming back as a sponsor for Sarpy Chamber’s Golf Tournament. People remember us, I got a great lead this year for the hotels we own, and it’s all such a fun day! We love the Sarpy Chamber!” Kim Koenig, Regional Director of Sales Hampton Inn and Suites Southwest Omaha/La Vista

EVERY NEED, EVERY DAY, EVERY WAY. logistics logistics is is our our business. business.

402.339.3050 WWW.SARPYCHAMBER.ORG 7775 OLSON DRIVE